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Maternal nutrition is one of the main environmental factors regulating gene expression during fetal development through epigenetic modifications. Some nutrients, such as the amino acid l -arginine, are added to maternal diets to modulate gene expression, improve the reproductive performance of females, and enhance conceptus development. This study investigated the hypothesis that supplementation of pregnant gilts with l -arginine regulates gene expression in conceptuses through epigenetic mechanisms. For this, fetal programming phenotypic markers, the expression of key epigenetic genes, and the abundance of DNA methylation proteins (DNMT3A and DNMT1) were evaluated in 25- and 35-day conceptuses from gilts supplemented (ARG) or not (CON) with 1.0 % l -arginine during early gestation. At 25 days, there were no significant differences in phenotypic markers between CON and ARG embryos (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were found between CON and ARG fetuses at 35 days (P > 0.05). Maternal supplementation with l -arginine did not influence the expression of the evaluated key epigenetic genes in pig embryos or fetuses, nor DNMT3A protein abundance (P > 0.05); on the other hand, DNMT1 protein abundance was lower in ARG fetuses (P = 0.002). It is concluded that supplementation of l -arginine in pregnant gilts affects epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, in 35-day fetuses through regulation of DNMT1 levels. Further studies using transcriptomic and proteomic analysis could reveal additional epigenetic modifications in embryos and fetuses following maternal supplementation with l -arginine. • Effects of L-arginine supplementation of sows were evaluated on pig conceptuses. • Genes associated with epigenetic modifications in swine conceptuses were evaluated. • Proteins related to epigenetic modifications in swine conceptuses were quantified. • Sows L-arginine supplementation affected the abundance of DNMT1 protein in fetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the survival of encapsulated and free probiotics in a functional plant-based beverage. The fermented vegetable drink was developed from the water-soluble extract of red pigmented rice and added from the strains of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, were added free and encapsulated. Encapsulation was performed by the ionic gelation method of the 2% alginate solution with the probiotic cultures. The microbiological analysis, pH and acidity, respectively, were conducted at intervals of 0, 15, and 40 days post-fermentation and cold storage. The physicochemical and bioactive compound analyses were: Acidity, pH, moisture, density, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, determination of total phenolics and total anthocyanins. The antimicrobial activity was carried out by the microdilution method against pathogenic bacteria. The physicochemical analyses obtained results above expectations, especially the high total protein content and the low lipid content. The results for the bioactive compounds were high, proving the functional claim of the fermentate. Probiotic viability during 40 days of storage resulted in the decay of viability to free cells. However, for encapsulated probiotics, survival remained constant. The fermented vegetable drink with free cells showed higher acidification and lower pH during storage. The antimicrobial activity demonstrated high efficiency, proving the antagonism against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic strains, highlighting the efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis , which is considered resistant to many antibiotics. In this way, survival and the addition of probiotics in plant-based fermented beverages is possible. • You can add probiotics to fermented plant-based beverage. • The fermented vegetable beverage showed higher probiotic viability with the microencapsulated strains. • Red rice fermented vegetable beverage has a favorable nutritional composition to be a substitute for dairy products. • Fermented red rice beverage can be considered functional due to its phytochemical content. • It is possible to ferment red rice extract into a fermented vegetable drink with characteristics similar to yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l -arginine supplementation of sows has led to improvement of reproductive performance, but the mechanisms responsible for the positive effects of arginine during gestation on conceptuses survival and development are still poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to evaluate effects of 1.0% l -arginine supplementation (ARG) on phenotypic traits of commercial gilts, embryos and fetuses, concentration of gilts' blood metabolites, expression of developmental and cellular apoptosis genes in conceptuses of 25 and 35 days. At 25 days, IGF1 gene was more expressed in embryos from ARG than in embryos from control gilts (CON) (P = 0.05). At this same gestational age, ARG embryos tended to be heavier compared to CON (P = 0.07) and ARG gilts showed a trend to have a greater arginine concentration in blood plasma (P = 0.06). However, at 35 days of gestation, arginine concentration in blood plasma of ARG gilts tended to be lower compared to CON (P = 0.06) and ARG fetuses showed smaller cephalic-caudal length (P = 0.05). These results indicate that duration of supplementation is determinant for arginine effects, not only on the females performance but also on the conceptuses, since supplementation upregulated IGF1 expression at 25 days, in addition to the reduction of cephalic-caudal length of 35-day fetuses. • We compared phenotypic traits among pregnant gilts supplement with 1.0% l -arginine and not supplemented gilts. • We analyzed phenotypic traits in embryos/fetuses from gilts supplemented or not supplemented with l -arginine. • We sought to understand the influence of L-arginine supplementation in the expression of developmental genes and apoptotic genes. • We analyzed the effect of L-arginine supplementation in metabolites like amino acids, hormones and urea in gilts blood concentration. • We discussed some important events and modifications that occurs during the embryos and fetuses development, treated or not treated with L-arginine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of tropical forest fragmentation on carbon balance, most of our knowledge comes from few sites in the Amazon and disregard long-term underlying processes related to landscape configuration. Accurate estimation of fragmentation effects should account for additive edge effects and edge age. Here we investigated those effects on C stock and forest structure (density, height, basal area) in fragments (13 to 362 ha) of forest with ≥ 70 years old, surrounded by pasture, in the Brazilian Atlantic forest region. We measured 5297 stems sampled in four categories replicated in eight fragments: fragment interiors (>110 m from edges); old (>50 years) corner edges (< 50 m); old straight edges; and new (ca. 44 years) straight edges. Aboveground biomass was estimated from tree height and diameter at breast height, and converted to carbon. Carbon stock was highly variable between categories, scoring from 10.44 Mg ha −1 up to 107.59 Mg ha −1 (average of 41.27 ± 23 Mg ha −1 ). Contrary to our expectations, interior plots did not have higher carbon stock, basal area or tree stem density than edges, but only taller trees. We found no significant effects of edge age or additive edge effects on carbon stocks. These results suggest that edge effects in the Atlantic rainforest may differ from those observed in more recently fragmented tropical forests, such as the Amazonian forest. We hypothesize that in heavily human-modified landscapes, more extensive edge effects combined with other human disturbances on tree mortality and carbon stock may contribute to overall high levels of degradation, reducing differences between edge and interior habitats. Existing models based on Amazonian forest data may underestimate the true impacts of fragmentation on carbon storage in landscapes with an old history of human disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending mechanisms controlling corpus luteum (CL) angiogenesis and apoptosis in pregnant sows is essential to understand the physiological role of these processes in CL function, progesterone production and consequently in conceptus development and prenatal mortality. CL from 54 sows from two genetic groups, a commercial line (COM) and the local Piau breed (LPB), were obtained for gene expression ( n = 3 COM; n = 6 LPB), histological and protein analysis ( n = 3 COM; n = 3 LPB), divided in six gestational ages (seven, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days). We observed differences between gestational ages in CL morphology, in which the average number of blood vessels/capillaries at 90-days was greater than at the seventh day by Tukey test. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that apoptotic genes ( BAX , BCL2 and CASP3 ) were differentially expressed between genetic groups and gestational ages in each group. Angiogenesis genes also presented differences between genetic groups ( ANGPT1 ) and gestational ages ( MMP9 , VEGFA and ANGPT1 ). No differences in protein abundance of steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11A1 and HSD3B1) were observed. Our findings indicate that despite the differences in gene expression, differences in corpus luteum vascularization were observed only across gestational ages, with no dissimilarities between genetic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use of a cost-effective enzyme was efficient for synthesis of ascorbyl oleate. • The synthesized showed interesting biological and non-toxic properties. • It provided effective protection against lipid oxidation to olive oil. • And offered interesting perspectives for nutraceutical application. Compounds that reduce or neutralize free radicals have been evaluated for use as nutraceutical or antioxidant additives in processed foods. This study aimed to enzymatically produce ascorbyl oleate and assess its biological properties. The synthesis was performed under previously maximized conditions (L-ascorbic acid/oleic acid 1:9 molar ratio, 70 °C, 1 h reaction). Immobilized commercial lipase from Candida antarctica (NS 88011) was used as biocatalyst. The reaction product was isolated, and its structure was confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Ascorbyl oleate showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, besides no toxicity, did not influencing blood coagulation and also not presenting hemolytic profile. Better storage stability was achieved under refrigerated conditions, and the oxidative stability demonstrated free radicals fighting efficiency, increasing olive oil's shelf life. In vitro gastrointestinal simulation showed that ascorbyl oleate maintained antioxidant potential up to the duodenum stage during the digestive process. Therefore, the synthesized natural compound presented a high potential to be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Florivory affects floral attractiveness in Daustinia montana. • Pollinator visits decrease when corolla damage increases in Daustinia montana. • Fruit production under natural conditions was greater among intact flowers. Floral attractiveness is a strong determinant of pollination success, although the same attributes that attract pollinators can also attract florivores. Consumption of the corolla and/or reproductive structures can reduce pollinator visitation frequencies and depress fruit and/or seed set. We hypothesized that florivory would negatively affect the visitation frequencies of floral visitors and natural fruit set in Daustinia montana , a herbaceous species endemic to Brazil. We collected inflorescences of D. montana and recorded the numbers of floral structures with signs of florivory, as well as the locations of that damage, to quantify natural florivory. Artificial damage experiments were carried out with the corollas and stamens to experimentally determine the influence of florivory on the frequency of floral visits. We also randomly marked intact flowers and those naturally damaged by florivory and measured fruit set. More intact floral buds were observed under natural conditions than buds damaged by florivory. We observed that all of the analyzed structures (stamens/pistil and corolla) are generally attacked simultaneously, as opposed to only one specific structure. Intact flowers (controls) demonstrated greater rates of pollinator visitation than experimentally damaged flowers. The visitation frequencies of nectar thieves were not different between intact flowers and artificially damaged flowers. Fruit set under natural conditions was greater for intact flowers than for those that had experienced natural florivory. Our data indicated that floral damage had negative effects on floral attractiveness to pollinators. The greater natural production of fruits from intact flowers is indicative of the degree to which florivory can impact plant reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate apoptosis and myogenesis related genes expression in embryos and fetuses from two divergent genetic groups of pigs: Piau breed and a commercial line. Thirty females (15 Piau and 15 commercial line) were selected at 120 days of age. Estrous cycle was observed and on the third estrus females were considered sexually mature. Gilts were inseminated with semen from males of the respective breed. Three females from each breed were slaughtered at five different gestational ages: 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days. Whole embryos (15 and 30 d) and samples of longissimus dorsi muscle from fetuses (45, 60 and 90 d) were collected for RNA extraction. Expression of apoptosis and myogenesis related genes (BAX, BCL2, FGF4, IHH, HHIP, SHH, SOX2, WNT1 and WNT4) were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR. There was significant effect of interaction between breeds and gestational ages for all genes evaluated (P < 0.05). The BCL2 gene expression differed throughout pregnancy in Piau group with lower expression on day 15. The IHH gene expression throughout pregnancy was lower on days 15 and 60 in Piau group and lower on day 90 in commercial line group; and the SHH gene expression throughout pregnancy was higher on day 30 and lower on day 60 in Piau group and lower on day 45 in commercial group. The WNT1 gene expression along pregnancy was lower on day 15 and higher on days 30 and 45 in Piau group, and it was higher on day 30 than days 15 and 60 in commercial group. WNT4 gene expression throughout pregnancy was lower on day 15 in Piau group, and it was lower on day 30 in commercial pigs. Piau group presented higher expression of the FGF4 gene on days 45, 60 and 90, and commercial group showed higher expression on day 15 and 90. SOX2 gene expression was lower on day 15 in Piau pigs and it was constant throughout pregnancy in commercial group. Overall, the expression of IHH, SHH, WNT1, WNT4 and FGF4 genes were higher in commercial than Piau pigs on day 15, besides expression of BCL2 gene in Piau embryos was lower on day 15; these results might indicate that the muscle precursor cells are allowed to proliferate for a longer time in commercial than in Piau embryos by the balance of proliferative and apoptotic genes. Therefore, the expression differential between breeds can stimulate proliferation and differentiation of cells in different ways, explaining the postnatal differences in the muscularity between pigs from Piau breed and a commercial line. • Piau and commercial line embryos and fetuses were compared for apoptosis and myogenesis related genes expression. • Expression of IHH, SHH, WNT1, WNT4, FGF4 and BCL2 genes were higher in commercial than Piau embryos on day 15. • Gene expression in muscle precursor cells leads them to proliferate for a longer time in commercial than in Piau embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of the genetic material of local breeds in the swine industry and the lack of information about reproductive performance of Piau females, two experiments were conducted to evaluate puberty and sexual maturity as well as the morphometry of embryos/fetuses, placenta and uterus during the first 90 days of gestation in Piau breed and Commercial line gilts. In experiment I, 37 Piau and 25 commercial line gilts were used. From the 120 days of age, detection of estrus was performed using mature boars from the first to third estrus of each gilt. Data regarding to age, body weight and estrus duration were recorded. After third estrus, females were slaughtered and ovaries were collected to determine ovulation rate. In experiment II, 36 Piau and 18 commercial line gilts were distributed into three groups according to the mating: Commercial, commercial line females x commercial line male; cross-mated, Piau females x commercial line male; and Piau, Piau females x Piau male. Gilts were slaughtered at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy. Piau females reached puberty and sexual maturity at the same age as commercial line females, but with lower weight; moreover, Piau group showed negative correlations of birth weight with puberty (−0.27) and sexual maturity (−0.29). Commercial gilts presented higher ovulation rate, weight and length of uterus, and length and thoracic circumference of fetuses. Nevertheless, number of fetuses was similar in all groups at 90 days of gestation suggesting that Piau females present higher survival rates of the conceptuses. The results showed differences between the genetic groups related to fetal and placental development, gestational losses, number of ovulations and uterine development. In addition, an intermediate status of fetal weight was observed in Piau/Commercial line crossbred conceptuses; thus, the selection of Piau females on reproductive traits to be mated with commercial line males would be an alternative to contribute to improvement of intramuscular fat content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause is a female condition induced by a reduction of ovarian hormone and is related to an increase in cardiovascular diseases in women. We have shown that severe calorie restriction (SCR) from birth reduces the cardiometabolic risk in adult male Wistar rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of SCR from birth to adulthood on cardiovascular function of ovariectomized rats. From birth to adulthood, rats were daily fed ad libitum (control group - C) or with 50% of the amount consumed by the control group (calorie-restricted group - R). At 90 days, half of the rats in each group underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), totaling 4 groups: C-Sham, C-OVX, R-Sham, R-OVX. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and, double product (DP) index were recorded by tail-cuff plethysmography. Cardiac function was analyzed by the Langendorff technique and cardiomyocyte diameter was accessed by histologic analysis. Additionally, cardiac SERCA2 content and redox status were evaluated. C-OVX rats exhibited reduced cardiac function and cardiac non-enzymatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC). R-Sham animals showed reduced SBP, DP, HR, improved cardiac function, reduced cardiac protein carbonyl derivatives and increased TAC, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. R-OVX rats maintained reduced SBP, DP, HR, and increased contractility and relaxation indexes. R-Sham and R-OVX rats exhibited preserved heart mass and reduced cardiomyocyte diameter. Cardiac SERCA2 content did not differ between the groups. Taken together, our findings show cardioprotective effects of SCR from birth in adult ovariectomized rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TP receptor antagonist SQ 29,548 prevents neuromotor impairment after SE. • Neuroscore test suggests the existence of SQ 29,548 responders and non-responders. • SQ 29,548 reduces the number of degenerating neurons after SE. • Reactive astrogliosis was reduced in the hippocampus of SQ 29,548 responders. Thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2) is an important eicosanoid in the cardiovascular system, and increasing evidence suggests that TXA 2 receptors (TPs) and their ligands may constitute valuable tools for the development of neuroprotective drugs. However, the role of TPs on seizure-induced damage has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of SQ 29,548, a potent and selective TP antagonist—on neuromotor performance, neurodegeneration, reactive astrocytosis, and c-Fos protein immunoreactivity after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in mice. Adult C57BL/6 mice received intracerebroventricular SQ 29,548 injections 90 min and 24 h after pilocarpine-induced SE. We found that SQ 29,548 prevented the impairment of neuromotor performance (Neuroscore test) 48 h after pilocarpine-induced SE. Data analysis suggested the existence of two subgroups of SQ 29,548-treated post-SE animals. Eight out of 12 SQ 29,548-treated animals displayed Neuroscore values identical to those of vehicle-treated controls, and were considered SQ 29,548 responders. However, 4 out of 12 SQ 29,548-treated animals did not show any improvement in Neuroscore values, and were considered SQ 29,548 non-responders. Treatment with SQ 29,548 attenuated SE-induced increase in the number of FJC- or GFAP-positive cells in the hippocampus of SQ 29,548 responders. In addition, SQ 29,548 prevented the SE-elicited increase of c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. In summary, our results suggest that the TP antagonist (SQ 29,548) improves neurological outcome after pilocarpine-induced SE in mice. The existence of SQ 29,548 responders and non-responders was suggested by results from the Neuroscore test. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these findings, as well as the potential uses of TP antagonists in the treatment of seizure-induced damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]