Resequencing of Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds revealed variants in candidate genes and transcription factors for meat fatty acid profile.

The beef cattle industry has experienced a shift driven by a market demand for healthier meat, cost efficiency and environmental sustainability in recent years. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on the fatty acids content and functions of meat in cattle breeding programmes. Besides, a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing the expression of different phenotypes related to fatty acid profiles is crucial. In this study, we aimed to identify Single-Nucleotide Variants (SNV) and Insertion/Deletion (InDels) DNA variants in candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles described in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies conducted in beef cattle breeds. Utilizing whole-genome re-sequencing data from Brazilian locally adapted bovine breeds, namely Caracu and Pantaneiro, we identified SNVs and InDels associated with 23,947 genes. From these, we identified 318 candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles that contain variants. Subsequently, we select only genes with SNVs and InDels in their promoter, 5' UTR and coding region. Through the gene-biological process network, approximately 19 genes were highlighted. Furthermore, considering the studied trait and a literature review, we selected the main transcription factors (TF). Functional analysis via gene-TF network allowed us to identify the 30 most likely candidate genes for meat fatty acid profile in cattle. LIPE, MFSD2A and SREBF1 genes were highlighted in networks due to their biological importance. Further dissection of these genes revealed 15 new variants found in promoter regions of Caracu and Pantaneiro sequences. The gene networks facilitated a better functional understanding of genes and TF, enabling the identification of variants potentially related to the expression of candidate genes for meat fatty acid profiles in cattle.

Phenotypic variation seems not to be associated with the genetic profile in Zygopetalum (Orchidaceae): a case study of a high-elevation rocky complex.

BACKGROUND: Hybridization associated with polyploidy studies is rare in the tropics. The genus Zygopetalum (Orchidaceae) was investigated here as a case study of Neotropical plants. In the rocky highlands of the Ibitipoca State Park (ISP), southeast Brazil, individuals with intermediate colors and forms between the species Z. maculatum and Z. triste were commonly identified. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chromosomal analysis and DNA quantity showed a uniform population. Regardless of the aspects related to the color and shape of floral structures, all individuals showed 2n = 96 chromosomes and an average of 14.05 pg of DNA. Irregularities in meiosis associated with chromosome number and C value suggest the occurrence of polyploidy. The genetic distance estimated using ISSR molecular markers revealed the existence of genetic variability not related to morphological clusters. Morphometric measurements of the flower pieces revealed that Z. maculatum shows higher variation than Z. triste although lacking a defined circumscription. CONCLUSION: The observed variation can be explained by the polyploid and phenotypic plasticity resulting from the interaction of the genotypes with the heterogeneous environments observed in this habitat.

Embryo biopsies for genomic selection in tropical dairy cattle.

Genomic selection has transformed the livestock industry, enabling early-life selection of animals. Biopsy sampling of pre-implantation embryos has been described since 1968. However, it was only after 2010, with the advancement of molecular biology techniques such as whole genomic amplification and SNP Chips, that next-generation sequencing became commercially available for bovine embryos. It is now possible to make decisions about which embryos to transfer not only based on recipients' availability or embryo morphology but also on genomic estimates. This technology can be implemented for a wide spectrum of applications in livestock. In this review, we discuss the use of embryo biopsy for genomic selection and share our experience with Gir and Girolando Brazilian breeding programs, as well as future goals for implementing it in Brazilian bovine in vitro embryo production practices.

Single-step genome-wide association studies and post-GWAS analyses for the number of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle.

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are used for identification of quantitate trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with several traits. We aimed to identify genomic regions, genes, and biological processes associated with number of total and viable oocytes, and number of embryos in Gir dairy cattle. A dataset with 17,526 follicular aspirations, including the following traits: number of viable oocytes (VO), number of total oocytes (TO), and number of embryos (EMBR) from 1641 Gir donors was provided by five different stock farms. A genotype file with 2093 animals and 395,524 SNP markers was used to perform a single-step GWAS analysis for each trait. The top 10 windows with the highest percentage of additive genetic variance explained by 100 adjacent SNPs were selected. The genomic regions identified in our work were overlapped with QTLs from QTL database on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, and 29. These QTLs were classified as External, Health, Meat and carcass, Production or Reproduction traits, and about 38% were related to Reproduction. In total, 117 genes were identified, of which 111 were protein-coding genes. Exclusively associations were observed for 42 genes with EMBR, and 1 with TO. Also, 42 genes were in common between VO and TO, 28 between VO and EMBR, and four genes were in common among all traits. In conclusion, great part of the identified genes plays a functional role in initial embryo development or general cell functions. The protein-coding genes ARNT, EGR1, HIF1A, AHR, and PAX2 are good markers for the production of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle.

Imputation accuracy for genomic selection using embryo biopsy samples in Gir.

The aim of this study was to establish a platform for genomic selection of in vitro-fertilized (IVF) Gir embryos. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA)-based embryo biopsy samples were genotyped, and genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for milk yield (305MY) were calculated. The concordance of GEBV and accuracy between embryo biopsies and the respective liveborn were assessed. Imputation was performed using two panels (Z-Chip and Bovine HD, Illumina) based on a database of 73,110 lactating cow's database and pedigree files from 147,131 animals. Biopsied embryos had similar pregnancy rates (39% vs 40%), pregnancy loss rates (18% vs 20%), and pregnancy length compared to Control embryos. After genotyping, low call rate means were detected for biopsy samples compared to the respective calf samples (0.80 vs 0.98). Imputation presented 0.83 (Z-Chip) and 0.96 (HD) accuracy (CORRanim). Embryo GEBV accuracy levels were higher in BovineHD imputation (0.82) than Z-Chip imputation (0.55) or no imputation (0.62), and the correlation between embryo/calf pairs' accuracy was 0.85 for BovineHD imputation, 0.11 for Z-Chip imputation, and 0.02 for no imputation. GEVB estimates correlation between embryo/calf pairs was 0.87 for BovineHD imputation, 0.80 for Z-Chip imputation, and 0.41 before imputation. The call rate of embryo samples did not affect the correlation between embryo/calf pairs for accuracy and GEBV before and after BovineHD imputation. Embryos obtained on the same farm presented GEBV 305MY differences of up to 800 kg, emphasizing the expected impact of embryo genomic selection for the Gir breed.

Runs of homozygosity and signatures of selection for number of oocytes and embryos in the Gir Indicine cattle.

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and signatures of selection are the results of selection processes in livestock species that have been shown to affect several traits in cattle. The aim of the current work was to verify the profile of ROH and inbreeding depression in the number of total (TO) and viable oocytes (VO) and the number of embryos (EMBR) in Gir Indicine cattle. In addition, we aim to identify signatures of selection, genes, and enriched regions between Gir subpopulations sorted by breeding value for these traits. The genotype file contained 2093 animals and 420,718 SNP markers. Breeding values used to sort Gir animals were previously obtained. ROH and signature of selection analyses were performed using PLINK software, followed by ROH-based (FROH) and pedigree-based inbreeding (Fped) and a search for genes and their functions. An average of 50 ± 8.59 ROHs were found per animal. ROHs were separated into classes according to size, ranging from 1 to 2 Mb (ROH1-2Mb: 58.17%), representing ancient inbreeding, ROH2-4Mb (22.74%), ROH4-8Mb (11.34%), ROH8-16Mb (5.51%), and ROH>16Mb (2.24%). Combining our results, we conclude that the increase in general FROH and Fped significantly decreases TO and VO; however, in different chromosomes traits can increase or decrease with FROH. In the analysis for signatures of selection, we identified 15 genes from 47 significant genomic regions, indicating differences in populations with high and low breeding value for the three traits.

Assessment of copy number variants in three Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds using whole-genome re-sequencing data.

Further characterization of genetic structural variations should strongly focus on small and endangered local breeds given their role in unraveling genes and structural variants underlying selective pressures and phenotype variation. A comprehensive genome-wide assessment of copy number variations (CNVs) based on whole-genome re-sequencing data was performed on three Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds (Caracu Caldeano, Crioulo Lageano, and Pantaneiro) using the ARS-UCD1.2 genome assembly. Data from 36 individuals with an average coverage depth of 14.07× per individual was used. A total of 24 945 CNVs were identified distributed among the breeds (Caracu Caldeano = 7285, Crioulo Lageano = 7297, and Pantaneiro = 10 363). Deletion events were 1.75-2.07-fold higher than duplications, and the total length of CNVs is composed mostly of a high number of segments between 10 and 30 kb. CNV regions (CNVRs) are not uniformly scattered throughout the genomes (n = 463), and 105 CNVRs were found overlapping among the studied breeds. Functional annotation of the CNVRs revealed variants with high consequence on protein sequence harboring relevant genes, in which we highlighted the BOLA-DQB, BOLA-DQA5, CD1A, ß-defensins, PRG3, and ULBP21 genes. Enrichment analysis based on the gene list retrieved from the CNVRs disclosed over-represented terms (p < 0.01) strongly associated with immunity and cattle resilience to harsh environments. Additionally, QTL associated with body conformation and dairy-related traits were also unveiled within the CNVRs. These results provide better understanding of the selective forces shaping the genome of such cattle breeds and identify traces of natural selection pressures by which these populations have been exposed to challenging environmental conditions.

Pedigree reconstruction and population structure using SNP markers in Gir cattle.

Our objective was to establish a SNPs panel for pedigree reconstruction using microarrays of different densities and evaluate the genomic relationship coefficient of the inferred pedigree, in addition to analyzing the population structure based on genomic analyses in Gir cattle. For parentage analysis and genomic relationship, 16,205 genotyped Gir animals (14,458 females and 1747 males) and 1810 common markers to the four SNP microarrays were used. For population structure analyses, including linkage disequilibrium, effective population size, and runs of homozygosity (ROH), genotypes from 21,656 animals were imputed. Likelihood ratio (LR) approach was used to reconstruct the pedigree, deepening the pedigree and showing it is well established in terms of recent information. Coefficients for each relationship category of the inferred pedigree were adequate. Linkage disequilibrium showed rapid decay. We detected a decrease in the effective population size over the last 50 generations, with the average generation interval around 9.08 years. Higher ROH-based inbreeding coefficient in a class of short ROH segments, with moderate to high values, was also detected, suggesting bottlenecks in the Gir genome. Breeding strategies to minimize inbreeding and avoid massive use of few proven sires with high genetic value are suggested to maintain genetic variability in future generations. In addition, we recommend reducing the generation interval to maximize genetic progress and increase effective population size.

Taxonomic and predicted functional signatures reveal linkages between the rumen microbiota and feed efficiency in dairy cattle raised in tropical areas.

Ruminants digest plant biomass more efficiently than monogastric animals due to their symbiotic relationship with a complex microbiota residing in the rumen environment. What remains unclear is the relationship between the rumen microbial taxonomic and functional composition and feed efficiency (FE), especially in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein x Gyr) raised under tropical conditions. In this study, we selected twenty-two F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers and grouped them according to their residual feed intake (RFI) ranking, high efficiency (HE) (n = 11) and low efficiency (LE) (n = 11), to investigate the effect of FE on the rumen microbial taxa and their functions. Rumen fluids were collected using a stomach tube apparatus and analyzed using amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S (bacteria and archaea) and 18S (protozoa) rRNA genes. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analysis revealed no significant difference in the rumen microbiota between the HE and LE animals. Multivariate analysis (sPLS-DA) showed a clear separation of two clusters in bacterial taxonomic profiles related to each FE group, but in archaeal and protozoal profiles, the clusters overlapped. The sPLS-DA also revealed a clear separation in functional profiles for bacteria, archaea, and protozoa between the HE and LE animals. Microbial taxa were differently related to HE (e.g., Howardella and Shuttleworthia) and LE animals (e.g., Eremoplastron and Methanobrevibacter), and predicted functions were significatively different for each FE group (e.g., K03395-signaling and cellular process was strongly related to HE animals, and K13643-genetic information processing was related to LE animals). This study demonstrates that differences in the rumen microbiome relative to FE ranking are not directly observed from diversity indices (Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, Pielou's Evenness, Shannon's diversity, weighted UniFrac distance, Jaccard index, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity), but from targeted identification of specific taxa and microbial functions characterizing each FE group. These results shed light on the role of rumen microbial taxonomic and functional profiles in crossbred Holstein × Gyr dairy cattle raised in tropical conditions, creating the possibility of using the microbial signature of the HE group as a biological tool for the development of biomarkers that improve FE in ruminants.

Translation and adaptation of the sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI) to Brazilian Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, with a risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. There is no tool in Brazil to measure the impact of treatment on patients with OSAS. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) into Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: The translation and cultural adaptation were carried out in five steps: translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, review committee and pretesting. RESULTS: A version of a culturally compatible SAQLI was constructed after lexical changes, along with changes to the sentence structures, visual format, instructions and cards. The essence of the questionnaire and its social, emotional, and disease impact in treatment measures was maintained, with 80% understanding. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire was translated and adapted culturally to Brazilian Portuguese, and presented good comprehension in the study population.

Aneuploids and its increment on diversity of Lippia alba polyploid complex: genetic aspects and origin.

BACKGROUND: Aneuploidy is associated with add or lack of individual chromosomes. The knowledge regarding aneuploidy is still rare in wild and tropical populations. Lippia alba is a tropical polyploid complex naturally formed, with 2x, 3x, 4x, 6x, and aneuploid individuals. The species presents pharmacological and medicinal importance, due to its essential oil compounds, which are related to the ploidal level. Considering the singularity of aneuploids emergence and stability, we proposed to investigate putative cytotypes involved in the aneuploids formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Molecular, cytogenetic, reproductive, and chemical approaches were adopted. The results showed that the aneuploids possibly have independent origin considering the genetic, chemical and karyotypical profiles. The chemical composition of aneuploids is related to genetic similarity. The aneuploid origin may involve 2x and 3x cytotypes being possible to rise four scenarios of crosses to explain that. CONCLUSIONS: The results, in general, contribute to the comprehension of the origin of aneuploids and highlight the genetic profile of these accessions as a key element on the understanding of the chemical profile of L. alba accessions.

Translation and adaptation of the sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI) to Brazilian Portuguese / Tradução e adaptação cultural do questionário de qualidade de vida (SAQLI) para o português brasileiro

ABSTRACT Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, with a risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. There is no tool in Brazil to measure the impact of treatment on patients with OSAS. Objective To translate and culturally adapt the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods The translation and cultural adaptation were carried out in five steps: translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, review committee and pretesting. Results A version of a culturally compatible SAQLI was constructed after lexical changes, along with changes to the sentence structures, visual format, instructions and cards. The essence of the questionnaire and its social, emotional, and disease impact in treatment measures was maintained, with 80% understanding. Conclusions The questionnaire was translated and adapted culturally to Brazilian Portuguese, and presented good comprehension in the study population.

RESUMO Antecedentes A síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) é caracterizada por episódios de obstrução da via aérea superior durante o sono, com risco para doenças cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares. Não há ferramenta no Brasil para medir o impacto do tratamento em pacientes com SAOS. Objetivo Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente o Índice de Qualidade de Vida em Apneia do Sono (SAQLI) para o português brasileiro. Métodos A tradução e adaptação cultural foram realizadas em cinco etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, comitê de revisão e pré-teste. Resultados Uma versão de SAQLI culturalmente compatível foi construída após mudanças lexicais, bem como mudanças nas estruturas das frases, formato visual, instruções e cartões, mantendo a essência do questionário e seu impacto social, emocional e da doença nas medidas de tratamento, com 80% de compreensão. Conclusões O questionário foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para o português brasileiro apresentando bom índice de compreensão na população estudada.

The association between sleep disturbances and tooth loss among post-stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Loss of teeth has been associated with neurological and sleep disorders. It is considered to be a predictor of stroke and leads to modifications of airway patency and predisposition to obstructive sleep apnea. OBJECTIVE: To investigate sleep quality, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive sleepiness among post-stroke patients with tooth loss attending the Neurovascular Clinic of the Federal University of São Paulo. METHODS: The prevalence rates of different types of stroke were assessed among 130 patients with different degrees of tooth loss, along with the presence of sleep disturbances, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. RESULTS: The prevalence of ischemic stroke was 94.6%, with either no significant disability or slight disability. Our sample had poor sleep quality, and a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, but without excessive daytime sleepiness. Half of our sample had lost between 9 and 31 teeth, and more than 25% had edentulism. The majority used full removable dental prostheses, and more than half of these individuals slept without removing the prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: We found high prevalence of poor sleep quality and high risk of obstructive sleep apnea among post-stroke patients with tooth loss. This indicates the need for further studies on treating and preventing sleep disturbances in stroke patients with tooth loss.

The association between sleep disturbances and tooth loss among post-stroke patients / Prevalência de edentulismo e distúrbios de sono após acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Background: Loss of teeth has been associated with neurological and sleep disorders. It is considered to be a predictor of stroke and leads to modifications of airway patency and predisposition to obstructive sleep apnea. Objective: To investigate sleep quality, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive sleepiness among post-stroke patients with tooth loss attending the Neurovascular Clinic of the Federal University of São Paulo. Methods: The prevalence rates of different types of stroke were assessed among 130 patients with different degrees of tooth loss, along with the presence of sleep disturbances, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. Results: The prevalence of ischemic stroke was 94.6%, with either no significant disability or slight disability. Our sample had poor sleep quality, and a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, but without excessive daytime sleepiness. Half of our sample had lost between 9 and 31 teeth, and more than 25% had edentulism. The majority used full removable dental prostheses, and more than half of these individuals slept without removing the prosthesis. Conclusions: We found high prevalence of poor sleep quality and high risk of obstructive sleep apnea among post-stroke patients with tooth loss. This indicates the need for further studies on treating and preventing sleep disturbances in stroke patients with tooth loss.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A perda de dentes tem sido associada a distúrbios neurológicos e do sono. É considerada um preditor de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), com modificações na permeabilidade das vias aéreas e predisposição à apneia obstrutiva do sono. Objetivo: Investigar a qualidade do sono, o risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono e a sonolência excessiva em pacientes pós-AVC com perda dentária, atendidos na Clínica Neurovascular da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Métodos: O estudo avaliou a prevalência de diferentes tipos de AVC em 130 pacientes com diferentes graus de perda dentária e a presença de distúrbios do sono, risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono e sonolência excessiva. Resultados: A prevalência de AVC isquêmico foi de 94,6%, sem deficiência significativa ou deficiência leve. Nossa amostra tinha má qualidade de sono e alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono, sem sonolência diurna excessiva. Metade de nossa amostra perdeu entre nove e 31 dentes, e mais de 25% tiveram edentulismo. A maioria usava próteses dentárias totalmente removíveis e, desses pacientes, mais da metade dormia com elas. Conclusões: Encontramos alta prevalência de má qualidade do sono e alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono em pacientes pós-AVC com perda dentária. Isso indica a necessidade de mais estudos sobre o tratamento e a prevenção de distúrbios do sono em pacientes com AVC e perda dentária.

Identification and in silico characterization of structural and functional impacts of genetic variants in milk protein genes in the Zebu breeds Guzerat and Gyr.

Whole genome sequencing of bovine breeds has allowed identification of genetic variants in milk protein genes. However, functional repercussion of such variants at a molecular level has seldom been investigated. Here, the results of a multistep Bioinformatic analysis for functional characterization of recently identified genetic variants in Brazilian Gyr and Guzerat breeds is described, including predicted effects on the following: (i) evolutionary conserved nucleotide positions/regions; (ii) protein function, stability, and interactions; (iii) splicing, branching, and miRNA binding sites; (iv) promoters and transcription factor binding sites; and (v) collocation with QTL. Seventy-one genetic variants were identified in the caseins (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3), LALBA, LGB, and LTF genes. Eleven potentially regulatory variants and two missense mutations were identified. LALBA Ile60Val was predicted to affect protein stability and flexibility, by reducing the number the disulfide bonds established. LTF Thr546Asn is predicted to generate steric clashes, which could mildly affect iron coordination. In addition, LALBA Ile60Val and LTF Thr546Asn affect exonic splicing enhancers and silencers. Consequently, both mutations have the potential of affecting immune response at individual level, not only in the mammary gland. Although laborious, this multistep procedure for classifying variants allowed the identification of potentially functional variants for milk protein genes.

Genome-Wide Analyses Reveal the Genetic Architecture and Candidate Genes of Indicine, Taurine, Synthetic Crossbreds, and Locally Adapted Cattle in Brazil.

Cattle population history, breeding systems, and geographic subdivision may be reflected in runs of homozygosity (ROH), effective population size (N e), and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns. Thus, the assessment of this information has become essential to the implementation of genomic selection on purebred and crossbred cattle breeding programs. In this way, we assessed the genotype of 19 cattle breeds raised in Brazil belonging to taurine, indicine, synthetic crossbreds, and Iberian-derived locally adapted ancestries to evaluate the overall LD decay patterns, N e, ROH, and breed composition. We were able to obtain a general overview of the genomic architecture of cattle breeds currently raised in Brazil and other tropical countries. We found that, among the evaluated breeds, different marker densities should be used to improve the genomic prediction accuracy and power of genome-wide association studies. Breeds showing low N e values indicate a recent inbreeding, also reflected by the occurrence of longer ROH, which demand special attention in the matting schemes to avoid extensive inbreeding. Candidate genes (e.g., ABCA7, PENK, SPP1, IFNAR1, IFNAR2, SPEF2, PRLR, LRRTM1, and LRRTM4) located in the identified ROH islands were evaluated, highlighting biological processes involved with milk production, behavior, rusticity, and fertility. Furthermore, we were successful in obtaining the breed composition regarding the taurine and indicine composition using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Our results were able to observe in detail the genomic backgrounds that are present in each breed and allowed to better understand the various contributions of ancestor breeds to the modern breed composition to the Brazilian cattle.

Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of a Guzerá (Bos indicus) Meta-Population.

The Brazilian Guzerá population originated from a few founders introduced from India. These animals adapted well to the harsh environments in Brazil, were selected for beef, milk, or dual-purpose (beef and milk), and were extensively used to produce crossbred animals. Here, the impact of these historical events with regard to the population structure and genetic diversity in a Guzerá meta-population was evaluated. DNA samples of 744 animals (one dairy, nine dual-purpose, and five beef herds) were genotyped for 21 microsatellite loci. Ho, He, PIC, Fis, Fit, and Fst estimates were obtained considering either farms or lineages as subpopulations. Mean Ho (0.73) and PIC (0.75) suggest that genetic diversity was efficiently conserved. Fit, Fis and Fst values (95% CI) pointed to a low fixation index, and large genetic diversity: Fit (Farms = 0.021-0.100; lineages = 0.021-0.100), Fis (Farms = -0.007-0.076; lineages = -0.014-0.070), and Fst (Farms = 0.0237-0.032; lineages = 0.029-0.038). The dual-purpose herds/selection lines are the most uniform subpopulation, while the beef one preserved larger amounts of genetic diversity among herds. In addition, the dairy herd showed to be genetically distant from other herds. Taken together, these results suggest that this Guzerá meta-population has high genetic diversity, a low degree of population subdivision, and a low inbreeding level.

COVID-19 and dental sleep medicine: risks, precautions and patient guidance.

COVID-19 is the offcial name for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has become a pandemic, infecting more than 5 million people worldwide. Transmission occurs by inhaling droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing their hands over their eyes, nose or mouth. Some infected people become seriously ill, while others have no symptoms, but even though they are asymptomatic, they can still transmit the virus. As vaccines and effective medications do not yet exist, the only way to handle the devastating consequences of the pandemic is prevention. Quality of sleep is essential for the immune system to be prepared to receive, fight and restore itself after a viral infection. Therefore, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should continue treatment, and only suspend or change the therapeutic modality under the guidance of a sleep physician. In the era of COVID-19, due to the high probability of contamination promoted by CPAP, the mandibular repositioning device has been considered as the first choice for patients with OSA. However, as the dental approach is at high risk of contamination, due to the proximity of the dental surgeon to the patient, it is essential that the professional who works in this field knows the risks to which they are exposed. Precautions must be adopted and patients should be guided in order to control and use of their intraoral devices.

Lipopolysaccharide triggers different transcriptional signatures in taurine and indicine cattle macrophages: Reactive oxygen species and potential outcomes to the development of immune response to infections.

Macrophages are classified upon activation as classical activated M1 and M2 anti-inflammatory regulatory populations. This macrophage polarization is well characterized in humans and mice, but M1/M2 profile in cattle has been far less explored. Bos primigenius taurus (taurine) and Bos primigenius indicus (indicine) cattle display contrasting levels of resistance to infection and parasitic diseases such as C57BL/6J and Balb/c murine experimental models of parasite infection outcomes based on genetic background. Thus, we investigated the differential gene expression profile of unstimulated and LPS stimulated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from Holstein (taurine) and Gir (indicine) breeds using RNA sequencing methodology. For unstimulated MDMs, the contrast between Holstein and Gir breeds identified 163 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) highlighting the higher expression of C-C chemokine receptor type five (CCR5) and BOLA-DQ genes in Gir animals. LPS-stimulated MDMs from Gir and Holstein animals displayed 1,257 DEGs enriched for cell adhesion and inflammatory responses. Gir MDMs cells displayed a higher expression of M1 related genes like Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS2), Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B 2 (NFKB2) in addition to higher levels of transcripts for proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, complement factors and the acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A (SAA). We also showed that gene expression of inflammatory M1 population markers, complement and SAA genes was higher in Gir in buffy coat peripheral cells in addition to nitric oxide concentration in MDMs supernatant and animal serum. Co-expression analyses revealed that Holstein and Gir animals showed different transcriptional signatures in the MDMs response to LPS that impact on cell cycle regulation, leukocyte migration and extracellular matrix organization biological processes. Overall, the results suggest that Gir animals show a natural propensity to generate a more pronounced M1 inflammatory response than Holstein, which might account for a faster immune response favouring resistance to many infection diseases.

Spatial dynamics of the Girolando breed in Brazil: analysis of genetic integration and environmental factors.

Brazil is one of the world's largest milk producers. Several scientific studies have been developed related to landscape analyses that combine genetic with landscape structure data. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic aspects of production in Girolando cattle in Brazil, as well as verify the spatial patterns of its genetic diversity. Genetic values and accuracy of 46,289 animals were used as well as information from DNA of 310 Girolando animals. Canonic, discriminant, and cluster analyses were conducted in SAS® and K-means method in ArcGIS 10.3 software. The relationship between genetic and geographic distance was analyzed using different methods in software Alleles in Space®. Clusters with animals with higher genetic values for milk production are located in municipalities with lower gross domestic product, fewer family-based establishments, and lower human development index. These clusters are associated with regions with higher area planted with crops, lower percentage of pastures that were less degraded, higher humidity, lower temperature range, and lower normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values. The greater the geographical distance between groups of animals, the greater the genetic distance between them with a significant distinction over 504 km. There is high genetic heterogeneity among animals. From these results, it will be possible to develop methodologies for better evaluation of the animals within the production systems.