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Summary: The objectives of this study were to provide the buffalo research community with an updated SNP map for the Axiom Buffalo Genotyping (ABG) array with genomic positions for SNP currently unmapped and to map all cattle QTL from the CattleQTLdb onto the buffalo reference assembly. To update the ABG array map, all SNP probe sequences from the ABG array were re‐aligned against the UOA_WB_1 assembly. With the new map, the number of mapped markers increased by approximately 10% and went from 106 778 to 116 708, which reduced the average marker spacing by approximately 2 kb. A comparison of results between signatures of autozygosity study using the ABG and the new map showed that, when the additional markers were used there was an increase in the autozygosity peaks and additional peaks in BBU5 and BBU11 could be identified. After sequence alignment and quality control, 64 650 (UMD3.1) and 76 530 (ARS_UCD1.2) cattle QTL were mapped onto the buffalo genome. The mapping of the bovine QTL database onto the buffalo genome should be useful for genome‐wide association studies in buffalo and, given the high homology between the two species, the positions of cattle QTL on the buffalo genome can serve as a stepping stone towards a water buffalo QTL database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Puberty is a stage of sexual development determined by the interaction of environmental factors and genetic mechanisms. Among them, thyroid function plays a key role in sexual development and spermatogenic function and is under the control of several genes, including the well-described thyroglobulin gene ( TG). Previous reports have shown genetic association between thyroid function and selected single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in taurine cattle. Therefore, the identification of genetic mechanisms involved in the regulation of this trait can assist with the selection for early pubertal bulls, thus improving genetic progress in livestock breeding. The aim of this study was to validate the association between TG SNPs and age at puberty in zebuine bulls. Three SNPs (rs110406764, rs109662686, rs109057985) were genotyped in 159 Guzerat animals using SEQUENOM technology. Results showed a significant association ( p < .05) between the studied SNPs and puberty age, in agreement with our previous reports in a taurine breed. Interestingly, allele frequencies were different from those already reported, being GAT the most favourable allele for age at puberty in Guzerat (94.4 days lower). Overall, our findings corroborate previous reports and reinforce the importance of genetic influence in the regulation of sexual development and puberty through a thyroid pathway in zebuine cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of impacts of high CO2 atmospheric concentration is strategically important for the development of adaptation measures and sustainable crop management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration on eucalypt rust ( Puccinia psidii), C:N ratio, yield and chemical composition of essential oils and growth of eucalypt clonal plantlets. Two clones with different levels of rust resistance were studied: a Eucalyptus urophylla × E. camaldulensis hybrid ( VM 01) and an E. urophylla (clone MN 463). The experiments were performed in open-top chambers ( OTCs) with CO2 mean concentrations (μmol mol−1) of 399 (unenclosed control), 412 ( OTCs with ambient CO2 concentration) and 508 ( OTCs with high CO2 concentration) and in closed chambers ( CCs) with CO2 mean concentrations of 390, 405, 520 and 700. Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations resulted in a decrease in rust pustules per leaf, uredinia per leaf area, spores per uredinia and area under the disease progress curve in VM 01 (hybrid) clonal plantlets. The disease did not occur in MN 463 clonal plantlets, which demonstrated that high CO2 concentrations did not change the level of rust resistance. Plant growth of the two clones was stimulated by up to 23% in height and 26% in stem diameter in OTCs and by 18% for both clones in CCs. An increased C:N ratio in leaves, stems and roots was observed only for the VM 01 clonal plantlets. Essential oils produced by VM 01 (2.8 g 100 g−1) and MN 463 (1.4 g 100 g−1), as well as the major essential oil compounds (80% 1.8-cineole for VM 01; 50% 1.8-cineole and 32% α-pinene for MN 463), were not altered. In this study, increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2 favourably impacted eucalypt growth and reduced rust severity, while not influencing the production of essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents This short communication reports the impact of endometrial biopsies, uterine flushings and follicular fluid aspiration procedures at day 6 post artificial insemination ( AI) on pregnancy rates. In Experiment 1, cows were timed AI ( TAI) and assigned to the following treatment groups: control (n = 37), uterine flushing (n = 35) and endometrial biopsy (n = 38). On day 30 post AI, pregnancy rates were 40.5%, 33% and 28.5%, respectively (p > 0.1). Pregnancy rate on day 60 was lower (p < 0.004) in flushed cows than in the controls. In Experiment 2, oestrus was detected and cows were assigned to flushing (n = 32) or biopsy (n = 33) treatments 6 days after AI, which resulted in pregnancy rates of 31% and 36%, respectively (p > 0.1). In Experiment 3, cows were, 6 days after TAI, randomly assigned to the following treatments: control (n = 84) or aspiration of the largest follicle (n = 73). Pregnancy rates on day 30 post AI were 63.5% for the control group and 53% for the aspirated group (p > 0.1). In conclusion, uterine flushing and endometrial biopsy negatively affect pregnancy rates, but neither procedure can be considered to be incompatible with pregnancy maintenance. Follicular aspiration during pregnancy does not interact with pregnancy success. The amount and quality of samples obtained are compatible with the use of cellular and molecular analysis of uterine variables from cows that failed or succeeded on maintaining pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging approach toward development of injectable, self-setting, and fully biodegradable bone substitutes involves the combination of injectable hydrogel matrices with a dispersed phase consisting of nanosized calcium phosphate particles. Here, novel injectable composites for bone regeneration have been developed based on the combination of ultrapure alginate as the matrix phase, crystalline CaP [monetite and poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA)] powders as both a dispersed mineral phase and a source of calcium for cross-linking alginate, glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) as acidifier and glycerol as both plasticizer and temporary sequestrant. The composites were maximized with respect to CaP content to obtain the highest amount of osteoconductive filler. The viscoelastic and physicochemical properties of the precursor compounds and composites were analyzed using rheometry, elemental analysis (for calcium release and uptake), acidity [by measuring pH in simulated body fluid (SBF)], general biocompatibility (subcutaneous implantation in rabbits), and osteocompatibility (implantation in femoral condyle bone defect of rabbits). The gelation of the resulting composites could be controlled from seconds to tens of minutes by varying the solubility of the CaP phase (HA vs. monetite) or amount of GDL. All composites mineralized extensively in SBF for up to 11 days. In vivo, the composites also disintegrated upon implantation in subcutaneous or bone tissue, leaving behind less degradable but osteoconductive CaP particles. Although the composites need to be optimized with respect to the available amount of calcium for cross-linking of alginate, the beneficial bone response as observed in the in vivo studies render these gels promising for minimally invasive applications as bone-filling material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 808-817, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, nanotechnology has entered the field of regenerative medicine, resulting in the development of a novel generation of instructive, nanostructured biomaterials that are able to orchestrate cellular behavior by presenting specific morphological and biological cues. Using nanotechnology, materials containing nanosized features (e.g., pores, patterns, textures, grain sizes) can be obtained that exhibit properties that are considerably altered compared with micron-structured materials. Inspired by the hierarchical nanostructure of bone, the application of nanostructured materials for bone regeneration is gaining increasing interest in the field of biomaterials research. Because crystallographic and chemical studies have shown that synthetic hydroxyapatite closely resembles the inorganic phase found in bone and teeth, synthesis and applications of nanostructured calcium phosphate ceramics have been reviewed. Synthesis techniques for the preparation of calcium phosphate nanoparticles include precipitation, sol-gel, and hydrothermal processes, whereas four main biomedical applications of nanostructured calcium phosphate ceramics in bone regeneration have been addressed in more detail, that is, (1) polymer/calcium phosphate nanocomposites, (2) nanostructured monophasic calcium phosphate bone fillers, (3) nanostructured precursor phases for calcium phosphate cements, and (4) nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate by 3D profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Sealer 26 placed in root-end cavities with direct vision or under an optical microscope. Methodology The root ends of 52 root filled canine teeth were filled with MTA or Sealer 26 under direct vision or optical microscope (n = 13). In each group, eight specimens were analysed by profilometry for measurement of the area and depth of gaps. In the other five specimens, gap area was measured using SEM to verify marginal adaptation and surface characteristic. Data were analysed by parametric (anova and Tukey) and non-parametric (Kruskal- Wallis and Dunn) tests. Results The assessment of the adaptation of both materials to dentine was not influenced by the mode of visualization, which was confirmed by both profilometry and SEM observations. The voids measured with profilometry for Sealer 26 under direct vision were significantly wider and deeper than those for MTA under direct vision (P < 0.05). In SEM, significantly larger gap areas were observed with Sealer 26 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Root-end cavities filled with MTA had smaller gaps and better marginal adaptation than Sealer 26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 The ruthenium complexes are important tools in inorganic chemistry. Different biological properties are found in the presence of distinct coordinate ligands, which offer a variety of potential clinical and pharmacological uses. 2 The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive and behavioural effects of the ruthenium complex, trans-[RuCl2(i-dinic)4]Cl, in mice. 3 The potential analgesic activity was tested using the formalin and hot plate tests and the behavioural effect was evaluated using the rotarod and spontaneous locomotor tests. The complex was administered at concentrations of 1.3, 4.5 and 18.0 μmol kg−1 i.p. Morphine (6.0 mg kg−1, i.p.) and diclofenac sodium (20.0 mg kg−1, i.p.) were used as reference drugs. 4 The compound had no sedative activity on motor ataxia in the behavioural and analgesic tests. No significant effect was observed in the first phase of the formalin test, however, an effect was observed in the second phase. 5 The complex studied was probably more powerful than the reference drugs as an antinociceptive agent, as this mechanism also involved the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. From this perspective, further experimental studies will be useful to understand the effect of these compounds on NO and the relationship between prostaglandin and NO biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]