Reproductive development of dairy heifers in an integrated livestock-forest system during the summer.

This study aimed to assess the cortisol, body and reproductive development of prepubertal Holstein and Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers at 27 months of age maintained in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system for 60 summer days compared to the monoculture system in full sun (FS). The ILF system promoted changes (P=0.02) in the cortisol levels of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers and did not affect weight gain in any of the breed groups studied. Animals in ILF system presented a lower (P=0.006) vulvar development for the rima height parameter and similar for the vulva width parameter. The ovarian follicular population of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers in the ILF system was lower (P=0.004); however, for the Holstein heifers, no statistical difference was found, and numbers were higher (P=0.08) in the ILF system. None of the other ovarian parameters studied had any changes, and we also found important racial differences. Weight gain (P=0.003), vulvar development (P<0.001), and mean follicular size (P=0.008) were higher in the Holstein-Gir ¾ animals. Based on such results, the effect of the ILF system at 27 months of age on stress and reproductive parameters in the Holstein breed is considered positive, although negative effects have been detected on reproductive parameters in the Holstein-Gir ¾ breed.

Agronomic biofortification increases concentrations of zinc and storage proteins in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grains.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for plants and mammals and its deficiency affects billions of people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil Zn fertilization and foliar Zn sprays in different phenological stages of the plant on the grain nutritional quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Field experiments were carried out in two consecutive harvest years under no-till system in an Oxisol. Two commercial common bean cultivars were used: BRS Esteio (black bean) and IPR Campos Gerais (Carioca bean). Total concentration of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars and storage proteins (albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin) in grains were evaluated. The cultivar BRS Esteio exhibited higher grain enrichment with Zn than the cultivar IPR Campos Gerais, showing genotypic variation. Single foliar Zn spray of 600 g ha-1 at the initial grain filling stage was shown to be the best way to improve the grain Zn concentration, without affecting grain yield. Foliar Zn spray at the final stage of grain filling favored the increase of Zn concentration in the pods over the Zn concentration in the grains. Agronomic biofortification of bean grains with Zn was more efficient with foliar Zn spraying than with the soil Zn fertilization, however, the soil Zn application favored the increase of concentrations of total amino acids and storage proteins (albumin, globulin and glutelin) in the grains. Agronomic biofortification proved to be efficient in increasing concentrations of Zn and storage proteins in common bean grains.

Congenital Zika Syndrome Is Associated With Interferon Alfa Receptor 1.

Host factors that influence Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) outcome remain elusive. Interferons have been reported as the main antiviral factor in Zika and other flavivirus infections. Here, we accessed samples from 153 pregnant women (77 without and 76 with CZS) and 143 newborns (77 without and 66 with CZS) exposed to ZIKV conducted a case-control study to verify whether interferon alfa receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and interferon lambda 2 and 4 (IFNL2/4) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contribute to CZS outcome, and characterized placenta gene expression profile at term. Newborns carrying CG/CC genotypes of rs2257167 in IFNAR1 presented higher risk of developing CZS (OR=3.41; IC=1.35-8.60; Pcorrected=0.032). No association between IFNL SNPs and CZS was observed. Placenta from CZS cases displayed lower levels of IFNL2 and ISG15 along with higher IFIT5. The rs2257167 CG/CC placentas also demonstrated high levels of IFIT5 and inflammation-related genes. We found CZS to be related with exacerbated type I IFN and insufficient type III IFN in placenta at term, forming an unbalanced response modulated by the IFNAR1 rs2257167 genotype. Despite of the low sample size se findings shed light on the host-pathogen interaction focusing on the genetically regulated type I/type III IFN axis that could lead to better management of Zika and other TORCH (Toxoplasma, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes) congenital infections.

Interferon-lambda 3 and 4 Polymorphisms Increase Sustained Virological Responses and Regulate Innate Immunity in Antiviral Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-Alpha.

Sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment denotes that the host genetics controls the immune response and unequivocally contribute to viral clearance or disease severity. In this context, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the locus of interferon lambda 3 and 4 genes (IFNL3/4) have been important genetic markers of responsiveness to CHC as prognostic markers for the pegylated-Interferon-alpha/ribavirin (Peg-IFN-α/RBV). Here, we analyzed 12 SNPs at the IFNL3/4 region in 740 treatment-naïve patients with CHC infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, or 3 treated with Peg-IFN-α/RBV. Individually, rs12979860-CC, rs8109886-CC, or rs8099917-TT were predictive markers of SVR, while rs12979860-CC demonstrated the stronger effect. Besides, the genotypic combination of these three predictors' genotypes, CC/CC/TT, increased the rate of SVR. Serum levels of cytokines and gene expression analysis on the genes IFNL3, IFNL4, IFNA1, and some of the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were measured in a subgroup of 24 treated patients and 24 healthy volunteers. An antagonist effect was highlighted between the expression of IFNL3/4 and IFNA1 mRNA among patients. Besides, a prominent production of the pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL4 and CXCL10 was observed at a 12-week treatment follow-up. Lower serum levels of these chemokines were detected in patients with an rs12979860-CC genotype associated with the better treatment outcome. Also, lower expression levels of the IFI6, IFI16, IRF9 genes were observed among rs12979860-CC individuals. In conclusion, a combination of the genotypes at the IFNL3/4 locus can act as a better marker for the prognosis for virological responses in an admixed Brazilian population presenting the modulating effect over innate immunity and inflammation that are controlling the outcome of the viral infection, but also other infectious diseases. This study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (accession number NCT01889849 and NCT01623336).

Bioprospection of proteases from Halobacillus andaensis for bioactive peptide production from fish muscle protein

BACKGROUND: Biologically active peptides produced from fish wastes are gaining attention because their health benefits. Proteases produced by halophilic microorganisms are considered as a source of active enzymes in high salt systems like fish residues. Hence, the aim of this study was the bioprospection of halophilic microorganisms for the production of proteases to prove their application for peptide production. RESULTS: Halophilic microorganisms were isolated from saline soils of Mexico and Bolivia. An enzymatic screening was carried out for the detection of lipases, esterases, pHB depolymerases, chitinases, and proteases. Most of the strains were able to produce lipases, esterases, and proteases, and larger hydrolysis halos were detected for protease activity. Halobacillus andaensis was selected to be studied for proteolytic activity production; the microorganism was able to grow on gelatin, yeast extract, skim milk, casein, peptone, fish muscle (Cyprinus carpio), and soy flour as protein sources, and among these sources, fish muscle protein was the best inducer of proteolytic activity, achieving a protease production of 571 U/mL. The extracellular protease was active at 50°C, pH 8, and 1.4 M NaCl and was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The proteolytic activity of H. andaensis was used to hydrolyze fish muscle protein for peptide production. The peptides obtained showed a MW of 5.3 kDa and a radical scavenging ability of 10 to 30% on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and a ferric reducing ability of plasma. Conclusion: The use of noncommercial extracellular protease produced by H. andaensis for biologically active peptide production using fish muscle as the protein source presents a great opportunity for high-value peptide production.

Produção de plantas de pinhão manso em diferentes espaçamentos e tipos de consórcio / Physic nut yield in different spacing planting and intercropping models

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes arranjos de plantio próprios para o consórcio com a atividade agrícola e pecuária, bem como tipos de consórcio na produção de plantas de pinhão manso em duas safras. O experimento foi realizado no município de Coronel Pacheco, Minas Gerais, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo a parcela representada por 5 espaçamentos: 6x3m (555 pl ha-1); 12x(2x2)m (714 pl ha-1); 10x(2x2)m (833 pl ha-1); 8x(2x2)m (1.000 pl ha-1); 6x1,5m (1.111 pl ha-1) e a subparcela representada por dois tipos de consórcio (integração lavoura-pecuária-pinhão manso - iLPF, e integração pecuária pinhão manso - SSP). As avalições contemplaram as safras 2010/2011 e 2011/2012. Os resultados demonstraram que o maior espaçamento de plantio (6x3m) apresentou efeito positivo na produção por planta, superando os demais tratamentos. Não foram observados efeitos significativos no número de sementes por fruto, bem como no peso da semente. A produção por hectare, foi maior no espaçamento 6x1,5m (maior densidade populacional), entretanto não seguiu uma tendência linear. O sistema iLPF apresentou efeito significativo na produção, superando o sistema SSP.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different spacing plantings and intercropping models on physic nut trees yield in two harvest seasons. The experimental trial was carried out in Coronel Pacheco, Minas Gerais, in a randomized complete bocks design, in a split-plotted scheme. The experimental unit was represented by 5 different spacing plantings 6x3m (555 pl ha-1); 12x(2x2)m (714 pl ha-1); 10x(2x2)m (833 pl ha-1); 8x(2x2)m (1,000 pl ha-1); 6x1,5m (1.111 pl ha-1) and the sub-unit by two intercropping models (crop-livestock-forestry - iLPF, and livestock-forestry - SSP). The evaluation period contemplated 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 harvest seasons. The results showed that the higher spacing planting (6x3m) had a positive effect on individual tree yield, overcoming the others. No effect was observed for number of seeds per fruit and seed weight. The yield per hectare was higher in the closest spacing planting (6x1.5m), however it did not follow a linear trend. The iLPF system affected yield positively, overcoming the SSP system.

Modelo de laboratório para recebimento, processamento, armazenamento temporário e distribuição de amostras biológicas de pesquisa clínica em Bio-Manguinhos – FIOCRUZ. Rio de Janeiro / Laboratory model for receiving, processing, temporary storage and distribution of biological samples for clinical research in Bio-Manguinhos - FIOCRUZ

Os laboratórios da Vice-Diretoria de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico de Bio-Manguinhos realizam testes clínicos de fase 1, 2 e 3 de biofármacos e vacinas em desenvolvimento, e ainda, análises de pós-marketing. Bio-Manguinhos, atualmente, não dispõe de um laboratório para recebimento e processamento das amostras biológicas de estudos clínicos, terceirizando este serviço e/ou utilizando outras Unidades da FIOCRUZ . O modelo de laboratório proposto neste trabalho foi a partir dos elementos contidos na legislação vigente, incluindo documentos normativos, que estabelecem critérios para a implantação do mesmo. As atividades relacionadas ao processamento das amostras foi classificado como risco biológico do tipo 2, utilizando instalações físicas de nível de biossegurança 2, o qual é recomendado para o trabalho com sangue segundo os padrões da OSHA (US Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Administração de Segurança e Saúde Ocupacional dos Estados Unidos), o que requer a utilização de precauções específicas com todas as amostras biológicas de sangue, hemoderivados ou materiais potencialmente infecciosos. Foram discutidos, através deste trabalho, requisitos e especificações, segundo a legislação vigente, de um laboratório que vise suprir as necessidades de Bio-Manguinhos...

The laboratories of the Vice Director of Technological Development of Bio-Manguinhosperforma clinical trial phase 1, 2 and 3 of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines in development andfurther analysis of post marketing. Bio - Manguinhos currently does not have a laboratory forreceipt and processing of biological samples from clinical studies, outsourcing this service and /or using other units of FIOCRUZ . The laboratory model proposed here was developed with theelements contained in the current legislation, including regulatory documents, which establishcriteria for the implementation of the laboratory. The activities related to the processing of thesamples was classified as biological risk of type 2 using physical facilities biosafety level 2,which is recommended for working with blood by the standards of OSHA (U.S. OccupationalSafety and Health Administration of United States), which requires specific precautions to usewith all biological samples of blood, blood products or potentially infectious materials. I wasdiscussed through this work requirements and specifications, under the current legislation, alaboratory which aims to meet the needs of Bio-Manguinhos: including a lay-out modelcontemplating facilities for biosafety level 2; establishment of procedures that will ensure thatproducts and services comply with the attendance to the issues of biosafety and the environment;creating a program of registration of biological samples that allows traceability of the process,developing a system of inspection focused on biosecurity services offered through checklist;discussing measures aiming at the prevention, control, elimination or minimization of risksinherent to the activities, given current legislation , thereby aiding the prevention, minimizationand, when possible, eliminating exposure to occupational hazards present in the laboratory,avoiding accidents and preserving the health of employees, the community and the environment...

Organic production of red wine grapes under plastic cover in subtropical region of Brazil / Produção orgânica de uvas para vinho tinto sob cobertura plástica em região subtropical do Brasil

A trial was carried out aiming to evaluate the development and yield of red wine grapevines under plastic cover in an organic production system in Guarapuava, the Central-Southern region of Paraná State, Brazil. The experimental design was in a randomized blocks, in a 5x2 factorial arrangement (cultivars x rootstocks), with five red wine vine cultivars (Merlot, Malbec, Carbenet Sauvignon, Ives and Early Isabella) and two rootstocks (Paulsen 1103 e VR 043-43). The grafted grapevines were planted in September of 2005 and the evaluations carried out for the three first productive cycles (2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009). The following variables were evaluated: phenological growth stages, number of clusters, average cluster weight, total yield, total soluble solids content and fresh weight of pruning material. The cultivation of wine grapevines in an organic system under plastic cover demonstrated viability, inhibiting the incidence of diseases and reducing the needs of control. The most limiting factor was the damage caused by wasps and bees that decreased cluster harvest. Despite this problem, between tested grapevine cultivars, the Early Isabella was the most productive in all years, while Malbec was also outstanding in the first cycle. VR 043-43 hybrid could be a suitable rootstock for red wine production in areas infested by 'Perola da Terra' scale insects (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis).

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento e produtividade de uvas para vinho tinto sob cobertura plástica, em sistema orgânico, em Guarapuava, região centro-sul do estado do Paraná, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (cultivares x porta-enxertos), com cinco cultivares de vinho tinto (Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordô e Isabel Precoce) e dois porta-enxertos (Paulsen 1103e VR 043-43). As videiras enxertadas foram plantadas em setembro de 2005 e as avaliações foram conduzidas nos três primeiros ciclos produtivos (2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2009/2009). Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: estádios fenológicos, número de cachos, massa média dos cachos, produtividade, teor de sólidos solúveis totais e massa fresca do material de poda. O cultivo de videiras para vinificação em sistema orgânico sob cobertura plástica demonstrou ser viável, inibindo a incidência de doenças e reduzindo a necessidade de controle. O fator mais limitante foi o ataque de vespas e abelhas que severamente reduziram a colheita de cachos. Apesar desse problema, entre as cultivares de videira testadas, a Isabel Precoce foi a mais produtiva em todos os anos, enquanto a 'Malbec' foi também superior no primeiro ciclo. O híbrido 'VR 043-43' poderia ser um porta-enxerto adequado para a produção de uvas para vinho tinto em áreas infestadas com pérola-da-terra (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis).

Sequential bone healing of immediately loaded mini-implants: histomorphometric and fluorescence analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mini-implants are often immediately loaded for orthodontic treatment; however, changes in interfacial tissues caused by early loading and its effects might compromise the mini-implant's function. The purpose of this study was to compare the healing of interfacial tissues 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the placement of titanium-alloy mini-implants in New Zealand rabbits; some of the implants were loaded immediately and others were left unloaded. METHODS: Eighteen animals were used in the experiment. Each received 4 titanium grade 5 mini-implants (2.0 x 6.0 mm), 2 of which were immediately loaded with 1 N of force. Tissue healing was verified at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after placement. Four different fluorescent molecules were injected into the rabbits to label calcium deposition. After the rabbits were killed, mineralized bone samples with the mini-implants were removed, fixed, cut, stained, and observed with bright-field, polarized, and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of healing, higher bone contact and bone area were observed than after 1 or 4 weeks, regardless of loading. Differences between the loaded and unloaded groups were not observed (P <0.05) at 1 and 4 weeks. The bone deposition rate was higher in the loaded group. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-N immediate force application did not compromise bone formation around mini-implants.

Sequential bone healing of immediately loaded mini-implants.

INTRODUCTION: The relatively small size and the ability to load mini-implants without delay are important changes in the simplification of bone rigid anchorage. The purpose of this study was to analyze interfacial healing 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the placment of titanium mini-implants in New Zealand rabbits by removal torque test (RTT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Eighteen animals were used in the experiment, in which 72 titanium grade 5 mini-implants 2.0 mm in diameter and 6.0 mm long, were placed. Each animal received 4 mini-implants; 2 were immediately loaded with 1 N. RESULTS: The RTT means for the unloaded mini-implants at 1, 4, and 12 weeks were 15.2 +/- 4.2 N mm (n = 5), 13.1 +/- 5.7 N mm (n = 5), and 54.4 +/- 12.8 N mm (n = 4), respectively. The loaded groups had means of 12.7 +/- 5.1 N mm (n = 4), 11.1 +/- 5.4 N mm (n = 4), and 32.9 +/- 12.8 N mm (n = 5) for the same healing periods, respectively. The statistical evaluation indicated significance in the comparison between loaded and unloaded 12-week groups (P <0.05). SEM analysis in the loaded group showed the formation of less fibrous interfacial tissue after 4 weeks and more lamellar appearance after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The immediate 1-N load did not cause significant changes in the fixation of the mini-implants after 1 and 4 weeks of bone healing. Nevertheless, after 12 weeks, the loaded group had significantly lower RTT values than the unloaded group without compromising the stability of the mini-implants (P <0.05).

Morphological alterations of corn (Zea mays L.) plants in response to aluminum toxicity in the soil

The objective of the experiment was to identify the morphological alterations in corn genotypes in response to aluminum toxicity in the soil. A complete randomized block design with five replications was used. The a factorial scheme was composed of two corn genotypes (C525M - tolerant, and HS701B - sensitive) and two neutralization levels (0 percent and 100 percent of aluminum saturation). The evaluations were performed at six leaf and 10-11 leaf growth stages, emergence of the "stigma-style", and the physiological maturity. The presence of toxic aluminum didnÆt significantly reduce diameter and height of stem, leaf area, dry matter of aerial parts, total dry matter and yield. Stem diameter, leaf area, dry matter of root, dry matter of aerial parts, total dry matter and yield did not allow the separation of genotypes in relation to aluminum toxicity in the soil.

O presente experimento teve por objetivo de identificar as alterações morfológicos nos genótipos de milho em resposta a toxicidade do alumínio a campo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. O arranjo experimental foi um fatorial 2 x 2, dois genótipos de milho (C525M - tolerante e HS701B - sensível) e dois níveis de neutralização (0 por cento e 100 por cento de saturação de alumínio). As avaliações foram realizadas nos estádios de desenvolvimento de 6 folhas e 10-11 folhas, emergência do "estilo-estigma" e maturidade fisiológica das plantas de milho. A presença do alumínio tóxico não reduziu significativamente o diâmetro e a altura do colmo, área foliar, matéria seca de parte aérea, matéria seca total e produção. O diâmetro do colmo, área foliar, matéria seca de raiz, matéria seca de parte aérea, matéria seca total e produção são características que não podem ser empregadas para diferenciar genótipos de milho com relação a presença de alumínio tóxico no solo.

Induction of intrabdominal adhesion formation by a polypropylene mesh prosthesis: an experimental study in rats

A correção de hernias na virilha através de método videolaparoscópico está se tornando procedimento comum que pode, entretanto, levar ao aumento da incidência de aderências...

Extubaçäo e laringoespasmo / Laryngeal spsm and extubation

O laringoespasmo é causa comum de obstruçäo de via aérea após extubaçäo. É frequente em crianças após cirurgia de via aérea superior, com uma incidência de aproximadamente 20 por cento. Sendo um reflexo protetor, previne a entrada de corpos estranhos na árvore traqueo-brônquica. O laringoespasmo é caracterizado por oclusäo glótica devida a contraçäo dos músculos laríngeos. Pode ser precipitado por irritaçäo das cordas vocais, por secreçöes ou sangue, nos casos onde o plano anestésico é insuficiente para prevení-lo e muito profundo para permitir a tosse. Ramos vagais aferentes da laringe, traquéia e pulmöes exercem influência sobre o centro respiratório, porém o laringoespasmo e outros reflexos respiratórios säo produzidos por estímulos em outros locais. O restabelecimento da via aérea nem sempre garante a melhora na funçäo pumonar. Efeitos deletérios da obstruçäo resultam em morbidade significativa. Seu manejo inclui a remoçäo da causa por laringoscopia direta e aspiraçäo das secreçöes, além de manter o paciente a uma pressäo positiva de ventilaçäo com oxigênio a 100 por cento, até o desaparecimento do laringoespasmo ou o aprofundamento da anestesia