Differences in the Behavioral Parameters of Young Zebu and Composite Bulls Kept on Non-Forested or in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems.

The behavior of ruminants can influence their productive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of young zebu and composite bulls kept in pasture production systems, either in a crop-livestock-forest integration or without afforestation. The work was carried out in São Carlos, Brazil (21°57'42″ S, 47°50'28″ W), in a high-altitude tropical climate, from March to July, 2022. Forty young bulls were evaluated, being 20 Nelore (Bos indicus) (342.5 ± 36.6 kg BW; 16.9 ± 1.8 months) and 20 Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus × 3/8 Bos indicus) (338.4 ± 39.8 kg BW; 19.1 ± 1.9 months), equally distributed in full-sun (FS) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) production systems. Behavior was monitored uninterruptedly by an acoustic sensor and accelerometer attached to a collar, and complemented by direct visual assessment, in two one-day campaigns per month. Serum cortisol concentration was assessed monthly. Statistical analyses were conducted using a general linear model at a 5% significance level (SAS, version 9.4). The ICLF system had a milder microclimate and favored thermal comfort. Natural shading influenced grazing, resting, and rumination time. The Canchim bulls were more active when moving and grazing (p < 0.05), even at the hottest times of the day. In turn, the Nelore bulls spent more time resting at all times (p < 0.001), which was shown to be an adaptive strategy in response to environmental stimuli. The Canchim bulls had a longer rumination time than the Nelore bulls (p < 0.001), due to their longer grazing time. The frequency of water and mineral mixture intake did not differ between genotypes, regardless of the production system (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the serum cortisol concentrations of the Nelore and Canchim bulls kept in FS or ICLF (p = 0.082). Thus, young bulls of the different genotypes showed different behaviors, regardless of whether they were kept on pasture without afforestation or in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system.

Percepciones de paz y conflicto armado en actores escolares

El objetivo de este artículo es describir las percepciones de estudiantes y padres de familia relacionadas con el conflicto armado y la paz. Corresponde a un estudio cualitativo de nivel descriptivo enmarcado en el paradigma interpretativo-hermenéutico. Se emplearon los métodos análisis de discurso y teoría fundamentada, y se contó con la participación de 35 actores escolares de una institución educativa en Colombia, a quienes se les aplicó una entrevista en profundidad. Los datos fueron codificados y categorizados, y sistematizados a través del software Atlas Ti. Los resultados muestran siete categorías selectivas, 18 códigos axiales y 231 códigos abiertos, los cuales develan las distintas formas de percepción en torno a la paz y al conflicto armado de los actores escolares. Se sugieren gramáticas heterogéneas en torno a la paz y el conflicto armado con marcos interpretativos amplios y estrategias de escucha flexibles.

The objective of the article is to describe the perceptions of students and parents related to the armed conflict and peace. It corresponds to a qualitative study of descriptive level, framed in the interpretive-hermeneutical paradigm. Discourse analysis and grounded theory methods were used, and 35 school actors from an educational institution in Colombia participated, to whom an in-depth interview was applied. The data was coded, categorized, and systematized through the Atlas Ti software. The results show seven selective categories, 18 axial codes, and 231 open codes, which reveal the different forms of perception around peace and armed conflict of school actors. Heterogeneous grammars are suggested around peace and armed conflict with broad interpretive frameworks and flexible listening strategies.

Major differences between single or twin hair lambs in the immediate postpartum period: Metabolic and thermodynamic patterns detected by infrared thermography.

The objective was to evaluate the differences between hair lambs, born from single or twin births, regarding the latency periods for standing up and suckling, the vitality, glycemic, cortisol, and triiodothyronine concentrations, as well as the phenotypic characteristics related to the maintenance of homeothermy in the immediate postpartum. Single (n = 10) or twin (n = 12) Morada Nova lambs were evaluated after birth, during the first successful suckling (M0 = Timepoint 0), and at regular intervals of 20 min (M20, M40, M60). Lambs from single births had higher birth weight (3.09 vs 2.58 kg; P ≤ 0.05) and higher serum triiodothyronine concentration (267 vs 209 ng/dL; P ≤ 0.05) compared to twin lambs. There was a positive correlation between weight and blood glucose (0.57; P ≤ 0.05) for both single and twin lambs. The type of birth did not affect vitality, which was negatively associated with cortisol concentration (-0.53; P ≤ 0.05). Twin lambs had higher internal and ocular temperatures (39.29 vs 38.67 °C and 38.84 vs 38.13 °C; P ≤ 0.05, respectively). Body surface temperatures increased over time in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). An increase in the temperature of the hips region (ysingle = 27.88 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.96; P = 0.019 and ytwin = 28.74 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.94; P = 0.029) was observed for both single and twin lambs, which coincides with the region of brown adipose tissue deposition. The lowest absolute thermal variabilities between twin and single lambs in M0 and M60 were recorded in the midloin and integral dorsal area. The parturition type did not influence the latencies to stand up (P = 0.908) and for the first suckling (P = 0.888), and the vitality score (P = 0.353). Thus, single and twin lambs do not differ in neonatal behavior, but they presented specific metabolic strategies to regulate body temperature over time. Midloin and integral dorsal areas are anatomical regions suggested for use in serial thermographic monitoring. Infrared thermography may be an important complementary resource in neonatal care.

Overnutrition of Ewe in Late Gestation and the Impact on Placental Efficiency and Lamb's Performance.

The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior.

Revisão sistemática: critérios de qualidade no projeto de programas de orientação vocacional / Revisión sistemática: criterios de calidad en el proyecto de programas de orientación vocacional / Systematic review: quality criteria in the vocational orientation programs project

La presente investigación exploró el diseño de programas de orientación vocacional para educación formal en el nivel secundario, para resolver la carencia de un programa de orientación vocacional efectivo y adecuado a las condiciones sociodemográficas de la población estudiantil. El objetivo fue desarrollar una síntesis crítica de la literatura científica relacionada a la orientación vocacional y profesional, mediante investigación aplicada a partir de la metodología de revisión sistemática. A partir del análisis, se concluyó que son acciones esenciales en los programas de orientación profesional para determinar altos niveles de calidad: ofrecer información sobre oferta académica y demanda laboral, desarrollar perfiles ocupacionales de las diferentes carreras, ofrecer información sobre intereses, aptitudes y preferencias, realizar entrenamiento en toma de decisiones, vincular al grupo de apoyo primario, proveer estrategias para el desarrollo de la autoeficacia y madurez vocacional, apoyarse en el uso de las TICs, proveer estrategias para la transición, priorizar el rol del orientador y los pares, establecer un proyecto o plan de vida, contar con un fundamento teórico y desarrollar evaluación constante de los programas. Con la intención de reducir la tasa de deserción universitaria y promover el desarrollo humano, se sugiere la aplicación de esos criterios en programas vocacionales desarrollados a largo plazo, durante las distintas etapas del ciclo de vida.

A presente investigação pesquisou a concepção de programas de orientação vocacional para a educação formal no nível secundario, visando resolver a carência de um programa de orientação vocacional efetivo e adequado às condições sociodemográficas da população estudantil. O objetivo foi desenvolver uma síntese crítica da literatura científica relacionada à orientação vocacional e profissional, mediante investigação aplicada a partir da metodologia de revisão sistemática. A partir da análise, concluiu-se que são ações essenciais nos programas de orientação profissional para determinar altos níveis de qualidade: oferecer informação sobre oferta acadêmica e demanda laboral, deenvolver perfis ocupacionais das diferentes carreiras, oferecer informação sobre interesses, aptidões e preferências, realizar treinamento em tomada de decisões, vincular-se ao grupo de apoio principal, prover estratégias para o desenvolvimento da autoeficácia e maturidade vocacional, apoiar-se no uso de TICs, prover estratégias para a transição, priorizar o papel do orientador e dos pares, estabelecer um projeto ou plano de vida, contar com um fundamento teórico e promover avaliação constante dos programas. Com a intenção de reduzir a taxa de evasão universitária e promover o desenvolvimento humano, sugere-se a aplicação desses critérios em programas vocacionais realizados a longo prazo, durante as distintas etapas do ciclo de vida.

The present investigation explores the design of vocational guidance programs for formal education at the secondary level, to address the lack of an effective vocational guidance program suited to the sociodemographic conditions of the student population. The objective was to develop a critical synthesis of the scientific literature related to vocational and professional orientation, through applied research based on the systematic review methodology. From the analysis, it was concluded that there are essential actions in professional orientation programs to determine high levels of quality: to offer information about academic supply and labor demand, to develop occupational profiles of different careers, to offer information on interests, aptitudes and preferences, carry out training in decision making, link to the primary support group, provide strategies for the development of self-efficacy and vocational maturity, support the use of ICTs, provide strategies for the transition, prioritize the role of mentor and peers, establish a project or life plan, counting on a theoretical foundation and developing a constant evaluation of the vocational programs, during the different stages of the life cycle.

Challenges and reflections on teacher training in times of Covid-19: an analysis from educational psychology / Retos y reflexiones sobre la formación del profesorado en tiempos del Covid-19: un análisis desde la psicología educativa

Objective: to analyze the pedagogical practice experiences of teachers in training during the COVID-19 contingency, making visible the challenges, conditions, and emerging reflections of the pedagogical practice in pandemic and social isolation and characterize the teaching-learning strategies that favor skills in teachers' professional practices consistent with the need for mental health care and maintenance of the quality of life of students. Materials and methods: this research was developed from the constructivist paradigm and through the methodology of systematization of experiences. The study sample consisted of 231 students from strata 1, 2, and 3, and 11 practice advisers from a professional teacher training program. Results: professional practices in teacher training are a crucial moment for the development and strengthening of competencies associated with teaching-learning from the discipline. Before 2020, most of the professional practices were developed in-person, a situation that changed in the health contingency of COVID-19, causing a demand for sudden adaptation on the part of trainers and teachers in training for the development of practices professionals in virtual environments. Conclusions: at the end of the study, the different emerging challenges are evidenced, such as a weak command of information and communication technologies, empathy as a cognitive-emotional teacher competence, the constant maintenance of student motivation and the application of curricular flexibility strategies. Likewise, prevention and support actions developed based on an adaptive educational environment are identified, which favors successful training in times of social distancing, quarantine and isolation..(Au)

Objetivo: analizar las experiencias de práctica pedagógica de maestros en formación durante la contingencia del COVID-19, visibilizando los desafíos, condiciones y reflexiones emergentes de la práctica pedagógica en pandemia y aislamiento social y caracterizar las estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje que favorecieran las competencias en prácticas profesionales de maestros en coherencia con la necesidad de atención de la salud mental y de mantenimiento de la calidad de vida de los educandos. Materiales y métodos: la presente investigación fue desarrollada desde el paradigma constructivista y a través de la metodología de sistematización de experiencias. La muestra del estudio fueron 231 estudiantes de estratos 1, 2 y 3, y 11 docentes asesores de práctica de un programa profesional de formación de maestros. Resultados: las prácticas profesionales en la formación de maestros son un momento crucial para el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de competencias asociadas con la enseñanza aprendizaje desde la disciplina. Antes del 2020 la mayoría de las prácticas profesionales se desarrollaban en modalidad presencial, situación que en la contingencia sanitaria del COVID-19 cambió, ocasionando una demanda de adaptación repentina de parte de los formadores y de los maestros en formación para el desarrollo de las prácticas profesionales en ambientes virtuales. Conclusiones: al final del estudio se evidencian los diferentes desafíos emergentes como, el débil dominio en tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, la empatía como competencia cognitivo-emocional docente, el mantenimiento constante de la motivación estudiantil y la aplicación de estrategias de flexibilización curricular. Así mismo, se rescatan las acciones de prevención y acompañamiento desarrolladas en función de un entorno educativo adaptativo, favorecedor de una formación exitosa en época de distanciamiento social, cuarentena y aislamiento..(Au)

Application of microchip and infrared thermography for monitoring body temperature of beef cattle kept on pasture.

The monitoring of body temperature is important for the diagnosis of the physiological state of the animal, being dependent on available methods and their applicability within production systems. This work evaluated techniques to monitor the body temperature of beef cattle kept on pasture and their ability to predict internal temperature. Twenty-three adult bovine females were monitored for six months, and collection data carried out in eleven campaigns (D0-D10) twelve days apart. During collections, the surface temperatures of ear base (ET, oC) and ocular globe (OGT, oC) were measured by infrared thermography, and the subcutaneous temperature (ST, oC) was measured with the use of transponder containing an implantable microchip. Rectal temperature (RT, oC) was considered as a reference for body temperature. Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (BGHI) and Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W/m2) were calculated. ET (33.32 ±â€¯0.12 °C), ST (36.10 ±â€¯0.07 °C), OGT (37.40 ±â€¯0.06 °C) and RT (38.83 ±â€¯0.03 °C) differed significantly (P˂0.05). There was positive correlation of RT with OGT (r = 0.392), ET (r = 0.264) and ST (r = 0.236) (P˂0.05). Considering the bioclimatic indicators, the highest magnitude correlations were observed between ET and THI (r = 0.71), ET and BGHI (r = 0.65), and ET and RHL (r = 0.48). The use of microchip represented a practical method, but with limited predictability. On the other hand, infrared thermography proved to be safe and non-invasive, presenting greater precision for inference of internal body temperature. ET was more influenced by meteorological conditions.

Productive performance and reproductive characteristics of Morada Nova male lambs fed with high-energy diet.

Morada Nova breed sheep are without wool, tropicalized, small-sized animals, known for their high-quality meat and skin. Their body development naturally depends on the genetic potential and adequate nutritional support, which suggests that the offer of high-energy density diets positively influences their productive indicators. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of a high-energy diet for the Morada Nova lambs on body development and testicular function, considering their histomorphometric characteristics and seminal quality. Forty-two males (19.2 weeks, 20.7 ± 3.5 kg) were equally divided into two groups and fed with 2.05 Mcal (G7, n = 21) or 2.37 Mcal (G24, n = 21) of metabolizable energy/day, equivalent to 7% and 24% above the minimum for growing lambs. The animals were confined for 23 weeks (W0 to W23). Weight and body score differed significantly from the W1 (P < 0.05). From the W5, thoracic perimeter, body length, wither height, and rump attributes were higher in G24 (P < 0.05). The scrotal circumference and testicular volume were higher in G24 from the W3 (P < 0.05). Although testosterone levels were not affected (P = 0.05), the highest energy intake increased the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the development of the epididymal epithelium (P < 0.05). This positively influenced the seminal quality and reduced the minor defects (21.87% vs. 17.13%) and the total spermatic defects (26.34% vs. 21.78%, P < 0.05). Thus, it is possible to employ higher levels of dietary energy for Morada Nova young males to express higher productive efficiency and earlier reproductive attributes of interest.

Influence of post-thawing thermal environment on bovine sperm characteristics and in vitro fertility.

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of three thermal environments over time on kinetics, functionality and in vitro fertility of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Four ejaculates from five bulls (n = 20) were cryopreserved. After thawing, semen was evaluated (0 hr), incubated for 4 hr in T36.0 (36.0°C), T38.0 (38.0°C) and T39.5 (39.5°C), and analysed every hour (1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr). In vitro production of embryos was performed at 0 hr and 4 hr. Sperm motility and cell kinetics (Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis) were impaired after 2 hr at T38.0 and T39.5 (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the cells with injured plasma membrane to 39.5°C and a general reduction in the mitochondrial potential over time (p < 0.05). In vitro fertility was impaired in all temperatures after 4 hr, but there was no difference between 36.0°C and 38.0°C. Our results suggest that the ex situ resilience of semen at 36.0°C after thawing with no major damage to the quality is limited to 3 hr. In normothermia or in thermal stress, sperm cells present a gradual reduction of movement and functionality, which were more significant after 1 hr of incubation. The in vitro production of embryos is impaired when the semen is kept in a thermal environment ≥36.0°C for 4 hr.

Behavioral aspects of Santa Inês sheep kept in pasture in a tropical rainforest climate / Aspectos comportamentais de ovinos da raça Santa Inês mantidos em pasto em clima tropical úmido

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate behavioral aspects of Santa Inês sheep in pasture in humid tropical climate. In order to do so, nine Santa Inês sheep were kept on pasture, exposed to the climate directly, without shade, for 24 days, with 12 alternate days in each period (dry and raining) in 2015. The behavioral parameters evaluated were: food consumption, standing idleness, lying idle and rumination. Observations occurred from 08:00 A.M. to 05:55 P.M. The experimental was a completely randomized design (CRD) with two treatments (rainy season and dry period), nine replications, one animal per experimental unit. To understand the correlations of the behavioral parameters with the climatic variables, Pearson's correlation was performed. Approximate average values between the rainy and dry periods for the behavioral variables were observed, but there was a greater intake in the volume of water in the dry period (9.59L/sheep). Also, there were significant differences in the behavior of the animals throughout the day. In the hottest time of the day, at 02:00 P.M., there was standing idle of 25.83min., lying idle of 1.21min., and spent less time-consuming food (27.08min.) in relation to other schedules. We concluded that the sheep had similar behavioral parameters in the rainy and dry periods, but when we observe the times of the days, the behaviors are different. The main activity recorded was grazing, and the variables, temperature and relative humidity of the air influence differently between the seasons, being more marked in the dry period.

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou avaliar aspectos comportamentais de ovinos Santa Inês criados em pasto em clima tropical úmido. Para tanto, foram utilizados nove carneiros Santa Inês, mantidos a pasto, expostos diretamente ao clima, sem sombra, durante 24 dias, sendo 12 dias alternados em cada período (seco e chuvoso) em 2015. Os parâmetros comportamentais avaliados foram consumo de alimento, ócio em pé, ócio deitado e ruminação. As observações ocorreram das 08:00h às 17h:55min. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC) com dois tratamentos (período chuvoso e período seco), nove repetições, um animal por unidade experimental. Para entender as correlações dos parâmetros comportamentais com as variáveis climáticas foi realizada a correlação de Pearson. Foram observados valores médios gerais aproximados entre os períodos chuvoso e seco para as variáveis comportamentais, porém, houve maior ingestão no volume de água no período seco (9,59L/ovino). Também, ocorreu diferença no comportamento dos animais ao longo do dia. No horário mais quente do dia, das 14h às 15h, registrou-se ócio em pé de 25,83min. e ócio deitado de 1,21min., e os animais passaram menor tempo consumindo alimento (27,08min.) em relação aos demais horários. Podemos concluir que os ovinos apresentaram parâmetros comportamentais semelhantes nos períodos chuvoso e seco, porém, quando observamos os horários dos dias, os comportamentos são diferentes. A principal atividade registrada foi o pastejo. As variáveis temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar influenciam de forma diferente o comportamento dos ovinos entre as estações do ano, sendo mais marcantes no período seco.

Thermoregulatory responses and reproductive traits in composite beef bulls raised in a tropical climate.

It is believed that increased livestock production is limited by tropical climate. Thermal imbalance in bulls can lead to hyperthermia and alter testicular metabolism, causing subfertility or infertility. Therefore, the thermoregulation of composite Canchim bulls (5/8 Charolais × 3/8 Zebu) raised in tropical climate as well as their consequences in the physiological, hematological, hormonal, and andrological parameters were evaluated monthly. The bulls (n = 18; 30.0 ± 1.5 months; 503.8 ± 23.0 kg) were kept on pasture, in a single group, from August 2015 to March 2016, comprising the winter, spring, and summer seasons. Biometeorological variables were continuously monitored, and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. A greater thermal challenge occurred in spring and summer (THI ≥ 72.0). Nevertheless, the bulls exhibited normothermia (38.6 to 38.9 °C) in these seasons. The cortisol did not vary between seasons (7.0 vs. 8.7 vs. 6.8 ng/mL; P > 0.05) and remained within the physiological patterns. Independent of the seasons, stress leukogram was also not observed, refuting the incidence of acute or chronic thermal stress. It is noteworthy that T3 and testosterone increased (P < 0.0001, P < 0.05) in spring and summer, the time that coincides with the breeding season, when there is increased metabolic requirement from the bulls. The progressive thermal challenge increase did not affect the scrotal thermoregulatory capacity, and in general, scrotal temperature remained at 5.2 °C below the internal body temperature. In summer, there was a 5% reduction in the minor sperm defects (P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation in 2.4% of spermatozoa, a compatible value for high fertility bulls. The results show that the studied composite bulls can be considered as climatically adapted and constitute a viable alternative to be used in production systems in a tropical climate, even if the breeding seasons occur during the most critical thermal condition periods of the year.

Gene expression analysis in peripheral blood cells of patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome (HLRCC): identification of NRF2 pathway activation.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome (HLRCC) is a very rare disease that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Affected patients may develop from cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas to type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (Schmidt and Linehan, Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 7:253-260, 2014). HLRCC is caused by germline mutations in the FH gene, which produces the fumarate hydratase protein that participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle during the conversion of fumarate to malate. In FH-deficient cells, high concentrations of fumarate lead to a series of intricate events, which seem to be responsible for the malignant transformation (Yang et al., J Clin Invest 123(9):3652-3658, 2013) (Bardella et al., J Pathol 225(1):4-11, 2011). Among these events, one that is gaining attention is the pathological activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, which has been found in several types of cancer and is implicated in the expression of genes associated with antioxidant responses (Linehan and Rouault, Clin Cancer Res 19(13):3345-3352, 2013). In this article, we present the results of a gene expression analysis performed on peripheral blood cells from patients with HLRCC syndrome, where upregulation of numerous NRF2 targets and the differential expression of two key genes, Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) and Phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5), which are involved in the control of this pathway, was observed.

The role of connexin and pannexin containing channels in the innate and acquired immune response.

Connexin (Cx) and pannexin (Panx) containing channels - gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) - are present in virtually all cells and tissues. Currently, the role of these channels under physiological conditions is well defined. However, their role in the immune response and pathological conditions has only recently been explored. Data from several laboratories demonstrates that infectious agents, including HIV, have evolved to take advantage of GJs and HCs to improve viral/bacterial replication, enhance inflammation, and help spread toxicity into neighboring areas. In the current review, we discuss the role of Cx and Panx containing channels in immune activation and the pathogenesis of several infectious diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome: identification and clinical characterization of a novel mutation in the FH gene in a Colombian family.

Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome (HLRCC) is a rare disease and since the first report, it has been found in just over 200 families approximately, around the world (Smit et al. in Clin Genet 79:49-59, 2009). Patients in Colombia or in Latin America have not been described, as far as we know. HLRCC is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, and it is caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the FH gene, which encodes the fumarate hydratase enzyme. It is characterized mainly by the appearance of cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas, and an early-onset, aggressive form of type 2- papillary renal cell carcinoma (Smit et al. in Clin Genet 79:49-59, 2009; Schmidt and Linehan in Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 7:253-260, 2014]. We report a Colombian family with HLRCC syndrome, with a novel mutation in FH gene (c.1349_1352delATGA) in which cutaneous leiomyomas have not been found, but other clinical manifestations such as type 2- papillary renal cell carcinoma, uterine leiomyomas and rare tumors were present. This investigation constitutes the first report of HLRCC syndrome in Colombia, and probably in Latin America.

Relación entre la enzima convertidora de angiotensina, polimorfismo I/D, y obstrucción coronaria en una población del Quindío, Colombia / Relação entre enzima conversora de angiotensina, polimorfismo I/D e obstrução coronária numa população de Quindío, Colômbia / Relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme, I/D polymorphism, and coronary obstruction in a population of Quindío, Colombia

En varios estudios la actividad de enzima convertidora de angiotensina (ECA) en suero y el polimorfismo inserción/deleción (I/D) se han relacionado con enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivo. Relacionar la actividad de la ECA y el polimorfismo I/D del gen de la enzima en pacientes con obstrucción coronaria documentada por angiografía. Materiales y métodos. La muestra la constituyeron pacientes que asistieron a un centro de hemodinámia del Quindío, por necesidad de una angiografía coronaria. La actividad de la enzima fue medida por espectrofotometría y el genotipo I/D por medio de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Resultados. 542 pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: individuos con obstrucción coronaria ≥50%, (OC≥50) e individuos con obstrucción coronaria menor al 50%, (OC<50%). La actividad de ECA en suero en la población general fue más alta en los individuos con polimorfismo DD, seguido por ID e II con diferencias significativas. Para los dos grupos de estudio el patrón fue similar, pero sin diferencias significativas, aunque la actividad de la enzima siempre fue más alta en los individuos con OC≥50% comparados con los pacientes con OC<50%. El genotipo ID fue el genotipo más frecuente en los dos grupos. No se encontraron diferencias en las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas en los grupos de estudio. Conclusiones. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la actividad de la ECA de acuerdo al genotipo. Este estudio, no encontró relación entre actividad de la enzima, los polimorfismos y la obstrucción coronaria...

Relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme, I/D polymorphism, and coronary obstruction in a population of Quindío, Colombia. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in serum and insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism have been associated to cardiovascular disease in several studies. Objective. To find a relationship between ACE activity and I/D polymorphism in the enzyme gene in patients with coronary obstruction revealed by angiography. Materials and methods. Sample comprised patients attending a hemodynamics center in Quindío in need of a coronary angiography. ACE activity was measured by spectrophotometry and the I/D genotype determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results. 542 patients were divided into two groups: individuals with coronary obstruction higher than or equal to 50% (OC≥50) and individuals with coronary obstruction less than 50% (CO<50%). Serum ACE activity in the global population was higher in individuals with DD polymorphism, followed by ID and II with significant differences. A similar pattern was shown in both study groups but without significant differences, although enzyme activity was always higher in individuals with OC≥50% compared with patients with OC<50%. ID genotype was the most frequent in both groups. No differences were found in allele and genotype frequencies in the study groups. Conclusions. Significant differences in ACE activity were found according to genotype. Our study did not find any relationship between ACE activity, I/D polymorphisms and coronary obstruction...

Relação entre enzima conversora de angiotensina, polimorfismo I/D e obstrução coronária numa população de Quindío, Colômbia. Em vários estudos a atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) no soro e o polimorfismo inserção/deleção (I/D) têm sido associados com doença cardiovascular. Objetivo. Relacionar a atividade da ECA e o polimorfismo I/D do gene da enzima em pacientes com obstrução coronariana documentada por angiograma. Materiais e métodos. A amostra foi composta por pacientes queassistiram num centro de hemodinâmica do Quindío, por necessidade de um angiograma coronario. A atividade da enzima foi medida por espectrofotometria e o genótipo I/D através da reação em cadeia da polimerase. Resultados. 542 pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: indivíduos com obstrução coronária ≥50% (OC≥50) e indivíduos com obstrução coronariana inferior a 50% (OC<50%). A actividade de ECA no soro na população em geral foi maior em indivíduos com polimorfismo DD, seguido pelo ID e II com diferenças significativas. Para ambos os grupos de estudo o padrão foi semelhante, mas sem diferenças significativas, embora a atividade da enzima foi sempre maior em indivíduos com OC≥50% em comparação com pacientes com OC<50%. O genótipo ID foi o genótipo mais freqüente nos dois grupos. Não houve diferenças nas freqüências alélicas e genotípicas nos grupos de estudo. Conclusões. Houve diferenças significativas na atividade da ECA segundo o genótipo. Este estudo não encontrou relação entre a atividade da enzima, os polimorfismos e a obstrução coronariana...

Direito e saúde: a discricionariedade nas ações fiscais da vigilância sanitária de alimentos / Right and health: the discretionary acts in food inspection by the sanitary vigilance

A Ciência do Direito orienta-se por princípios os quais constituem a base que rege todas as relações jurídicas existentes. À Vigilância Sanitária e ao Sistema Único de Saúde cabem a responsabilidade pelas ações de fiscalização e inspeção de alimentos, bebidas, águas de consumo, embalagens e matérias-primas alimentares, além dos estabelecimentos industriais e comerciais de alimentos, com o propósito de prevenir riscos à saúde do consumidor. As normas jurídicas sobre alimentos são complexas e abrangentes e, em várias situações, não muito claras, delegando ao agente responsável pela ação fiscal a interpretação do texto legislativo e a aplicabilidade da sanção ou penalidade que melhor couber ao caso. Busca-se neste trabalho, identificar e compreender a utilização dos atos administrativos enquanto normas aplicadas à Vigilância Sanitária, no Sistema Federativo Brasileiro, no desenvolvimento das atividades. Conclui-se que a discricionariedade administrativa, permitida nas ações fiscais da Vigilância Sanitária, justifica-se pela ampla variedade e quantidade de problemas a serem equacionados pelos agentes na sua jornada de trabalho, para os quais a lei, por mais abrangente e completa, nem sempre tem respostas, cabendo aos agentes tomar as medidas mais adequadas a cada caso, de acordo com o seu conhecimento técnico-científico e senso comum.

Avaliaçäo clínica do edema labial / Clinical evaluation of the lip swelling

Objetivo: O edema labial é uma manifestaçäo clínica habitualmente avaliada e tratada por especialistas em alergia e, em algumas situaçöes, constitui um desafio diagnóstico. Métodos: Apresentaçäo de um caso em adolescente com edema labial. Resultados: O exame anatomopatológico firmou o diagnóstico de S. Melkersson-Rosental. Conclusöes: O presente artigo faz uma revisäo sobre o tema e apresenta um caso clínico, onde säo discutidos o diagnóstico diferencial e a abordagem terapêutica de um caso de edema labial