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García-Vázquez FA. Artificial intelligence and porcine breeding. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107538. [PMID: 38926001 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Livestock management is evolving into a new era, characterized by the analysis of vast quantities of data (Big Data) collected from both traditional breeding methods and new technologies such as sensors, automated monitoring system, and advanced analytics. Artificial intelligence (A-In), which refers to the capability of machines to mimic human intelligence, including subfields like machine learning and deep learning, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. A wide array of A-In techniques, successfully employed in various industrial and scientific contexts, are now being integrated into mainstream livestock management practices. In the case of swine breeding, while traditional methods have yielded considerable success, the increasing amount of information requires the adoption of new technologies such as A-In to drive productivity, enhance animal welfare, and reduce environmental impact. Current findings suggest that these techniques have the potential to match or exceed the performance of traditional methods, often being more scalable in terms of efficiency and sustainability within the breeding industry. This review provides insights into the application of A-In in porcine breeding, from the perspectives of both sows (including welfare and reproductive management) and boars (including semen quality and health), and explores new approaches which are already being applied in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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2
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Larbi A, Li C, Quan G. An updated review on the application of proteomics to explore sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107441. [PMID: 38412764 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review critically examines the application of proteomics in understanding sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals, in the context of the widespread use of semen cryopreservation for genetic conservation. Despite its global adoption, cryopreservation often detrimentally affects sperm quality and fertility due to cryoinjuries. These injuries primarily arise from ice crystal formation, osmotic shifts, oxidative stress, and the reorganization of membrane proteins and lipids during freezing and thawing, leading to premature capacitation-like changes. Moreover, the cryopreservation process induces proteome remodeling in mammalian sperm. Although there have been technological advances in semen cryopreservation, the precise mechanisms of mammalian sperm cryoinjury remain elusive. This review offers an in-depth exploration of how recent advancements in proteomic technologies have enabled a detailed investigation into these molecular disruptions. It presents an analysis of protein-level alterations post-thaw and their impact on sperm viability and functionality. Additionally, it discusses the role of proteomics in refining cryopreservation techniques to mitigate cryoinjury and enhance reproductive outcomes in livestock. This work synthesizes current knowledge, highlights gaps, and suggests directions for future research in animal reproductive science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allai Larbi
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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3
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Lee WJ, Jo JH, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Ha JJ, Kim DH, Kwon WS. The natural flavonoid compound deguelin suppresses sperm (Sus Scrofa) functions through abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108426. [PMID: 37353039 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Deguelin is a natural flavonoid extracted from plants belonging to the Lonchocarpus, Derris, or Tephrosia genera. It inhibits AKT activity in tumors and has the potential to be used as a treatment for malignant tumors. However, the risks associated with the use of deguelin on male fertility have not yet been explained in detail. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of deguelin on sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were exposed to different concentrations of deguelin (0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM). Next, sperm functional assessments, such as sperm motility, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, and cell viability, were performed. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT-related proteins and the phosphorylation of their tyrosine residues were also evaluated by western blotting. No significant difference was observed in cell viability; however, deguelin considerably decreased sperm motility and motion kinematics in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant difference was observed in the capacitation status, acrosome reaction decreased at high concentrations of deguelin (50 and 100 μM). Furthermore, intracellular ATP levels were significantly decreased in all deguelin treatment groups compared with those in the control group. Results of western blotting revealed that deguelin substantially diminished tyrosine phosphorylation. Interestingly, in contrast to previous studies showing that deguelin inhibits AKT activity, our results showed that it increased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins. Collectively, these findings indicate that deguelin exerts negative effects on sperm functions due to abnormal PI3K/AKT signaling activation. We believe that this is the first study to provide evidence that deguelin can regulate sperm functions independent of PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition. Furthermore, its detrimental effects on male fertility should be considered while developing or using deguelin as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea.
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4
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Lee BM, Park YJ, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Lee DY, Pang MG. Boar fertility is controlled through systematic changes of mitochondrial protein expression during sperm capacitation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125955. [PMID: 37494999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Vigorous activation of mitochondria in spermatozoa during capacitation induces the biological and morphological changes of spermatozoa to acquire fertilizing ability. To in-depth understand the dynamic roles of mitochondrial and male fertility, this study was to identify how the mitochondrial proteins are changed during sperm capacitation and regulate male fertility using boar spermatozoa. The mitochondrial proteins were differentially changed during sperm capacitation according to fertility status, i.e., superior litter size (SL) and normal litter size (NL). Following sperm capacitation, ubiquitin-cytochrome c reductase core protein (UQCRC1) and ATP synthase F1 (ATP5F1) increased in NL, while cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B (COX5B), and cytochrome c1 (CYC1) proteins decreased. In contrast, only and ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit 8 (NDUFS8) protein was increased in SL following capacitation. The protein expression difference value of CYC1, COX5B, and NDUFS8 following sperm capacitation was lower in NL than SL boars. Based on these complicated changes during sperm capacitation, the accuracy for predicting male fertility of NDUFS8 was increased to 87 %. Overall, considering the systematic orchestration of mitochondrial protein expression according to sperm capacitation status, it will be possible to better understand male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Mu Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Keller A, Kerns K. Sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:594-600. [PMID: 37306038 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of boars have less than 80% conception rates. Due in part to the many factors involved in the fertilization process, a multifactorial model incorporating multiple relevant sperm physiology factors will likely lead to increased understanding of boar fertility. Here we review the current literature on boar sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. While limited, several studies have provided correlations between the percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that are capable of undergoing sperm capacitation in a chemically defined media and artificial insemination field fertility as well as proteome and other methods. Work summarized here underscores the need for further understanding of boar fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Keller
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Park YJ, Pang WK, Pang MG. Integration of omics studies indicates that species-dependent molecular mechanisms govern male fertility. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 36859388 PMCID: PMC9979430 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility. However, because these huge omics datasets often contain irrelevant information, editing strategies for summarizing and filtering the data are necessary prerequisite steps for identifying biomarkers of male fertility. Here, we attempted to integrate omics data from spermatozoa with normal and below-normal fertility from boars and bulls, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted and visualized using g:Profiler, Cytoscape, EnrichmentMap, and AutoAnnotation to determine fertility-related biological functions according to species. RESULTS In particular, gamete production and protein biogenesis-associated pathways were enriched in bull spermatozoa with below-normal fertility, whereas mitochondrial-associated metabolic pathways were enriched in boar spermatozoa with normal fertility. These results indicate that below-normal fertility may be determined by aberrant regulation of protein synthesis during spermatogenesis, and the modulation of reactive oxygen species generation to maintain capacitation and the acrosome reaction governs boar sperm fertility. CONCLUSION Overall, this approach demonstrated that distinct molecular pathways drive sperm fertility in mammals in a species-dependent manner. Moreover, we anticipate that searching for species-specific signaling pathways may aid in the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546 Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546 Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Mahé C, Marcelo P, Tsikis G, Tomas D, Labas V, Saint-Dizier M. The bovine uterine fluid proteome is more impacted by the stage of the estrous cycle than the proximity of the ovulating ovary in the periconception period. Theriogenology 2023; 198:332-343. [PMID: 36640738 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Uterine secretions provide a suitable environment for sperm selective migration during a couple of days preceding ovulation and for early embryo development before implantation. Our goal was to identify and quantify proteins in the bovine uterine fluid during the periovulatory period of the estrous cycle. Genital tracts with normal morphology were collected from adult cyclic Bos taurus females in a local slaughterhouse and classified into pre-ovulatory or post-ovulatory stages of cycle (around days 19-21 and 0-5 of cycle, respectively; n = 8 cows per stage) based on ovarian morphology. Proteins from uterine fluid collected from the utero-tubal junction to the base of each horn (four pools of two cows per condition) were analyzed by nanoLiquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). A total of 1214 proteins were identified, of which 91% were shared between all conditions. Overall, 57% of proteins were predicted to be secreted and 17% were previously reported in uterine extracellular vesicles. Paired comparisons between uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to ovulation evidenced 12 differentially abundant proteins, including five at pre-ovulatory stage. Furthermore, 35 proteins differed in abundance between pre- and post-ovulatory stages, including 21 in the ipsilateral side of ovulation. Functional analysis of identified proteins demonstrated roles in binding, metabolism, cellular detoxification and the immune response. This study provides a valuable database of uterine proteins for functional studies on sperm physiology and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Paulo Marcelo
- Plateforme d'Ingénierie Cellulaire & Analyses des Protéines ICAP, FR CNRS 3085 ICP, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Daniel Tomas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage par Imagerie in/eX vivo de l'ANImal à la Molécule (PIXANIM), 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage par Imagerie in/eX vivo de l'ANImal à la Molécule (PIXANIM), 37380, Nouzilly, France
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Pang WK, Amjad S, Ryu DY, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Establishment of a male fertility prediction model with sperm RNA markers in pigs as a translational animal model. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:84. [PMID: 35794675 PMCID: PMC9261079 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is an important issue that causes low production in the animal industry. To solve the male fertility crisis in the animal industry, the prediction of sperm quality is the most important step. Sperm RNA is the potential marker for male fertility prediction. We hypothesized that the expression of functional genes related to fertilization will be the best target for male fertility prediction markers. To investigate optimum male fertility prediction marker, we compared target genes expression level and a wide range of field data acquired from artificial insemination of boar semen. RESULTS Among the genes related to acrosomal vesicle exocytosis and sperm-oocyte fusion, equatorin (EQTN), zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 4 (ZP4), and sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 3 exhibited high accuracy (70%, 90%, and 70%, respectively) as markers to evaluate male fertility. Combinations of EQTN-ZP4, ZP4-protein unc-13 homolog B, and ZP4-regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 1 (RIMS1) showed the highest prediction value, and all these markers are involved in the acrosome reaction. CONCLUSION The EQTN-ZP4 model was efficient in clustering the high-fertility group and may be useful for selection of animal that has superior fertility in the livestock industry. Compared to the EQTN-ZP4 model, the ZP4-RIMS1 model was more efficient in clustering the low-fertility group and may be useful in the diagnosis of male infertility in humans and other animals. The appointed translational animal model and established biomarker combination can be widely used in various scientific fields such as biomedical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Shehreen Amjad
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Wang Z, Yu J, Zhong S, Fan Z, Wang F, Ji C, Wang Y, Lei C, Dang R, Zhao F. Metabolomic profiling of Dezhou donkey seminal plasma related to freezability. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1165-1175. [PMID: 35713115 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Donkeys are indispensable livestock in China because they have transport function and medicinal value. With the popularization of artificial insemination on donkeys, semen cryopreservation technology has gradually become a research hotspot. Seminal plasma is a necessary medium for transporting sperm and provides energy and nutrition for sperm. Seminal plasma metabolites play an important role in the process of sperm freezing, and also have an important impact on sperm motility and fertilization rate after freezing and thawing. In this study, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to compare the metabolic characteristics of seminal plasma of high freezability (HF) and low freezability (LF) male donkeys. We identified 672 metabolites from donkey seminal plasma, of which 33 metabolites were significantly different between the two groups. Metabolites were identified and categorized according to their major chemical classes, including homogeneous non-metal compounds, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues, organosulphur compounds, phenylpropanoids and polyketide, organoheterocyclic compounds, organic oxygen compounds, benzenoids, organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organooxygen compounds, alkaloids and derivatives, organic nitrogen compounds. The results showed that the contents of phosphatidylcholine, piceatannol and enkephalin in donkey semen of HF group were significantly higher than those of LF group (p < .05), while the contents of taurocholic and lysophosphatidic acid were significantly lower than those of LF group (p < .05). The different metabolites were mainly related to sperm biological pathway response and oxidative stress. These metabolites may be considered as candidate biomarkers for different fertility in jacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China.,Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Done-E Country, China
| | - Shuai Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze, China
| | - Zhaobin Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze, China
| | - Fuwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chuanliang Ji
- Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Done-E Country, China
| | - Yantao Wang
- Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Done-E Country, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fuwei Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze, China
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Pang WK, Son JH, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Heat shock protein family D member 1 in boar spermatozoa is strongly related to the litter size of inseminated sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35422006 PMCID: PMC9012035 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm quality evaluation is the logical first step in increasing field fertility. Spermatozoa contain cytoplasmic organelles and biomolecules known as sperm-intrinsic factors, which play key roles in sperm maturation, sperm-oocyte fusion, and embryo development. In particular, sperm membrane proteins [e.g., arginine vasopressin receptor 2, beta-actin, prohibitin, and heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1)] and RNA could be used as functional indicators of male fertility. We sought to clarify the effects of differential mRNA expression of selected genes on several fertilisation parameters, including sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation, and litter size, in a porcine model. Results Our results demonstrated that HSPD1 expression was significantly correlated with male fertility, as measured by the litter size of inseminated sows. The expression of HSPD1 mRNA was linked to sperm motility and other motion kinematic characteristics. Furthermore, HSPD1 had a 66.7% overall accuracy in detecting male fertility, and the high-litter size group which was selected with the HSPD1 marker had a 1.34 greater litter size than the low-litter size group. Conclusions Our findings indicate that HSPD1 might be a helpful biomarker for superior boar selection for artificial insemination, which could boost field fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0.
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11
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Peroxiredoxin 4 directly affects the male fertility outcome in porcine. Theriogenology 2021; 171:85-93. [PMID: 34051589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) are known to play a critical role in regulating male fertility as antioxidant enzymes. Although several studies have suggested a close association between Prdxs and male fertility, few studies have explored the efficacy of Prdxs to predict male fertility. Therefore, the current study was designed to discover the most efficient biomarkers among the Prdxs with six isoforms. Our study showed a significant positive correlation between the litter size and the levels of PRDX 4 among all isoforms in spermatozoa. Subsequently, a regression analysis using a combination of markers was conducted to increase efficacy for fertility prediction. Nevertheless, PRDX4 had the highest efficacy compared to other combination models to predict litter size. The prediction accuracy of male fertility was further evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which showed that PRDX 4 could predict the litter size with high overall accuracy of 95%. Moreover, litter size was increased by 1.55 piglets after predicting high litter size using PRDX 4. This is the first study to comprehensively elucidate the role of all isoforms of PRDXs on male fertility to the best of our knowledge. PRDX 4 was tested and evaluated up to a practical level. Data here reported suggesting PRDX 4 marker allowed the highest accuracy for male fertility prediction and diagnosis, leading to a measurable improvement in the male fertility outcome.
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12
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Zeng F, Chen Y, Guo C, Li C, Wei H, Li L, Meng L, Zhang S. Analysis of differentially abundant proteins related to boar fertility in seminal plasma using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics. J Proteomics 2021; 236:104120. [PMID: 33540064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Animal fertility is one of the most important characteristics for the livestock breeding industry. Conventional semen analysis provides basic information on sperm quality, but the predictive value of such analysis with regard to fertility remains questionable. Therefore, it is important to determine and predict male fertility more accurately in the clinic. To identify seminal plasma proteins involved in fertility, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (quantitative proteomic analysis) were used to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in seminal plasma between high- and low-reproductive-efficiency Landrace boars. A total of 141 DAPs were identified, of which 125 upregulated and 16 downregulated proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. These DAPs were found to be mainly involved in proteolysis, ATP binding, and energy metabolism. We investigated the relevance of three DAPs-ceruloplasmin, carboxypeptidase E (CPE), and serpin family A member 12 (SERPINA12)-in an in vitro fertility assay. This assay revealed that the inhibition of these proteins with antibodies can reduce or increase the fertilization rate. These results indicate possible biomarkers for the selection of high-fertility boars and provide a theoretical basis for the use of protein biomarkers in the livestock breeding industry. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study identified differentially abundant proteins in the seminal plasma of high-reproductive-efficiency and low-reproductive-efficiency Landrace boars. These proteins may be used as biomarkers to screen out high-fertility boars. The study can provide not only a new method for improving the effects of artificial insemination and reproductive efficiency of boars but also an important reference for boar breeding. Meanwhile, because pigs and humans have similar physiological parameters and organ sizes, our findings can also serve as a reference for human reproduction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Kaiping Guangsanbao Pig Industry Co., Ltd, Jiangmen 529300, China
| | - Conghui Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengde Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hengxi Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Meng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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13
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Park YJ, Kwon KJ, Song WH, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Saidur Rahman M, Pang MG. New technique of sex preselection for increasing female ratio in boar sperm model. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:333-341. [PMID: 33249659 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tried to optimize the porcine semen extender conditions to maximize the differences between live X chromosome-bearing (X) spermatozoa and to Y chromosome-bearing (Y) spermatozoa without a decline in the fertility rate at different pH conditions during storage. We observed the viability of X and Y boar spermatozoa in acidic (pH 6.2), original (pH 7.2), and alkaline condition (pH 8.2) for 5 days to investigate the effect of storage conditions on the X to Y spermatozoa ratio. The functional parameters of spermatozoa were also examined to evaluate sperm quality. Sperm motility was preserved at pH 7.2 and pH 6.2 for 3 days, while sperm motility at pH 8.2 decreased significantly after 2 days. Non-capacitated spermatozoa increased while capacitated spermatozoa decreased during storage. Sperm viability decreased significantly duration-dependent under all pH conditions, but there was no significant difference during storage at pH 6.2 and 7.2. The X: Y ratio of live spermatozoa in acidic condition was maximized (1.2:1) without affecting the sperm function and fertility-related protein expression after 2 days compared to original conditions. Moreover, insemination of sows using acidic extender increased the number of female pups on days 1 and 2 of preservation. These results indicate that the production of female offspring may increase when acidic BTS is used for 2 days without affecting the success rate of AI. Above all, this method is simple and economical compared to other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Ki-Jin Kwon
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Won-Hee Song
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
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14
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Zhang YT, Liu Y, Liang HL, Xu QQ, Liu ZH, Weng XG. Metabolomic differences of seminal plasma between boars with high and low average conception rates after artificial insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:161-171. [PMID: 33176019 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma is a complex biological fluid containing many metabolites including amino acids, fructose, carbohydrates and lipids Metabolites play important roles in multiple biological processes, but details and significance of the seminal plasma metabolome related to boar fertility are unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the comprehensive metabolome of seminal plasma from boars with different conception rate after artificial insemination and to identify the potential biomarkers. Semen samples were collected from boars which divided into two groups according to the conception rates in the offspring. Seminal plasma metabolites were isolated, purified, and then subjected to Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) procession. A total of 576 (Positive ion mode) and 377 (Negative ion mode) metabolites were identified in seminal plasma. Metabolites were identified and categorized according to their major chemical classes, including carboxylic acids and derivatives, organooxygen compounds, amino acids, peptides, and alogues, fatty amides, fatty acyls, benzene and substituted derivatives, purine nucleotides, pyrimidine nucleotides, glycosyl compounds, fatty acids and conjugates. The results showed that 4-Aminobenzoate, Pro-Asn, Ile-Tyr, Homoveratric acid and D-Biotin were higher in semen of boar with higher conception rate (HG) versus lower conception rate (LG) (p < .05), whereas L-Serine, Butoxyacetic acid, S-Methyl-5'-thioadenosine, Capsaicin and 1-O-(cis-9-Octadecenyl)-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAF) were lower in HG than in LG (p < .05). These metabolites may be considered as candidate biomarkers for different fertility in boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Han-Lin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian-Qian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Gang Weng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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15
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Pang WK, Kang S, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Optimization of sperm RNA processing for developmental research. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11606. [PMID: 32665575 PMCID: PMC7360572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the significance of sperm RNA function as a transporter of important information directing the course of life. To determine the message contained in sperm RNA, it is necessary to optimize transcriptomic research tools. The current study was performed to optimize the processing of sperm RNA from sample storage to quantitative real-time PCR and assess the corresponding method with to evaluate male fertility and its representative markers, equatorin (EQTN) and peroxiredoxin (PRDX). Following successive steps of the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines, several options were compared using boar spermatozoa. To evaluate the optimized procedures, the relationship between mRNA expression of EQTN and PRDX in spermatozoa and the fertility (litter size) of 20 individual boars was assessed. Unexpectedly, DNase treatment during RNA isolation had the deleterious effect by decreasing the RNA concentration by 56% and eliminating the correlation between EQTN and PRDX4 mRNA expression and male fertility. Moreover, when sperm RNA was processed using the corresponding method, the results showed the highest exon sequence expression, male fertility prediction power, and consistency. This optimized protocol for predicting male fertility can be used to study the transport of messages directing the life course from spermatozoon to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Saehan Kang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Kang S, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Song WH, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Porcine seminal protein-I and II mRNA expression in boar spermatozoa is significantly correlated with fertility. Theriogenology 2019; 138:31-38. [PMID: 31280183 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, genomic and proteomic biomarkers have been identified for the diagnosis of male fertility to overcome the limitations of conventional semen analysis. Owing to the limited genes available so far, the single gene approach is commonly adopted for analyzing the phenotype of interest. However, the single-gene approach is less effective than multiple-gene strategies for diagnosing a desirable phenotype. Herein, we investigate the ability of two fertility-related genomic markers (porcine seminal protein (PSP)-I and PSP-II) in spermatozoa to predict boar litter size in addition to conventional semen parameters. First, we examined different semen parameters (motility, motion kinematics, and capacitation status) and gene expression in high- and low-litter size boar spermatozoa. Then, we evaluated the correlation of these parameters with the fertility of 21 Yorkshire boars. Finally, we investigated the efficacy of single/combined markers to predict male fertility using a comprehensive statistical model. Our result showed that there were no significant differences in sperm motility, motion kinematics, or capacitation status, however, the mRNA expression of PSP-I and PSP-II in spermatozoa was significantly different in high- and low-litter size boars. In the individual screening test, the expression of both genes was negatively correlated with boar fertility (r = 0-0.578 and -0.456, respectively), whereas only hyperactivation (HYP) showed a positive correlation (r = 0.444) among the tested semen parameters. As single markers, PSP-I and PSP-II have a better diagnostic power to predict boar fertility, regardless of HYP, in quality assessment analyses. In addition, when these markers were combined, the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall test effectiveness for fertility detection were improved. Surprisingly, when PSP-I and PSP-II were considered together, the deviation of the predicted average litter size between high- and low-litter size boars was 1.77. Based on the findings, we suggest that the use of genomic markers in spermatozoa rather than commonly analyzed semen parameters may be more accurate for evaluating male fertility. Moreover, using a combination of markers could increase the overall accuracy of (in)fertility predictions, and thus, could be considered for field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saehan Kang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Hee Song
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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