Parkin is a critical player in the effects of caffeine over mitochondrial quality control pathways during skeletal muscle regeneration in mice.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine on pathways associated with mitochondrial quality control and mitochondrial capacity during skeletal muscle regeneration, focusing on the role of Parkin, a key protein involved in mitophagy. METHODS: We used in vitro C2C12 myoblast during differentiation with and without caffeine in the medium, and we evaluated several markers of mitochondrial quality control pathways and myotube growth. In vivo experiments, we used C57BL/6J (WT) and Parkintm 1Shn lineage (Parkin-/- ) mice and injured tibial anterior muscle. The mice regenerated TA muscle for 3, 10, and 21 days with or without caffeine ingestion. TA muscle was used to analyze the protein content of several markers of mitochondrial quality pathways, muscle satellite cell differentiation, and protein synthesis. Furthermore, it analyzed mtDNA, mitochondrial respiration, and myofiber growth. RESULTS: C2C12 differentiation experiments showed that caffeine decreased Parkin content, potentially leading to increased DRP1 and PGC-1α content and altered mitochondrial population, thereby enhancing growth capacity. Using Parkin-/- mice, we found that caffeine intake during the regenerative process induces an increase in AMPKα phosphorylation and PGC-1α and TFAM content, changes that were partly Parkin-dependent. In addition, the absence of Parkin potentiates the ergogenic effect of caffeine by increasing mitochondrial capacity and myotube growth. Those effects are related to increased ATF4 content and activation of protein synthesis pathways, such as increased 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that caffeine ingestion changes mitochondrial quality control during skeletal muscle regeneration, and Parkin is a central player in those mechanisms.

Cherenkov Light Emission in Pure Cherenkov Emitters for Prompt Gamma Imaging.

Proton range verification (PRV) in proton therapy by means of prompt-gamma detection is a promising but challenging approach. High count rates, energies ranging between 1 MeV and 7 MeV, and a strong background complicate the detection of such particles. In this work, the Cherenkov light generated by prompt-gammas in the pure Cherenkov emitters TlBr, TlCl and PbF2 was studied. Cherenkov light in these crystals can provide a very fast timing signal with the potential to achieve very high count rates and to discern between prompt-gammas and background signals. Crystals of 1×1 cm2 and thicknesses of 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm and 4 cm were simulated. Different photodetector configurations were studied for 2.3 MeV, 4.4 MeV, and 6.1 MeV prompt-gammas. TlCl achieved the greatest number of detected Cherenkov photons for all energies, detector dimensions, and photodetector efficiency modeling. For the highest prompt-gamma energy simulated, TlCl yielded approximately 250 Cherenkov detected photons, using a hypothetical high-performance photodetector. Results show the crystal blocks of 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm have greater prompt-gamma detection efficiency per volume and a comparable average number of detected Cherenkov photons per event.

Evaluation of the acute and sublethal toxicity of Mancozeb in Pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri).

The toxic potential of dithiocarbamates fungicides widely used in world agriculture is well known, among which Mancozeb is one of the most used. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Mancozeb, determining the LC50% of the product and the behavioral and histological changes observed in fish of the Pacamã species through acute and sublethal toxicity tests. The first experiment was carried out on Pacamã fingerlings exposed to dosages of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8mg/L of Mancozeb under the form ManzateWG®, for a total period of 96 hours in the acute experiment, and in the second experiment, fish were subjected to concentrations of 1/10 of those used in the acute experiment (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8mg/L, respectively), for 15 days in total. The 50% lethal concentration of ManzateWG® was calculated at the end of the acute experiment, presenting a value of 2.29mg/L at 96h for Pacamã fingerlings. A behavioral assessment was carried out through daily observation of the fish during both experiments, and an increase in mucus production was observed, as well as atypical social behavior in those exposed to the toxic agent. Histopathological evaluation was performed on livers collected after the end of the sublethal experiment, and the main hepatic alterations observed were cytoplasmic vacuolization, inflammatory infiltrate, and necrosis. Mancozeb has toxic potential and is capable of generating behavioral changes, as well as increasing the risk of liver damage in Pacamãs exposed to this compound.

Protein requirements for pregnant dairy cows.

We aimed to estimate the protein requirements of pregnant Holstein × Gyr cows. A total of 61 Holstein × Gyr (HG) cows were used, with an average initial body weight (BW) of 480 ± 10.1 kg and age 5 ± 0.5 yr. Cows were divided into 3 groups: pregnant (n = 43), nonpregnant (n = 12), and baseline (n = 6). Baseline animals were slaughtered before starting the experiment to estimate the initial body composition of the remaining animals. Pregnant and nonpregnant cows received 2 diets: maintenance and ad libitum. Pregnant cows were slaughtered at 139, 199, 241, and 268 gestation days (GD). First, we used data only from nonpregnant cows to determine the requirements for maintenance and growth in adult cows. The requirements of metabolizable protein for maintenance (MPm; grams of empty metabolic BW [EBW0.75] per day) were estimated using a linear regression between the metabolizable protein intake (MPI, g/d) and average daily gain (g/d), and the MPm was defined as the intercept divided by the average metabolic BW. Net protein requirements for gain (NPg; g/d) were estimated by the first derivative of the allometric equation between final crude protein in the body (kg) and the final empty BW (EBW; kg). The efficiency of use of metabolizable protein for gain (k) was calculated from the regression between the retained protein (g EBW0.75/d) and the MPI (g EBW0.75/d), and k was the slope of this regression. The MPI was estimated by combining microbial protein synthesis (purine derivatives) with the digestible rumen undegradable protein [(total protein intake - rumen-degradable protein) × intestinal digestibility]. Second, an exponential model was used to fit the protein accumulation in the gestational components in the function of GD. The first derivative of that model was considered the net requirement for gestation (NPgest). The efficiency of protein utilization for gestation (kgest) was calculated by the iterative method using the equation Δ = MPI - (MPm + NPg/kg + NPgest/kgest), where kg is efficiency of protein utilization for gain. The iteration was performed aiming at a zero deviation between observed MPI and metabolizable protein (MP) estimated by the requirements determined herein. We obtained a value of 3.88 g EBW0.75/d for MPm. The estimation of NPg can be calculated according to the following equation: NPg = 0.716 × (EBWopen-0.308) × EBGc, where EBWopen is the EBW (kg) for nonpregnant animals and EBGc is the empty body gain (kg/d) corrected for the gestational component. The k was determined as 0.347. The NPgest requirements were determined as NPgest (g/d) = 0.0008722 × exp(0.01784 × GD) × (calf weight/35). The kgest was 0.625. It is important to highlight that different methods of MP estimates should not be mixed and that the proposed method requires the estimation of microbial protein (estimated via urinary estimates), which might limit practical application. In conclusion, new studies should be conducted to validate our results and the methodology adopted to determine protein requirements for pregnancy in dairy cows. Due to the pattern of protein accumulation in the gestational components, we suggest an exponential model to describe protein requirements for pregnancy for dairy cows.

Intake, performance, and feeding behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr heifers grazing intensively managed tropical grasses during the rainy season.

Holstein × Gyr and Holstein are the primary dairy breeds used in tropical systems, but when rearing under pasture, feed intake, behavior, and performance might differ between them. This study aimed to evaluate the voluntary intake, nutrient digestibility, performance, and ingestive behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) heifers managed in a rotational system of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). The experiment was conducted during the summer season throughout four periods of 21 d. Two 8-heifers (four Holstein and four Holstein × Gyr) groups, averaging 258.6 ±â€¯24.79 kg and 157.1 ±â€¯24.99 kg BW, were used. Each group grazed a separate set of 16 paddocks, and all heifers received a concentrate supplement daily. Heifers were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Fecal, forage and concentrate samples were evaluated for their DM, CP, crude fat, ash, NDF, and indigestible NDF. Feeding behavior was evaluated through 24 h of live observation for 48 h of each experimental period. Grazing, ruminating, resting, and intake of concentrate times were recorded, and rumination criteria, bout criteria, mealtime, meal frequency, and meal duration were calculated. There was no difference in total dry matter intake (DMI), but forage DMI of Holstein × Gyr was 11.70 % greater than the Holstein heifers. The Holstein × Gyr heifers had greater NDF intake and feed efficiency tended to show greater CP and NDF digestibilities, consequently, they had greater average daily gain (ADG). Holstein grazed less than Holstein × Gyr heifers in the afternoon. Ruminating time was 18.43 % lower for Holstein than Holstein × Gyr heifers, and rumination criteria (i.e. longest non-feeding interval within a rumination event) were greater for Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers presented more prolonged rumination bouts and resting time than Holstein × Gyr heifers. Holstein × Gyr can ingest and ruminate greater amounts of fibrous material, and Holstein heifers needed to spend more time ruminating the cud. Overall, even though the behavior was not markedly different between breeds, rearing young Holstein heifers in tropical pasture conditions is less suitable than Holstein-Gyr because of their lower ADG. Therefore, this management condition seems appropriate for Holstein × Gyr but inappropriate for Holstein dairy heifers.

New Enclosure for in vivo Medical Imaging of Zebrafish With Vital Signs Monitoring.

Lately, the use of zebrafish has gained increased interest in the scientific community as an animal model in preclinical research. However, there is a lack of in vivo imaging tools that ensure animal welfare during acquisition procedures. The use of functional imaging techniques, like Positron Emission Tomography (PET), in zebrafish is limited since it requires the animal to be alive, representing a higher instrumentation complexity when compared to morphological imaging systems. In the present work, a new zebrafish enclosure was developed to acquire in vivo images while monitoring the animal's welfare through its heartbeat. The temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH range in a closed aquatic environment were tested to ensure that the conditions stay suitable for animal welfare during image acquisitions. The developed system, based on an enclosure with a bed and heartbeat sensors, was tested under controlled conditions in anesthetized fishes. Since the anesthetized zebrafish do not affect the water quality over time, there is no need to incorporate water circulation for the expected time of PET exams (about 30 min). The range of values obtained for the zebrafish heart rate was 88-127 bpm. The developed system has shown promising results regarding the zebrafish's heart rate while keeping the fish still during the long imaging exams. The zebrafish enclosure ensures the animal's well-being during the acquisition of in vivo images in different modalities (PET, Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging), contributing substantially to the preclinical research.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety / Curva de crescimento de tilápia-do-Nilo de diferentes famílias da variedade AquaAmérica

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P <0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P <0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety / Curva de crescimento de tilápia-do-Nilo de diferentes famílias da variedade AquaAmérica

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P <0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P <0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety

Abstract Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P 0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P 0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

Resumo A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P 0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P 0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Genotypic variation of the interactive effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on leaf gas exchange and early growth of sugarcane.

Increased atmospheric CO2 and consequent increases in temperature are two prominent features of climate change, a major challenge to crops. Here, our objectives were to determine: (1) the responses of sugarcane during the first 90 days of elevated CO2 (ECO2 ) and elevated temperature (ETem), both individually and together, and (2) the genotypic variation of these responses. Eight varieties were grown both in open-top chambers in a factorial combination of ambient/ECO2 concentrations (344-351/777-779 ppm) and ambient/ETem (34.9-35.6/36.6-38.4°C) and in open fields. Significant treatment × variety interaction effects were observed on leaf net photosynthetic rate (An ), stomatal conductance (gs ), transpiration rate (El ), and instantaneous transpiration efficiency (TE ). In most varieties, ECO2 alone did not affect An, but the combination of ECO2 and ETem decreased An . ECO2 decreased gs and El while increasing TE in all varieties. These effects were amplified when ETem was combined with ECO2 . ETem alone had variable effects on An and gs depending on variety, while it increased El and did not affect TE in a majority of varieties. Germination, tillering and stem diameter were not affected by treatments and did not show varietal variation. Leaf water potential, chlorophyll (spad), leaf area, and aboveground dry weight per plant showed varietal variations but were not affected by treatments. The variable responses to ETem and the significant genotypic variation to ECO2 and elevated temperature (ETem) observed in this work, both individually and together, demonstrate a considerable scope to breed sugarcane varieties for a future high-CO2 and warmer climate.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety.

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

Airborne-particle Abrasion and Dentin Bonding: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The literature reviewed suggests that airborne particle abrasion has no negative effects on the bond strength of resin-based materials to dentin and that a positive influence on dentin bond strength was only achieved in specific air-abrasion conditions. SUMMARY: In this systematic review the authors investigated how airborne-particle abrasion (APA) using aluminum oxide affects the bond strength of resin-based materials to dentin. The search was performed in three databases. In vitro studies (Type of study) comparing the bond strength of resin-based materials (Outcome) to air-abraded (Intervention) compared with non-air-abraded (Comparison) human dentin (Population) were included (the PICOT elements are given parenthetically). From 5437 unique articles, 65 were read in full, 33 were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 32 were included in the meta-analysis. Methodologic quality and risk of bias were assessed. Comparisons were performed between air-abraded and control dentin groups by adopting a random-effects model (α=0.05). Additional analyses were carried out for the different parameters used in APA: type of surface treatment in the control group, particle size, air pressure, and APA duration. The bond strength to air-abraded dentin was favored only when the control surface was treated with a hand excavator. For particle size, APA was favored when the particle size was >30 µm and the controls were no treatment or hand excavator or when the particle size was ≤30 µm and the control was bur. In addition, the results favored air-abraded groups only when the pressure was > 5 bar and bur was used in the control group. No significant differences were observed for duration of APA. No comparison on bond strength considering the presence of aging conditions was possible in the included studies due to the low number of studies that aged the specimens. In conclusion, APA had no negative effects on the bond strength of resin-based materials to dentin and was able to improve the dentin bond strength only when the particle size was > 30 µm and air pressure was > 5 bar. PROSPERO registration protocol: CRD42018096128.

Short communication: Development and evaluation of equations to predict growth of Holstein dairy heifers in a tropical climate.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate equations for estimating growth of dairy heifers using measures of withers height, body weight (BW), and age. Measures of BW and withers height of 207 Holstein heifers raised in a tropical climate were taken from birth to calving, totaling to 2,047 observations. To be included in the database, the heifer had to have at least 4 measures recorded. After that, 4 models were built and evaluated as follows: (1) a linear model of BW as function of age (BW~A), (2) a linear model of the BW-to-height ratio as function of age (BW:H~A), (3) a quadratic model, adjusted for a defined plateau, to describe height as function of age (H~A), and (4) an exponential growth model of BW as function of height (BW~H). A cross-validation procedure was performed to evaluate accuracy and precision of the models. The linear relationship of BW~A and BW:H~A were estimated, respectively, by the equations: BW = 42.65 + 0.62 × A and BW:H = 0.70 + 0.0041 × A, where BW is in kilograms, BW:H = BW-to-height ratio (kg/cm), and A = age (d). Using the quadratic plateau for the model H~A, a critical "x" value of ~806 d and a height plateau of 138.6 cm were identified. Therefore, the following equations for estimating the height of animals younger and older than 806 d, respectively, were developed: H = 78.15 + 0.150 × A - 0.00009 × A2 and H = 78.15 + 0.150 × cvx - 0.00009 × cvx2, where H = height (cm) and cvx = 806 (critical "x" value; given in days). Additionally, the exponential model of W~H was estimated by the following equation: BW = 4.25 × exp(0.034 ×H), where BW is in kilograms and H = height (cm). A cross validation demonstrated that all equations had very high accuracy and precision. Overall, these models demonstrated that BW and BW-to-height ratio increase linearly as a function of age, while BW follows an exponential growth pattern as a function of height. Additionally, the H~A model predicted that heifers achieve a maximum height of 138.6 cm at 806 d of age.

Avaliação nutricional e metabólica de borregas alimentadas com níveis crescentes de aminoácidos protegidos / [Nutritional and metabolic evaluation of feeding lambs with growing levels of protein amino acids]

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de níveis de lisina e metionina protegidas na dieta sobre os parâmetros nutricionais e metabólicos energéticos e hepáticos de borregas em crescimento. Utilizaram-se cinco borregas ½ sangue Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente oito meses de idade e peso médio de 50 ± 2,3kg, distribuídas em esquema quadrado latino 5x5 (cinco tratamentos, cinco animais e cinco períodos). Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de diferentes níveis de lisina e metionina protegidas da degradação ruminal (MicroPEARLS LM®) na ração, sendo: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g e 32g por dia. A dieta era composta por silagem de milho e concentrado na relação 30V:70C. Realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade para determinar consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca (CMS/DGMS), balanço de nitrogênio e metabólitos sanguíneos. O CMS (kg/dia) em relação ao peso metabólico apresentou equação linear positiva, sendo maior no tratamento que ofertou 32g de aminoácidos por dia, assim como o nitrogênio ingerido e o balanço de nitrogênio, sendo positivo em todos os tratamentos. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para a digestibilidade da MS e o metabolismo energético e hepático. Lisina e metionina protegidas da degradação ruminal podem ser incluídas na ração de borregas em crescimento até 32g/dia sem causar efeitos negativos na digestibilidade da MS e no metabolismo.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of protected lysine and methionine levels on the diet, over the nutritional parameters and energetic and hepatic metabolites of growing lambs. Five lambs ½ blood Dorper x Santa Inês, with approximately eight months of age and average weight of 50kg, were distributed in a 5x5 latin square scheme (five treatments and five replicates). The treatments consisted of the inclusion of different levels of lysine and methionine protected from ruminal degradation (MicroPEARLS LM®) in the diet, being: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g and 32g. The diet was composed of corn silage and concentrated 30V:70C in the ratio. A digestibility assay was performed to determine dry matter intake and digestibility (DMI/DDMI), nitrogen balance and blood metabolites. The DMI (kg/day) in relation to the metabolic weight had a positive linear equation, being higher in treatment 32g, as well as the ingested nitrogen and nitrogen balance, being positive in all treatments. There was no difference (P>0.05) for the digestibility of DM, energetic and hepatic metabolism. Lysine and methionine protected from ruminal degradation can be included in the diet of growing lambs up to 32g without causing negative effects on DM digestibility and metabolism.(AU)

Nanostructured functionalized magnetic platforms for the sustained delivery of cisplatin: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation.

Cisplatin has demonstrated extraordinary anticancer activity against a variety of solid tumors. However, its clinical efficacy is contrasted by its toxicity profile. Having in mind the need to reduce the toxicity, promote a sustained release and enhance the body-circulation time of cisplatin, herein novel nanocarriers consisting of core-shell silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with dicarboxylic acid groups were prepared and characterized. Cisplatin was conjugated with the functionalized nanoparticles by surface tethering. Controlled release of cisplatin was observed without burst effect and in a sustained profile for up to 3 days. In vitro studies showed cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of the cisplatin nanoconjugates against a human pancreatic cancer cell line. Importantly, when compared with free cisplatin, nanoconjugates exhibited lower cytotoxic effects regarding nonmalignant human duct pancreatic cells.

The impact of two root canal treatment protocols on the oral health-related quality of life: a randomized controlled pragmatic clinical trial.

AIM: To assess the impact of two root canal treatment protocols on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients in need of root canal treatment on their anterior teeth. METHODOLOGY: The sample consisted of 120 participants (mean age: 34 years) enrolled in a pragmatic randomized clinical trial evaluating two root canal treatment protocols. Anterior teeth with nonvital pulps were allocated for root canal preparation with either hand files and filled with lateral compaction of gutta-percha (manual protocol) or canal preparation with a single file in a reciprocating movement and filled with a single cone technique (Reciproc protocol). OHRQoL data were assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile instrument (OHIP-14), which was administered before the root canal intervention (baseline), and 6 and 12 months after treatment. Demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were collected at baseline. Data were analysed using bivariate analyses, Poisson univariate and multiple regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The drop-out rate from baseline was 27% and 28% at 6 and 12 months after treatment, respectively. Both root canal protocols significantly enhanced patients' OHRQoL, regardless of the follow-up time (P < 0.001). After 6 months, patients treated with the Reciproc protocol had significantly lower OHIP-14 overall scores (P = 0.030), as well as significantly lower scores for psychological discomfort (P = 0.031) and social disability (P = 0.013). After 12 months, no significant difference was observed between the two root canal protocols for OHIP-14 overall scores (P = 0.174). Either large or moderate effect sizes were observed for all domains and overall scores at both evaluation times, irrespective of the protocol. Low-income persons (RR = 2.03) and the Reciproc protocol (RR = 1.52) had a higher likelihood of a positive impact on OHRQoL 12 months after root canal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The two root canal protocols improved the OHRQoL and differences in scores were observed only after 6 months with poorer OHRQoL for the manual protocol. After 12 months, patients with low-income status and treated with Reciproc were associated with a greater improvement in OHRQoL scores.

Do microplastics affect the zoanthid Zoanthus sociatus?

Microplastics (1 µm-5 mm), a ubiquitous and persistent marine pollutant, pose a severe threat to coral reefs when recently associated with physiological distress and increased diseases on corals. Studies conducted so far have only reported effects on scleractinian species. Knowledge about its effects on other corals (e.g. Order Zoantharia) remains uncovered, and responses at biochemical levels remain poorly documented. This study aimed to assess the potential effects induced by the presence of microplastics (1 and 10 mg L-1 low-density polyethylene, LDPE MP, or polyvinyl chloride, PVC MP) in the tropical and subtropical cosmopolitan species Zoanthus sociatus (order Zoantharia. Anthozoa: Hexacorallia), at organism level (survival and behaviour), endosymbionts (photosynthetic efficiency) and the cellular level (oxidative stress, detoxification capacity and energy metabolism). In a short-term exposure (96 h), this species was more sensitive to PVC MP. The presence of this polymer at a concentration of 10 mg L-1 caused a ten-fold higher adhesion to the coral epidermis, increased photosynthetic efficiency, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defences; without, however, inducing energetic costs. Although the observed physiological and biochemical effects did not compromise Z. sociatus survival in the short term, it does not rule out potential long-term (cumulative) effects that could endanger this and other physiologically similar species that underlie coral reefs.