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Changes in live weight or dimension for a period of time are explained by growth curves. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth curves in lambs of 6 (1st experimental group) and/or 5 genotypes (2nd group) created on the basis of Improved Valachian (IV) and Tsigai (T) breed. All lambs (n = 209 and 205) were kept from birth to 9 months of age in identical conditions. Lambs of both experimental groups were weighed at birth and then every week until weaning (8 weightings totally). After weaning only breeding ewe and ram lambs were weighed (6 times totally). The growth of lambs created on the basis of IV a T breeds showed linear course till weaning expressed in regression equation y = 0.2659x + 5.352 and y = 0.2404x + 4.7364 respectively (R2 = 0.985 and/or 0.9954; x – day of raising). Weight differences between genotypes grew after weaning. The average weight of lambs at the age of 150 days was 40.15 kg in the 1st group and 38.31 kg in the 2nd group respectively. The lowest weight was in purebred IV (38.13 kg) a T lambs (34.98 kg) and the highest in the purebred Lacaune lambs (43.82 kg and/or 44.29 kg). Differences between genotypes were statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). The differences among genotypes were even more marked at the age of 9 months. Growth of lambs from birth to the age of 9 months can be expressed in the best way by means of polynomic equation (R2 = 0.99 in both experimental groups).

The present study aimed to identify the novel mechanisms regulating rabbit fecundity. For this purpose, the association between litter size variability, fecundity, ovarian morphology, and markers of proliferation, apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and the presence of regulatory proteins were examined in ovarian cells from two rabbit lines divergently selected for low (LL) and high (HL) variability in litter size throughout sixteen generations. Ovaries and uteri were isolated from multiparous non-lactating female rabbits from each line at sixteen generations of selection. One part of the ovary was subjected to histomorphometric analysis of folliculogenesis. From the rest of ovary, ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) were isolated, cultured, and cell viability, proliferation (accumulation of PCNA and of cyclin B1, and BrdU-positive cells), and apoptosis (accumulation of caspase 3, bax and DNA fragmentation) were evaluated by the Trypan blue exclusion test and BrdU, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and cell death detection assays. Furthermore, OGCs were subjected to proteomic analysis by using the nano HPLC-Chip-MS/MS method. The release of progesterone and oestradiol was measured by ELISA. The LL had more than one kit per litter than the HL (7.6 kits vs. 6.5 kits, p ≤ 0.05). No differences were found in the diameter of primordial and primary ovarian follicles, theca, and granulosa thickness, but the diameter of oocytes in the primary and secondary follicles was higher in the LL than in the HL (88.49 µm in the LL vs. 77.86 µm in the HL for oocytes of primary follicles, p ≤ 0.05; 122.10 µm in the LL vs. 109.87 µm in the HL for oocytes of secondary follicles, p ≤ 0.05). Preovulatory follicles were presented only in the ovaries of the LL. The LL had higher incorporation of BrdU and reduced accumulation of bax within OGCs (0.92% in the LL vs. 0.44% in the HL for incorporation of BrdU, p ≤ 0.05; 41% in the LL vs. 48% in the HL for accumulation of bax, p ≤ 0.05). Ovarian fragments from the LL produced less progesterone and oestradiol than those of the HL (12 ng/mg tissue/day in the LL vs, 45 ng/mg tissue/day in the HL for progesterone, p ≤ 0.05; 11 ng/mg tissue/day in the LL vs. 30 ng/mg tissue/day in the HL for oestradiol, p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the OGCs from the LL produced a higher number of specific regulatory proteins involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion than the HL (50 vs 38, p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, higher prolificacy in the LL line would be caused by: (1) the selection of growing primordial ovarian follicles; (2) better transformation to preovulatory follicles; (3) increased cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes; (4) increased DNA synthesis and decreased cytoplasmic apoptosis in OGCs; (5) changes in ovarian steroidogenesis; and (6) changes in the number of peptides involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion.HIGHLIGHTS Assessing fecundity in two divergently rabbit lines for variability in litter size. Fecundity and its variability are related to the diameter and quality of oocytes. Selection and better growth of preovulatory follicles have been related to fecundity.

Ovarian teratomas are rare neoplasms in female dogs, and they are characterised by the proliferation of tissues of embryonic origin. Most teratomas are benign, but a histological diagnosis is important for clinicians. The objective of this article is to describe a benign ovarian teratoma in a dog, which was found on the street and was appearing like pregnant. A veterinary inspection by palpation documented an enlarged abdomen with a mass of tough matter located on the right side in the abdominal-pelvic part. An ultrasound examination presumed neoplastic mass in region of ovary. A bilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed and the subsequent histological evaluation revealed a benign ovarian teratoma with a histochemically and immunohistochemically verified nervous tissue. After one year, no distant metastases were found and the dog was recognised as being clinically healthy without problems. On the basis of the ultrasonography diagnostics and histopathological analyses, we have demonstrated the occurrence of a benign ovarian teratoma in a dog.

Pulmonary infections caused by Bordetella pertussis used to be the prime cause of infant mortality in the pre-vaccine era and mouse models of pertussis pneumonia served in characterization of B. pertussis virulence mechanisms. However, the biologically most relevant catarrhal disease stage and B. pertussis transmission has not been adequately reproduced in adult mice due to limited proliferation of the human-adapted pathogen on murine nasopharyngeal mucosa. We used immunodeficient C57BL/6J MyD88 KO mice to achieve B. pertussis proliferation to human-like high counts of 108 viable bacteria per nasal cavity to elicit rhinosinusitis accompanied by robust shedding and transmission of B. pertussis bacteria to adult co-housed MyD88 KO mice. Experiments with a comprehensive set of B. pertussis mutants revealed that pertussis toxin, adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin, the T3SS effector BteA/BopC and several other known virulence factors were dispensable for nasal cavity infection and B. pertussis transmission in the immunocompromised MyD88 KO mice. In contrast, mutants lacking the filamentous hemagglutinin (FhaB) or fimbriae (Fim) adhesins infected the nasal cavity poorly, shed at low levels and failed to productively infect co-housed MyD88 KO or C57BL/6J mice. FhaB and fimbriae thus appear to play a critical role in B. pertussis transmission. The here-described novel murine model of B. pertussis-induced nasal catarrh opens the way to genetic dissection of host mechanisms involved in B. pertussis shedding and to validation of key bacterial transmission factors that ought to be targeted by future pertussis vaccines.

Abstract Zinc finger 644 (Zfp644 in mouse, ZNF644 in human) gene is a transcription factor whose mutation S672G is considered a potential genetic factor of inherited high myopia. ZNF644 interacts with G9a/GLP complex, which functions as a H3K9 methyltransferase to silence transcription. In this study, we generated mouse models to unravel the mechanisms leading to symptoms associated with high myopia. Employing TALEN technology, two mice mutants were generated, either with the disease-carrying mutation (Zfp644 S673G ) or with a truncated form of Zfp644 (Zfp644 Δ8 ). Eye morphology and visual functions were analysed in both mutants, revealing a significant difference in a vitreous chamber depth and lens diameter, however the physiological function of retina was preserved as found under the high-myopia conditions. Our findings prove that ZNF644/Zfp644 is involved in the development of high-myopia, indicating that mutations such as, Zfp644 S673G and Zfp644 Δ8 are causative for changes connected with the disease. The developed models represent a valuable tool to investigate the molecular basis of myopia pathogenesis and its potential treatment.

Streptococcus suis is a serious pathogen in the pig industry with zoonotic potential. With respect to the current effort to reduce antibiotic use in animals, a prophylactic measure is needed to control the disease burden. Unfortunately, immunization against streptococcal pathogens is challenging due to nature of the interaction between the pathogen and the host immune system, but vaccines based on conjugates of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and carrier protein were proved to be efficient. The main obstacle of these vaccines is manufacturing cost, limiting their use in animals. In this work, we tested an experimental vaccine against Streptococcus suis serotype 2 based on capsular polysaccharide conjugated to chicken ovalbumin (OVA) and compared its immunogenicity and protectivity with a vaccine based on CRM197 conjugate. Ovalbumin was selected as a cheap alternative to recombinant carrier proteins widely used in vaccines for human use. We found that the ovalbumin-based experimental vaccine successfully induced immune response in pigs, and the IgG antibody response was even higher than after immunization with capsular polysaccharide-CRM197 conjugate. Protectivity of vaccination against infection was evaluated in the challenge experiment and was found promising for both conjugates.

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disorder in fast-growing broilers that is characterized by non-tumult fluid collection in the abdomen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable feeding and rearing temperature on AS occurrence in broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were assigned to three equal groups (n = 120) fed pellet, crumble or mash diets and within each group, half of birds (n = 60, starting from the 22nd day of age) were reared under two different temperatures: at 23°C (comfort) or at 14°C (cold), respectively. There were six treatments and four replicates including 15 broilers per replicate per treatment. Birds’ growth performances and blood parameters as well the incidence of ascites were assessed. The haematocrit percentage, T3 and T4 hormones activity in pellet-fed group under cold temperature conditions were significantly higher (P .05). Further, feeding of mash diet reduced broilers’ feed consumption per unit of time, especially by level of achieving energy that is reducing the growth and AS.

Udder morphology traits were measured and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores and cistern cross-section areas were scanned by ultrasound machine, and were examined in 266 dairy ewes of Tsigai (TS), Improved Valachian (IV) and Lacaune (LC) dairy ewes. Measurements were recorded repeatedly within and between lactations, therefore 772 sets of measurements were collected in total. Analysis of variance was conducted with the mixed procedure of SAS statistical package. The model included effects of experimental day, parity, day in milk, random effect of animal and residual error. Subsequently correlations between random animal effects for udder measurements and linear scores were computed. Subjectively assessed linear scores for udder depth, cistern depth, teat angle and teat size showed high correlations with actual measurements of appropriate traits on udder in all examined breeds (rp=0.65–0.80).

Morphology of udder in ewes in one experimental herd was examined on the basis of linear evaluation (7 traits; 9 points scale; 1145 data for each trait) and exact measurements of udder (6 parameters; 1055 measurements at each trait) were taken. Estimation of covariance components and genetic parameters were done using REML and BLUP-AM (VCE 4.0 package) for 7 traits (linear evaluation) or 6 traits (udder measurements) . Heritability coefficients for individual traits of linear evaluation varied from 0.090–0.294. Heritability coefficient (h2) for teat position was 0.242, 0.275 for teat size , and 0.294 for cistern depth, which is related to teat position. The highest value of genetic correlation (rg=0.980) was found between cistern depth and teat position. Negative genetic correlation was detected between teat position and teat size (–0.381), and teat position and udder cleft (–0.404). Heritability coefficients and genetic correlations of exact measurements of udder were comparable with traits of linear evaluation. For the parameter, udder length and rear udder depth, the detected band-measures were h2 = 0.219 or 0.223. Highest h2 was found for cistern depth (0.480), teat length (0.358) and teat angle (0.290) similar to linear evaluation.

Abstract Background Cisplatin (CDDP) remains a key agent in the treatment of muscle-infiltrating bladder carcinoma (MIBC). However, a proportion of MIBC patients do not respond to chemotherapy, which may be caused by the increased repair of CDDP-induced DNA damage. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of proteins involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) in MIBC patients. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 86 MIBC patients. The XPA, XPF, XPG, ERCC1, POLI, POLH and REV3L proteins were stained in primary bladder tumors and their levels were analyzed both in the total cohort and in a subgroup with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) that received gemcitabine and CDDP as a first-line therapy. Both cohorts were divided by percentage of cancer cells stained positive for each protein into subgroups with high and low expression. In the same manner, the combined expression of NER (XPA + ERCC1 + XPF + XPG) and TLS (POLI + POLH + REV3L), as the whole pathways, was analyzed. Results Mortality was 89.5% at the median follow-up of 120.2 months. In the total cohort, patients with tumors stained positive for XPA, XPG and POLI had significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared to those with negative staining [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.60, 0.62 and 0.53, respectively]. Both XPG and POLI were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analyses (MVA). In addition, an increase in NER and TLS pathway expression was significantly associated with worse OS in the total cohort (HR = 0.54 and 0.60, respectively). In the mUC subgroup, high POLI expression was associated with significant deterioration of OS (HR = 0.56) in univariate analyses, and its independent prognostic value was shown in MVA. Conclusions Our study showed significant correlations between the tumor expression of XPG and POLI, as well as NER and TLS as the whole pathways, and inferior OS. Hence, they could constitute prognostic biomarkers and potentially promising therapeutic targets in MIBC. However, a prospective trial is required for further validation, thereby overcoming the limitations of this study.

A trial was conducted on lambing ewes of Tsigai and Improved Valachian breeds in the 1st to the 3rd lactation in 2017 and in the 1st to 4th lactation in 2018. The lambing ewes were housed and managed under the same conditions over the experimental period. Milk samples for determination of SCC (Fossomatic 90, Foss Electric Co., Denmark) and contents of solids (% S), proteins (% P), fat (% F) and lactose (% L) (Multispec infrared analyzer) were taken by ewe milking in S period after intravenous application of oxytocin (5 i.u./ewe) and as part of milk recording at morning hand milking in M period. Milk samples were taken in such a way to be representative ones of the ewe’s whole milk yield. Daily milk production (MP) was also recorded in individual ewes on the day of milk sampling; in S period, it was calculated from a milk quantity produced within a 4 h interval and milked after

Germ-free animals (GF) are those without a microbiome since birth. This particular biological model has become one of special interest with the growing evidence of importance of the microbiome in the life, development, adaptation, and immunity of humans and animals in the environments in which they live. Anatomical differences observed in GF compared with conventionally-reared animals (CV) has given rise to the question of the influence of commensal microflora on the development of structure and function (even immunological) of the bowel. Only recently, thanks to achievements in microscopy and associated methods, structural differences can be better evaluated and put in perspective with the immunological characteristics of GF vs. CV animals. This study, using a GF rat model, describes for the first time the possible influence that the presence of commensal microflora, continuously stimulating mucosal immunity, has on the collagen scaffold organization of the colon mucosa. Significant differences were found between CV and GF mucosa structure with higher complexity in the CV rats associated to a more activated immune environment. The immunological data suggest that, in response to the presence of a microbiome, an effective homeostatic regulation in developed by the CV rats in healthy conditions to avoid inflammation and maintain cytokine levels near the spontaneous production found in the GF animals. The results indicated that collagen scaffold adapted to the immune microenvironment; therefore, it is apparent that the microbiome was able to condition the structure of the colon mucosa.

At the 3rd and 5th month of lactation, using the ALOKA‑250 ultrasonograph with a 3.5 MHz probe, the udder cistern size of the breed Improved Valachian (IV) and the crossbreed IV x Lacaune (IV x LC) was surveyed. Using the method from side 72 ewes were measured, in which the probe was placed in the inguinal‑abdominal fold. Variance analysis was used to evaluate the obtained data (length, width and udder cistern area), taking into account the effect of the genotype, stage of lactation and lactation order. The average length, width and area of the left udder cistern (LUC) was 80.72 mm; 33.53 mm and 1907 mm2; for the right udder cistern (RUC) 79.44 mm; 33.01 mm and 1851 mm2. The genotype had a statistically significant effect on the LUC as well as the RUC size (P < 0.05 to 0.001). The LUC area of the IV x LC ewes was 32.7% bigger than at IV (2175 mm2 and 1639 mm2, respectively), and the difference of the RUC was up to 51% in favour of the crossbreed (2227 mm2 and 1475 mm2, respectively). This may be due to laterality, the natural asymmetry found in many mammals. The variability in the observed variables of the left and right udder cisterns was greater in crossbreeds than in the purebred IV ewes.

Abstract  Deinonychosaurian theropods, the dinosaurian sister group of birds, are characterized by a large raptorial claw borne on a highly modified second digit that was thought to be held in a retracted position during locomotion. In this study, we present new trackway evidence for two coeval deinonychosaurian taxa from the Early Cretaceous of Shandong, China that indicate a hitherto unrecognized body size diversity for this period and continent. These fossil tracks confirm diversity and locomotory patterns implied by phylogeny and biogeography, but not yet manifested in the body fossil record. Multiple parallel and closely spaced trackways generated by the larger track maker provide the best evidence yet discovered for gregarious behavior in deinonychosaurian theropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Udder morphology and milking characteristics are one of the factors determining milkability in dairy ewes. Udder morphology traits were measured and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores in 150 ewes of Lacaune (LC) and East Friesian (EF) dairy breeds. Linear scores were assessed for udder depth, cistern depth, teat placement, teat length, udder attachment, udder cleft, and udder shape. Nine traits characterized by milk production and milkability were analyzed in machine milking conditions (150 measurements). Analysis of variance was done by the GLM procedure of SAS statistical package. Extraordinary great variability in all traits of linear udder evaluation was detected, as well as in traits connected with milk production and milkability. The obtained results suggest that LC breed has better milkability parameters than EF breed. The differences in milk production and analysed parameters of milkability were too large between the individual flocks.

Knowledge of genetic parameters is the basis of sound livestock improvement programmes. Genetic parameters have been estimated for linear udder traits: Udder depth (UD), Cistern depth (CD), Teat position (TP), Teat size (TS) and external udder measurements: Rear udder depth (RUD), Cistern depth (CDe), Teat length (TL) and Teat angle (TA) – 1275 linear assessments (381 ewes) and 1185 external udder measurements (355 ewes) were included in the analysis for each character of 9 genotypes. Nine breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: purebred Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), Lacaune (LC) ewes, and IV and T crosses with genetic portion of Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) – 25 %, 50 % and 75 %. Primary data were processed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology and the multiple‑trait animal model, using programs REMLF90 and VCE 4.0. High genetic correlations were found between UD and RUD (0.86), CD and CD(e) (0.93), TP and TA (0.90), TS and TL (0.94). The highest heritabilities were estimated for exact measurements of TL and CD (0.35–0.39) and subjectively assessed TA and TS (0.32 – 0.33).

Skeletochronology is a widely used method for age determination in amphibians. This method is based mainly on the histological examination of the finger bones. However, the lengths of utilized severed fingers have not been specified in previous studies. The objective of this study was to analyse the structure of line arrested growth (LAGs) involving taking only the last two phalanges of a finger, and using the entire finger of Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris). Altogether 432 fingers were taken from four localities in the Czech Republic during the newt breeding period. The first group (group A) contained fingers that consisted of the last two phalanges (330 samples), and the second (group B) contained complete fingers with all phalanges (102 samples). All fingers were processed using standard histological methods and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Phalange cross-section slides were made, and the ages of the individuals were determined by the number of LAGs. From two phalanges it is determine the age of 17.87% of newts; however, age determination was successful in 49.01% of newts when using whole fingers. Age determination success rate differences between groups were significant (P < 0.001). This is a histological study and it is recommended utilizing whole fingers in future Caudata amphibian screening age studies.Errata to this article were published in: Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2015, 63(3): 1079–1079. http://dx.doi.org/10.11118/actaun201563031079

U poslednjih nekoliko godina postoji povećano interesovanje za smanjenje broja somatskih ćelija u mleku u cilju poboljšanja kvaliteta mleka kod preživara. Procenjivani su genetski parametri za broj somatskih ćelija (SCC), LOGSCC i skorovi somatskih ćelija (SCS). Obuhvaćeno je oko 1193 merenja u okviru analiza svakog od parametra i to kod 358 ovaca, u okviru 9 genotipova. Devet pasmina i genotipova obuhvaćeni su ovim ispitivanjem i to: čistokrvna poboljšana vlaška ovca (IV), cigaja (T), lakon (LC) ovce kao i ovce dobijene ukrštanjem IV i T sa genetskim primesama lakona i istočno-frizijske ovce - 25%, 50% i 75%. Preliminarni rezultati su obrađivani upotrebom restriktivne maksimalne verovatnoće (REML) primenom REMLF90 i VCE 4.0 programa. Nasledni koefi cijenti za broj somatskih ćelija bili su niski: h2=0.03, za LOGSCC h2=0.08 i za skor somatskih ćelija h2=0.06. Skor somatskih ćelija može da se uzme u obzir prilikom pravljenja programa ukrštanja, a u cilju redukcije broja somatskih ćelija i učestalosti klinički izraženih mastitisa kod muznih ovaca.

Morphological udder traits are very important for dairy animals. During this experiment, mor¬phological udder traits were subjectively assessed with the use of linear scores from selected ewes (381 ewes) belonging to nine genotypes based on the basis of Improved Valachian, Tsigai and Lacaune breeds (7 udder traits; using a scale of 9 points; 1275 statements for each trait) during the milking period from 2002 to 2008. Linear udder traits were: udder depth, cistern depth, teat position, teat size, udder cleft, udder attachment and udder shape. Collected data were processed with restricted methodology and maximal probability using a MIXED procedure from the SAS statistical package. During the research, all traits were influenced by the ewe genotype (P