Karyotype Evolution of Talking Thorny Catfishes Anadoras (Doradidae, Astrodoradinae): A Process Mediated by Structural Rearrangements and Intense Reorganization of Repetitive DNAs.

Anadoras is a thorny catfish genus widespread through the Amazon and Paraguay river basins. It includes 2 nominal species, A. grypus and A. weddellii, plus Anadoras sp. "araguaia," an undescribed species only recognized morphologically. Since Anadoras occupies a basal position within the Astrodoradinae phylogeny, it is crucial to identify its cytogenetic features to comprehend the mechanisms involved in the chromosomal diversification of this subfamily. Therefore, we performed a comparative cytogenetic analysis including all species of Anadoras. Furthermore, we applied a species delimitation analysis based on 600 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene to investigate the taxonomic status of the species. Cytogenetic markers revealed a high degree of similarity among Anadoras weddellii and Anadoras sp. "araguaia," both have 2n = 56 chromosomes (24m + 10sm + 22st/a), single NOR sites on acrocentric pair 28, and 5S rDNA sites on submetacentric pair 15. A. grypus has the most divergent chromosomal characteristics because, even though it also has 2n = 56 chromosomes, it exhibits several differences in the chromosome formula, heterochromatin distribution, and number/position of the rDNA sites. In sum, we believe that the chromosome diversification of Anadoras is due to 4 mechanisms: centric fusion, pericentric/paracentric inversions, nonreciprocal translocations, and activity of transposable elements. Additionally, our phylogenetic tree revealed well-supported clades and, by barcode species delimitation analysis, confirmed the existence of 3 molecular operational taxonomic units, including the putative new species Anadoras sp. "araguaia."

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Landraces from Portugal and Mozambique.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is currently a legume crop of minor importance in Europe but a highly relevant staple crop in Africa and the second most cultivated legume in Mozambique. In Portugal and Mozambique, cowpea's phenotypic and genetic variation has been maintained locally by farmers in some areas. We used the molecular markers SSR, SilicoDArT and SNP to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 97 cowpea accessions, mainly from Portugal (Southern Europe) and Mozambique (Southern Africa). As far as we know, this is the first time that the genetic variation and the relationship between cowpea landraces collected in Portugal with those originated in Mozambique is reported. Despite the shared historical past, the Portuguese landraces did not share a common genetic background with those from Mozambique, and two different gene pools were revealed. Knowledge of the genetic structure of cowpea landraces offers an opportunity for individual selection within landraces adapted to particular eco-physiological conditions and suggests the existence of a valuable gene pool for exploitation in future Portugal-PALOP (Portuguese-speaking African countries) cowpea breeding programs.

Cowpea Physiological Responses to Terminal Drought-Comparison between Four Landraces and a Commercial Variety.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a robust legume; nevertheless, yield is always affected by drought, especially when it occurs during reproductive growth and seed filling. Considered a key crop in the effort to attain food security, and a suitable crop for a scenario of climate change, modern disregard for cowpea landraces is particularly detrimental as it causes genetic variability loss, compromising breeding efforts. To contribute to the evaluation of the cowpea germplasm, four Portuguese landraces (L1, L2, L3, L4) were compared with a commercial variety (CV) to evaluate their physiological responses to terminal drought and their inter-variation on productivity, under semi-controlled conditions. Despite no differences in relative water content (RWC) between the CV and the landraces under water deficit (WD), differences in leaf water potential (Ψ) defined the CV as having an isohydric control of stomata in contrast with anisohydric control for landraces. There was an identical decrease in the photosynthetic rate for all plants under stress, caused by both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations, namely, damages at the level of photosystem II as indicated by fluorescence measurements. Instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE) was improved with stress in L1 and L3. Maintenance of higher relative chlorophyll content for longer periods in the CV revealed a stay-green phenotype. The slim differences observed in terms of stomatal control, iWUE and progression of senescence between the CV and the landraces under WD led to quite important differences in terms of productivity, as inferred from improved yield (number of pods and number of grains per plant). This is a clear result of pragmatic on-farm selection. On one hand it shows that small differences in stomatal responses or water saving strategies under WD may lead to desirable outcomes and should therefore be considered during breeding. On the other hand, it suggests that other traits could be explored in view of drought adaptation. These results highlight the need to preserve and characterize as many genetic pools as possible within a species.

Genome-wide clonal variability in European pear "Rocha" using high-throughput sequencing.

Pears (Pyrus) are one of the most economically important fruits worldwide. The Pyrus genus is characterized by a high degree of genetic variability between species and interspecific hybrids, and several studies have been performed to assess this variability for both cultivated and wild accessions. These studies have mostly been limited by the resolving power of traditional molecular markers, although in the recent past the availability of reference genome sequences or SNP arrays for pear have enhanced the capability of high-resolution genomics studies. These tools can also be applied to better understand the intra-varietal (or clonal) variability in pear. Here we report the first high resolution genomics analysis of a pear clonal population using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results showed unique signatures for the accumulation of mutations and transposable element insertions in each clone, which are likely related to their history of propagation and cultivation. The nucleotide diversity remained low in the clonal collection with the exception of few genomic windows, suggesting that balancing selection may be occurring. These windows included mainly genes related to plant fertility. Regions with higher mutational load were partially associated with transcription factors, probably reflecting the distinctive phenotypes in the collection. The annotation of variants also revealed the theoretical disruption of relevant genes in pear. Taken together, the results from this study show that pear clones accumulate mutations differently, and that those mutations can play a role on pear phenotypes, meaning that the study of pear clonal populations can be relevant in genetic studies, mainly when comparing with traditional association studies.

Population structure in Quercus suber L. revealed by nuclear microsatellite markers.

Quercus suber L. is a sclerophyllous tree species native to the western Mediterranean, a region that is considered highly vulnerable to increased temperatures and severe dry conditions due to environmental changes. Understanding the population structure and demographics of Q. suber is essential in order to anticipate whether populations at greater risk and the species as a whole have the genetic background and reproductive dynamics to enable rapid adaptation. The genetic diversity of Q. suber has been subject to different studies using both chloroplast and nuclear data, but population structure patterns remain unclear. Here, we perform genetic analyses on Q. suber using 13 nuclear microsatellite markers, and analysed 17 distinct locations across the entire range of the species. Structure analyses revealed that Q. suber may contain three major genetic clusters that likely result from isolation in refugia combined with posterior admixture and putative introgression from other Quercus species. Our results show a more complex structure scenario than previously inferred for Q. suber using nuclear markers and suggest that different southern populations contain high levels of genetic variation that may contribute to the resilience of Q. suber in a context of environmental change and adaptive pressure.

Grain Composition and Quality in Portuguese Triticum aestivum Germplasm Subjected to Heat Stress after Anthesis.

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major crop worldwide, and it is highly susceptible to heat. In this work, grain production and composition were evaluated in Portuguese T. aestivum germplasm (landraces and commercial varieties), which was subjected to heat after anthesis (grain filling stage). Heat increased the test weight (TW) in Nabão, Grécia and Restauração, indicating an improved flour-yield potential. Mocho de Espiga Branca (MEB) and Transmontano (T94) showed higher thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Gentil Rosso presented increased soluble sugars, which are yeast substrates in the bread-making process. Ardila stood out for its protein increase under heat. Overall SDS was unaffected by higher temperature, but increased in T94, indicating a better dough elasticity for bread-making purposes. Under heat, lipid content was maintained in most genotypes, being endogenous fatty acids (FAs) key players in fresh bread quality. Lipid unsaturation, evaluated through the double bond index (DBI), also remained unaffected in most genotypes, suggesting a lower flour susceptibility to lipoperoxidation. In Grécia, heat promoted a higher abundance of monounsaturated oleic (C18:1) and polyunsaturated linoleic (C18:2) acids, which are essential fatty acids in the human diet. This work highlighted a great variability in most parameters both under control conditions or in response to heat during grain filling. Cluster analysis of traits revealed a lower susceptibility to heat during grain filling in Ardila, Restauração, and Ruivo, in contrast to MEQ, which seems to be more differentially affected at this stage. Characterization and identification of more favorable features under adverse environments may be relevant for agronomic, industrial, or breeding purposes, in view of a better crop adaptation to changing climate and an improved crop sustainability in agricultural systems more prone to heat stress.

Microbiome Associated with the Mycangia of Female and Male Adults of the Ambrosia Beetle Platypus cylindrus Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The ambrosia beetle Platypus cylindrus Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major cork oak pest in Portugal. Female and male beetles have different roles in host tree colonization and are both equipped with prothoracic mycangia for fungal transportation. Despite a known beneficial role of bacteria in ambrosia beetles, information on bacterial composition associated with prothoracic mycangia structures is scarce. Bacterial community from mycangia of P. cylindrus male and female beetles collected from cork oak galleries was investigated by means of 16S metagenomics. Mycangia anatomical structure was also explored with histological techniques and X-ray computed microtomography to highlight evidence supporting biological sexual dimorphism. A bacterial community with highly diverse bacterial taxa with low abundances at the genus level was revealed. Lactobacillales, Leptotrichia, Neisseria, Rothia, and Sphingomonadaceae were significantly more abundant in males, while Acinetobacter, Chitinophagaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Erwiniaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Pseudoclavibacter were more abundant in females. Additionally, a core bacteriome of five genera was shared by both sexes. Histological examination revealed visible connections linking external and internal tissues in females, but none in males. Overall, these results provide the first insights into sexual differentiation for bacteria in a Platypodinae beetle species, identifying key patterns of bacteria distribution in the context of beetle ecology and functional behavior.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Cynara cardunculus L. in southern Portugal.

Cynara cardunculus L. is a cardoon species native to the Mediterranean region, which is composed of three botanical taxa, each having distinct biological characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine wild populations of C. cardunculus established in Portugal, in order to determine their genetic diversity, geographic distribution, and population structure. Based on SSR markers, 121 individuals of C. cardunculus from 17 wild populations of the Portuguese Alentejo region were identified and analysed. Ten SSRs were found to be efficient markers in the genetic diversity analysis. The total number of alleles ranged from 9 to 17 per locus. The expected and observed means in heterozygosity, by population analysed, were 0.591 and 0.577, respectively. The wild population exhibited a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. The highest proportion of genetic variation was identified within a geographic group, while variation was lower among groups. Geographic areas having highest genetic diversity were identified in Alvito, Herdade da Abóboda, Herdade da Revilheira and Herdade de São Romão populations. Moreover, significant genetic differentiation existed between wild populations from North-Alentejo geographic locations (Arraiolos, Évora, Monte da Chaminé) and Centro Hortofrutícola, compared with other populations. This study reports genetic diversity among a representative number of wild populations and genotypes of C. cardunculus from Portugal. These results will provide valuable information towards future management of C. cardunculus germplasm.

The genetic legacy of fragmentation and overexploitation in the threatened medicinal African pepper-bark tree, Warburgia salutaris.

The pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) is one of the most highly valued medicinal plant species worldwide. Native to southern Africa, this species has been extensively harvested for the bark, which is widely used in traditional health practices. Illegal harvesting coupled with habitat degradation has contributed to fragmentation of populations and a severe decline in its distribution. Even though the species is included in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, genetic data that would help conservation efforts and future re-introductions are absent. We therefore developed new molecular markers to understand patterns of genetic diversity, structure, and gene flow of W. salutaris in one of its most important areas of occurrence (Mozambique). In this study, we have shown that, despite fragmentation and overexploitation, this species maintains a relatively high level of genetic diversity supporting the existence of random mating. Two genetic groups were found corresponding to the northern and southern locations. Our study suggests that, if local extinctions occurred in Mozambique, the pepper-bark tree persisted in sufficient numbers to retain a large proportion of genetic diversity. Management plans should concentrate on maintaining this high level of genetic variability through both in and ex-situ conservation actions.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal barrier disruption followed by bacterial translocation seems to play a role in secondary pancreatic infection in acute pancreatitis. The use of probiotics as a possible adjuvant strategy in the treatment of acute pancreatitis needs to be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with a prophylactically administered multispecies probiotic mixture on the markers of acute pancreatitis and on the occurrence of bacterial translocation. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups of 10 rats each: (1) the PS group, in which the rats were given probiotic supplementation prior to induction of acute pancreatitis; (2) the WP group, in which the rats underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis without prior probiotic supplementation; and (3) the control group, in which the rats underwent sham surgery. For 14 days before surgery, animals in the PS group received a single daily dose containing ~1.2 × 10(9) colony-forming units of a probiotic mixture administered intragastrically as a bolus. On day 15, the animals underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis (PS and WP groups) or simulated surgery (control group). Blood samples were collected to determine leukocyte count, amylase and lipase activities, and glucose and calcium concentrations immediately before and 6 and 12 hours after the beginning of the procedure. Samples of pancreas, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for microbiologic and histopathologic analysis after the last blood sample collection. The pathologist examining the histopathology was blinded to treatment assignment. RESULTS: The mean leukocyte count was significantly increased in the PS group compared with the WP group (P = 0.018), whereas the serum amylase and lipase activities and the serum glucose and calcium concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Comparing the risk for tissue colonization in the PS group with that of the WP group, the odds ratio (OR) for pancreas was 2.91 (95% CI, 0.13-67.10); liver, 66.55 (95% CI, 1.89-2282.66); spleen, 88.58 (95% CI, 3.04-2583.08); and mesenteric lymph nodes, 1.23 (95% CI, 0.06-25.48). When the risks for histopathologic changes were compared between the 2 groups, the OR for acinar necrosis was 1.73 (95% CI, 0.21-12.17); steatonecrosis, 12.08 (95% CI, 1.26-115.54); hemorrhage, 1.38 (95% CI, 0.21-9.53); and leukocyte infiltration, 5.91 (95% CI, 0.64-54.89). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation before the induction of acute pancreatitis was associated with a greater degree of bacterial translocation and pancreatic tissue damage in this animal model.

A spatial stream-network approach assists in managing the remnant genetic diversity of riparian forests.

Quantifying the genetic diversity of riparian trees is essential to understand their chances to survive hydroclimatic alterations and to maintain their role as foundation species modulating fluvial ecosystem processes. However, the application of suitable models that account for the specific dendritic structure of hydrographic networks is still incipient in the literature. We investigate the roles of ecological and spatial factors in driving the genetic diversity of Salix salviifolia, an Iberian endemic riparian tree, across the species latitudinal range. We applied spatial stream-network models that aptly integrate dendritic features (topology, directionality) to quantify the impacts of multiple scale factors in determining genetic diversity. Based on the drift hypothesis, we expect that genetic diversity accumulates downstream in riparian ecosystems, but life history traits (e.g. dispersal patterns) and abiotic or anthropogenic factors (e.g. drought events or hydrological alteration) might alter expected patterns. Hydrological factors explained the downstream accumulation of genetic diversity at the intermediate scale that was likely mediated by hydrochory. The models also suggested upstream gene flow within basins that likely occurred through anemophilous and entomophilous pollen and seed dispersal. Higher thermicity and summer drought were related to higher population inbreeding and individual homozygosity, respectively, suggesting that increased aridity might disrupt the connectivity and mating patterns among and within riparian populations.

Cord blood concentrations of leptin, zinc-α2-glycoprotein, and adiponectin, and adiposity gain during the first 3 mo of life.

OBJECTIVES: Adipose tissue development starts in intrauterine life and cytokines are involved in this process. Therefore, understanding the role of cytokines in the fat mass gain of infants is crucial to prevent obesity later in life. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates a sex-specific link between cytokines and adipose tissue development. The objective of this study was to assess sex-specific relationships of cord blood concentrations of the cytokines leptin, zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), and adiponectin with infant adiposity during the first 3 mo of life. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 104 mother-infant pairs that were selected from a maternity hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cord blood leptin, ZAG, and adiponectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The body composition of the infants was assessed monthly by air displacement plethysmography. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with the average fat mass gain from birth to the third month of life as the outcome and cord blood leptin, ZAG, and adiponectin as the variables of interest. RESULTS: Leptin was inversely associated with fat mass gain in the first 3 mo of life (P = 0.003; adjusted R2 = 0.09). There were inverse associations of leptin (P = 0.021), ZAG (P = 0.042), and maternal body mass index (P = 0.04) with fat mass gain in girls (adjusted R2 = 0.29) but fat mass gain in boys was positively associated with gestational age (P = 0.01; adjusted R2 = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that adiposity programming is sex-specific, which highlights the need to investigate the different metabolic mechanisms that are involved in adipogenesis.

The draft genome sequence of cork oak.

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa where it plays a crucial environmental and economical role. To tackle the cork oak production and industrial challenges, advanced research is imperative but dependent on the availability of a sequenced genome. To address this, we produced the first draft version of the cork oak genome. We followed a de novo assembly strategy based on high-throughput sequence data, which generated a draft genome comprising 23,347 scaffolds and 953.3 Mb in size. A total of 79,752 genes and 83,814 transcripts were predicted, including 33,658 high-confidence genes. An InterPro signature assignment was detected for 69,218 transcripts, which represented 82.6% of the total. Validation studies demonstrated the genome assembly and annotation completeness and highlighted the usefulness of the draft genome for read mapping of high-throughput sequence data generated using different protocols. All data generated is available through the public databases where it was deposited, being therefore ready to use by the academic and industry communities working on cork oak and/or related species.

Lipidic profile among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations on plasmatic lipids levels among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant receiving standard chow during the postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C)-- sham-operated, total splenectomy--isolated (TS) or combined with splenic autotransplantation (SA). Since the postoperative period, all animals received standard rat chow manipulated in accordance to the American Institute of Nutrition Rodents Diets (1993). The plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and glucose (GLUC) were analyzed before the surgical procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the animals presented significant increase of TG and VLDL levels. In relation to the other parameters there was no difference among the weeks 0 and 12 in the animals of group C. In TS group significant increase was observed in TC and GLUC levels during the experiment. In SA group TC, HDL, and GLUC levels remained unaffected while HDL levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isolated total splenectomy alters lipids metabolism in rats fed with standard chow and splenic autotransplantation is effective in restoring its control.

The Relationship between Maternal Plasma Leptin and Adiponectin Concentrations and Newborn Adiposity.

Increased maternal blood concentrations of leptin and decreased adiponectin levels, which are common disturbances in obesity, may be involved in offspring adiposity by programming fetal adipose tissue development. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal leptin and adiponectin concentrations and newborn adiposity. This was a cross-sectional study involving 210 healthy mother-newborn pairs from a public maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Maternal blood samples were collected after delivery and leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Newborn body composition was estimated by air displacement plethysmography. The association between maternal leptin and adiponectin concentrations and newborn adiposity (fat mass percentage, FM%) was evaluated by multiple linear regression, controlling for maternal age, socioeconomic status, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain, gestational age, and newborn age at the time of measurement. No relationship was found between maternal leptin and FM% of male or female newborn infants. Maternal adiponectin (p = 0.001) and pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.001; adj. R² = 0.19) were positively associated with FM% of newborn males, indicating that maternal adiponectin is involved in fetal fat deposition in a sex-specific manner. Large-scale epidemiological, longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm our results.

New insights into the genetic composition and phylogenetic relationship of wolves and dogs in the Iberian Peninsula.

This study investigates the gene pool of Portuguese autochthonous dog breeds and their wild counterpart, the Iberian wolf subspecies (Canis lupus signatus), using standard molecular markers. A combination of paternal and maternal molecular markers was used to investigate the genetic composition, genetic differentiation and genetic relationship of native Portuguese dogs and the Iberian wolf. A total of 196 unrelated dogs, including breed and village dogs from Portugal, and other dogs from Spain and North Africa, and 56 Iberian wolves (wild and captive) were analyzed for nuclear markers, namely Y chromosome SNPs, Y chromosome STR loci, autosomal STR loci, and a mitochondrial fragment of the control region I. Our data reveal new variants for the molecular markers and confirm significant genetic differentiation between Iberian wolf and native domestic dogs from Portugal. Based on our sampling, no signs of recent introgression between the two subspecies were detected. Y chromosome data do not reveal genetic differentiation among the analyzed dog breeds, suggesting they share the same patrilineal origin. Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness of the Iberian wolf from other wolf populations is further confirmed with the description of new mtDNA variants for this endemism. Our research also discloses new molecular markers for wolf and dog subspecies assignment, which might become particularly relevant in the case of forensic or noninvasive genetic studies. The Iberian wolf represents a relic of the once widespread wolf population in Europe and our study reveals that it is a reservoir of unique genetic diversity of the grey wolf, Canis lupus. These results stress the need for conservation plans that will guarantee the sustainability of this threatened top predator in Iberia.

Obesidade grau II leva a importantes alterações na capacidade cardiorrespiratória / Changes of cardiorespiratory capacity in obesity grade II

Introdução: Obesidade é considerada epidemia mundial e um dos maiores problemas de saúde na atualidade, bem como as comorbidades a ela associadas que acarretam alterações nas funções cardiorrespiratórias desses indivíduos. Objetivo: Avaliar parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em indivíduos sedentários obesos grau II. Os 44 voluntários foram divididos igualmente em dois grupos, obesos (GOS) e eutróficos (GE). Material e métodos: Foram mensuradas variáveis de expansibilidade torácica, força muscular respiratória, pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE), capacidade vital, além das variáveis do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Resultados: Comparando os grupos, o GOS apresentou expansibilidade torácica com diferença significativa na inspiração (P = 0,038) e na expiração (P = 0,031) máximas do processo xifoide e na inspiração máxima (P = 0,039) da cicatriz umbilical, e PFE (P < 0,001). No TC6 o GOS apresentou frequência cardíaca (FC) em repouso mais elevada (P = 0,022) no pré-teste e saturação de oxigênio (SpO2) (P = 0,030) e distância percorrida (P < 0,001) menores, e Borg (P < 0,001) maior no pós-teste em relação ao GE. Comparando os parâmetros no pré e pós-TC6 houve alterações significativas da FC, frequência respiratória (FR), SpO2 e escala de Borg (toda com P < 0,001). Conclusão: A obesidade resulta em várias alterações cardiorrespiratórias importantes, incluindo aumento do trabalho respiratório, diminuição da expansibilidade torácica, obstrução ao fluxo aéreo e diminuição da saturação periférica de oxigênio. (AU)

Introduction: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and one of the largest health problems leading to changes in the cardiorespiratory system. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory features on sedentary obese grade II subjects. Methods: Forty four individuals were divided into two groups referred as eutrophic (EG) and obese (OG). We measured chest expansion, respiratory muscle strength, expiratory peak flow (EPF), vital capacity and physiological variables in the six minute walk test (6MWT). Results: OG group showed a chest expansion with a significant difference in the expiration (P = 0.038) and expiration (P = 0.031) maximum in the xiphoid process and maximal inspiration (P = 0.039) of the umbilicus, and EPF (P < 0.001) when compared to EG group. In the 6MWT, OG showed at the pretest a rest heart rate (HR) higher (P = 0.022) and oxygen saturation (O2) (P = 0.030) and distance traveled (P < 0.001) lower, and Borg scale (P < 0.001) higher in the post-test when compared to GE. Comparison between pre- and post-6MWT was no significant changes in the HR, respiratory rate (RR), SpO2 and Borg scale (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sedentary obese individuals grade II have cardiorespiratory alterations, particularly in the chest expansion, EPF, HR, RR and SpO2. (AU)

Tamanho de parcela e número de repetições em ervilha forrageira / Plot size and number of repetitions in forage pea

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e o número de repetições, para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Foram realizados 27 ensaios de uniformidade de 5m×5m (25m2). Cada ensaio foi dividido em 25 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1m×1m, totalizando 675UEB. Foi pesada a massa verde das plantas de cada UEB. Nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 92 dias após a semeadura (DAS), nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 98 DAS e os outros nove ensaios (225UEB) aos 106 DAS. O tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo) foi determinado por meio do método da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação e as comparações de médias, entre as épocas de avaliação, foram feitas pelo teste t de Student. O número de repetições, para experimentos nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, em cenários formados pelas combinações de i tratamentos (i=3, 4, ..., 50) e d diferenças mínimas entre médias de tratamentos a serem detectadas como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, expressas em percentagem da média do experimento (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), foi determinado por processo iterativo até a convergência. O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira é de 5,03UEB de 1m2 (5,03m2). Quatro repetições, para avaliar até 50 tratamentos, nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, são suficientes para identificar, como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, diferenças entre médias de tratamentos de 32,4% da média do experimento.

The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions and to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Twenty-seven uniformity trials of 5m×5m (25m2) were conducted. Each trial was divided in 25 basic experimental units (UEB) of 1m×1m, totaling 675UEB. The fresh weight of plants, in each UEB was weighed. Nine trials (225UEB) were evaluated at 92 days after sowing, nine trials (225UEB) at 98 days after sowing and the other nine trials (225UEB) at 106 days after sowing. The optimum plot size (Xo) was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared, among evaluation times, by Student's t test. The number of repetitions for experiments on completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of combinations of i treatments (i=3, 4, ..., 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means, to be detected as significant, 5% probability by Tukey test, expressed in percentage of the average of the experiment (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), was determined by interative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea is 5.03UEB was of 1m2 (5.03m2). Four replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are sufficient to identify, as significant at the 5% probability by Tukey test, differences between treatment means 32.4% of the average experiment.

Plasma lipid levels of rats fed a diet containing pork fat as a source of lipids after splenic surgery.

Experimental studies have suggested an important role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, although with controversial results. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of a nutritionally balanced (NB) diet and a diet containing pork fat (PF) as source of lipids on the lipid profile of rats submitted to splenic surgery. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each: 1 sham-operated, NB diet; 2 sham-operated, PF diet; 3 total splenectomy (TS), NB diet; 4 TS, PF diet; 5 TS followed by splenic autotransplantation (SA), NB diet; and 6 SA, PF diet. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (D0) and after 12 weeks of the experiment (D + 12) for plasma lipid determination. Morphologic regeneration of splenic tissues was observed, with no differences between groups 5 and 6. When D + 12 plasma lipid levels were compared to D0 levels there were no differences in groups 1, 3, and 5, while in groups 2, 4, and 6 total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. At D + 12, groups 2, 4, and 6 had lower HDL than group 3. In conclusion, regardless of the surgical procedure applied to the spleen, an NB diet maintained plasma lipid levels while a diet with PF as source of lipids changed the animals' lipid profile.

Perspectivas dos marcadores biológicos e terapias no carcinoma diferenciado da tireóide / Prospects of biological markers and therapies in differential thyroid carcinoma

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: O Câncer de tiróide é a neoplasia endócrina maligna mais frequente com incidência de 1% no Brasil. Os carcinomas diferenciados da tireóide (CDT) - papilífero e folicular- são responsáveis por 90% das neoplasias tireoidianas, com elevado percentual de curas, porém em 7 a 20% dos pacientes, evolui com metástases e recorrências precoces. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os marcadores moleculares que auxiliam no prognóstico e tratamento mais adequado do CDT e as novas perspectivas terapêuticas. CONTEÚDO: Inúmeros estudos vem buscando identificar marcadores prognósticos, que possam dividir os pacientes de baixo e alto risco e assim determinar uma forma de tratamento mais adequada nos casos resistentes ao tratamento convencional. Alguns marcadores moleculares tem sido estudados e relacionados ao CDT, como o NIS, RAS, BRAF, RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARY, p53, NRTK1, Galectina-3 e ciclo-oxigenase-2. Novas drogas estão em estudo em base aos marcadores moleculares, como o sorafenib, zactima, ácido retinóico, inibidores da ciclo-oxigenase-2, troglitazona, dentre outros, com resultados animadores. CONCLUSÃO: A medida que se conhece a patogêse molecular das neoplasias tiroideanas, novos drogas estão sendo estudadas e testadas in vitro e in vivo e avaliados em ensaios clínicos com resultados bastantes promissores para o CDT, principalmente o carcinoma papilífero da tireóide (CPT)...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignantendocrine neoplasm, with an incidence of 1% in Brazil. Differentiated thyroidcarcinoma (DTC) - papillary and follicular - are responsible for 90% of thyroid cancers with high cure rates, but in 7-20% of patients with metastasis and recurrence develops early. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular markers that aid in prognosis and most appropriate treatment of DTC and the new therapeutic perspectives.CONTENTS: Numerous studies has sought to identify prognostic markers that can stratify patients with low or high risk and thus determine a more appropriate form of treatment in cases resistant to conventional treatment. Some molecular markers have been studied and related to CDT, such as NIS, RAS, BRAF, RET / PTC, PAX8/PPARY, p53, NRTK1, Galectin-3 and Cyclooxygenase-2. New drugs are being studied based on the molecular markers, such as sorafenib, zactima, retinoic acid, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2, troglitazone, among others, with encouraging results.CONCLUSION: As we know the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer, new drugs are being studied and tested in vitro and in vivo and evaluated in clinical trials with very promising results for the CDT, mainly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)...