Standardization of a multiplex assay to identify weak D types in a mixed-race Brazilian population.

RH allele variability is caused by several types of variants, resulting in altered RhD and RhCE phenotypes. Most of the weak D phenotypes in European-derived populations are weak D types 1, 2, or 3, which are not involved in alloimmunization episodes. However, the Brazilian population is racially diverse, and the accuracy of molecular and serologic tests developed in recent years has allowed for the identification of other RH variants, that are common in the Brazilian population, such as weak D type 38 or weak partial 11, the latter involved in alloimmunization cases. Furthermore, patients with these two weak D variants must be transfused with D- red blood cell units, as do patients with weak D type 4 or DAR, which are also common D variants in Brazil. Weak D type 38 and weak partial 11 can be serologically misclassified as weak D types 1, 2, or 3 in patients, based on European experience, or as D- in donors. Additionally, pregnant women may unnecessarily be identified as requiring Rh immune globulin. RhCE phenotypes are reliable indicators of RhD variants. For individuals with the Dce phenotype, the preferred approach is to specifically search for RHD*DAR. However, when encountering DCe or DcE phenotypes, we currently lack a developed method that assists us in rapidly identifying and determining the appropriate course of action for the patient or pregnant woman. Two multiplex assays were proposed: one for the identification of RHD*weak partial 11, RHD*weak D type 38, and RHD*weak D type 3 and another for RHD*weak D type 2 and RHD*weak D type 5. The multiplex assays were considered valid if the obtained results were equivalent to those obtained from sequencing. Expected results were obtained for all tested samples. The proposed multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays can be used in the molecular investigation of women of childbearing age, patients, and blood donors presenting a weak D phenotype with DCe or DcE haplotypes in a mixed-race population, such as Brazil.

Cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma in a cat: case report / Linfoma cutâneo anaplásico de grandes células T em um gato: relato de caso

Lymphoma is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder in cats. However, cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon in this species and can be classified as epitheliotropic or non-epitheliotropic. Epitheliotropic lymphomas are typically of T-cells and have tropism for epidermis and/or adnexal epithelium. Non-epitheliotropic lymphomas can be of either T-cell or B-cell and involve predominantly the dermis. The present study describes a case of multifocal cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. The skin nodules were multiple and variable in size, alopecic and erythematous in appearance and randomly distributed. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for the CD3 antigen, consistent with T-lymphocytes. This neoplasm should be remembered whenever multiple cutaneous nodules are observed in cats.

Linfoma é o distúrbio linfoproliferativo mais comumente observado em gatos. Contudo, linfomas cutâneos são incomuns nessa espécie e podem ser classificados como epiteliotrópico ou não epiteliotrópico. Linfomas epiteliotrópicos são tipicamente originários de células T e têm tropismo pela epiderme e/ou pelo epitélio anexial. Linfomas não epiteliotrópicos podem ser originários de células T ou B e envolvem predominantemente a derme. No presente trabalho, descreve-se um caso de linfoma cutâneo multifocal anaplásico de grandes células T em um gato. Os nódulos cutâneos eram múltiplos, de dimensões variáveis, alopécicos, eritematosos e aleatoriamente distribuídos. A imuno-histoquímica revelou positividade para CD3, sendo consistente com origem em linfócitos T. Essa neoplasia deve ser lembrada sempre que forem observados nódulos cutâneos múltiplos em gatos.

Behavioral and structural changes in the hippocampus of wistar epileptic rats are minimized by acupuncture associated or not with phenobarbital / Alterações comportamentais e estruturais do hipocampo de ratos Wistar epilépticos são minimizadas pela acupuntura em associação ou não com fenobarbital

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior and histopathological changes in the hippocampus of epileptic Wistar rats treated with acupuncture associated or not with phenobarbital. The experiment used 44 male rats with 90 days of birth, induced to status epileptics with pilocarpine hydrochloride in a single dose of 350mg/kg, separated into treatment groups and submitted for 5 minutes to the elevated plus-maze test. Group 1 received 0.2mL of saline solution orally; Group 2 treated with acupuncture at the yintang, baihui, shishencong, jizhong, naohu, thianzu points; Group 3 received orally phenobarbital, daily dose of 20mg/kg; Group 4 treated with an association of acupuncture and oral phenobarbital; Group 5 random needling. The results obtained showed that Groups 2 (acupuncture) and 4 (acupuncture and phenobarbital) presented decreased anxiety, epileptic seizures, and neuronal death in the CA1, CA3 areas of the hippocampus when compared to animals in groups 1, 3 and 5. It is concluded that the association of phenobarbital and acupuncture points used in the experiment allowed for the control of epileptic seizures, reduction of anxiety and reduction of lesions in the subareas of the hippocampus.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o comportamento e as alterações histopatológicas no hipocampo de ratos Wistar epilépticos tratados com acupuntura associada ou não a fenobarbital. O experimento utilizou 44 ratos machos, com 90 dias de nascimento, induzidos ao status epileticus com cloridrato de pilocarpina, em dose única de 350mg/kg, separados em grupos de tratamento e submetidos por cinco minutos ao teste de labirinto em cruz elevado. O grupo 1 recebeu, por via oral, 0,2mL de solução salina; o grupo 2 foi tratado com acupuntura nos pontos yintang, baihui, shishencong, jizhong, naohu, thianzu; o grupo 3 recebeu, por via oral, fenobarbital, dose diária de 20mg/kg; o grupo 4 foi tratado com associação acupuntura e fenobarbital por via oral; o grupo 5 recebeu agulhamento aleatório. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que os grupos 2 (acupuntura) e 4 (acupuntura e fenobarbital) apresentaram diminuição da ansiedade, das crises epilépticas e da morte neuronal nas áreas CA1, CA3 do hipocampo quando comparados aos animais dos grupos 1, 3 e 5. Conclui-se que a associação do fenobarbital e dos pontos de acupuntura utilizados no experimento permitiu o controle das crises epilépticas, a redução da ansiedade e a diminuição das lesões nas subáreas do hipocampo.

Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects of oral administration of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on nociception, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. Vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated the CCI-induced decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency (indicators of antinociception) and SFI. The vitamin prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels in injured sciatic nerve without change to total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D3 prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the spinal cord, which were found in rats without treatment at 7 and 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was found between mechanical threshold and SAG and between mechanical threshold and H2O2 at day 7. Vitamin D3 also prevented decreased spinal cord total thiols content. There was an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared to CCI rats without treatment only at 28 days. No significant changes were found in body weight and blood parameters of hepatic and renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that vitamin D modulated pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in the spinal cord. Since antinociception occurred in parallel with oxidative changes in the spinal cord, the oxidative changes may have contributed to vitamin D-induced antinociception.

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats.

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects of oral administration of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on nociception, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. Vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated the CCI-induced decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency (indicators of antinociception) and SFI. The vitamin prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels in injured sciatic nerve without change to total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D3 prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the spinal cord, which were found in rats without treatment at 7 and 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was found between mechanical threshold and SAG and between mechanical threshold and H2O2 at day 7. Vitamin D3 also prevented decreased spinal cord total thiols content. There was an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared to CCI rats without treatment only at 28 days. No significant changes were found in body weight and blood parameters of hepatic and renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that vitamin D modulated pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in the spinal cord. Since antinociception occurred in parallel with oxidative changes in the spinal cord, the oxidative changes may have contributed to vitamin D-induced antinociception.

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats.

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats.

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Intoxicação aguda pela ingestão de Samanea tubulosa em bovino / Acute intoxication by ingestion of Samanea tubulosa in bovine

As intoxicações em animais de produção causadas por plantas são bastante relatadas, resultando em perdas econômicas diretas causadas pela morte dos animais, diminuição dos índices produtivos e reprodutivos, além de aumentar a ocorrência e susceptibilidade a outras doenças. Já as perdas indiretas, incluem os custos para o controle das plantas tóxicas nas pastagens, além das medidas de manejo como a utilização de cercas e o pastoreio alternativo para evitar as intoxicações, assim como também os gastos associados ao diagnóstico e tratamento. No presente trabalho relatou-se a intoxicação de um bovino de raça Girolando de 11 anos pelo consumo da planta conhecida como bordão-de-velho (Samanea tubulosa). As alterações pós-mortem macro e microscópicas demonstraram que a causa provável de morte foi a síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Estudos in vivo são necessários para conhecer mais a fundo o potencial tóxico desta planta.

Intoxications in production animals caused by plants are well reported, resulting direct losses caused by the death of animals, by the reduction of productive and reproductive indexes, as well as increase in the frequence and susceptibility to other diseases. Indirect losses can be attributed to control plants in pastures, in addition to manipulation measures, such as use of fences and alternative grazing to avoid intoxication. The present work reported the intoxication of an 11-year-old female breed of cattle by the consumption of the plant known as bordão-develho (Samanea tubulosa). Macro and microscopic finds demonstrate that the probable cause is multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In vivo studies are needed to know more about the toxic potential of this plant.

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

INTOXICAÇÃO AGUDA PELA INGESTÂO DE Samanea tubulosa EM BOVINO

As intoxicações em animais de produção causadas por plantas são bastante relatadas, resultando em perdas econômicas diretas causadas pela morte dos animais, diminuição dos índices produtivos e reprodutivos, além de aumentar a ocorrência e susceptibilidade a outras doenças. Já as perdas indiretas, incluem os custos para o controle das plantas tóxicas nas pastagens, além das medidas de manejo como a utilização de cercas e o pastoreio alternativo para evitar as intoxicações, assim como também os gastos associados ao diagnóstico e tratamento. No presente trabalho relatou-se a intoxicação de um bovino de raça Girolando de 11 anos pelo consumo da planta conhecida como bordão-de-velho (Samanea tubulosa). As alterações pós-mortem macro e microscópicas demonstraram que a causa provável de morte foi a síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Estudos in vivo são necessários para conhecer mais a fundo o potencial tóxico desta planta.

Intoxicação aguda pela ingestão de Samanea tubulosa em bovino / Acute intoxication by ingestion of Samanea tubulosa in bovine

As intoxicações em animais de produção causadas por plantas são bastante relatadas, resultando em perdas econômicas diretas causadas pela morte dos animais, diminuição dos índices produtivos e reprodutivos, além de aumentar a ocorrência e susceptibilidade a outras doenças. Já as perdas indiretas, incluem os custos para o controle das plantas tóxicas nas pastagens, além das medidas de manejo como a utilização de cercas e o pastoreio alternativo para evitar as intoxicações, assim como também os gastos associados ao diagnóstico e tratamento. No presente trabalho relatou-se a intoxicação de um bovino de raça Girolando de 11 anos pelo consumo da planta conhecida como bordão-de-velho (Samanea tubulosa). As alterações pós-mortem macro e microscópicas demonstraram que a causa provável de morte foi a síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Estudos in vivo são necessários para conhecer mais a fundo o potencial tóxico desta planta.(AU)

Intoxications in production animals caused by plants are well reported, resulting direct losses caused by the death of animals, by the reduction of productive and reproductive indexes, as well as increase in the frequence and susceptibility to other diseases. Indirect losses can be attributed to control plants in pastures, in addition to manipulation measures, such as use of fences and alternative grazing to avoid intoxication. The present work reported the intoxication of an 11-year-old female breed of cattle by the consumption of the plant known as bordão-develho (Samanea tubulosa). Macro and microscopic finds demonstrate that the probable cause is multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In vivo studies are needed to know more about the toxic potential of this plant.(AU)

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Intoxicação por Enterolobium contortisiliquum em um bovino

Relatos de intoxicação por plantas toxicas são comuns no Brasil. Nesse trabalho foi relatado um caso de intoxicação em um bovino da raça Nelore, idade acima de 36 meses, lactante, devido ingestão de Enterolobium contortisiliquum, conhecido popularmente como orelha de negro, orelha de macaco, tamboril, tamborim, timbaúva, timbori, timboril. Na avaliação das alterações pós-mortem macro e micro demonstraram que a causa provável de morte foi disfunção hepática e renal com reflexo no mal funcionamento pulmonar.

Intoxicação por Enterolobium contortisiliquum em um bovino

Relatos de intoxicação por plantas toxicas são comuns no Brasil. Nesse trabalho foi relatado um caso de intoxicação em um bovino da raça Nelore, idade acima de 36 meses, lactante, devido ingestão de Enterolobium contortisiliquum, conhecido popularmente como orelha de negro, orelha de macaco, tamboril, tamborim, timbaúva, timbori, timboril. Na avaliação das alterações pós-mortem macro e micro demonstraram que a causa provável de morte foi disfunção hepática e renal com reflexo no mal funcionamento pulmonar.(AU)

Study of genetic variability in pigs after the traditional breeding program.

Molecular markers are tools used to improve genetic gains. The objective of this study was to analyze the security of alleles of molecular marker genes for characteristics of economic interest in a pure population of pigs. After the extraction of DNA from the hair of 272 Large White matrices, the allele and genotype frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism was performed using the ARMS-PCR Multiplex technique in the DGAT1, LEPR, H-FABP, MC4R, and SREBF1 genes using RFLP-PCR for the GH gene. After capillary electrophoresis in an automated DNA sequencing of the DGAT1, LEPR, H-FABP, and SREBF1 genes, no polymorphisms were found. Only the MC4R marker presented 100% heterozygosity. For the GH gene, 209 of the initial population samples were genotyped. The PCR product (605 bp) was digested with the restriction enzyme DdeI, with fragments being of 335, 148, and 122 bp for the D1 allele and 457 and 148 bp for the D2 allele. The genotypic frequency obtained of D1D2 was 88% and of D2D2 was 22%. The D1 allele presented a frequency of 11% and the D2 allele of 89%. The high intensity of selection for commercial breeds justifies the absence or the low number of polymorphisms for the genes studied.

Short Communication Quick method for identifying horse (Equus caballus) and donkey (Equus asinus) hybrids.

The domestication of the Equus genus 5000-6000 years ago has influenced the history of human civilization. As soon as horse and donkey species had been domesticated, they were crossbred, producing humanity's first documented attempt at animal genome manipulation. Since then, the mule (male donkey x female horse) and the reciprocal cross (the hinny, male horse x female donkey) have been the most common equine hybrids in the world. Due to their hybrid vigor, mules and hinnies have been intensively used for carrying loads and people and for tilling the land. Despite their importance, visual distinction of mules and hinnies is difficult due to high phenotypic resemblance. However, the distinction between these two hybrids is of pivotal importance for equid breeders and ranchers. In this study, an easy, low-cost, effective, and fast multiplex-polymerase chain reaction method was developed to distinguish the maternal origin of mules and hinnies, targeting the hyper-variable mitochondrial DNA D-loop region. This methodology can help breeders, ranchers, animal science professionals, and researchers manage their equine herds with more confidence and precision.