Relationship between influencing factors of operation time and postoperative complications in hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy / 器官移植

Objective To identify the influencing factors of operation time of hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy, and to analyze the relationship between influencing factors and the severity of postoperative complications. Methods Clinical data of 91 donors who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between preoperative baseline data of donors and operation time was analyzed. The relationship between operation time and postoperative complications was assessed and the threshold of operation time was determined. Results Multiple donor renal arteries, thick perirenal and posterior renal fat, metabolic syndrome, high Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score and Clavien-Dindo score prolonged the operation time. By analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we found that when the operation time was ≥138 min, the incidence of postoperative complications of donors was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions For donors with multiple renal arteries, thick perirenal and posterior renal fat, metabolic syndrome and high MAP score and Clavien-Dindo score, experienced surgeons should be selected to make adequate preoperative preparation and pay close attention after surgery, so as to timely detect postoperative complications and reduce the severity of complications, enhance clinical prognosis of the donors.

Effects of maternal exercise during pregnancy on neonatal weight and subcutaneous fat thickness / 环境与职业医学

Background Exercise during pregnancy is closely related to maternal and infant health. Previous studies in developed countries have linked maternal exercise during pregnancy with newborn body weight as well as subcutaneous fat thickness. However, the relevant studies in China are limited, and the conclusions remain inconsistent. Objective To investigate the effects of maternal exercise during pregnancy on neonatal weight and subcutaneous fat thickness. Methods Based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort, 959 maternal-infant pairs were included in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect average weekly frequency and daily minutes of walking in the first and second trimesters, and entropy weight method was used to calculate the cumulative exercise index in the two trimesters. Birth weight was measured using a calibrated weigh scale. Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured at abdomen, scapula, and triceps with a Harpenden skinfold caliper for all newborns and the sum of the thickness for the three sites was then calculated. A multiple linear regression model was employed to estimate the relationships of cumulative exercise index during pregnancy with neonatal body weight and subcutaneous fat thickness. Subgroup analyses stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and sex of newborns were also performed. Results The mean age of pregnant women was (28.5±3.8) years, and the pre-pregnancy BMI was (21.4±3.0) kg·m−2. Newborn boys were slightly more than newborn girls (54.3% vs 45.7%), and the neonatal weight was (3374.0±427.5) g. The means of newborns' abdominal, scapular, and triceps subcutaneous fat thickness were (4.4±1.3), (5.4±1.4), and (6.0±1.5) mm, respectively, and the sum of subcutaneous fat thickness was (15.8±3.9) mm. In the first and second trimesters, 77.3% and 88.7% of pregnant women walked 4 d per week and more, respectively; the daily minutes of walking was (36.9±27.2) min and (43.3±26.3) min, respectively; the cumulative exercise index was 25.6±17.7 and 35.9±21.1, respectively. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the cumulative exercise index in the second trimester was negatively associated with newborns' abdominal (b=−0.006, 95%CI: −0.010-−0.003), scapular (b=−0.005, 95%CI: −0.009-−0.002), triceps (b=−0.006, 95%CI: −0.010-−0.002), and their sum of (b=−0.018, 95%CI: −0.028-−0.007) subcutaneous fat thickness (P<0.05); in the first and second trimesters, however, the relationship between maternal cumulative exercise and newborns' body weight was not significant. The results of stratified analyses showed that the negative associations between maternal cumulative exercise index and newborns' subcutaneous fat thickness for the second trimester remained significant in the subgroups of boys and neonates whose mothers had normal pre-pregnancy BMI (P<0.05). Conclusion Cumulative exercise index in the second trimester is negatively correlated with the neonatal thickness of subcutaneous fat, and the association may be altered by neonatal sexes and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI levels.

Multivariate relationships among pH, subcutaneous fat thickness, and color in bovine meat using canonical correlation analysis / Relación multivariada entre pH, espesor de grasa subcutánea y color en carne bovina usando el análisis de correlación canónica / Relação multivariada entre pH, espessura de gordura subcutânea e cor em carne bovina usando a análise de correlação canônica

Abstract Background: pH, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and color are fundamental variables to define the organoleptic characteristics of meat. However, multivariate relationships of those traits remain unexplored in bovine meat. Objective: To investigate the multivariate relationships among pH, subcutaneous fat thickness, and color parameters in bovine meat using canonical correlation analysis. Methods: A dataset containing 173 individual records of pH, SFT, and color parameters (a*: intensity of red color, b*: intensity of yellow color, and L*: lightness) from five Brazilian beef cut types (Breed: Nellore; cuts: acém, contrafilé, fraldinha, patinho and picanha) was constructed. Multivariate relationships between color variables (a*, b*, and L*) and chemical variables (pH and SFT) were explored using the CANCORR procedure of SAS. Results: Two canonical correlations between U (a*, b*, and L*; color variables) and V (pH and SFT; chemical variables) variates were significant (p<0.01). First and second canonical correlations were 0.463 and 0.282, respectively. Canonical weights for variates were for U1: a* = 0.707, b* = 0.406, and L* = -0.039; U2: a* = 0.364, b* = -0.898, and L* = 1.234; V1: pH = -0.376 and SFT = 0.935; V2: pH = 0.927 and STF = 0.356. Conclusion: Subcutaneous fat thickness significantly affected intensity of red and yellow colors, whereas pH significantly affected lightness. The results of this study may be useful for a better understanding of the role of muscle metabolism and its implications on the organoleptic characteristics of bovine meat.

Resumen Antecedentes: El pH, espesor de la grasa subcutánea (SFT) y color, son variables importantes que definen las características organolépticas de la carne de rumiantes. Sin embargo, su relación multivariada en carne bovina permanece inexplorada hasta ahora. Objetivo: Investigar la relación multivariada entre el pH, SFT y parámetros de color en carne bovina mediante el análisis de correlación canónica. Métodos: Se construyó una base de datos con 173 registros individuales de pH, SFT y parámetros de color (a*: intensidad de color rojo, b*: intensidad de color amarillo y L*: luminosidad) de cinco tipos de cortes de carne bovina brasileña (Raza: Nellore; cortes: acém, contrafilé, fraldinha, patinho y picanha). La relación multivariada entre las variables de color (a*, b* y L*) y las variables químicas (pH y SFT) se exploró usando el procedimiento CANCORR de SAS. Resultados: Dos correlaciones canónicas entre las variables U (compuesta por a*, b* y L*; variables de color) y V (compuesta por pH y SFT; variables químicas) fueron significativas (p<0,01). La primera y la segunda correlación canónica fueron 0,463 y 0,282, respectivamente. Los pesos canónicos para las variables canónicas fueron para U1: a* = 0,707, b* = 0,406 y L* = -0,039; U2: a* = 0,364, b* = -0,898 y L* = 1,234; V1: pH = -0,376 y SFT = 0,935; V2: pH = 0,927 y SFT = 0,356. Conclusión: El espesor de grasa subcutánea afectó significativamente la intensidad de los colores rojo y amarillo, mientras que el pH afectó significativamente la luminosidad. Los resultados de este estudio pueden ser útiles para comprender el papel del metabolismo muscular y sus implicaciones en las características organolépticas de la carne bovina.

Resumo Antecedentes: O pH, a espessura da gordura subcutânea (SFT) e a cor, são variáveis importantes que definem as características organolépticas da carne de ruminantes. No entanto, sua relação multivariada em carne bovina até o momento permanece inexplorada. Objetivo: Investigar a relação multivariada entre o pH, SFT e os parâmetros de cor em carne bovina, utilizando a análise de correlação canônica. Métodos: Foi construído um banco de dados contendo 173 registros individuais de pH, SFT e parâmetros de cor (a*: intensidade de cor vermelha, b*: intensidade de cor amarela y L*: luminosidade) de cinco tipos de cortes de carne bovina brasileira (Raça: Nellore; cortes: acém, contrafilé, fraldinha, patinho e picanha). A relação multivariada entre variáveis de cor (a *, b * e L*) e variáveis químicas (pH e SFT) foi explorada usando o procedimento CANCORR do SAS. Resultados: Duas correlações canônicas entre as variáveis U (composta de a *, b * e L *, variáveis de cor) e V (composta de pH e SFT, variáveis químicas) foram significativas (p<0,01). A primeira e segunda correlação canônica foram 0,463 e 0,282, respectivamente. Os pesos canônicos para as variáveis canônicas foram para U1: a* = 0,707, b* = 0,406 e L* = -0,039; U2: a* = 0,364, b* = -0,898 e L* = 1,234; V1: pH = -0,376 e SFT = 0,935; V2: pH = 0,927 e SFT = 0,356. Conclusão: A espessura de gordura subcutânea afetou significativamente a intensidade das cores vermelha e amarela, enquanto o pH afetou significativamente a luminosidade, em carne bovina. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser úteis para entender melhor o papel do metabolismo muscular e suas implicações nas características organolépticas da carne bovina.

Phenotypic association between residual feed intake and carcass traits of young nelore bulls

The purpose of this study was to estimate the phenotypic associations between residual food intake (RFI) and carcass traits, evaluated by ultrasonography, of young Nellore bulls. Information about 53 young Nelore bulls, pure origin (PO), participants in the Individual Performance Test of Nelore Bulls, carried out at the Capim Branco experimental farm of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) were used for this purpose. It was evaluated the characteristics of residual feed intake (RFI), rib eye area (REA), marbling (MAR) and fat thickness (FT). In order to estimate the Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients, the SAS program was used. Regarding the influence of the RFI classes (low RFI, medium RFI and high RFI) on carcass traits, an out analysis of variance was carried out using the least squares method. It was verified that there was no phenotypic association between RFI and the characteristics of REA and MAR, but the relation between FT and the phenotypic association revealed a medium magnitude. However, when evaluating the RFI classes, it was observed that there were no significant differences of the RFI classes with the carcass traits (REA, FT and MAR). It is recommended that new studies are carried out to verify if the selection for RFI does not result in damages to the finishing of carcass in Nelore cattle.

Periprostatic fat thickness measured on MRI correlates with lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia progression / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study investigated the correlation between periprostatic fat thickness (PPFT) measured on magnetic resonance imaging and lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. A total of 286 treatment-naive men diagnosed with BPH in our department between March 2017 and February 2019 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of PPFT: high (PPFT >4.35 mm) PPFT group and low (PPFT <4.35 mm) PPFT group. After the initial evaluation, all patients received a combination drug treatment of tamsulosin and finasteride for 12 months. Of the 286 enrolled patients, 244 completed the drug treatment course. Patients with high PPFT had larger prostate volume (PV; P = 0.013), higher International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; P = 0.008), and lower five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score (P = 0.002) than those with low PPFT. Both high and low PPFT groups showed significant improvements in PV, maximum flow rate, IPSS, and quality of life score and a decrease of IIEF-5 score after the combination drug treatment. The decrease of IIEF-5 score was more obvious in the high PPFT group than that in the low PPFT group. In addition, more patients in the high PPFT group underwent prostate surgery than those in the low PPFT group. Moreover, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis indicated that PPFT was positively correlated with age, PV, and IPSS and negatively correlated with IIEF-5 score; however, body mass index was only negatively correlated with IIEF-5 score.

Effect of Shenqi Maiwei Dihuangtang Combined with Acarbose on Blood Glucose Level，Body Mass Index and Abdominal Fat Thickness in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Shenqi Maiwei Dihuangtang （SQMWDH） combined with acarbose on the level of 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test （2 h OGTT），body mass index （BMI）， and abdominal fat thickness in patients with impaired glucose tolerance （IGT）. Method:A total of 130 patients with IGT admitted to the First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District from February 2017 to January 2019 were divided into a control group and a treatment group by a random number table. All patients received conventional treatment， such as diet regulation and exercise. The patients in the control group received additional oral administration of acarbose，while those in the treatment group were treated with SQMWDH based on the control group. Fasting blood glucose （FBG），2 h OGTT， and glycated hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）levels were measured by the blood glucose meter. Abdominal fat thickness was measured by ultrasound tomography，and serum total cholesterol （TC），triglyceride （TG），adiponectin， and leptin levels in fasting venous blood were measured. Result:After treatment，the total response rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group （95.00% vs. 81.67%， <italic>χ</italic>²=5.175，<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Before treatment，there was no significant difference in FBG，2 h OGTT，HbA1c， BMI，waist circumference，abdominal fat thickness，TC，TG，adiponectin， and leptin of IGT patients between the two groups. After treatment，the levels of FBG，2 h OGTT，HbA1c， BMI，waist circumference，abdominal fat thickness，TC，TG，and leptin of IGT patients were lower than those before treatment in both groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the treatment group was inferior to the control group（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The level of adiponectin after treatment was higher than that before treatment in both groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05），and the treatment group was superior to the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:SQMWDH combined with acarbose is effective in treating IGT patients by effectively reducing 2 h OGTT and abdominal fat thickness to alleviate obesity and improve the constitution of patients.

Características de carcaça, órgão vomeronasal, concentrações séricas de testosterona e IGF-I em machos Nelore com ductos incisivos bloqueados / Characteristics of carcass, vomeronasal organ, serum testosterone and IGF-I concentrations in Nellore males with blocked incisor ducts

Objetivou-se avaliar características quali - quantitativas da carcaça em machos Nelore, submetidos ao bloqueio dos ductos incisivos no período pré puberal. Além disso, objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações séricas de testosterona e do hormônio do crescimento semelhante a insulina do tipo I (IGF-I), e a arquitetura histológica do órgão vomeronasal (OVN). Trinta e quatro machos, no período pré puberal, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: inteiros ­ animais controle sem qualquer procedimento (n = 11); bloqueados - animais com os ductos incisivos bilateralmente obstruídos (n = 10); castrados - animais com orquiepididectomia bilateral (n = 13). O OVN foi obtido no abate, ao final do experimento, para avaliação histomorfométrica. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas a cada três meses, em dois turnos (manhã e tarde), totalizando cinco avaliações. Observaram-se maiores (P<0,05) pesos corporais finais (inteiros = 494,1 ± 28,71; bloqueados = 500,6 ± 23,6 e castrados = 468,3 ± 21,8 Kg) nos inteiros e bloqueados. O acabamento da carcaça foi maior nos castrados (P<0,05) em relação aos inteiros e bloqueados, enquanto o rendimento de carcaça não apresentou diferenças entre os três tratamentos (P>0,05). Registrou-se redução da altura do epitélio neuro sensitivo do OVN nos bloqueados e castrados (P<0,05). Foi registrada menor concentração de testosterona nos bloqueados nas coletas quatro e cinco à tarde (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a obstrução dos ductos incisivos reduziu os estímulos sensoriais para o OVN, que por sua vez, promoveu alteração na concentração sérica de testosterona, sem alterar o ganho de peso dos animais, porém, não promoveu melhoria na qualidade da carcaça nas condições deste estudo.

A total of 34 prepuberal Nellore males were divided into three groups: control ­ animals without any procedure (n = 11); blocked - with bilaterally incisors ducts obstructed (n = 10); castrated - with bilateral orchiectomy (n = 13). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of blocking the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the carcass. Also, this study aimed to evaluate testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) serum concentration, and the histological architecture of the OVN. Blood samples were taken every three months during two daily collections (morning and afternoon), totalizing five evaluations. It was observed higher (P<0.05) final body weight (control= 494.1 ± 28.71; blocked = 500.6 ± 23.6; castrated = 468.3 ± 21.8 kg) at the control and blocked groups. Carcass finishing was higher in castrated animals (P <0.05), while carcass yield did not differ between treatments (P> 0.05). It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) of the VNO sensory epithelium height in blocked and castrated groups compared with control group. It was registered lower (P<0.05) serum testosterone concentration in blocked group at the fourth and fifth blood collection (afternoon). It was concluded that the obstruction of the incisive ducts reduced the sensorial stimuli for the OVN, which, in turn, promoted a change in the serum concentration of testosterone, without altering the weight gain of the animals, but did not promote improvement in the quality of the carcass under the conditions of this study.

Características de carcaça, órgão vomeronasal, concentrações séricas de testosterona e IGF-I em machos Nelore com ductos incisivos bloqueados / Characteristics of carcass, vomeronasal organ, serum testosterone andIGF-I concentrations in Nellore males with blocked incisor ducts

Objetivou-se avaliar características quali - quantitativas da carcaça em machos Nelore, submetidos ao bloqueio dos ductos incisivos no período pré puberal. Além disso, objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações séricas de testosterona e do hormônio do crescimento semelhante a insulina do tipo I (IGF-I), e a arquitetura histológica do órgão vomeronasal (OVN). Trinta e quatro machos, no período pré puberal, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: inteiros – animais controle sem qualquer procedimento (n = 11); bloqueados - animais com os ductos incisivos bilateralmente obstruídos (n = 10); castrados - animais com orquiepididectomia bilateral (n = 13). O OVN foi obtido no abate, ao final do experimento, para avaliação histomorfométrica. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas a cada três meses, em dois turnos (manhã e tarde), totalizando cinco avaliações. Observaram-se maiores (P0,05). Registrou-se redução da altura do epitélio neuro sensitivo do OVN nos bloqueados e castrados (P<0,05). Foi registrada menor concentração de testosterona nos bloqueados nas coletas quatro e cinco à tarde (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a obstrução dos ductos incisivos reduziu os estímulos sensoriais para o OVN, que por sua vez, promoveu alteração na concentração sérica de testosterona, sem alterar o ganho de peso dos animais, porém, não promoveu melhoria na qualidade da carcaça nas condições deste estudo.

A total of 34 prepuberal Nellore males were divided into three groups: control – animals without any procedure (n = 11); blocked - with bilaterally incisors ducts obstructed (n = 10); castrated - with bilateral orchiectomy (n = 13). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of blocking the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the carcass. Also, this study aimed to evaluate testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) serum concentration, and the histological architecture of the OVN. Blood samples were taken every three months during two daily collections (morning and afternoon), totalizing five evaluations. It was observed higher (P 0.05). It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) of the VNO sensory epithelium height in blocked and castrated groups compared with control group. It was registered lower (P<0.05) serum testosterone concentration in blocked group at the fourth and fifth blood collection (afternoon). It was concluded that the obstruction of the incisive ducts reduced the sensorial stimuli for the OVN, which, in turn, promoted a change in the serum concentration of testosterone, without altering the weight gain of the animals, but did not promote improvement in the quality of the carcass under the conditions of this study.

Adenomyosis and Subcutaneous Fatty Tissue Thickness Relationship

The etiology of adenomyosis is not well understood, but adenomyosis is a common disease. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between

Analysis of setup error in pelvic tumor radiotherapy and its relation with subcutaneous fat thickness / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To analyze the setup error during tumor radiotherapy by linear accelerator cone beam CT(CBCT),and to determine the presence of correlation between subcutaneous fat thickness and setup error. Methods From May 2016 to June 2017 59 patients with pelvic tumors underwent CT scan after body positioning with thermoplastic model,CBCT images were obtained before treatment and registered automatically and manually along with localizable CT images. The displacement data at X(left-right), Y(head-foot) and Z(front-back) directions as well as pelvic subcutaneous fat thickness were recorded,and SPSS 18.0 was used for data statistics.Results The 59 patients had the mean setup errors at X,Y and Z directions being(1.07±2.18),(-0.07±5.00)and(1.15±2.38)mm respectively,and the subcutaneous fat thickness ranging from 0.3 to 2.9 cm with a mean value of 1.6 cm.Spearman analysis showed the correlations between the absolute value of the errors and the subcutaneous fat thickness being 0.15, 0.11 and 0.20 respectively at X, Y and Z directions, and there were no significant differences between the correlations(P>0.05).Conclusion The setup method verifies its feasibility by restraining its errors at X, Y and Z directions between -5 and +5 mm, and there is a weak correlation between the setup error and subcutaneous fat thickness.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2018,39(5):64-67]

Visceral fat thickness and its associations with pubertal and metabolic parameters among girls with precocious puberty

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate associations of central obesity with sexual maturation and metabolic parameters in Korean girls with precocious puberty. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated data from 72 girls under 8 years of age with a chief complaint of early breast development. The patients were categorized as central precocious puberty (CPP) subjects or non-CPP subjects based on their gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test results. Visceral fat thickness (VFT) was measured using ultrasonography and defined as the distance from the linea alba to the aorta. Patient anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: Increased VFT was correlated with an earlier onset of thelarche among all study subjects (r=-0.307, P=0.034). Overweight CPP subjects showed higher insulin resistance than normal weight CPP subjects. Insulin resistance was not significantly different between overweight and normal weight non-CPP subjects. VFT was not significantly different between CPP and non-CPP subjects (2.22±0.79 cm vs. 2.74±1.47 cm, P=0.169). However, overweight and obese CPP subjects (body mass index percentile>85%) had lower VFT than non-CPP obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Central obesity, defined using ultrasonography-measured VFT, might be associated with early pubertal development in Korean girls. However, VFT was not higher in CPP than non-CPP patients and was not significantly correlated with insulin resistance. Further longitudinal studies with a larger cohort are needed.

Correlation between Intra-abdominal Fat Thickness and Components of Metabolic Syndrome with Regard to Gender Differences / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To investigate gender differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to explore the relationship between intra-abdominal fat thickness and MS and its components with respect to gender differences. Methods Based on gender and IDF AHA/NHLBI criteria used to diagnose MS,205 middle-aged and elderly urban residents were divided into a male MS group (124 patients) and a female MS group (81 patients). The relative indices and the thickness of intra-abdominal fat were measured. Results The prevalence of MS was observed to be higher in men (P < 0.01). A greater number of men than women showed waist circumference and blood glucose abnormalities,but fewer men than women showed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) abnormalities (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for potential confounding factors,intra-abdominal fat thickness was an independent predictor in men,but not in women (men:OR = 1.304,95％CI:1.014-1.676,P = 0.039,women:OR = 1.257,95％CI:0.984-1.605, P = 0.067). Intra-abdominal fat thickness was linearly correlated with age,waist circumference,and the 2-hour insulin levels in men,but only linearly correlated with waist circumference in women. Conclusion Prevalence of MS and MS components varies between genders. Intra-abdominal fat thickness was an independent predictor of MS in men. The role of intra-abdominal fat thickness as a determinant of MS in men can not be replaced by the waistline circumference alone as determined in women.

Genetic analysis of residual feed intake adjusted for fat and carcass and performance traits in a Nellore herd / Análise genética do consumo alimentar residual ajustado para gordura e de características de carcaça e desempenho em um rebanho Nelore

ABSTRACT: The study of the genetic evaluation of residual feed intake adjusted for fat (RFIFat) is important for the appropriate use of feed efficiency in selection programs. The objective was to analyze the influence of selection for RFIF at on carcass and performance traits by estimating various genetic parameters. Data were analyzed from five tests of feed efficiency, which were conducted with 677 Nellore males. Genetic evaluation was performed by Bayesian inference using an animal model via single- and two-trait analyses. Variables analyzed were dry matter intake, average daily gain, RFIFat, rib eye area, back fat thickness, rump fat thickness, marbling score, and subcutaneous fat thickness. The posterior mean distributions estimated at each analysis were used to estimate heritability of the traits and to perform various correlations. The studied traits showed high heritability estimates, and they should respond well to selection. The RFIFat presented a phenotypic correlation with carcass traits (which was next to zero), and there was also a negative genetic correlation. Additive genetic variability for RFIFat showed that selection for this trait can promote genetic gains in future generations, resulting in animals that are efficient in terms of nutrient use, and according to the genetic and phenotypic correlations, with no significant negative changes to carcass traits.

RESUMO: O estudo da avaliação genética do consumo alimentar residual ajustado para a gordura (CARFat) é importante para o uso apropriado da eficiência alimentar em programas de seleção. Objetivou-se analisar a influência da seleção para CARFat sobre características de carcaça e de desempenho, frente à estimação dos parâmetros genéticos. Foram analisados os dados de cinco provas de eficiência alimentar, com 677 machos Nelore. A avaliação genética foi realizada por Inferência Bayesiana, com modelo animal, em análises uni e bicaracterística. Foram analisadas as variáveis: ingestão de matéria seca, ganho de peso diário, CARFat, área de olho de lombo, espessura de gordura, espessura de gordura subcutânea na picanha, marmoreio e acabamento. As médias das distribuições a posteriori, estimadas em cada uma das análises, foram usadas para a estimação das herdabilidades e das correlações. As características estudadas apresentaram altas estimativas de herdabilidades, devendo responder bem à seleção. O CARFat apresentou correlações fenotípicas próximas a zero com as características de carcaça, e correlações genéticas negativas. A variabilidade genética aditiva observada para CARFat demonstra que a seleção para essa característica poderá promover ganhos genéticos nas futuras gerações, obtendo animais eficientes na utilização de alimentos e, de acordo com as correlações genéticas e fenotípicas encontradas, sem mudanças negativas significativas às características da carcaça.

Identification of polymorphisms in the myostatin and leptin genes of santa inês breed and crossbreed sheep and association with carcass traits / Identificação de polimorfismo nos genes da miostatina e leptina em ovinos santa inês e cruzados e associação com características de carcaça

The objective of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the myostatin and leptin genes in Santa Inês (SI) and crossbreed (SI x Dorper) sheep, to verify the effect of these polymorphisms on carcass traits. We evaluated seventy sheep of 8-month-old at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data collected were slaughter weight (SW), hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), loin weight, tenderloin weight and fat thickness (FT). The hot carcass yield (HCY) was calculated by the formula (HCW/SW) x 100. We collected hairs from each animal for DNA extraction by the alkaline protocol. The animals were genotyped for the G>A mutation in nucleotide 9827 of the myostatin gene and for three polymorphisms in exon 3 of the leptin gene, by the PCR-RFLP technique. The amplicons the myostatin and leptin gene were cleaved with restriction enzyme for allelic discrimination. The alleles were recorded for each animal and analysis of variance was performed to check the influence of the mutations on the carcass traits. The mutant allele of the myostatin gene showed association with increased measures of CCW, FT and with reduced HCY. Among the three alleles of the leptin gene, only one showed an effect (increased CCW). The other alleles were not associated with any traits.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os polimorfismos nos genes da miostatina e leptina em Santa Inês (SI) e mestiças (SI x Dorper) ovelhas, para verificar o efeito desses polimorfismos sobre características de carcaça. Foram avaliadas setenta ovelhas com oito meses de idade, do Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Os dados coletados foram o peso de abate (PA), peso de carcaça quente (PCQ), peso de carcaça fria (PCF), peso de lombo, peso lombinho e espessura de gordura de cobertura (ECG). O rendimento de carcaça quente (RCQ) foi calculado pela fórmula (PCQ/PA) x 100. Foram coletados pelos de cada animal para a extração de DNA pelo protocolo alcalino. Os animais foram genotipados para a mutação G>A no nucleotídeo 9827 do gene da miostatina e para três polimorfismos no exon 3 do gene da leptina, através da técnica PCR-RFLP. Os produtos de amplificação do gene da miostatina e da leptina foram clivados com a enzima de restrição para diferenciação alélica. Os alelos encontrados foram registrados para cada indivíduo e então foi realizada a análise de variância para verificar os efeitos das mutações sobre as características de carcaça pelo procedimento GLM do SAS. O alelo mutante do gene da miostatina mostrou associação com o aumento das médias PCF e ECG e com a redução do RCQ. Entre os três alelos do gene da leptina, apenas um apresentou efeito com aumento do PCF. Os demais alelos e as demais características não apresentaram associação.

Epicardial Fat Thickness and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio are Increased in Non-Dipper Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness (EFT), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; an important inflammatory marker), and diurnal blood pressure (BP) changes in patients with recently diagnosed essential hypertension. METHODS: A total of 647 patients underwent echocardiography and 24 hours of ambulatory BP monitoring. EFT was measured by echocardiography, while NLR was measured by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. Patients were categorized into three groups according to BP pattern: the normotensive group, the dipper group, and the non-dipper group. RESULTS: The mean EFT was highest in the non-dipper group (non-dipper group, 7.3 ± 3.0 mm; dipper group, 6.1 ± 2.0 mm; control group, 5.6 ± 2.0 mm; p < 0.001). NLR was also highest in the non-dipper group (non-dipper, 2.75 ± 2.81; dipper, 2.01 ± 1.32; control, 1.92 ± 1.11; p < 0.001). EFT was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.160, p < 0.001) and NLR (r = 0.353, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an EFT ≥ 7.0 mm was associated with the non-dipper BP pattern with 51.3% sensitivity and 71.6% specificity [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56–0.65, p < 0.001]. In a multivariate analysis, EFT [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.22–13.10, p = 0.022] and NLR (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05–1.71, p = 0.018) were independent parameters that distinguished a non-dipper pattern after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: EFT and NLR are independently associated with impaired diurnal BP profiles in hypertensive individuals. EFT (as measured by echocardiography) and NLR appear to be helpful in stratifying cardiometabolic risk.

The Relation of Androgenetic Alopecia Severity with Epicardial Fat Thickness

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most commonly encountered baldness pattern in men. Epicardial fat tissue is found on the cardiac surface between the myocardium and visceral pericardium. Both AGA and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) are related to coronary artery disease, which is also reflected by an increase in carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of AGA severity with EFT. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six male patients with AGA aged 18 to 55 years without histories of chronic disease were enrolled. Subjects were divided into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) on the basis of the Hamilton baldness scale as modified by Norwood. Maximum EFT was measured at end-systole on the midventricular free wall of the right ventricle. CIMT was also recorded for all patients. RESULTS: The groups did not have statistically significant differences with respect to age, height, weight, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, or left atrial diameter (p>0.05 for all comparisons), but the severe group had a higher EFT compared with the moderate (p<0.001; z score, -7.040) and mild groups (p<0.001; z score, -6.667). The moderate group also had higher EFT than the mild group (p<0.001; z score, -5.931). Mean CIMT value in the severe group was significantly higher compared with the value in the other groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that subjects in advanced stages of AGA had increased EFT, which was measured via echocardiography.

The Relation of Androgenetic Alopecia Severity with Epicardial Fat Thickness

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most commonly encountered baldness pattern in men. Epicardial fat tissue is found on the cardiac surface between the myocardium and visceral pericardium. Both AGA and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) are related to coronary artery disease, which is also reflected by an increase in carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of AGA severity with EFT. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six male patients with AGA aged 18 to 55 years without histories of chronic disease were enrolled. Subjects were divided into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) on the basis of the Hamilton baldness scale as modified by Norwood. Maximum EFT was measured at end-systole on the midventricular free wall of the right ventricle. CIMT was also recorded for all patients. RESULTS: The groups did not have statistically significant differences with respect to age, height, weight, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, or left atrial diameter (p>0.05 for all comparisons), but the severe group had a higher EFT compared with the moderate (p<0.001; z score, -7.040) and mild groups (p<0.001; z score, -6.667). The moderate group also had higher EFT than the mild group (p<0.001; z score, -5.931). Mean CIMT value in the severe group was significantly higher compared with the value in the other groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that subjects in advanced stages of AGA had increased EFT, which was measured via echocardiography.

Ractopamine hydrochloride on performance and carcass traits of confined Nellores cattle / Cloridrato de ractopamina sobre o desempenho e características de carcaça de bovinos nelores confinados

The effect of four levels of inclusion (0; 450; 900 and 1,350g T-1) of Ractopamine hydrochloride was assessed concerning weight gain, feed conversion, dry matter intake, carcass traits and quality of castrated male cattle meat in confinement. Forty Nellore steers were used, with an average age of 26 months and initial average weight of 423.4±2.7kg, in a randomized block experimental design with four treatments and ten replications. The diet was fixed with the ratio of forage to concentrate dry matter of 75.3:24.7. A Linear positive effect observed was the inclusion of Ractopamine on daily weight gain and linear negative effect on feed conversion, highlighting the improvements with the increasing inclusion of Ractopamine hydrochloride. In relation to carcass traits, the linear effect was negative for fat thickness and no differences were found regarding the hot carcass weight ; carcass yield; area, width and depth of rib eye area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, and noble courts. In relation to dry matter intake, the comparison of the treatments demonstrated that Ractopamine didn't influence negatively, which highlights its positive effect on the animal performance. The use of Ractopamine improves performance and decreases de amount of superficial fat in male nellore carcass in confinement.

Avaliou-se o efeito de quatro níveis de inclusão (0; 450; 900 e 1.350g T-1) do cloridrato de ractopamina, sobre o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar, o consumo de matéria seca, as características de carcaça e a qualidade de carne de bovinos machos castrados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 40 bovinos da raça Nelore, com idade média de 26 meses e peso médio inicial de 423,4±2,7kg, em um delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e dez repetições. A dieta foi fixada obedecendo-se razão volumoso:concentrado de 75,3:24,7 na matéria seca. Observou-se efeito linear positivo da inclusão da ractopamina sobre o ganho de peso diário e efeito linear negativo sobre a conversão alimentar, com destaque para as melhorias com o aumento da inclusão do cloridrato de ractopamina. Em relação às características de carcaça, observou-se o efeito linear negativo para a espessura de gordura e não foram observadas diferenças quanto ao peso da carcaça quente; rendimento de carcaça; área, largura e profundidade de área de olho de lombo do músculo Longissimus dorsi, e cortes nobres. Em relação ao consumo de matéria seca, a comparação dos tratamentos demonstrou que a ractopamina não influencia negativamente no consumo, o que evidencia seu efeito positivo no desempenho animal. O uso do cloridrato de ractopamina melhora o desempenho e diminui a quantidade de gordura superficial na carcaça de bovinos machos nelore em confinamento.

Ácidos graxos e colesterol da carne de cordeiros confinados recebendo dietas contendo fontes lipídicas e submetidos à restrição e realimentação / Fatty acids and cholesterol of meat from lambs fed diets containing lipid sources and subjected to restriction and refeeding

Foram avaliados os efeitos da inclusão de grãos de girassol ou gordura protegida na dieta e da restrição e realimentação sobre a área de olho de lombo, espessura de gordura subcutânea, a composição centesimal, o teor de colesterol e a composição em ácidos graxos da gordura intramuscular do Longissimus lumborum de cordeiros, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (3 dietas x 2 manejos de alimentação). O colesterol da gordura intramuscular de cordeiros alimentados com a dieta contendo gordura protegida (28,5mg 100 g^-1) foi menor (P<0,05) que o do controle (36,8mg 100g^-1) e grãos de girassol (38,1mg 100g^-1). O manejo de restrição alimentar e realimentação não modificaram (P>0,05) o perfil dos ácidos graxos, porém foi detectado que a dieta contendo grãos de girassol elevou (P<0,05) a razão polinsaturado/saturado, provavelmente pela superioridade (P<0,05) de 20% na proporção de polinsaturados, reflexo direto do aumento na concentração do ácido linoleico. A inclusão de fontes lipídicas na dieta de ovinos é ferramenta que contribui para melhorar a qualidade da gordura intramuscular de cordeiros confinados, considerando que a gordura protegida reduz o teor de colesterol e que os grãos de girassol aumentam a concentração de ácidos graxos polinsaturados. O manejo de alimentação com período de restrição e realimentação não altera a composição centesimal e a qualidade da gordura intramuscular.

It was evaluated the effects of sunflower grains inclusion or protected fat in the diet and compensatory growth on the loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, chemical composition, cholesterol concentration and fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat of Longissimus lumborum of lambs distributed in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 diets x 2 feeding management). Intramuscular cholesterol from lambs fed with diet containing protected fat (28.5mg 100g^-1) was lower (P<0.05) than that of the control (36.8mg 100g^-1) and sunflower grains (38.1mg 100g^-1). The restriction and refeeding didn't cause change (P>0.05) in the fatty acids profile, but diet containing sunflower grains increased polyunsaturated/saturated ratio due to(P<0.05) the superiority of 20% in the proportion of polyunsaturated, reflecting directly the increase in linoleic acid. Inclusion of lipid sources in the diet of feedlot sheep is a tool that helps to improve the quality of intramuscular fat of lambs, whereas the protected fat reduces cholesterol and sunflower grains elevates the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Feeding restriction and refeeding period does not alter the chemical composition and quality of intramuscular fat.

Quantitative carcass traits of Holstein calves, finished in different systems and slaughter weights / Características quantitativas da carcaça de bezerros da raça holandesa terminados em diferentes sistemas de terminação e pesos de abate

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar as características da carcaça de bezerros holandeses terminados em confinamento ou em pastagem com suplementação e abatidos com diferentes pesos de abate. Os animais confinados foram alimentados com volumoso e concentrado comercial, na proporção de 40:60, sendo a silagem de milho utilizada como volumoso. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x4 (dois sistemas de terminação x quatro pesos de abate). Os animais foram abatidos à medida que atingiam os pesos de abate pré-determinados (140, 180, 220 e 260kg). O sistema de acabamento não teve influência sobre o peso e rendimento de carcaça quente e fria e as perdas de carcaça, mas os animais confinados apresentaram maior espessura de gordura. Animais confinados apresentaram melhor conformação, comparados com os terminados em pastagem. À medida que aumentou o peso de abate, houve crescimento linear para peso de carcaça quente e fria, rendimento de carcaça quente e fria, conformação, medidas métricas e peso dos cortes comerciais da carcaça. O percentual do corte traseiro decresceu com o aumento do peso de abate, enquanto que a espessura de gordura apresentou resposta quadrática. Os sistemas de abate apresentaram rendimento de carcaça semelhante. As características da carcaça melhoram com o aumento do peso de abate, mas, em percentagem, são semelhantes.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate carcass characteristics Holstein calves finished on feedlot or pasture with supplementation and slaughter weights. The feedlot calves were fed with commercial concentrate and corn silage in the ratio of 40:60. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2x4 (two finishing systems x four slaughter weights). The animals were different slaughter weights 140, 180, 220 and 260kg of body weight). The finishing system had no influence on the weight carcass hot and cold, yield, and losses carcass, but the feedlot animals showed higher fat thickness and better conformation. With the increase in the slaughter weight, there was a linear increase in the hot carcass weight and cold carcass yield, conformation, metric measurements and weight of commercial cuts. The percentage of hind decreased with the increase in the slaughter weight, whereas fat thickness showed a quadratic response. The finishing system showed carcass yield similar. The carcass characteristics improve with the increase in the weight, but the percentages were similar.