The Saanen is a highly productive breed, and for this reason, it has been raised in Brazil, but mostly under climate conditions completely different from where the breed originated. The objective of ...this study was to investigate variations in semen parameters and sperm membrane proteins from Saanen bucks (
n
= 7) raised in Northeastern Brazil, during dry season (September, October, and November) and rainy season (March, April, and May). We showed that during the dry season, sperm motility, concentration, and the percentage of normal sperm decreased as compared to the rainy season. Rectal temperatures of bucks had no significant (
p
> 0.05) variations during the dry and rainy seasons. However, temperatures of left and right skin testis were higher (
p
< 0.05) during the dry as compared to the rainy season. Expression of three proteins (lysine-specific demethylase 5D, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit d, and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog) in sperm membrane were more intense in rainy season and only one protein (cytosol aminopeptidase) had greater expression in the dry season of the year. Our results show that mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation of Saanen bucks did not prevent a decrease in seminal parameters during the dry season. This deterioration may be related to reduced expression of proteins associated with important functions in sperm membrane.
The objective was to describe the profile of membrane proteins from sperm of tropically adapted Morada Nova rams (N = 5). Samples from protein-enriched fractions of ejaculated sperm (containing 400 ...μg of protein) were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and respective maps analyzed using PDQuest software (version 7.3.0; Bio-Rad). Proteins were identified using tandem mass spectrometry. Also, membrane proteins were incubated with antibodies against binder of sperm protein (BSP) 1 and bodhesin 2 (Bdh-2), components of vesicular gland secretion. For membrane proteins of ejaculated sperm, an average of 133 ± 4.6 spots were detected per gel, of which, 107 spots were consistently present on all gels. Sixty-eight spots and 37 proteins were identified using mass spectrometry, corresponding to 71.6% of the intensity of all spots detected. Three major spots identified as ram seminal vesicle protein (RSVP) 14 represented approximately 30% of the intensity of all spots. Two of the most intense spots in the gel reacted against anti-BSP1, at 14 kDa. In addition, four low molecular weight spots reacted with anti-Bdh-2 antibodies. Proteins RSVP and Bdh-2 belong to the BSP and spermadhesin families, respectively, and were previously reported as major components of ram seminal proteins. Additional proteins identified in the sperm membrane two-dimensional maps included alpha-2-heparan sulfate-glycoprotein, plasma glutamate carboxypeptidase, arylsulfatase A, cathelicidin, heat shock protein 70 kDa, angiotensin-converting enzyme, leucine aminopeptidase, and clusterin. Some proteins were present as multiple isoforms, such as tubulin (12), alpha-2-heparan sulfate-glycoprotein (5), ATP synthase (5), Bdh-2 (4) and RSVP14 (3). Based on gene ontology analysis, the most common biological processes associated with the membrane proteins were cellular processes (34%), response to stimulus (14%), and metabolic processes (11%). Binding (37%) and catalytic activity (32%) corresponded to the most frequent molecular functions for those proteins. In conclusion, we identified a diverse cohort of components of membrane proteins in ram sperm. Major proteins previously reported in seminal plasma, such as RSVP14 and Bdh-2, were also extracted from sperm membranes. Knowledge of sperm proteins is crucial for elucidating mechanisms underlying their association with sperm function.
Tools that generate models with good biomass predictive capacity are essential to maintain the sustainability of production systems. The objective was to analyze the relationship between forage ...biomass and structural variables and generate models to predict total forage biomass (TFB) and green leaf blade biomass (GLB). Irrigated pastures of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf 'Basilisk' were kept under rotational stocking with sheep (Ovis aries L.) The TFB, GLB, leaf area index (LAI), height (cm), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replicates: ten and five cycles of defoliation management, respectively, were used to generate and validate the stages of the models. The best goodness of fit was obtained by nonlinear models for both TFB and GLB, which can be confirmed by high Spearman's correlations and significance (P < 0.0001). The path analysis showed low collinearity (42.60) between NDVI, LAI, and height; the high determination coefficient (R.sup.2) with values of 0.8421 and 0.7767 demonstrated their associations with TFB and GLB, respectively. Among the studied models to predict TFB and GLB, only exponentials using NDVI and power using LAI and height showed the best fit. In the validation stage, the models related to height exhibited the highest performance with 0.9531 (TFB) and 0.9638 (GLB) d-index, -2.3 (TFB) and -7.20 (GLB) bias, and 0.8532 (TFB) and 0.8932 (GLB) R.sup.2. Only nonlinear models using height (cm) to predict TFB and GLB had the best practical application potential, thus ensuring efficiency in data collection. Key words: Brachiaria decumbens, height, leaf area index, NDVI.
ABSTRACT The purpose was to evaluate structural characteristics of pasture, behavioral aspects and physiological parameters of sheep finished on irrigated Tamani grass pasture under continuous ...stocking, using castor bean cake as alternative input. Structural characteristics of the pasture were assessed in a randomized block design in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two sources of nitrogen fertilization (mineral - urea and organic - in natura castor bean cake) and two supplements (with or without detoxified castor bean cake), in four replications (paddocks). Behavioral aspects and physiological parameters were assessed in a randomized block design with four treatments, and repeated measures over time in eight replications (sheep). Total forage biomass, green leaf blade biomass, grazing, rumination, and idleness times, as well as respiratory rate and rectal temperature were assessed. Urea provided greater leaf blade biomass (1,807 kg DM.ha.cycle-1) and tiller population density (1,592 tillers.m-2). Grazing time reduced 65 minutes.day-1 for animals supplemented with detoxified castor bean cake and kept in pastures fertilized with urea. The use of castor bean cake did not change the physiological parameters of the animals in any of the managements evaluated and can be used as a strategic input in the finishing of sheep on pasture.
RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar as características estruturais da pastagem, os aspectos comportamentais e os parâmetros fisiológicos de ovinos terminados em pastagem irrigada de capim Tamani sob lotação contínua, utilizando-se torta de mamona como insumo alternativo. As características estruturais da pastagem foram avaliadas em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, com duas fontes de adubação nitrogenada (mineral - ureia e orgânica - torta de mamona in natura) e dois suplementos (com ou sem torta de mamona desintoxicada), em quatro repetições (piquetes). Os aspectos comportamentais e os parâmetros fisiológicos foram avaliados em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e medidas repetidas no tempo em oito repetições (ovinos). Foram avaliados a biomassa total de forragem, a biomassa de lâmina foliar verde, os tempos de pastejo, a ruminação e o ócio, bem como a frequência respiratória e a temperatura retal. A ureia proporcionou maior biomassa de lâmina foliar (1.807kg MS.ha.ciclo-1) e densidade populacional de perfilhos (1.592 perfilhos.m-2). O tempo de pastejo reduziu 65 minutos.dia-1 para animais suplementados com torta de mamona desintoxicada e mantidos em pastagens fertilizadas com ureia. A torta de mamona não alterou os parâmetros fisiológicos dos animais em nenhum dos manejos avaliados, podendo ser utilizada como insumo estratégico na terminação de ovinos a pasto.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tcore) across aging in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) with comparison to the two rat strains often used as ...their normotensive control animals, namely, Wistar (WIS) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY).
WIS, WKY and SHR rats were subdivided into three different groups according their age: WIS16, WIS48, WIS72, WKY16, WKY48, WKY72, SHR16, SHR48 and SHR72 weeks-old. Body mass and blood pressure were periodically measured along the experiments. All animal group had their circadian rhythm of Tcore evaluated over three consecutive days (72 h) by telemetry using an implanted temperature sensor. The Tcore circadian rhythm was averaged in 1-h blocks and analyzed using the cosinor method.
Sixteen-week-old SHR (SHR16) presented higher Tcore than WIS16 (from 06am to 06pm) and WKY16 (from 07am to 06pm). Both normotensive groups exhibited increases in Tcore during circadian rhythm with aging. The cosinor analysis showed no differences between strains and ages for the acrophase. An age effect on the SHR strain (SHR16 < SHR72) was observed regarding the amplitude. SHR16 had higher values regarding MESOR compared to WIS16 and WKY16. In addition, WIS72 and WKY72 showed higher values than WIS16 and WKY16, respectively. Finally, no differences were observed in the strength rhythm analysis.
SHR presented impaired thermoregulatory control at only 16 weeks of age when showing a higher body temperature during the activity phase, while other circadian rhythm parameters showed no differences across aging. Therefore, in taking our results as a whole we can conclude that WIS and WKY are appropriate Wistar strains to be used as normotensive controls for SHR.
•Aging does not affect Tcore circadian rhythm in SHR.•Aging affects Tcore circadian rhythm in normotensive WIS and WKY strains.•Hypertension affects Tcore circadian rhythm in young but not in old SHR.•Both WIS and WKY may be used as normotensive controls for SHR.
This study describes the reproductive parameters of Morada Nova rams, a breed of hair sheep from Brazil and with unique adaption to tropical environments. At 42 weeks of age, 15 rams were subjected ...to semen collection and, 1 week later, animals were slaughtered for collection of testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands. We conducted 2‐D electrophoresis of seminal plasma proteins and major spots of stained gels were identified by LC‐MS/MS. Total RNA was isolated from testis, epididymis and vesicular glands and subjected to qPCR. At slaughter, scrotal circumference and testicular weight were 27.5 ± 0.5 cm and 109.5 ± 6.0 g, respectively. Seminiferous tubule (ST) diameter was 188.3 ± 4.0 μm and each testis contained 1.9 ± 0.1 Sertoli cells (×10⁹). Each Sertoli cell supported 0.1 ± 0.01 A spermatogonia, 3.0 ± 0.2 pachytene spermatocytes and 7.7 ± 0.5 round spermatids/tubule cross section. Daily sperm production reached 5.6 × 10⁶ cells/g of testis parenchyma. Testis size appeared as indicative of ST diameter and associated with epididymal measurements, as well as with the population of round spermatids and Sertoli cells/testis. Rams with heavier testes had greater daily sperm production and more Sertoli cells/testis. We detected 90.9 ± 9.6 spots per 2‐D gel of seminal plasma. Major seminal proteins were identified as ram seminal vesicle proteins at 14 and 22 kDa, representing 16.2% and 12.8% of the total intensity of valid spots in the gels, respectively. Expression of both genes was greater in the vesicular glands as compared to testis and epididymis. Pixel intensity for those proteins in the 2‐D gels was significantly correlated with seminal vesicle weight. This is the first description of the basic reproductive aspects of Morada Nova rams, including protein profiles of their seminal plasma. These findings will allow a better understanding of their reproductive physiology.
ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the physiological parameters, the biomass flow, and the productive characteristics of the grasses BRS Piatã and BRS Paiaguás at different levels of water supply ...in the semi-arid region. The experiment was carried out in the dry season, in Sobral, Ceará State, Brazil. The following irrigation depths were used: 30, 60, 90, and 120% of ETo. The experiment was carried out in pots with a capacity of 7.5 dm3 at field level, using a 0-0.2m layer of argisol soil as substrate. As a result, the photosynthetic rate was not affected in the largest water treatments. In the biomass flow, the responses of grasses to treatments 90 and 120% of ETo were similar for the variables number of live leaves and phyllochron. Regarding the productive characteristics, pseudo-culm biomass was effective only in the treatment of 120% of ETo, while, for the efficiency of water use, in treatments 60 and 90% of ETo, the difference was effective. In conclusion, in the treatments of 60 and 90% of the ETo, it was possible to maintain good morphological characteristics of the grasses and to increase the biomass production during the dry season in the semi-arid region.
RESUMO Objetivou-se, por meio deste estudo, avaliar os parâmetros fisiológicos, o fluxo de biomassa e as características produtivas das gramíneas BRS Piatã e BRS Paiaguás em diferentes níveis de irrigação no semiárido. O experimento foi realizado no período seco, em Sobral (3°45'00,77'' S e 40°20ꞌ38,55ꞌꞌ W), Ceará, Brasil. Foram utilizadas as seguintes lâminas de irrigação: 30; 60; 90 e 120% da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4x2 (lâminas de irrigação x gramíneas). O experimento foi realizado em vasos com capacidade de 7,5 dm3 em nível de campo, utilizando-se como substrato uma camada de 0-0,2 m de solo argissolo. Como resultado, os parâmetros fisiológicos das gramíneas, como a taxa fotossintética, não foram afetados nos maiores tratamentos hídricos (90 e 120% ETo). No fluxo de biomassa, as respostas das gramíneas aos tratamentos, 90 e 120% da ETo, foram semelhantes para as variáveis número de folhas vivas e filocrono. Quanto às características produtivas, a biomassa de pseudocolmo foi sensível apenas no tratamento de 120% de ETo, enquanto, para a eficiência do uso da água, nos tratamentos 60 e 90% de ETo, a diferença foi significativa. Conclui-se que, nos tratamentos de 60 e 90% da ETo, foi possível manter boas características morfológicas das gramíneas e aumentar a produção de biomassa durante o período seco na região semiárida.
Heterologous prime/boost regimens have the potential for raising high levels of immune responses. Here we report that DNA priming followed by a recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) booster ...controlled a highly pathogenic immunodeficiency virus challenge in a rhesus macaque model. Both the DNA and rMVA components of the vaccine expressed multiple immunodeficiency virus proteins. Two DNA inoculations at 0 and 8 weeks and a single rMVA booster at 24 weeks effectively controlled an intrarectal challenge administered 7 months after the booster. These findings provide hope that a relatively simple multiprotein DNA/MVA vaccine can help to control the acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic.
ABSTRACT To evaluate the biomass components of massai grass subjected to nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (control - 0; 400; 800 and 1200 kg ha-1 year-1 of N) and under rotational stocking with ...sheep, this study was undertaken using a completely randomized design with measurements repeated in time. A quadratic response was observed reaching maximum values as the levels of nitrogen fertilization increased for green forage biomass, green leaf biomass, green stem biomass (5,172.9; 4,146.3; 1,033.9 kg ha-1 cycle-1, respectively), forage total density (179.1 kg ha-1 cm-1), canopy height (36.8 cm) and live material/dead material ratio (4.0) at levels 896; 934; 797; 879.2; 751.4 and 1,161 kg ha-1 year-1 of N, respectively. For all variables, oscillation was observed between the grazing cycles studied. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive response on the biomass components and canopy structure of massai grass.
RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os componentes da biomassa do capim-massai sob lotação rotativa com ovinos e adubado com doses de nitrogênio (controle - 0; 400; 800 e 1200 kg de N ha -1 ano -1 ), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo. Constatou-se resposta quadrática, alcançando valores máximos com o incremento das doses de nitrogênio para as produções de biomassa de forragem verde, de lâmina foliar verde, de colmo verde (5172,9; 4146,3; 1033,9 kg ha -1 ciclo -1 , respectivamente) e para a densidade total de forragem (179,1 kg ha -1 cm -1 ), altura do dossel (36,8 cm) e relação material vivo/material morto (4,0) nas doses 896; 934; 797; 879,2; 751,4 e 1161 kg ha -1 ano -1 de N, respectivamente. Para todas as variáveis, verificou-se oscilação entre os ciclos de pastejo estudados. A adubação nitrogenada exerce respostas positivas sobre os componentes da biomassa e a estrutura do dossel do capim-massai.
Eight different protocols were compared for their ability to raise protection against immunodeficiency virus challenges in rhesus macaques. The most promising containment of challenge infections was ...achieved by intradermal DNA priming followed by recombinant fowl pox virus booster immunizations. This containment did not require neutralizing antibody and was active for a series of challenges ending with a highly virulent virus with a primary isolate envelope heterologous to the immunizing strain.
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