Hepatic LC3 II/I ratio is not modulated in exercised mice.

Autophagy plays an essential role in body homeostasis achievement. One of the main proteins involved in this process is the LC3I, which, after lipidation, leads to the formation of LC3II that participates in the formation and maturation of autophagosome. This descriptive study verified the responses of LC3II to LC3I proteins, as well as the time-course of this ratio in mice livers after different types of acute physical exercise protocols. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were maintained three per cage with controlled temperature (22±2 °C) on a 12:12-h light-dark normal cycle with food (Purina chow) and water ad libitum. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (CT, sedentary mice), resistance (RE, submitted to a single bout of resistance exercise), endurance (EE, submitted to a single bout of endurance exercise), and concurrent (CE, submitted to a single bout of endurance combined with resistance exercise). The mice livers were extracted and used for the immunoblotting technique. The hepatic LC3B II/I ratio for the RE and EE groups were not altered during the different time-points. For the CE group, there was a decrease in this ratio 12h after exercise compared to time 0 and 18h. Also, the hepatic LC3B II/I ratios were not different among the acute physical exercise protocols along the time-course. The hepatic LC3B II/I ratio was not influenced by the endurance and resistance protocols but decreased in response to the concurrent protocol at 12h after the stimulus.

Antiproliferative and photoprotective activities of the extracts and compounds from Calea fruticosa.

In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.

Antiproliferative and photoprotective activities of the extracts and compounds from Calea fruticosa

In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.

Uphill running excessive training increases gastrocnemius glycogen content in C57BL/6 mice.

The main aim of the present investigation was to verify the effects of three overtraining (OT) protocols performed in downhill (OTR/down), uphill (OTR/up) and without inclination (OTR) on the protein levels of Akt (Ser473), AMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 as well as on the glycogen contents in mice gastrocnemius. A trained (TR) protocol was used as positive control. Rodents were divided into naive (N, sedentary mice), control (CT, sedentary mice submitted to the performance evaluations), TR, OTR/down, OTR/up and OTR groups. At the end of the experimental protocols, gastrocnemius samples were removed and used for immunoblotting analysis as well as for glycogen measurements. There was no significant difference between the experimental groups for the protein levels of pAkt (Ser473), pAMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4. However, the OTR/up protocol exhibited higher contents of glycogen compared to the CT and TR groups. In summary, the OTR/up group increased the gastrocnemius glycogen content without significant changes of pAkt (Ser473), pAMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4.

Effect of dietary lysine on performance and expression of electron transport chain genes in the pectoralis major muscle of broilers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary lysine on performance, protein deposition and respiratory chain gene expression in male broilers. A total of 252 Cobb 500 broilers were distributed, in a completely randomized design, into four treatments with seven replicates of nine birds per experimental unit. Experimental treatments consisted of diets based on corn and soybean meal, with four levels of digestible lysine: 1.016%, 1.099%, 1.182% and 1.265%. The increase in the level of digestible lysine in the diet provided higher weight gains, feed efficiency and body protein deposition. Birds fed the lowest level of dietary lysine (1.016%) showed a lower expression of genes such as NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (ND1), cytochrome b (CYTB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunits I (COX I), II (COX II) and III (COX III), displaying the worst performance and body protein deposition. This demonstrates the relationship existing between the expression of the evaluated genes and the performance responses. In conclusion, results indicate that broilers fed diets with higher levels of digestible lysine have increased messenger RNA expression of some genes coded in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ND1, CYTB, COX I, COX II and COX III). It may be stated that diets with proper levels of digestible lysine, within the 'ideal protein' concept, promote the expression of genes, which increases the mitochondrial energy, thereby fostering body protein deposition and the performance of broilers in the starter phase.

Consumo, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio em ovinos alimentados com rações contendo torta de Crambe / Intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep fed with diets containing Crambe cake

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da utilização de torta de crambe na ração de ovinos sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4x4 com quatro animais, quatro períodos e quatro tratamentos. Os tratamentos avaliados foram rações com 30% de silagem de sorgo e 70% de torta de crambe (30:70) e rações com 70% de silagem de sorgo e 30% de torta de crambe (70:30) em cordeiros sob consumo voluntário e controlado. Os animais que receberam a ração com a relação 30:70 consumiram mais matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) por kg/dia, % PV/dia e g/kg PV0,75. A relação 30:70 proporcionou maior coeficiente de digestibilidade de MS e FDN. Os animais no regime voluntário apresentaram maior consumo de MS, PB, EE por kg/dia, % PV/dia e g/kg PV0,75. A torta de crambe apresentou coeficientes de digestibilidade superiores à silagem de sorgo, independentemente do regime de consumo. A relação 30:70 apresentou diferença para o N-ingerido e N-absorvido. A torta de crambe apresenta alta digestibilidade dos nutrientes e aceitação pelos animais quando associada à silagem de sorgo.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using crambe cake in diets for sheep on intake and digestibility. The experimental design was a 4x4 Latin square with four animals, four periods and four treatments. The treatments were diets with 30% sorghum silage and 70% crambe cake (30:70) and a diet with 70% sorghum silage and 30% crambe cake (70:30) in lambs under the voluntary and controlled intake. The animals who fed a diet with a 30:70 ratio consumed more dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) per kg/day, %BW/day and g/kgPV0,75. The ration provided higher digestibility of DM and NDF. The animals in the voluntary regime presented higher consumption of DM, CP, EE per kg/day, %BW/day and g/kgPV0,75. The cake crambe presented digestibility coefficient higher than sorghum silage, regardless of the regime intake. The 30:70 ration presented a difference in N intake and N absorbed. The cake crambe has high nutrient digestibility and acceptance by animals when associated with sorghum silage.(AU)

Mineral requirements of hair sheep in tropical climates.

In this study, we evaluated the requirements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) for sheep hair growth. Experimental diets contained different levels of metabolizable energy [ME; 0.96, 1.28, 1.72, 2.18 and 2.62 Mcal/kg of dry matter, (DM), corresponding to 4.23, 5.64, 7.58, 9.61 and 11.55 MJ/kg DM]. The lambs' hair (n = 48) at 2 months of age presented an average body weight (BW) of 12.05 ± 1.81 kg. At the beginning of the experiment, eight animals were slaughtered as a reference group to estimate the initial empty body weight and body composition. Net mineral requirements (g/day) ranged from 0.73 to 0.71 g of Ca, 0.51 to 0.49 g of P, 0.026 to 0.026 g of Mg, 0.16 to 0.19 g of Na and 0.15 to 0.13 g of K for animals with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg and a daily gain of 100 g. The results of this study indicate that the net macromineral requirements for weight gain in Morada Nova lambs are different from the values commonly recommended by the Agricultural and Food Research Council.

Effects of different lipid sources on intake, digestibility and purine derivatives in hair lambs.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lipid sources on the nutrient intake, digestibility and purine derivative excretion of lambs. Thirty-five 60-day-old, male, non-castrated Santa Ines lambs with an initial average body weight (BW) of 13.00 ± 1.80 kg were used in a randomized complete block design with seven blocks and five treatments. The experimental treatments consisted of a control diet without supplemental lipids and four test diets with different lipid supplements, selected according to the degree of ruminal protection from hydrogenation: supplementation, being supplementation with whole cottonseed (WC), supplementation with cashew nut meal (CNM), supplementation with both cottonseed and cashew nut meal (WC-CNM) and supplementation with calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (Ca-LCFA). The lambs were slaughtered after reaching 28 kg average BW for each treatment. The ether extract intake (EEI) was higher (p < 0.01) for the lipid supplemented compared to control diet lambs. Supplementation with WC decreased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and total carbohydrate (TC) (p < 0.01), whereas supplementation with CNM, WC-CNM and Ca-LCFA reduced non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility (p < 0.01). The ether extract (EE) digestibility coefficient was higher with CNM, followed by Ca-LCFA and WC, when compared to WC-CNM and control diets. Nitrogen balance (NB) was not influenced (p > 0.05) by the different lipid sources. A lower purine derivative (PD) excretion and thus lower microbial protein supply (MPS) was observed for animals supplemented with Ca-LCFA (p < 0.01) compared to the WC-CNM and control diets. In conclusion, WC, CNM and WC-CNM supplementation did not have negative effects on MPS, although negative effects have been observed on nutrient digestibility.

Exploring the potential of novel biomixtures and Lentinula edodes fungus for the degradation of selected pesticides. Evaluation for use in biobed systems.

An approach to reduce the contamination of water sources with pesticides is the use of biopurificaction systems. The active core of these systems is the biomixture. The composition of biomixtures depends on the availability of local agro-industrial wastes and design should be adapted to every region. In Portugal, cork processing is generally regarded as environmentally friendly and would be interesting to find applications for its industry residues. In this work the potential use of different substrates in biomixtures, as cork (CBX); cork and straw, coat pine and LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregates), was tested on the degradation of terbuthylazine, difenoconazole, diflufenican and pendimethalin pesticides. Bioaugmentation strategies using the white-rot fungus Lentinula edodes inoculated into the CBX, was also assessed. The results obtained from this study clearly demonstrated the relevance of using natural biosorbents as cork residues to increase the capacity of pesticide dissipation in biomixtures for establishing biobeds. Furthermore, higher degradation of all the pesticides was achieved by use of bioaugmented biomixtures. Indeed, the biomixtures inoculated with L. edodes EL1 were able to mineralize the selected xenobiotics, revelling that these white-rot fungi might be a suitable fungus for being used as inoculum sources in on-farm sustainable biopurification system, in order to increase its degradation efficiency. After 120 days, maximum degradation of terbuthylazine, difenoconazole, diflufenican and pendimethalin, of bioaugmented CBX, was 89.9%, 75.0%, 65.0% and 99.4%, respectively.. The dominant metabolic route of terbuthylazine in biomixtures inoculated with L. edodes EL1 proceeded mainly via hydroxylation, towards production of terbuthylazine-hydroxy-2 metabolite. Finally, sorption process to cork by pesticides proved to be a reversible process, working cork as a mitigating factor reducing the toxicity to microorganisms in the biomixture, especially in the early stages.

Avaliação hemogasométrica em cadelas com piometra / Hemogasometric evaluation in bitches with pyometra

A piometra é uma afecção comum em cadelas com uma etiologia hormonal associada à infecção bacteriana, levando ao acúmulo de exsudato uterino. Desequilíbrios ácido-base e hidroeletrolíticos são complicações que contribuem para a progressão da doença, o que piora o estado geral da paciente e pode levá-la ao óbito. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar os distúrbios ácido-base e eletrolíticos em cadelas com piometra, além de avaliar se a terapia hídrica pré-cirúrgica (Ringer lactato) é efetiva na correção desses desequilíbrios. Vinte cadelas com piometra foram submetidas à hemogasometria em oito tempos preestabelecidos. Concluiu-se que o distúrbio ácido-base mais frequente foi a alcalose respiratória e que a terapia hídrica no pré-cirúrgico com solução Ringer lactato foi efetiva na correção da acidose metabólica e proporcionou melhora na alcalose respiratória, embora não tenha corrigido quadros de alcalose metabólica.

Pyometra is a common disease in dogs with a hormonal etiology associated with a bacterial infection and leading to accumulation of uterine exudates. Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances are complications that contribute to disease progression, worsening the condition of the patient, possibly leading death. The aim of this study was to characterize the acid-base and electrolyte disturbances in dogs with pyometra, and to evaluate whether preoperative fluid therapy (Ringer's lactate) is effective in correcting these imbalances. Twenty bitches with pyometra were subjected to blood gas analysis in eight pre-set times. It was concluded that the acid-base disorder was the most frequent respiratory alkalosis and fluid therapy in the preoperative Ringer 's lactate solution was effective in the correction of metabolic acidosis, although this has not corrected metabolic alkalosis frames and has provided improved alkalosis breathing .

Desempenho, consumo e morfometria in vivo de cordeiros Santa Inês alimentados com rações contendo torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de algodão / Performance, consumption and in vivo morphometry of Santa Inês lambs fed diets containing sunflower cake in place of cottonseed meal

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de determinar o melhor teor de substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês, por meio da avaliação do consumo, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e medidas morfométricas. Foram confinados, por 60 dias, 30 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, machos inteiros, com idade e peso médio no início do experimento de 80 dias e 21,45±2,16kg, respectivamente. O delineamento experimental foi completamente casualizado, sendo os animais divididos em 5 tratamentos, com 6 repetições por tratamento, de acordo com a quantidade de proteína do farelo de algodão substituída pela proteína da torta de girassol (0, 20, 40, 60 e 80% de substituição). As variáveis peso final, consumo de matéria seca e conversão alimentar não foram afetadas pelas dietas experimentais, embora o ganho médio diário tenha sido inferior para as dietas com maior teor de torta de girassol. Para os parâmetros de consumo, verificou-se diferença apenas no consumo de extrato etéreo em relação ao peso metabólico (g/kg PV0,75), em que cordeiros recebendo dieta com maior teor de torta de girassol ingeriram maiores quantidades de extrato etéreo. Em relação às medidas morfométricas, houve decréscimo linear da altura de dorso e largura de garupa com a inclusão da torta de girassol na dieta. A substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol afetou negativamente o ganho de peso de cordeiros Santa Inês em confinamento. Porém, teve pouca ou nenhuma influência nos parâmetros de consumo e nas medidas morfométricas in vivo.(AU)

This study was conducted with the aim to determine the optimal level of protein replacement of cottonseed meal protein by sunflower cake in diets for Santa Inês lambs, through the evaluation of consumption, weight gain, feed conversion and morphometric measurements. Thirty Santa Inês lambs, bulls, with age and weight at the beginning of the experiment of 80 days and 21.45±2.16kg, respectively, were confined for 60 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, where the animals were divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment. For the treatments, the protein from the cottonseed meal was replaced by the protein of the sunflower cake (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% of substitutions). For morphometric determinations, the following measurements were taken: pre-slaughter body length, leg length, leg perimeter, height of the dorsum; hip height; chest girth, hip width and chest width. Final weight, dry matter intake and feed conversion were not affected by the experimental diets, although the average daily gain was lower for diets with higher content of sunflower cake. For consumption parameters, there was a difference only in the consumption of ether extract in relation to metabolic weight (g/kg PV 0, 75), where lambs receiving diets with higher levels of sunflower cake ingested larger amounts of ether extract. Regarding the morphometric measurements, there was a linear decrease of the height of the dorsum and hip width with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the diet. The replacement of cottonseed meal protein by sunflower cake protein negatively affected the weight gain of Santa Inês lambs. However, it affected little or nothing the parameters of consumption and in vivo morphometric measurements.(AU)

Detecção de locos de características quantitativas nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos: características de desempenho / Detection of quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, X in pigs: performance characteristics

Mapeou-se quantitative trait loci (QTL) associados a características de desempenho nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos pertencentes a uma população F2, formada a partir do cruzamento entre dois machos da raça naturalizada brasileira Piau e 18 fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). O mapa genético de ligação da população foi construído após a genotipagem dos animais para 35 marcadores microssatélites. As estimativas do conteúdo de informação polimórfica indicaram que os marcadores microssatélites foram adequados para as análises de QTL. Os dados foram analisados pelo mapeamento por intervalo usando-se o programa GridQTL. Encontraram-se seis QTL, sendo que o QTL genômico para idade ao abate atingiu a significância de 5% de probabilidade. As informações dos QTL detectados neste estudo são úteis para identificar genes que podem ser usados em conjunto com os métodos convencionais de seleção, aumentar a acurácia deles e prover uma compreensão dos fenótipos produtivos de suínos.

The accomplishment of the present study had the objective of mapping Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) related to performance traits in a F2 pig population developed by mating two Brazilian Piau breed sires with 18 dams from a commercial line (Landrace × Large White × Pietrain). The linkage map for this population was constructed after genotyping the animals for 35 microsatellite markers. Estimates of polymorphic information content indicated that the microsatellite markers were appropriate for QTL analyses. The genotypes were analyzed by interval mapping using the GridQTL program. A total of six QTL were found, of which the QTL for slaughter age (days) was significant at the 5% genome-wise level. The information of the significant QTL detected in this study is useful for future fine-mapping studies for the identification of genes. Such information can be used together with traditional methods in breeding programs or even for a better understanding of the phenotypes of swine production.

Degradation of terbuthylazine, difenoconazole and pendimethalin pesticides by selected fungi cultures.

Contamination of waters by xenobiotic compounds such as pesticides presents a serious environmental problem with substantial levels of pesticides now contaminating European water resources. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of the fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus oryzae, Lentinula edodes, Penicillium brevicompactum and Lecanicillium saksenae, for the biodegradation of the pesticides terbuthylazine, difenoconazole and pendimethalin in batch liquid cultures. These pesticides are common soil and water contaminants and terbuthylazine is considered the most persistent triazine herbicide in surface environments. P. brevicompactum and L. saksenae were achieved by enrichment, isolation and screening of fungi capable to metabolize the pesticides studied. The isolates were obtained from two pesticide-primed materials (soil and biomixture). Despite the relatively high persistence of terbuthylazine, the results obtained in this work showed that the fungi species studied have a high capability of biotransformation of this xenobiotic, comparatively the results obtained in other similar studies. The highest removal percentage of terbuthylazine from liquid medium was achieved with A. oryzae (~80%), although the major biodegradation has been reached with P. brevicompactum. The higher ability of P. brevicompactum to metabolize terbuthylazine was presumably acquired through chronic exposure to contamination with the herbicide. L. saksenae could remove 99.5% of the available pendimethalin in batch liquid cultures. L. edodes proved to be a fungus with a high potential for biodegradation of pesticides, especially difenoconazole and pendimethalin. Furthermore, the metabolite desethyl-terbuthylazine was detected in L. edodes liquid culture medium, indicating terbuthylazine biodegradation by this fungus. The fungi strains investigated could prove to be valuable as active pesticide-degrading microorganisms, increasing the efficiency of biopurification systems containing wastewaters contaminated with the xenobiotics studied or compounds with similar intrinsic characteristics.

Mapeamento de QTL nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X em suínos: características de carcaça e qualidade de carne / Mapping of QTL on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 and X in pigs: characteristics carcass and quality of meat

A realização do presente estudo teve como objetivo mapear Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) de carcaça e qualidade de carne em uma população F2 de suínos desenvolvida pelo cruzamento de dois reprodutores da raça brasileira Piau com 18 fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). O mapa de ligação para essa população foi construído após a genotipagem de 684 animais para 35 marcadores microssatélites. Os dados foram analisados pelo mapeamento por intervalo usando-se sexo, lote e genótipo halotano como efeitos fixos e peso de carcaça ao abate, peso da carcaça direita e idade ao abate como covariáveis. Um total de 18 QTLs foi encontrado; os QTLs para maior espessura de toucinho na região da copa, na linha dorsolombar, e a perda por cozimento foram significativos em nível de 5% genômico. A característica espessura de toucinho foi essencialmente associada aos alelos da raça Piau, conhecido como porco tipo banha. As informações dos QTLs significativos encontrados servem para futuros estudos de mapeamento fino para identificação de genes a serem usados em conjunto com os métodos tradicionais de seleção, para melhorar a eficiência dos programas de melhoramento, assim como prover informação acerca da fisiologia envolvida no desenvolvimento das características quantitativas dos suínos.

The accomplishment of the present study had as objective to map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated to carcass and quality traits in a F2 pig population developed by mating two Brazilian Piau breed sires with 18 dams from a commercial line (Landrace × Large White × Pietrain). The linkage map for this population was constructed after genotyping the 684 animals for 35 microsatellite markers. Data were analyzed by interval mapping using sex, batch and halothane genotype as fixed effects and carcass weight at slaughter, direct carcass weight and slaugher age as covariables. A total of 18 QTL were identified, the QTL for higher backfat thickness on the shoulder region and cooking loss was significant at 5% genome-wise level. The backfat thickness trait was mainly associated with the Piau breed allele, known as a fat pig. The information of the significant QTL detected in this study is useful for future fine-mapping studies for identification of genes and might be used together with traditional selection methods to improve the efficiency of breeding programs, moreover, this information can also provide new insights to the understanding of the physiology of the quantatiative traits in pigs.

Evaluation of carbamazepine uptake and metabolization by Typha spp., a plant with potential use in phytotreatment.

Phytoremediation technologies such as constructed wetlands have shown higher efficiencies in removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewaters than conventional wastewater treatment processes, and plants seem to have an important role in the removal of some of those compounds. In this context, a study was conducted to assess tolerance, uptake, and metabolism of the epilepsy drug, carbamazepine, by the macrophyte Typha spp. This evaluation was conducted in hydroponic solutions with 0.5-2.0mg/L of this pharmaceutical for a maximum period of 21 days. The removal of carbamazepine from nutrient solutions by the plants reached values of 82% of the initial contents. Furthermore, a metabolite (10,11-dihydro-10,11-epoxycarbamazepine) was detected in leaf tissues indicating carbamazepine translocation and metabolism inside plants. Activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and guaiacol peroxidase generally increase (after some mild initial inhibition in the case of the latter enzyme) as result of the abiotic stress caused by the exposure to carbamazepine, but ultimately Typha seemed able to cope with its toxicity. The results obtained in this study suggest the ability of Typha spp., to actively participate in the removal of carbamazepine from water when used in phytotreatment systems.

Description of the female of Navicordulia aemulatrix Pinto & Lamas and additional notes on the male (Odonata: Corduliidae).

The female of Navicordulia aemulatrix Pinto & Lamas is described and illustrated for the first time based on a single specimen from the same locality of the type series (state of Santa Catarina, [municipality of São Bento do Sul, 26°14'58"S, 49°22'59"W, railroad station] Rio Vermelho, 29.I.1952, in MZSP). In addition, further morphological notes for the male are provided based on three specimens collected at the type locality and at a new locality in the state of Santa Catarina (Timbó municipality). The pronotal process present in N. aemulatrix is re-evaluated and considered non-homologous to that found in Neocordulia setifera (Hagen in Selys) as previously suggested.

Improvement in soil and sorghum health following the application of polyacrylate polymers to a Cd-contaminated soil.

Contamination of soils with cadmium (Cd) is a serious global issue due to its high mobility and toxicity. We investigated the application of insoluble polyacrylate polymers to improve soil and plant health. Sorghum was grown in a Cd-contaminated sandy soil. Polyacrylate polymers at 0.2% (w/w) were added to half of the soil. Control soil without plants was also included in the experiment. Growth of sorghum was stimulated in the polymer-amended soil. The concentration of Cd in the shoots, and the activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase decreased in plants from polymer-amended soil compared with unamended control. The amount of CaCl(2)-extractable Cd in the polymer-amended soil was 55% of that in the unamended soil. The Cd extracted in sorghum shoots was 0.19 mg per plant grown on soil without polymer and 0.41 mg per plant grown on polymer-amended soil. The total amount of Cd removed from each pot corresponded to 1.5 and more than 6% of soil CaCl(2)-extractable Cd in unamended and polymer-amended soil, respectively. The activities of soil acid phosphatase, beta-glucosidase, urease, protease and cellulase were greatest in polymer-amended soil with sorghum. In conclusion, the application of polyacrylate polymers to reduce the bioavailable Cd pool seems a promising method to enhance productivity and health of plants grown on Cd-contaminated soils.

Toxicity and removal efficiency of pharmaceutical metabolite clofibric acid by Typha spp.--potential use for phytoremediation?

A study was conducted to assess Typha spp.'s ability to withstand and remove, from water, a metabolite of blood lipid regulator drugs, clofibric acid (CA). At a concentration of 20 microg L(-1), Typha had removed >50% of CA within the first 48h, reaching a maximum of 80% by the end of the assay. Experimental conditions assured that photodegradation, adsorption to vessel walls and microbial degradation did not contribute to the removal. Exposure to higher CA concentrations did not affect Typha's photosynthetic pigments but the overall increase in enzyme activity (ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases, catalase, superoxide dismutase) indicates that both roots and leaves were affected by the xenobiotic. Eventually, Typha seemed able to cope with the CA's induced oxidative damage suggesting its ability for phytoremediation of CA contaminated waters.

Association of the heart fatty acid-binding protein gene with quality of carcass and meat traits in pigs / Associação entre o gene da proteína de ligação de ácidos graxos - coração com características de carcaça e qualidade da carne em suínos

The heart fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) gene was sequenced in parental animals of a F2 crossing of boars of the Brazilian native Piau breed with commercial sows (Landrace x Large White Pietrain). Primers used for PCR were designed to amplify four exons of the gene. The PCR products were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences. Differences between the generated sequences and the GenBank sequences were observed for both genetic groups. A total of 246 F2 animals were genotyped using the Hinf I restriction enzyme. Two genotypes were identified, 198 being animals HH and 48 Hh. The Hinf I SNP was significantly associated with weights of loin (bone-in) (P<0.05), jowl (P<0.05), sirloin (P<0.10), and kidneys (P<0.01). These results showed the potential of the H-FABP gene in marker-assisted selection programs for carcass traits in pigs.

O gene da proteína de ligação de ácidos graxos - coração foi seqüenciado em animais parentais de um cruzamento F2 entre varrões da raça nativa brasileira Piau e fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). Os primers utilizados na reação em cadeia da polimerase foram desenhados para amplificarem os quatro éxons do gene. Os fragmentos amplificados foram seqüenciados e comparados com a seqüência do gene depositada no GenBank. Foram observadas divergências entre as seqüências geradas e as do GenBank para ambos os grupos genéticos. Foram genotipados 246 animais F2 utilizando-se a enzima Hinf I. Dois genótipos foram identificados, sendo 198 animais HH e 48 animais Hh. O polimorfismo apresentou efeito sobre o peso total do carré (P<0,05), o peso da papada (P<0,05), o peso do filezinho (P<0,10) e o peso dos rins (P<0,01). Os resultados indicam que o gene da H-FABP apresenta potencial para aplicação em programas de seleção assistida por marcadores moleculares em suínos.

Influence of organic matter on the uptake of cadmium, zinc, copper and iron by sorghum plants.

This article describes an experiment, carried out under controlled environment conditions, to investigate the effects of a fulvic acid fraction of soil organic matter on growth, cadmium (Cd) uptake and redistribution by sorghum. In addition the uptake of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) was also determined. Sorghum was grown in nutrient solutions with 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg Cd dm(-3), in the absence and presence of organic matter (32 mg C dm(-3)), for various periods up to 20 days. A decrease in sorghum biomass due to Cd toxicity was observed at 10 mg Cd dm(-3), but for concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mg Cd dm(-3) the biomass was increased compared with control, without visual toxicity symptoms. The presence of organic matter (OM) further increased biomass production. Cadmium was mainly retained in sorghum roots, as usually found in tolerant plants, but Cd accumulation in sorghum was greater than in other Gramineae, or even more tolerant plants such as lettuce. The presence of OM decreased the bioavailability of Cd that was partially retained in solution by the OM ligands. However, OM promoted the translocation of Cd to shoots, an effect that may pose a risk to public health because plant-animal transfer of Cd could be enhanced. The presence of OM decreased the uptake of Cu, Zn and Fe. The presence (vs. absence) of 0.1 mg Cd dm(-3) enhanced the uptake of Fe, both in the absence and presence of OM.