Bivariate GWAS reveals pleiotropic regions among feed efficiency and beef quality-related traits in Nelore cattle.

Feed-efficient cattle selection is among the most leading solutions to reduce cost for beef cattle production. However, technical difficulties in measuring feed efficiency traits had limited the application in livestock. Here, we performed a Bivariate Genome-Wide Association Study (Bi-GWAS) and presented candidate biological mechanisms underlying the association between feed efficiency and meat quality traits in a half-sibling design with 353 Nelore steers derived from 34 unrelated sires. A total of 13 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) were found explaining part of the phenotypic variations. An important transcription factor of adipogenesis in cattle, the TAL1 (rs133408775) gene located on BTA3 was associated with intramuscular fat and average daily gain (IMF-ADG), and a region located on BTA20, close to CD180 and MAST4 genes, both related to fat accumulation. We observed a low positive genetic correlation between IMF-ADG (r = 0.30 ± 0.0686), indicating that it may respond to selection in the same direction. Our findings contributed to clarifying the pleiotropic modulation of the complex traits, indicating new QTLs for bovine genetic improvement.

Improving the performance and versatility of microfluidic thread electroanalytical devices by automated injection with electronic pipettes: a new and powerful 3D-printed analytical platform.

Microfluidic cotton thread-based electroanalytical devices (µTEDs) are analytical systems with attractive features such as spontaneous passive flow, low cost, minimal waste production, and good sensitivity. Currently, sample injection in µTEDs is performed by hand using manual micropipettes, which have drawbacks such as inconstant speed and position, dependence of skilled analysts, and need of physical effort of operator during prolonged times, leading to poor reproducibility and risk of strain injury. As an alternative to these inconveniences, we propose, for the first time, the use of electronic micropipettes to carry out automated injections in µTEDs. This new approach avoids all disadvantages of manual injections, while also improving the performance, experience, and versatility of µTEDs. The platform developed here is composed by three 3D-printed electrodes (detector) attached to a 3D-printed platform containing an adjustable holder that keeps the electronic pipette in the same x/y/z position. As a proof-of-concept, both injection modes (manual and electronic) were compared using three model analytes (nitrite, paracetamol, and 5-hydroxytryptophan) on µTED with amperometric detection. As result, improved analytical performance (limits of detection between 2.5- and 5-fold lower) was obtained when using electronic injections, as well as better repeatability/reproducibility and higher analytical frequencies. In addition, the determination of paracetamol in urine samples suggested better precision and accuracy for automated injection. Thus, electronic injection is a great advance and changes the state-of-art of µTEDs, mainly considering the use of more modern and versatile electronic pipettes (wider range of pre-programmed modes), which can lead to the development of even more automated systems.

Electrochemical sensor based on 3D-printed substrate by masked stereolithography (MSLA): a new, cheap, robust and sustainable approach for simple production of analytical platforms.

The development of miniaturized, sustainable and eco-friendly analytical sensors with low production cost is a current trend worldwide. Within this idea, this work presents  the innovative use of masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D-printed substrates for the easy fabrication of pencil-drawn electrochemical sensors (MSLA-3D-PDE). The use of a non-toxic material such as pencil (electrodes) together with a biodegradable 3D printing resin (substrate) allowed the production of devices that are quite cheap (ca. US$ 0.11 per sensor) and with low environmental impact. Compared to paper, which is the most used substrate for manufacturing pencil-drawn electrodes, the MSLA-3D-printed substrate has the advantages of not absorbing water (hydrophobicity) or becoming crinkled and weakened when in contact with solutions. These features provide more reproducible, reliable, stable, and long-lasting sensors. The MSLA-3D-PDE, in conjunction with the custom cell developed, showed excellent robustness and electrochemical performance similar to that observed of the glassy carbon electrode, without the need of any activation procedure. The analytical applicability of this platform was explored through the quantification of omeprazole in pharmaceuticals. A limit of detection (LOD) of 0.72 µmol L-1 was achieved, with a linear range of 10 to 200 µmol L-1. Analysis of real samples provided results that were highly concordant with those obtained by UV-Vis spectrophotometry (relative error ≤ 1.50%). In addition, the greenness of this approach was evaluated and confirmed by a quantitative methodology (Eco-Scale index). Thus, the MSLA-3D-PDE appears as a new and sustainable tool with great potential of use in analytical electrochemistry.

A world together: Global citizen identification as a basis for prosociality in the face of COVID-19.

How do global citizens respond to a global health emergency? The present research examined the association between global citizen identification and prosociality using two cross-national datasets-the World Values Survey (Study 1, N = 93,338 from 60 countries and regions) and data collected in 11 countries at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 2, N = 5,427). Results showed that individuals who identified more strongly as global citizens reported greater prosociality both generally (Study 1) and more specifically in the COVID-19 global health emergency (Study 2). Notably, global citizen identification was a stronger predictor of prosociality in response to COVID-19 than national identification (Study 2). Moreover, analyses revealed that shared ingroup identity accounted for the positive association between global citizen identification and prosociality (Study 2). Overall, these findings highlight global citizenship as a unique and promising direction in promoting prosociality and solidarity, especially in the fight against COVID-19.

Prune homolog 2 with BCH domain (PRUNE2) gene expression is associated with feed efficiency-related traits in Nelore steers.

Animal feeding is a critical factor in increasing producer profitability. Improving feed efficiency can help reduce feeding costs and reduce the environmental impact of beef production. Candidate genes previously identified for this trait in differential gene expression studies (e.g., case-control studies) have not examined continuous gene-phenotype variation, which is a limitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the expression of five candidate genes in the liver, measured by quantitative real-time PCR and feed-related traits. We adopted a linear mixed model to associate liver gene expression from 52 Nelore steers with the following production traits: average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency (FE), Kleiber index (KI), metabolic body weight (MBW), residual feed intake (RFI), and relative growth ratio (RGR). The total expression of the prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2) gene was significantly associated with DMI, FCR, FE, and RFI (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we have identified a new transcript of PRUNE2 (TCONS_00027692, GenBank MZ041267) that was inversely correlated with FCR and FE (P < 0.05), in contrast to the originally identified PRUNE2 transcript. The cytochrome P450 subfamily 2B (CYP2B6), early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) genes were not associated with any feed efficiency-related traits (P > 0.05). The findings reported herein suggest that PRUNE2 expression levels affects feed efficiency-related traits variation in Nelore steers.

Simple, fast, and instrumentless fabrication of paper analytical devices by novel contact stamping method based on acrylic varnish and 3D printing.

A new contact stamping method for fabrication of paper-based analytical devices (PADs) is reported. It uses an all-purpose acrylic varnish and 3D-printed stamps to pattern hydrophobic structures on paper substrates. The use of 3D printing allows quickly prototyping the desired stamp shape without resorting to third-party services, which are often expensive and time consuming. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the use of this material for creation of hydrophobic barriers in paper substrates, as well as this 3D printing-based stamping method. The acrylic varnish was characterized and the features of the stamping method were studied. The PADs developed here presented better compatibility with organic solvents and surfactants compared with similar protocols. Furthermore, the use of this contact stamping method for fabrication of paper electrochemical devices was also possible, as well as multiplexed microfluidic devices for lateral flow testing. The analytical applicability of the varnish-based PADs was demonstrated through the image-based colorimetric quantification of iron in pharmaceutical samples. A limit of detection of 0.61 mg L-1 was achieved. The results were compared with spectrophotometry for validation and presented great concordance (relative error was < 5% and recoveries were between 104 and 108%). Thus, taking into account the performance of the devices explored here, we believe this novel contact stamping method is a very interesting alternative for production of PADs, exhibiting great potentiality. In addition, this work brings a new application of 3D printing in analytical sciences.

Design of novel, simple, and inexpensive 3D printing-based miniaturized electrochemical platform containing embedded disposable detector for analytical applications.

This paper describes the development of a novel, simple, and inexpensive electrochemical device containing an integrated and disposable three-electrode system for detection. The base of this platform consists on a PDMS structure containing microchannels which were prototyped using 3D-printed molds. Pencil graphite leads were inserted into these microchannels and utilized as working, counter and reference electrodes in a novel design. Morphological analysis and electrochemical experiments with benchmark redox probes were carried out in order to evaluate the performance and characterize the miniaturized device proposed. Even using inexpensive materials and a simple fabrication protocol, the electrochemical platform developed provided good repeatability and reproducibility over a low cost (ca. $2 per device), acceptable lifetime (ca. 250 voltammetric runs) and extremely reduced consumption of samples and reagents (order of µL). As proof of concept, the analytical feasibility of the platform was investigated through the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DOPA) and acetaminophen (AC). The two analytes showed linear dependence on the concentration range from 1 to 15 µM and the LODs achieved were 0.21 µM for DOPA and 0.29 µM for AC. Moreover, the platform was successfully applied on the determination of DOPA and AC in spiked blood serum and urine samples. The results obtained with the device described here were better than some reports in literature that use more costly electrodic materials and complex modification steps for the detection of the same analytes.

Rapid and inexpensive method for the simple fabrication of PDMS-based electrochemical sensors for detection in microfluidic devices.

The fabrication of PDMS microfluidic structures through soft lithography is widely reported. While this well-established method gives high precision microstructures and has been successfully used for many researchers, it often requires sophisticated instrumentation and expensive materials such as clean room facilities and photoresists. Thus, we present here a simple protocol that allows the rapid molding of simple linear microchannels in PDMS substrates aiming microfluidics-based applications. It might serve as an alternative to researchers that do not have access to sophisticated facilities such as clean rooms. The method developed here consists on the use of pencil graphite leads as template for the molding of PDMS channels. It yields structures that can be used for several applications, such as housing support for electrochemical sensors or channels for flow devices. Here, the microdevices produced through this protocol were employed for the accommodation of carbon black paste, which was utilized for the first time as amperometric sensor in microchip electrophoresis. This platform was successfully used for the separation and detection of model analytes. Ascorbic acid and iodide were separated within 45 s with peak resolution of 1.2 and sensitivities of 198 and 492 pA/µM, respectively. The background noise was ca. 84 pA. The analytical usefulness of the system developed was successfully tested through the quantification of iodide in commercial pharmaceutical formulations. It demonstrates good efficiency of the microfabrication protocol developed and enables its use for the easy and rapid prototyping of PDMS structures over a low fabrication cost.

Oxidative stress-induced CREB upregulation promotes DNA damage repair prior to neuronal cell death protection.

cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein is a cellular transcription factor that mediates responses to different physiological and pathological signals. Using a model of human neuronal cells we demonstrate herein, that CREB is phosphorylated after oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. This phosphorylation is largely independent of PKA and of the canonical phosphoacceptor site at ser-133, and is accompanied by an upregulation of CREB expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In accordance with previous data, we show that CREB upregulation promotes cell survival and that its silencing results in an increment of apoptosis after oxidative stress. Interestingly, we also found that CREB promotes DNA repair after treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Using a cDNA microarray we found that CREB is responsible for the regulation of many genes involved in DNA repair and cell survival after oxidative injury. In summary, the neuroprotective effect mediated by CREB appears to follow three essential steps following oxidative injury. First, the upregulation of CREB expression that allows sufficient level of activated and phosphorylated protein is the primordial event that promotes the induction of genes of the DNA Damage Response. Then and when the DNA repair is effective, CREB induces detoxification and survival genes. This kinetics seems to be important to completely resolve oxidative-induced neuronal damages.

Electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide on a Pt electrode and its use as amperometric sensor in microchip electrophoresis.

This report describes the development and application of a novel graphene-modified electrode to be used as amperometric sensor in microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices. The modified electrode was achieved based on electroreduction of graphene oxide on an integrated Pt working electrode of a commercial ME device. The surface modification was characterized by SEM and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The results indicated that graphene sheets were successfully deposited exhibiting higher surface conductivity and greater electrode sensitivity. The performance of the modified electrode for the amperometric detection on ME devices has been demonstrated by the separation and detection of an anionic mixture containing iodide and ascorbate. The graphene-modified electrode provided significantly higher sensitivity (896.7 vs. 210.9 pA/µM for iodide and 217.8 vs. 127.8 pA/µM for ascorbate), better separation efficiencies (3400 vs. 700 plates/m for iodide and 10 000 vs. 2400 plates/m for ascorbate), enhanced peak resolutions (1.6 vs. 1.0), and LODs (1.5 vs. 5.3 µM for iodide and 3.1 vs. 7.3 µM for ascorbate) in comparison with the unmodified Pt electrode. The proposed amperometric sensor was successfully applied for the analysis of ascorbic acid (through its anionic form) in a commercial medicine sample, and the results achieved were in agreement with the value provided by the supplier. Based on the data here presented, the modified graphene electrode shows great promise for ME applications.

Separation of natural antioxidants using PDMS electrophoresis microchips coupled with amperometric detection and reverse polarity.

This report describes the use of PDMS ME coupled with amperometric detection for rapid separation of ascorbic, gallic , ferulic, p-coumaric acids using reverse polarity. ME devices were fabricated in PDMS by soft lithography and detection was accomplished using an integrated carbon fiber working electrode aligned in the end-channel configuration. Separation and detection parameters were investigated and the best conditions were obtained using a run buffer consisting of 5 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) and a detection voltage of 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. All compounds were separated within 70 s using gated injection mode with baseline resolution and separation efficiencies between 1200 and 9000 plates. Calibration curves exhibited good linearity and the LODs achieved ranged from 1.7 to 9.7 µM. The precision for migration time and peak height provided maximum values of 4% for the intrachip studies. Lastly, the analytical method was successfully applied for the analysis of ascorbic and gallic acids in commercial beverage samples. The results achieved using ME coupled with amperometric detection were in good agreement with the values provided by the supplier. Based on the data reported here, the proposed method shows suitability to be applied for the routine analysis of beverage samples.

Complete genome sequence of a clinical Bordetella pertussis isolate from Brazil.

There has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases in Brazil and around the world. Here, the genome of a clinical Bordetella pertussis strain (Bz181) that was recently isolated in Brazil is reported. Analysis of the virulence-associated genes defining the pre- and post-vaccination lineages revealed the presence of the prn2-ptxS1A-fim3B-ptxP3 allelic profile in Bz181, which is characteristic of the current pandemic lineage. A putative metallo-ß-lactamase gene presenting all of the conserved zinc-binding motifs that characterise the catalytic site was identified, in addition to a multidrug efflux pump of the RND family that could confer resistance to erythromycin, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating pertussis disease.

Unveiling gender inequality in the US: Testing validity of a state-level measure of gender inequality and its relationship with feminist online collective action on Twitter.

The Gender Inequality Index is a country-level measure of gender inequality based on women's levels of reproductive health, social and political empowerment, and labor-market representation. In two studies, we tested the validity of the GII-S, a state-level measure of gender inequality in the USA. In Study 1, the GII-S was associated with objective and subjective measures of wellness among women, including life satisfaction, financial well-being, and perceptions of safety. GII-S was not associated with the Gini coefficient, a well-established measure of economic inequality, suggesting that gender and economic disparities represent distinct aspects of social inequality. Study 2 tested the link between GII-S scores and collective action-specifically, participation in the #MeToo movement promoting awareness of sexual harassment and violence against women. Analysis of geo-localized messages on the Twitter social media platform reveals that higher GII-S scores were associated with fewer tweets containing the #MeToo hashtag. Moreover, GII-S was associated with state-level political orientation: the more conservative a state, the higher its level of gender inequality. Results are discussed in terms of possible socio-cognitive processes underpinning the association between gender inequality and sensitivity to violence against women.

Multi-omics data elucidate parasite-host-microbiota interactions and resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep.

BACKGROUND: The integration of molecular data from hosts, parasites, and microbiota can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions underlying the resistance of hosts to parasites. Haemonchus contortus, the predominant sheep gastrointestinal parasite species in the tropics, causes significant production and economic losses, which are further compounded by the diminishing efficiency of chemical control owing to anthelmintic resistance. Knowledge of how the host responds to infection and how the parasite, in combination with microbiota, modulates host immunity can guide selection decisions to breed animals with improved parasite resistance. This understanding will help refine management practices and advance the development of new therapeutics for long-term helminth control. METHODS: Eggs per gram (EPG) of feces were obtained from Morada Nova sheep subjected to two artificial infections with H. contortus and used as a proxy to select animals with high resistance or susceptibility for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of the abomasum and 50 K single-nucleotide genotyping. Additionally, RNA-seq data for H. contortus were generated, and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA genes from sheep feces and rumen content. RESULTS: The heritability estimate for EPG was 0.12. GAST, GNLY, IL13, MGRN1, FGF14, and RORC genes and transcripts were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible animals. A genome-wide association study identified regions on chromosomes 2 and 11 that harbor candidate genes for resistance, immune response, body weight, and adaptation. Trans-expression quantitative trait loci were found between significant variants and differentially expressed transcripts. Functional co-expression modules based on sheep genes and ASVs correlated with resistance to H. contortus, showing enrichment in pathways of response to bacteria, immune and inflammatory responses, and hub features of the Christensenellaceae, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter genera; Prevotellaceae family; and Verrucomicrobiota phylum. In H. contortus, some mitochondrial, collagen-, and cuticle-related genes were expressed only in parasites isolated from susceptible sheep. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified chromosome regions, genes, transcripts, and pathways involved in the elaborate interactions between the sheep host, its gastrointestinal microbiota, and the H. contortus parasite. These findings will assist in the development of animal selection strategies for parasite resistance and interdisciplinary approaches to control H. contortus infection in sheep.

Thyroid dysfunction alters gene expression of proteins related to iron homeostasis and metabolomics in male rats.

Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial in bodily functions, while iron is essential for processes like oxygen transport. Specialized proteins maintain iron balance, including ferritin, transferrin, ferroportin, and hepcidin. Research suggests that THs can influence iron homeostasis by affecting mRNA and protein expression, such as ferritin and transferrin. Our study focused on male rats to assess mRNA expression of iron homeostasis-related proteins and metabolomics in thyroid dysfunction. We found altered gene expression across various tissues (liver, duodenum, spleen, and kidney) and identified disrupted metabolite patterns in thyroid dysfunction. These findings highlight tissue-specific effects of thyroid dysfunction on essential iron homeostasis proteins and provide insights into associated metabolic changes. Our research contributes to understanding the intricate interplay between thyroid hormones and iron balance. By unveiling tissue-specific gene expression alterations and metabolic disruptions caused by thyroid dysfunction, our work lays a foundation for future investigations to explore underlying mechanisms and develop targeted strategies for managing iron-related complications in thyroid disorders.

[Utility of 11C-methionine PET/CT in neuro-oncology]. / Utilidad de 11C-metionina PET/CT en neurooncología.

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine (11C-methionine PET/CT) is a new technique used to evaluate primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We describe our experience regarding the first 4 patients with glial tumors and 11C-methionine PET/CT. This is a descriptive, observational and prospective study of 4 patients between 38-50 years of age, with different gliomas (WHO classification). MRI and 11C-methionine PET/CT were performed in all cases. Case 1, gliomatosis cerebri grade II post-radiotherapy. Case 2, oligodendroglioma grade II diagnosed and treated with radiotherapy in 1993. Case 3, glioblastoma grade IV post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. Case 4, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma grade III post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. The pattern of 11C-methionine uptake compared with MRI showed tumor progression in cases 1, 3 and 4, and in case 2 showed uptake although the final diagnosis was pseudoprogression. Unlike 18fluordeoxiglucose PET/TC, 11C-methionine uptake in normal brain tissue and pseudoprogression is low, and gliomas are displayed as metabolically active areas. The 11C-methionine PET/CT provided valuable information on the tumoral behavior and extension, although in one case presented did not differentiate tumor progression from pseudoprogression. 11C-methionine PET/CT could be a useful tool in the study and follow-up to patients with gliomas.

Tax the élites! The role of economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes towards taxes and redistribution intentions.

Taxation is one of the most widely acknowledged strategies to reduce inequality, particularly if based on progressivity. In a high-powered sample study (N = 2119) we investigated economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs as two key predictors of tax attitude and support for progressive taxation. We found that participants in the high economic inequality condition had lower levels of tax compliance and higher levels of conspiracy beliefs and support for progressive taxation. Furthermore, the effect of the experimental condition on tax compliance was mediated by conspiracy beliefs. Finally, conspiracy belief scores were positively associated with support for progressive taxation. Our results provide evidence that attitudes towards taxation are not monolithic but change considering the aims and targets of specific taxes. Indeed, while the perception of economic inequality prompts the desire for equal redistribution, it also fosters conspiracy narratives that undermine compliance with taxes.

Economic inequality increases the number of hours worked and decreases work-life balance perceptions: longitudinal and experimental evidence.

International institutions' attention to work-life balance (WLB) demonstrates the global breadth of this issue. Yet the scientific community has thus far paid little attention to its structural underpinnings and to the interplay between these macro-level underpinnings and individual psychological factors. We examine the contextual role of economic inequality at the national level as a significant factor influencing working time and WLB perceptions using multiple empirical strategies. In the first set of studies (1a and 1b), we compared countries with different levels of inequality (Study 1a with 37 countries, Study 1b with longitudinal data from 34 countries, N = 254) and found increased working time and reduced WLB in highly unequal countries. In a pilot study (N = 81) and in the pre-registered Studies 2 (N = 338) and 3 (N = 499) we corroborated this evidence with an experimentally induced inequality perception, reporting an indirect effect of inequality on WLB (Studies 2 and 3) and working time (Study 3) through status anxiety and competitiveness. In Study 2, we manipulated socio-economic class in addition to economic inequality, showing that the detrimental effect of inequality on WLB is especially marked for participants assigned to a low-class condition. This research contributes to an integrated understanding of the impact of economic inequality and socio-economic class in shaping WLB and provides useful insights for organizations to develop context-specific policies to improve employees' WLB that take both individual and structural factors into account.

It Matters to Whom You Compare Yourself: The Case of Unrealistic Optimism and Gender-Specific Comparisons.

Unrealistic Optimism (UO) appears when comparing participants' risk estimates for themselves with an average peer, which typically results in lower risk estimates for the self. This article reports nuanced effects when comparison varies in terms of the gender of the peer. In three studies (total N = 2,468, representative sample), we assessed people's risk estimates for COVID-19 infections for peers with the same or other gender. If a peer's gender is not taken into account, previous studies were replicated: Compared with others, participants perceived themselves as less likely to get infected with COVID-19. Interestingly, this effect was qualified by gender: Respondents perceived women as less threatened than men because women are perceived as more cautious and compliant with medical guidelines.

Do unbiased people act more rationally?-The case of comparative realism and vaccine intention.

Within different populations and at various stages of the pandemic, it has been demonstrated that individuals believe they are less likely to become infected than their average peer. This is known as comparative optimism and it has been one of the reproducible effects in social psychology. However, in previous and even the most recent studies, researchers often neglected to consider unbiased individuals and inspect the differences between biased and unbiased individuals. In a mini meta-analysis of six studies (Study 1), we discovered that unbiased individuals have lower vaccine intention than biased ones. In two pre-registered, follow-up studies, we aimed at testing the reproducibility of this phenomenon and its explanations. In Study 2 we replicated the main effect and found no evidence for differences in psychological control between biased and unbiased groups. In Study 3 we also replicated the effect and found that realists hold more centric views on the trade-offs between threats from getting vaccinated and getting ill. We discuss the interpretation and implication of our results in the context of the academic and lay-persons' views on rationality. We also put forward empirical and theoretical arguments for considering unbiased individuals as a separate phenomenon in the domain of self-others comparisons.