Inbreeding coefficients and runs of homozygosity islands in Brazilian water buffalo.

Characterization of autozygosity is relevant to monitor genetic diversity and manage inbreeding levels in breeding programs. Identification of autozygosity hotspots can unravel genomic regions targeted by selection for economically important traits and can help identify candidate genes for selection. In this study, we estimated the inbreeding levels of a Brazilian population of Murrah buffalo undergoing selection for milk production traits, particularly milk yield. We also studied the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands and identified putative genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) under selection. We genotyped 422 Murrah buffalo for 51,611 SNP; 350 of these had ROH longer than 10 Mb, indicating the occurrence of inbreeding in the last 5 generations. The mean length of the ROH per animal was 4.28 ± 1.85 Mb. Inbreeding coefficients were calculated from the genomic relationship matrix, the pedigree, and the ROH, with estimates varying between 0.242 and 0.035. Inbreeding estimates from the pedigree had a low correlation with the genomic estimates, and estimates from the genomic relationship matrix were much higher than those from the pedigree or the ROH. Signatures of selection were identified in 6 genomic regions, located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, and 18, encompassing a total of 190 genes and 174 QTL. Many of the genes (e.g., APRT and ACSF3) and QTL identified are related to milk production traits, such as milk yield, milk fat yield and percentage, and milk protein yield and percentage. Other genes are associated with reproduction and immune response traits as well as morphological aspects of the buffalo species. Inbreeding levels in this population are still low but are increasing due to selection and should be managed to avoid future losses due to inbreeding depression. The proximity of genes linked to milk production traits with genes associated with reproduction and immune system traits suggests the need to include these latter genes in the breeding program to avoid negatively affecting them due to selection for production traits.

Changes in Left Ventricular Mechanics After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle (LV) mechanics in obese patients before and after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-five obese individuals submitted to laparoscopic SG were enrolled in this study. Echocardiography was performed before and after the procedure, and left ventricle mechanics were evaluated by speckle tracking imaging. RESULTS: Before surgery, altered global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were present in 56% of the patients. In a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 0.5 months after surgery, there was an increase in GLS values (from 17.4 ± 3.2 to 19.3 ± 2.7%, P = 0.01). There was an inverse correlation between the absolute values of GLS in the preoperative period and the variation in the GLS at follow-up (r = 0.577, P = 0.002). Measurements of global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and LV twist were normal preoperatively and did not change after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Altered global longitudinal strain values were common in young obese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy increased global longitudinal strain even in the early postoperative phase without promoting changes in global radial strain, global circumferential strain, and left ventricle twist measurements.

Comprehensive analysis by liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry: Fast screening of peptides and organic molecules.

The number of substances nominally listed in the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency increases each year. Moreover, many of these substances do not have a single analytical target and must be monitored through different metabolites, artifacts, degradation products, or biomarkers. A new analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of peptides and organic molecules using a single sample preparation and LC-Q-HRMS detection. The simultaneous analysis of 450 target molecules was performed after cleanup on a mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridge, combined with untreated urine. The cleanup solvent and reconstitution solvent were the most important parameters for achieving a comprehensive sample preparation approach. A fast chromatographic run based on a multistep gradient was optimized under different flows; the detection of all substances without isomeric coelution was achieved in 11 minutes, and the chromatographic resolution was considered a critical parameter, even in high-resolution mass spectrometry detection. The mass spectrometer was set to operate by switching between positive and negative ionization mode for FULL-MS, all-ion fragmentation, and FULL-MS/MS2 . The suitable parameters for the curved linear trap (c-trap) conditions were determined and found to be the most important factors for the development of the method. Only FULL-MS/MS2 enables the detection of steroids and peptides at concentrations lower than the minimum required performance levels set by World Anti-Doping Agency (1 ng mL-1 ). The combination of the maximum injection time of the ions into the c-trap, multiplexing experiments, and loop count under optimized conditions enabled the method to be applied to over 10 000 samples in only 2 months during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The procedure details all aspects, from sample preparation to mass spectrometry detection. FULL-MS data acquisition is performed in positive and negative ion mode simultaneously and can be applied to untargeted approaches.

Reaction norm for yearling weight in beef cattle using single-step genomic evaluation.

When the environment on which the animals are raised is very diverse, selecting the best sires for different environments may require the use of models that account for genotype by environment interaction (G × E). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of G × E for yearling weight (YW) in Nellore cattle using reaction norm models with only pedigree and pedigree combined with genomic relationships. Additionally, genomic regions associated with each environment gradient were identified. A total of 67,996 YW records were used in reaction norm models to calculate EBV and genomic EBV. The method of choice for genomic evaluations was single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). Traditional and genomic models were tested on the ability to predict future animal performance. Genetic parameters for YW were obtained with the average information restricted maximum likelihood method, with and without adding genomic information for 5,091 animals. Additive genetic variances explained by windows of 200 adjacent SNP were used to identify genomic regions associated with the environmental gradient. Estimated variance components for the intercept and the slope in traditional and genomic models were similar. In both models, the observed changes in heritabilities and genetic correlations for YW across environments indicate the occurrence of genotype by environment interactions. Both traditional and genomic models were capable of identifying the genotype by environment interaction; however, the inclusion of genomic information in reaction norm models improved the ability to predict animals' future performance by 7.9% on average. The proportion of genetic variance explained by the top SNP window was 0.77% for the regression intercept (BTA5) and 0.82% for the slope (BTA14). Single-step GBLUP seems to be a suitable model to predict genetic values for YW in different production environments.

Genetic-Quantitative Study of the First-Service Pregnancy Probability of Murrah Heifers.

Because of the importance of reproduction in stock breeding systems, it is necessary to find selection criteria that increase reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the probability of conception on first service (PROB) in Murrah heifers, and its association with other traits of economic interest [age at first calving (AFC), service period, calving interval and milk yield at 270 days], with the purpose of evaluating their use as selection criteria. Reproductive information and first lactation records of 1200 Murrah heifers were used to perform two-trait analyses between PROB and the other characteristics. Bayesian inference was used to estimate the variance components, considering PROB as threshold and the other as linear factors. The results demonstrate that this trait has heritability of 0.15, indicating the possibility of a genetic gain by using it for selection. With respect to the genetic correlation estimates, the only high-magnitude association was with AFC (-0.899), which is the current criterion indicating sexual precocity of females. In the light of the parameters estimated, the first-service pregnancy rate is an alternative for indication of sexual precocity, although presenting a smaller genetic gain than the current standard AFC. Nevertheless, additional research should be conducted regarding this trait to assess the economic importance of its use in dairy buffalo production systems.

Genetic association of productive and reproductive traits with stayability in Nellore cattle: analysis using Bayesian models.

We evaluated the genetic association of growth traits [weight adjusted to 205 days of age (W205), 365 days of age (W365), and 550 days of age (W550); weight gain between 205 days of age and 365 days of age (WG1) and between 365 days of age and 550 days of age (WG2)] and reproductive traits [age at first calving (AFC); first calving interval (FCI)] with stayability in the herd (STAY), using Bayesian inference in linear and threshold models. We defined STAY as the probability of a cow calving three or more times before the age of 76 months, given that she had calved at least once. We assigned binary codes (0, failure; 1, success) to each female. We used a sire model for analysis and formed different contemporary groups for the investigated traits. We analyzed the results by applying a two-trait sire model that included STAY (threshold trait) and linear traits (W205, W365, W550, WG1, WG2, AFC, and FCI). We used Gibbs sampling to estimate variance components and heritabilities. In all the analyses, we found that the mean heritability estimates for STAY were of moderate magnitude (0.20-0.25). The mean heritabilities for W205, W365, W550, WG1, WG2, AFC, and FCI were 0.20, 0.23, 0.39, 0.08, 0.14, 0.12, and 0.11, respectively. We observed wide variation in the posterior distributions of genetic correlations; however, with the exception of those obtained for the reproductive traits, the mean estimates were of low magnitude. Selection for WG2 can results in favorable correlated response in STAY.

Short communication: Variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms in DGAT1 gene of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is associated with milk constituents.

The diacylglycerol-O-transferase 1 gene is a positional and functional candidate for milk composition traits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the segregation of the variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms in the regulatory region of diacylglycerol-O-transferase 1 gene in a water buffalo herd, and to assess the association of this mutation with milk production traits. For this purpose, 196 Murrah buffalo cows were genotyped by PCR. The association of the marker with total milk, fat, and protein yields at 305 d of lactation, milk fat and protein percentage, and somatic cell scores were evaluated by single-trait analyses using a generalized mixed model. Two segregating alleles were identified in the population. The allele with 2 repeats affected fat percentage favorably. The present results suggest that this polymorphism is an interesting marker to include in the genetic evaluation of buffaloes.

Multiple-trait genomic evaluation for milk yield and milk quality traits using genomic and phenotypic data in buffalo in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to compare the multi-trait model using pedigree information and a model using genomic information in addition to pedigree information. We used data from 5896 lactations of 2021 buffalo cows, of which 384 were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium(®) bovine HD BeadChip, considering seven traits related to milk yield (MY305), fat (FY305), protein (PY305), and lactose (LY305), percentages of fat (%F) and protein (%P), and somatic cell score (SCS). We carried out two analyses, one using phenotype and pedigree information (matrix A) and the other using the relationship matrix based on pedigree and genomics information (a single step, matrix H). The (co)variance components were estimated using multiple-trait analysis by the Bayesian inference method. The model included the fixed effects of contemporary groups (herd-year and calving season), and the age of cow at calving as (co)variables (quadratic and linear effect). The additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual effects were included as random effects in the model. The estimates of heritability using matrix A were 0.25, 0.22, 0.26, 0.25, 0.37, 0.42, and 0.17, while using matrix H the heritability values were 0.25, 0.24, 0.26, 0.26, 0.38, 0.47, and 0.18 for MY305, FY305, PY305, LY305, %F, %P, and SCS, respectively. The estimates of breeding values in the two analyses were similar for the traits studied, but the accuracies were greater when using matrix H (higher than 8% in the traits studied). Therefore, the use of genomic information in the analyses improved the accuracy.

Reproducibility and responsiveness of heart rate indexes to assess wheeling efficiency in patients with spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To measure the reproducibility and responsiveness of heart rate indexes in measuring energy expenditure during wheelchair locomotion of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SARAH Rehabilitation Hospital Network-Brasilia, Brazil. METHODS: The study consecutively enrolled 35 individuals with SCI. Volunteers propelled their wheelchairs at a self-selected and comfortable velocity around a circular track. The first assessment day was a responsiveness study, in which three tests were performed, with the wheelchair weight increased randomly during the last two tests. On the second assessment day, the test was conducted without extra weight (that is, baseline conditions) for reproducibility analyses. RESULTS: All indexes demonstrated reproducibility on all statistical analyses. The Propulsion Cardiac Cost Index (PCCI) had a lower variation coefficient than the Physiological Cost Index (PCI; 8.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.8-11.2 vs 24.2%, 95% CI 16.0-32.4) and lower effect size than the Total Heart Beat Index (THBI; 0.16 vs 0.26). The PCCI also had the best responsiveness results on all statistical tests. The PCCI correlation was the largest (r=0.63, P<0.01, 95% CI 0.43-0.83, followed by PCI (r=0.53, P<0.01, 95% CI 0.34-0.72) and then the THBI (r=0.50, P<0.01, 95% CI 0.29-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: All three indexes were reproducible and responsive. However, the PCCI gave better statistical results. This index may be useful in functional diagnosis and follow-up of rehabilitation.

Validity of heart rate indexes to assess wheeling efficiency in patients with spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To validate heart rate (HR) indexes for the evaluation of energy expenditure during wheelchair propulsion in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SARAH Rehabilitation Hospital Network-Brasilia, Brazil. METHODS: Forty-eight men aged 29.0±7.8 years with a SCI between C6 and L3 causing complete motor impairment were enrolled in the study. The assessment consisted of 5 min of rest while seated in the wheelchair, followed by 5 min of wheelchair propulsion at a self-selected comfortable speed. The main outcomes measured were oxygen consumption, HR, physiological cost index (PCI), total heart beat index (THBI) and propulsion cardiac cost index (PCCI). RESULTS: Using oxygen uptake as gold standard, the highest correlations were found between this and PCCI (r=0.59, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.75) and THBI (r=0.58, P<0.001, 95% CI 0.36-74.0), independently of the injury level. The PCI had the lowest correlation coefficient (r=0.38, P<0.01, 95% CI 0.11-0.60). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the indexes mostly associated with lesion level were PCCI (ρ=-0.531; P<0.001; 95% CI -0.708 to -0.291) and THBI (ρ=-0.524; P<0.001; 95% CI -0.704 to -0.282). CONCLUSIONS: Both THBI and PCCI seem to be valid measures for assessing energy expenditure. Both indexes showed a coherent correlation with the spinal injury level.

Estudo Etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela Comunidade do Sisal no município de Catu, Bahia, Brasil / Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Sisal Community in the city of Catu, Bahia, Brazil

A utilização de plantas medicinais é instintiva nos animais, visto que alguns destes buscam raízes, cascas, folhas ou frutos na tentativa de resolver seus males. O homem, por sua vez, aprendeu a utilizar estas informações empiricamente para fazer uso destes vegetais. A medicina popular é uma importante alternativa, provavelmente, a mais usada para a cura de doenças por parte de populações indígenas, quilombolas ou rurais. A Etnobotânica, por sua vez, encarrega-se de estudar e interpretar essa relação dos homens com o mundo vegetal. Devido ao seu grande potencial biológico e cultural, o Brasil apresenta uma infinidade de conhecimentos tradicionais e espécies vegetais importantes, o que torna esse país uma grande fonte de pesquisa na área. Visando avaliar o conhecimento tradicional da população rural do Sisal, Catu/Bahia, relacionado ao uso de plantas medicinais, este trabalho iniciou-se em julho de 2009, constando de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e estruturadas, gravações, registros fotográficos, coleta do material botânico indicado nas entrevistas com os informantes, tratamento do material coletado e incorporação ao Herbário da Universidade do Estado da Bahia (HUNEB). Foram identificadas e coletadas 54 espécies distribuídas em 46 gêneros e 28 famílias, sendo Lamiacaeae e Asteraceae as mais representativas. A maioria das plantas é constituída de ervas e cultivada nos quintais dos moradores. O estudo revelou que a comunidade apresenta uma medicina popular bastante rica, com grande diversidade de espécies vegetais e usos por parte da população.

The use of medicinal plants is instinctive in animals, since some of these seek roots, bark, leaves or fruits in an attempt to cure their diseases. Man, in turn, learned to use this information on the use of these plants empirically. Folk medicine is an important alternative, probably the most used to cure diseases by indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and rural populations. Ethnobotany, in turn, undertakes to study and interpret the relationship of men with the plant world. Because of its great biological and cultural potential, Brazil has a wealth of traditional knowledge and important plant species, what makes this country a great source of research in the area. To evaluate the traditional knowledge of the rural population of Sisal, city of Catu, state of Bahia, Brazil, related to use of medicinal plants, this work began in July 2009, consisting of semi-structured and structured interviews, recordings, photographs, collection of botanical material indicated in the interviews with informants, treatment of the collected material and incorporation into the Herbarium of the University of Bahia (HUNEB). We identified and collected 54 species in 46 genera and 28 families, being Asteraceae and Lamiacaeae the most representative. Most plants are herbs grown in the backyards of the residents. The study revealed that the community has a very rich folk medicine, with a great diversity of plant species and uses by the population.

Determination of normative values for 20 min exercise of wheelchair propulsion by spinal cord injury patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the normative values for 20 min exercise of wheelchair propulsion in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects. SETTING: Sarah Rehabilitation Hospitals Network, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 413 medical records for SCI patients at different levels and classifications at the Sarah Rehabilitation Hospitals Network, Brazil, who performed 20 min exercise in a rehabilitation programme between the years 2004 and 2009 were consulted. Information regarding patient and performance characteristics was obtained, including distance travelled, mean velocity, rest and exercising heart rate and perceived exertion. The data were analysed by gender and by injury level group: tetraplegia (TT) or paraplegia (PP). RESULTS: The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 64 years, and the median time since injury was 1.2 years. The men and women had different performances regardless of their level of injury. The distance ranged between 495 and 2106 m for men and between 300 and 1901 m for women. The mean velocity of propulsion ranged from 25 to 105 m min(-1) for men and from 15 to 95 m min(-1) for women. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative data for the 20 min exercise that could be used to estimate the resistance capacity by manual wheelchair users with SCI and evaluate the effects of training and other therapeutic interventions.

Genetic evaluation using multi-trait and random regression models in Simmental beef cattle.

The Brazilian Association of Simmental and Simbrasil Cattle Farmers provided 29,510 records from 10,659 Simmental beef cattle; these were used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for weights in the growth trajectory, based on multi-trait (MTM) and random regression models (RRM). The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. In the MTM analysis, the likelihood ratio test was used to determine the significance of random effects included in the model and to define the most appropriate model. All random effects were significant and included in the final model. In the RRM analysis, different adjustments of polynomial orders were compared for 5 different criteria to choose the best fit model. An RRM of third order for the direct additive genetic, direct permanent environmental, maternal additive genetic, and maternal permanent environment effects was sufficient to model variance structures in the growth trajectory of the animals. The (co)variance components were generally similar in MTM and RRM. Direct heritabilities of MTM were slightly lower than RRM and varied from 0.04 to 0.42 and 0.16 to 0.45, respectively. Additive direct correlations were mostly positive and of high magnitude, being highest at closest ages. Considering the results and that pre-adjustment of the weights to standard ages is not required, RRM is recommended for genetic evaluation of Simmental beef cattle in Brazil.

Development and validation of a ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the direct detection of formoterol in human urine.

Formoterol is a long acting ß(2)-agonist and has proven to be a very effective bronchodilating agent. Hence it is frequently applied therapeutically for the treatment of asthma. Because ß(2)-agonists might be misused in sports for the stimulatory effects and for growth-promoting action their use is restricted. Since January 2012, formoterol is prohibited in urinary concentrations higher than 30 ng/mL. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a simple and robust ultra high performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the direct quantification of formoterol in urine. Sample preparation was limited to an enzymatic hydrolysis step after which 2 µL was injected in the chromatographic system. Chromatography was performed on a C(8)-column using gradient conditions. The mobile phase consisted of water/methanol (H(2)O/MeOH) both containing 0.1% acetic acid (HOAc) and 1mM ammonium acetate (NH(4)OAc). Calibration curve were constructed between 15 and 60 ng/mL. Validation data showed bias of 1.3% and imprecision of 5.4% at the threshold. Ion suppression/enhancement never exceeded 7%. Calculating measurement uncertainty showed proof of applicability of the method. Stability of formoterol was also investigated at 56 °C (accelerated stability test) at pH 1.0/5.2/7.0 and 9.5. At the physiological pH values of 5.2 and 7.0, formoterol showed good stability. At pH 1.0 and 9.5 significant degradation was observed.

Genetic parameter estimates and response to selection for weight and testicular traits in Nelore cattle.

We estimated genetic parameters for various phases of body and testicular growth until 550 days of age in Nelore cattle, using Bayesian inference, including correlation values and error estimates. Weight and scrotal records of 54,182 Nelore animals originating from 18 farms participating in the Brazilian Nelore Breeding Program (PMGRN) were included. The following traits were measured: weight at standard ages of 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), 450 (W450), and 550 (W550) days; weight gain between 120/210 (WG1), 210/365 (WG2), 365/450 (WG3), 450/550 (WG4), 120/365 (WG5), 120/450 (WG6), 120/550 (WG7), 210/450 (WG8), 210/550 (WG9), and 365/550 (WG10) days of age; scrotal circumference at 365 (SC365), 450 (SC450) and 550 (SC550) days of age, and testicular growth between 365/450 (TG1), 450/550 (TG2) and 365/550 (TG3) days of age. The model included contemporary group (current farm, year and two-month period of birth, sex, and management group) and age of dam at calving, divided into classes as fixed effects. The model also included random effects for direct additive, maternal additive and maternal permanent environmental, and residual effects. The direct heritability estimates ranged from 0.23 to 0.39, 0.13 to 0.39 and 0.32 to 0.56 for weights at standard ages, weight gains and testicular measures, respectively. The genetic correlations between weights (0.69 to 0.94) and scrotal circumferences (0.91 to 0.97) measured at standard ages were higher than those between weight gain and testicular growth (0.18 to 0.97 and 0.36 to 0.77, respectively). The weights at standard ages responded more effectively to selection, and also gave strong correlations with the other traits.

Consequences of the formation of 3,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidine on the analysis of ephedrines in urine by gas chromatography and a new method for confirmation as N-trifluoroacetyl-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl ether derivatives.

The compound 3,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidine can appear as an artifact during the gas chromatographic analysis of ephedrines. Its presence is a risk for doping control and forensic analyses. An evaluation about the consequences of its formation showed the possibility of a false positive for ephedrine, a false negative for pseudophedrine and increased uncertainty in the quantitative approach. Misinterpretations can be avoided with the observation of fragments m/z 56 and 71 in the ephedrine mass spectrum during GC-MS analysis and also by the formation of N-TFA-O-TBDMS derivatives prior to GC analysis. These N-TFA-O-TBDMS derivatives lead to an increase in the number and mass of diagnostic ions, meet the identification criteria, and provide an improvement in chromatographic resolution, allowing the separation of the ephedrines.

Genetic parameter estimates for buffalo milk yield, milk quality and mozzarella production and Bayesian inference analysis of their relationships.

Buffalo milk has excellent physical and chemical qualities as a consequence of the high percentage of constituents. This milk property is desirable for the dairy industry because it facilitates manufacture of mozzarella cheese. We estimated genetic parameters for milk yield, milk fat and protein and their effects on mozzarella cheese production using Bayesian inference. Using information from 4907 lactation records of buffaloes, genetic and non-genetic parameters were estimated for accumulated 305-day milk yield (MY), milk fat (%F) and protein (%P) percentages and mozzarella production per lactation (MP). The (co)variance components were obtained by Bayesian inference using a multiple trait model, which included as fixed effects contemporary group, milking number and buffalo age at calving as covariables (linear and quadratic), along with the additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual random effects. Mean a posteriori heritability distributions for MY, %F, %P, and MP were 0.25, 0.30, 0.38, and 0.23, respectively. The genetic correlation estimates between MY with %P and %F were negative and moderate. Positive genetic correlation estimates varying from 0.19 (%P/MP) to 0.95 (MY/MP) were obtained among the traits. Milk yield, milk components, and mozzarella production in Murrah buffaloes have enough genetic variation for selection purposes. We conclude that selection to increase milk yield would be effective in improving mozzarella production.

Genetic parameters for buffalo milk yield and milk quality traits using Bayesian inference.

The availability of accurate genetic parameters for important economic traits in milking buffaloes is critical for implementation of a genetic evaluation program. In the present study, heritabilities and genetic correlations for fat (FY305), protein (PY305), and milk (MY305) yields, milk fat (%F) and protein (%P) percentages, and SCS were estimated using Bayesian methodology. A total of 4,907 lactations from 1,985 cows were used. The (co)variance components were estimated using multiple-trait analysis by Bayesian inference method, applying an animal model, through Gibbs sampling. The model included the fixed effects of contemporary groups (herd-year and calving season), number of milking (2 levels), and age of cow at calving as (co)variable (quadratic and linear effect). The additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual effects were included as random effects in the model. The posterior means of heritability distributions for MY305, FY305, PY305, %F, P%, and SCS were 0.22, 0.21, 0.23, 0.33, 0.39, and 0.26, respectively. The genetic correlation estimates ranged from -0.13 (between %P and SCS) to 0.94 (between MY305 and PY305). The permanent environmental correlation estimates ranged from -0.38 (between MY305 and %P) to 0.97 (between MY305 and PY305). Residual and phenotypic correlation estimates ranged from -0.26 (between PY305 and SCS) to 0.97 (between MY305 and PY305) and from -0.26 (between MY305 and SCS) to 0.97 (between MY305 and PY305), respectively. Milk yield, milk components, and milk somatic cells counts have enough genetic variation for selection purposes. The genetic correlation estimates suggest that milk components and milk somatic cell counts would be only slightly affected if increasing milk yield were the selection goal. Selecting to increase FY305 or PY305 will also increase MY305, %P, and %F.

Analysis of sibutramine metabolites as N-trifluoroacetamide and O-trimethylsilyl derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in urine.

A method for identifying the metabolites of sibutramine 1-(4(chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-alpha-(2-methylpropyl))cyclobutanemethanamine) in urine, utilizing a double derivatization strategy, with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide and N-methyl-bis-(trifluoroacetamide), in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is proposed. This methodology results in mass spectra with at least three fragments in abundance superior to 20%, attending the World Anti-Doping Agency identification criteria for qualitative assays. The characterization of the derivatives was obtained through two ionization modes: Chemical Ionization and Electron Impact ionization, both in full scan mode. Sibutramine was administered to 5 (five) volunteers and the excretion profile followed for 92h. Routine analytical, hydroxy-cyclobutane-bis-nor-sibutramine which becomes the more abundant metabolite in the first 10h and hydroxy-isopropyl-bis-nor-sibutramine which becomes the most abundant after 40h, were proposed for doping monitoring.