Dietary supplementation with whey protein improves systemic microvascular function in heart failure patients: a pilot study.

Endothelial dysfunction is a well-known component of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), with proven prognostic value. Dietary supplementation with whey protein (WP) has been widely used to increase skeletal muscle mass, but it also has vascular effects, which are less understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WP supplementation on the systemic microvascular function of HF patients. This was a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of 12-week WP dietary supplementation on systemic microvascular function, in patients with HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I/II. Cutaneous microvascular flow and reactivity were assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging, coupled with pharmacological local vasodilator stimuli. Fifteen patients (aged 64.5±6.2 years, 11 males) received WP supplementation and ten patients (aged 68.2±8.8 years, 8 males) received placebo (maltodextrin). The increase in endothelial-dependent microvascular vasodilation, induced by skin iontophoresis of acetylcholine, was improved after WP (P=0.03) but not placebo (P=0.37) supplementation. Moreover, endothelial-independent microvascular vasodilation induced by skin iontophoresis of sodium nitroprusside, was also enhanced after WP (P=0.04) but not placebo (P=0.42) supplementation. The results suggested that dietary supplementation with WP improved systemic microvascular function in patients with HF.

Dietary supplementation with whey protein improves systemic microvascular function in heart failure patients: a pilot study

Endothelial dysfunction is a well-known component of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), with proven prognostic value. Dietary supplementation with whey protein (WP) has been widely used to increase skeletal muscle mass, but it also has vascular effects, which are less understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WP supplementation on the systemic microvascular function of HF patients. This was a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of 12-week WP dietary supplementation on systemic microvascular function, in patients with HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I/II. Cutaneous microvascular flow and reactivity were assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging, coupled with pharmacological local vasodilator stimuli. Fifteen patients (aged 64.5±6.2 years, 11 males) received WP supplementation and ten patients (aged 68.2±8.8 years, 8 males) received placebo (maltodextrin). The increase in endothelial-dependent microvascular vasodilation, induced by skin iontophoresis of acetylcholine, was improved after WP (P=0.03) but not placebo (P=0.37) supplementation. Moreover, endothelial-independent microvascular vasodilation induced by skin iontophoresis of sodium nitroprusside, was also enhanced after WP (P=0.04) but not placebo (P=0.42) supplementation. The results suggested that dietary supplementation with WP improved systemic microvascular function in patients with HF.

Delinted cottonseed in diets for finishing sheep.

The use of agricultural by-products might provide an important alternative to improve animal agriculture and to reduce feeding costs. The effects of inclusion in the diet of four levels of delinted cottonseed (0, 80, 160, and 240 g/kg) on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and the ingestive behaviour of confined sheep were studied. Twenty-four mixed-breed rams with an average body weight of 27.6 ± 2.9 kg were used in a completely randomised design with four treatments. The addition of delinted cottonseed (DCS) did not alter (P > 0.05) the intake of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, or ether extract in the two forms calculated (g/day and % body weight). The use of different levels of DCS in sheep feed did not influence (P > 0.05) the voluntary water intake. The dietary DCS levels linearly affected (P < 0.05) the digestibility coefficients of the dry matter (DM), organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The DCS inclusion levels did not affect the nitrogen balance (P = 0.22), plasma concentrations of urea (P = 0.51), and glucose (P = 0.17).The feeding efficiency and rumination in g DM/h reduced linearly (P < 0.05) with the addition of DCS in the diet. Therefore, the addition of delinted cottonseed affects the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behaviour of confined sheep, and the addition of up to 80 g/kg delinted cottonseed in the diet of confined sheep is recommended.

Socio-epidemiological characterisation of blood donors with asymptomatic Leishmania infantum infection from three Brazilian endemic regions and analysis of the transfusional transmission risk of visceral leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in blood donors from three endemic regions in Brazil and evaluated the risk of transmission by transfusion. BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence of the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis through blood transfusion, the real risk, an essential condition for taking effective measures to control this serious disease, has not been determined. METHODS: A multicentre study was performed in highly endemic areas. Candidates eligible for their first blood donation underwent a socio-epidemiological interview, and blood samples were collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients transfused with red blood cells or random platelet concentrates collected from these donors were also studied. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and prevalence estimates, with significance defined as p-values <0·05. RESULTS: Of the 608 eligible donors, 37 (6·1%) were positive for visceral leishmaniasis as per ELISA. The socio-epidemiological analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence in non-Caucasians (p = 0·008). Among 296 patients who received blood components from these donors, the pre-transfusion seropositivity was 7·7%, and 13 patients received blood positive for Leishmania infantum. Six patients were followed up for 90 days, of which two (33·3%) had serological conversion at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the high prevalence of L. infantum seropositivity among donors in the three regions; the seroconversion in a short period of time in two of six patients suggests the possibility of transmission of the infection by transfusion.

Correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and carotid intima-media thickness in a Brazilian population descended from African slaves.

Hypovitaminosis D has been identified as a possible new cardiovascular risk factor. However, the results of studies correlating serum vitamin D levels with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis have been conflicting. The aim of this study was to correlate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) and conventional cardiovascular risk factors in Afro-descendants. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on a sample of 382 individuals from a cohort of descendants of African slaves, inhabitants of "Quilombola" communities, with a mean age of 57.79 ±15.3 years, 54.5% of whom were women. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and biochemical tests were performed, including serum levels of 25(OH)D by electrochemiluminescence and urinary albumin excretion, evaluated by the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in a spot urine sample. All participants underwent high-resolution ultrasonography for C-IMT measurement. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL. The mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 50.4±13.5 ng/mL, with a low prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (4.86%). By simple linear correlation, a significant inverse association between 25(OH)D levels and C-IMT (r=-0.174, P=0.001) was observed. However, after multiple linear regression analysis, the significance of the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and C-IMT measurement was lost (ß=-0.039, P=0.318) and only male gender, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure, glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol remained significantly associated with C-IMT. Levels of 25(OH)D were independently and positively associated with HDL-cholesterol and inversely associated with age and ACR. In conclusion, no independent association between 25(OH)D levels and C-IMT was observed in this population. On the other hand, there was an inverse association with albuminuria, a marker of endothelial lesion.

Levels of neutral detergent fiber in diets with forage palm for dairy goats / Fibra em detergente neutro em dietas com palma forrageira para cabras leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the amount of fiber in the diet that is able to promote better use of nutrients in the diet of dairy goats when forage palm is the main source of roughage. Fifteen Alpine dairy goats were distributed in a 5 × 5 triple Latin square containing five treatments and five periods, and each treatment contained. We tested five diets composed of different contents of neutral detergent fiber from Tifton hay (NDFf) in the dry matter of rations containing forage palm: D1: 11.98%; D2: 18.31%; D3: 23.68%; D4: 28.76% and D5: 32.12% NDFf. The intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates and ether extract decreased linearly with the increase in NDFf content. There was a linear increase of milk production and milk protein with increasing dietary NDFf. The fat, dry extract, protein, pH and acidity of the evaluated milk were not affected by increasing the levels of NDFf in the diet. In situations where dairy goats are fed forage palm and other types of forage are limited, 11.98% NDF from forage other than palm can be used as an effective source of NDF.(AU)

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a quantidade de fibra na dieta que é capaz de promover melhor uso de nutrientes na dieta de cabras leiteiras quando a palma forrageira é a principal fonte de forragem. Quinze cabras leiteiras alpinas foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino triplo 5 × 5 contendo cinco tratamentos e cinco períodos. Testaram-se cinco dietas compostas por diferentes teores de fibra em detergente neutro de feno de tifton (FDNf) na matéria seca de rações contendo palma forrageira: D1: 11,98%; D2: 18,31%; D3: 23,68%; D4: 28,76% e D5: 32,12% de FDNf. A ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos não fibrosos e extrato etéreo diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do conteúdo de FDNf. Houve um aumento linear da produção de leite e da proteína do leite com o aumento da FDNf dietética. A gordura, a lactose, o extrato seco, o pH e a acidez do leite não foram afetados pelo aumento dos níveis de FDNf na dieta. Em situações em que as cabras leiteiras são alimentadas com palma forrageira e outros tipos de forragem são limitados, 11,98% de FDN de forragem diferente da palma podem ser usados como fonte efetiva de fibra.(AU)

Levels of neutral detergent fiber in diets with forage palm for dairy goats / Fibra em detergente neutro em dietas com palma forrageira para cabras leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the amount of fiber in the diet that is able to promote better use of nutrients in the diet of dairy goats when forage palm is the main source of roughage. Fifteen Alpine dairy goats were distributed in a 5 × 5 triple Latin square containing five treatments and five periods, and each treatment contained. We tested five diets composed of different contents of neutral detergent fiber from Tifton hay (NDFf) in the dry matter of rations containing forage palm: D1: 11.98%; D2: 18.31%; D3: 23.68%; D4: 28.76% and D5: 32.12% NDFf. The intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates and ether extract decreased linearly with the increase in NDFf content. There was a linear increase of milk production and milk protein with increasing dietary NDFf. The fat, dry extract, protein, pH and acidity of the evaluated milk were not affected by increasing the levels of NDFf in the diet. In situations where dairy goats are fed forage palm and other types of forage are limited, 11.98% NDF from forage other than palm can be used as an effective source of NDF.(AU)

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a quantidade de fibra na dieta que é capaz de promover melhor uso de nutrientes na dieta de cabras leiteiras quando a palma forrageira é a principal fonte de forragem. Quinze cabras leiteiras alpinas foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino triplo 5 × 5 contendo cinco tratamentos e cinco períodos. Testaram-se cinco dietas compostas por diferentes teores de fibra em detergente neutro de feno de tifton (FDNf) na matéria seca de rações contendo palma forrageira: D1: 11,98%; D2: 18,31%; D3: 23,68%; D4: 28,76% e D5: 32,12% de FDNf. A ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos não fibrosos e extrato etéreo diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do conteúdo de FDNf. Houve um aumento linear da produção de leite e da proteína do leite com o aumento da FDNf dietética. A gordura, a lactose, o extrato seco, o pH e a acidez do leite não foram afetados pelo aumento dos níveis de FDNf na dieta. Em situações em que as cabras leiteiras são alimentadas com palma forrageira e outros tipos de forragem são limitados, 11,98% de FDN de forragem diferente da palma podem ser usados como fonte efetiva de fibra.(AU)

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Meat quality of finishing feedlot lambs fed diets of assorted sorghum cultivars

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.(AU)

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Meat quality of finishing feedlot lambs fed diets of assorted sorghum cultivars

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.(AU)

Palm kernel cake obtained from biodiesel production in diets for goats: feeding behavior and physiological parameters.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) cake in diets for goats on feeding behaviors, rectal temperature, and cardiac and respiratory frequencies. Forty crossbred Boer male, non-castrated goats (ten animals per treatment), with an average age of 90 days and an initial body weight of 15.01 ± 1.76 kg, were used. The goats were fed Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay and palm kernel supplemented at the rates of 0, 7, 14, and 21% of dry matter (DM). The feeding behaviors (rumination, feeding, and idling times) were observed for three 24-h periods. DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake values were estimated as the difference between the total DM and NDF contents of the feed offered and the total DM and NDF contents of the orts. There was no effect of palm kernel cake inclusion in goat diets on DM intake (P > 0.05). However, palm kernel cake promoted a linear increase (P < 0.05) in NDF intake and time spent feeding and ruminating (min/day; %; period) and a linear decrease in time spent idling. Palm kernel cakes had no effects (P > 0.05) on the chewing, feeding, and rumination efficiency (DM and NDF) or on physiological variables. The use up to 21% palm kernel cake in the diet of crossbred Boer goats maintained the feeding behaviors and did not change the physiological parameters of goats; therefore, its use is recommended in the diet of these animals.

Influence of diets with silage from forage plants adapted to the semi-arid conditions on lamb quality and sensory attributes.

Quality and sensory attributes of meat from 32 mixed-breed Santa Inês lambs fed diets composed of four silages with old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind), buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium), and Pornunça (Manihot sp.) were evaluated. Meat from lambs fed diet containing old man saltbush silage (P<0.05) showed greater values for cooking loss. Of the sensory attributes evaluated in the Longissimus lumborum muscle of the lambs, color and juiciness did not differ (P>0.05). However, the silages led to differences (P<0.05) in aroma, tenderness, and flavor values. The meat from animals fed the pornunça and Gliricidia silages was tenderer. Flavor scores were higher in meat from lambs that consumed old man saltbush silage and lower in the meat from those fed buffelgrass silage. Diets formulated with buffelgrass silage for sheep reduce meat production. Based on the results for carcass weight and meat quality, old man saltbush and pornunça are better silages for finishing sheep.

Analysis of tryptase-positive mast cells and immunoexpression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in periapical lesions.

AIM: To evaluate the immunoexpression of tryptase, MMP-9 and MMP-13 in periapical lesions, correlating them with the type of lesion, intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the epithelial lining. METHODOLOGY: Twenty periapical granulomas (PGs), twenty radicular cysts (RCs) and twenty residual radicular cysts (RRCs) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis using antitryptase, anti-MMP-9 and anti-MMP-13 antibodies. Immunoexpression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 was quantitatively evaluated both in the connective tissue of all lesions and in the epithelial lining of RCs and RRCs. Tryptase-positive mast cells were counted only in the connective tissue. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests, as well as Spearman's correlation test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: In comparison with RCs and RRCs, PGs exhibited higher immunoexpression of tryptase, MMP-9 and MMP-13 (P = 0.002, P = < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In comparison with lesions with inflammatory infiltrates grades I and II, lesions with inflammatory infiltrate grade III had higher median percentages of MMP-13-positive cells (P = 0.003) and a tendency for higher expression of MMP-9 (P = 0.059). No significant difference was observed between the expression of the studied markers and epithelial thickness (P > 0.05). There were positive correlations between the number of tryptase-positive mast cells and the immunoexpression of MMP-9, as well as between the immunoexpression of MMP-9 and MMP-13. CONCLUSION: A larger number of tryptase-positive mast cells and greater enzymatic activity of MMP-9 and MMP-13 were found in PGs compared to RCs and RRCs. These findings are a characteristic of the dynamics of periapical diseases.

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.

Inappropriate Postural Habits of High School Students from the Municipality of Ceres, Brazil.

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of inappropriate postural habits in students. 827 Brazilian students aged 14 to 19 were evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire. A high prevalence of (>90%) inappropriate habits in sitting postures (on a chair, to write, and at a computer) and picking up an object off the floor was observed, suggesting the need to develop preventive programs.

Ethnozoology in Brazil: analysis of the methodological risks in published studies.

There has been a growth in the field of Ethnozoology throughout the years, especially in Brazil, where a considerable number of scientific articles pertaining to this subject has been published in recent decades. With this increase in publications comes the opportunity to assess the quality of these publications, as there are no known studies assessing the methodological risks in this area. Based on this observation, our objectives were to compile the papers published on the subject of ethnozoology and to answer the following questions: 1) Do the Brazilian ethnozoological studies use sound sampling methods?; 2) Is the sampling quality influenced by characteristics of the studies/publications? The studies found in databases and using web search engines were compiled to answer these questions. The studies were assessed based on their nature, sampling methods, use of hypotheses and tests, journal's impact factor, and animal group studied. The majority of the studies analyzed exhibited problems associated with the samples, as 144 (66.98%) studies were classified as having a high risk of bias. With regard to the characteristics analyzed, we determined that a quantitative nature and the use of tests are essential components of good sampling. Most studies classified as moderate and low risk either did not provide these data or provided data that were not clear; therefore, these studies were classified as being of a quali-quantitative nature. Studies performed with vertebrate groups were of high risk. Most of the papers analyzed here focused on fish, insects, and/or mollusks, thus highlighting the difficulties associated with conducting interviews regarding tetrapod vertebrates. Such difficulties are largely related to the extremely strict Brazilian laws, justified by the decline and extinction of some species, related to the use of wild tetrapod vertebrates.