The impact of agricultural comprehensive development on agro-ecological efficiency of China: evidence from perspective of scale and structure / O impacto do desenvolvimento agrícola na eficiência agro-ecológica da China: evidência sob a perspectiva de escala e estrutura

Promoting the agricultural sustainable development is one of the core objectives of agricultural comprehensive development (ACD), and the core of agricultural sustainable development lies in enhancing agro-ecological efficiency (AEE). Based on inter-provincial panel data from 2003-2017, the AEE was measured by a unexpected super-efficient SBM model. From the perspective of investment scale and investment structure, the impact of investment scale in ACD on AEE was examined using a panel econometric model, then characterizing the investment structure by the proportion of government funds in the investment of ACD, examining the non-linear relationship between investment structure of ACD and AEE seeking a reasonable proportion of government expenditure. Finally, a spatial econometric model was constructed to test the spatial spillover effect of the scale and structure of investment in ACD on AEE. Results showed that: (i) AEE of China is on the rise overall, but the efficiency level is still low and there is large scope for improvement. (ii) Due to the inefficient use of funds and the lag in the transformation of agricultural benefits, the scale of investment in ACD has a significant negative impact on AEE in the current period. (iii) The impact of investment structure of ACD on AEE presents a significant "inverted N" relationship, and the optimal proportion of government fund investment structure is 76.71%. The reasonable structure of investment in ACD at different food functional areas shows differences. (iv) After considering the spatial effect, the impact of ACD remains robust, but the spatial spillover effect prolongs the time lag of this impact of investment scale and starts to have a positive impact in the 2nd year after the investment. Guarantee the investment scale in ACD, reduce financial redundancy, establish a cooperation mechanism between ACD and agricultural ecological protection in neighboring areas, and increase the introduction of private capital can achieve sustainable development of agricultural economy.

Promover o desenvolvimento agrícola sustentável é um dos objetivos centrais do desenvolvimento agrícola abrangente (ACD), e o núcleo do desenvolvimento agrícola sustentável está no aumento da eficiência agro-ecológica (AEE). Com base nos dados do painel interprovincial de 2003-2017, o AEE foi medido por um modelo SBM super-eficiente inesperado. Da perspectiva da escala de investimento e da estrutura de investimento, o impacto da escala de investimento da ACD na AEE foi examinado utilizando um modelo econométrico de painel, então caracterizado a estrutura de investimento pela proporção de fundos governamentais no investimento da ACD, examina a relação não linear entre a estrutura de investimento da ACD e da AEE para buscar uma proporção razoável dos gastos governamentais. Finalmente, um modelo econométrico espacial foi construído para testar o efeito de spillover espacial da escala e da estrutura de investimento da TDAA na AEE. Os resultados mostram isso: (i) O AEE da China está em ascensão em geral, mas o nível de eficiência ainda é baixo e há uma grande margem para melhorias. (ii) Devido ao uso ineficiente dos fundos e ao atraso na transformação dos benefícios agrícolas, a escala de investimento na TCAA tem um impacto negativo significativo na TCAA no período atual. (iii) O impacto da estrutura de investimento da DCA na AEE apresenta uma relação "N invertida" significativa, e a proporção ótima da estrutura de investimento dos fundos governamentais é de 76,71%. A estrutura razoável de investimento na TCA em diferentes áreas funcionais de alimentos mostra diferenças. (iv) Depois de considerar o efeito espacial, o impacto da TCA permanece robusto, mas o efeito de spillover espacial prolonga o tempo de atraso deste impacto da escala de investimento e começa a ter um impacto positivo no 2º ano após o investimento. Garantir a escala de investimento na TCA, reduzir a redundância financeira, estabelecer um mecanismo de cooperação entre a TCA e a proteção ecológica agrícola em áreas vizinhas e aumentar a introdução de capital privado pode alcançar o desenvolvimento sustentável da economia agrícola.

Genetic connectivity in the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Lutjaniformes: Lutjanidae) between Mexico and Panama throughout the Tropical Eastern Pacific

The spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus, is an important fishery species with high potential for aquaculture. Genetic characterization of its natural populations is necessary to avoid stock collapse and loss of genetic diversity. Previous studies carried out in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), however, have shown contrasting results in the genetic structure of fish populations, particularly in species of Lutjanidae. Therefore, to understand the genetic structure of spotted rose snapper in the TEP, twelve microsatellite loci were used to assess the genetic diversity and explore the hypothesis of population genetic structure in samples of the species collected throughout the TEP. Fin clips from 186 sampled individuals (27 to 49 per site) were analyzed from five sites in the three regional biogeographic provinces, delimited by shoreline reef habitat breaks: La Paz (Cortez province), Colima and Oaxaca (Mexican province), Chiriqui and Port of Panama (Panamic province). Results of global Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), population pairwise FST, hierarchical AMOVA, and a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) reflected a panmictic population involving the entire set of sampled sites. The role of larval dispersal, post-recruitment migration, and marine current dynamics as drivers of genetic connectivity in this species is discussed.(AU)

Ecological structure of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in the Hauts Plateaux of Northeast Algeria / Estrutura ecológica das comunidades de macroinvertebrados aquáticos nos Hauts Plateaux do nordeste da Argélia

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are integral parts of functioning wetlands, inhabiting a diversity of aquatic ecosystems where communities are spatially structured. Macroinvertebrates of some Mediterranean regions such as North Africa are still not well studied. Here, we study the community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates in four different types of lotic and lentic wetlands in the semiarid Haut Plateaux of Northeast Algeria. Macroinvertebrates and 06 physicochemical parameters were sampled in 12 sites belonging to four types of habitats (lotic river, lentic river, dams, and sebkha [saline lentic water body]) during January-December 2021. Eventually, the character lentic-lotic was the most important variable affecting the affecting invertebrate communities in the Mediterranean region. The results revealed that sebkha and dams had a lower Shannon index than lentic and lotic rivers. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed a strong overlap between the community composition in lotic and lentic sites . Howeverin the three types of aquatic groups lentic river, dam and lotic habitats showed a strong overlap between the community whereas sebkha was markedly separated. Redundancy analysis showed that water velocity and pH, were the main drivers of community structure of macroinvertebrates, revealed a strong effect with pH (F1,8=4.15, P = 0.001) and water velocity (F1,8= 3.22, P = 0.002) , separating lotic communities from those that inhabited dams, lentic rivers, and sebkhas. As conclusion, this study contributes to the better understanding of the community structure of macroinvertebrates in semiarid North Africa where wetlands have been experiencing high anthropogenic disturbance.

Macroinvertebrados aquáticos são partes integrantes de zonas úmidas em funcionamento, habitando uma diversidade de ecossistemas aquáticos onde as comunidades são espacialmente estruturadas. Os macroinvertebrados de algumas regiões mediterrâneas, como o norte da África, ainda não foram especificamente analisados. Neste trabalho, almejou-se analisar a estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em 4 tipos diferentes de pântanos lóticos e lênticos no semiárido Haut Plateaux do nordeste da Argélia. Os macroinvertebrados e 6 parâmetros físico-químicos foram amostrados mensalmente em 12 locais pertencentes a 4 categorias de habitats diferentes (rio lótico, rio lêntico, barragens e sebkha - corpo de água salina lêntica) de janeiro a dezembro de 2021. Os resultados revelaram que sebkha e barragens tiveram um pH mais baixo do que os rios lênticos e lóticos. A análise de escala multidimensional não-métrica mostrou uma forte sobreposição entre a composição da comunidade em sítios lóticos e lênticos, mas nos 3 tipos de sítios lênticos, barragem e rio lêntico mostraram uma forte sobreposição, enquanto sebkha foi marcadamente separado. A análise de redundância mostrou que a velocidade da água e o pH foram os principais impulsionadores da estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados, separando as comunidades lóticas daquelas que habitavam barragens, rios lênticos e sebkhas. Assim, à guisa de conclusão, este estudo contribui para a melhor compreensão da estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados no semiárido norte da África, onde as zonas úmidas têm sofrido alta perturbação antrópica.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp in tissues of Sus scrofa slaughtered in southern Brazil / Detecção molecular de Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Sarcocystis spp. em tecidos de Sus scrofa abatidos no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum, in tissues of wild boars slaughtered in southern Brazil. A total of 156 samples were collected from different organs of 25 wild boars, and DNA from at least one of the protozoa investigated was detected in 79 samples. To differentiate between infectious agents, restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed using the restriction enzymes DdeI and HpaII. For N. caninum, conventional PCR was performed with specific primers. The DNA of at least one of the studied pathogens was detected in each animal: 26.58% for T. gondii, 68.36% for Sarcocystis spp. and 5.06% for N. caninum. Coinfection between T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. occurred in 14 animals, between T. gondii and N. caninum in only one male animal, between Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum in a female, while co-infection with the three agents was equally observed in only one male animal. Considering the high frequency of detection and its zoonotic risk, especially T. gondii, it appears that wild boars can be potential sources of transmission of infectious agents and the adoption of monitoring measures in these populations should be prioritized.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a presença de ácido desoxirribonucléico (DNA) de Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. e Neospora caninum, em tecidos de javalis abatidos no sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas 156 amostras de diferentes órgãos de 25 javalis, sendo detectado o DNA de pelo menos um dos protozoários pesquisados em 79 amostras. Para diferenciar entre os agentes infecciosos, o polimorfismo do comprimento do fragmento de restrição, foi realizado usando-se as enzimas de restrição DdeI e HpaII. Para N. caninum, a PCR convencional foi realizada com "primers" específicos. O DNA de pelo menos um dos patógenos estudados foi detectado em cada animal: 26,58% para T. gondii, 68,36% para Sarcocystis spp. e 5,06% para N. caninum. Coinfecção entre T. gondii e Sarcocystis spp. ocorreu em 14 animais; entre T. gondii e N. caninum em apenas um animal macho; entre Sarcocystis spp. e N. caninum em uma fêmea, enquanto a coinfecção com os três agentes foi observada igualmente em apenas um animal macho. Considerando-se a alta frequência de detecção e seu risco zoonótico, especialmente T. gondii, constata-se que os javalis podem ser potenciais fontes de transmissão de agentes infecciosos, e a adoção de medidas de monitoramento nessas populações devem ser priorizadas.(AU)

Genetic diversity of Shepherd dog using pedigree analysis / Diversidade genética em cães da raça Pastor Alemão utilizando análise de pedigree

ABSTRACT: The German Shepherd dog breed is the most popular breed globally and in Brazil. The study of the population structure through pedigree information is an essential tool to understand the history of the Brazilian German Shepherd dog breed. This study evaluated the status of genetic diversity and population structure of the Brazilian German Shepherd dog breed. The pedigree included a total of 77,938 animals born between 1970 and 2014. The average generation interval in this population was 3.91 years. Considering the reference population, 2,183 founders were identified. Approximately 3% of the genetic diversity of the current population (2010-2014) was lost, most of which was due to genetic drift. The effective population size was relatively small, and the pedigree showed bottlenecks indicating a loss of genetic diversity in this breed. These results indicated the need to adopt measures against the excessive increase in inbreeding and monitor effective population size to minimize genetic diversity loss.

RESUMO: A raça Pastor Alemão é uma das raças mais populares no mundo e no Brasil. O estudo da estrutura populacional por meio de informações de pedigree é uma ferramenta essencial para o entendimento da história dessa raça no Brasil. Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o status da diversidade genética e da estrutura populacional de cães da raça Pastor Alemão. O pedigree incluiu um total de 77.938 animais nascidos entre 1970 e 2014. O intervalo médio de geração nesta população foi de 3,91 anos. Considerando a população de referência, foram identificados 2.183 fundadores. Cerca de 3% da diversidade genética da população atual (2010-2014) foi perdida, a maior parte devido à deriva genética. O tamanho efetivo da população foi relativamente pequeno e o pedigree apresentou gargalos indicando uma perda de diversidade genética nesta raça. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de adoção de medidas contra o aumento excessivo da endogamia e do monitoramento do tamanho efetivo da população para minimizar a perda de diversidade genética.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico / Identificação por técnicas moleculares de bactérias halofílicas que produzem enzimas importantes em área intocada de Campeche, México

Abstract Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Resumo Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70'N - 90°45'W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

The waveless model: clinical and research applications of follicular wave suppression in cattle / Modelo waveless: aplicações clínicas e na pesquisa da supressão das ondas foliculares em bovinos

The follicular growth waves are directly linked to the fluctuations in plasma gonadotrophins, which are controlled by the hypothalamic GnRH release pattern. Therefore, if the actions of the GnRH are inhibited or blocked, the final stages of the antral follicle growth are suppressed, resulting in an induced anestrus (a.k.a. waveless model). In the human medicine, GnRH agonists or antagonists are broadly used in the control of ovarian disfunctions, as well as in the preparation of women for assisted reproductive cycles. In cattle, a similar effect can be obtained by active immunization against GnRH. This was shown to be a viable strategy, for example, for the control of chronic cases of cystic ovarian disease in oocyte donors. However, on shall take into account the substantial individual variation on the immune response and, consequently, the lack of control of the duration of the anestrus induced. The waveless model is also very useful as a research model, once it controls the potential interference of the endogenous FSH and LH, improving the sensitivity of essays with exogenous hormones and consequently reducing the required number of replicas within studies.(AU)

O padrão de crescimento folicular em ondas está diretamente associado às flutuações nas concentrações plasmáticas de gonadotrofinas, controladas por sua vez pelo padrão de liberação de GnRH hipotalâmico. Desta forma, a inibição ou bloqueio da ação do GnRH suprime as etapas finais do crescimento folicular, resultando em anestro induzido (também chamado modelo waveless). Na medicina humana, agonistas ou antagonistas de GnRH são utilizados tanto no controle de disfunções ovarianas quanto na preparação de pacientes para procedimentos de reprodução assistida. Em bovinos, este efeito pode ser obtido pela imunização ativa contra GnRH, e mostrou-se estratégia viável, por exemplo, no controle de casos crônicos de doença ovariana cística em doadoras de oócitos. Contudo, é importante considerar a grande variação individual na resposta à imunização e consequente impossibilidade de controlar a duração do anestro induzido. O modelo waveless também é de grande utilidade na pesquisa, uma vez que elimina a potencial interferência do FSH e LH endógenos, aumentando a sensibilidade nos ensaios com hormônios exógenos e consequentemente reduzindo o número de réplicas necessárias nos estudos.(AU)

Medium and large sized mammals and the effect of habitat heterogeneity from a Caatinga shrubby forest at Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil

In xeric environments, such as Caatinga Biome, habitat characteristics such as phytophysiognomy type and presence of water bodies can represent higher resource availability. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of phytophysiognomies and presence of water bodies in the abundance and community structure of medium and large mammal species (MLM) in the Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil. To evaluate these variables we conduct an effort of 373 camera-trap days, between August 2012 and November 2014. We recorded 12 MLM species, distributed in six orders and 11 families. From those, Kerodon rupestris is the only one listed in the Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna. Regarding the habitat, the Mann-Whitney showed a significant higher frequency to the Shrubby habitat and the ANOSIM showed no shifts in the community structure between Arboreal and Shrubby. Concerning the presence of water bodies, both the Mann-Whitney and the ANOSIM showed significant higher frequency to the habitat with water presence. We observed that both phytophysiognomy and water bodies are important variables which affect mainly the abundance of mammalian species from semiarid environments. Nonetheless, whereas the forest remnants get smaller the existence of water bodies becomes a preponderant factor to the MLM species and its community structure.(AU)

Genetic diversity of Shepherd dog using pedigree analysis / Diversidade genética em cães da raça Pastor Alemão utilizando análise de pedigree

The German Shepherd dog breed is the most popular breed globally and in Brazil. The study of the population structure through pedigree information is an essential tool to understand the history of the Brazilian German Shepherd dog breed. This study evaluated the status of genetic diversity and population structure of the Brazilian German Shepherd dog breed. The pedigree included a total of 77,938 animals born between 1970 and 2014. The average generation interval in this population was 3.91 years. Considering the reference population, 2,183 founders were identified. Approximately 3% of the genetic diversity of the current population (2010-2014) was lost, most of which was due to genetic drift. The effective population size was relatively small, and the pedigree showed bottlenecks indicating a loss of genetic diversity in this breed. These results indicated the need to adopt measures against the excessive increase in inbreeding and monitor effective population size to minimize genetic diversity loss.

A raça Pastor Alemão é uma das raças mais populares no mundo e no Brasil. O estudo da estrutura populacional por meio de informações de pedigree é uma ferramenta essencial para o entendimento da história dessa raça no Brasil. Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o status da diversidade genética e da estrutura populacional de cães da raça Pastor Alemão. O pedigree incluiu um total de 77.938 animais nascidos entre 1970 e 2014. O intervalo médio de geração nesta população foi de 3,91 anos. Considerando a população de referência, foram identificados 2.183 fundadores. Cerca de 3% da diversidade genética da população atual (2010-2014) foi perdida, a maior parte devido à deriva genética. O tamanho efetivo da população foi relativamente pequeno e o pedigree apresentou gargalos indicando uma perda de diversidade genética nesta raça. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de adoção de medidas contra o aumento excessivo da endogamia e do monitoramento do tamanho efetivo da população para minimizar a perda de diversidade genética.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Contracaecum australe (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Aves: Phalacrocoracidae) on the north coast of Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e molecular de Contracaecum australe (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitando Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Aves: Phalacrocoracidae) no litoral norte do Brasil

For the first time in Brazil, Contracaecum australe is recorded parasitizing Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Aves, Suliformes, Phalacrocoracidae) from the Marine Extractive Reserve of Soure on Marajó Island, Brazilian Amazon. Its morphology revealed a body with a transversally striated cuticle, smooth or slightly cleft interlabia, lips with auricles, labial papillae, and conspicuous amphids. In males, the presence of the median papilla on the upper lip of the cloaca and spicules that reach almost half of the body of the parasite. These morphological characters, added to the number and distribution of the pre- and postcloacal papillae of the male specimens, and supported by the molecular phylogeny from the analysis of the ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 genes, allowed the identification of these parasites.(AU)

Pela primeira vez no Brasil, Contracaecum australe é registrado parasitando Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Aves, Suliformes, Phalacrocoracidae) da Reserva Extrativista Marinha de Soure na Ilha de Marajó, Amazônia brasileira. Sua morfologia revelou corpo com cutícula estriada transversalmente, interlábios lisos ou levemente fendidos, lábios com aurículas, papilas labiais e anfídeos conspícuos. Nos machos, observa-se a presença da papila mediana no lábio superior da cloaca e espículos que atingem quase a metade do corpo do parasito. Esses caracteres morfológicos, somados ao número e distribuição das papilas pré e pós-cloacais dos espécimes machos, e apoiados pela filogenia molecular a partir da análise dos genes ITS-1, 5.8S e ITS-2, permitiram a identificação desses parasitos.(AU)

A disciplina de Agroecologia no currículo dos cursos de graduação em Zootecnia no Brasil / The discipline of Agroecology in the curriculum of undergraduate courses in Animal Science in Brazil

O objetivo desta nota é caracterizar o grau de inserção da Agroecologia nos currículos dos cursos de graduação em Zootecnia ofertados nas instituições deensino superior públicas do Brasil, aferindo assim, a presença bem como a ausência de disciplinas em suas matrizes curriculares. Das 74 instituições brasileiras que ofertam cursos de graduação em Zootecnia, apenas 24 contém a Agroecologia em seus currículos. A oferta de disciplinas de Agroecologia e afins estão presentes em 16 unidades da federação, em todas as regiões do país.(AU)

The purpose of this noteis to characterize the degree of inclusion of Agroecology in the curricula of undergraduate courses in Zootechnics offered in public institutions of higher education in Brazil, thus assessing the presence as well as the absence of disciplines in their curricular matrices. Of the 74 Brazilian institutions that offer undergraduate courses in Zootechnics, only 24 have Agroecology in their curricula. The offer of Agroecology and related disciplines is present in 16 states, in all regions of the country.(AU)

Association of Palm gene mutations with structure and function of paralemmin proteins in Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep Breeds

The aim of current study was to survey genetic variability of PALM gene'sexon 3 and 4 by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing in Zel and Lori Bakhtiari sheep breeds. TheSIFT(Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant) and PHyre2 program were used to predict the possible impact of amino acid substitutions on performance and structure of the paralemmin protein. A total of 140 animal's from 2 Iranian sheep breeds with different fat metabolisms, Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep breeds were considered. The results showed that there are two polymorphic sites including a nonsynonymous substitution and an insertion mutation (49bp). Non-synonymous mutation deduced Thr20Ala amino acid exchange and ensuing two different structures for paralemmin protein that could be potentially affect protein structure and function during the interaction with glutamate in the cytosolic surface of plasma membrane. PALMgene, according to evolutionary path, is classified into two separate categories. In first covey, Gallus gallusand in second one, other species in several branches, so that the sequence of cow and sheep is placed in a sub-branch which forms a clade beside goat. Comparison of illustrated coding region sequences, PALMgene among different species, is of orthologous which are derived from a common ancestor.(AU)

Untreated or ammoniated cotton gin trash in the ensiling of elephant grass reduces silage quality

This study examined the inclusion of untreated or urea-ammoniated CGT on the chemical composition, pH, gas, and effluent losses, dry matter recovery (DMR), and aerobic stability of elephantgrass silage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement represented by three levels of inclusion of CGT during ensiling (0, 5, or 10%) and three levels of ammoniation of CGT with urea before ensiling (0, 4 or 8% for 28 days), using four replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test, considering a 5% significance level. The pH and DM, NDIN, ADIN, NDF and ADF contents of the silages increased (p<0.05) with the inclusion of CGT, regardless of ammoniation. The lowest (p<0.05) effluent loss was achieved using 10% of CGT ammoniated with 8% urea. In contrast, the elephantgrass silage exhibited the lowest (p<0.05) gas loss and the greatest (p<0.05) DMR. The inclusion of CGT compromised the aerobic stability of the silage. Therefore, the inclusion of CGT ­either untreated or ammoniated ­in the ensiling of elephantgrass is not recommended.(AU)

Combined agricultural practices in millet and cactus: phyllochron, structural characteristics and relations with yield

Variation in rainfall affects crops; therefore, agricultural practices become essential for forage production in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different agricultural practices on phyllochron, structural characteristics of forage cactus and millet, and their relations with crop yield using the principal component analysis (PCA). The design was in randomized blocks, with six treatments: sole cropped cactus without straw mulching, sole cropped cactus with straw mulching, sole cropped millet without straw mulching, sole cropped millet with straw mulching, and cactus intercropping with millet, with and without straw mulching, each with four replicates. There were three cactus cycles and nine millet cycles (three cycles of cultivars BRS1501 and six of IPA Bulk-1-BF). Biometric parameters were evaluated monthly, while yield was determined after the crop harvest. Phyllochron was determined with the regression analysis. The PCA was applied to structural characteristics and yield. The systems adopted did not influence the structural characteristics of cactus and millet ( p > 0.05), except for cladode thickness, which increased with straw mulching. Phyllochron of the millet reduced when the crop was intercropped. The structural characteristics of cladode length, width, and thickness influenced crop yield, mainly in systems with straw mulching. Straw mulching and intercropping alter phyllochron of cactus and millet. The adoption of straw mulching has a more significant relationship with cactus yield, whereas biometric variables influence crop yield for millet, not the cropping system.(AU)

Genetic structure simulation for Hancornia speciosa populations in Northeast Brazil / Simulação da estrutura genética de populações de Hancornia speciosa no nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT: Mangaba tree is a fruit tree species whose natural populations are fragmented by anthropic actions. For this reason, studies assessing the impact of fragmentation on the diversity and genetic structure of these populations are required in order to establish suitable conservation strategies. In our study, we used data from analyzes through microsatellite markers in computer simulations to estimate the rates of migration and selfing of six mangaba populations. The studied populations are located in the northeastern states of Ceará, Pernambuco and Sergipe. We tested different selfing and migration rates and selected the combination that showed values of observed and expected heterozygosity closest to those previously obtained with microsatellite markers. According to our simulations, selfing and migration were moderate. This may have led to an increase in inbreeding and genetic drift, resulting in low genetic diversity. We recommend expanding the area and reducing disturbance to promote the occurrence of pollinators, which play an important role in increasing genetic diversity.

RESUMO: A mangabeira é uma espécie frutífera cujas populações naturais se encontram fragmentadas por ações antrópicas. Desse modo, são necessários estudos sobre a avaliação do impacto da fragmentação sobre a diversidade e estrutura genética dessas populações para o estabelecimento de estratégias de conservação adequadas. No presente estudo, foram utilizados dados de análises com marcadores microssatélites em simulações computacionais para estimar as taxas de migração e autofecundação de seis populações de mangaba. As populações estudadas estão localizadas nos estados nordestinos do Ceará, Pernambuco e Sergipe. Foram testadas diferentes taxas de autofecundação e migração, e selecionada a combinação que apresentou valores de heterozigosidade observada e esperada mais próximos dos obtidos com marcadores microssatélites. Com base nas simulações, a autofecundação foi de 0,3 e a taxa de migração variou de 0,5 a 0,6, valores que podem ter conduzido ao aumento da endogamia e deriva genética, resultando em baixa diversidade genética. Recomenda-se a expansão da área e a redução de perturbações para promover a ocorrência de polinizadores, que desempenham um papel importante no aumento da diversidade genética.

Genetic structure simulation for Hancornia speciosa populations in Northeast Brazil / Simulação da estrutura genética de populações de Hancornia speciosa no nordeste brasileiro

Mangaba tree is a fruit tree species whose natural populations are fragmented by anthropic actions. For this reason, studies assessing the impact of fragmentation on the diversity and genetic structure of these populations are required in order to establish suitable conservation strategies. In our study, we used data from analyzes through microsatellite markers in computer simulations to estimate the rates of migration and selfing of six mangaba populations. The studied populations are located in the northeastern states of Ceará, Pernambuco and Sergipe. We tested different selfing and migration rates and selected the combination that showed values of observed and expected heterozygosity closest to those previously obtained with microsatellite markers. According to our simulations, selfing and migration were moderate. This may have led to an increase in inbreeding and genetic drift, resulting in low genetic diversity. We recommend expanding the area and reducing disturbance to promote the occurrence of pollinators, which play an important role in increasing genetic diversity.

A mangabeira é uma espécie frutífera cujas populações naturais se encontram fragmentadas por ações antrópicas. Desse modo, são necessários estudos sobre a avaliação do impacto da fragmentação sobre a diversidade e estrutura genética dessas populações para o estabelecimento de estratégias de conservação adequadas. No presente estudo, foram utilizados dados de análises com marcadores microssatélites em simulações computacionais para estimar as taxas de migração e autofecundação de seis populações de mangaba. As populações estudadas estão localizadas nos estados nordestinos do Ceará, Pernambuco e Sergipe. Foram testadas diferentes taxas de autofecundação e migração, e selecionada a combinação que apresentou valores de heterozigosidade observada e esperada mais próximos dos obtidos com marcadores microssatélites. Com base nas simulações, a autofecundação foi de 0,3 e a taxa de migração variou de 0,5 a 0,6, valores que podem ter conduzido ao aumento da endogamia e deriva genética, resultando em baixa diversidade genética. Recomenda-se a expansão da área e a redução de perturbações para promover a ocorrência de polinizadores, que desempenham um papel importante no aumento da diversidade genética.

Population level genetic divergence and phylogenetic placement of Mexican shortfin mollies (Mollienesia: Poecilia: Poeciliidae)

Mexico is a megadiverse region with a complex geological history, but it remains unclear to what extent the distribution of freshwater fish has been influenced by geographic barriers. This study examines the population level genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships of species in the shortfin group of the subgenus Mollienesia (genus Poecilia), a group of live-bearing fishes that are widely distributed across Mexico, with sampling at a small geographic scale. Samples from over 50 locations were analyzed for six species by using phylogenetic and haplotype network approaches to assess genetic diversity across geographic ranges and to refine the distributions of species in this group. The results indicate that Mexican species have diversified following multiple, independent invasions from Middle America. Two species found north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and one transversal species exhibited weak phylogenetic structure, likely due to the lack of physiographic barriers, recent colonization, and high dispersal rates among regions. In contrast, three species found south of the TMVB exhibited strong phylogenetic structure, reflecting a longer presence in the area and multiple physiographic barriers that isolated populations. This study identified mechanisms driving divergence and speciation, expanded the known range of several species, and resolved taxonomic uncertainties of populations.(AU)

México es una región megadiversa con una historia geológica compleja, pero se desconoce el nivel de influencia de las barreras geográficas sobre las distribuciones de los peces dulceacuícolas. Este estudio examina las relaciones filogenéticas, a escala geográfica pequeña, de las especies del grupo de aletas cortas del subgénero Mollienesia (género Poecilia), un grupo de peces vivíparos ampliamente distribuidos en México. Se analizaron muestras de seis especies en más de 50 localidades, utilizando métodos filogenéticos y de redes de haplotipos, para evaluar la diversidad genética y precisar las distribuciones de especies en este grupo. Los resultados indican que las especies mexicanas se han diversificado a partir de múltiples invasiones independientes desde Mesoamérica. Se detectó estructura filogenética débil en dos especies distribuidas al norte del Eje Neovolcánico y una especie que atraviesa el Eje Neovolcánico, posiblemente debido a la ausencia de barreras fisiográficas, colonización reciente y altas tasas de dispersión entre regiones. En contraste, se detectaron niveles altos de estructura filogenética en tres especies distribuidas del Eje Neovolcánico, lo que refleja una presencia más prolongada en el área y la existencia de múltiples barreras fisiográficas que aislaron a las poblaciones. Este estudio identificó mecanismos que promueven la divergencia y la especiación, expandió el rango conocido de varias especies y resolvió incertidumbres taxonómicas de algunas poblaciones.(AU)

Presence of selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments and biota of River Satluj, Pakistan: first report / Presença de pesticidas organoclorados selecionados (OCPs) em sedimentos e biota do Rio Satluj, Paquistão: primeiro relatório

In the developed countries, the use of OCPs (organochlorine pesticides) has been banned. However, in South Asia several of them are still in use. In Pakistan and India a constant addition of OCPs into the atmosphere has been indicated by various researchers. In this study levels of selected organochlorine pesticide residues were assessed in sediment and biota collected from four (4) water reservoirs (3 Barrages & 1 Siphon) on the River Satluj Pakistan, along 231 miles (372 km) of River stretch which was further divided into 12 sampling sites. It was aimed to find out the levels of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in sediments and from selected fish species (Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Cyprinus carpio) of the River Satluj Pakistan. The Organochlorine residues (seven pesticides) present in samples of sediments and biota were investigated through multi residue method, using Gas Chromatograph (GC-ECD).In the current study, the concentration of DDT, was investigated in Wallago attu (0.786-3.987 ppb), Labeo rohita (0.779-4.355 ppb) and Cyprinus carpio (1.234-5.654 ppb). DDE was also found in Cyprinus carpio (1.244-6.322 ppb), Wallag attu (0.877-4.221 ppb) and Labeo rohita (2.112-5.897 ppb). Aldrin was not observed in Labeo rohita and Wallago attu. Currently, lindane and DDE was found predominately high in the sediments of study area at SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) ranging (2.238-8.226 ppb) and (4.234-6.876 ppb), respectively. Heaptachlor was found only at SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) from the sediments with concentration ranging (0.032-234 ppb). In short all other residues investigated were found below the MCL (maximum concentration level) in all the compartments of the study area set by various agencies like WHO/FAO- Codex Alimenterious.

Nos países desenvolvidos, o uso de OCPs (pesticidas organoclorados) foi proibido. No entanto, no sul da Ásia, vários deles ainda estão em uso. No Paquistão e na Índia, uma adição constante de OCPs na atmosfera foi indicada por vários pesquisadores. Neste estudo, os níveis de resíduos de pesticidas organoclorados selecionados foram avaliados em sedimentos e biota coletados de 4 reservatórios de água (3 barragens e 1 sifão) no rio Satluj, Paquistão, ao longo de 231 milhas (372 km) do trecho do rio, que foi posteriormente dividido em 12 locais de amostragem. O objetivo foi descobrir os níveis de resíduos de pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs) em sedimentos e de espécies de peixes selecionadas (Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Cyprinus carpio) do rio Satluj, Paquistão. Os resíduos de organoclorados (7 pesticidas) presentes em amostras de sedimentos e biota foram investigados através do método multirresíduos, utilizando cromatógrafo a gás (GC-ECD). No presente estudo, a concentração de DDT foi investigada em Wallago attu (0,786-3,987 ppb ), Labeo rohita (0,779-4,355 ppb) e Cyprinus carpio (1,234-5,654 ppb). DDE também foi encontrado em Cyprinus carpio (1.244-6.322 ppb), Wallag attu (0.877-4.221 ppb) e Labeo rohita (2.112-5.897 ppb). Aldrin não foi observada em Labeo rohita e Wallago attu. Atualmente, lindano e DDE foram encontrados predominantemente altos nos sedimentos da área de estudo em SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) variando (2.238-8.226 ppb) e (4.234-6.876 ppb), respectivamente. Heaptacloro foi encontrado apenas em SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) dos sedimentos com concentração variando (0,032-234 ppb). Em suma, todos os outros resíduos investigados foram encontrados abaixo do MCL (nível de concentração máxima) em todos os compartimentos da área de estudo definidos por várias agências como a OMS / FAO-Codex Alimenterious.

Molecular characteristics and transcriptional regulatory of spermatogenesis-related gene RFX2 in adult Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI)

RFX2 plays critical roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and cilium maturation. Here, the testes of 12-month-old adult boars of Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) were subjected to whole-transcriptome sequencing. The results indicated that the average expression (raw count) of RFX2 gene in BMI testes was 16138.25, and the average expression value of the corresponding transcript ENSSSCT00000043271.2 was 123.1898. The CDS of RFX2 obtained from BMI testes was 2,817 bp (GenBank accession number: OL362242). Gene structure analysis showed that RFX2 was located on chromosome 2 of the pig genome with 19 exons. Protein structure analysis indicated that RFX2 contains 728 amino acids with two conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RFX2 was highly conserved with evolutionary homologies among mammalian species. Other analyses, including PPI networks, KEGG, and GO, indicated that BMI RFX2 had interactions with 43 proteins involving various functions, such as in cell cycle, spermatid development, spermatid differentiation, cilium assembly, and cilium organization, etc. Correlation analysis between these proteins and the transcriptome data implied that RFX2 was significantly associated with FOXJ1, DNAH9, TMEM138, E2F7, and ATR, and particularly showed the highest correlation with ATR, demonstrating the importance of RFX2 and ART in spermatogenesis. Functional annotation implied that RFX2 was involved in 17 GO terms, including three cellular components (CC), six molecular functions (MF), and eight biological processes (BP). The analysis of miRNA-gene targeting indicated that BMI RFX2 was mainly regulated by two miRNAs, among which four lncRNAs and five lncRNAs competitively bound ssc-miR-365-5p and ssc-miR-744 with RFX2, respectively. Further, the dual-luciferase report assay indicated that the ssc-miR-365-5p and ssc-miR-744 significantly reduced luciferase activity of RFX2 3'UTR in the 293T cells, suggesting that these two miRNAs regulated the expression of RFX2. Our results revealed the important role of RFX2 in BMI spermatogenesis, making it an intriguing candidate for follow-up studies.(AU)

Ganoderma Lucidum Extract Modulates Cecal Microbiota Community in Broilers under Dextran Sulfate Sodium Challenge During the Starter Phase

In this study, we investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) supplementation on the cecal microbiota of broilers challenged with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) during the starter phase. A total of 32 one-day-old, unsexed broiler chicks were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with eight birds per treatment and reared individually for 14 days (n = 8). The diet treatments were: non-DSS challenge, DSS challenge only, DSS challenge plus 0.5 mL/L GLE, and DSS challenge plus 1 mL/L GLE. The results showed that DSS challenge plus 0.5 mL GLE alleviated inflammatory gene expression in the duodenum of broilers (p≤0.01). The alpha diversity of bacterial species in the cecal digesta increased in the group treated with DSS plus 1 mL/L GLE compared with the DSS challenge-only group (p≤0.01). Principal component analysis and principal coordinate analysis indicated distinct clusters between groups treated with DSS-only and DSS plus GLE (0.5 and 1 mL/L). The abundance of the genera Ruminiclostridium 9, Enterococcus, and Sellimonas increased in the group treated with DSS plus GLE (0.5 and 1 mL/L) compared with the other groups (p≤0.01). Comparative microbial function analysis demonstrated that the immune system was promoted in the group treated with DSS plus GLE (0.5 and 1 mL/L) compared to the DSS challenge-only group (p≤0.001). These results demonstrated that GLE supplementation can modulate the cecal microbial community of broilers under DSS challenge during the starter phase.(AU)