Polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) under rotation to form core-annular hydrogels.

HYPOTHESIS: We propose to polymerize high water content hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) formulations in a rotating cylinder to explore the effect of the rotation on microstructure and critical parameters such as diffusivity of model proteins in porous poly-HEMA gels. EXPERIMENTS: Cylindrical molds were partially filled with water-HEMA-initiator-crosslinker mixtures and exposed to UV light while undergoing rotation to polymerize into a cylindrical tube. The process was repeated multiple times to manufacture a core annular rod with multiple concentric rings, in which at least one ring was porous. The porous gels were imaged by scanning electron microscopy to explore the microstructure. The transport of model proteins bovine serum albumin and human γ-globulin was measured and modeled, in radial and axial directions, to obtain the effective diffusivity and partition coefficient. Also, the true diffusivity of proteins was calculated by accounting for the effects of porosity and tortuosity. FINDINGS: The porous gels exhibited diffusion-controlled release of both model proteins. The hydrogels prepared with 55% water in the monomer mixture were porous with non-isotropic structure likely due to axially oriented pores with minimal radial connectivity. The gels with higher water content were isotropic with interconnected pores in both directions. The pore volume increased with water content, but the partition coefficient was relatively constant and less than one likely due to presence of isolated unconnected pores.

Sustained release of proteins from contact lenses with porous annulus.

Ophthalmic drugs are administered to the front of the eye by eyedrops. The bioavailability of drugs delivered via eye drops is low due to tear turnover. Contact lenses can address some deficiencies of eye drops by sustaining the delivery of drugs, but commercial contact lenses have small pore sizes that cannot load biologics, which are becoming more common for treating ophthalmic diseases. This study aims to investigate novel poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) lenses with transparent center and porous annulus for sustained release of model proteins. A novel hydrogel polymerization process was used to fabricate concentric, porous layer pHEMA hydrogel rods. The hydrogels were lathe cut into contact lenses which were explored for the delivery of proteins and gold nanoparticles. Lenses were characterized by partition coefficient and diffusivity, which was estimated by fitting experimental data to an analytical model. Transmittance measurements were made to compare transparency of porous lens centers to commercial contact lenses. Porous pHEMA lenses consisting of a concentric, porous layer made from 55% water content in precursor were successfully lathe cut into lenses with transparent center and opaque porous annulus. The porous lenses could load large model proteins of bovine serum albumin and human γ-globulin and provide sustained release. The core annular pHEMA contact lenses consisting of an outer annulus of opaque, porous pHEMA and an inner, center layer of clear, nonporous pHEMA can provide sustained delivery of biologics.

Sustained release system from PLGA particles co-encapsulated with inactivated influenza virus with natural killer T cell agonist α-galactosylceramide.

Vaccines against influenza and many other infectious diseases require multiple boosters in addition to the primary dose to improve efficacy, but this approach is not ideal for compliance. The multiple doses could potentially be replaced by sustained or pulsatile release of antigens encapsulated in degradable microparticles (MPs). The efficacy of a vaccine is improved by adding an adjuvant, which can be co-delivered from the particles to enhance immunogenicity. Here, we developed degradable poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) (7-17 kDa) MPs capable of sustained release of ultraviolet killed influenza virus (A/PR/8/34) (kPR8) vaccine and the natural killer T (NKT) cell agonist alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and tested their effectiveness at providing long-term protection against influenza virus infection in mice. Multiple formulations were developed for encapsulating the virus and adjuvant separately, and in combination. The MPs exhibited sustained release of both the virus and the adjuvant lasting more than a month. Co-encapsulation significantly increased the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the vaccine but reduced the release duration. On the other hand, co-encapsulation led to a reduction in EE for the α-GalCer and a change in release profile to a higher initial burst followed by a linear release compared to a low initial burst and slower linear release. The α-GalCer also had considerably longer release duration compared to the vaccine. Mice injected with particle formulations co-encapsulating kPR8 and α-GalCer were protected from a lethal influenza virus infection 30 weeks after vaccination. This study demonstrates that PLGA MP based vaccines are promising for providing effective vaccination and possibly for replacing multiple doses with a single injection.

Understanding adsorption selectivity in zirconium-pillared clays for biogas upgradation: the role of metal/clay ratio.

Biogas, as a sustainable energy source, encounters challenges in practical applications due to impurities, notably carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2). This study investigates the effect of metal/clay ratio on the adsorption selectivity of porous zirconium-pillared clay adsorbents for biogas upgradation. Comprehensive analyses including nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties. Adsorption properties for Zr-pillared clays for biogas components such as CO2, CH4, and N2, at 25 °C under different pressures were investigated. The ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) was employed to assess selectivity for three binary gas mixtures (CO2/CH4, CO2/N2, and CH4/N2). Results revealed the substantial impact of Zr/Clay ratio on both adsorption capacity and selectivity of the prepared materials. For instance, the maximum adsorption capacity of gases varies as ZrPILC-4 > ZrPILC-2 > ZrPILC-8 > ZrPILC-1, whereas the adsorption selectivity for CO2/CH4 separation (at 1000 kPa) varies as ZrPILC-1 > ZrPILC-2 > ZrPILC-8 > ZrPILC-4. Interestingly, the ZrPILC-8 with maximum surface area (147 m2∙g-1) did not show maximum adsorption capacity for all the three gases, which was attributed to its lower pore volume, and basal spacing, as compared to ZrPILC-4. Amongst all the pillared samples, the ZrPILC-1 exhibited highest selectivity for all binary mixtures (at 1000 kPa), signifies increased nonspecific interactions due to its lower surface area. Its separation performance, particularly for CO2/CH4 mixture exceeded that of the parent clay by 1.5 times. A significant increase in the working capacity of the prepared samples underscores the efficacy of these pillared materials in separating biogas components. This study provides valuable insights into effects of Zr/clay ratio for developing robust pillared adsorbents, contributing to the advancement of sustainable biomethane production.

Sustained release of inactivated H1N1 virus from degradable microparticles for extended vaccination.

Influenza vaccines administered as intramuscularly injected inactivated viruses or intranasally administered live-attenuated viruses usually provide short-term protection against influenza infections. Biodegradable particles that provide sustained release of the antigen has been studied as an approach to extend vaccine protection. Here, we investigate sustained release of ultraviolet killed influenza A virus (A/PR/8/34(H1N1)) (kPR8) loaded into poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles. Particles were prepared using the double emulsion method, and polymer molecular weight (MW), polymer hydrophobicity, polymer concentration in the organic phase, and the amount of killed virus were varied to obtain a range of particles. Formulations included PLGA 50:50 (2-6, 7-17 kDa), PLGA 75:25 (4-15 kDa), and 50/50 PLGA 75:25 (4-15 kDa)/PCL (14 kDa). Additionally, NaOH was co-encapsulated in some cases to enhance particle degradation. The structure of the particles was explored by size measurements and electron microscopy. The kPR8 release profiles were measured using hemagglutinin ELISA. The concentration of the polymer (PLGA) in the organic phase and polymer MW significantly influenced virus loading, while polymer MW and co-encapsulation of NaOH modulated the release profiles. Mice receiving a single intramuscular injection of NaOH microparticle-encapsulated kPR8 were partially protected against a lethal influenza challenge 32 weeks post immunization. Microparticle (MP) vaccination induced a gradual increase in PR8-specific IgGs dominated by IgG1 in contrast to the rapid IgG2a-biased response elicited by soluble kPR8 immunization. Our results indicate that vaccine-NaOH co-loaded PLGA particles show potential as a single dose vaccination strategy for extended protection against influenza virus infection.

Oleogels for the ocular delivery of epalrestat: formulation, in vitro, in ovo, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation.

The ocular administration of lipophilic and labile drugs such as epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor with potential for diabetic retinopathy treatment, demands the development of topical delivery systems capable of providing sufficient ocular bioavailability. The aim of this work was to develop non-aqueous oleogels based on soybean oil and gelators from natural and sustainable sources (ethyl cellulose, beeswax and cocoa butter) and to assess their reproducibility, safety and efficiency in epalrestat release and permeation both ex vivo and in vivo. Binary combinations of gelators at 10% w/w resulted in solid oleogels (oleorods), while single gelator oleogels at 5% w/w remained liquid at room temperature, with most of the oleogels displaying shear thinning behavior. The oleorods released up to 4 µg epalrestat per mg of oleorod in a sustained or burst pattern depending on the gelator (approx. 10% dose in 24 h). The HET-CAM assay indicated that oleogel formulations did not induce ocular irritation and were safe for topical ocular administration. Corneal and scleral ex vivo assays evidenced the permeation of epalrestat from the oleorods up to 4 and 2.5 µg/cm2 after six hours, respectively. Finally, the capacity of the developed oleogels to sustain release and provide significant amounts of epalrestat to the ocular tissues was demonstrated in vivo against aqueous-based niosomes and micelles formulations loaded with the same drug concentration. Overall, the gathered information provides valuable insights into the development of oleogels for ocular drug delivery, emphasizing their safety and controlled release capabilities, which have implications for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and other ocular conditions.

Sustained Delivery of Olopatadine from Vitamin-E Loaded Contact Lenses.

Purpose: Topical antihistamines, such as olopatadine hydrochloride, an H1 receptor antagonist, are commonly prescribed for treating allergic conjunctivitis. Drug delivery via eye drops has many deficiencies including a short residence time due to tear drainage via the nasolacrimal duct, which results in a low bioavailability and potential for side effects. These deficiencies could be mitigated by a drug-eluting contact lens such as the recently approved ACUVUE® THERAVISION™ WITH KETOTIFEN which is a daily disposable etafilcon, a drug-eluting contact lens with ketotifen (19 µg per lens). Here, we investigate the feasibility of designing a drug-eluting lens with sustained release of olopatadine for treating allergies using an extended wear lens. Methods: Nanobarrier depots composed of vitamin-E (VE) are formed through direct entrapment by ethanol-driven swelling. The drug-loaded lenses are characterized for transparency and water content. In vitro release is measured under sink conditions and fitted to a diffusion control release model to determine diffusivity and partition coefficient. Results: In vitro studies indicate that ACUVUE OASYS® and ACUVUE TruEye™ lenses loaded with ∼0.3 g of VE/g of hydrogel effectively prolong olopatadine dynamics by 7-fold and 375-fold, respectively. Incorporation of VE into the lenses retains visible light transmission and other properties. Conclusion: The VE incorporation in commercial lenses significantly increases the release duration offering the possibility of antiallergy extended wear lenses.

Elucidation of population stratifying markers and selective sweeps in crossbred Landlly pig population using genome-wide SNP data.

The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement.

Surface acoustic wave actuated plasmonic signal amplification in a plasmonic waveguide.

Enhancement of nanoscale confinement in the subwavelength waveguide is a concern for advancing future photonic interconnects. Rigorous innovation of plasmonic waveguide-based structure is crucial in designing a reliable on-chip optical waveguide beyond the diffraction limit. Despite several structural modifications and architectural improvements, the plasmonic waveguide technology is far from reaching its maximum potential for mass-scale applications due to persistence issues such as insufficient confined energy and short propagation length. This work proposes a new method to amplify the propagating plasmons through an external on-chip surface acoustic signal. The gold-silicon dioxide (Au-SiO2) interface, over Lithium Niobate (LN) substrate, is used to excite propagating surface plasmons. The voltage-varying surface acoustic wave (SAW) can tune the plasmonic confinement to a desired signal energy level, enhancing and modulating the plasmonic intensity. From our experimental results, we can increase the plasmonic intensity gain of 1.08 dB by providing an external excitation in the form of SAW at a peak-to-peak potential swing of 3 V, utilizing a single chip.

The challenging management of Moebius syndrome using orthodontic camouflage: A case report.

Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis (palsy) of abducens and facial nerves, or other cranial nerves which may be affected. Diagnosis, treatment, and dental management of MS patients are focused on treating manifestations like malocclusion, while catering to associated extraoral (neurologic, dermatologic, ocular) complications, aiming to improve their quality of life. Here, we report the case of a 9-year-old female patient with MS who underwent orthodontic camouflage using combined orthopedic-orthodontic therapy using a high-pull chin cup and fixed orthodontic appliance to improve skeletal mal-relation and facial appearance. The outcome displayed great improvement in function and better esthetics, improving not only the patient's but also the family's quality of life. A year's follow-up showed successful maintenance of the achieved results. A multidisciplinary approach in MS not only helps in overcoming the treatment challenges but also provides great psychosocial benefits to these patients.

Revelation of genetic diversity and genomic footprints of adaptation in Indian pig breeds.

In the present study, the genetic diversity measures among four Indian domestic breeds of pig namely Agonda Goan, Ghurrah, Ghungroo, and Nicobari, of different agro-climatic regions of country were explored and compared with European commercial breeds, European wild boar and Chinese domestic breeds. The double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) data of Indian pigs (102) and Landrace (10 animals) were generated and whole genome sequencing data of exotic pigs (60 animals) from public data repository were used in the study. The principal component analysis (PCA), admixture analysis and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Indian breeds were closer in ancestry to Chinese breeds than European breeds. European breeds exhibited highest genetic diversity measures among all the considered breeds. Among Indian breeds, Agonda Goan and Ghurrah were found to be more genetically diverse than Nicobari and Ghungroo. The selection signature regions in Indian pigs were explored using iHS and XP-EHH, and during iHS analysis, it was observed that genes related to growth, reproduction, health, meat quality, sensory perception and behavior were found to be under selection pressure in Indian pig breeds. Strong selection signatures were recorded in 24.25-25.25 Mb region of SSC18, 123.25-124 Mb region of SSC15 and 118.75-119.5 Mb region of SSC2 in most of the Indian breeds upon pairwise comparison with European commercial breeds using XP-EHH. These regions were harboring some important genes such as EPHA4 for thermotolerance, TAS2R16, FEZF1, CADPS2 and PTPRZ1 for adaptability to scavenging system of rearing, TRIM36 and PGGT1B for disease resistance and CCDC112, PIAS1, FEM1B and ITGA11 for reproduction.

Impact of body condition on sow and litter performance, postpartum physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters in Landlly crossbred pigs.

A total of 32 Landlly crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) on the 90th day of gestation viz. low, moderate, and high body condition groups. BCS assessments were subsequently conducted on the 102nd day, at farrowing, and on the 7th, 17th, 27th, and 42nd day postpartum, along with measurements of ultrasonic backfat thickness and body weight. Key reproductive performance traits, including total number born (TNB) and alive (TLA), stillbirths, mummification, and litter weight at birth and weaning, were recorded. Several physiological, health, biochemical, and hematological parameters were also estimated at different lactation stages. Analysis of the data revealed that TNB, TLA (P<0.04), and weaned piglets (P<0.01), as well as litter weight at birth (P<0.08) and weaning (P<0.08), were significantly higher in the low BCS group. Meanwhile, the weaning to estrous interval (P<0.04) was optimized in the high and moderate BCS groups. However, sows with high body condition exhibited higher stillbirths and pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, the order of increasing body condition correlated with superior colostrum quality, characterized by higher IgG levels (P<0.02), and increased average milk yield during early and mid-lactation (P<0.03). A high occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) was evident in obese sows (P<0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the body condition of sows at late gestation and cortisol concentration throughout lactation across the three BCS groups (P<0.0001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between the postpartum serum concentration of T3 (thyroid hormone) (P<0.002) and the prepartum body condition of sows. Based on these findings, maintaining sows with a moderate body condition (BCS of 3) and a backfat thickness of 21 mm in the breeding herd is recommended for enhancing profitability and productivity at the farm level.

A Physiology-Based Mathematical Model to Understand Drug Delivery from Contact Lenses to the Back of the Eye.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic contact lenses, able to store drug and deliver it to the eye surface in a sustained fashion, gained interest as an effective and patient-friendly alternative to eye drops. Recent animal studies also demonstrated the presence of therapeutic drug levels in the back of the eye after wearing drug-loaded contact lenses, thus opening the possibility of treating the posterior segment without need of invasive intraocular injections. The drug pathways from contact lenses to the back of the eye require further investigation. METHODS: A mechanistic mathematical model was developed to evaluate the drug concentration over time in the tears, sclera and choroid, retina, aqueous humor and vitreous humor after the application of a therapeutic contact lens. The main drug transport mechanisms of the eye and the barrier properties of the different tissues were included in the model. Validation was performed by comparison with experimental data in literature. RESULTS: The model predictions of drug concentration over time reflected the experimental data both in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The model can differentiate between contributions to transport from different pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The model constitutes a first step towards the possibility of predicting the ocular drug distribution and the treatment efficacy in the early stage of contact lens development, and it may help reduce both the need for in vivo tests (with ethical and economic advantages) and the gap between the lens design and clinical application. It also allows for an improved understanding of drug transport in the eye.

Livestock and poultry farm wastewater treatment and its valorization for generating value-added products: Recent updates and way forward.

Livestock and poultry wastewater poses a potent risk for environmental pollution accelerating disease load and premature deaths. It is characterized by high chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, suspended solids, heavy metals, pathogens, and antibiotics, among other contaminants. These contaminants have a negative impact on the quality of soil, groundwater, and air, and is a potential hazard to human health. Depending on the specific characteristics of wastewater, such as the type and concentration of pollutants present; several physical, chemical and biological strategies have been developed for its treatment. This review aims at providing comprehensive overview of the profiling of livestock wastewater from the dairy, swine and poultry sub-sectors along with the biological, physico-chemical, AI-based and integrated treatment methodologies, and valorisation for the generation of value-added products such as bioplastics, biofertilizers, biohydrogen and microalgal-microbial fuel cells. Additionally, future perspectives for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment are contemplated.

Estimation of microsatellite-based autozygosity and its correlation with pedigree inbreeding coefficient in crossbred cattle.

In countries where farming is largely subsistence, no pedigree records of farm animals are maintained at farmers' herd and scientific mating plans are not observed which leads to the accumulation of inbreeding and loss of production potential. Microsatellites have been widely used as reliable molecular markers to measure inbreeding. We attempted to correlate autozygosity estimated from microsatellite data with the inbreeding coefficient (F) calculated from pedigree data in Vrindavani crossbred cattle developed in India. The inbreeding coefficient was calculated from the pedigree of ninety-six Vrindavani cattle. Animals were further grouped into three groups viz. acceptable/low (F: 0-5%), moderate (F: 5-10%) and high (F: ≥10%), based on their inbreeding coefficients. The overall mean of the inbreeding coefficient was found to be 0.070 ± 0.007. A panel of twenty-five bovine-specific loci were chosen for the study according to ISAG/FAO. The mean FIS, FST, and FIT values were 0.0548 ± 0.025, 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.0417 ± 0.025, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the FIS values obtained and the pedigree F values. The locus-wise individual autozygosity was estimated using the method-of-moments estimator (MME) formula for locus-specific autozygosity. The autozygosities ascribing to CSSM66 and TGLA53 were found to be significantly (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively) correlated with pedigree F values.

Allele mining in gene encoding fc fragment of IgG receptor, transporter, alpha (FCGRT) and association of nucleotide variants with passive transfer of immunity in neonatal buffalo calves.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn) mediate the transcytosis of IgG present in colostrum across absorptive gut epithelium of newborn calves. FcRn receptor is a heterodimer composed of two polypeptides encoded by FCGRT (Fc fragment of IgG Receptor Transporter neonatal) and B2M (Beta 2 microglobulin) genes. Polymorphism in FCGRT gene may have a bearing on absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by neonatal buffalo calves, thereby affecting their immune status and susceptibility to diseases. The primary aim of our study was to mine alleles and single nucleotide polymorphs in the FCGRT gene and determine their association with the levels of IgG in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of serum IgG levels estimated by indirect ELISA in 80 newborn calves, 20 calves each with highest and lowest IgG concentration were selected to study polymorphism in the FCGRT gene. The exonic regions of this gene were amplified in nine fragments which were subjected to PCR-SSCP to detect variations followed by the sequencing of variants to locate the SNPs. A total of nine SNPs (7 in introns and 2 in exons) were detected in four polymorphic fragments. Association study based on Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Interval (CIs) established that the SNP G40T in fragment 3 has a significant (P < 0.05) bearing on IgG level in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. CONCLUSION: Genetic variation in FCGRT gene in buffalo calves was found to be associated with their serum IgG levels in neonatal stage which may have implications in calf survival and growth vis-à-vis inadequate transfer of passive immunity.

Therapeutic contact lenses for the treatment of corneal and ocular surface diseases: Advances in extended and targeted drug delivery.

The eye is one of the most important organs in the human body providing critical information on the environment. Many corneal diseases can lead to vision loss affecting the lives of people around the world. Ophthalmic drug delivery has always been a major challenge in the medical sciences. Since traditional methods are less efficient (∼5%) at delivering drugs to ocular tissues, contact lenses have generated growing interest in ocular drug delivery due to their potential to enhance drug bioavailability in ocular tissues. The main techniques used to achieve sustained release are discussed in this review, including soaking in drug solutions, incorporating drug into multilayered contact lenses, use of vitamin E barriers, molecular imprinting, nanoparticles, micelles and liposomes. The most clinically relevant results on different eye pathologies are presented. In addition, this review summarizes the benefits of contact lenses over eye drops, strategies for incorporating drugs into lenses to achieve sustained release, results of in vitro and in vivo studies, and recent advances in the commercialization of therapeutic contact lenses for allergic conjunctivitis.

Allelic to genome wide perspectives of swine genetic variation to litter size and its component traits.

Litter size is a complex and sex limited trait that depends on various biological, managemental and environmental factors. Owing to its low heritability it is inefficaciously selected by traditional methods. However, due to higher heritability of ovulation rate and embryo survival, selection based on component traits of litter size is advocated. QTL analysis and candidate gene approach are among the various supplementary/alternate strategies for selection of litter size. QTL analysis is aimed at identifying genomic regions affecting trait of interest significantly. Candidate gene approach necessitates identification of genes potentially affecting the trait. There are various genes that significantly affect litter size and its component traits viz. ESR, LEP, BF, IGFBP, RBP4, PRLR, CTNNAL1, WNT10B, TCF12, DAZ, and RNF4. These genes affect litter size in a complex interacting manner. Lately, genome wide association study (GWAS) have been utilized to unveil the genetic and biological background of litter traits, and elucidate the genes governing litter size. Favorable SNPs in these genes have been identified and offers a scope for inclusion in selection programs thereby increasing breeding efficiency and profit in pigs. The review provides a comprehensive coverage of investigations carried out globally to unravel the genetic variation in litter size and its component traits in pigs, both at allelic and genome wide level. It offers a current perspective on different strategies including the profiling of candidate genes, QTLs, and genome wide association studies as an aid to efficient selection for litter size and its component traits.

Early-Life Intervention of Lactoferrin and Probiotic in Suckling Piglets: Effects on Immunoglobulins, Intestinal Integrity, and Neonatal Mortality.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early-life bovine lactoferrin and host specific probiotic interventions on growth performance, mortality, and concentrations of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G and transforming growth factor beta 1 (a marker of intestinal integrity) in serum of neonatal piglets. A total of eight piglet litters from parity matched sows were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of the four interventions: control (sterile normal saline), bovine lactoferrin (100 mg bovine lactoferrin), probiotic (1 × 109 colony forming unit (cfu) of swine origin Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 probiotic), and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic (100 mg bovine lactoferrin and 1 × 109 CFU of P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic). All the interventions were given once daily through oral route for first 7 days of life. The average daily gain (p = 0.0004) and weaning weight (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved in the probiotic group. The piglet survivability was significantly higher in bovine lactoferrin and probiotic groups than control group in Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A on day 21 in bovine lactoferrin, probiotic, and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin G concentrations on day 7 and 15 in bovine lactoferrin and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups and on day 15 in probiotic group were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated, whereas, the concentration of transforming growth factor-ß1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased from day 7 to 21 in all the supplemented groups. In conclusion, the early-life bovine lactoferrin and P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic interventions reduced the mortality in the suckling piglets by promoting the systemic immunity and enhancing the intestinal integrity.

Genetic polymorphism of microsatellite loci in MHC class II exon 2 gene and its association with endoparasitic infestation, predominantly Haemonchus contortus in Salem black goat.

MHC gene is highly polymorphic and plays central molecule in immune system in recognition of pathogens and parasites. The present study examined the variability of MHC class II DRB exon 2 gene using microsatellite analysis, and its association with Haemonchus contortus infestation in Salem Black goat population. Animals were naturally exposed to mixed infestation of endoparasites, predominantly Haemonchus contortus. Pooled fecal coproculture and larval identification showed predominant presence of haemonchus (L3) larva. Fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were used as indicator traits. All the three studied loci, OarCP73, DYA, and ODRB1.2, were polymorphic having three, four, and four alleles and four, eight, and nine genotypes, respectively. The loci showed low to moderate values of polymorphic information content. The mean fecal egg count estimates were 477.12 ± 34.14 eggs per gram of feces and the mean PCV values were within the normal range; however, they showed negative correlation with FEC values. All the three microsatellite loci and the effect of genotypes on indicator traits were found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The present study will be helpful in selection and breeding of goats for Haemonchosis resistance.