Induced acute hyperglycemia modifies the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by tissue inflammation and tight junction disruption resulting in hydroelectrolytic secretion in an animal model.

Diabetic-metabolic syndrome (MetS-D) has a high prevalence worldwide, in which an association with the rupture of the intestinal epithelium barrier function (IEBF) has been pointed out, but the functional and morphological properties are still not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute hyperglycemia diabetes on intestinal tight junction proteins, metabolic failure, intestinal ion and water transports, and IEBF parameters. Diabetes was induced in male Rattus norvegicus (200-310 g) with 0.5 mL of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Glycemic and clinical parameters were evaluated every 7 days, and intestinal parameters were evaluated on the 14th day. The MetS-D animals showed a clinical pattern of hyperglycemia, with increases in the area of villi and crypts, lactulose:mannitol ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and intestinal tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), but showed a reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) when these parameters were compared to the control. The MetS-D group had increased secretion of Na+, K+, Cl-, and water compared to the control group in ileal tissue. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in mRNA transcript of claudin-2, claudin-15, and NHE3 and increases of SGLT-1 and ZO-1 in the MetS-D group. These results showed that MetS-D triggered intestinal tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, complex alterations in gene regulatory protein transcriptions of intestinal transporters and tight junctions, damaging the IEBF and causing hydroelectrolyte secretion.

Spatiotemporal distribution of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus) in graniferous sorghum crops.

At the global level, Sorghum bicolor (L.), is one of the most important crops, which ranks fifth among all cereals. It is cultivated in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, where it serves as a source of food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. However, production is constrained by several factors including pests and diseases. Among the pests that are known to attack Sorghum, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), commonly called the green cereal aphid, is the most destructive pest of sorghum. S. graminum damage to sorghum is worsen by water deficit which favors its occurrence. Limited information on the spatial distribution of the pest and its natural enemies impedes the development of ecologically friendly management strategies. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (L.) during the vegetative and reproductive stage of the crop using geostatistical analysis. The spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum was influenced by Sorghum development stage, surrounding landscape, and presence of its main predator C. septempunctata. Moreover, the abundance of C. septempunctata was influenced by the density of S. graminum. The findings from this study are required for developing sustainable pest management strategies against S. graminum.

Non-lactose-fermenting uropathogenic Escherichia coli from dogs: virulence profile characterization.

Non-lactose-fermenting Escherichia coli (NLFEC) has a few descriptive studies restricted to human infections. In the present study, isolates of NLFEC obtained from urine samples of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were characterized regarding their virulence ability, biofilm formation capacity and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Escherichia coli lactose-fermenting strains from urinary infection in dogs with the same conditions were analysed to provide comparisons. The non-lactose-fermenting E. coli strains were classified as belonging to clade I E. coli, whereas the lactose-fermenting strains were classified in phylogroup B2. All strains presented virulence markers to adhesion, iron acquisition, toxins, colicin and cytotoxin production, and biofilm regulation. Components of the extracellular matrix in addition to the in vitro biofilm formation ability were observed in the strains. Multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles were observed by in vitro susceptibility tests to all NLFEC strains. In summary, non-lactose-fermenting uropathogenic E. coli from dogs behaves similar to lactose-fermenting E. coli, exhibiting MDR profile, and pathogenic potential of promote animal infections.

Insights on the genetic features of endometrial pathogenic Escherichia coli strains from pyometra in companion animals: Improving the knowledge about pathogenesis.

Endometrial pathogenic E. coli (EnPEC) isolates are involved in endometrial infections in animals and humans. Besides the high aggressiveness of the endometrial infections, the EnPEC virulence profile and pathogenesis are still little known. In this study, we have sequenced and analyzed an EnPEC strain from canine pyometra (E. coli_LBV005/17), following a molecular characterization of the virulence profile and phylogenetic evolution of an EnPEC collection from canines and felines (45 strains). Most of the strains belonged to phylo-group B2, and display a high virulence profile. In particular we highlight the classification of the E. coli_LBV005/17 as sequence type 131 (ST131), in addition to other five strains, as observed by gyrB phylogenetic analysis. Also, the phylogenetic position of EnPEC strains from pyometra in companion animals suggests that their origins are from both extraintestinal and commensal E. coli strains. Accordingly to Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and phylogenetic analysis we can propose that EnPEC strains have neither the same genetic profile, nor a unique common ancestral. In summary, the present work characterize an EnPEC genome from bitch pyometra and the genetic profile of 45 EnPEC strains from companion animals pyometra, being the commonest virulence pattern: fimA, papC, hlyA, hlyE, cnf1, entB, iroN, irp1, bssS, bssR, and hmsP. These data improving the background knowledge of this E. coli pathotype related to pyometra in companion animals and may support new methods to prevent the disease evolution.

Effect of Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate-Containing Silane and Adhesive Used Alone or in Combination on the Bond Strength and Chemical Interaction With Zirconia Ceramics Under Thermal Aging.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Achieving durable bonding to zirconia is fundamental for the application of a methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing silane solution or an MDP-containing silane solution associated with an MDP-containing universal adhesive. SUMMARY: Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing silane coupling agent and universal adhesive, used alone or in combination, on the microshear bond strength (µSBS) to zirconia after 24 hours of water storage (24h) and after 10,000 thermocycles (TC), complemented with chemical analysis of the surface to establish the presence of MDP on the surface of the zirconia after bonding procedures.Methods and Materials: Thirty computer-aided design/computed-aided manufacturing blocks of zirconia were cut into four sections (6×6×6 mm) and sintered. Zirconia sections (n=96) were assigned to 24 groups according to three factors: 1) silane (no silane, Monobond S [MBS], Monobond P [MB+]), 2) adhesive + resin cement (no adhesive + Enforce [ENF], no adhesive + RelyX Ultimate [REX], Prime&Bond Elect + Enforce [PBE/ENF], Scotchbond Universal + RelyX Ultimate [SBU/REX]), and 3) thermocycling (no thermocycling [24h], 10,000 thermocycles [TC]). Upon silane/adhesive application, cylinder-shaped matrices were filled with resin cement and light cured. Specimens were tested in µSBS (1.0 mm/min) after 24h or TC. The µSBS data were analyzed using twoway ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). In addition, micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the zirconia surface for immediate chemical interaction analysis (n=24).Results: For the 24h condition, PBE/ENF resulted in lower mean µSBS than both groups with silane without PBE (MBS and MB+ groups; p<0.001). SBU alone or MB+ alone and MB+ associated with SBU showed the highest mean µSBS (p<0.001). For the TC condition, all groups showed a significant decrease in mean µSBS compared with those of 24h (p<0.001), with the exception of MB+ associated to SBU (p>0.05). However, the application of MB+ alone or MB+ associated to SBU resulted in higher mean µSBS (p<0.001) after TC than the remaining TC groups. In terms of chemical interaction, only the SBU groups, alone or combined with both of the silane agents, were associated with the methacrylate groups after rinsing.Conclusions: The results of the current study support the use of an MDP-containing silane solution or an MDP-containing silane solution associated with an MDP-containing universal adhesive for bonding to air-abraded zirconia, as a more stable bonding after thermocycling.

Caution at choosing a particular colony-forming unit from faecal Escherichia coli: it may not represent the sample profile.

Data about phylogenetic classification of Escherichia coli colonizing calves, lambs and foals are routinely neglected and restricted to outdated methodologies, even in the context of antimicrobial susceptibility (AS) testing. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic diversity and the AS profile of E. coli colony-forming units (CFUs) from faecal samples of healthy animals. Five CFUs of E. coli were randomly selected from each faecal culture of calves (n = 13), foals (n = 13) and lambs (n = 13), totalizing 195 CFUs phylo-typed by quadruplex PCR. The AS profile of five CFUs from 15 samples (five from each animal species; n = 75 isolates) against nine drugs was determined by agar diffusion test. We found E. coli belonging to all phylo-groups already described, except D group, with the predominance of B1 (65% CFUs; 126/195) in the three-animal species sampled. Most faecal samples of calves (77%; 10/13) and foals (69%; 9/13) harboured both pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. coli. All faecal samples showed CFUs with diverse AS profile, highlighting the ineffectiveness of tetracycline, sulphonamide and ampicillin. As a key point, our data reinforce the importance to select at least four E. coli CFUs for AS testing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides relevant data about the high phylogenetic and antimicrobial susceptibility diversity observed in Escherichia coli colony-forming units (CFUs) from a bacteriological culture of faeces from healthy calves, foals and lambs. The selection pressure exerted by the herd treatment may directly impact the intestinal microflora of animals that have never been treated. Finally, we emphasize the importance of Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and we recommended to analyse at least four E. coli CFUs to determine, in particular, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of faecal isolates, independent of the animal's health status.

Biomechanical evaluation of the sheep mandible as a model for studying fixation methods / Evaluación biomecánica de la mandíbula de oveja como modelo para estudiar los métodos de fijación

Recently, there has been increased interest in the use of natural jaws for better results in bone fixation studies. Thus, the sheep mandible has been chosen for such studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the length and resistance of the sheep mandible when submitted to a compression test with freedom in the three axes of space. Seventy fresh sheep (Ovis aries) mandibles were used in this study. Initially, the soft tissues were removed, and measurements of the mandible size were performed. Fifty mandibles were selected for mechanical testing based on the mean values from this assessment. The mandibles were joined by fixation in the symphyseal region and were tridimensionally deformed. A metallic support suitable for study of the mandible under efforts with freedom in the three axes in space was used. For this test, three displacement cycles were applied. Based on the mean stiffness, 35 mandibles were selected. The mean value of the sheep mandible mensuration was 13.6 cm ± 0.53 cm. The mean value of the sheep mandible stiffness was 153.5N ± 54.0 N. These data are useful for future studies on fixation systems for fractures and orthognathic surgery.

Recientemente, ha aumentado el interés en el uso de mandíbulas naturales para obtener mejores resultados en estudios de fijación ósea. Por lo tanto, la mandíbula de las ovejas se ha elegido para tales estudios. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la longitud y la resistencia de la mandíbula de oveja al ser sometida a una prueba de compresión con libertad en los tres ejes del espacio. Se utilizaron 70 mandíbulas de oveja fresca (Ovis aries). Inicialmente, se extirparon los tejidos blandos y se realizaron mediciones del tamaño de la mandíbula. Cincuenta mandíbulas fueron seleccionadas para pruebas mecánicas basadas en los valores promedio de esta evaluación. Las mandíbulas se unieron por fijación en la región sinfisial y se deformaron tridimensionalmente. Se utilizó un soporte metálico adecuado para el estudio de la mandíbula bajo esfuerzos con libertad en los tres ejes en el espacio. Para esta prueba, se aplicaron tres ciclos de desplazamiento. En base a la rigidez media, se seleccionaron 35 mandíbulas. El valor medio de la medición de la mandíbula de oveja fue de 13,6 cm ± 0,53 cm. El valor medio de la rigidez de la mandíbula de oveja fue 153,5 N ± 54,0 N. Estos datos son útiles para futuros estudios sobre sistemas de fijación para fracturas y cirugía ortognática.

Cimentação adesiva dos retentores de fibra de vidro: o que precisamos saber? / Adhesive cementation of fiber posts: what we need to know?

Este artigo descreveu, através de uma revisão da literatura, conceitos atuais acerca da cimentação adesiva de pinos de fibra de vidro. Já que a união entre cimento resinoso, pino e dentina assume um papel importante na longevidade do tratamento protético restaurador. Na presente revisão, foram discutidos tópicos como a influência da espessura do cimento, as estratégias adesivas que podem ser utilizadas e fatores que podem influenciar na escolha do tipo de cimento resinoso a ser utilizado, os métodos indicados para a inserção desses cimentos no interior do conduto radicular e os conceitos referentes ao tratamento de superfície, tanto do pino de fibra como da superfície dentinária.

This paper has described through current literature concepts the adhesive cementation of fiberglass posts since the adhesive union between resin cement, post and dentin plays an important role in the longevity of the restorative and prosthetic treatment. The present review discussed topics such as: the influence of cement thickness, the adhesive strategies that can be used and factors that may influence the choice of the type of resin cement to be used, the methods indicated for the insertion of these cements inside the root canal, and concepts regarding the surface treatment of both post and dentin surfaces.

Impact of pH and application time of meta-phosphoric acid on resin-enamel and resin-dentin bonding.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate microshear resin-enamel bond strength (µSBS) and the immediate and 6-month microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage (NL) of the adhesive interface performed by different pHs of 40% meta-phosphoric acid (MPA) were compared with conventional 37% ortho-phosphoric acid (OPA) under different application times. Additionally, the enamel etching patterns were evaluated and the chemical/morphological changes induced by these differents groups were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight extracted human molars were randomly assigned into experimental groups according to the combination of independent variables: Acid [37% ortho-phosphoric acid (OPA), 40% meta-phosphoric acid (MPA) at pHs of: 0.5, 1 and 2] and Application Time [7, 15 and 30s]. Enamel-bond specimens were prepared and tested under µSBS. Resin-dentin beams were tested under µTBS tested immediately or after 6-months of water storage. Nanoleakage was evaluated using bonded-beams of each tooth/time-period. Enamel etching pattern and chemical and ultra-morphology analyses were also performed. The µSBS (MPa) data were subjected to a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Acid vs. Application time). For µTBS, Acid vs application time vs storage time data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: MPA pH 0.5 showed µTBS similar to OPA, independently of the application time on enamel (p>0.05) or dentin (p>0.05). OPA provided higher nanoleakage values than MPA (p = 0.003). Significant decreases in TBS and increases in NL were only observed for OPA after 6 months (p = 0.001). An increase in the application time resulted in a more pronounced etching pattern for MPA. Chemical analysis showed that dentin demineralized by MPA depicted peaks of brushite and octacalcium phosphate. MPA exposed less collagen than OPA. However, optimal results for MPA were dependent on pH/application time. CONCLUSION: The use of 40% meta-phosphoric acid with a pH of 0.5 is an alternative acid-etching agent for dentin and enamel bonding. Furthermore, the use of MPA preserves the resin-dentin interface over a 6-months period, due to presence of brushite and octacalcium phosphate and a reduced demineralization pattern.

Histomorphometric study of the anterior latissimus dorsi muscle and evaluation of enzymatic markers of broilers affected with dorsal cranial myopathy.

Dorsal cranial myopathy (DCM), which affects the anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) muscles of commercial broilers, is of unknown etiology, and it represents up to 6% of the partial condemnations in Brazilian slaughterhouses. This study was performed to achieve histomorphometric characterizations of the ALD muscles from male Cobb 500 broilers slaughtered at either 35 d or 42 d and to evaluate the effects of DCM on the enzymatic markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and on uric acid and creatinine metabolites. Blood samples (1.5 to 3 mL) and ALD muscle fragments were collected from each carcass, all of which were processed in a commercial inline processing system. For each age, twelve macroscopically normal animals and twelve animals found to exhibit DCM were randomly selected for histomorphometric evaluation and analysis of serologic profiles. Microscopic evaluations demonstrated that the muscle fibers of those with DCM exhibited a strong presence of multifocal regenerative myodegeneration as well as a substitution of muscle tissue with connective tissue (P < 0.001) through fibrosis, thus characterizing the chronicity and hardness of the affected muscle. It is suggested that DCM is a localized muscle lesion because the detected serum levels of CK (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.001), ALT (P = 0.01), and LDH (P < 0.001) enzymes were strongly associated with the group affected by DCM. Additional studies are needed to gain an understanding of this myopathy because it is an emerging problem in the poultry industry. In addition, it is related to DCM lesions in fast-growing broilers with the greatest slaughter weights.

Genomewide association study for production and meat quality traits in Canchim beef cattle.

The commercial value of the bovine carcass is determined by a set of traits, such as weight, yield, back fat thickness, and marbling; therefore, the genetic improvement of growth, meat, and carcass quality traits is an important tool to add value to the supply chain. Genomewide association studies (GWAS) enable the identification of loci that control phenotypic expression of quantitative traits (QTL). Therefore, the objective of this work was to perform a GWAS to identify genomic regions and genes associated with growth, carcass traits, and meat quality in Canchim beef cattle. These traits were yearling weight (YW), rib eye area (REA), back fat thickness (BFT), and marbling (MARB). To increase sample size and marker density, genotype imputation was performed, and only markers imputed with greater than 95% accuracy were used. Genomewide association study was performed using a Bayesian approach, by the Bayes B statistical method, incorporating genotypes and phenotypes from 614 animals from both the Canchim breed and the MA genetic group (offspring of Charolais bulls and one-half Canchim + one-half Zebu cows). This investigation identified 1 and 4 genomic regions explaining 0.23 and 7.35% of the genetic variance for REA and YW, respectively. These regions harbor a total of 19 genes, 7 of which were classified for biological functions by functional analysis. Significant associations were not observed for BFT and MARB. The identification of QTL that had been previously described in the literature reinforces associations found in this study.

Microalgae biorefineries: The Brazilian scenario in perspective.

Biorefineries have the potential to meet a significant part of the growing demand for energy, fuels, chemicals and materials worldwide. Indeed, the bio-based industry is expected to play a major role in energy security and climate change mitigation during the 21th century. Despite this, there are challenges related to resource consumption, processing optimization and waste minimization that still need to be overcome. In this context, microalgae appear as a promising non-edible feedstock with advantages over traditional land crops, such as high productivity, continuous harvesting throughout the year and minimal problems regarding land use. Importantly, both cultivation and microalgae processing can take place at the same site, which increases the possibilities for process integration and a reduction in logistic costs at biorefinery facilities. This review describes the actual scenario for microalgae biorefineries integration to the biofuels and petrochemical industries in Brazil, while highlighting the major challenges and recent advances in microalgae large-scale production.

Influence of Conditioning Time of Universal Adhesives on Adhesive Properties and Enamel-Etching Pattern.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of application protocol in resin-enamel microshear bond strength (µSBS), in situ degree of conversion, and etching pattern of three universal adhesive systems. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty-three extracted third molars were sectioned in four parts (buccal, lingual, and proximals) and divided into nine groups, according to the combination of the main factors-Adhesive (Clearfil Universal, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc, Tokyo, Japan; Futurabond U, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany; and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA)-and enamel treatment/application time (etch-and-rinse mode [ER], self-etch [SE] application for 20 seconds [SE20], and SE application for 40 seconds [SE40]). Specimens were stored in water (37°C/24 h) and tested at 1.0 mm/min (µSBS). The degree of conversion of the adhesives at the resin-enamel interfaces was evaluated using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The enamel-etching pattern was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: In general, the application of the universal adhesives in the SE40 produced µSBS and degree of conversion that were higher than in the SE20 (p<0.01) and similar to the ER mode. The deepest enamel-etching pattern was obtained in the ER mode, followed by the SE40. CONCLUSIONS: The active and prolonged application of universal adhesives in the SE mode may be a viable alternative to increase the degree of conversion, etching pattern, and resin-enamel bond strength.

Identification and evaluation of polymorphisms in FABP3 and FABP4 in beef cattle.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened in FABP3 and FABP4 by automatic sequencing of pools of DNA from crossbred animals whose phenotypes belonged to the upper and lower extremes for back fat and marbling, as well as of a pool of DNA from sires used for crossbreeding. Five SNPs were identified in FABP3 and another nine SNPs were identified in FAPB4. Of these, only one SNP had no previous registry in the SNAP database (dbSNP). Three polymorphisms were selected for further evaluation of their association with production traits using restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) or real-time PCR genotyping. All 3 markers were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the 5% significance level for all 7 genetic groups analyzed. Significant association was observed between FABP3-G/A with rib eye area (P = 0.035) and the rib eye area/hot carcass weight ratio (P = 0.025) and between FABP4/TasI with marbling (P = 0.052) and meat texture (P = 0.053). No significant association was observed between the FABP4-G/C polymorphism and any of the observed traits. Previous association studies with allelic variants in these genes have shown mixed results, probably because of the small effect of the genes for these traits, which suggests that results should be replicated in other populations.

Considerations about the relation between occlusal trauma and periodontal: peri-implant disease / Considerações sobre a relação entre trauma oclusal e doença periodontal: peri-implantar

O trauma oclusal é uma injúria ao aparato de inserção como resultado de força oclusal excessiva, e sua interação com a doença periodontal/peri-implantar permanece um tema muito discutido na literatura. O objetivo neste artigo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura acerca da relação entre trauma oclusal e doença periodontal/peri-implantar, por meio de uma análise de estudos experimentais em humanos e animais, bem como de revisões sistemáticas que discutiram o papel do fator oclusal como etiológico ou agravante da doença periodontal/peri-implantar. Concluiu-se que apesar de não ser considerado fator etiológico para o desenvolvimento de periodontite e peri-implantite, o trauma oclusal pode agravar a perda óssea ao redor de dentes ou implantes. Além disso, a diversidade das metodologias nos estudos sobre o assunto pode contribuir para os resultados conflitantes disponíveis, destacando-se a importância da padronização e maior detalhamento dos critérios de pesquisa.

The occlusal trauma is an injury to the insertion apparatus as a result of excessive occlusal force, and its interaction with periodontal/peri-implant disease remains controversial topic in the literature. The aim of this study was to review the literature about the relationship between occlusal trauma and periodontal/peri-implant disease, through an analysis of experimental studies in humans and animals, as well as systematic reviews that discussed the role of occlusal factor as etiological or aggravating periodontal/periplant disease. It was concluded that, although not considered a cause for the development of periodontitis and periimplantitis, occlusal trauma may exacerbate bone loss around the teeth or implants. Moreover, the diversity of methodologies in studies on the subject might contribute to the conflicting results available, highlighting the importance of standardization and more detailed research criteria.

A genome-wide scan for selection signatures in Nellore cattle.

Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos indicus) have been selected for growth traits for over more than four decades. In recent years, reproductive and meat quality traits have become more important because of increasing consumption, exports and consumer demand. The identification of genome regions altered by artificial selection can potentially permit a better understanding of the biology of specific phenotypes that are useful for the development of tools designed to increase selection efficiency. Therefore, the aims of this study were to detect evidence of recent selection signatures in Nellore cattle using extended haplotype homozygosity methodology and BovineHD marker genotypes (>777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) as well as to identify corresponding genes underlying these signals. Thirty-one significant regions (P < 0.0001) of possible recent selection signatures were detected, and 19 of these overlapped quantitative trait loci related to reproductive traits, growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, fatty acid profiles and immunity. In addition, 545 genes were identified in regions harboring selection signatures. Within this group, 58 genes were associated with growth, muscle and adipose tissue metabolism, reproductive traits or the immune system. Using relative extended haplotype homozygosity to analyze high-density single nucleotide polymorphism marker data allowed for the identification of regions potentially under artificial selection pressure in the Nellore genome, which might be used to better understand autozygosity and the effects of selection on the Nellore genome.

Genetic variations in the leptin gene associated with growth and carcass traits in Nellore cattle.

The aim of the study was to detect polymorphisms in the leptin gene and to determine the association of these polymorphisms with growth and carcass traits in Nellore cattle. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) -1457 (AJ571671:g.-1457A>G) and A59V (AF536174.1:g. 321C>T), as well as the microsatellite BM1500 (3.9 kb downstream), were genotyped. The measures of body weight and ultrasound examinations (rib eye area, back, and rump fat thickness) were performed in 3 different periods of animal management. During the first period, the animals were fed with grass and mineralized salt ad libitum. In the second period, they received grass and concentrate, and in the third, only concentrate. After the slaughter of animals, data were collected for classification and typification of carcasses. No significant association was found between the variables assessed and SNP -1457. Conversely, SNP A59V was associated with rump fat thickness and muscle color post-slaughter. BM1500 was associated with rump fat thickness in the first period (pre-slaughter), subcutaneous fat thickness in the second, weight of the animals in the third, and length of the carcass after slaughter. These results suggest that SNP A59V and the microsatellite BM1500 might be useful for marker-assisted selection in Nellore cattle.

Reuse of grits waste for the production of soil--cement bricks.

This investigation focuses on the reuse of grits waste as a raw material for replacing Portland cement by up to 30 wt.% in soil-cement bricks. The grits waste was obtained from a cellulose factory located in south-eastern Brazil. We initially characterized the waste sample with respect to its chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, fineness index, morphology, pozzolanic activity, and pollution potential. Soil-cement bricks were then prepared using the waste material and were tested to determine their technological properties (e.g., water absorption, apparent density, volumetric shrinkage, and compressive strength). Microstructural evolution was accompanied by confocal microscopy. It was found that the grits waste is mainly composed of calcite (CaCO3) particles. Our results indicate that grits waste can be used economically, safely, and sustainably at weight percentages of up to 20% to partially replace Portland cement in soil-cement bricks.

Genome scan for meat quality traits in Nelore beef cattle.

Meat quality traits are economically important because they affect consumers' acceptance, which, in turn, influences the demand for beef. However, selection to improve meat quality is limited by the small numbers of animals on which meat tenderness can be evaluated due to the cost of performing shear force analysis and the resultant damage to the carcass. Genome wide-association studies for Warner-Bratzler shear force measured at different times of meat aging, backfat thickness, ribeye muscle area, scanning parameters [lightness, redness (a*), and yellowness] to ascertain color characteristics of meat and fat, water-holding capacity, cooking loss (CL), and muscle pH were conducted using genotype data from the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip array to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in all phenotyped Nelore cattle. Phenotype count for these animals ranged from 430 to 536 across traits. Meat quality traits in Nelore are controlled by numerous QTL of small effect, except for a small number of large-effect QTL identified for a*fat, CL, and pH. Genomic regions harboring these QTL and the pathways in which the genes from these regions act appear to differ from those identified in taurine cattle for meat quality traits. These results will guide future QTL mapping studies and the development of models for the prediction of genetic merit to implement genomic selection for meat quality in Nelore cattle.

Candidate genes for production traits in Nelore beef cattle.

Meat quality is an important trait for the beef industry. Backfat thickness, ribeye area, and shear force are traits measured late in life, and the investigation of molecular markers associated with these traits can help breeding programs. In cattle, some polymorphisms have been related to production traits. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the presence of polymorphisms in the candidate genes insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and peroxisome proliferative active receptor gamma coactivator 1 A (PPARGC1A) and associate them with production traits in reference families of Nelore cattle. We used 270 steers descendent from 20 sires that were chosen to represent variability in this breed. The investigation of marker effects on the traits was performed using a mixed model under the restricted maximum likelihood method. A significant allele substitution effect was found for IGF1 and yearling weight (P ≤ 0.017). The mean allele substitution effect was 6.9 kg, with the 229 allele associated with reduced yearling weight in this Nelore population.