Expression levels of mRNA-encoding PDGF receptors in goat ovaries and the influence of PDGF on the in vitro development of caprine pre-antral follicles

The aims of this study were to investigate the expression levels of mRNA for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors (PDGFR-α and -β) in caprine follicles at different developmental stages and to evaluate the influence of PDGF on the in vitro development of pre-antral follicles. For this, goat primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as small (1-3 mm) and large (3-6 mm) antral follicles, were obtained, and PDGFR-α and -β mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. Furthermore, pre-antral follicles (≥ 200 μm) were isolated from goat ovaries and cultured for 18 days in α- minimum essential medium supplemented with PDGF at 50 or 100 ng/ml, containing or not FSH. Real-time PCR showed highest PDGFR-α mRNA levels in secondary follicles, while PDGFR-β mRNA levels were highest in primary follicles onwards. Both receptors showed higher mRNA levels in granulosa/theca cells from small and large antral follicles than in their corresponding cumulus-oocyte complexes. In culture, the percentage of antrum formation was significantly higher in 100 ng/ml PDGF compared with the same PDGF concentration associated with FSH. After 18 days, PDGF in both concentrations associated with FSH promoted follicular growth significantly higher than the control. Moreover, the addition of FSH to 50 ng/ml PDGF positively influenced the follicular growth when compared with the same PDGF concentration in the absence of FSH. In conclusion, PDGF is important for early goat folliculogenesis, because the presence of PDGFR-α and -β mRNA was detected in all follicular categories, and PDGF associated with FSH stimulated the growth of goat pre-antral follicles isolated and cultured in vitro.     

Proteomic analyses of Ehrlichia ruminantium highlight differential expression of MAP1-family proteins

The Rickettsiales Ehrlichia ruminantium (ER) is the causative agent of heartwater, a fatal tick-borne disease of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Caribbean, posing strong economical constraints to livestock production. In an attempt to identify the most prominent proteins expressed by this bacterium, especially those encoded by the major antigenic protein 1 (map1) multigene family, a proteome map of ER cultivated in endothelial cells was constructed by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. Among the sixty-four spots detected, we could identify only four proteins from the MAP1-family; the other proteins detected were mainly related to energy, amino acid and general metabolism (26%), to protein turnover, chaperones and survival (21%) and to information processes (14%) or classified as hypothetical proteins (23%). Additional studies on MAP1-family protein using immunochemical labeling also revealed that these proteins are differentially expressed along the bacterium life cycle, presenting different structural organization. Interestingly, when infectious elementary bodies (EBs) are released from host cells, MAP1 appears to be organized in SDS and heat-resistant dimers and trimers stabilized by disulfide bridges. Overall, the results presented herein not only reveal the first partial proteome map of ER but provide new insights on the expression ER MAP1-family proteins in host endothelial cells.     

Microbiological quality of Litopenaeus vannamei culture using conventional and biofloc systems

Shrimp farming is a fast‐expanding activity that has supported the growth in the supply of these crustaceans to consumers around the world. However, the end product is vulnerable to contamination at all stages of the process, including the rearing tanks, where current practices prioritize to raise stocking densities and the minimization of water renewal. It is thus important to evaluate the potential of these systems for the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms, which may render the product unfit for human consumption. In the present study, the presence of coagulase‐positive Staphylococcus, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., and total and thermotolerant coliforms was verified in biofloc tank and conventional pond systems used for the rearing of Litopenaeus vannamei in Pernambuco, Brazil, and the results were compared with the legislation regulating the marketing of fresh shrimp. Samples were collected from two biofloc tanks with a density of 375 shrimp m^?2, and two conventional ponds with 12 shrimp m^?2. None of the samples tested positive for either Salmonella spp. or coagulase‐positive Staphylococcus, which is consistent with the legislation. While no standards are defined legally for Vibrio spp. or coliforms, very low concentrations were recorded in both systems, in comparison with other studies. While some variation in bacterial contamination was observed over the rearing process, the end product of both systems was fit for human consumption. The results of the study indicate that, while the water is not renewed in the biofloc system, the development of undesirable microorganisms can be controlled, with no adverse effects for the end product.     

Community genomics among stratified microbial assemblages in the ocean's interior

Microbial life predominates in the ocean, yet little is known about its genomic variability, especially along the depth continuum. We report here genomic analyses of planktonic microbial communities in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, from the ocean's surface to near-sea floor depths. Sequence variation in microbial community genes reflected vertical zonation of taxonomic groups, functional gene repertoires, and metabolic potential. The distributional patterns of microbial genes suggested depth-variable community trends in carbon and energy metabolism, attachment and motility, gene mobility, and host-viral interactions. Comparative genomic analyses of stratified microbial communities have the potential to provide significant insight into higher-order community organization and dynamics.     

Low diversity in the native populations of Croton tetradenius Baill. when using SNP markers: a future crop with an insecticidal activity

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Croton tetradenius Baill. is an aromatic plant species whose essential oils have high economic importance. Its incorporation into Active Germplasm Banks is...     

Nutritional evaluation of the soy-whey milk analogLa colina

The milk analogLa colina is a product which contains mainly whey, soy protein isolate and vegetable oil, designed for infants since one year, children, adolescents and adults of all ages. The concept behind this product is to offer an alternative to milk consumption which during the last decade has decreased dramatically in Venezuela mainly due to its high price and low availability. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritionally this new product in order to determine if from a nutritional stand point it could represent a valid alternative to milk consumption. The results showed thatLa Colina offers the same amount of protein, energy, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and potassium as whole milk powder and more sodium, iron and zinc. In addition, a rat assay showed that the energy in these two products is equally available and even though the proteins inLa colina are 3.9% less digestible, their quality determined by growth, PER or the nitrogen retained are excellent and identical to the quality of the proteins in milk. These results agreed with the theoretical chemical score of the proteins of this new product, which indicated that the amino acid profile of the mixture can fulfill the amino acid requirements of children, adolescents an adults. Both milk andLa colina are products with a high fat content. The fat in this new product however, is vegetable oil and therefore it has a more convenient fatty acid profile than whole milk and about one third of its cholesterol. In short, these results showed thatLa Colina from a nutritional point of view is an excellent alternative to milk consumption.     

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Lyngbyabellin M

Lyngbyabellin M is a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase derived metabolite isolated from the cyanobacterium M. bouillonii displaying thiazole rings and a distinct chlorinated octanoic acid chain. Its absolute configuration was proposed based on the comparison of its spectroscopic data with those of other representatives of this family of marine natural products, as well as degradation and derivatization studies. Here the first total synthesis of (+)-lyngbyabellin M is described based on the coupling of three key intermediates: two chiral thiazole moieties and an anti hydroxycarboxylic acid prepared stereoselectively via a boron enolate mediated aldol reaction directed by Masamune’s chiral auxiliary.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity from algae of the genus Caulerpa

Marine natural products have been the focus of discovery for new products of chemical and pharmacological interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the methanolic (ME), acetate (AE), hexanic (HE) and chloroform (CE) extracts obtained from Caulerpa mexicana, and ME, CE and HE obtained from Caulerpa sertularioides. These marine algae are found all over the world, mainly in tropical regions. Models such as the writhing test, the hot plate test and formalin-induced nociception test were used to evaluate antinociceptive activity in laboratory mice. In the writhing test, all the extracts were administered orally at a concentration of 100 mg/kg, and induced high peripheral antinociceptive activity, with a reduction in the nociception induced by acetic acid above 65%. In the hot plate test, treatment with extracts from C. sertularioides (100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not significantly increase the latency of response, although the ME, AE and HE from C. mexicana showed activity in this model. This result suggests that these extracts exhibit antinociceptive activity. In the formalin test, it was observed that ME, AE and HE obtained from C. mexicana reduced the effects of formalin in both phases. On the other hand only CE from C. sertularioides induced significant inhibition of the nociceptive response in the first phase. To better assess the potential anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts, the carrageenan-induced peritonitis test was used to test Caulerpa spp. extracts on cell migration into the peritoneal cavity. In this assay, all extracts evaluated were able to significantly inhibit leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity in comparison with carrageenan. These data demonstrate that extracts from Caulerpa species elicit pronounced antinociceptive and anti-inflamatory activity against several nociception models. However, pharmacological and chemical studies are continuing in order to characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for the antinociceptive action and also to identify the active principles present in the Caulerpa species.     

Water quality and growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) in co-culture with green seaweed Ulva lactuca (Linaeus) in intensive system

An indoor trial was conducted for 28 days to evaluate the effects and interactions of biofloc and seaweed Ulva lactuca in water quality and growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in intensive system. L. vannamei (4.54 ± 0.09 g) were stocked in experimental tanks at a density 132 shrimp m^?2 (566 shrimp m^?3) and the U. lactuca was stocked at a density 0.46 kg m^?2 (2.0 kg m^?3). Biofloc with seaweed (BF-S) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) by 25.9 %, nitrite–nitrogen (NO₂–N) by 72.8 %, phosphate (PO ₄ ³ -P) by 24.6 %, and total suspended solids by 12.9 % in the water and significantly increased (P < 0.05) settleable solids by 34.2 % and final weight of shrimp by 6.9 % as compared to biofloc without seaweed. The BF-S can contribute by reducing nitrogen compounds (TAN and NO₂–N), phosphate (PO ₄ ³ -P), and total suspended solids in water and increased final weight of shrimp.