Comparative profiles of different lipoprotein cholesterol parameters and Growth Hormone during hot humid and winter season in Murrah Buffaloes

Now, it is well known that in bovines HDL-C act as substrate for ovarian steroidogenesis. The restriction of entry of other lipoprotein parameters is due to ovarian blood barrier, which restricts the entry of other lipoproteins, which are bigger in size. In vitro studies have indicated their role in mediating proliferation of cells. Besides gonadotropin, Growth Hormone (GH) is also gaining importance in the field of reproduction. GH receptors have been localized on the ovaries and follicle of bovines. Further it has been suggested that it can be the direct role of the hormone or it can be mediated through IGF-I. It has been assigned various roles in mediating follicle development, ovulation and corpus luteum maintenance. The river buffaloes are capable of breeding throughout the year, but during certain period of time were found to be more favourable than the others. It has been found that, winter season and hot humid season exhibit two extreme conditions of temperature variation; Hot humid season being unfavourable than the winter season because of high humidity and reasonably high temperature. It has been observed that during June to August months, conception rate and exhibition of estrus behaviour is low. This study was undertaken to analyze different lipoprotein cholesterol parameters namely Total cholesterol (TC), High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Triglycerides (TG) and Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the plasma of cyclic Murrah buffaloes throughout the estrous cycle. The mean plasma concentration (μg/ml) of different lipoproteins during hot humid season were TC 592 ± 40, HDL-C 229 ± 42, TG 345 ± 95, LDL-C 285 ± 94.Where as in winter season their concentrations were 1381.0 ± 31.0, 1793.0 ± 110.0, 511.0 ± 21.0, 608.0 ± 94.0 respectively.

The mean ± SEM circulatory level of GH was low during HH season than during winter (6 ± 2 ng/ml vs. 17 ± 2 ng/ml). During estrous cycle only one peak of GH was exhibited during hot humid season where as three peaks were exhibited during winter season. It can be concluded that winter season is favourable for maintaining physiological levels of hormones and metabolic parameters, which in turn may increase the reproductive efficiency of bovines. During winter season average temperature was 15 ±5 °C. During hot humid season average temperature was 34 ± 3 °C. THI was more than 75%.     

Physiological responses and performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo calves under different washing frequency during hot summer months in tropics

The effect of washing frequency on the physiological responses and performance of buffalo calves was studied in hot summer. Thirty Nili-Ravi calves aged 4–6 months were divided into three uniform groups of ten. The calves of group A, B and C were washed two (9 a.m. and 3 p.m.), three (8 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m.) and four (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.) times in a day, respectively. They were washed with water for 5 min at a stretch. The mean linear body measurements, body weight, dry matter intake through concentrate, green fodder and physiological responses, i.e. rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate before and after washing under different daily washing frequency were recorded fortnightly. The average daily gain was also calculated. The mean total dry matter intake was increased with the increase frequency of washing. The maximum mean daily body weight gain was recorded in group C followed by group B and A. There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences between the three washing groups. Calves were more comfortable with increase number of washing in a day in hot summer. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate also varied significantly (P < 0.05) between the three experiment groups. It can be concluded that daily four times washing in hot summer had more beneficial effects over three and two times washing of young Nili-Ravi buffalo calves to decrease rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate and to increase average feed utilization and daily gain under tropical climate.     

Molecular characterization and expression profile of ghrelin gene during different reproductive phases in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Ghrelin, a novel motilin-related endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagouge receptor, is implicated in various biological functions, including regulation of female reproduction. But the presence of ghrelin and its role in reproductive functions in buffalo, a species with poor reproductive efficiency, is not known. In the present study full-length ghrelin cDNA was isolated from bubaline abomasum, which encodes the entire prepropeptide of 116 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of ghrelin of buffalo showed >95% and 31% identity with that of ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goat) and humans, respectively. Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in the coding region of ghrelin indicated that these sequences of different species have been under purifying selection. The 3995-bp amplicon of ghrelin gene consisting of 4 exons and 3 introns was cloned with genomic DNA from buffalo. Further, ghrelin expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry in bubaline endometrial tissues at different stages of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Our results indicated the persistent expression of ghrelin mRNA and protein in the endometrium during stage I (day 3–5), stage II (day 6–15), and stage III (day 16–21) of the estrous cycle and also during early (∼day 30–40) pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR experiments indicated the relatively higher expression of ghrelin in the endometrium during stage II (day 6–15) of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy than during stage I (day 3–5) and stage III (day 16–21) of the estrous cycle, but no statistically significant difference in ghrelin expression was observed among stages. To conclude, the results of the present study indicate the persistent expression of ghrelin in the uterine endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy which might be helpful in determining its role in buffalo reproduction.     

Changes in feed consumption and water intake among broiler chickens subjected to melatonin treatment during the hot-dry season

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The experiment was conducted to evaluate changes in feed consumption and water intake among broiler chickens subjected to melatonin treatment during the...     

Relationship between peripheral plasma inhibin and FSH concentrations in Sahiwal cows (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis>) and Murrah buffaloes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>) during estrous cycle

The present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between circulating inhibin and FSH concentrations during the estrous cycle in buffaloes and Sahiwal cattle. The pattern of inhibin concentrations was similar, with peak concentrations on Day -2 (Day 0 = day of estrus) and minimum concentrations on Days 12 and 11 in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. Circulating FSH concentrations were the highest on Day 0 and lowest on Days 8 and 13 in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. Peripheral plasma inhibin concentrations were negatively correlated to FSH concentrations in buffaloes (r = -0.27, P < 0.01) and cattle (r = -0.35, P < 0.01) indicating that inhibin is involved in negative feedback regulation of FSH in both these species.     

Relationship between milk production and plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers during hot season in primiparous cows

Oxidative stress markers, ascorbic acid, and sulfhydryl (SH) residue concentration in primiparous cows' plasma and their relationship to milking performance during hot seasons were investigated. The rectal temperature of cows correlated negatively with SH residue (r = −0.38, n  = 38, P  < 0.05) and ascorbic acid (r = −0.34, P  < 0.05) concentrations in the cows' plasma. The group with a higher concentration of ascorbic acid over the mean value produced significantly more milk ( P  < 0.05) than did the group with a lower ascorbic acid concentration. Although the cows' milk production showed a positive correlation with ascorbic acid concentration in plasma (r = 0.47, P  < 0.05), the relation of SH residue concentration to milk yield was not constant. The plasma SH residue concentration during the hot season correlated positively with milk protein % (r = 0.38, P  < 0.05), lactose % (r = 0.35, P  < 0.05), and solid-non-fat (SNF) % (r = 0.47, P  < 0.05), respectively, but not with fat %. On the other hand, ascorbic acid concentration in plasma showed negative correlations with milk fat % (r = −0.34, P  < 0.05) and protein % (r = −0.49, P  < 0.05), but correlated positively with lactose % (r = 0.52, P  < 0.05). The produced amount (g/day) of milk protein (r = 0.42, P  < 0.05), lactose (r = 0.61, P  < 0.05), and SNF (r = 0.56, P  < 0.05) showed positive correlations with ascorbic acid concentration in plasma.     

高温季节草地早熟禾草坪质量与叶片抗氧化酶活性的变化

为探讨高温伏旱胁迫下草地早熟禾草坪质量的下降与其植物体生理活性的关系,本试验在南京夏季田间调查了6个草地早熟禾品种的草坪盖度、密度、综合质量、叶片叶绿素含量及叶片组织含水量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量的变化。结果表明,随着夏季高温伏旱强度的增加和持续时间的延长,各品种的草坪盖度、密度、综合质量、叶片叶绿素含量和组织含水量均持续显著下降,8月中旬的草坪综合质量和叶片组织含水量分别比6月中旬降低了12.1%~27.6%和14.2%~27.6%;8月中旬叶片组织的SOD和POD活性分别比6月中旬下降了36.5%~55.0%和46.9%~65.7%,而MDA含量则增加了19.8%~88.7%。田间高温伏旱胁迫下草坪综合质量和叶片叶绿素含量、组织含水量、SOD与POD活性的降低幅度,以及叶片组织MDA含量的增加幅度均存在显著的品种间差异。较耐高温的“南农选系”和Midnight(W)在胁迫下的变化幅度明显小于不耐热的品种Bluechip、Sobra,以及耐热中等的品种America和Midnight(B),夏季草坪综合质量显著高于其它品种。相关分析结果表明,田间高温伏旱胁迫下草坪综合质量与叶片组织POD活性的下降幅度呈显著负相关。田间高温伏旱期间叶片组织保持较高的含水量和POD活性可能是草地早熟禾品种抗高温伏旱的重要标志之一。     

Effectiveness of controlled internal drug release device treatment to alleviate reproductive seasonality in anestrus lactating or dry Barki and Rahmani ewes during non‐breeding season

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hormonal treatments on ovarian activity and reproductive performance in Barki and Rahmani ewes during non‐breeding season. Forty‐eight multiparous ewes, 24 Barki and 24 Rahmani ewes were divided into two groups, 12 lactating and 12 dry ewes for each breed. Controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was inserted in all ewes for 14 days in conjunction with intramuscular 500 IU equine chronic gonadotrophin (eCG) at day of CIDR removal. Data were analysed using PROC MIXED of SAS for repeated measures. Breed, physiological status and days were used as fixed effects and individual ewes as random effects. Barki ewes recorded higher (p < .05) total number of follicles, number of large follicles, serum estradiol concentration and estradiol: progesterone (E₂:P₄) ratio compared to Rahmani ewes. Lactating ewes recorded higher (p < .05) number of small follicles and lower concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to dry ewes. Number and diameter of large follicles recorded the highest (p < .05) values accompanied with disappearance of corpora lutea at day of mating. Serum progesterone concentration recorded lower (p < .05) value at day of mating and the highest (p < .05) value at day 35 after mating. CIDR‐eCG protocol induced 100% oestrous behaviour in both breeds, but Rahmani ewes recorded longer (p < .05) oestrous duration compared to Barki. Conception failure was higher (p < .05) in Barki compared to Rahmani ewes. In conclusion, CIDR‐eCG protocol was more potent in improving ovarian activity in Barki compared to Rahmani ewes, but this protocol seems to induce hormonal imbalance in Barki ewes that resulted in increasing conception failure compared to Rahmani ewes.     

Changes in skin and rectal temperature in lactating buffaloes provided with showers and wallowing during hot-dry season

Twelve Murrah buffaloes in second or third parity during early lactation (50–70 days) were selected from the Institute’s herd. All the buffaloes were kept under loose housing system and were provided ad lib green maize fodder and water to drink during 30 days experiment during the month of August- September. The buffaloes were divided into two groups of six each. Showering group (SG) buffaloes were kept under water showers from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while wallowing group (WG) buffaloes were allowed to wallow in a water pond during the same time. Physiological responses viz. rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR) and skin temperature (ST) were recorded before (8.00 a.m.) and after (4.00 p.m.) showers or wallowing. Skin temperature at different sites i.e. trunk, forehead, udder, udder vein, and neck regions was measured. Skin and rectal temperature of both the groups were non significant in morning but varied (P < 0.01) in the evening. Skin temperature measured at all the sites was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in wallowing buffaloes than the showering group. Further, skin temperature of neck, head, udder, udder vein and RT varied (P < 0.01) in SG and WG buffaloes during periods of study. The significant changes in all the parameters of study further support the evidence on effective cooling of skin by wallowing in comparison to water showers. The correlation data indicated a positive correlation of maximum air temperature with RT in SG but correlation was non-significant in WG. RT was positively correlated with ST in SG (P < 0.05) and WG (P < 0.01). The pooled data analysis of both groups also indicated a positive correlation of maximum temperature with RT (P < 0.05). The morning respiration and pulse rate non-significantly varied in both group, however, in the evening, the respiration rate and pulse rate was more (P < 0.01) in SG in comparison to WG. No adverse effect of wallowing or shower treatment on mastitis incidence and general health of animals was observed.     

Effects of FSH treatment and withdrawal during proestrus on uterine proliferation and steroid hormone receptor expression in beef heifers

To determine the effects of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) treatment and subsequent withdrawal on uterine proliferation and estrogen receptor (ESR), Brahman crossbred heifers (n = 12) were twice daily injected with FSH (4, 3, and 2 mg/injection) on Days 17–19 of the estrous cycle (FSH 3 days) and (4 and 3 mg/injection) on Days 17–18 (FSH 2 days) and withdrawal with saline on Day 19 and (4 mg/injection) on Day 17 (FSH 1 day) and withdrawal with saline on Days 18–19. Uterine tissue was subjectively collected on Day 20 and microscopically classified to four regions: endometrial stroma (ES), surface endometrial gland (EG), deep endometrial gland (DG), and myometrium (Myo). The cell proliferation marker, Ki-67, was quantified as labeling index (LI) in uterine regions, and tissues were immunostained to detect ESR2 followed by image analysis. The LI of ES, EG, and DG was greater (P = 0.0018, P = 0.0005, and P = 0.0103; respectively) in heifers received FSH for 3 days. The expression of ESR2 protein on ES and EG was greatest (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0036, respectively) in FSH 3 days-treated group. Thus, FSH administration during proestrus stimulates uterine cell proliferation, and ESR2 expressions are affected by FSH during proestrus and differentially distributed in the uterine regions.     

Influence of organic phosphorus on reproductive performance and metabolic profiles of anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics at the end of breeding season

The effect of organic phosphorus on metabolic, haematological and hormonal status, restoration of ovarian functions and conception rate in anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics were evaluated. Anoestrous Farafra ewes (n  = 24; 34.72 ± 0.52 kg body weight) were allocated into two equal groups: control and phosphorus groups. The ewes of phosphorus group were treated with sodium 4‐dimethylamino‐2‐methyl‐phenyl‐phosphonate as an organic bound phosphorous twice a week for successive 3 weeks. Ovarian follicle development and corpora lutea were checked three times a week till occurrence of oestrus using ultrasonography while pregnancy was confirmed at 30 days post‐service. Plasma metabolites, reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and minerals were detected at weeks ?2, ?1, 0 (mating day) and + 4 weeks post‐oestrus. Phosphorus group had significantly (p  < .05) short interval to oestrous resumption if compared to control ewes (2.1 ± 0.8 weeks vs . 4.6 ± 1.1 weeks). In addition, phosphorous supplementation significantly (p  < .05) increased the number of antral follicles (developed and their sizes in addition to sizes of corpora lutea (8.72 ± 0.3 mm vs . 7.46 ± 0.9 mm) as well. Number of services per conception (2.6 vs . 1.4; p  < .01) was higher in control group than that of phosphorus group. Pregnancy rate (80 vs . 50%) was significantly (p  < .01) higher in phosphorus group when compared to control. White blood cells in treated ewes (10.8 ± 0.44; p  < .05) and monocytes (2.93 ± 0.13; p  < .01) were higher than that of control group (white blood cells; 9.53 ± 0.50 and monocytes; 2.24 ± 0.14). Metabolic parameters did not differ between phosphorus and control groups during different times of treatment. It could be concluded that phosphorous administration to anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics could improve reproductive performance and restore ovarian activity at the end of spring and early summer.     

Effect of eCG dose on ovarian haemodynamics,hormonal profiles and prolificacy rate when oestrus was induced during low-breeding season in Beetal goats

The objectives of the experiment were to determine the effect of two doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in a standard synchronization protocol based on a short-term progesterone (P₄) priming on ovarian structures and haemodynamics, concentrations of steroid hormones and prolificacy rate when oestrus was induced during low-breeding season (LBS) in Beetal dairy goats. We hypothesized that inclusion of eCG in a short-term P₄ priming-based synchronization protocol would increase the blood perfusion to ovarian structures leading to enhance oestrous and ovulatory responses and prolificacy rate in goats. Forty-two multiparous acyclic goats were blocked by body condition and, within block, assigned randomly to receive saline as control (CON), low eCG (L-eCG; 300 IU) or high eCG (H-eCG; 600 IU) dose. Initially, a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was placed in the anterior vagina on d −8, followed by removal of CIDR on d −3, concurrent with the administration of PGF_2α and eCG according to their respective treatments. Goats were monitored for oestrous response. B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography was performed with 12-h interval, starting from day −3 until natural breeding (day 0), and then on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 post-breeding to monitor follicular and luteal dynamics and blood flow, respectively. Blood was sampled at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 60 h after CIDR removal to quantify plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β (E₂), whereas plasma concentrations of P₄ were assayed at days 5, 10, 15 and 20 after breeding. Pregnancy and prolificacy rates were determined at day 30 and 150 after breeding, respectively. Data were analysed with mixed-effects models, and orthogonal contrasts were used to evaluate the effect of treatment [Con vs. (½ L-eCG + ½ H-eCG)] and dose of eCG (L-eCG vs. H-eCG). Data are presented in sequence as CON, L-eCG, H-eCG (LSM ± SEM). The oestrous intensity score (152.9 vs. 182.7 vs. 186.5 ± 15.1; p = .02) was greater in eCG-treated goats as compared to CON. Administration of eCG reduced the intervals to standing oestrus (66.2 vs. 41.8 vs. 48.9 h ± 5.5; p = .05), breeding (70.2 vs. 44.4 vs. 45.4 h ± 4.5; p = .03) and ovulation (84.5 vs. 61.2 vs. 63.4 h ± 6.2; p = .05) compared with CON goats. The mean growth rate of pre-ovulatory follicle was greater (1.11 vs. 1.49 vs. 1.45 mm ± 0.08; p = .01) in eCG-treated goats resulting in an increased diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (6.27 vs. 7.20 vs. 7.31 mm ± 0.07; p < .01) and corpora lutea (6.75 vs. 8.26 vs. 8.07 mm ± 0.42; p = .04) than CON. The mean follicular blood flow did not differ among treatments; however, the mean luteal blood flow was greater in L-eCG-treated goats (0.81 vs. 1.61 vs. 1.07 cm² ± 0.12; p = .001). The mean concentrations of E₂ (4.03 vs. 5.21 vs. 4.78 pg/ml ± 0.42; p = .04) and P₄ (4.85 vs. 6.39 vs. 6.22 ng/ml ± 0.34; p = .04) were greater in eCG-treated goats. The twinning rate did not differ between treatments; nevertheless, prolificacy rate was greater (p = .04) in L-eCG-treated goats. Collectively, our data suggest that the administration of eCG improves the induction of oestrous and ovarian dynamics. Administration of L-eCG enhances prolificacy rate, therefore, a low dose of eCG might be practically beneficial to improve reproduction during LBS in acyclic Beetal dairy goats.     

Dietary Echinacea purpurea administration enhanced egg laying performance,serum lipid profile,antioxidant status and semen quality in duck breeders during summer season

This work investigated the outcomes of dietary administration of Echinacea purpurea (EP) powder to breeder ducks on productive and reproductive performance during summer season. Sudani ducks (320 birds) of 32-weeks-old (240 females and 80 males) were randomly allocated into four collections (body weight; 1850 ± 15.2 g for females and 2960.0 ± 40.5 g for males). The primary collection consumed the basal diet without supplementation and was deliberated as control. The other three collections were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5, 5.00 and 7.5 g EP/kg diet, correspondingly. Egg number and mass, laying rate, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly changed by dietary EP levels. Drakes fed EP-supplemented diets had higher ejaculate volume, sperms concentration and live sperms (%) as well as lower dead sperms (%) than the control group. Eggs laid by ducks fed diet supplemented with 2.5 g/kg had the greatest fertility and hatchability percentages, followed by those fed 5.0 g EP/kg. Ducks fed different EP diets had higher values of haemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs and lymphocytes, lower values of heterophils percentage and lower H/L ratio than the control. All serum constituents were significantly changed by dietary EP supplementation, except of total protein and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme. Conclusively, dietary EP supplementation at 2.5 g/kg had beneficial effects on productive and reproductive performance as well as lipid profile and antioxidant status and economically valued in breeder ducks under summer conditions.     

Changes in metabolite, energy metabolism related enzyme activities and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Populations in beef heifers with two differing liveweight change profiles in New Zealand

Metabolite and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations, energy metabolism related enzymes activities and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations were measured in blood of pregnant Angus heifers with differing liveweight change profiles (gaining or losing), in New Zealand to investigate the meanings of those parameters in the restricted feeding beef heifers. Beef heifers losing liveweight (−412 g/day) showed significantly lower concentrations of plasma IRI, and higher concentrations of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) than heifers gaining liveweight (483 g/day). The cytosolic and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities and MDH/lactate dehydrogenase (M/L) ratio in leukocytes of the liveweight losing heifers were significantly higher than those the liveweight gaining heifers. Percentages of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3 positive cells and natural killer (NK) cells in PBMC decreased significantly in the liveweight losing heifers compared to those in the liveweight gaining heifers. Plasma IRI and FFA concentrations, leukocyte cytosolic and mitochondrial MDH activities and CD3 positive and NK cell populations may be useful markers to evaluate metabolic conditions and immunity in the restricted feeding beef heifers.     

Feed handling of lactating crossbred cows maintained in a semi‐arid region during the hot season: physiological parameters,ingestive behavior and performance

The effects of time of feed delivery (14.00 hours; 14.00 and 20.00 hours; 16.00 and 18.00 hours) on the physiological parameters, ingestive behavior, nutrient intake and production of lactating cows maintained in a semi‐arid region during the hot season were evaluated. Regardless of treatment, all animals received the first feeding supply at 06.00 hours. Eight cows with an average body weight of 600 kg, average milk yield of 20 kg/day and 80 days in milk were utilized. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate and sweating rate were not affected (P > 0.05), with average values of 38.5°C, 53.8 movements/min and 104 g/m²/h respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the eating time (314 min/day), ruminating time (564 min/day), drinking time (61 min/day) and idle time (502 min/day). Similarly, the intake of nutrients and performance of lactating cows were not affected (P > 0.05), with average dry matter intake of 19.8 kg/day, 4% fat‐corrected milk of 20.6 kg/day and milk fat concentration of 4.03 g/100 g. Since the behavior and performance have not altered, any times of feed delivery evaluated could be used to crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows maintained on a feedlot in semi‐arid regions during the hot season.     

Changes in gene expression profiles and cytokine secretions in peripheral monocytes by treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from a canine lymphoma cell line

Interactions between tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment play an important role in tumor progression, and small extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from these tumor cells have been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects on various immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. Although the immunomodulatory effects of small EVs derived from human cancer cells have been intensively investigated, few studies have investigated the effects of lymphoma-derived small EVs on macrophages in both human and veterinary medicine. Here, we evaluated the effects of canine lymphoma-derived small EVs on canine primary monocytes, which are the major source of macrophages in neoplastic tissues. Comprehensive gene expression analysis of these treated monocytes revealed their distinct activation via the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NF-κβ signaling pathways. In addition, treatment with lymphoma small EVs increased the secretion of MCP-1, which induces the infiltration and migration of monocytes and lymphocytes in neoplastic and cancer tissues. The results of this study indicate that canine lymphoma small EVs activate monocytes, possibly through the activation of TLR and NF-κβ signaling pathways, and induce monocytes to secrete of MCP-1, which might contribute to immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment.     

山东泗水春季农田地表空气中PM2.5浓度变化及影响因素

在2019年的3月1日 ?5月31日,以PM2.5采样器、自动气象站与土壤温湿度数据采集器,对山东泗水县开垦农田近地表80 cm处空气中PM2.5逐日浓度与环境因素进行了观测,以回归统计方法分析了PM2.5浓度变化与环境因素的关系.结果显示:在3月 ?5月,山东泗水县开垦农田近地表80 cm处空气中PM2.5浓度平均值为160.98μg·m?3、变化范围在16.67～333.33μg·m?3.同时,PM2.5浓度变化与风速呈显著指数函数关系(P<0.05),与0?5 cm土层土壤湿度呈显著负相关和指数函数关系(P<0.05);PM2.5浓度变化与气温呈极显著倒数函数关系(P<0.01).另外,PM2.5浓度变化与风速、气温、相对湿度和0?5 cm土层土壤温湿度因素多元线性回归分析中,风速和土壤湿度影响达到显著水平(P<0.01).结果表明,在春季,山东泗水县农田近地表空气中PM2.5污染受风速和0?5 cm土层土壤湿度等多种因素影响,会对大气环境产生不可忽视的影响.     

Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving,in the umbilical vein at calving,and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses

Dairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late-pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (−1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (−1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.