Repetibilidade e efeito da idade nas características reprodutivas em ovinos Santa Inês

Devido à importância da seleção precoce de carneiros da raça Santa Inês no Brasil, estimamos a repetibilidade e verificados os efeitos da idade sobre as características seminais, perímetro escrotal e peso corporal em 51 carneiros da raça Santa Inês com idades entre 6 a 26 meses de idade, durante um ano. Os animais foram divididos em grupos de idade: grupo 1 (6 a 12 meses) e grupo 2 (12 a 26 meses), mantidos em semi-confinamentos, recebendo feno, concentrado e um suplemento mineral diariamente. O peso corporal, circunferência escrotal e as características seminais foram avaliados uma vez por mês. Os grupos de idade não influenciaram o volume espermático, movimentos de massa, motilidade e vigor espermáticos. Houve diferenças entre os grupos etários para a concentração espermática, peso corporal e circunferência escrotal que foram maiores em ovinos adultos (grupo 2). A média dos defeitos espermáticos maiores também foi diferente entre os grupos, sendo a presença de espermatozoides anormais relacionada inversamente com a idade. Correlações entre movimento de massa, motilidade e vigor foram altas e significativas (P

Estimating surface soil moisture from SMAP observations using a Neural Network technique

A Neural Network (NN) algorithm was developed to estimate global surface soil moisture for April 2015 to March 2017 with a 2-3 day repeat frequency using passive microwave observations from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite, surface soil temperatures from the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model version 5 (GEOS-5) land modeling system, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer-based vegetation water content. The NN was trained on GEOS-5 soil moisture target data, making the NN estimates consistent with the GEOS-5 climatology, such that they may ultimately be assimilated into this model without further bias correction. Evaluated against in situ soil moisture measurements, the average unbiased root mean square error (ubRMSE), correlation and anomaly correlation of the NN retrievals were 0.037 m³m^-3, 0.70 and 0.66, respectively, against SMAP core validation site measurements and 0.026 m³m^-3, 0.58 and 0.48, respectively, against International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) measurements. At the core validation sites, the NN retrievals have a significantly higher skill than the GEOS-5 model estimates and a slightly lower correlation skill than the SMAP Level-2 Passive (L2P) product. The feasibility of the NN method was reflected by a lower ubRMSE compared to the L2P retrievals as well as a higher skill when ancillary parameters in physically-based retrievals were uncertain. Against ISMN measurements, the skill of the two retrieval products was more comparable. A triple collocation analysis against Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) and Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) soil moisture retrievals showed that the NN and L2P retrieval errors have a similar spatial distribution, but the NN retrieval errors are generally lower in densely vegetated regions and transition zones.

Extracting Information from Interval Data Using Symbolic Principal Component Analysis

We introduce generic definitions of symbolic variance and covariance for random interval-valued variables, that lead to a unified and insightful interpretation of four known symbolic principal component estimation methods: CPCA, VPCA, CIPCA, and SymCovPCA. Moreover, we propose the use of truncated versions of symbolic principal components, that use a strict subset of the original symbolic variables, as a way to improve the interpretation of symbolic principal components. Furthermore, the analysis of a real dataset leads to a meaningful characterization of Internet traffic applications, while highligting similarities between the symbolic principal component estimation methods considered in the paper.

Phenotypic correlations between ovum pick-up in vitro production traits and pregnancy rates in Zebu cows

The growth of the Gyr breed in Brazil in terms of genetic gain for milk, along with conditions for market, has led to the use of ovum pick-up in vitro production (OPU-IVP) as a leader in biotechnology for the multiplication of genetic material. The aim of this study was to investigate phenotypic correlations between OPU-IVP-linked characteristics and pregnancy rates registered in an embryo transfer program using Gyr cows as oocyte donors. Data collected from 211 OPU sessions and 298 embryo transfers during the years 2012 and 2013 were analyzed and statistical analysis was performed. Estimates of simple Pearson correlations were calculated for NVcoc and PVcoc (number and proportion of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes, respectively); NcleavD4 and PcleavD4 (number and proportion of cleaved embryos on day 4 of culture, respectively); NTembD7 and PTembD7 (number and proportion of transferable embryos on day 7 of culture, respectively); NPrD30 and PPrD30 (number and proportion of pregnancies 30 days after transfer, respectively); and NPrD60 and PPrD60 (number and proportion of pregnancies 60 days after transfer, respectively). Moderate to moderately high correlations were found for all numerical characteristics, suggesting these as the most suitable parameters for selection of oocyte donors in Gyr programs. NVcoc is proposed as a selection trait due to positive correlations with percentage traits and pregnancy rates 30 and 60 days after transfer.

202 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BMP4 GENE POLYMORPHISM AND OVUM PICK-UP IN VITRO PRODUCTION TRAITS IN BRAZILIAN Gyr COWS

In Bos taurus taurus, previous studies have reported an association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in BMP4 gene and the blastocyst rate in cows evaluated for in vitro embryo production efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of association between a polymorphism in the BMP4 gene and characteristics related to in vitro embryo production as well as pregnancies thereof in Bos taurus indicus cattle (Gyr breed). Data from 212 ovum pick-up in vitro (OPU-IPV) sessions were collected of 50 Gyr cows in the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The OPU-IVP procedures were performed and associated with marker SNP. The OPU-IVP traits were number and proportion of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes, number and proportion of cleaved embryos at Day 4 of culture, number and ratio of transferable embryos at Day 7 of culture, number and proportion of pregnancies at Day 30 after transfer, and number and proportion of pregnancies at Day 60 after transfer. DNA was extracted from hair follicles. BMP4 polymorphism, the segment of the BMP4 gene (exon 2, SNP rs109778173) was amplified by PCR with a specific primer. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used for genotyping. HinfI restriction enzyme that recognises and cleaves the sequence 5′ G ? ANTC 3′ was used. The samples were submitted to capillary electrophoresis Fragment Analyzer™ (Advanced Analytical Technologies Inc., Ames, IA) for allelic discrimination by size and polymorphism identification. Genotypic frequency, allele frequency, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium probability, gene homozygosity, gene heterozygosity, effective allele number, and polymorphism information content were statistically analysed in the software PowerMarker v.3.25 (North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA). The association between DNA marker and the OPU-IVP traits and pregnancy rates was make by analysis of variance of repeated data PROC GLIMMIX of SAS 2009 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The domain of the protein coding of BMP4 gene is located in exon 2. A fragment of the sequence of DNA in exon 2 was amplified, where the mutation SNP rs109778173 was identified (G > T) in Gyr cows using PCR-RFLP and capillary electrophoresis methods. Three genotypes were identified (GG, TT, and GT) with genotypic frequencies of 0.64, 0.32, and 0.04 respectively; allelic frequency and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphism was significantly associated with the number of viable oocyte complexes, ratio of viable oocyte complex, and ratio of pregnancies at 30 days (P > 0.01). The GT genotype affects negatively the number and proportion of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes and the proportion of pregnancies at Day 30 after transfer. This finding is an indication of a genetic effect of these characteristics.

Melhoramento genético visando à resistência a mastite em bovinos leiteiros

A mastite caracteriza-se por uma resposta inflamatória na glândula mamária, causada por alterações metabólicas e fisiológicas, traumas, ou mais frequentemente por microrganismos patogênicos ambientais ou contagiosos, cuja rapidez e eficácia de resposta imune do hospedeiro contra o patógeno constituem um fator crucial para o estabelecimento, a persistência e a gravidade da infecção. Estima-se que as perdas econômicas mundiais causadas pela doença podem alcançar 35 bilhões de dólares por ano. Muitos trabalhos foram realizados para identificar e estudar genes envolvidos na resposta de resistência à mastite. Devido ao grande número de vias metabólicas, moléculas e células envolvidas na manifestação da doença, a mastite é uma característica muito complexa, que depende de componentes genéticos e também de fatores ambientais e fisiológicos. A maior parte dos estudos sobre resistência a mastite focaliza o fenótipo de contagem de células somáticas no leite e mastite clínica para inferir sobre o genótipo de resistência. Várias abordagens moleculares são destinadas a incrementar o melhoramento quando os valores de herdabilidade são baixos e a coleta de dados fenotípicos é difícil, por isso esta abordagem tem sido utilizada para seleção de animais resistentes para posterior emprego em programas de melhoramento genético, possibilitando a redução de aplicações de medicamentos com conseqüente redução de custos, dos níveis de contaminação dos produtos e do meio ambiente. Com essa revisão, objetivou-se traçar a trajetória dos estudos sobre as características físicas, ambientais e genéticas de resistência à mastite e assim contribuir para a construção dessa nova concepção no melhoramento genético animal.

Shared genetic factors influence risk for bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorders

Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a high rate of comorbidity, more than 50% of individuals with bipolar disorder also receive a diagnosis of AUD in their lifetimes. Although both disorders are heritable, it is unclear if the same genetic factors mediate risk for bipolar disorder and AUD. We examined 733 Costa Rican individuals from 61 bipolar pedigrees. Based on a best estimate process, 32% of the sample met criteria for bipolar disorder, 17% had a lifetime AUD diagnosis, 32% met criteria for lifetime nicotine dependence, and 21% had an anxiety disorder. AUD, nicotine dependence and anxiety disorders were relatively more common among individuals with bipolar disorder than in their non-bipolar relatives. All illnesses were shown to be heritable and bipolar disorder was genetically correlated with AUD, nicotine dependence and anxiety disorders. The genetic correlation between bipolar and AUD remained when controlling for anxiety, suggesting that unique genetic factors influence the risk for comorbid bipolar and AUD independent of anxiety. Our findings provide evidence for shared genetic effects on bipolar disorder and AUD risk. Demonstrating that common genetic factors influence these independent diagnostic constructs could help to refine our diagnostic nosology.

Small platelet microparticle levels are increased in pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

The various aetiologies and risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) lead to close phenotypes with small differences. Plasma microparticles have been shown to be increased in vascular pathologies including PAH. The aim of this study was to determine whether the levels of endothelial and platelet-derived microparticles could vary between different forms of PAH: idiopathic PAH (iPAH), heritable PAH associated with BMPR2 (Bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type II) mutation (hPAH) and PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (aPAH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microparticles were analysed using flow cytometry in plasma from controls and iPAH, hPAH and aPAH patients. Platelet-derived MP (PMP) were defined as CD31(+)/CD41(+) and endothelial-derived MP (EMP) as CD31(+)/CD41(-). Two populations of PMP were isolated according to their size, defining small PMP (0·3-0·5 μm) and large PMP (0·5-0·9 μm). BMPR2 genotype, clinical and biologic parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

EMP and small PMP levels in iPAH, hPAH and aPAH were similar and were significantly increased as compared with controls. No differences in large PMP levels were observed. After adjusting for age, sex, proBNP and CRP, EMP and small PMP levels did not correlate with clinical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

iPAH, hPAH and aPAH were characterized by increased levels of EMP and of small PMP, a new class of PMP which seems to be differentially produced than large PMP.

Sperm DNA fragmentation index does not correlate with the sperm or embryo aneuploidy rate in recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure patients

BACKGROUND

The aneuploidy rate is higher in poor-quality sperm samples, which also have higher DNA fragmentation index values. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation in samples from infertile men belonging to couples with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure and the aneuploidy rate in spermatozoa as well as in embryos from patients.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated DNA damage and the aneuploidy rate in fresh and processed (density gradient centrifugation) ejaculated sperm as well as the aneuploidy rate in biopsied embryos from fertility cycles. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used for the aneuploidy analysis. Results were compared using linear regression and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

A total of 154 embryos were evaluated from 38 patients undergoing PGD cycles; 35.2% of the embryos were chromosomally normal. Analysis of the same sperm samples showed an increased DNA fragmentation after sperm preparation in 76% of the patients. There was no correlation between DNA fragmentation and the aneuploidy rate in embryos or in fresh or processed sperm samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Sperm DNA fragmentation is not related to chromosomal anomalies in embryos from patients with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that a relationship between DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy exists for other causes of infertility. Furthermore, the different methods used to evaluate DNA fragmentation may produce different results.