[Core data set for real world data in multiple sclerosis: customization for latin america from a global task force recommendation]. / Core data set para la generación de datos de la vida real en esclerosis múltiple: adaptación de una iniciativa global para América Latina.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of the core data set is to reduce heterogeneity and promote harmonization among data sources in EM, thereby reducing the time needed to execute real life data collection efforts. Recently, a group led by the Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance has developed a core data set for collecting real-world data on multiple sclerosis (MS) globally. Our objective was to adapt this global data set to the needs of Latin America, so that it can be implemented by the registries already developed and in the process of development in the region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A working group was formed regionally, the core data set created globally was adapted (translation process into Spanish, incorporation of regional variables and consensus on variables to be used). Consensus was obtained through the remote Delphi methodology of a round of questionnaires and remote discussion of the core data set variables. RESULTS: A total of 25 professionals from Latin America carried out the adaptation process between November 2022 and July 2023. Agreement was established on a core data set of nine categories and 45 variables, version 2023 to suggest its implementation in developed or developing registries, and MS cohorts in the region. CONCLUSION: The core data set seeks to harmonize the variables collected by registries and cohorts in MS in Latin America in order to facilitate said collection and allow collaboration between sources. Its implementation will facilitate real life data collection and collaboration in the region.

TITLE: Core data set para la generación de datos de la vida real en esclerosis múltiple: adaptación de una iniciativa global para América Latina.Introducción. Los objetivos primarios del core data set son reducir la heterogeneidad y promover la armonización entre las fuentes de datos en la esclerosis múltiple (EM), reduciendo así el tiempo necesario para ejecutar esfuerzos en la recolección de datos de vida real. Recientemente, un grupo liderado por la Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance ha desarrollado un core data set para la recolección de datos del mundo real en EM a nivel global. Nuestro objetivo ha sido adaptar y consensuar este conjunto de datos globales a las necesidades de América Latina para que pueda ser implementado por los registros ya desarrollados y en proceso de desarrollo en la región. Material y métodos. Se conformó un grupo de trabajo regionalmente y se adaptó el core data set creado globalmente (proceso de traducción al español, incorporación de variables regionales y consenso sobre variables que se iban a utilizar). El consenso se obtuvo a través de la metodología Delphi remoto de ronda de cuestionarios y discusión a distancia de las variables del core data set. Resultados. Veinticinco profesionales de América Latina llevaron adelante el proceso de adaptación entre noviembre de 2022 y julio de 2023. Se estableció un acuerdo sobre un core data set de nueve categorías y 45 variables, versión 2023, con la sugerencia de implementarlo en registros desarrollados o en vías de desarrollo y cohortes de EM en la región. Conclusión. El core data set busca armonizar las variables recolectadas por los registros y las cohortes de EM en América Latina con el fin de facilitar dicha recolección y permitir una colaboración entre fuentes. Su implementación facilitará la recolección de datos de vida real y la colaboración en la región.

Assessment of runs of homozygosity, heterozygosity-rich regions and genomic inbreeding estimates in a subpopulation of Guzerá (Bos indicus) dual-purpose cattle.

For decades, inbreeding in cattle has been evaluated using pedigree information. Nowadays, inbreeding coefficients can be obtained using genomic information such as runs of homozygosity (ROH). The aims of this study were to quantify ROH and heterozygosity-rich regions (HRR) in a subpopulation of Guzerá dual-purpose cattle, to examine ROH and HRR islands, and to compare inbreeding coefficients obtained by ROH with alternative genomic inbreeding coefficients. A subpopulation of 1733 Guzerá animals genotyped for 50k SNPs was used to obtain the ROH and HRR segments. Inbreeding coefficients by ROH (FROH ), by genomic relationship matrix based on VanRaden's method 1 using reference allele frequency in the population (FGRM ), by genomic relationship matrix based on VanRaden's method 1 using allele frequency fixed in 0.5 (FGRM_0.5 ), and by the proportion of homozygous loci (FHOM ) were calculated. A total of 15,660 ROH were identified, and the chromosome with the highest number of ROH was BTA6. A total of 4843 HRRs were identified, and the chromosome with the highest number of HRRs was BTA23. No ROH and HRR islands were identified according to established criteria, but the regions closest to the definition of an island were examined from 64 to 67 Mb of BTA6, from 36 to 37 Mb of BTA2 and from 0.50 to 1.25 Mb of BTA23. The genes identified in ROH islands have previously been associated with dairy and beef traits, while genes identified on HRR islands have previously been associated with reproductive traits and disease resistance. FROH was equal to 0.095 ± 0.084, and its Spearman correlation with FGRM was low (0.44) and moderate-high with FHOM (0.79) and with FGRM_0.5 (0.80). The inbreeding coefficients determined by ROH were higher than other cattle breeds' and higher than pedigree-based inbreeding in the Guzerá breed obtained in previous studies. It is recommended that future studies investigate the effects of inbreeding determined by ROH on the traits under selection in the subpopulation studied.

Repetitive Negative Thinking, Rumination, Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction: A cross-sectional mediation analysis

Depression negatively affects life satisfaction, and rumination is a major feature of depression. As a transdiagnostic process, Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) includes rumination and other repetitive and persistent thoughts. The study examines differences in rumination, RNT, and life satisfaction according to the severity of depressive symptoms and investigate the role of rumination and RNT as mediator variables in the association between depressive symptomatology and life satisfaction. An online sample of 432 participants completed a set of self-report measures. The findings suggest that rumination and RNT increase with the severity of depressive symptom. RNT was a mediator variable in the association between depressive symptomatology and life satisfaction beyond the mediating role of rumination. Overall, the current results highlight the central role of RNT in the relationship between depressive symptomatology and well-being by promoting a broader transdiagnostic process as RNT compared to rumination in depressive symptomatology (AU)

História de Enfermagem no Porto -ESEP-125 anos a cuidar / Historia de enfermería en Porto -ESEP- 125 años de cuida / History of Nursing in Porto -ESEP-125 years of caring

A ESEP – Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto surge a partir da fusão das três instituições de ensino superior de enfermagem públicas existentes na cidade do Porto: as Escolas Superiores de Enfermagem de D. Ana Guedes, Cidade do Por-to e São João e entrou em funcionamento no dia 1 de Janeiro de 2007 [Fragmento de texto] (AU)

Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) straw as an alternative bedding material for dairy cows housed in a Compost barn system / [Bagana de carnaúba como material de cama alternativo para vacas leiteiras alojadas em sistema Compost barn]

The replacement of bedding in compost dairy barns (CB) comprises a recurrent management practice, but bedding materials are often not readily available in all regions and the choice of alternative materials is necessary. The objective was to evaluate the thermal attributes of carnauba straw (CS) bedding in compost dairy barn facilities. Environmental monitoring operations were performed at a commercial farm located in Northeast Brazil. Mini weather stations were used to evaluate environmental variables. The THI was evaluated as one of the comfort parameters. Analysis of the spatial distribution of bed surface temperature (BST) in the CB was performed using geostatistical techniques. The cows remained out of the comfort zone according to THI results. The BST indicated satisfactory performance and from the thermal point of view can be used as alternative bedding material in CB facilities. However, it was observed that the CS showed fast biomass degradation compared to conventional materials, widely known. In addition, inadequate temperature values (< 45°C) were found in the deeper of the CS bed, signaling higher risks of pathogenic microbial activity. Additional studies are needed for searching the proper management plans that increase the life span of the bed formed by carnauba straw.(AU)

A reposição de cama na instalação Compost Barn (CB) compreende uma prática recorrente de manejo, porém os materiais de cama muitas vezes não estão facilmente disponíveis em todas as regiões, sendo necessária a adoção de materiais alternativos. Objetivou-se avaliar os atributos térmicos da cama à base de bagana de carnaúba (BC) para instalações CB. Foram realizadas operações de monitoramento ambiental em uma fazenda comercial situada no nordeste do Brasil. Miniestações meteorológicas foram utilizadas para avaliação de variáveis ambientais. O ITU foi avaliado como um dos parâmetros de conforto. A distribuição espacial da temperatura superficial da cama (TSC) no galpão foi analisada usando técnicas da geoestatística. As vacas mantiveram-se fora da zona de conforto, conforme resultados do ITU. A TSC indicou desempenho satisfatório e, do ponto de vista térmico, pode ser utilizada como material alternativo para cama em instalações CB. Entretanto, observou-se que a BC apresentou rápida degradação da biomassa em comparação a materiais convencionais, amplamente conhecidos. Além disso, valores inadequados de temperatura (< 45°C) foram encontrados nas camadas profundas da cama de BC, sinalizando maiores riscos de atividade microbiana patogênica. Estudos adicionais tornam-se necessários para a busca de planos de manejo que aumentem o tempo de vida útil da cama formada por bagana de carnaúba.(AU)

COVID-19 mortality in an area of northeast Brazil: epidemiological characteristics and prospective spatiotemporal modelling.

This study aimed to analyse the spatial-temporal distribution of COVID-19 mortality in Sergipe, Northeast, Brazil. It was an ecological study utilising spatiotemporal analysis techniques that included all deaths confirmed by COVID-19 in Sergipe, from 2 April to 14 June 2020. Mortality rates were calculated per 100 000 inhabitants and the temporal trends were analysed using a segmented log-linear model. For spatial analysis, the Kernel estimator was used and the crude mortality rates were smoothed by the empirical Bayesian method. The space-time prospective scan statistics applied the Poisson's probability distribution model. There were 391 COVID-19 registered deaths, with the majority among ⩾60 years old (62%) and males (53%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (40%), diabetes (31%) and cardiovascular disease (15%). An increasing mortality trend across the state was observed, with a higher increase in the countryside. An active spatiotemporal cluster of mortality comprising the metropolitan area and neighbouring cities was identified. The trend of COVID-19 mortality in Sergipe was increasing and the spatial distribution of deaths was heterogeneous with progression towards the countryside. Therefore, the use of spatial analysis techniques may contribute to surveillance and control of COVID-19 pandemic.

Risk clusters of COVID-19 transmission in northeastern Brazil: prospective space-time modelling.

This study aimed to analyse the trend and spatial-temporal clusters of risk of transmission of COVID-19 in northeastern Brazil. We conducted an ecological study using spatial and temporal trend analysis. All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil were included, from 7 March to 22 May 2020. We used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess time trends, and the local empirical Bayesian estimator, the global and local Moran indexes for spatial analysis. The prospective space-time scan statistic was performed using the Poisson probability distribution model. There were 113 951 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The average incidence rate was 199.73 cases/100 000 inhabitants. We observed an increasing trend in the incidence rate in all states. Spatial autocorrelation was reported in metropolitan areas, and 178 municipalities were considered a priority, especially in the states of Ceará and Maranhão. We identified 11 spatiotemporal clusters of COVID-19 cases; the primary cluster included 70 municipalities from Ceará state. COVID-19 epidemic is increasing rapidly throughout the Northeast region of Brazil, with dispersion towards countryside. It was identified high risk clusters for COVID-19, especially in the coastal side.

Treatment of MOG antibody associated disorders: results of an international survey.

INTRODUCTION: While monophasic and relapsing forms of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disorders (MOGAD) are increasingly diagnosed world-wide, consensus on management is yet to be developed. OBJECTIVE: To survey the current global clinical practice of clinicians treating MOGAD. METHOD: Neurologists worldwide with expertise in treating MOGAD participated in an online survey (February-April 2019). RESULTS: Fifty-two responses were received (response rate 60.5%) from 86 invited experts, comprising adult (78.8%, 41/52) and paediatric (21.2%, 11/52) neurologists in 22 countries. All treat acute attacks with high dose corticosteroids. If recovery is incomplete, 71.2% (37/52) proceed next to plasma exchange (PE). 45.5% (5/11) of paediatric neurologists use IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) in preference to PE. Following an acute attack, 55.8% (29/52) of respondents typically continue corticosteroids for ≥ 3 months; though less commonly when treating children. After an index event, 60% (31/51) usually start steroid-sparing maintenance therapy (MT); after ≥ 2 attacks 92.3% (48/52) would start MT. Repeat MOG antibody status is used by 52.9% (27/51) to help decide on MT initiation. Commonly used first line MTs in adults are azathioprine (30.8%, 16/52), mycophenolate mofetil (25.0%, 13/52) and rituximab (17.3%, 9/52). In children, IVIg is the preferred first line MT (54.5%; 6/11). Treatment response is monitored by MRI (53.8%; 28/52), optical coherence tomography (23.1%; 12/52) and MOG antibody titres (36.5%; 19/52). Regardless of monitoring results, 25.0% (13/52) would not stop MT. CONCLUSION: Current treatment of MOGAD is highly variable, indicating a need for consensus-based treatment guidelines, while awaiting definitive clinical trials.

Caloric restriction-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet does not fully recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation in previously obese C57BL/6 mice.

Caloric restriction (CR) reduces body weight and systemic inflammation, but the effects on adipose tissue under dietary lipid overload are controversial. We evaluated the effects of CR-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet on adipose tissue inflammation of obese mice. Male mice were assigned into low-fat diet (LF) and high-fat diet (HF) groups. After 8 weeks, the mice in the HF group were reassigned for another 7 weeks into the following 3 conditions: (i) kept in the HF condition; (ii) changed to low-fat diet ad libitum (LFAL); and (iii) changed to high-fat calorie-restricted (RHF) diet to reach LFAL body weight. Serum markers, adipocytokines, morphology, and inflammatory infiltrates in retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RAT) were accessed. The body weights of the LFAL and RHF groups were reduced, equaling the body weights of the LF group. The LFAL mice had restored almost all inflammatory markers as the LF mice, except tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and adiponectin. Compared with the HF group, the RHF group had lowered visceral adiposity, retroperitoneal adipocyte sizes, and RAT inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as TNF-α, interleukin-6, and hepatic and serum C-reactive protein, which were higher than that of the LFAL group; adiponectin and MCP-1 did not change. CR with high-fat diet reduced body weight and attenuated visceral adiposity but did not fully recover visceral tissue inflammation. Novelty Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet ameliorated visceral adiposity. Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet did not recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation.

Biomass components and structure of massai grass fertilized with nitrogen and grazed by sheep / Componentes da biomassa e estrutura do capim-massai adubado com nitrogênio e pastejado por ovinos

To evaluate the biomass components of massai grass subjected to nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (control - 0; 400; 800 and 1200 kg ha-1 year-1 of N) and under rotational stocking with sheep, this study was undertaken using a completely randomized design with measurements repeated in time. A quadratic response was observed reaching maximum values as the levels of nitrogen fertilization increased for green forage biomass, green leaf biomass, green stem biomass (5,172.9; 4,146.3; 1,033.9 kg ha-1 cycle-1, respectively), forage total density (179.1 kg ha-1 cm-1), canopy height (36.8 cm) and live material/dead material ratio (4.0) at levels 896; 934; 797; 879.2; 751.4 and 1,161 kg ha-1 year-1 of N, respectively. For all variables, oscillation was observed between the grazing cycles studied. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive response on the biomass components and canopy structure of massai grass.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os componentes da biomassa do capim-massai sob lotação rotativa com ovinos e adubado com doses de nitrogênio (controle - 0; 400; 800 e 1200 kg de N ha -1 ano -1 ), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo. Constatou-se resposta quadrática, alcançando valores máximos com o incremento das doses de nitrogênio para as produções de biomassa de forragem verde, de lâmina foliar verde, de colmo verde (5172,9; 4146,3; 1033,9 kg ha -1 ciclo -1 , respectivamente) e para a densidade total de forragem (179,1 kg ha -1 cm -1 ), altura do dossel (36,8 cm) e relação material vivo/material morto (4,0) nas doses 896; 934; 797; 879,2; 751,4 e 1161 kg ha -1 ano -1 de N, respectivamente. Para todas as variáveis, verificou-se oscilação entre os ciclos de pastejo estudados. A adubação nitrogenada exerce respostas positivas sobre os componentes da biomassa e a estrutura do dossel do capim-massai.(AU)

Effects of SSRI medication on heart rate and blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and depression.

OBJECTIVE: To test the role of escitalopram on blood pressure and heart rate of individuals with hypertension and depression. METHODS: A total of 30 individuals participated in this study who were being treated for hypertension and were diagnosed with major depression. Escitalopram (10-20 mg) was administered to 15 individuals, while the other 15 received placebo. These individuals were followed for 8 weeks with regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. Scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were evaluated within the first, second, fourth, and eighth weeks of the study onset. RESULTS: Comparing with placebo, heart rate was lower in the escitalopram group (66.79 ± 9.85 vs. 74.10 ± 9.52 bpm, p = 0.044). There was not a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure (140.80 ± 16.48 vs 139.61 ± 18.92 mmHg, p = 0.85) and diastolic blood pressure (80.55 ± 12.64 vs 80.18 ± 16.36 mmHg, p = 0.94). CONCLUSION: Escitalopram decreases HR, but not BP, in individuals with hypertension and depression. Abbreviation: SH: systemic hypertension; BP: blood pressure; DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; SRQ 20: Self-Report Questionnaire; SCID: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; HR: heart rate; SNS: Sympathetic nervous system; HPA: hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis; RAA: renin, angiotensin, aldosterone system; NE: norepinephrine; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid; HAM-D: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; CRF: corticotropin releasing factor; ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; BMI: Body mass index; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; t: time.

State of inbreeding and genetic trends for estimated breeding values in IVF embryos and oocyte donors in the Brazilian Guzerá cattle.

The main objective of this study was to verify genetic trends for milk production (MY305) and age at first calving (AFC). Were also considered levels of inbreeding practiced in the Brazilian dual-purpose Guzerá population (TPOP) comparing it with the same parameters estimated for two sub-populations derived from the reference (TPOP): female donors submitted to ovum-pick up (DPOP) and in vitro embryos produced (EPOP) between 2003 and 2013. Estimated breeding values (EBV) and inbreeding coefficients (F) were regressed by the year of birth (or year of in vitro fertilization) of each animal or embryo in order to obtain annual trends for these parameters separately for each of the three populations studied. A positive quadratic (ß2 = +0.000075) effect was detected for the F values in TPOP. Both DPOP and EPOP showed positive linear coefficients (ß1), respectively, +0.00084 (P < 0.001) and +0.00024 (P > 0.05). Annual mean F for EPOP was higher than TPOP and DPOP through the time series studied. The frequency of individuals with more than 7% F was higher in DPOP. Genetic trends for AFC were -0.187 days/year (P > 0.05); -0.557 days/year (P < 0.05) and -1.48 days/year (P < 0.05), respectively for TPOP; DPOP and EPOP. Genetic trends for MY305 were +6.75 kg/year (P < 0.001); +8.2 kg/year (P < 0.001) and +10.5 kg/year (P < 0.05), respectively for TPOP; DPOP and EPOP. For both traits analyzed, EPOP showed the highest regression coefficients, which confirms a higher selection pressure and lower generation intervals previously expected from this sub-population. Results reported in the present study suggest that mean F is increasing in the Guzerá population. Efforts for controlling inbred mating on in vitro fertilization should be considered, as the presence of a bottleneck effect seems to be getting shape on DPOP and EPOP.

Physiopathological responses of sole (Solea senegalensis) subjected to bacterial infection and handling stress after probiotic treatment with autochthonous bacteria.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of four autochthonous bacteria isolated from juvenile sole (Solea senegalensis) intestine as dietary probiotic supplement against bacterial pathogen infection and handling/transport stressors. Growth performance and immune responses were evaluated after 85 days of feeding trial. Sole (IBW = 16.07 ±â€¯0.11 g) were fed six experimental diets, a control diet (CTRL, without the dietary probiotic supplementation), and five diets supplemented with probiotic bacteria: PB1 (Shewanella hafniensis), PB2 (Enterococcus raffinosus), PB3 (Shewanella hafniensis + Arthrobacter soli), PB4 (Pseudomonas protegens + Arthrobacter soli) and PB5 (Shewanella hafniensis + Arthrobacter soli + Enterococcus raffinosus). All bacteria were selected based on their in vitro antimicrobial activity. After the growth trial, fish were submitted to a stress factor (transport) and then each dietary group was divided in two additional groups: non-infected (placebo) and infected with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida. Immune and antioxidant responses were evaluated at day 10 post-infection. In infection trial A, fish were infected on the same day of transport, whereas in trial B fish were infected after a 7-day recovery from the transport stress. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed with PB2 and PB4 showed lower final body weight when compared with the other dietary groups. Respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide production were not affected by probiotic supplementation. Fish fed with PB5 presented lower peroxidase activity compared to CTRL. Lysozyme and alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) showed no significant differences between treatments. The innate immune responses were significantly affected after handling stress and bacterial infection. In trial A, the ACH50 levels of infected fish were significantly lower than the placebo groups. On the other hand, in trial B fish infected with Pdp demonstrated higher ACH50 levels when compared to placebos. Peroxidase levels were strongly modulated by bacterial infection and handling stress. In trials A and B, infection had a clear downgrade effect in peroxidase levels. Lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were altered by both bacterial infection and transport. Overall, dietary probiotic supplementation did not influence growth performance of sole. The immune and oxidative defenses of sole responded differently to infection depending on the probiotic and the synergy between pathogen infection and transport.

Pedigree analysis and inbreeding effects over morphological traits in Campolina horse population.

Genetic improvement, without control of inbreeding, can go to loss of genetic variability, reducing the potential for genetic gains in the domestic populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the population structure and the inbreeding depression in Campolina horses. Phenotype information from 43 465 individuals was analyzed, data provided by the Campolina Breeders Association. A pedigree file containing 107 951 horses was used to connected the phenotyped individuals. The inbreeding coefficient was performed by use of the diagonal of the relationship matrix and the genealogical parameters were computed using proper softwares. The effective population size was estimated based on the rate of inbreeding and census information, and the stratification of the population was verified by the average relationship coefficient between animals born in different regions of Brazil. The effects of inbreeding on morphological traits were made by the use of inbreeding coefficient as a covariate in the model of random regression. The inbreeding coefficient increased from 1990 on, impacting effective population size and, consequently, shrinking genetic variability. The paternal inbreeding was greater than maternal, which may be attributed to the preference for inbred animals in reproduction. The average genetic relationship coefficient of animals born in different states was lower than individuals born within the same state. The increase in the inbreeding coefficient was negatively associated with all studied traits, showing the importance to avoid genetic losses in the long term. Although results do not indicate a severe narrowing of the population until the present date, the average relationship coefficient shows signs of increase, which could cause a drastic reduction in genetic variability if inbred mating is not successfully controlled in the Campolina horse population.

Effect of resistant starch on the intestinal health of old dogs: fermentation products and histological features of the intestinal mucosa.

The effects of resistant starch (RS) intake on nutrient digestibility, microbial fermentation products, faecal IgA, faecal pH, and histological features of the intestinal mucosa of old dogs were evaluated. The same formulation was extruded in two different conditions: one to obtain elevated starch cooking degree with low RS content (0.21%) and the other lower starch cooking with high RS content (1.46%). Eight geriatric Beagles (11.5 ± 0.38 years old) were fed each diet for 61 days in a crossover design. Food intake, nutrient digestibility, fermentation products, faecal pH, and faecal IgA were examined via variance analysis. Histological results of intestinal biopsies were assessed via Wilcoxon test for paired data. The morphometric characteristics of large intestine crypts were evaluated via paired t tests (p < .05). Protein, fat, and energy digestibilities were higher for the low-RS diet (p < .05). Dogs receiving the high-RS diet had lower faecal pH and higher values for propionate, butyrate, total volatile fatty acids, and lactate (p < .05). No differences between diets were found in the histological parameters of the gut mucosa, and only a tendency for deeper crypts in the descending colon was observed for dogs fed the high-RS diet (p = .083). The intake of a corn-based kibble diet manufactured with coarse ground raw material and low starch gelatinization to obtain 1.4% of RS affected microbial fermentation products and faecal pH and tended to increase crypt depth in the descending colon of old dogs.

Inbreeding effects on in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Inbreeding has been associated with the impairment of reproductive performance in many cattle breeds. Although the usage of reproductive biotechnologies has been increasing in bovine populations, not much attention has been given to the impact of inbreeding over cow's performance on artificial reproduction. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of inbreeding on in vitro embryo production in a Guzerá breed population. The inbreeding coefficient (F), calculated as half of the co-ancestry of the individual's parents, was used as an estimate of inbreeding. The inbreeding coefficients of the donor, sire (used on in vitro fertilization) and of the embryos were included, separately, in the proposed models either as classificatory or continuous variables (linear and quadratic effects). The percentage of non-inbred individuals (or embryos) and mean F of donors, embryos and sires were 29.38%; 35.76%; 42.86% and 1.98±2.68; 1.32±3.13; 2.08±2.79, respectively. Two different models were considered, one for oocyte production traits and other for embryo production traits. The increase of F of the donor significantly (P<0.05) impaired the number of viable oocytes (N OV), number of grade I oocytes (N GI) and number of cleaved embryos (N CLV). Moreover, the donor's F influenced the percentage of grade I oocytes (P GI), percentage of viable embryos (P EMB) and percentage of cleaved embryos that turned into embryos (P CXE). No significant (P>0.05) effects were observed for the sire (father of the embryos) inbreeding coefficient over the traits analysed. Embryo's F influenced (P<0.05) the number of viable embryos (N EMB), percentage of viable embryos (P EMB) and percentage of cleaved embryos that turn into embryos (P CXE). Results suggested that an increase in the inbreeding coefficient might impair the embryos ability to survive through challenges imposed by the in vitro environment. Submitting highly inbred Guzerá female donors to in vitro embryo production may, in the long-term, have negative implications on the number of embryos obtained per cow and increase the relative costs of the improvement programmes based on this technology. High levels of inbreeding should be avoided when selecting Guzerá female donors and planning in vitro fertilization mating.

Red Sindhi cattle in Brazil: population structure and distribution.

The Red Sindhi cattle breed was imported to Brazil in small numbers. Nowadays, the herds of this breed are distributed in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest regions of the country. In this study, DNA samples of animals originating from 15 herds in the Northeast and Southeast regions have been analyzed to obtain the ancestry proportions, and to gain a better understanding of the current population structure of this breed in Brazil. Samples were genotyped using three different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker panels. Those markers have been used with the approach of unsupervised hierarchical clustering of individuals, and consequently, the ancestry of the population was divided into six different subpopulations. Three of those ancestry subpopulations were identified to be present in various different herds, while the other three were restricted to only one or two herds each. One of those herds has been kept isolated for more than 30 years, and it was identified to contain two almost exclusive subpopulations. To avoid important losses in the genetic diversity within the Red Sindhi breed in Brazil, we recommend the identification of superior sires from every subpopulation in the establishment of a breeding program for this breed.

Count Bayesian models for genetic analysis of in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Four models for in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle were compared: Gaussian (untransformed variable - LIN and transformed in logarithmic scale - LOG), Poisson (POI) and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP). Data consisted of 5716 ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization records performed in 1205 cows from distinct regions of Brazil. Analyzed count traits were the number of viable oocytes (NOV), number of grade I oocytes (NGI), number of degenerated oocytes (NDG), number of cleaved embryos (NCLV) and number of viable produced embryos (NEMB). Heritability varied from 0.17 (LIN) to 0.25 (POI) for NOV; 0.08 (LOG) to 0.18 (ZIP) for NGI; 0.12 (LIN) to 0.20 (POI) for NDG; 0.13 (LIN) to 0.19 (POI) for NCLV; 0.10 (LIN) to 0.20 (POI) for NEMB depending on the considered model. The estimated repeatability varied from 0.53 (LOG) to 0.63 (POI) for NOV; 0.22 (LOG) to 0.39 (ZIP) for NGI; 0.29 (LIN) to 0.42 (ZIP) for NDG; 0.42 (LIN) to 0.59 (POI) for NCLV; 0.36 (LIN) to 0.51 (POI) for NEMB. The goodness of fit, measured by deviance information criterion and mean squared residuals, suggested superiority of POI and ZIP over Gaussian models. Estimated breeding values (EBV) obtained by different models were highly correlated, varying from 0.92 for NOV (between LIN-POI) and 0.99 for NGI (between POI-ZIP). The number of coincident animals on the 10% top EBV showed lower similarities. We recommend POI and ZIP models as the most adequate for genetic analysis of in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Distinct beneficial effects of continuous vs accumulated exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in Wistar rats.

We compared the effects of continuous exercise (CE) vs accumulated exercise (AE) training on CVD risk factors and heart of young male Wistar rats. The exercise training (ET) was performed in a swimming pool for 30-60 min/day, 5 days/week over 15 weeks. CE group performed the ET in a single long daily session (30-60 min), while AE group performed the ET at the same frequency, intensity, and duration of CE rats, but in three short bouts over the course of a day (10-20 min in three daily sessions). AE training was more efficient than CE in attenuating body and fat weight gain and inhibiting visceral adipocyte hypertrophy at the same food intake level. CE training was more efficient in improving systolic blood pressure, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and serum triglyceride. Both ET protocols increased heart function, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased intracellular Hsp72 content in the heart. This work shows distinct beneficial effects of CE vs AE training suggesting that the prescription of one or other may be preferred to prevent the increase of a specific CVD risk factor.

Polymorphisms and alternative splicing of the luteinizing hormone receptor of dairy cattle.

The aim of this study was to screen for variability in the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and to determine the occurrence of LHCGR mRNA isoforms in two dairy breeds of cattle. Granulosa cells from dominant ovarian follicles were recovered from 16 Gir and 16 Holstein cows, and total RNA was extracted. Complementary DNA was synthesized and PCR was used to generate amplicons for sequencing. Chromatograms were evaluated, and multiple sequences were aligned and analyzed for the presence of polymorphisms, allele frequency, polymorphic information content (PIC), and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in LH receptor mRNA. Seventeen SNPs were identified in Gir cattle (seven exclusively), and 14 were found in Holstein cattle (four exclusively). Seven of the 21 polymorphisms found did not alter which amino acid was translated. Eight SNPs caused a change to an amino acid in a different chemical group. Classification of SNPs according to PIC values identified 12 as being highly informative in Gir cattle and five in Holstein. Eight SNPs deviated from HWE in Gir compared with 11 in Holstein, and eight in both breeds. Two isoforms were also identified, one in exon 1, which lacks 30 nucleotides beginning at position 118, and the other in exon 10. Taken together, these data show that LHCGR in dairy cattle breeds has a high frequency of polymorphism and exists in multiple isoforms resulting from alternative splicing.