Inheritance of genomic regions and genes associated with number of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle through daughter design.

Over the past decades, daughter designs, including genotyped sires and their genotyped daughters, have been used as an approach to identify QTL related to economic traits. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions inherited by Gir sire families and genes associated with number of viable oocytes (VO), total number of oocytes (TO), and number of embryos (EMBR) based on a daughter design approach. In total, 15 Gir sire families were selected. The number of daughters per family ranged from 26 to 395, which were genotyped with different SNP panels and imputed to the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip (777K) and had phenotypes for oocyte and embryo production. Daughters had phenotypic data for VO, TO, and EMBR. The search for QTL was performed through GWAS based on GBLUP. The QTL were found for each trait among and within families based on the top 10 genomic windows with the greatest genetic variance. For EMBR, genomic windows identified among families were located on BTA4, BTA5, BTA6, BTA7, BTA8, BTA13, BTA16, and BTA17, and they were most frequent on BTA7 within families. For VO, genomic windows were located on BTA2, BTA4, BTA5, BTA7, BTA17, BTA21, BTA22, BTA23, and BTA27 among families, being most frequent on BTA8 within families. For TO, the top 10 genomic windows were identified on BTA2, BTA4, BTA5, BTA7, BTA17, BTA21, BTA22, BTA26, and BTA27, being most frequent on BTA7 and BTA8 within families. Considering all results, the greatest number of genomic windows was found on BTA7, where the VCAN, XRCC4, TRNAC-ACA, HAPLN1, and EDIL3 genes were identified in the common regions. In conclusion, 15 Gir sire families with 26 to 395 daughters per family with phenotypes for oocyte and embryo production helped to identify the inheritance of several genomic regions, especially on BTA7, where the EDIL3, HAPLN1, and VCAN candidate genes were associated with number of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle families.

Plant stem cell extract from Coffea canephora shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerative properties mediated by suppression of nuclear factor-κB.

Plant cell cultures have become a promising production platform of bioactive compounds for biomedical and cosmetic uses in the last decades. However, the success so far has been limited. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this unique biotechnology process to obtain a bioactive stem cell extract of Coffea canephora (SCECC) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined in the SCECC by spectrophotometry. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized by mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the colorimetric methods of free radical scavenging 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). The anti-inflammatory activity was determined in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through the production of superoxide anion (O2•-), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, the ability of SCECC to stimulate the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts was assessed. Five compounds were tentatively identified, two flavonoids, two phenolic acids, and one sugar. High phenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed in the SCECC. SCECC promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and suppressed the pro-inflammatory mediators O2•-, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SCECC inhibited the NF-κB transcription factor. Therefore, we obtained evidence that the extract from C. canephora stem cells can be used as a natural agent against skin damage. Hence, it could be of interest in cosmetics for preventing skin aging.

Antifungal activity of terpenes isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga: a review.

Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals.

Plant stem cell extract from Coffea canephora shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerative properties mediated by suppression of nuclear factor-κB

Plant cell cultures have become a promising production platform of bioactive compounds for biomedical and cosmetic uses in the last decades. However, the success so far has been limited. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this unique biotechnology process to obtain a bioactive stem cell extract of Coffea canephora (SCECC) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined in the SCECC by spectrophotometry. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized by mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the colorimetric methods of free radical scavenging 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). The anti-inflammatory activity was determined in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through the production of superoxide anion (O2•-), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, the ability of SCECC to stimulate the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts was assessed. Five compounds were tentatively identified, two flavonoids, two phenolic acids, and one sugar. High phenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed in the SCECC. SCECC promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and suppressed the pro-inflammatory mediators O2•-, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SCECC inhibited the NF-κB transcription factor. Therefore, we obtained evidence that the extract from C. canephora stem cells can be used as a natural agent against skin damage. Hence, it could be of interest in cosmetics for preventing skin aging.

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism due to an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour causing elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The source of excess androgen can be obscure in postmenopausal women with new-onset hyperandrogenism. If serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is raised, it is presumed to be of adrenal origin because DHEAS is exclusively produced from adrenal cortical cells. This reports an elderly female presenting with new-onset hyperandrogenism due to an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour, associated with increased serum DHEAS levels. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 76-year-old female with long-standing diabetes and hypertension presented with hirsutism and male type alopecia for six months. She had menopause at 55 years of age. There was a pelvic mass on examination. Total testosterone was 6.106 ng/ml (0.124-0.357) and DHEAS was > 1000 µg/dL (35-430). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneously enhancing complex mass measuring 11 × 8 cm in the left adnexal region. Adrenal glands were normal. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. Both testosterone and DHEAS normalised following surgery. Histology revealed a sex cord-stromal tumour, likely a steroid cell tumour with malignant potential. Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron emission tomography did not show any additional lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the lack of sulfotransferase in ovarian tissue, markedly elevated DHEAS originating from an ovarian neoplasm is unusual. This phenomenon has not been described except in a patient with a steroid cell tumour causing Cushing syndrome and hyperandrogenism. The mechanism of this rare occurrence remains elusive. Knowledge of this unusual presentation would enable the clinicians to be cautious in localising the androgen source in women with hyperandrogenism.

Chicken embryo: a useful animal model for drug testing?

The use of chicken embryos (CEs) as an in vivo experimental model for different pharmaceutical purposes is not a novelty. However, in recent years, the number of reports employing CE to evaluate several parameters, such as the toxicity and efficacy of drugs and/or nanosystems, has increased. Therefore, this review discusses the relevance of CE for drug testing, emphasizing the inoculation routes and the embryonic stages. The challenges to be overcome, as well as some practical recommendations to allow CE to be more explored as a promising in vivo model in drug analyses, are also highlighted.

Plastination with low viscosity silicone: strategy for less tissue shrinkage.

Plastination is an anatomical technique for preserving biological tissues based on the principle of replacing body fluids with a curable polymer. An inconvenient aspect of this technique is the tissue shrinkage it causes; several studies seek ways to reduce or avoid this shrinkage. Additionally, there are no studies in the literature that quantitatively evaluate the use of low viscosity silicones in plastination having shrinkage of tissue as a parameter. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of Silicones S10 (Biodur) and P1 (Polisil) in the plastination of different types of biological tissues of a sliced human body, having as a parameter the tissue shrinkage caused in the forced impregnation stage. Human cardiac, pulmonary, splenic, renal, hepatic, muscular, and bone tissues were analyzed. For such purpose, a male human body was used, sliced in 13-15-mm-thick pieces, having as a parameter the before and the after plastination with the different silicones. The standard protocol of the plastination of the slices was followed: dehydration, forced impregnation, and curation. Half of the pieces obtained were plastinated with silicone P1 (group P1) and the other half with S10 (group S10). All tissues and anatomical segments analyzed in this study showed less or equal shrinkage when plastination of the control group (S10) was compared with that of the P1 group. Therefore, we concluded that the lower viscosity silicone promoted less tissue shrinkage, making it a viable alternative to the reference.

Plastination with low viscosity silicone: strategy for less tissue shrinkage

Plastination is an anatomical technique for preserving biological tissues based on the principle of replacing body fluids with a curable polymer. An inconvenient aspect of this technique is the tissue shrinkage it causes; several studies seek ways to reduce or avoid this shrinkage. Additionally, there are no studies in the literature that quantitatively evaluate the use of low viscosity silicones in plastination having shrinkage of tissue as a parameter. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of Silicones S10 (Biodur) and P1 (Polisil) in the plastination of different types of biological tissues of a sliced human body, having as a parameter the tissue shrinkage caused in the forced impregnation stage. Human cardiac, pulmonary, splenic, renal, hepatic, muscular, and bone tissues were analyzed. For such purpose, a male human body was used, sliced in 13-15-mm-thick pieces, having as a parameter the before and the after plastination with the different silicones. The standard protocol of the plastination of the slices was followed: dehydration, forced impregnation, and curation. Half of the pieces obtained were plastinated with silicone P1 (group P1) and the other half with S10 (group S10). All tissues and anatomical segments analyzed in this study showed less or equal shrinkage when plastination of the control group (S10) was compared with that of the P1 group. Therefore, we concluded that the lower viscosity silicone promoted less tissue shrinkage, making it a viable alternative to the reference.

Variations in the Density and Distribution of Cajal Like Cells Associated With the Pathogenesis of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Cajal like cells (CLCs) in the upper urinary tract have an ability to generate coordinated spontaneous action potentials and are hypothesized to help propel urine from renal pelvis into the ureter. The objective of this review was to describe the variations in the density and distribution of CLCs associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: Studies comparing the density and distribution of CLCs in the human upper urinary tract in patients with UPJO and healthy controls were included in this systematic review. We searched online electronic databases; Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane reviews for the studies published before October 31, 2020. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the density of CLCs at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) in patients with UPJO and matched controls. Results: We included 20 and seven studies in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. In majority (55%) CLCs were located between the muscle layers of the upper urinary tract. The CLC density in the UPJ gradually increased with aging in both healthy subjects and patients with UPJO. The pooled analysis revealed that the density of CLCs at the UPJ was significantly low in patients with UPJO compared to the controls (SMD = -3.00, 95% CI = -3.89 to -2.11, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The reduction in CLC density at the UPJ in patients with UPJO suggests a contribution from CLCs in the pathogenesis of UPJO. Since age positively correlates with CLC density, it is imperative to carefully match age when conducting case control studies comparing the CLC density and distribution. Protocol Registration Number: CRD42020219882.

Development of tetra-primer ARMS-PCR protocol to genotype the prolactin receptor SNP 39136666 and assessment of this SNP in Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds / [Desenvolvimento de protocolo de tetra-primer ARMS- PCR para genotipagem do SNP 39136666 do receptor da prolactina e avaliação desse SNP em raças bovinas brasileiras localmente adaptadas]

As raças taurinas de origem ibérica Limonero e Carora (Bos primigenius taurus) possuem o fenótipo de pelo curto, liso e com baixa densidade folicular, o que confere a esses animais maior tolerância térmica e melhor produtividade em regiões quentes. Diferentes mutações associadas a esse fenótipo foram descritas no gene do receptor de prolactina PRLR, localizado no cromossomo bovino BTA20. Uma mutação recentemente encontrada é a substituição do nucleotídeo C por T, SNP 39136666 (p. R497*), no exon 11, que gera um códon de parada e, consequentemente, uma menor isoforma desse receptor. Neste trabalho, desenvolveu-se um protocolo rápido e de baixo custo para detecção desse SNP, utilizando-se a técnica de tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Assim, foi possível detectar essa mutação nas raças brasileiras de origem ibérica localmente adaptadas: Caracu, Crioulo Lageano, Mocho Nacional e Pantaneiro. O alelo T foi mais frequente na raça Caracu (80%), enquanto o alelo C foi mais frequente na raça Crioulo Lageano (84%). Essa simples metodologia pode ser usada para genotipar esse SNP e ajudar na aplicação dessas informações moleculares em programas de melhoramento focados na tolerância térmica em bovinos taurinos e seus mestiços.(AU)

Estimation of genetic parameters for test-day milk yield in Girolando cows using a random regression model / [Estimação de parâmetros genéticos para produção de leite no dia do teste em vacas da raça Girolando utilizando modelo de regressão aleatória]

The objective of this study was to estimate the components of variance and genetic parameters of test-day milk yield in first lactation Girolando cows, using a random regression model. A total of 126,892 test-day milk yield (TDMY) records of 15,351 first-parity Holstein, Gyr, and Girolando breed cows were used, obtained from the Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Girolando. To estimate the components of (co) variance, the additive genetic functions and permanent environmental covariance were estimated by random regression in three functions: Wilmink, Legendre Polynomials (third order) and Linear spline Polynomials (three knots). The Legendre polynomial function showed better fit quality. The genetic and permanent environment variances for TDMY ranged from 2.67 to 5.14 and from 9.31 to 12.04, respectively. Heritability estimates gradually increased from the beginning (0.13) to mid-lactation (0.19). The genetic correlations between the days of the control ranged from 0.37 to 1.00. The correlations of permanent environment followed the same trend as genetic correlations. The use of Legendre polynomials via random regression model can be considered as a good tool for estimating genetic parameters for test-day milk yield records.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os componentes de variância e os parâmetros genéticos da produção de leite no dia do teste (TDMY) em vacas Girolando de primeira lactação, usando modelo de regressão aleatória. Foram utilizados 126.892 registros de produção de leite no dia controle de 15.351 vacas primíparas das raças Holandesa, Gir e Girolando, obtidas na Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Girolando. Para estimar os componentes de (co) variância, as funções genéticas aditivas e de covariância ambiental permanente foram estimadas por regressão aleatória em três funções: Wilmink, polinômios de Legendre (terceira ordem) e polinômios splines lineares (três nós). A função polinomial de Legendre apresentou melhor qualidade de ajuste. As variâncias genéticas e de ambiente permanente para produção de leite no dia do controle variaram de 2,67 a 5,14 e de 9,31 a 12,04, respectivamente. As estimativas de herdabilidade aumentaram gradativamente do início (0,13) para o meio da lactação (0,19). As correlações genéticas entre os dias do controle variaram de 0,37 a 1,00. As correlações de ambiente permanente seguiram a mesma tendência das correlações genéticas. A utilização dos polinômios de Legendre via modelos de regressão aleatória pode ser considerada como uma boa ferramenta para estimação de parâmetros genéticos da produção de leite no dia do teste.(AU)

Different methods of assessing udder temperature through thermography and their relation with rectal temperature.

Infrared thermography of the lateral side portion of the udder was taken from 38 lactating cows in a 6-day experiment. Thermograms were analyzed using specific software with the use of eight different methods. The experiment was aimed at correlating the different methods with each other and with rectal temperature (RT), in order to suggest a method to assess udder side temperature, and also at creating regression equations to enable RT calculation through the use of thermographic data. All methods of analyzing thermograms were highly correlated; correlations between thermograms and RT were significant (P < 0.01) and above 0.840. The highest correlation was between RT and the maximum temperature obtained using a horizontal rectangle placed within the lateral (side) portion of the udder (maximum temperature in a horizontal rectangle (MHR), 0.897). With the exception of the average temperature of a horizontal rectangle, linear regression coefficients were significant (P < 0.05) and coefficients of determination were higher than 75.51%. We suggest the use of MHR to evaluate udder side temperature. The ease of accessing the side of the udder, the welfare advantages of non-invasive observations, and the high correlation with RT suggest the use of thermograms in the lateral portion of the udder to assess animals' temperature.

Hydrolyzable tannins from Poincianella (Caesalpinia) microphylla fruits: Metabolite profiling and anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity.

Poincianella (Caesalpinia) microphylla fractions were analyzed by LC-DAD-MS and by statistical tools to determine the possible bioactive compounds against T. vaginalis. Tannins enriched-fractions toxicity (M5 and M10) were analyzed in in vitro against human red cells and in in vivo model of Galleria mellonella. Twenty-six compounds were detected from the P. microphylla fractions. The main compounds identified were hydrolyzable tannins (gallotanins and ellagitannis), such as O-digalloyl hexoside, O-digalloyl HHDP -hexoside, tri-O-galloyl HHDP-hexoside, O-galloyl HHDP-DHHDP-hexoside and their isomers. In addition, procyanidin dimer, epicatechin, ellagic acid and O-(digalloyl) quinic acid were also identified. Based on univariate statistical analyses, stronger correlations with the anti-T. vaginalis properties were observed for the compounds 7 (O-galloyl HHDP-DHHDP-hexoside - Geraniin isomer), 3 (O-digalloyl HHDP -hexoside - mallotinic acid), 2 (O-digalloyl) quinic acid), 1 (O-digalloyl hexoside) and 9 (unknown). Tannins enriched-fractions (M5 and M10) presented anti-Trichomonas activity (IC50 70.41 µg/mL and 142.1 µg/mL, respectively) and no toxicity in the in vivo model of G. mellonella. This innovative approach allowed us to identify likely bioactive compounds in the extracts, although the mechanism(s) underlying anti-trichomonal activity encompass a complex trait.

A closer look at NIFTP.

Despite the rise in the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) during the last 30 years, the mortality rate due to PTC has remained static. One reason for this phenomenon is the indolent nature of some of the tumors that are diagnosed as PTC. A subgroup of tumors, which often exhibited such indolent behavior, was encapsulated/well-circumscribed follicular lesions that showed PTC nuclear features. Despite their indolent behavior, these tumors were managed as was any other PTC, often with total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. In order to prevent overtreatment of these tumors, they were recently reclassified as "non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP)." Since it is proposed that NIFTP be managed in a more conservative manner, its diagnosis is now based on strict histological criteria. The genetic basis of these diagnostic criteria and the utility of molecular markers in the diagnosis of NIFTP are currently being scrutinized. The aim of this review is to discuss the events that led to the emergence of the term NIFTP, as well as its histological and molecular background.

Anticryptococcal activity of hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa Arruda and associated cellular events.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis whose treatment is limited to three drugs. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of a hexane extract (HE) from Spondias tuberosa leaves against Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined, and putative mechanisms were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, an in vivo infection assay was performed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Treatment with HE inhibited the growth of standard and clinical isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii (MICs ranging from 0.78 to 3.12mg/mL), significantly (P<0.05) increased mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, loss of lysosomal membrane integrity, and phosphatidylserine externalization. The mean survival time of C. gattii-infected T. molitor larvae significantly (P<0.05) increased from 1.225 days in control to 3.067 and 3.882 days in HE-treated groups (78 and 156mg/kg, respectively). In conclusion, HE showed anticryptococcal activity, induced mitochondrial and lysosomal damage in yeast cells, and exhibited anti-infective action against C. gattii in T. molitor larvae.

Structure-activity relationships and mechanism of action of tetragomycin derivatives as inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus staphyloxanthin biosynthesis.

Despite the main strategy to overcome bacterial resistance has focused on the development of more potent antimicrobial agents, the evolutionary pressure caused by such drugs makes this strategy limited. Molecules that interfere with virulence factors appear as a promising alternative though, as they cause reduced selective pressure. As a matter of fact, staphyloxanthin biosynthesis inhibition (STXBI) has been pursued as promising strategy to reduce S. aureus virulence. Herein, we report the inhibitory profile of 27 tetrangomycin derivatives over staphyloxanthin production. The experimental result showed that naphthoquinone dehydro-α-lapachone (25 - EC50 = 57.29 ± 1.15 µM) and 2-Isopropylnaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-dione (26 EC50 = 82.10 ± 1.09 µM) are the most potent compounds and suggest that hydrogen acceptor groups and lipophilic moieties decorating the naphthoquinone ring are crucial for STXBI. In addition, we present an in situ analysis, through RAMAN spectroscopy, that is inexpensive and might be employed to probe the mechanism of action of staphyloxanthin biosynthesis inhibitors. Therefore, our molecular simplification strategies afforded promising lead compounds for the development of drugs that modulate S. aureus staphyloxanthin biosynthesis.

Quantificação do DNA e genotipagem de biópsias de embriões bovinos Gir e Girolando produzidos in vitro / DNA quantification and genotyping of biopsies obtained from Gyr and Girolando in vitro produced bovine embryos

A biópsia embrionária associada à genotipagem permite a obtenção de informações genômicas antes mesmo da transferência dos embriões. Neste estudo, foram avaliadas amostras biopsiadas de blastocistos bovinos transferidos para receptoras (n=47), sob a hipótese de que a raça (Gir ou Girolando), o estádio embrionário (blastocisto ou blastocisto expandido) e a competência para estabelecimento de prenhez (positiva ou negativa) afetariam a quantidade e a qualidade do DNA da amostra obtida. O DNA foi extraído, amplificado, quantificado por eletroferograma e genotipado. O parâmetro call rate (CR) foi adotado para mensurar a qualidade da genotipagem. Obteve-se concentração de DNA de 86,07±171,66ng/µL e CR 0,73±0,17. O CR não variou em função da quantidade de DNA nas amostras. As variáveis raça e estádio embrionário não influenciaram a concentração de DNA, nem o CR. Houve efeito da prenhez sobre o CR (P=0,0187), mas, como houve maior CR nas amostras provenientes do grupo prenhez negativa, não foi possível associar esse parâmetro à qualidade embrionária. Concluiu-se que a raça e a qualidade embrionária não afetam os parâmetros aqui estudados em amostras embrionárias, ou seja, embriões com maiores chances de implantação não refletem alta qualidade nas amostras de biópsia genotipadas.(AU)

Embryo biopsy associated with genotyping allows genomic information before embryo transfer. In this study, blastocyst biopsy samples from embryos transferred to recipients (n= 47) were evaluated, under the hypothesis that breed (Gyr or Girolando), embryonic stage (blastocyst or expanded blastocyst) and competence to establish pregnancy (positive or negative) would affect the quantity and DNA quality of samples. DNA was extracted, amplified, quantified by electropherogram and genotyped. The parameter call rate (CR) was used to measure the quality of genotyping. DNA concentration of 86.07±171.66ng/µl, and CR 0.73±0.17 was obtained. CR did not vary according to the amount of DNA in the samples. The variables breed and embryonic stage had no influence on DNA concentration or CR. There was pregnancy effect on the CR (P= 0.0187), but since there was a higher CR in the samples from the negative pregnancy group, it was not possible to associate this parameter with the embryonic quality. We conclude that the breed and embryo quality do not affect the evaluated parameters in embryonic samples. Embryos with higher chances of implantation do not reflect high quality in embryo biopsy genotyped samples.(AU)

Genomic clues of the evolutionary history of Bos indicus cattle.

Together with their sister subspecies Bos taurus, zebu cattle (Bos indicus) have contributed to important socioeconomic changes that have shaped modern civilizations. Zebu cattle were domesticated in the Indus Valley 8000 years before present (YBP). From the domestication site, they expanded to Africa, East Asia, southwestern Asia and Europe between 4000 and 1300 YBP, intercrossing with B. taurus to form clinal variations of zebu ancestry across the landmass of Afro-Eurasia. In the past 150 years, zebu cattle reached the Americas and Oceania, where they have contributed to the prosperity of emerging economies. The zebu genome is characterized by two mitochondrial haplogroups (I1 and I2), one Y chromosome haplogroup (Y3) and three major autosomal ancestral groups (Indian-Pakistani, African and Chinese). Phenotypically, zebu animals are recognized by their hump, large ears and excess skin. They are rustic, resilient to parasites and capable of bearing the hot and humid climates of the tropics. Many resources are available to study the zebu genome, including commercial arrays of SNP, reference assemblies and publicly available genotypes and whole-genome sequences. Nevertheless, many of these resources were initially developed to support research and subsidize industrial applications in B. taurus, and therefore they can produce bias in data analysis. The combination of genomics with precision agriculture holds great promise for the identification of genetic variants affecting economically important traits such as tick resistance and heat tolerance, which were naturally selected for millennia and played a major role in the evolution of B. indicus cattle.

Eating behaviour patterns are associated with excessive weight gain after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain and obesity are important issues in liver transplant (LTx) recipients. Although dietary habits are probably related to excessive weight gain after LTx, some studies have failed to demonstrate these associations. The present study aimed to assess eating behaviour and verify its association with weight gain and excessive weight among LTx recipients. METHODS: The investigation comprised a cross-sectional study. Post-LTx patients, aged >18 years were evaluated about their eating behaviour [Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21 (TFEQ-R21)]. The scores of the TFEQ-R21 [uncontrolled eating (UE), cognitive restraint (CR) and emotional eating (EE)] were determined. Excessive weight was classified as body mass index ≥25 kg/m² and obesity ≥30 kg/m². RESULTS: In total, 270 patients (age 58.0 years; range 20.0-77.0 years; 64.1% men) were assessed. Average weight gain was 8.0 kg (range -16.0 to 41.0 kg). Of the patients, 64.1% (n = 173) had excessive weight and 23.3% (n = 63) were obese. Post-LTx weight gain was significantly correlated with UE (r = 0.311, P < 0.001) and EE (r = 0.287, P < 0.001). Patients with excessive weight had significantly higher scores than others: CR (61.0; range 0-122.0 versus 44.0; range 0-116.0) (P = 0.003) and EE (11.0; range 0-100.0 versus 0.0; range 0-100.0) (P = 0.030). Patients with obesity had higher scores than non-obese UE (22.0; range 0-77.0 versus 14.0; range 0-85.0; P = 0.028), CR (55.0; range 11.0-116.0 versus 50.0; range 0-122.0) (P = 0.017) and EE (16.0; range 0-100.0 versus 5.0; range 0-100.0) individuals (P < 0.001). The greatest quartiles of weight gain had higher scores on the eating behaviours of UE and EE, especially those with weight gain ≥14 kg. UE was associated with weight gain. CR was associated with being overweight. EE was associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled eating is associated with weight gain, CR was associated with excessive weight and EE was associated with obesity after LTx.