Genomic instability in long-term culture of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells stem (MSC) have been widely studied due to their great potential for application in tissue engineering and regenerative and translational medicine. In MSC-based therapy for human diseases, cell proliferation is required to obtain a large and adequate number of cells to ensure therapeutic efficacy. During in vitro culture, cells are under an artificial environment and manipulative stress that can affect genetic stability. Several regulatory agencies have established guidelines to ensure greater safety in cell-based regenerative and translational medicine, but there is no specific definition about the maximum number of passages that ensure the lowest possible risk in MSC-based regenerative medicine. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze DNA damage and chromosome alterations in adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSC) until the eleventh passage and to provide additional subsidies to regulatory agencies related to number of passages in these cells. Thus, two methods in genetic toxicology were adopted: comet assay and micronucleus test. The comet assay results showed an increase in DNA damage from the fifth passage onwards. The micronucleus test showed a statistically significant increase of micronucleus from the seventh passage onwards, indicating a possible mutagenic effect associated with the increase in the number of passages. Based on these results, it is important to emphasize the need to assess genetic toxicology and inclusion of new guidelines by regulatory agencies to guarantee the safety of MSC-based therapies for human diseases.

Genomic instability in long-term culture of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells stem (MSC) have been widely studied due to their great potential for application in tissue engineering and regenerative and translational medicine. In MSC-based therapy for human diseases, cell proliferation is required to obtain a large and adequate number of cells to ensure therapeutic efficacy. During in vitro culture, cells are under an artificial environment and manipulative stress that can affect genetic stability. Several regulatory agencies have established guidelines to ensure greater safety in cell-based regenerative and translational medicine, but there is no specific definition about the maximum number of passages that ensure the lowest possible risk in MSC-based regenerative medicine. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze DNA damage and chromosome alterations in adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSC) until the eleventh passage and to provide additional subsidies to regulatory agencies related to number of passages in these cells. Thus, two methods in genetic toxicology were adopted: comet assay and micronucleus test. The comet assay results showed an increase in DNA damage from the fifth passage onwards. The micronucleus test showed a statistically significant increase of micronucleus from the seventh passage onwards, indicating a possible mutagenic effect associated with the increase in the number of passages. Based on these results, it is important to emphasize the need to assess genetic toxicology and inclusion of new guidelines by regulatory agencies to guarantee the safety of MSC-based therapies for human diseases.

Motivation and anxiety during the second COVID-19 lockdown in gym exercisers: The mediating role of affects and satisfaction with life.

The present study aimed to analyze the association between motivation (self-determined and non-self-determined motivation), positive and negative affect, life satisfaction and state-anxiety in a sample of gym exercisers, during the 2nd COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. Also, we aimed to analyze the possible mediating role of positive and negative affect and life satisfaction in the relationship between motivation and levels of state-anxiety. A total of 201 gym participants (30.42 ± 11.22) were enrolled in the present study, of which 116 (57.7%) were women and 85 (42.3%) were men. The survey included sociodemographic data as well as the subsequently validated instruments: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The results revealed a positive association between state-anxiety and negative affect (r = .69), controlled motivation (r = .33), and autonomous motivation (r = .25). Still, state-anxiety was negatively associated with positive affect (r = -.40) and with satisfaction with life (r = -.43),. In addition, the results of mediation analysis, revealed inconsistent mediation of positive affect and life satisfaction in the relationship between autonomous motivation and state-anxiety. However, a total mediation was observed through negative affect and life satisfaction in the relationship between controlled motivation and anxiety since the indirect effect (ß = .27) is higher than the direct effect (ß = .06). Overall, the results reinforce that positive affect and satisfaction with life could act as a possible buffer against state-anxiety in gym exercisers and, thus, should be considered in future interventions and studies.

Dispositional Orientations in Competitive Ultimate Frisbee Athletes / Orientaciones disposicionales en atletas competitivos de Ultimate Frisbee / Orientações Disposicionais em Atletas de Competição de Ultimate Frisbee

The purpose of this study to analyze dispositional orientations among Ultimate Frisbee (UF) athletes according to different divisions. Data was collected during the European Beach Ultimate Championship (EBUC) 2019. The sample comprised a total of 484 athletes (34.7±9.7 years of age), from 19 countries. Participants were asked to fill in a sociodemographic questionnaire, and the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ). Participants were grouped in eight competitive divisions: Mixed (n=123), Grand master men’s (n=61), Master mixed (n=59), Master men’s (n=57), Great grand master men’s (n=52), Master women’s (n=51), Men’s (n=50) and Women’s (n=31). The POSQ demonstrated a reasonable internal consistency, with the inter-item reliability coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.90. An analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare goal orientation by UF divisions (i.e., women’s, men’s, mixed, master women’s, master men’s, master mixed, grand master men’s, great grand master men’s). On average, UF athletes reported higher levels of perceived task orientations (4.17±0.80 vs. 3.13±0.82). Multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that there was a significant main effect of UF division on the POSQ scores. The Women’s, Men's and Mixedpresented the higher task values (4.27±0.72, 4.32±0.78, and 4.35±0.67, respectively), while the Master women ́s division presented the highest ego score (3.61±0.71). Our findings indicated that success among UF athletes is defined in self-referenced terms, such as through mastering tasks or improving one ́s own personal skills. (AU)

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue examinar la orientación disposicional entre los atletas de Ultimate Frisbee(UF), según las diferentes divisiones. Los datos fueron recolectados durante el European Beach Ultimate Championship (EBUC) 2019. La muestra estuvo formada por 484 deportistas (34,7±9,7 años) de 19 países. Se pidió a los participantes que completaran un cuestionario sociodemográfico de caracterización individual y el Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ). Los participantes se agruparon en ocho divisiones competitivas: Mixto (n=123), Gran máster para hombres (n=61), Máster mixto (n=59), Máster para hombres (n=57), Gran máster para hombres (n=52), Máster femenino (n=51), Masculino (n=50) y Femenino (n=31). El POSQ demostró una coherencia interna razonable, con coeficientes de fiabilidad entre elementos que oscilan entre 0.81 y 0.90. Se utilizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) para comparar la orientación de la meta por divisiones de UF, es decir, Femenino, Masculino, Mixto, Máster femenino, Máster masculino, Máster mixto, Grand máster masculino, Great grand máster masculino. En promedio, los atletas del UFrevelaron niveles más altos de orientación a la tarea percibida (4.17±0.80 frente a 3.13±0.82). El análisis de varianza multivariado demostró que había un efecto principal significativo de la división UF en las puntuaciones POSQ. Las categorías Femenina, Masculina y Mixta presentaron los valores más altos para la tarea (4.27±0.72, 4.32±0.78 y 4.35±0.67, respectivamente), mientras que la división Máster femenino presentó la puntuación más alta para el ego (3.61±0.71). Nuestros resultados indicaron que el éxito entre los atletas del UF se define en términos autorreferenciales, mediante el dominio de tareas o la mejora de sus propias habilidades personales. (AU)

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as orientações disposicionais entre atletas de Ultimate Frisbee (UF), de acordo com as diferentes divisões. Os dados foram recolhidos durante o European Beach Ultimate Championship (EBUC) 2019. A amostra foi composta por de 484 atletas (34.7±9.7 anos de idade), de 19 países. Os participantes foram convidados a preencher um questionário sociodemográfico de caracterização individual, e o Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ). Os participantes foram agrupados em oito divisões competitivas: Misto (n=123), Grand master masculino (n=61), Master misto (n=59), Master masculino (n=57), Great grand master masculino (n=52), Master feminino (n=51), Masculino (n=50) e Feminino (n=31). O POSQ demonstrou uma consistência interna razoável, com coeficientesde confiabilidade entre itens variando de 0,81 a 0,90. Uma análise de variância (ANOVA) foi usada para comparar a orientação do objetivo por divisões de UF, ou seja, Feminino, Masculino, Misto, Master feminino, Master masculino, Master misto, Grand mastermasculino, Great grand master masculino. Em média, os atletas de UF revelaram níveis mais elevados de orientações de tarefas percebidas (4.17±0.80 vs. 3.13±0.82). A análise de variância multivariada demonstrou que houve um efeito principal significativo da divisão de UF nos scores do POSQ. As categorias Feminina, Masculina e Mista apresentaram os maiores valores para a tarefa (4.27±0.72, 4.32±0.78 e 4.35±0.67, respetivamente), enquanto a divisão Master feminina apresentou o maior score para o ego (3.61±0.71). Os nossos resultados indicaram que o sucesso entre os atletas de UF é definido em termos auto-referenciados, através do domínio de tarefas ou da melhoria das próprias habilidades pessoais. (AU)

Qualidade de vida, vitalidade e força de preensão manual em idosos praticantes de exercício físico / Calidad de vida, vitalidad y fuerza de prensión manual en personas mayores que hacen ejercicio / Quality of life, vitality and handgrip strength in elderly practitioners of physical exercise

O envelhecimento está associado a patologias crónicas, que podem ser prevenidas ou retardadas através do envolvimento em comportamentos saudáveis, como a prática regular de Exercício Físico (EF). O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a qualidade de vida, vitalidade e força de preensão manual de idosos participantes em programas comunitários de EF, bem como analisar a relação da prática de EF com estas variáveis. Recorreu-se a uma amostra composta por 81 indivíduos, 49 do sexo feminino e 32 do sexo masculino, com idades compreendidas entre os 65 e os 85 anos (72.33±5.02). Os resultados indicam-nos que os elementos do género masculino apresentavam valores superiores nas variáveis força de preensão manual (p<0.001; η2=0.510), vitalidade subjetiva (p=0.05; η2=0.005) e no domínio “intimidade” da qualidade de vida (p=0.01; η2=0.005). Relativamente à análise das relações entre as variáveis, no género feminino a força de preensão manual está relacionada com a frequência semanal (r=0.42; p=0.003), com o número de horas de prática (r=0.49; p<0.001), e com a qualidade de vida geral (r=0.35; p=0.015). Ainda no género feminino, verificamos a existência de uma regressão linear significativa da frequência de prática semanal (R2 ajustado=0.23; p<0.001) e do número de horas semanal (R2 ajustado=0.30; p<0.001), com a força de preensão manual. Já no género masculino, a força de preensão manual correlaciona-se com o número de horas de prática semanal (r=0.38; p=0.033). Já a vitalidade está relacionada com a força de preensão manual (r=0.49; p=0.004) e com a qualidade de vida geral (r=0.61; p<0.001). Parece assim evidente o papel do EF por parte desta população, bem como a inclusão do treino de força uma vez que esta variável parece estar associada a uma melhor perceção de qualidade de vida e de vitalidade pelo idoso. (AU)

El envejecimiento se asocia con patologías crónicas, que pueden prevenirse o retrasarse al participar en comportamientos saludables, como el ejercicio físico regular (EF). Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la calidad de vida, vitalidad y fuerza de la empuñadura de los participantes de edad avanzada en programas comunitarios de EF, así como analizar la relación de la práctica con estas variables. Se utilizó una muestra de 81 individuos, 49 mujeres y 32 hombres, de entre 65 y 85 años (72.33±5.02). Los resultados indican que los elementos masculinos presentaron valores más altos en las variables fuerza de prensión manual (p<0.001; η2 =0.510), vitalidad subjetiva (p=0.05; η2=0.005) y en el dominio "η2=0.005). En cuanto al análisis de las relaciones, en las mujeres la fuerza de prensión manual está asociada con la frecuencia semanal (r=0.42; p=0.003), con el número de horas de práctica por semana (r=0.49; p<0.001), y con la calidad de vida general (r=0.35; p=0.015). También en las mujeres, verificamos una regresión lineal significativa de la frecuencia semanal (R2 ajustado =0.23; p<0.001) y el número de horas de práctica por semana (R2 ajustado= 0.30; p <0.001), con fuerza de prensión manual. En los hombres, verificamos que la fuerza de presión manual está relacionada con el número de horas de práctica semanal (r=0.38; p=0.033). La vitalidad está relacionada con la fuerza de prensión manual (r=0.49; p=0.004), y la calidad de vida general (r=0.61; p<0.001). Así, parece evidente el papel del EF por parte de esta población, así como la inclusión del entrenamiento de fuerza, ya que esta variable parece estar asociada a una mejor percepción de la calidad de vida y vitalidad por parte de los ancianos. (AU)

Ageing is associated with chronic pathologies, which can be prevented or delayed through the involvement in healthy behaviours, such as regular physical exercise (PE). The aims of this study were to characterize the quality of life, vitality and handgrip strength of elderly people, participants in PE community programs, as well as to analyze the relationship of PE practice with these variables. A sample of 81 individuals, 49 females and 32 males, aged between 65 and 85 years (72.33 ± 5.02) were recruited. The results showed that men had higher values in the variables handgrip strength (p<0.001; 2 =0.510), subjective vitality (p=0.05; 2=0.005) and in the “intimacy” domain of quality of life (p=0.01; 2 =0.005). Regarding the analysis of the relationships, in females, handgrip strength is related with the weekly frequency (r=0.42; p=0.003), with the number of practice hours per week (r=0.49; p<0.001), and with general quality of life (r=0.35; p=0.015). Still in females, we verified the existence of a significant linear regression of the weekly frequency of practice (adjusted R2=0.23; p<0.001) and the number of weekly hours (adjusted R2=0.30; p<0.001), with handgrip strength. In males, we verified that handgrip strength is related with the number of hours of weekly practice (r=0.38; p=0.033). Finally, vitality is related with handgrip strength (r=0.49; p=0.004), and general quality of life (r=0.61; p<0.001). Thus, the role of PE practice in this population seems evident, not only for the associated physical, mental, and social benefits but also for the role it appears to play in the perception of quality of life and subjective vitality. Moreover, it still seems essential to include strength training, which appears to be associated with a better perception of quality of life and vitality by the elderly. (AU)

[Mirror writing in epilepsy]. / Escritura en espejo en epilepsia.

TITLE: Escritura en espejo en epilepsia.

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides / Zootechnical parameters and gizzard development of broilers fed with sorghum grain and carotenoid supplementation

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum and the inclusion of carotenoids in broiler feed on zootechnical parameters and gizzard development. A total of 960 Cobb 500 broilers, half of each sex, were submitted to four feeds: ground corn (M), ground sorghum (SM) ground sorghum with carotenoid supplementation (SMC) and whole grain sorghum (SI). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion, carcass and cuts yield, gizzard weight were evaluated. SI feed provided a greater development of gizzard, however at 7 days there were no differences in body weight and feed conversions between diets. SM and SMC provided higher values of body weight at 28 days than SI feed. Feed conversion at 40 days were the same for the sorghum feeds with a better carcass yield in SM and SMC. Ground sorghum can completely replace corn in broiler diets without compromising performance and carcass yield, and whole grain sorghum is zootecnaly viable.(AU)

Efeito de dois sistemas de resfriamento sobre os hormônios tireoidianos e as variáveis termofisiológicas de matrizes suínas em lactação / Effect of two cooling systems on thyroid hormones and thermophysiological variables of lactating sows

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do sistema de resfriamento evaporativo com pressão negativa (SRE) e aspersão de água sobre o telhado (AAT), as variáveis termofisiológicas, os hormônios tireoidianos e a relação neutrófilo:linfócito (N:L) em porcas. Utilizaram-se 61 fêmeas em lactação, que foram divididas nos dois ambientes térmicos, sendo 30 em SRE e 31 em AAT, no verão. A temperatura e a umidade do ar, a frequência respiratória (FR), as temperaturas de superfície (TS) e retal (TR), a concentração de tiroxina e de tri-iodotironina, o número de neutrófilos e linfócitos e a relação N:L foram determinados. A temperatura ambiente pela manhã foi menor em SRE que em AAT (22,1ºC vs. 23,5ºC) e pela tarde (24,8ºC vs. 28,0ºC). Em ambos os períodos, a FR, a TS e a TR foram menores em SRE (de manhã 49 resp.min-1, 31,1ºC e 38,5ºC, respectivamente, e à tarde 55 resp.min-1, 30,3ºC e 38,8ºC, respectivamente) que em AAT (de manhã 54 resp.min-1, 32,8ºC e 38,6ºC, respectivamente; e à tarde 65 resp.min-1, 31,4ºC e 39,1ºC, respectivamente). Animais sob galpão AAT apresentaram menores concentrações de T4 que animais sob SRE (37,84 vs. 42,22nmol.L-1). Em ambiente tropical, no verão, porcas lactantes de ambos os sistemas mantêm a homeotermia.(AU)

The effects of the evaporative cooling system with negative pressure (ECS) and water spray on the roof (WSR) on physiological variables, thyroid hormones and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N:L) in lactating sows were evaluated. Sixty-one lactating females were divided in the two thermal environments, being 30 in SRE and 31 in the AAT shed in the summer. The air temperature and humidity, respiratory frequency (RF), surface temperatures (ST) and rectal (RT), serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentration, number of neutrophils and lymphocytes and the N/L ratio were determined. In the afternoon, the matrices in ECS (Tar: 25.0°C and THI: 74.7) and WSR (Tar: 27.6°C and THI: 77.3) were exposed to heat stress. In the morning, RF, ST and RT were lower in ECS (49 breaths.min -1 , 31.1°C and 38.5°C, respectively) than WSR (54 breaths.min -1 , 32.8°C and 38.6°C) and also in the afternoon ECS (55 breaths.min -1 , 30.3°C and 38.8°C, respectively) and WSR (65 breaths.min -1 , 31.4°C and 39.1°C, respectively). Animals under WSR shed presented lower concentrations of T4 than animals under ECS (37.84 vs 42.22nmol.L -1 ). In a tropical environment, in the summer, lactating sows of both systems maintain homeothermia.(AU)

Study of genetic variability in pigs after the traditional breeding program.

Molecular markers are tools used to improve genetic gains. The objective of this study was to analyze the security of alleles of molecular marker genes for characteristics of economic interest in a pure population of pigs. After the extraction of DNA from the hair of 272 Large White matrices, the allele and genotype frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism was performed using the ARMS-PCR Multiplex technique in the DGAT1, LEPR, H-FABP, MC4R, and SREBF1 genes using RFLP-PCR for the GH gene. After capillary electrophoresis in an automated DNA sequencing of the DGAT1, LEPR, H-FABP, and SREBF1 genes, no polymorphisms were found. Only the MC4R marker presented 100% heterozygosity. For the GH gene, 209 of the initial population samples were genotyped. The PCR product (605 bp) was digested with the restriction enzyme DdeI, with fragments being of 335, 148, and 122 bp for the D1 allele and 457 and 148 bp for the D2 allele. The genotypic frequency obtained of D1D2 was 88% and of D2D2 was 22%. The D1 allele presented a frequency of 11% and the D2 allele of 89%. The high intensity of selection for commercial breeds justifies the absence or the low number of polymorphisms for the genes studied.

An update on the Enzyme Portal: an integrative approach for exploring enzyme knowledge.

14: Enzymes are a key part of life processes and are increasingly important for various areas of research such as medicine, biotechnology, bioprocessing and drug research. The goal of the Enzyme Portal is to provide an interface to all European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) data about enzymes (de Matos, P., et al. , (2013), BMC Bioinformatics , (1), 103). These data include enzyme function, sequence features and family classification, protein structure, reactions, pathways, small molecules, diseases and the associated literature. The sources of enzyme data are: the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) (UniProt Consortium, 2015), the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe), (Valenkar, S., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016; , D385-D395) Rhea-a database of enzyme-catalysed reactions (Morgat, A., et al .,  Nucleic Acids Res.  2015; , D459-D464), Reactome-a database of biochemical pathways (Fabregat, A., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016;  , D481-D487), IntEnz-a resource with enzyme nomenclature information (Fleischmann, A., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res.  2004 , D434-D437) and ChEBI (Hastings, J., et al .,  Nucleic Acids Res. 2013) and ChEMBL (Bento, A. P., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res.  2014 , 1083-1090)-resources which contain information about small-molecule chemistry and bioactivity. This article describes the redesign of Enzyme Portal and the increased functionality added to maximise integration and interpretation of these data. Use case examples of the Enzyme Portal and the versatile workflows its supports are illustrated. We welcome the suggestion of new resources for integration.

Short Communication Quick method for identifying horse (Equus caballus) and donkey (Equus asinus) hybrids.

The domestication of the Equus genus 5000-6000 years ago has influenced the history of human civilization. As soon as horse and donkey species had been domesticated, they were crossbred, producing humanity's first documented attempt at animal genome manipulation. Since then, the mule (male donkey x female horse) and the reciprocal cross (the hinny, male horse x female donkey) have been the most common equine hybrids in the world. Due to their hybrid vigor, mules and hinnies have been intensively used for carrying loads and people and for tilling the land. Despite their importance, visual distinction of mules and hinnies is difficult due to high phenotypic resemblance. However, the distinction between these two hybrids is of pivotal importance for equid breeders and ranchers. In this study, an easy, low-cost, effective, and fast multiplex-polymerase chain reaction method was developed to distinguish the maternal origin of mules and hinnies, targeting the hyper-variable mitochondrial DNA D-loop region. This methodology can help breeders, ranchers, animal science professionals, and researchers manage their equine herds with more confidence and precision.

Efeitos de dois protocolos de sedação sobre as variáveis bioquímicas em gatos / Effects of two sedation protocols in biochemistry variables in cats

A utilização de protocolos de sedação como auxílio na contenção de felinos para realização de coletas de sangue é de grande importância, porém a utilização de alguns fármacos pode alterar resultados e a interpretação deles. Por outro lado, a contenção física pode gerar intenso estresse, especialmente em felinos, o que também pode interferir nos resultados. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar exames de bioquímica clínica sob o uso de contenção física e química em gatos submetidos a dois protocolos de sedação. Foram utilizados 50 gatos, 26 fêmeas e 24 machos, sem raça definida, submetidos a contenção física e, imediatamente após, a dois protocolos de sedação, DB (dexmedetomidina 5µg/kg e butorfanol 0,3mg/kg) e DBC (dexmedetomidina 5µg/kg, butorfanol 0,3mg/kg e cetamina 3mg/kg), aplicados por via intramuscular. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas após a contenção física e, em seguida, após o uso de um dos protocolos de sedação. Foram avaliados: ureia, creatinina, alaninoaminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina, proteína sérica total (PST), albumina, globulinas, colesterol, triglicérides, cálcio, magnésio e cloretos de amostras de soro, lactato e glicose de amostras de plasma fluoretado. Foi encontrada diferença estatística entre grupos para albumina, triglicérides, PST e colesterol, com maiores valores sendo encontrados no grupo DBC. Entre momentos, houve diferença para colesterol e fosfatase alcalina, com maiores valores no momento contenção física somente no grupo DBC. Já a glicose teve maiores valores após a sedação em ambos os grupos. O estudo revelou que o uso destes protocolos implica restrições para alguns parâmetros bioquímicos aqui estudados e que suas interpretações devem ser avaliadas cuidadosamente.(AU)

The use of sedation protocols to assist in the restraint of cats to perform blood collections is of great importance, but the use of some drugs can alter the results and interpretation. Moreover, the physical restraint may generate intense stress, especially in animals of the feline species, which may also interfere with the results. This study aimed to evaluate examinations of clinical biochemistry in the use of physical restraint and chemistry in cats subjected to two sedation protocols. We used 50 cats, 26 females and 24 males, of mixed-breed, who underwent physical restraint and immediately after underwent two sedation protocols, DB (dexmedetomidine 5µg / kg and 0.3mg butorphanol / kg) and DBC (dexmedetomidine 5µg / kg butorphanol 0.3mg / kg ketamine and 3mg / kg), applied intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken after physical restraint and then after the use of one of the sedation protocols. The following parameters were evaluated: urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein (TP), albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium and chloride in serum samples, and lactate and glucose in fluoride plasma samples. Statistical difference was found between groups for albumin, triglycerides, TP and cholesterol with higher values being found in the DBC group. A statistical difference between moments was found for cholesterol, and ALP with higher values in physical restraint only in the DBC group. Glucose had greater values after sedation for both groups. The study revealed that the use of these protocols implies restrictions on some biochemical parameters studied here, and that their interpretations should be evaluated carefully.(AU)

Genetic characterization of native and invasive Plagioscion squamosissimus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) populations in Brazilian hydrographic basins.

The genetic diversity of invasive and native populations of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) from the Paraná, Parnaiba and Araguaia-Tocantins river basins was assessed by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Genetic data confirmed the hypothesis of low genetic variability within and among P. squamosissimus populations introduced in the upper Paraná River basin, and indicated that they likely originated from a common ancestor. Moreover, the data demonstrated that, in agreement with available historical records, the P. squamosissimus populations established in the Paraná River basin were derived from a population native to the Parnaíba River basin. The genetic data presented here are of potential future application for the management of the invasive P. squamosissimus populations and for the preservation of the genetic legacy of native fish.

Carcass and meat quality traits in Nellore and F1 Nellore-Araguaia crosses.

We evaluated and compared carcass traits and meat quality in Nellore cattle and F1 crosses between Nellore and Araguaia, where 17 individuals were from the Nellore group and 19 were ½ Nellore and ½ Araguaia crosses. All animals belonged to the same birth season and were raised in pasture systems under the same nutritional, environmental, and management conditions. When the animals reached slaughter weight, they were taken to an industrial slaughterhouse where food was not provided for 24 h (free access to water); they were then stunned, bled, the leather was removed, and they were eviscerated. The carcasses were weighed (hot weight), kept in chilled storage for approximately 24 h at 4°C, and weighed again to obtain the chilled carcass weight. Carcass yield, carcass length, carcass width, leg length, thigh perimeter, loin eye area (LEA), retail cuts, cooling loss, pH, fat depth, marbling rate, intramuscular fat, color, and shear force were analyzed and sensory analysis of the meat was conducted. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the following variables: slaughter weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, carcass and leg lengths, thigh perimeter, LEA, retail cuts, and lightness (L*), where the ½ Nellore ½ Araguaia individuals showed higher means for all of these traits, except leg length and L*. Therefore, crossbreeding between Nellore and Araguaia did not affect the meat's sensory characteristics, but contributed to an improvement in carcass traits, providing an alternative for farmers that aim for good meat quality, with a higher meat percentage.

Patient costs for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Brazil: comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF and smear microscopy.

SETTING: Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, two Brazilian state capitals with the country's fifth and sixth highest tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates (around 90/100,000 population in 2012). OBJECTIVE: To compare the costs of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay with those of standard care (two smears) in diagnosing TB from the patient's perspective. METHOD: We interviewed 218 patients diagnosed with TB in the previous 4 months by Xpert or smear microscopy. Information on non-medical direct costs for transportation and food, indirect costs such as time spent for diagnostic visits and socio-demographic data were gathered. RESULTS: The median patient income was US$390.24. Median total costs incurred by patients were 54% higher with the smear process than with Xpert (US$25.24 vs. US$16.44, P < 0.000) due to higher indirect and direct costs. Male patients incurred higher indirect costs (U$10.27 vs. US$7.51, P = 0.038), and patients in Manaus incurred higher total costs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the diagnosis and treatment of TB in Brazil are free of charge, non-medical direct and indirect costs for patients may represent important barriers to accessing appropriate care. Compared to standard care, Xpert reduced the financial burden for patients. These findings support the decision to scale-up Xpert technology in the country.

High thresholds for avoidance of sonar by free-ranging long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas).

The potential effects of exposing marine mammals to military sonar is a current concern. Dose-response relationships are useful for predicting potential environmental impacts of specific operations. To reveal behavioral response thresholds of exposure to sonar, we conducted 18 exposure/control approaches to 6 long-finned pilot whales. Source level and proximity of sonar transmitting one of two frequency bands (1-2 kHz and 6-7 kHz) were increased during exposure sessions. The 2-dimensional movement tracks were analyzed using a changepoint method to identify the avoidance response thresholds which were used to estimate dose-response relationships. No support for an effect of sonar frequency or previous exposures on the probability of response was found. Estimated response thresholds at which 50% of population show avoidance (SPLmax=170 dB re 1 µPa, SELcum=173 dB re 1 µPa(2) s) were higher than previously found for other cetaceans. The US Navy currently uses a generic dose-response relationship to predict the responses of cetaceans to naval active sonar, which has been found to underestimate behavioural impacts on killer whales and beaked whales. The navy curve appears to match more closely our results with long-finned pilot whales, though it might underestimate the probability of avoidance for pilot-whales at long distances from sonar sources.

Effect of the halothane genotype on intramuscular fat deposition in swine.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content has been identified as an important factor in determining the quality of pork. Previous studies have suggested that IMF deposition may be associated with the presence of the halothane (HAL) gene. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the HAL gene on IMF deposition in crossbred pigs of commercial lines, which were killed at a slaughterhouse under official inspection. The genotype of the HAL gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. IMF was analyzed from longissimus dorsi samples. Among all animals analyzed, 42.36% were of the HalNN genotype and 57.64% were of the HalNn genotype. The average IMF content of all samples was 2.14%. Variation in IMF between genotypes was evaluated by analysis of variance. No significant difference in IMF deposition, which could be based on the presence of the halothane allele, was observed, at least in heterozygotes.

Genetic divergence among invasive and native populations of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) in Neotropical regions.

The genetic divergence among invasive and native populations of Plagioscion squamosissimus from four Neotropical hydrographic basins was assessed using the hypervariable domain of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Plagioscion squamosissimus is native to the neighbouring hydrographic basins of the Parnaíba and Amazon Rivers, and the latter includes the Araguaia-Tocantins drainage, but it is invasive in other basins due to introductions. The mtDNA nucleotide polymorphism supported the hypothesis that the Amazon and Parnaíba populations constitute the same species and are separated into two independent evolutionary lineages. Absence of nucleotide polymorphism was observed within and among P. squamosissimus populations invasive to the uppper and middle Paraná River basins. Nucleotide divergence was null or low comparing the Paraná invasive populations with the populations native to the Parnaíba River basin, whereas it was significantly high compared to Tocantins populations. These results ascertain that P. squamosissimus populations invasive to the upper Paraná River basin and to the middle Paraná River basin downstream of the Itaipu dam are derived from the Parnaíba River basin. The genetic data presented are potentially useful to assist further studies on P. squamosissimus taxonomic and geographic distribution, development of ecological guidelines for managing populations invasive to the upper Paraná River basin and for preservation of native fish diversity.

Electron transfer processes in potassium collisions with 5-fluorouracil and 5-chlorouracil.

Electron transfer to uracil (U), 5-chlorouracil (5-ClU) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) yielding anion formation has been investigated in 30-100 eV potassium-molecule collisions. The rich fragmentation patterns of all three molecules suggest that electron transfer in collisions with electronegative neutrals may cause efficient damage to RNA. The main ring fragment anion in all the mass spectra was NCO(-) while the production of X(-) (X = F, Cl) was a strong decomposition of the halouracil temporary negative ions. Cl(-) was the most intense fragment anion in the 5-chlorouracil measurements, whereas NCO(-) production dominated in the U and 5-FU data. Arguments based on energetics and vibrational dynamics have been proposed to explain these differences. Electronic coupling between dipole- and valence-bound states may play a particularly important role in the fragmentation pathways of the 5-ClU parent anion. The stabilizing influence of the potassium cation following electron transfer (ionic scattering) on the observed fragmentation patterns is discussed, notably in the context of comparisons with free electron attachment processes.