Graph Partitions in Chemistry.

We study partitions (equitable, externally equitable, or other) of graphs that describe physico-chemical systems at the atomic or molecular level; provide examples that show how these partitions are intimately related with symmetries of the systems; and discuss how such a link can further lead to insightful relations with the systems' physical and chemical properties. We define a particular kind of graph partition, which we call Chemical Equitable Partition (CEP), accounting for chemical composition as well as connectivity and associate it with a quantitative measure of information reduction that accompanies its derivation. These concepts are applied to model molecular and crystalline solid systems, illustrating their potential as a means to classify atoms according to their chemical or crystallographic role.

Comparative Effects of Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone and Its Modified Forms De-Epoxy-Deoxynivalenol and Hydrolyzed Zearalenone on Boar Semen In Vitro.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are described as detrimental factors to sow and boar fertility. In comparison, literature reports on the impact of modified forms of DON and ZEN, such as de-epoxy-DON (DOM-1) and hydrolyzed ZEN (HZEN), on swine reproduction are scarce. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of DON, DOM-1, ZEN and HZEN on boar semen in vitro.

Effect of Boar Sperm Proteins and Quality Changes on Field Fertility.

This study aimed to evaluate boar sperm characteristics and proteins, in relation to their importance regarding in vivo fertility. Sixty-five ejaculates were used and 468 sows (parity ≥ 2) were inseminated. Sperm CASA kinetics, morphology, viability, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm membrane biochemical activity (HOST) and sperm proteins (Heat Shock Protein 90-HSP90, glutathione peroxidase-5-GPX5, Osteopontin 70-OPN70) were assessed and related to field fertility (number of live-born piglets-NLBP, litter size ≥ 12 piglets-LS, farrowing rate-FR).

Toxic and Microbiological Effects of Iron Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles as Additives on Extended Ram Semen.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of iron oxide (Fe) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on ram semen. A skim milk extender without antibiotics was used as a diluent of 21 ejaculates (8 rams; 2-3 ejaculates/ram). The groups of control (C; semen without NPs), Fe NPs (3.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as an Alternative to Antibiotics Additive on Extended Boar Semen.

This study examined the effect of FeO nanoparticles on boar semen. Beltsville thawing solution without antibiotics was used to extend ejaculates from 5 boars (4 ejaculates/boar). Semen samples of control group (C) and group with FeO (Fe; 0.