Effects of inbreeding on production traits and genetic evaluations in Guzerá beef cattle raised under tropical conditions.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of inbreeding on growth traits and body measurements, as well as on the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends in Guzerá cattle. Phenotypic records of 4,212 animals selected for postweaning weight from Guzerá Breeding Program of Advanced Beef Cattle Research Center were utilized. The pedigree file contained records from 7,213 animals born from 1928 to 2019. The traits analyzed were: birth weight (BW), weights adjusted to 210, 378 and 550 days of age (W210, W378 and W550, respectively), chest girth at 378 and 550 days of age (CG378 and CG550), scrotal circumference (SC), and hip height at 378 and 550 days of age (HH378 and H550). Linear regression was used to evaluate the effects of inbreeding on traits. Genetic parameters were obtained using models including or not the effect of inbreeding as a covariate. Inbreeding had negative effects (P ≤ 0.01) on BW (-0.09 kg), W378 (-2.86 kg), W550 (-2.95 kg), HH378 (-0.10 cm), and H550 (-0.29 cm). The lowest and highest heritability estimates were obtained for W210 (0.21 ± 0.07) and HH550 (0.57 ± 0.06), respectively. The genetic correlations were strong and positive between all traits, ranging from 0.44 ± 0.08 (SC x HH) to 0.99 ± 0.01 (W378 x W550). Spearman correlations between EBVs obtained with or without inbreeding effect ranged from 0.968 to 0.995 (P < 0.01). The results indicate loss of productive performance in inbred animals. However, the inclusion of inbreeding coefficient in genetic evaluation models did not alter the magnitude of genetic parameters or genetic trends for the traits studied.

Synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy in fourth-generation storage rings.

Fourth-generation synchrotron storage rings represent a significant milestone in synchrotron technology, offering outstandingly bright and tightly focused X-ray beams for a wide range of scientific applications. However, due to their inherently tight magnetic lattices, these storage rings have posed critical challenges for accessing lower-energy radiation, such as infrared (IR) and THz. Here the first-ever IR beamline to be installed and to operate at a fourth-generation synchrotron storage ring is introduced. This work encompasses several notable advancements, including a thorough examination of the new IR source at Sirius, a detailed description of the radiation extraction scheme, and the successful validation of our optical concept through both measurements and simulations. This optimal optical setup has enabled us to achieve an exceptionally wide frequency range for our nanospectroscopy experiments. Through the utilization of synchrotron IR nanospectroscopy on biological and hard matter samples, the practicality and effectiveness of this beamline has been successfully demonstrated. The advantages of fourth-generation synchrotron IR sources, which can now operate with unparalleled stability as a result of the stringent requirements for producing low-emittance X-rays, are emphasized.

Outcomes of ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: A propensity score matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Catheter ablation (CA) is effective in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although some observational data suggest patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) have less favorable outcomes when compared to those with an ischemic etiology (ICM), direct comparisons are rarely reported. We aimed to compare the outcomes of VT ablation in a propensity score matched population of ICM or NICM patients. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing VT ablation from 2012 to 2023. A propensity score (PS) was used to match ICM and NICM patients in a 1:1 fashion according to age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), NYHA class, electrical storm (ES) at presentation, and previous endocardial ablation. The outcomes of interest were VT-free survival and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The PS yielded two groups of 71 patients each (mean age 63±10 years, 92% male, mean LVEF 35±10%, 36% with ES at presentation, and 23% with previous ablation), well matched for baseline characteristics. During a median follow-up of 2.3 (interquartile range IQR 1.3-3.8) years, patients with NICM had a significantly lower VT-free survival (53.5% vs. 69.0%, log-rank P=0.037), although there were no differences regarding all-cause mortality (22.5% vs. 16.9%, log-rank P=0.245). Multivariate analysis identified NICM (HR 2.34 [95% CI 1.32-4.14], P=0.004), NYHA class III/ IV (HR 2.11 [95% CI 1.11-4.04], P=0.024), and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.23 [95% CI 1.25-3.96], P=0.006), as independent predictors of VT recurrence. CONCLUSION: Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients were at increased risk of VT recurrence after ablation, although long-term mortality did not differ.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Magnetic Floating Dosage Form by Alternating Current Biosusceptometry.

Floating controlled systems seek to extend the gastric retention time (GRT) of solid pharmaceutical forms by sustaining buoyancy in the stomach without affecting gastric emptying rates. This investigation aimed to evaluate a magnetic floating drug delivery system (MFDDS) under diverse physiological conditions (pressure and viscosity) using an Alternating Current Biosusceptometry (ACB) system by conducting assessments in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro experiments, MFDDSs were placed under different pressures (760, 910, and 1060 mmHg) and viscosities (1, 50, 120, and 320 mPa·s) for evaluation of floating lag time (FLT). For in vivo experiments, eight healthy volunteers participated in two phases (fasting and fed) for gastric parameters (GRT, FLT, and OCTT-orocaecal transit time) assessment, employing the ACB system. The results indicated that pressure, viscosity, and FLT were directly proportional in the in vitro assay; in addition, increases in the OCTT (fasting = 241.9 ± 18.7; fed = 300 ± 46.4), GRT (fasting = 139.4 ± 25.3; fed = 190.2 ± 47.7), and FLT (fasting = 73.1 ± 16.9; fed = 107.5 ± 29.8) were detected in vivo. Our study emphasizes that the ACB system is a valuable technique, and it is capable of tracking and imaging MFDDS in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Understanding nitrogen dynamics in the Brazilian beef industry: A comprehensive decadal analysis.

Brazil stands as a prominent beef producer and exporter, witnessing major transformations and expansions in its production chain over the past 20 years. These changes have prompted concerns regarding waste generation and environmental pressure. This study employs material flow analysis (MFA) to quantify nitrogen flows throughout the cattle slaughter process and subsequent beef consumption in Brazil, spanning from 2011 to 2021. The analysis encompasses co-production streams like leather, tallow, viscera, and blood. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and the nitrogen cascade indicator (NCI) were used to evaluate efficiency and nitrogen accumulation in the production chain. Nitrogen inputs in the system increased by 8.47 %, while beef production rose by 7.29 %. In contrast, per capita beef consumption decreased by 1.29 kg, despite an overall consumption increase of 2.84 %, attributed to population growth in Brazil. Beef exports witnessed a notable surge of 86.03 %. Conversely, human excreta and food waste losses experienced increments of 10.88 % and 2.84 %, respectively. Examining NUE reveals the highest values during the slaughter phase (90 %), followed by processing, transportation, and storage stages (79-88 %). The consumption phase exhibited the lowest NUE values (29-34 %). Regarding the cumulative nitrogen effect, the NCI varied between 77 % and 82 % throughout the study period. This highlights opportunities for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, particularly by addressing food waste at the consumer level. Notably, the study observes nitrogen accumulation across the Brazilian beef production chain, potentially contributing to the nitrogen cascade effect and heightening environmental pressure. Recognizing these dynamics provides avenues for targeted improvements, emphasizing the need to address nitrogen-related challenges and enhance sustainability in the beef production and consumption landscape.

Novel Bidentate Amine Ligand and the Interplay between Pd(II) and Pt(II) Coordination and Biological Activity.

Pt(II) and Pd(II) coordinating N-donor ligands have been extensively studied as anticancer agents after the success of cisplatin. In this work, a novel bidentate N-donor ligand, the N-[[4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]methyl]-2-pyridinemethanamine, was designed to explore the antiparasitic, antiviral and antitumor activity of its Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes. Chemical and spectroscopic characterization confirm the formation of [MLCl2 ] complexes, where M=Pt(II) and Pd(II). Single crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed a square-planar geometry for the Pd(II) complex. Spectroscopic characterization of the Pt(II) complex suggests a similar structure. 1 H NMR, 195 Pt NMR and HR-ESI-MS(+) analysis of DMSO solution of complexes indicated that both compounds exchange the chloride trans to the pyridine for a solvent molecule with different reaction rates. The ligand and the two complexes were tested for in vitro antitumoral, antileishmanial, and antiviral activity. The Pt(II) complex resulted in a GI50 of 10.5 µM against the NCI/ADR-RES (multidrug-resistant ovarian carcinoma) cell line. The ligand and the Pd(II) complex showed good anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with around 65 % reduction in viral replication at a concentration of 50 µM.

Exploring buyer's preferences to propose strategies to improve dog welfare in Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate trends and concerns related to the commercialization of dogs in Brazil. The authors analyzed 1,500 ads for the sale of Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua, and German Spitz breeds using the methodology of hedonic price analysis. Marginal and relative values of attributes were calculated for puppy sex, coat, age, pedigree, vaccination and deworming, seller type and region, using ordinary least squares. The most valued attributes for each breed were identified as selling by kennels, pedigree, and coat color. The results suggest that this market niche is willing to pay for guarantees of better dog breeding, which represents an opportunity for the development of certification labels for origin and good practices for kennels. Such labels could become an effective strategy to ensure greater transparency and better welfare standards in the Brazilian dog market. This study also provides valuable insights for the development of guidelines and public policies aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing information asymmetry in the pet market.

Pharmacomagnetography assessment of the prokinetic effect on metronidazole absorption.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prucalopride, a prokinetic agent that acts as a potent serotonin agonist of 5-HT4 receptors, on gastric emptying and small bowel transit and assess its impact on the absorption of metronidazole. METHODS: Six healthy volunteers, three men and three women, aged between 20 and 27 years, with a body weight ranging from 50 to 80 kg, were enrolled in this study. The pharmacokinetics and gastrointestinal transit parameters were evaluated simultaneously through pharmacomagnetography assessment, combining alternating current biosusceptometry and blood analysis. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that prucalopride enhances gastric emptying and small bowel transit when administered orally and significantly impacts the rate of metronidazole absorption, leading to enhanced bioavailability and rapid therapeutic response. CONCLUSION: Pharmacomagnetography assessment allows simultaneous tracking of transit by images and is a valuable method for analysing drug absorption using multiple instruments.

Late patient-fitted total orbital reconstruction for facial gunshot wound sequelae.

Late reconstructions of gunshot wounds (GSWs) in the orbital area are a true challenge to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Usually, the wall defects are large in size and commonly present loss of orbital volume, which can cause ocular dystopia. The only exceptions are when there is an explosion of the orbital walls-that is, blow-out fractures. We encountered a patient with a two-year sequelae after GSW in the face that caused the destructed orbit to have a 2.5 bigger size than the contralateral orbit, requiring meticulous planning of a patient-specific implant (PSI) to correctly reconstruct the orbit volume and bone projection. The PSI was developed using titanium and it had three pieces that could reconstruct all four walls of the orbit. After surgery, the patient regained orbital volume and malar projection, allowing him to benefit from facial symmetry. The PSI can be used to reconstruct all the orbital walls in cases of complex bone defects.

Evolution of connective glands reveals a new synapomorphy for Malpighiaceae and the hidden potential of staminal glands for Malpighiales systematics.

Connective glands are important morphological characters for the taxonomy of some genera of Malpighiaceae, with few recent studies having just elucidated these glands' anatomical and ecological functions. In order to test the systematic relevance of connective glands to the currently accepted phylogenetic informal clades of Malpighiaceae, we characterised the anatomy and/or histochemistry of two-thirds of Malpighiaceae genera and ten species from nine families of Malpighiales to test: 1. Do connective glands occur in the flowers of all informal clades of Malpighiaceae?; and 2. Are they taxonomically relevant to characterise those clades? We sampled 25 genera and 26 species of Malpighiaceae, processing their anthers using traditional anatomical methods and characterising their glands using light microscopy and SEM imaging. Selected species were subjected to histochemical tests, and an additional 21 genera and 33 species of Malpighiaceae and nine families (ten species) of Malpighiales were included in our sampling from the literature. Three anatomical characters were scored, coded and mapped using Maximum Likelihood methods onto the molecular phylogeny of Malpighiaceae. All sampled species of Malpighiaceae showed connective glands characterised as epidermal or trichomal elaiophores. Our character-mapping analyses recovered connective elaiophores as a new synapomorphy for Malpighiaceae. Different types of epidermal or trichomal elaiophores were recovered as homoplasies for the Christianella and Banisteriopsis clades and the genera Byrsonima, Camarea and Cottsia. Our analyses also recovered the glands' place of insertion in the stamen and the exudate type as potential new synapomorphies or homoplasies for the families of Malpighiales sampled. Our results propose the connective elaiophores as a new synapomorphy for Malpighiaceae and hypothesise the role that different staminal glands might play in the systematics of Malpighiales. Further comprehensive anatomical studies are still needed for the staminal glands of most families of this order to shed new light on the patterns recovered in our study.

Cholesteryl hemiazelate identified in CVD patients causes in vitro and in vivo inflammation.

Oxidation of PUFAs in LDLs trapped in the arterial intima plays a critical role in atherosclerosis. Though there have been many studies on the atherogenicity of oxidized derivatives of PUFA-esters of cholesterol, the effects of cholesteryl hemiesters (ChEs), the oxidation end products of these esters, have not been studied. Through lipidomics analyses, we identified and quantified two ChE types in the plasma of CVD patients and identified four ChE types in human endarterectomy specimens. Cholesteryl hemiazelate (ChA), the ChE of azelaic acid (n-nonane-1,9-dioic acid), was the most prevalent ChE identified in both cases. Importantly, human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and neutrophils exhibit inflammatory features when exposed to subtoxic concentrations of ChA in vitro. ChA increases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 and modulates the surface-marker profile of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophage. In vivo, when zebrafish larvae were fed with a ChA-enriched diet, they exhibited neutrophil and macrophage accumulation in the vasculature in a caspase 1- and cathepsin B-dependent manner. ChA also triggered lipid accumulation at the bifurcation sites of the vasculature of the zebrafish larvae and negatively impacted their life expectancy. We conclude that ChA behaves as an endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern with inflammatory and proatherogenic properties.

18-month results of double-fanged 5-0 polypropylene suture transscleral bag fixation in subluxated cataracts / Resultados de 18 meses da técnica double fanged com sutura de 5-0 polipropileno para fixação transescleral de saco capsular em cataratas subluxadas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the stability and efficacy of the double-flanged 5-0 polypropylene suture to fixate subluxated cataracts at 18 months and the possible complications of this new technique Methods: This technique uses a 5-0 polypropylene monofilament to create two flanges with a thermocautery, for fixation of a capsular tension segment to the sclera to fix the subluxated capsular bag. This technique was implemented in 17 eyes requiring intraocular lens implantation in a setting of zonular dialysis due to trauma, Marfan syndrome, microspherophakia, idiopathic disease, and post-phacoemulsification status. Results: Follow-up of the patients occurred at 18 months. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.85 to 0.39 (logMAR), whereas the spherical and cylindrical refractive errors and intraocular pressure remained stable from preoperation. No suture photodegradation or pseudophacodonesis were detected. Conclusion: The double-flanged 5-0 polypropylene suture transscleral bag fixation technique has shown favorable long-term outcomes in terms of bag intraocular lens/complex fixation and stability. In eyes with zonular weakness or dialysis, this technique appears to be a safe and knotless option for cataract surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a estabilidade e eficácia da técnica double-flanged com sutura de 5-0 polipropileno para fixação de cataratas subluxadas aos 18 meses e as possíveis complicações desta nova técnica. Métodos: Esta técnica utiliza um monofilamento de polipropileno 5-0 para criar dois flanges com um termocautério para fixar um Segmento de Tensão Capsular na esclera a fim de estabilizar o saco capsular subluxado. Esta técnica foi implementada em 17 olhos que necessitavam do implante de lente intraocular em casos de diálise zonular devido a trauma, síndrome de Marfan, microesferofacia, subluxação idiopática ou pós-facoemulsificação que provocou subulxação do saco capsular intraoperatória. Resultados: O seguimento dos pacientes foi de 18 meses. A acuidade visual corrigida melhorou significativamente de 0,85 para 0,39 (logMAR), enquanto os erros de refração esféricos e cilíndricos e a pressão intraocular permaneceram estáveis. Nenhuma fotodegradação de sutura ou pseudofacodonese foi encontrada. Conclusão: A técnica double-flanged para fixação transescleral de saco capsular com sutura de 5-0 polipropileno mostrou resultados de estabilidade de longo prazo para o complexo lente/saco capsular. Então, aparenta ser uma opção segura para cirurgia de catarata, sem necessidade pontos, em olhos com fraqueza zonular ou diálise.

18-month results of double-fanged 5-0 polypropylene suture transscleral bag fixation in subluxated cataracts.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the stability and efficacy of the double-flanged 5-0 polypropylene suture to fixate subluxated cataracts at 18 months and the possible complications of this new technique. METHODS: This technique uses a 5-0 polypropylene monofilament to create two flanges with a thermocautery, for fixation of a capsular tension segment to the sclera to fix the subluxated capsular bag. This technique was implemented in 17 eyes requiring intraocular lens implantation in a setting of zonular dialysis due to trauma, Marfan syndrome, microspherophakia, idiopathic disease, and post-phacoemulsification status. RESULTS: Follow-up of the patients occurred at 18 months. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.85 to 0.39 (logMAR), whereas the spherical and cylindrical refractive errors and intraocular pressure remained stable from preoperation. No suture photodegradation or pseudophacodonesis were detected. CONCLUSION: The double-flanged 5-0 polypropylene suture transscleral bag fixation technique has shown favorable long-term outcomes in terms of bag intraocular lens/complex fixation and stability. In eyes with zonular weakness or dialysis, this technique appears to be a safe and knotless option for cataract surgery.

Severe maternal morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study in Rio de Janeiro.

Objectives: To identify factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This was a single-centre prospective cohort study at a maternity department in a public general hospital in Rio de Janeiro. All pregnant women evaluated for emergency care, labour and delivery, respiratory symptoms, obstetric reasons or medical reasons between May 2020 and March 2022 at the study institution were invited to enrol in this study. The endpoint was maternal mortality or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results: In total, 1609 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 25.5% (n=410) were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or an antigen test. There were 21 deaths and 67 ICU admissions in 4% of the cohort. The incidence of severe maternal morbidity and mortality was higher during the Gamma wave than during the Delta wave (P=0.003). Vaccination conferred protection against the endpoint [relative risk (RR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.9; P=0.0169]. Factors associated with severe morbidity and mortality included caesarean section (RR 3.7, 95% CI 1.7-7.9; P=0.0008), SARS-CoV-2 infection in the third trimester (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; P=0.0006) and comorbidities (RR 3, 95% CI 1.8-5.2; P<0.0001). Conclusions: COVID-19 was significantly associated with the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Immunization of pregnant women against COVID-19 was highly protective against adverse outcomes, and should be encouraged during pregnancy.

Relationship between FAMACHA© scores and zootechnical indicators of a sheep production system / Relação entre os graus FAMACHA© e indicadores zootécnicos de um sistema de produção de ovinos

In Brazil, lamb producers face challenges raising their animals because of high anthelmintic resistance and loss of productivity due to parasites. It is well known that parasitic infections can reduce the performance of sheep. However, until the publication of this work, no research was found that quantified the effects that anemia reflected by FAMACHA© scores can exert on other zootechnical indicators in a lamb production system. The objective of this study was to use the FAMACHA© scores to quantify the impacts of anemia in ewes at breeding and lambing on the productive and reproductive performance of a meat sheep flock. The variables evaluated were i) FAMACHA© score of ewes at breeding and lambing, ii) body condition score of ewes at breeding and at lambing, iii) average daily gain of lambs until weaning, iv) ewe's age, v) birth weights per individual lamb and litter, vi) weaning weight, vii) ewe's weight, viii) litter size and ix) pre-weaning survival. The treatments evaluated corresponded to the FAMACHA© score of the ewes during breeding and lambing. Quantitative responses were submitted to analyses of variance and compared by Duncan's test. In contrast, qualitative or discrete responses were evaluated by the Kruskal & Wallis test and compared to Dunn's test. The Wilcoxon test was performed to compare the FAMACHA©scores of ewes at breeding and lambing. All statistical analyzes were performed using the R-Studio software version 4.2.0 at a 5% significance level. The FAMACHA© score of breeding ewes was related to the body condition score at breeding, ewe weight, pre-weaning survival, ewe age, litter size, and birth weight. Furthermore, the FAMACHA© score of ewes at lambing was related to the body condition score at lambing, ewe weight, pre-weaning survival, birth weight per lamb and litter, pre-weaning average daily gain, weaning weight, and age of the ewe. There was no significant difference between the test times of the FAMACHA© scores of the ewes, indicating that an ewe will present a similar score at both stages. It was concluded that ewes with FAMACHA© scores of 4 and 5 and their offspring showed the worst productive and reproductive performances. Conversely, the ewes with FAMACHA© 1 obtained the opposite result, demonstrating better technical performance.(AU)

No Brasil, produtores de cordeiros enfrentam desafios na criação de seus animais devido à alta resistência anti-helmíntica e perda de produtividade devido a parasitoses. Sabe-se que as infecções parasitárias podem reduzir o desempenho de matrizes ovinas, contudo, até a elaboração desse trabalho não foram encontradas pesquisas que mensuraram os efeitos que a anemia refletida pelos graus FAMACHA© podem exercer sobre outros indicadores zootécnicos em um sistema de produção de cordeiros. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi quantificar os impactos das verminoses em matrizes ovinas, representadas pelo grau FAMACHA©, durante a estação de monta e a parição, no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de um rebanho ovino de corte. As variáveis avaliadas foram: i) grau FAMACHA© das matrizes à monta e ao parto, ii) escore de condição corporal das matrizes à monta e ao parto, iii) ganho médio diário até o desmame, iv) idade da matriz, v) pesos dos cordeiros ao nascer individual e por parto, vi) peso ao desmame, vii) peso da matriz, viii) prolificidade e ix) sobrevivência pré-desmame. Os tratamentos avaliados corresponderam ao grau FAMACHA© das matrizes durante a monta e parto. As respostas quantitativas foram submetidas à análise de variância e comparadas pelo teste de Duncan, já as respostas qualitativas ou discretas foram avaliadas pelo teste de Kruskal & Wallis e comparadas pelo teste de Dunn. Realizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon para comparar os graus FAMACHA© das matrizes nos momentos de monta e parto. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software R-Studio versão 4.2.0 ao nível de 5% de significância. O grau FAMACHA© das matrizes à monta foi relativo ao escore de condição corporal à monta, peso da matriz, sobrevivência pré-desmame, idade da matriz, prolificidade e peso ao nascer coletivo por parto. Já o grau FAMACHA© das matrizes ao parto foi relativo ao escore de condição corporal ao parto, peso da matriz, sobrevivência pré-desmame, pesos ao nascer individual e coletivo por parto, ganho médio diário pré-desmame, peso ao desmame e idade da matriz. Não houve diferença significativa entre os momentos dos graus FAMACHA© das matrizes, indicando que uma ovelha manterá um grau FAMACHA© similar em ambas as fases. Conclui-se que ovelhas com graus FAMACHA© 4 e 5, assim como suas crias, apresentaram os piores desempenhos produtivos e reprodutivos. Em contrapartida, as matrizes com FAMACHA©1 obtiveram o resultado oposto, mostrando indicadores zootécnicos com valores mais eficientes ao sistema de produção.(AU)

Performance, Carcass Traits, Pork Quality and Expression of Genes Related to Intramuscular Fat Metabolism of Two Diverse Genetic Lines of Pigs.

We aimed to evaluate the performance, carcass and pork quality traits, as well as the mRNA expression of genes related to intramuscular fat deposition in female pigs from different genetic lines. A total of eighteen female pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc × Pietrain) × (Large White × Landrace) (Hybrid) averaging 88.96 ± 3.44 kg in body weight and twelve female pigs (Duroc) × (Large White × Landrace) (Duroc) averaging 85.63 ± 1.55 kg in body weight were assigned to a completely randomized design experimental trial that lasted 45 days. Pigs from both genetic lines received the same diet, which was initially adjusted for their nutritional requirements from 0 to 17 days of age and subsequently adjusted for nutritional requirements from 17 to 45 days of age. The performance of pigs did not differ among groups (p > 0.05). Duroc pigs showed a lower backfat thickness (p < 0.03) and greater intramuscular fat content (p < 0.1). A greater mRNA expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene (PPARγ, p = 0.008) and fatty acid protein translocase/cluster differentiation (FAT/CD36, p = 0.002) was observed in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of Duroc pigs. Similarly, a greater expression of PPARγ (p = 0.009) and FAT/CD36 (p = 0.02) was observed in the Soleus muscle of Duroc pigs. Overall, we observed that despite the lack of differences in performance between the genetic groups, Duroc pigs had greater intramuscular fat content than hybrid pigs. The increased intramuscular fat content was associated with an increase in the mRNA expression of key transcriptional factors and genes encoding enzymes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in glycolytic and oxidative skeletal muscle tissues.

Growth of teeth and bones in adult subjects with congenital untreated isolated growth hormone deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the growth of teeth and mandibular and maxillary bones in subjects with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mesiodistal tooth width of 28 maxillary and mandibular dental models of 14 adult IGHD subjects (9 men) were digitalized and compared to 40 models of 20 normal-statured controls (11 men). The mean SDS of the maxillary and mandibular teeth were compared with height, cephalic perimeter, total anterior facial height, total maxillary and mandibular length, and maxillary and mandibular arches. RESULTS: All average mesiodistal dimensions in absolute values of the 14 dental pairs were reduced in the IGHD group. Eight of 28 (28.6%) mesiodistal dimensions in IGHD subjects of both sexes had an average SDS below -2, thirteen of them (46.4%) had mean SDS between -1 and - 2, and seven of them (25.0%) had SDS above -1. The highest SDS values were the upper lateral incisor (-0.32 in women), and the upper canine (-0.91 in men). The lowest SDS values were the 2nd upper molar (-3.51 in men), and the 2nd upper premolar (-2.64 in women). The ascending order of the mean SDS was height, total maxillary length, total mandibular length, total anterior height of the face, cephalic perimeter, the maxillary arches width, the mesiodistal width of the mandibular teeth, the mesiodistal width of the maxillary teeth and the mandibular arches width. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in mesiodistal width is present in untreated IGHD adults with magnitude of tooth size reduction being lower than height, cephalic perimeter, total anterior facial height, and most jaw measurements. IGHD abolishes the sexual dimorphism in mesiodistal dental measures.

Effects of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride with or without supplemental betaine on live performance, carcass and meat quality traits, and gene expression of finishing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ractopamine and betaine, supplemented alone or in combination, on live performance, carcass and meat quality traits, and gene expression (in both skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue) of finishing pigs. Seventy-two pigs averaging 89.0 ± 3.44 kg were assigned to a control diet (CTRL-without ractopamine and betaine); CTRL+20 mg/kg ractopamine (RAC); CTRL+2.5 g/kg betaine (BET); or RAC + 2.5 g/kg betaine (RAC + BET). Pigs fed RAC and RAC + BET had greater average daily gain and carcass yield compared to CTRL. Pigs fed RAC, BET, and RAC + BET had greater loin muscle area, while backfat thickness was lower in pigs fed RAC + BET compared to CTRL. Pork from BET had lower shear-force and greater intramuscular fat content compared to CTRL. Regarding adipose tissue, RAC and BET increased expression of genes related to lipolysis and ß-oxidation. These data indicate that performance and carcass traits of pigs can be improved with ractopamine, whereas betaine (when fed independently from ractopamine) increased the loin muscle area and pork quality.

Adnate Leaf-Base and the Origin of Ribs in Succulent Stems of Euphorbia L.

Stem succulence evolved independently in many plant lineages as an adaptation to arid environments. One of the most interesting cases is the convergence between Cactaceae and Euphorbia, which have anatomical adaptations mostly to increase photosynthetic capability and water storage. Our goal was to describe the shoot development in two succulent species of Euphorbia using light microscopy coupled with high-resolution X-ray-computed tomography. Collateral cortical bundles were observed associated with the stem ribs in both species. The analysis of vasculature demonstrated that these bundles are, in fact, leaf traces that run axially along a portion of the internode. That structural pattern is due to an ontogenetic alteration. During shoot development, the leaf-bases remain adnate to the stem near the SAM, forming an axial component. When the internode elongates, the leaf bundles stretch as cortical bundles. The meristematic activity associated with the bundles forms the stem ribs, as leaf veins near the node, and induce rib formation along the entire internode even in the portion where the leaf traces join the stele. In addition, heterochronic shifts are also involved in the evolution of the shoot system in these Euphorbia, being related to early deciduous reduced leaves and the transference of the main photosynthetic function to the stem. This study demonstrates for the first time the influence of leaf developmental shifts and stem rib formation in Euphorbia and sheds new light on the evolution of stem succulence.