Abundance of some skeletal muscle mitochondrial proteins is associated with increased blood serum insulin in bovine fetuses

The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the abundance of cytochrome oxidase c subunit IV (NCOIV) and beta subunit of ATP synthase (β-ATP) during the last third of gestation in bovine skeletal muscles. Semitendinosus, longissimus thoracis and rectus abdominis muscles were chosen for the immunoblotting of the respective protein levels. Muscle and blood samples from bovine fetuses of randomly selected breeds were collected at 180, 210, and 260 days post-conception (dpc). The muscle tissue expressions of NCOIV, β-ATP were compared to blood glucose and insulin. At 260 dpc, protein levels of NCOIV raised in skeletal muscles. Additionally, β-ATP in semitendinosus and longissimus thoracis were elevated and paralleled by higher concentrations of blood serum insulin. It corroborates our previous observations indicating that accelerated metabolic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscles is associated with elevated blood insulin and occurs during the last trimester of gestation. Our observations point to the connection between insulin-sensitivity and the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial contribution to ontogenesis of skeletal muscles.     

Sperm quality and selected biochemical markers of seminal plasma at the beginning of the reproductive period of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Changes in semen quality and selected biochemical markers were analyzed during a week of spawning season of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. Semen was obtained twice, on May 30 and on June 7, and each time it was collected 24 h after hormonal stimulation using Ovopel [(d-Ala⁶, Pro⁹ NEt)-mGnRH + metoclopramide] in 1 pellet kg^?1. The total volume of semen (ml), volume of semen per kg of body weight (ml kg^?1 b.w.), sperm concentration (×10⁹ ml^?1), total number of sperm per kg of body weight (×10⁹ kg^?1 b.w.), pH of semen, pH of seminal plasma, seminal plasma osmotic pressure (mOsm kg^?1) and the total protein content in seminal plasma (mg ml^?1) were determined. A 10 mM Tris buffer containing 100 mM NaCl with 0.5 % BSA (pH 9.0, osmolality 200 mOsm kg^?1) was used to activate sperm. The following computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters were determined: percentage of motile sperm (MOT, %), progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm s^?1), straight-line velocity (VSL, μm s^?1), movement linearity (LIN, %), wobbling index (WOB, %), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm) and beat cross-frequency (BCF, Hz). The volume of semen per kg of BW, total number of sperm per kg of BW and semen pH were significantly lower at the second semen sampling compared to the first semen sampling. Volume of semen at the second sampling correlated positively with CASA parameters. A lack of differences among CASA parameters between both collection periods indicates good quality of carp sperm hormonally stimulated with Ovopel twice at a 1-week interval.     

Rearing river lamprey <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lampetra fluviatilis</Emphasis> (L.) larvae under controlled conditions as a tool for restitution of endangered populations

A method for actively protecting river lamprey and increasing the number of river lamprey populations is presented as protocol of rearing stocking material. The objective of the study was to accommodate lamprey larvae during the most critical life period under controlled conditions until they reach a sufficient size, which will increase their chances to survive in the natural environment. The eggs obtained from wild breeders were incubated in Weiss’s jars at the water temperature of 12 °C. The larvae were reared in tanks set up in closed recirculating aquaculture systems. During the rearing period, the water temperature was 20 °C and the density of larvae was 150 individuals per 1 dm² of bottom. In the initial rearing phase, the main focus was on the type of feeds and the nourishment method. It was determined that the most suitable feed type was Artemia nauplii combined with Hikari dry food. Additionally, the type of substrate was tested under controlled conditions. In this case, the optimum one was composed of sand of the grain size between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. The experiment proved that it is possible to successfully conduct river lamprey larvae rearing under controlled conditions. The growth rates are comparable to or better than those achieved under natural conditions. After 30 days of the rearing period, the lamprey larvae were 25 mm long. The results create a possibility to develop a technology for the restitution of river lamprey and other lamprey species, which are endangered throughout the world.     

Reactivity of selected markers of innate and adaptive immunity in rabbits experimentally infected with antigenic variants of RHD (Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1a)

Veterinary Research Communications - Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 causes a fatal viral condition in rabbits characterized by acute viral hepatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Due to...     

Meiotic gynogenesis affects the individual and gonadal development in sterlet Acipenser ruthenus

Larval growth and gonadal differentiation of gynogenetic sterlet Acipenser ruthenus were studied. The gynogenetic fish were produced by activation of albino sterlet eggs with UV‐irradiated sperm (collected from healthy coloration specimens), following by a heat shock of 34°C. Embryos were reared at 18.0 ± 0.5°C in a recirculation system and initially fed with Artemia sp. for 4 weeks and then fed with formulated feed. During the experiment, the length and weight of fish were recorded for the gynogenetic and control groups. Additionally, the analysis of gonadal sex differentiation was conducted with a 2‐week interval at 289, 303, 317, 331, 345 and 373 DPH. The mean body weight of the control group was significantly higher (p < .05) than the gynogenetic group only at 345 and 373 DPH, while the mean total body length was significantly higher at 331 and 345 DPH (p < .05). The gonad investigation was started at 289 DPH, and ~80% of females were found in the gynogenetic group during the trial period while the number of females and males was similar at 303, 331 and 373 DPH in the control group. The first symptoms of morphological differentiation appeared at 289 DPH, and the final shaping macroscopic structure of the gonad took place earlier in females than in males.     

Genetic variability of Polish tomato black ring virus isolates and their satellite RNAs

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV), a member of the Nepovirus genus, is a serious plant pathogen distributed worldwide. It causes significant damage to several economically important crops, such as artichoke or strawberry. The TBRV bipartite genome consists of two polyadenylated single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecules, which may be accompanied by subviral particles such as defective interfering RNAs (DI RNAs) and satellite RNAs (satRNAs). In this study, we obtained the complete genome sequence of six TBRV isolates originating from different hosts and determined the presence of eight TBRV satRNAs. Subsequently, genetic variability, recombination, phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses were performed. The results revealed that the TBRV population is genetically diverse. The occurrence of potential recombination events, evidence of positive selection pressure acting on particular codons and the diversification of satRNAs within the TBRV population indicated that the virus mutates and can rapidly adapt to new environmental conditions or hosts. The presented data shed some light on TBRV evolutionary dynamics and epidemiology.     

Fauna activity on soils developing on dead logs in an ancient inland temperate rainforest of North British Columbia (Canada)

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The aim of the study was to compare the feeding activity of soil fauna in forest floor soil and in soil layer developing on dead cedar logs in temperate ancient...