Influence of Mechanical Cycling on Torque Values of Tapped-In and Screw-In Implant-Supported Crowns.

This study investigated the influence of mechanical cycling on screwed-in and tappedin implants restored with screw-retained metallic crowns. Three implant-abutmentcrown systems were evaluated: T1 (multi abutment) and T2 (standard abutment) received tapped-in abutments and S received a screwed-in abutment. The specimens were subjected to two million cycles of 0-150 N load, at 2 Hz, 30° inclination in a dry medium, and torque evaluation. Survival and removal torque were analyzed using chisquare, ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. Differences between installation and removal torque were determined using a T-test for dependent samples. Analyses were performed in SPSS, considering α = 0.05. All specimens survived mechanical cycling in S, 40% in T1, 80% in T2 (p=0.008). Failures occurred due to loosening of the crown screw. A significant decrease in torque (p=0.000) was found. Group T1 had the lowest removal torque (1.6 ± 0.84 N.Cm²), followed by T2 (3 ± 1.49 N.Cm²) and S (6.3 ± 1.16 N. Cm²), and a statistical difference was found between Groups T1 and S. Both types of implantabutment connections were stable and can be considered for rehabilitative treatment, but failure and removal torque were influenced by the design of prosthetic abutment. Crowns were more susceptible to becoming loose in tapped-in systems.

Inducing ovulation with oestradiol cypionate allows flexibility in the timing of insemination and removes the need for gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in timed AI protocols for dairy cows.

The effects of addition of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to a progesterone plus oestradiol-based protocol and timing of insemination in Holstein cows treated for timed AI (TAI) were evaluated. Cows (n=481) received a progesterone device and 2mg oestradiol benzoate. After 8 days, the device was removed and 25mg dinoprost was administered. Cows were allocated to one of three (Study 1; n=57) or four (Study 2; n=424) groups, accordingly to ovulation inducer alone (Study 1; oestradiol cypionate (EC), GnRH or both) or ovulation inducer (EC alone or combined with GnRH) and timing of insemination (48 or 54h after device removal; Study 2). In Study 1, the diameter of the ovulatory follicle was greater for GnRH than EC. Oestrus and ovulation rates were similar regardless of ovulatory stimuli. However, time to ovulation was delayed when GnRH only was used. In Study 2, cows treated with GnRH or not had similar pregnancy per AI (P/AI) 30 days (41.5% vs 37.3%; P=0.28) and 60 days (35.9% vs 33.0%; P=0.61) after TAI. TAI 48 and 54h after device removal resulted similar P/AI at 30 days (40.3% vs 38.5%; P=0.63) and 60 days (33.8% vs 35.1%; P=0.72). Thus, adding GnRH at TAI does not improve pregnancy rates in dairy cows receiving EC. The flexibility of time to insemination enables TAI of a large number of cows using the same protocol and splitting the time of AI.

A Xanthomonas citri subsp citri hypothetical protein related to virulence contains a non-functional HD domain and is implicated in flagellar motility.

Citrus canker, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp citri (Xac), severely affects most economically important citrus varieties worldwide. A previous study showed that disruption of the ORF XAC1201 from the Xac 306 strain by transposon Tn5 decreased bacterium virulence in the Rangpur lime host (Citrus limonia L. Osbeck). However, little is known regarding the possible function of the hypothetical protein XAC1201 and how it affects the virulence of Xac 306. Here, we confirmed that disruption of ORF XAC1201 reduces Xac 306 virulence in two different hosts, delaying the onset of typical symptoms. In silico analysis suggested that XAC1201 interacts with the flagellar proteins FliM and FliL, known to be an important factor for virulence. In fact, motility assays revealed that the XAC1201 mutant has a significant difference in motility compared to the wild-type Xac 306. Also, a 3-D structure model revealed modified cofactor binding sites and suggested that XAC1201 has a non-functional HD domain. This hypothesis was confirmed by enzymatic assays performed in purified, XAC1201 recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli, which revealed no significant activities previously associated with HD domains for the tested substrates. Thus, the role of the XAC1201 protein in Xac 306 virulence seems to be related to flagellar motility, although a non-classic role for the HD domain cannot be dismissed.

Essential oils as antibacterial agents against food-borne pathogens: Are they really as useful as they are claimed to be?

Most studies evaluating the use of essential oils (EO) as antibacterial agents focus mainly on minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) rather than minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC). In this work, we compared MICs and MBCs of EO from condiment plants commonly used in Mediterranean Europe, namely Origanum vulgare, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia officinalis, Salvia sclarea and Rosmarinus officinalis, aiming to evaluate their application as disinfecting agents in minimally processed produce. Outbreaks-related pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Yarrowia lipolytica were used. Results showed that all EO were able to reduce bacterial growth in all bacterial strains tested, particularly O. vulgare. However, fewer EO exhibited bactericidal activities, and were only effective against one or two bacterial strains, hence eliminating the possibility to use them as broad range disinfectants. Furthermore, the necessary concentrations were too high for food application. Hence, our work suggests the need to evaluate MBC rather than MIC and questions EO usefulness in controlling undesired microorganisms. Overall, and despite the large volume of data published on EO, results obtained were not very encouraging for a realistic application on produce and question the viability of EOs as disinfecting agents in food.

Modelling zinc changes at the hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic cleft.

Zinc, a transition metal existing in very high concentrations in the hippocampal mossy fibers from CA3 area, is assumed to be co-released with glutamate and to have a neuromodulatory role at the corresponding synapses. The synaptic action of zinc is determined both by the spatiotemporal characteristics of the zinc release process and by the kinetics of zinc binding to sites located in the cleft area, as well as by their concentrations. This work addresses total, free and complexed zinc concentration changes, in an individual synaptic cleft, following single, short and long periods of evoked zinc release. The results estimate the magnitude and time course of the concentrations of zinc complexes, assuming that the dynamics of the release processes are similar to those of glutamate. It is also considered that, for the cleft zinc concentrations used in the model (≤ 1 µM), there is no postsynaptic zinc entry. For this reason, all released zinc ends up being reuptaken in a process that is several orders of magnitude slower than that of release and has thus a much smaller amplitude. The time derivative of the total zinc concentration in the cleft is represented by the difference between two alpha functions, corresponding to the released and uptaken components. These include specific parameters that were chosen assuming zinc and glutamate co-release, with similar time courses. The peak amplitudes of free zinc in the cleft were selected based on previously reported experimental cleft zinc concentration changes evoked by single and multiple stimulation protocols. The results suggest that following a low amount of zinc release, similar to that associated with one or a few stimuli, zinc clearance is mainly mediated by zinc binding to the high-affinity sites on the NMDA receptors and to the low-affinity sites on the highly abundant GLAST glutamate transporters. In the case of higher zinc release brought about by a larger group of stimuli, most zinc binding occurs essentially to the GLAST transporters, having the corresponding zinc complex a maximum concentration that is more than one order of magnitude larger than that for the high and low affinity NMDA sites. The other zinc complexes considered in the model, namely those formed with sites on the AMPA receptors, calcium and KATP channels and with ATP molecules, have much smaller contributions to the synaptic zinc clearance.

Mapping and validation of Xanthomonas citri subsp citri genes regulated by putative plant-inducible promoter box (PIP-box).

Citrus canker, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp citri (Xac), is a major disease affecting citriculture worldwide, because of the susceptibility of the host and the lack of efficient control methods. Previous studies have reported that some genes of phytopathogenic bacteria possess a consensus nucleotide sequence (TTCGC...N15...TTCGC) designated the "plant-inducible-promoter box" (PIP box) located in the promoter region, which is responsible for activating the expression of pathogenicity and virulence factors when the pathogen is in contact with the host plant. In this study, we mapped and investigated the expression of 104 Xac genes associated with the PIP box sequences using a macroarray analysis. Xac gene expression was observed during in vitro (Xac grown for 12 or 20 h in XAM1 induction medium) or in vivo (bacteria grown in orange leaves for 3 to 5 days) infection conditions. Xac grown in non-induction NB liquid medium was used as the control. cDNA was isolated from bacteria grown under the different conditions and hybridized to the macroarray, and 32 genes differentially expressed during the infection period (in vitro or in vivo induction) were identified. The macroarray results were validated for some of the genes through semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the functionality of the PIP box-containing promoter was demonstrated by activating b-glucuronidase reporter gene activity by the PIP box-containing promoter region during Xac-citrus host interaction.

Solar photo-Fenton and persulphate-based processes for landfill leachate treatment: A critical review.

Landfilling is the most usual solid waste management strategy for solid residues disposal. However, it entails several drawbacks such as the generation of landfill leachate that seriously threaten human life and the environment due to their toxicity and carcinogenic character. Among various technologies, solar photo-Fenton and sulphate-based processes have proven to be suitable for the treatment of these polluted streams. This review critically summarises the last three decades of studies in this field. It is found that the solar homogeneous photo-Fenton process should be preferably used as a pre- and post-treatment of biological technologies and as a standalone treatment for young, medium, and mature leachates, respectively. Studies on heterogeneous solar photo-Fenton process are lacking so that this technology may be scaled-up for industrial applications. Sulphate radicals are attractive for removing both COD and ammonia. However, no study has been reported on solar sulphate activation for landfill leachate treatment. This review discusses the main advances and challenges on treating landfill leachate through solar AOPs, it compares solar photo-Fenton and solar persulphate-based treatments, indicates the future research directions and contributes for a better understanding of these technologies towards sustainable treatment of landfill leachate in sunny and not-so-sunny regions.

Presynchronization with Double-Ovsynch improves fertility at first postpartum artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to compare circulating progesterone (P4) profiles and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in lactating dairy cows bred by timed artificial insemination (TAI) following Ovsynch-56 after 2 different presynchronization protocols: Double-Ovsynch (DO) or Presynch-Ovsynch (PS). Our main hypothesis was that DO would increase fertility in primiparous cows, but not in multiparous cows. Within each herd (n=3), lactating dairy cows (n=1,687; 778 primiparous, 909 multiparous) were randomly assigned to DO [n=837; GnRH-7d-PGF(2α)-3d-GnRH-7d-Ovsynch-56 (GnRH-7d-PGF(2α)-56h-GnRH-16hTAI)] or PS (n=850; PGF(2α)-14d-PGF(2α)-12d-Ovsynch-56). In 1 herd, concentrations of P4 were determined at the first GnRH (GnRH1) of Ovsynch-56 and at d 11 after TAI (n=739). In all herds, pregnancy was diagnosed by palpation per rectum at 39 d. In 1 herd, the incidence of late embryo loss was determined at 74d, and data were available on P/AI at the subsequent second service. Presynchronization with DO reduced the percentage of animals with low P4 concentrations (<0.50 ng/mL) at GnRH1 of Ovsynch-56 (5.4 vs. 25.3%, DO vs. PS). A lesser percentage of both primiparous and multiparous cows treated with DO had low P4 concentrations at GnRH1 of Ovsynch-56 (3.3 vs. 19.7%, DO vs. PS primiparous; and 8.8 vs. 31.9%, DO vs. PS multiparous). Presynchronization with DO improved P/AI at the first postpartum service (46.3 vs. 38.2%, DO vs. PS). Statistically, a fertility improvement could be detected for primiparous cows treated with DO (52.5 vs. 42.3%, DO vs. PS, primiparous), but only a tendency could be detected in multiparous cows (40.3 vs. 34.3%, DO vs. PS, multiparous), consistent with our original hypothesis. Presynchronization treatment had no effect on the incidence of late embryo loss after first service (8.5 vs. 5.5%, DO vs. PS). A lower body condition score increased the percentage of cows with low P4 at GnRH1 of Ovsynch-56 and reduced fertility to the TAI. In addition, P4 concentration at d 11 after TAI was reduced by DO. The method of presynchronization at first service had no effect on P/AI at the subsequent second service (34.7 vs. 36.5%, DO vs. PS). Thus, presynchronization with DO induced cyclicity in most anovular cows and improved fertility compared with PS, suggesting that DO could be a useful reproductive management protocol for synchronizing first service in commercial dairy herds.

Manipulation of follicle development to ensure optimal oocyte quality and conception rates in cattle.

Over the last several decades, a number of therapies have been developed that manipulate ovarian follicle growth to improve oocyte quality and conception rates in cattle. Various strategies have been proposed to improve the responses to reproductive biotechnologies following timed artificial insemination (TAI), superovulation (SOV) or ovum pickup (OPU) programmes. During TAI protocols, final follicular growth and size of the ovulatory follicle are key factors that may significantly influence oocyte quality, ovulation, the uterine environment and consequently pregnancy outcomes. Progesterone concentrations during SOV protocols influence follicular growth, oocyte quality and embryo quality; therefore, several adjustments to SOV protocols have been proposed depending on the animal category and breed. In addition, the success of in vitro embryo production is directly related to the number and quality of cumulus oocyte complexes harvested by OPU. Control of follicle development has a significant impact on the OPU outcome. This article discusses a number of key points related to the manipulation of ovarian follicular growth to maximize oocyte quality and improve conception rates following TAI and embryo transfer of in vivo- and in vitro-derived embryos in cattle.

Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA genotypes as predictors of progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions: a long-term follow-up in a high-risk area in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: There are no established predictive markers of progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA genotypes and progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions. METHODS: This was a follow-up study that carried out in a province of Spain with a high risk of gastric cancer. A total of 312 patients who underwent upper endoscopy with gastric biopsy in 1988-1994 with diagnoses of normal mucosa, non-atrophic gastritis (NAG), non-metaplastic multifocal atrophic gastritis (MAG), and complete or incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IM), and who accepted to undergo a new biopsy during 2005-2007 or had an end point during follow-up, were included in this study. Detection and characterization of H. pylori cagA and vacA genotypes was performed directly in baseline paraffin-embedded gastric biopsy specimens by PCR followed by reverse hybridization onto a line probe assay. Inter- and intra-observer variability of histological diagnosis was assessed. Analysis was done using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 48.5 years (45% males) and the mean of follow-up was 12.8 years. H. pylori strains harboring cagA, vacA s1, and vacA m1 genotypes were more frequently found in patients with more advanced gastric preneoplastic lesions. Infection with cagA-positive, vacA s1, and vacA m1 strains was associated with progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions (multivariate odds ratio (OR)=2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-4.58; OR=2.90, 95% CI 1.38-6.13; and OR=3.38, 95% CI 1.34-8.53, respectively). Infection with strains that are simultaneously cagA positive and vacA s1/m1 was associated with progression of gastric precancerous lesions with an OR of 4.80 (95% CI 1.71-13.5) in relation to those infected with cagA-negative/vacA s2/m2 strains. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori genotyping may be useful for the identification of patients at high risk of progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions and who need more intensive surveillance.

The low fertility of repeat-breeder cows during summer heat stress is related to a low oocyte competence to develop into blastocysts.

It was hypothesized the lower fertility of repeat-breeder (RB) Holstein cows is associated with oocyte quality and this negative effect is enhanced during summer heat stress (HS). During the summer and the winter, heifers (H; n=36 and 34, respectively), peak-lactation (PL; n=37 and 32, respectively), and RB (n=36 and 31, respectively) Holstein cows were subjected to ovum retrieval to assess oocyte recovery, in vitro embryonic developmental rates, and blastocyst quality [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and total cell number]. The environmental temperature and humidity, respiration rate, and cutaneous and rectal temperatures were recorded in both seasons. The summer HS increased the respiration rate and the rectal temperature of PL and RB cows, and increased the cutaneous temperature and lowered the in vitro embryo production of Holstein cows and heifers. Although cleavage rate was similar among groups [H=51.7% ± 4.5 (n=375), PL=37.9% ± 5.1 (n=390), RB=41.9% ± 4.5 (n=666)], blastocyst rate was compromised by HS, especially in RB cows [H=30.3% ± 4.8 (n=244) vs. 23.3% ± 6.4 (n=150), PL=22.0% ± 4.7 (n=191) vs. 14.6% ± 7.6 (n=103), RB=22.5% ± 5.4 (n=413) vs. 7.9% ± 4.3 (n=177)]. Moreover, the fragmentation rate of RB blastocysts was enhanced during the summer, compared with winter [4.9% ± 0.7 (n=14) vs. 2.2% ± 0.2 (n=78)] and other groups [H=2.5% ± 0.7 (n=13), and PL=2.7% ± 0.6 (n=14)] suggesting that the association of RB fertility problems and summer HS may potentially impair oocyte quality. Our findings provide evidence of a greater sensitivity of RB oocytes to summer HS.

[Non-surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease by using percutaneous needle aponeurotomy: A 10-year experience]. / Tratamiento no quirúrgico de la enfermedad de Dupuytren con aponeurotomía percutánea con aguja: 10 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar aponeurosis that leads to digital flexion contractures. This disabling condition can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure, called percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA). OBJECTIVE: To report the results of 10 years of experience treating Dupuytren's contracture by PNA in the rheumatology hand unit of our department. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with a description of method to perform PNA and analysis of post-procedure results. RESULTS: There were 197 patients with Dupuytren's disease. Ninety-eight patients (49.7%) underwent PNA, corresponding to 117 treated fingers. Good immediate results were achieved in 84% of the patients, with results being better in those with less advanced stages. Recurrences occurred in 12% of the patients. The complication rate was 1.7%. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the value of this technique especially in the early stages of Dupuytren's disease, with immediate satisfactory results and a low rate of complications.

Effect of organic compost and inorganic nitrogen fertigation on spinach growth, phytochemical accumulation and antioxidant activity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of organic compost in combination with the inorganic nitrogen fertigation on growth, phytochemical accumulation, and antioxidant activity of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Manatee). Soil blocked spinach seedlings (six seedlings per block), three blocks per pot (316 plants m-2) were transplanted after 18 days after emergence into to 12 L pots. The treatments were: unfertilized soil, organic compost, organic compost +75 kg of N ha-1, applied as ammonium sulfate; and organic compost +75 kg N ha-1, applied as ammonium nitrate. The addition of organic compost to unfertilized soil increased the fresh yield. The application of inorganic N from the two sources in relation to organic compost treatment increased spinach fresh yield from 2.3 to 4.81 kg m-2 and shoot dry weight from 0.60 to 1,31 g plant-1. Levels of carotenoids also increased with inorganic N addition, producing higher values in plants grown with organic compost + ammonium nitrate (31.14 mg/100 g fresh weight). However, the addition of N led to a decrease in leaf-blade total phenols from 75 to 56 mg gallic acid equivalents/100mg fresh weight. The addition of inorganic N led to a dramatic decrease in leaf-blade ferric reducing antioxidant activity. This effect was higher with ammonium sulfate application. The application of organic compost and inorganic nitrogen had no influence on the petiole's phytochemical accumulation and antioxidant activity.

A new presynchronization system (Double-Ovsynch) increases fertility at first postpartum timed AI in lactating dairy cows.

This study evaluated a novel presynchronization method, using Ovsynch prior to the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol (Double-Ovsynch) compared to Presynch-Ovsynch. Lactating Holstein (n=337) cows, were assigned to two treatment groups: (1) Presynch (n=180), two injections of PGF 14 d apart, followed by the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol 12 d later; (2) Double-Ovsynch (n=157), received GnRH, PGF 7 d later, and GnRH 3 d later, followed by the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol 7 d later. All cows received the same Ovsynch-timed AI protocol: GnRH (G1) at 68+/-3 DIM (mean+/-SEM), PGF 7 d later, GnRH (G2) 56h after PGF, and AI 16 to 20h later. Pregnancy was diagnosed 39-45 d after timed AI. Double-Ovsynch increased the pregnancies per AI (P/AI) compared to Presynch-Ovsynch (49.7% vs 41.7%, P=0.03). Surprisingly, Double-Ovsynch increased P/AI only in primiparous (65.2% vs 45.2%; P=0.02) and not multiparous (37.5% vs 39.3%) cows. In a subset of 87 cows, ovarian ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) measurements were performed at G1 and 7 d later. Double-Ovsynch decreased the percentage of cows with low P4 (<1ng/mL) at G1 (9.4% vs 33.3%) and increased the percentage of cows with high P4 (> or =3ng/mL) at PGF (78.1% vs 52.3%). Thus, presynchronization of cows with Double-Ovsynch increased fertility in primiparous cows compared to a standard Presynch protocol, perhaps due to induction of ovulation in non-cycling cows and improved synchronization of cycling cows. Future studies are needed, with a larger number of cows, to further test the hypothesis of higher fertility with Double-Ovsynch, and to elucidate the physiological mechanisms that underlie apparent changes in fertility with this protocol.

Review: Using artificial insemination v. natural service in beef herds.

The aim of this review is to compare the performance of different reproductive programs using natural service, estrus synchronization treatment before natural service (timed natural breeding (TNB)), artificial insemination (AI) following estrus detection and timed artificial insemination (TAI) in beef herds. It is well known that after parturition the beef cow undergoes a period of anestrous, when they do not exhibit estrus, eliminating the opportunity to become pregnant in the early postpartum by natural mating or by AI after detection of estrus. Hormonal stimulation is already a consistent and well-proven strategy used to overcome postpartum anestrus in beef herds. Basically, hormones that normally are produced during the estrous cycle of the cow can be administered in physiological doses to induce cyclicity and to precisely synchronize follicular growth, estrus and ovulation. Furthermore, two options of mating may be used after hormonal stimulation: natural service (i.e. utilization of bull service after synchronization, referred to as TNB) and TAI. These strategies improve the reproductive efficiency of the herds compared with natural service without estrus induction or synchronization. After the first synchronized service, the most common strategy adopted to get non-pregnant cows pregnant soon is the introduction of clean-up bulls until the end of the breeding season. However, methods to resynchronize non-pregnant cows after the first service are already well established and offer a potential tool to reduce the time for subsequent inseminations. Thus, the use of these technologies enable to eliminate the use of bulls by using resynchronization programs (i.e. two, three or four sequential TAI procedures). The dissemination of efficient reproductive procedures, such as TNB, TAI and Resynch programs, either isolated or in combination, enables the production of a greater quantity (obtaining increased pregnancy rates early in the breeding season) and quality (maximization of the use of AI with superior genetic sires) of beef calves. These technologies can contribute to improve the production efficiency, and consequently, improve livestock profitability.

Plant growth, phytochemical accumulation and antioxidant activity of substrate-grown spinach.

Spinach production in soilless cultivation systems, mainly in substrate, transplanted with soil blocks and drip-irrigation is increasing worldwide. However, spinach establishment with soil blocks, with several seedlings per block compared with traditional planting methods, may affect light interception by plant canopy, wetting and salt patterns in root medium and therefore the plant growth and functional value of spinach. The effects of soil block number (plant density) and emitters spacing on plant growth, nitrate, proline and total phenols content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L). Five seedlings per soil block were transplanted to Styrofoam boxes filled with the substrate and grown during winter in an unheated greenhouse. Four treatments were carried out with two soil block numbers [8 (160 plants/m2) and 14 (280 plants/m2) soil blocks per Styrofoam box] and two emitter spacing [emitters spaced every 25 and 12.5 cm, respectively, with 4 and 8 emitters per Styrofoam box]. Neither plant density nor emitter spacing had any effect on shoot dry weight. Fresh yield increased as planting density and the number of emitters per Styrofoam box increased. The yield in Styrofoam boxes with 160 plants/m2 and 8 emitters (3.85 kg m-2) was ≈31 % lower than that obtained in treatment with 280 plants/m2 and 8 emitters (5.09 kg m-2). However, the leaf blade of the latter treatment presented a higher content of phenols and proline and greater antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) as well as lower content of nitrate and lesser PDH activity. Decrease of space between emitters reduced the leaf blade nitrate concentration of spinach grown in a greenhouse during the winter. Leaf blade antioxidant activity (FRAP) decreased as planting density increased.

Synchronization treatments previous to natural breeding anticipate and improve the pregnancy rate of postpartum primiparous beef cows.

Timed AI has become a potential tool to bypass postpartum acyclicity, yet only a small percentage of the world bovine herd is inseminated. Most females are still subjected to bull mating; therefore, the frequent occurrence of postpartum anestrus may compromise their reproductive efficiency. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop an approach that allows the early conception of postpartum primiparous beef cows that are exposed to natural breeding (NB). For this purpose, 350 primiparous Nelore cows 35-65 d postpartum were allocated into three groups: Control (no hormonal treatment), TNB (hormonal protocol for timed-NB without equine chorionic gonadotropin; eCG) and TNB + eCG (hormonal protocol for TNB with eCG) groups. The protocol for TNB consisted of the insertion of a 1-g progesterone device and the intramuscular (IM) administration of 2 mg estradiol benzoate on D-9 (nine days before bull exposure), followed by device removal and the administration of 1 mg estradiol cypionate IM on D0. An additional 300 IU of eCG was given only to TNB + eCG cows. All cows were exposed to bull mating from D0 to D105. Pregnancy was checked by ultrasonography every 50 d, gestational age was estimated, and the number of new gestations every 21-d cycle (P21, P42, P63, P84 and P105) was predicted. Control cows had lower pregnancy at P21 (5.7%c, 7/123) than TNB (30.4%b, 35/115) and TNB + eCG (51.8%a, 58/112; P = 0.001) cows. Pregnancy rate increased across P42, P63 and P84 (P = 0.001) but remained higher for TNB + eCG cows. Regarding time to conception, the TNB + eCG cows achieved a greater than 50% pregnancy rate within the first days after bull exposure, while the TNB and Control cows took more than 40 d and 90 d to achieve 50% pregnancy rates, respectively. At the end of the breeding season (BS), TNB + eCG cows had a 21% higher pregnancy rate than the Control cows and a 16% higher rate than the TNB cows. The probability of conceiving increased 1.5-fold for cows treated with TNB (P = 0.0079) and 2.2-fold for cows additionally treated with eCG (P < 0.0001). The average interval between the onset of the BS and conception was reduced (P < 0.0001) for the TNB + eCG cows (26.5 ± 3.8c) compared to the TNB (35.7 ±â€¯4.1b) and Control (64.7 ±â€¯3.9a days) cows. Thus, the use of TNB, especially when associated with eCG, efficiently improved the early conception of postpartum primiparous beef cows after exposure to NB. The increased number of cows conceiving early in the BS is crucial to improve reproductive efficiency by reducing the interval between parturitions and improving the number of pregnant cows at the end of BS, thus resulting in greater farm income.

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency and PROP-1 mutation in two siblings: a distinct MR imaging pattern of pituitary enlargement.

Mutations of the PROP-1 gene are the most frequent genetic defect in patients with combined pituitary hormone insufficiency. We present the cases of 2 siblings with PROP-1 mutations whom we observed longitudinally. Their initial pituitary MR imaging examinations showed identical findings: an enlarged adenohypophysis, with striking hypointensity on T2-weighted images and slight hyperintensity on T1-weighted images. In one of the children, the follow-up MR imaging obtained 3 years after hormonal replacement revealed a decrease in the size of the anterior pituitary lobe.

Low levels of exosomal-miRNAs in maternal blood are associated with early pregnancy loss in cloned cattle.

Nuclear reprogramming mediated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has many applications in medicine. However, animal clones show increased rates of abortion and reduced neonatal viability. Herein, we used exosomal-miRNA profiles as a non-invasive biomarker to identify pathological pregnancies. MiRNAs play important roles in cellular proliferation and differentiation during early mammalian development. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify exosomal-miRNAs in maternal blood at 21 days of gestation that could be used for diagnosis and prognosis during early clone pregnancies in cattle. Out of 40 bovine-specific miRNAs, 27 (67.5%) were with low abundance in the C-EPL (Clone - Early pregnancy loss) group compared with the C-LTP (Clone - Late pregnancy) and AI-LTP (Artificial Insemination - Late pregnancy) groups, which had similar miRNAs levels. Bioinformatics analysis of the predicted target genes demonstrated signaling pathways and functional annotation clusters associated with critical biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and embryonic development. In conclusion, our results demonstrate decreased exosomal-miRNAs in maternal blood at 21 days of gestation in cloned cattle pregnancies that failed to reach term. Furthermore, the predicted target genes regulated by these 27 miRNAs are strongly associated with pregnancy establishment and in utero embryonic development.