Ion levels in the gastrointestinal tract content of freshwater and marine–estuarine teleosts

This study investigated the relationship between ion levels (Na?, Cl?, K?, Ca2?, and Mg2?) in the fluid phase and total chyme of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract segments of freshwater and marine-estuarine teleosts collected in different salinities (0-34 ppt) in estuarine and freshwater portions of the S?o Gon?alo channel, southern Brazil. In addition, the relative contribution of feeding and osmoregulation to the ionic content of each portion of the gastrointestinal tract of fishes collected in different ambient salinities was analyzed. There was no relationship between salinity and ion levels in the fluid phase and total chyme of the segments of the gastrointestinal tract when considering all species together. However, there was a significant positive relationship between salinity and ion levels in the fluid phase and total chyme of two fish species (Micropogonias furnieri and Genidens barbus) collected in three or more different salinities. In most species, ion levels in the fluid phase and total chyme changed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting absorption, but the ionoregulatory mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract seem to vary according to species.     

Effects of Dermatan Sulfate from Marine Invertebrate Styela plicata in the Wound Healing Pathway: A Natural Resource Applied to Regenerative Therapy

Acute and chronic dermatological injuries need rapid tissue repair due to the susceptibility to infections. To effectively promote cutaneous wound recovery, it is essential to develop safe, low-cost, and affordable regenerative tools. Therefore, we aimed to identify the biological mechanisms involved in the wound healing properties of the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate (DS), obtained from ascidian Styela plicata, a marine invertebrate, which in preliminary work from our group showed no toxicity and promoted a remarkable fibroblast proliferation and migration. In this study, 2,4-DS (50 µg/mL)-treated and control groups had the relative gene expression of 84 genes participating in the healing pathway evaluated. The results showed that 57% of the genes were overexpressed during treatment, 16% were underexpressed, and 9.52% were not detected. In silico analysis of metabolic interactions exhibited overexpression of genes related to: extracellular matrix organization, hemostasis, secretion of inflammatory mediators, and regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport and uptake. Furthermore, in C57BL/6 mice subjected to experimental wounds treated with 0.25% 2,4-DS, the histological parameters demonstrated a great capacity for vascular recovery. Additionally, this study confirmed that DS is a potent inducer of wound-healing cellular pathways and a promoter of neovascularization, being a natural ally in the tissue regeneration strategy.     

Overview of Phlorotannins’ Constituents in Fucales

Fucales are an order within the Phaeophyceae that include most of the common littoral seaweeds in temperate and subtropical coastal regions. Many species of this order have long been a part of human culture with applications as food, feedand remedies in folk medicine. Apart from their high nutritional value, these seaweeds are also a well-known reservoir of multiple bioactive compounds with great industrial interest. Among them, phlorotannins, a unique and diverse class of brown algae-exclusive phenolics, have gathered much attention during the last few years due to their numerous potential health benefits. However, due to their complex structural features, combined with the scarcity of standards, it poses a great challenge to the identification and characterization of these compounds, at least with the technology currently available. Nevertheless, much effort has been taken towards the elucidation of the structural features of phlorotannins, which have resulted in relevant insights into the chemistry of these compounds. In this context, this review addresses the major contributions and technological advances in the field of phlorotannins extraction and characterization, with a particular focus on Fucales.     

Testicular shape,scrotal skin thickness and testicular artery blood flow changes in bulls of different ages

The aim of this study was to compare the biometric testicular characteristics, skin thickness and haemodynamics of the testicular artery of 12- and 24-month-old bulls using Doppler ultrasonography, the study was conducted using 48 indicus-taurus animals. The scrotal circumference (SC) and biometry characteristics of the bulls were measured to calculate the testicular volume. Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain the haemodynamic values of the testicular artery. The skin thickness and volume were lower (p<.01) in the younger bulls (12 months:4.68 ± 0.68 mm; 168.76 ± 47.96 cm³) versus 24 months (5.05 ± 0.89; 499.73 ± 129.24 cm³) animals (p<.01). During diastole, mean velocity was lower in the 12 months (7.98 ± 3.83) than in the 24 months (11.37 ± 4.15) animals (p <.05). The 12-month-old animals had higher pulsatility and resistivity indices (0.49 ± 0.02; 0.51 ± 0.20) compared to the 24-month-old animals (0.32 ± 0.16; 0.40 ± 0.15) (p < .05). The final testicular end velocity was lower in animals with long/moderate-shaped (L/M) (7.31 ± 2.91) than in those moderate/oval-shaped (M/O) (11.48 ± 3.88) testicles (p < .05). Animals with L/M testes presented higher pulsatility values and resistivity indices (0.51 ± 0.05; 0.55 ± 0.04) compared to animals with M/O shape (0.29 ± 0.20; 0.36 ± 0.15). We showed that the blood flow of the supra testicular artery between the two evaluated ages differed, and that 24-month-old bulls presented better thermoregulation capacity. Animals with a long/moderate testicular format presented a greater vascular resistance, which was imposed on the blood flow due to the anatomical differences in the testicular artery, resulting in lower velocity, and indicating better heat dissipation in this format.     

Adiponectin enhances in vitro development of swine embryos

Recent studies have shown that factors from adipose tissue influence and regulate the reproductive system. Hormones such as leptin and resistin are now known to regulate several reproductive processes. Adiponectin is the most abundant protein secreted by adipose tissue, and its circulating concentration is inversely related to adiposity and body mass index. Little is known about the involvement of adiponectin in reproduction. In the present study, the effect of recombinant adiponectin on the meiotic maturation and early embryo development in vitro was investigated, using porcine oocytes. Adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, were found to be expressed in porcine oocytes and cumulus cells of both small and large follicles. Both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were immunolocalized to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), oocytes, and early developing embryos. When included in oocyte maturation medium for 46 h, adiponectin significantly decreased the frequency of meiotic immature oocytes derived from large follicles (3-6 mm) but not from small follicles (<3mm). From studies of oocytes matured in the presence of adiponectin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors MEK1 (PD98059), MEK1/2 (U0126), and p38MAPK (SB203580) it was concluded that adiponectin enhances oocyte maturation thought the p38MAPK pathway. Finally, a superior rate of embryo development to the blastocyst stage was achieved by embryos cultured in the presence of adiponectin. These results indicate that adiponectin has a positive effect on the meiotic maturation and in vitro embryo development of porcine oocytes and suggests a physiological role for this adipokine in early development in mammals.     

Biochemical analysis, cpn60 and 16S rDNA sequence data indicate that Streptococcus suis serotypes 32 and 34, isolated from pigs, are Streptococcus orisratti

Streptococcus suis serotypes have traditionally been identified by morphology, biochemical profiling and serotyping. Analysis of the sequences of 16S rRNA and cpn60 genes of the 35 characterized serotypes of S. suis led to the observation that two serotypes 32 and 34, are significantly distinct from other S. suis serotypes and may represent a distinct species. Here we present DNA sequence data and biochemical profiles which indicate that S. suis serotypes 32 and 34, isolated from pigs, are clustered with Streptococcus orisratti, a Voges-Proskauer negative, alpha-haemolytic, aesculin-hydrolytic, Lancefield group A streptococcus isolated from the teeth of rats.     

Coxiella burnetii Shedding During the Peripartum Period and Subsequent Fertility in Dairy Cattle

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of Coxiella burnetii shedding or seropositivity on post‐partum recovery and subsequent fertility in high‐producing dairy cows. Given the difficulty in diagnosing C. burnetii infection at the farm level, an exhaustive series of tests in 43 pregnant animals that delivered at least one live calf were conducted, including blood serology and PCR of milk or colostrum, cotyledons (only at parturition), faeces, vaginal fluid against C. burnetii on gestation Day 171–177, at parturition and on Days 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35 and 90–97 post‐partum. During scheduled herd visits, ultrasonography (US) of the genital tract and examination of vaginal fluid were performed on Days 15–21 (V1), 22–28 (V2), 29–35 (V3) and 51–57 (V4) post‐partum by the same veterinarian. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of suffering endometritis (the presence of echogenic intrauterine fluid (IUF), cervical diameter of ≥4 cm or endometrial thickness ≥0.75 cm) was lower in C. burnetii‐seropositive animals (OR = 0.10), compared with C. burnetii‐seronegative animals. According to Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, C. burnetii‐seronegative and non‐shedding cows showed a delayed return to luteal activity and conception was delayed in non‐shedding animals, compared with the remaining animals. Overall, the results of our study provide useful insight into the effects of C. burnetii infection on post‐partum recovery and subsequent fertility. In particular, animals not infected with Coxiella seem to be susceptible to infection and not protected against the bacterium in dairy herds. The elevated costs of determining an infection at the farm level, make monitoring of cows virtually impossible from a clinical point of view.