Phenological and physiological evaluation of first and second cropping periods of sorghum and maize crops

Environmental conditions influence phenology and physiological processes of plants. It is common for maize and sorghum to be sown at two different periods: the first cropping (spring/summer) and the second cropping (autumn/winter). The phenological cycle of these crops varies greatly according to the planting season, and it is necessary to characterize the growth and development to facilitate the selection of the species best adapted to the environment. The aim of this study was to characterize phenological phases and physiological parameters in sorghum and maize plants as a function of environmental conditions from the first cropping and second cropping periods. Two parallel experiments were conducted with both crops. The phenological characterization was based on growth analyses (plant height, leaf area and photoassimilate partitioning) and gas exchange evaluations (net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and water-use efficiency). It was found that the vegetative stage (VS) for sorghum and maize plants was 7 and 21 days, respectively, longer when cultivated during the second cropping. In the first cropping, the plants were taller than in the second cropping, regardless of the crop. The stomatal conductance of sorghum plants fluctuated in the second cropping during the development period, while maize plants showed decreasing linear behaviour. Water-use efficiency in sorghum plants was higher during the second cropping compared with the first cropping. In maize plants, in the second cropping, the water-use efficiency showed a slight variation in relation to the first cropping. It was concluded that the environmental conditions as degree-days, temperature, photoperiod and pluvial precipitation influence the phenology and physiology of both crops during the first and the second cropping periods, specifically cycle duration, plant height, leaf area, net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and water-use efficiency, indicating that both crops respond differentially to environmental changes during the growing season.     

Manipulation of Ovarian Function for the Reproductive Management of Dairy Cows

Veterinary Research Communications -     

植物育种的物理学方法

介绍了草原生态恢复中选育优良牧草种子的一些物理学方法,包括电场、磁场、物理辐射、激光、离子束和交变应力等在植物的生物学效应、诱变育种和转基因技术中的应用.     

中国水牛瘤胃纤毛虫分布与挥发性脂肪酸的研究

对中国广西西林水牛和摩拉水牛瘤胃纤毛虫种类分布进行了鉴定检测,并测定了其瘤胃液挥发性脂肪酸浓度,同时进行了比较研究。全部检出17属63种25型瘤胃纤毛虫,比以前进行的8种反刍动物瘤胃纤毛虫分布研究中出现的总数和每个宿主个体中出现的平均纤毛虫种数多,种类构成最复杂,其纤毛虫构成特点类似于东南亚地区水牛瘤胃纤毛虫构成特点。其中广西西林水牛中检出了Entodinium biconcavumsp n,是至今从未鉴定记载过的认为是新种的特殊种类。广西西林水牛检出13属54种20型、摩拉水牛检出16属45种11型瘤胃纤毛虫。广西西林水牛瘤胃纤毛虫平均密度为2.13×105/mL,摩拉水牛瘤胃纤毛虫密度为3.43×105/mL。中国水牛瘤胃纤毛虫属别构成中Entodinium属出现率最高,但两个水牛品种间存在明显差别,其他属别构成也不尽一致。这与不同品种原来的地理环境分布与饲养管理条件有关。广西西林水牛瘤胃总VFA浓度为75.60 mmol/mL,摩拉水牛的为58.74 mmol/mL。瘤胃总VFA含量中均为乙酸含量最高,属于典型的粗饲料发酵类型。     

Questionnaire‐based Analysis of Owner‐reported Scratching and Pain Signs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Screened for Chiari‐like Malformation and Syringomyelia

Background

Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) cause a pain syndrome in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). Clinical signs are not consistently apparent on neurologic examination, and owner reporting of signs provides vital clinical history. However, owner questionnaires for this disease are not well developed.

Objectives

To develop a tool to capture owner‐reported clinical signs for use in clinical trials and to compare owner‐reported signs with the presence of pain on neurologic examination and SM on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Animals

Fifty client‐owned CKCS.

Methods

Owners completed a questionnaire and pain/scratch map. Each dog underwent a neurologic examination and craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Questionnaire responses were developed into scores, area of shading for pain/scratch maps was measured, and consistency of responses between these tools was assessed. Owner‐reported findings were compared with neurologic examination findings and presence and severity of SM on MRI.

Results

Thirty‐three dogs were symptomatic and 17 asymptomatic; 30 had SM. The most common sign of pain was crying out when lifted (n = 11). Extent of shaded areas on maps positively correlated with questionnaire scores for pain (r² = 0.213, P = 0.006) and scratch (r² = 0.104, P = 0.089). Owner‐reported findings were not significantly associated with presence or severity of SM or neurologic examination findings. Owner‐reported lateralization of signs was significantly associated with SM lateralization (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The questionnaire and maps may be useful for clinical trials. Lack of association of owner‐reported signs with SM highlights our lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of pain in this disease.     

Comparison of Single,Averaged, and Pooled Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratios in Proteinuric Dogs Undergoing Medical Treatment

Background

Monitoring urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPC ) in dogs with protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN ) is challenging because of day‐to‐day variation in UPC results.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine whether single, averaged, or pooled samples from PLN dogs receiving medical treatment yield comparable UPC s, regardless of degree of proteinuria.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned PLN dogs receiving medical treatment.

Methods

UPC ratios were prospectively measured in each dog utilizing 3 methods: single in‐hospital sample (day 3), average sample (days 1–3), and pooled sample (equal pooling of urine from days 1–3). Bland‐Altman analysis was performed to evaluate agreement between methods for all dogs, as well as in subgroups of dogs (UPC ≤4 or UPC >4).

Results

For all dogs, Bland‐Altman log‐transformed 95% limits of agreement were ?0.07–0.18 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.06–0.16 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.06–0.04 (pooled versus average UPC ). For dogs with UPC ≤4, Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement were ?0.42–0.82 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.38–0.76 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.27–0.25 (pooled versus average UPC ). For dogs with UPC >4, Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement were ?0.17–2.4 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.40–2.2 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.85–0.43 (pooled versus average UPC ).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

UPC ratios from all methods were comparable in PLN dogs receiving medical treatment. In PLN dogs with UPC >4, more variability between methods exists likely because of higher in‐hospital results, but whether this finding is clinically relevant is unknown.

     

Feeding behavior of feedlot lambs fed diets containing levels of cassava wastewater

In this study, we evaluated the effects of including cassava wastewater in the diet on the feeding behavior of feedlot lambs in 35 male uncastrated Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred lambs at an approximate age of 3 months, with an average live weight of 20.0?±?3.4 kg. Diets were formulated with hay of cassava shoots (roughage) and a concentrate based on corn and soybean, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, plus inclusion of cassava wastewater at the levels of 0, 12, 24, 36, or 48 g/kg of the total diet. Feeding behavior was evaluated between the 46th and 52nd days of the experiment. Increasing cassava wastewater levels in the diet reduced (P?<?0.05) the intakes (kg/day) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber as well as the efficiency of rumination (g/cud and g/h) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. The other behavioral parameters were not affected by wastewater inclusion in the diet. Therefore, the inclusion of up to 48 g/kg of cassava wastewater on fresh matter of diets is not recommended for feedlot lambs.     

Melatonin reduces apoptotic cells,SOD2 and HSPB1 and improves the in vitro production and quality of bovine blastocysts

Effects of adding different concentrations of melatonin (10^?7, 10^?9 and 10^?11 M) to maturation (Experiment 1; Control, IVM  + 10^?7, IVM  + 10^?9, IVM  + 10^?11) and culture media (Experiment 2; Control, IVC  + 10^?7, IVC  + 10^?9, IVC  + 10^?11) were evaluated on in vitro bovine embryonic development. The optimal concentration of melatonin (10^?9 M) from Experiments 1–2 was tested in both maturation and/or culture media of Experiment 3 (Control, IVM  + 10^?9, IVC  + 10^?9, IVM /IVC  + 10^?9). In Experiment 1, maturated oocytes from Control and IVM  + 10^?9 treatments showed increased glutathione content, mitochondrial membrane potential and percentage of Grade I blastocysts (40.6% and 43%, respectively). In Experiment 2, an increase in the percentage of Grade I blastocysts was detected in IVC  + 10^?7 (43.5%; 56.7%) and IVC  + 10^?9 (47.4%; 57.4%). Moreover, a lower number and percentage of apoptotic cells in blastocysts were observed in the IVC  + 10^?9 group compared to Control (3.8 ± 0.6; 3.6% versus 6.1 ± 0.6; 5.3%). In Experiment 3, the IVC  + 10^?9 treatment increased percentage of Grade I blastocysts with a lower number of apoptotic cells compared to IVM /IVC  + 10^?9 group (52.6%; 3.0 ± 0.5 versus 46.0%; 5.4 ± 1.0). The IVC  + 10^?9 treatment also had a higher mRNA expression of antioxidant gene (SOD 2) compared to the Control, as well as the heat shock protein (HSPB 1) compared to the IVM  + 10^?9. Reactive oxygen species production was greater in the IVM /IVC  + 10^?9 treatment group. In conclusion, the 10^?9 M concentration of melatonin and the in vitro production phase in which it is used directly affected embryonic development and quality.     

EIAV Rev蛋白拮抗eqTRIM5α介导的AP-1信号通路的机制研究

为探究马传染性贫血病毒(EIAV)附属蛋白Rev负调控Tripartite motif-containing protein 5α(TRIM5α)介导的AP-1信号通路的机制,本研究将pEIAV-Rev-HA和pcDNA3.1质粒分别与含TRIM5α基因的质粒及pGL3-AP-1-Luc(AP-1报告质粒)共转染HEK 293T细胞,采用荧光素酶试验检测Rev对TRIM5α激活的AP-1信号通路的影响;将pEIAV-Rev-HA和pcDNA3.1质粒分别与含TAK1、TAB2、P38和c-Jun基因的质粒及pGL3-AP-1-Luc共转染HEK 293T细胞,采用荧光素酶试验检测Rev对TRIM5α下游转导分子(TAK1、TAB2、P38、c-Jun)激活的AP-1信号通路的影响;将pEIAV-Rev-HA和pcDNA3.1质粒分别与含TAK1、TAB2、P38基因的质粒共转染HEK293T细胞,利用western blot试验分别检测TAK1、TAB2、P38的表达水平;将pEIAV-Rev-HA和pcDNA3.1质粒分别与含P38基因的质粒共转染HEK 293T细胞后加入蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132,利用western blot检测P38蛋白的表达情况。结果显示,共转染EIAV-Rev-HA实验组中TRIM5α对AP-1的激活倍数为0.4,而共转染pcDNA3.1对照组中相应的激活倍数为26.0;共转染pEIAV-Rev-HA实验组中,TAK1、TAB2、P38和c-Jun对AP-1信号通路的激活倍数分别为7.7、0.1、0.6、9.8,而共转染pcDNA3.1对照组中对AP-1信号通路的激活倍数分别为60.0、1.5、6.3、12.0;转染pEIAV-Rev-HA+pP38-Flag组与转染pcDNA3.1+pP38-Flag组相比,前者P38蛋白的表达量显著降低;加入蛋白酶体抑制剂组则恢复了P38蛋白的表达。上述结果表明,EIAV Rev显著下调eqTRIM5α及其下游转导分子TAK1、TAB2、P38激活的AP-1信号通路,但不显著下调c-Jun激活的AP-1信号通路;EIAV Rev通过蛋白酶体途径降解P38蛋白的表达而抑制eqTRIM5α激活的AP-1信号通路。本研究结果为理解EIAV与宿主蛋白相互作用提供参考依据。