Impact of different levels of handling on Solea senegalensis culture: effects on growth and molecular markers of stress

[EN] Aquaculture routine practices may cause stress induction on the fish and compromise their welfare affecting the production. This experiment aimed to evaluate the potential links between handling during culture with stress responses and growth on Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). We worked with two fish cohorts in terms of initial body weight and culture stage: Trial 1 included specimens in the fattening stage (226 ± 4.96 g) and Trial 2 animals in the pre-fattening stage (27.20 ± 0.44 g). The tested culture protocol, which lasted 6 and 4 months for Trial 1 and 2, respectively, mainly reduced handling-derived stressors in the experimental tanks via lowering routine samplings to a minimum. This decrease of the handling-derived stress was reflected in both trials with lower concentration of circulating cortisol in blood plasma from the experimental fish when compared to controls. Moreover, the proposed protocol promoted higher growth in the fish cultured in the less disturbing protocol in Trial 2. Higher specific growth rates and mean body weight and length were reported. In order to further explore the potential beneficial effects of our protocol, we studied the musculoskeletal from Trial 2 gene expression of key genes regulating glucocorticoid signaling pathway and apoptosis: glucocorticoid receptors 1 and 2 (gr1, gr2), heat shock protein 90 AA (hsp90aa), and caspase 6 (casp6). In line with the cortisol reduced level in this trial, gr1, hsp90aa, and casp6 genes showed lower expression in the samples coming from the experimental group. The findings of this study provide valuable information to the aquaculture industry for the management of Solea senegalensis stress and welfare.SIPublicación en abierto financiada por el Consorcio de Bibliotecas Universitarias de Castilla y León (BUCLE), con cargo al Programa Operativo 2014ES16RFOP009 FEDER 2014-2020 DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN, Actuación:20007-CL - Apoyo Consorcio BUCL

A Realistic Description of Nucleon-Nucleon and Hyperon-Nucleon Interactions in the SU_6 Quark Model

We upgrade a SU_6 quark-model description for the nucleon-nucleon and hyperon-nucleon interactions by improving the effective meson-exchange potentials acting between quarks. For the scalar- and vector-meson exchanges, the momentum-dependent higher-order term is incorporated to reduce the attractive effect of the central interaction at higher energies. The single-particle potentials of the nucleon and Lambda, predicted by the G-matrix calculation, now have proper repulsive behavior in the momentum region q_1=5 - 20 fm^-1. A moderate contribution of the spin-orbit interaction from the scalar-meson exchange is also included. As to the vector mesons, a dominant contribution is the quadratic spin-orbit force generated from the rho-meson exchange. The nucleon-nucleon phase shifts at the non-relativistic energies up to T_lab=350 MeV are greatly improved especially for the 3E states. The low-energy observables of the nucleon-nucleon and the hyperon-nucleon interactions are also reexamined. The isospin symmetry breaking and the Coulomb effect are properly incorporated in the particle basis. The essential feature of the Lambda N - Sigma N coupling is qualitatively similar to that obtained from the previous models. The nuclear saturation properties and the single-particle potentials of the nucleon, Lambda and Sigma are reexamined through the G-matrix calculation. The single-particle potential of the Sigma hyperon is weakly repulsive in symmetric nuclear matter. The single-particle spin-orbit strength for the Lambda particle is very small, in comparison with that of the nucleons, due to the strong antisymmetric spin-orbit force generated from the Fermi-Breit interaction.Comment: Revtex v2.09, 69 pages with 25 figure

Measurement of the properties of the Ξb∗0\Xi_b^{*0} baryon

See paper for full list of authors - 18 pages, 5 figures. All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at this https URLInternational audienceWe perform a search for near-threshold Ξ0b resonances decaying to Ξ−bπ+ in a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb−1 collected by the LHCb experiment. We observe one resonant state, with the following properties:m(Ξ∗0b)−m(Ξ−b)−m(π+)=15.727±0.068(stat)±0.023(syst)MeV/c2,Γ(Ξ∗0b)=0.90±0.16(stat)±0.08(syst)MeV.This confirms the previous observation by the CMS collaboration. The state is consistent with the JP=3/2+ Ξ∗0b resonance expected in the quark model. This is the most precise determination of the mass and the first measurement of the natural width of this state. We have also measured the ratioσ(pp→Ξ∗0bX)B(Ξ∗0b→Ξ−bπ+)σ(pp→Ξ−bX)=0.27±0.03(stat)±0.01(syst)

Long Exposure to a Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality and Progeny Survival in the Zebrafish Model

The aim of the present experiment is to study the effects of oral ingestion of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria on sperm quality and progenies. Three homogeneous groups of juvenile zebrafish were created. Once having reached adulthood (3 months postfertilization; mpf), each group received different feeding regimens: a standard diet (control), a maltodextrin-supplemented diet (vehicle control), or a probiotic-supplemented diet (a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347). The feeding regime lasted 4.5 months. Growth parameters (weight and length) were determined at 3, 5, and 7.5 mpf. Sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis at 5 and 7.5 mpf. Progeny survival, hatching rate, and malformation rate were also evaluated. Results showed that probiotic-supplemented diet improved growth parameters compared with the standard diet. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was reported in the probiotic-fed group. Concomitantly, the percentage of fast sperm subpopulation was significantly lower in samples derived from control males. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in progeny survival between the probiotic-fed group and the control group at three developmental times (24 hours postfertilization (hpf), 5 days postfertilization (dpf) and 7 dpf). In conclusion, in zebrafish, prolonged ingestion of a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 has positive effects on growth, sperm quality, and progeny survival

Non-coding RNA regulation in reproduction: Their potential use as biomarkers

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial regulatory elements in most biological processes and reproduction is also controlled by them. The different types of ncRNAs, as well as the high complexity of these regulatory pathways, present a complex scenario; however, recent studies have shed some light on these questions, discovering the regulatory function of specific ncRNAs on concrete reproductive biology processes. This mini review will focus on the role of ncRNAs in spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and their potential use as biomarkers for reproductive diseases or for reproduction success. Keywords: Non-coding RNAs, Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis, Reproductive transgenerational effects, Biomarker

The Use of Antifreeze Proteins in the Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos

The cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is a technique widely used in reproductive biology. This technology helps in the reproductive management of domesticated animals, and it is an important tool for gene banking and for human-assisted reproductive technologies. Antifreeze proteins are naturally present in several organisms exposed to subzero temperatures. The ability for these proteins to inhibit ice recrystallization together with their ability to interact with biological membranes makes them interesting molecules to be used in cryopreservation protocols. This mini-review provides a general overview about the use of antifreeze proteins to improve the short and long term storage of gametes and embryos

Long exposure to a diet supplemented with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory probiotics improves sperm quality and progeny survival in the zebrafish model (publicado en Biomolecules IF 4,6, pero no aparece en la lista de publicaciones)

The aim of the present experiment is to study the effects of oral ingestion of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria on sperm quality and progenies. Three homogeneous groups of juvenile zebrafish were created. Once having reached adulthood (3 months postfertilization; mpf), each group received different feeding regimens: a standard diet (control), a maltodextrin-supplemented diet (vehicle control), or a probiotic-supplemented diet (a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347). The feeding regime lasted 4.5 months. Growth parameters (weight and length) were determined at 3, 5, and 7.5 mpf. Sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis at 5 and 7.5 mpf. Progeny survival, hatching rate, and malformation rate were also evaluated. Results showed that probiotic-supplemented diet improved growth parameters compared with the standard diet. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was reported in the probiotic-fed group. Concomitantly, the percentage of fast sperm subpopulation was significantly lower in samples derived from control males. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in progeny survival between the probiotic-fed group and the control group at three developmental times (24 hours postfertilization (hpf), 5 days postfertilization (dpf) and 7 dpf). In conclusion, in zebrafish, prolonged ingestion of a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 has positive effects on growth, sperm quality, and progeny survival

Bioconversion of egg cholesterol to pro-vitamin D sterols with Tetrahymena thermophila

The potential use of the non-pathogenic ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila for converting cholesterol into pro-vitamin D sterols in egg suspensions was investigated. Conditions screened for efficient conversion included inoculum size and age, egg and egg yolk dilution, initial pH, and aeration. By optimizing these parameters, 55% ± 6 cholesterol reduction was obtained in 24 hours incubation. Tetrahymena converted cholesterol into three unsaturated sterols, D7, 22 bis-dehydrocholesterol, an ergosterol analog (27%), D7-dehydrocholesterol, also known as pro-vitamin D3 (4%), and A22- dehydrocholesterol (8%). Despite significant proteolysis, culturing with Tetrahymena did not result in net consumption of total amino acids content, which was in fact increased by 16% ± 2. These findings emphasize the potential use of Tetrahymena in the food industry.Fil: Valcarce, G.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Nusblat, Alejandro David. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Florin-Christensen, Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Nudel, Berta Clara. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; Argentin

Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality after Only One Spermatogenic Cycle in Zebrafish Model

Infertility is a medical concern worldwide and could also have economic consequences in farmed animals. Developing an efficient diet supplement with immediate effects on sperm quality is a promising tool for human reproduction and for domesticated animal species. This study aims at elucidating the effect of a short-time probiotic supplementation consisting of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on zebrafish sperm quality and male behavior. For this purpose, three homogeneous groups of males in terms of motility (<60%) were established. The control group was fed with a normal standard diet. The other received supplements: One group (vehicle control) was fed with maltodextrin and the other received a probiotic preparation based on a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347. The feeding regime was 21 days corresponding with a single spermatogenesis in zebrafish. The preparation did not modify animal weight, positively affected the number of fluent males, increased sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and fast spermatozoa subpopulations. Moreover, the animals fed with the supplement showed different behavior patterns compared to control groups. Our results suggest a diet-related modulation on the exploration activity indicating a lower stress-like conduct. The studied formulation described here should be considered as advantageous in male reproductive biotechnology