Biosorption of rare earth elements from luminophores by G. sulphuraria (Cyanidiophytina, Rhodophyta).

Lanthanides are indispensable constituents of modern technologies and are often challenging to acquire from natural resources. The demand for REEs is so high that there is a clear need to develop efficient and eco-friendly recycling methods. In the present study, freeze-dried biomass of the polyextremophile Galdieria sulphuraria was employed to recover REEs from spent fluorescent lamps (FL) luminophores by pretreating the freeze-dried biomass with an acid solution to favour ion exchange and enhance the binding sites on the cell surface available for the metal ions. Lanthanides were extracted from the luminophores using sulfuric acid solutions according to standardised procedures, and the effect of biosorbent dosage (0.5-5 mg/ml) and biosorption time (5-60 min) were evaluated. The content of individual REEs in the luminophores and the resulting algal biomass were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The most abundant REE in the luminophores was yttrium (287.42 mg/g dm, 91.60% of all REEs), followed by europium (20.98 mg/g, 6.69%); cerium, gadolinium, terbium and lanthanum was in trace. The best biosorption performances were achieved after 5 min and at the lowest biosorbent dosage (0.5 mg/mL). The highest total metal amount corresponded to 41.61 mg/g dried mass, and yttrium was the most adsorbed metal (34.59 mg/g dm, 82.88%), followed by cerium (4.01 mg/g); all other metals were less than 2 mg/g. The rapidity of the biosorption process and the low biosorbent dosage required confirmed this microalga as a promising material for creating an eco-sustainable protocol for recycling REEs.

Antibacterial activity and carbapenem re-sensitizing ability of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and its metal complexes against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains.

Infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp-KPC) are associated with high mortality rates due to the increased number of resistant isolates and the scarcity of therapeutic options. This scenario reinforces the urgent need for new chemotherapeutics. Herein, we investigated the effects of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) and its metal-based complexes, [Cu(phendione)3 ](ClO4 )2 .4H2 O (Cu-phendione) and [Ag(phendione)2 ]ClO4 (Ag-phendione), both alone and also combined with carbapenems (meropenem (MEM), and imipenem), against 46 clonally distinct clinical strains of Kp-KPC. All isolates were found to be multidrug resistant in accordance with their susceptibility patterns by disk diffusion method. Compounds geometric mean (GM)-MIC and GM-MBC values (µmol l-1 ), respectively, were: phendione, 42·06 and 71·27; Cu-phendione, 9·88 and 13·75; and Ag-phendione, 10·10 and 13·06. Higher synergism rates of MEM-containing combinations were observed by the checkerboard assay, particularly with the two metal complexes. Moreover, drug combinations were able to re-sensitize 87% of the phenotypically non-susceptible strains. Time-kill studies, with MEM plus Cu-phendione or Ag-phendione, indicated that combinations with 0·5× MIC of each agent produce synergistic effects after 9-12 h. The MEM plus Ag-phendione eradicated about 106  CFU per ml of bacteria. These findings support the effectiveness of the re-sensitizing combinatorial approach and provide evidence that phendione-based compounds offer real promise in the fight against Kp-KPC infections.

Genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle using parametric models and machine learning methods.

This study aimed to assess the predictive ability of different machine learning (ML) methods for genomic prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. The studied traits were age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), early pregnancy (EP) and stayability (STAY). The numbers of genotyped animals and SNP markers available were 2342 and 321 419 (AFC), 4671 and 309 486 (SC), 2681 and 319 619 (STAY) and 3356 and 319 108 (EP). Predictive ability of support vector regression (SVR), Bayesian regularized artificial neural network (BRANN) and random forest (RF) were compared with results obtained using parametric models (genomic best linear unbiased predictor, GBLUP, and Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, BLASSO). A 5-fold cross-validation strategy was performed and the average prediction accuracy (ACC) and mean squared errors (MSE) were computed. The ACC was defined as the linear correlation between predicted and observed breeding values for categorical traits (EP and STAY) and as the correlation between predicted and observed adjusted phenotypes divided by the square root of the estimated heritability for continuous traits (AFC and SC). The average ACC varied from low to moderate depending on the trait and model under consideration, ranging between 0.56 and 0.63 (AFC), 0.27 and 0.36 (SC), 0.57 and 0.67 (EP), and 0.52 and 0.62 (STAY). SVR provided slightly better accuracies than the parametric models for all traits, increasing the prediction accuracy for AFC to around 6.3 and 4.8% compared with GBLUP and BLASSO respectively. Likewise, there was an increase of 8.3% for SC, 4.5% for EP and 4.8% for STAY, comparing SVR with both GBLUP and BLASSO. In contrast, the RF and BRANN did not present competitive predictive ability compared with the parametric models. The results indicate that SVR is a suitable method for genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. Further, the optimal kernel bandwidth parameter in the SVR model was trait-dependent, thus, a fine-tuning for this hyper-parameter in the training phase is crucial.

Gut microbiome of treatment-naïve MS patients of different ethnicities early in disease course.

Although the intestinal microbiome has been increasingly implicated in autoimmune diseases, much is unknown about its roles in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to compare the microbiome between treatment-naïve MS subjects early in their disease course and controls, and between Caucasian (CA), Hispanic (HA), and African American (AA) MS subjects. From fecal samples, we performed 16S rRNA V4 sequencing and analysis from 45 MS subjects (15 CA, 16 HA, 14 AA) and 44 matched healthy controls, and whole metagenomic shotgun sequencing from 24 MS subjects (all newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, and steroid-free) and 24 controls. In all three ethnic groups, there was an increased relative abundance of the same single genus, Clostridium, compared to ethnicity-matched controls. Analysis of microbiota networks showed significant changes in the network characteristics between combined MS cohorts and controls, suggesting global differences not restricted to individual taxa. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of individual species within Clostridia as well as particular functional pathways in the MS subjects. The increased relative abundance of Clostridia in all three early MS cohorts compared to controls provides candidate taxa for further study as biomarkers or as etiologic agents in MS.

[HIS bundle pacing : Far more than an ECG cosmetic effect]. / HIS-Bundle-Pacing : Weit mehr als EKG-Kosmetik.

The therapy for heart failure in patients with uncompromised systolic ventricular function (HfpEF) is still challenging because there is an obvious lack of effective therapy options. Several of these particular patients are additionally presenting atrioventricular (AV) block. In these patients HIS bundle pacing could be a hopeful therapy strategy due to the option of an AV resynchronisation as illustrated in the following case.

A new interpretation of Madagascar's megafaunal decline: The "Subsistence Shift Hypothesis".

Fundamental disagreements remain regarding the relative importance of climate change and human activities as triggers for Madagascar's Holocene megafaunal extinction. We use stable isotope data from stalagmites from northwest Madagascar coupled with radiocarbon and butchery records from subfossil bones across the island to investigate relationships between megafaunal decline, climate change, and habitat modification. Archaeological and genetic evidence support human presence by 2000 years Before Common Era (BCE). Megafaunal decline was at first slow; it hastened at ∼700 Common Era (CE) and peaked between 750 and 850 CE, just before a dramatic vegetation transformation in the northwest that resulted in the replacement of C3 woodland habitat with C4 grasslands, during a period of heightened monsoonal activity. Cut and chop marks on subfossil lemur bones reveal a shift in primary hunting targets from larger, now-extinct species prior to ∼900 CE, to smaller, still-extant species afterwards. By 1050 CE, megafaunal populations had essentially collapsed. Neither the rapid megafaunal decline beginning ∼700 CE, nor the dramatic vegetation transformation in the northwest beginning ∼890 CE, was influenced by aridification. However, both roughly coincide with a major transition in human subsistence on the island from hunting/foraging to herding/farming. We offer a new hypothesis, which we call the "Subsistence Shift Hypothesis," to explain megafaunal decline and extinction in Madagascar. This hypothesis acknowledges the importance of wild-animal hunting by early hunter/foragers, but more critically highlights negative impacts of the shift from hunting/foraging to herding/farming, settlement by new immigrant groups, and the concomitant expansion of the island's human population. The interval between 700 and 900 CE, when the pace of megafaunal decline quickened and peaked, coincided with this economic transition. While early megafaunal decline through hunting may have helped to trigger the transition, there is strong evidence that the economic shift itself hastened the crash of megafaunal populations.

State of inbreeding and genetic trends for estimated breeding values in IVF embryos and oocyte donors in the Brazilian Guzerá cattle.

The main objective of this study was to verify genetic trends for milk production (MY305) and age at first calving (AFC). Were also considered levels of inbreeding practiced in the Brazilian dual-purpose Guzerá population (TPOP) comparing it with the same parameters estimated for two sub-populations derived from the reference (TPOP): female donors submitted to ovum-pick up (DPOP) and in vitro embryos produced (EPOP) between 2003 and 2013. Estimated breeding values (EBV) and inbreeding coefficients (F) were regressed by the year of birth (or year of in vitro fertilization) of each animal or embryo in order to obtain annual trends for these parameters separately for each of the three populations studied. A positive quadratic (ß2 = +0.000075) effect was detected for the F values in TPOP. Both DPOP and EPOP showed positive linear coefficients (ß1), respectively, +0.00084 (P < 0.001) and +0.00024 (P > 0.05). Annual mean F for EPOP was higher than TPOP and DPOP through the time series studied. The frequency of individuals with more than 7% F was higher in DPOP. Genetic trends for AFC were -0.187 days/year (P > 0.05); -0.557 days/year (P < 0.05) and -1.48 days/year (P < 0.05), respectively for TPOP; DPOP and EPOP. Genetic trends for MY305 were +6.75 kg/year (P < 0.001); +8.2 kg/year (P < 0.001) and +10.5 kg/year (P < 0.05), respectively for TPOP; DPOP and EPOP. For both traits analyzed, EPOP showed the highest regression coefficients, which confirms a higher selection pressure and lower generation intervals previously expected from this sub-population. Results reported in the present study suggest that mean F is increasing in the Guzerá population. Efforts for controlling inbred mating on in vitro fertilization should be considered, as the presence of a bottleneck effect seems to be getting shape on DPOP and EPOP.

Early Holocene human presence in Madagascar evidenced by exploitation of avian megafauna.

Previous research suggests that people first arrived on Madagascar by ~2500 years before present (years B.P.). This hypothesis is consistent with butchery marks on extinct lemur bones from ~2400 years B.P. and perhaps with archaeological evidence of human presence from ~4000 years B.P. We report >10,500-year-old human-modified bones for the extinct elephant birds Aepyornis and Mullerornis, which show perimortem chop marks, cut marks, and depression fractures consistent with immobilization and dismemberment. Our evidence for anthropogenic perimortem modification of directly dated bones represents the earliest indication of humans in Madagascar, predating all other archaeological and genetic evidence by >6000 years and changing our understanding of the history of human colonization of Madagascar. This revision of Madagascar's prehistory suggests prolonged human-faunal coexistence with limited biodiversity loss.

Pedigree analysis and inbreeding effects over morphological traits in Campolina horse population.

Genetic improvement, without control of inbreeding, can go to loss of genetic variability, reducing the potential for genetic gains in the domestic populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the population structure and the inbreeding depression in Campolina horses. Phenotype information from 43 465 individuals was analyzed, data provided by the Campolina Breeders Association. A pedigree file containing 107 951 horses was used to connected the phenotyped individuals. The inbreeding coefficient was performed by use of the diagonal of the relationship matrix and the genealogical parameters were computed using proper softwares. The effective population size was estimated based on the rate of inbreeding and census information, and the stratification of the population was verified by the average relationship coefficient between animals born in different regions of Brazil. The effects of inbreeding on morphological traits were made by the use of inbreeding coefficient as a covariate in the model of random regression. The inbreeding coefficient increased from 1990 on, impacting effective population size and, consequently, shrinking genetic variability. The paternal inbreeding was greater than maternal, which may be attributed to the preference for inbred animals in reproduction. The average genetic relationship coefficient of animals born in different states was lower than individuals born within the same state. The increase in the inbreeding coefficient was negatively associated with all studied traits, showing the importance to avoid genetic losses in the long term. Although results do not indicate a severe narrowing of the population until the present date, the average relationship coefficient shows signs of increase, which could cause a drastic reduction in genetic variability if inbred mating is not successfully controlled in the Campolina horse population.

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.

Inbreeding effects on in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Inbreeding has been associated with the impairment of reproductive performance in many cattle breeds. Although the usage of reproductive biotechnologies has been increasing in bovine populations, not much attention has been given to the impact of inbreeding over cow's performance on artificial reproduction. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of inbreeding on in vitro embryo production in a Guzerá breed population. The inbreeding coefficient (F), calculated as half of the co-ancestry of the individual's parents, was used as an estimate of inbreeding. The inbreeding coefficients of the donor, sire (used on in vitro fertilization) and of the embryos were included, separately, in the proposed models either as classificatory or continuous variables (linear and quadratic effects). The percentage of non-inbred individuals (or embryos) and mean F of donors, embryos and sires were 29.38%; 35.76%; 42.86% and 1.98±2.68; 1.32±3.13; 2.08±2.79, respectively. Two different models were considered, one for oocyte production traits and other for embryo production traits. The increase of F of the donor significantly (P<0.05) impaired the number of viable oocytes (N OV), number of grade I oocytes (N GI) and number of cleaved embryos (N CLV). Moreover, the donor's F influenced the percentage of grade I oocytes (P GI), percentage of viable embryos (P EMB) and percentage of cleaved embryos that turned into embryos (P CXE). No significant (P>0.05) effects were observed for the sire (father of the embryos) inbreeding coefficient over the traits analysed. Embryo's F influenced (P<0.05) the number of viable embryos (N EMB), percentage of viable embryos (P EMB) and percentage of cleaved embryos that turn into embryos (P CXE). Results suggested that an increase in the inbreeding coefficient might impair the embryos ability to survive through challenges imposed by the in vitro environment. Submitting highly inbred Guzerá female donors to in vitro embryo production may, in the long-term, have negative implications on the number of embryos obtained per cow and increase the relative costs of the improvement programmes based on this technology. High levels of inbreeding should be avoided when selecting Guzerá female donors and planning in vitro fertilization mating.

Count Bayesian models for genetic analysis of in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Four models for in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle were compared: Gaussian (untransformed variable - LIN and transformed in logarithmic scale - LOG), Poisson (POI) and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP). Data consisted of 5716 ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization records performed in 1205 cows from distinct regions of Brazil. Analyzed count traits were the number of viable oocytes (NOV), number of grade I oocytes (NGI), number of degenerated oocytes (NDG), number of cleaved embryos (NCLV) and number of viable produced embryos (NEMB). Heritability varied from 0.17 (LIN) to 0.25 (POI) for NOV; 0.08 (LOG) to 0.18 (ZIP) for NGI; 0.12 (LIN) to 0.20 (POI) for NDG; 0.13 (LIN) to 0.19 (POI) for NCLV; 0.10 (LIN) to 0.20 (POI) for NEMB depending on the considered model. The estimated repeatability varied from 0.53 (LOG) to 0.63 (POI) for NOV; 0.22 (LOG) to 0.39 (ZIP) for NGI; 0.29 (LIN) to 0.42 (ZIP) for NDG; 0.42 (LIN) to 0.59 (POI) for NCLV; 0.36 (LIN) to 0.51 (POI) for NEMB. The goodness of fit, measured by deviance information criterion and mean squared residuals, suggested superiority of POI and ZIP over Gaussian models. Estimated breeding values (EBV) obtained by different models were highly correlated, varying from 0.92 for NOV (between LIN-POI) and 0.99 for NGI (between POI-ZIP). The number of coincident animals on the 10% top EBV showed lower similarities. We recommend POI and ZIP models as the most adequate for genetic analysis of in vitro embryo production traits in Guzerá cattle.

Genomic study and Medical Subject Headings enrichment analysis of early pregnancy rate and antral follicle numbers in Nelore heifers.

Zebu animals () are known to take longer to reach puberty compared with taurine animals (), limiting the supply of animals for harvest or breeding and impacting profitability. Genomic information can be a helpful tool to better understand complex traits and improve genetic gains. In this study, we performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with reproductive traits in Nelore beef cattle. Heifer pregnancy (HP) was recorded for 1,267 genotyped animals distributed in 12 contemporary groups (CG) with an average pregnancy rate of 0.35 (±0.01). Disregarding one of these CG, the number of antral follicles (NF) was also collected for 937 of these animals, with an average of 11.53 (±4.43). The animals were organized in CG: 12 and 11 for HP and NF, respectively. Genes in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the associated variants can be considered in a functional enrichment analysis to identify biological mechanisms involved in fertility. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were detected using the MESHR package, allowing the extraction of broad meanings from the gene lists provided by the GWAS. The estimated heritability for HP was 0.28 ± 0.07 and for NF was 0.49 ± 0.09, with the genomic correlation being -0.21 ± 0.29. The average LD between adjacent markers was 0.23 ± 0.01, and GWAS identified genomic windows that accounted for >1% of total genetic variance on chromosomes 5, 14, and 18 for HP and on chromosomes 2, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 22 for NF. The MeSH enrichment analyses revealed significant ( < 0.05) terms associated with HP-"Munc18 Proteins," "Fucose," and "Hemoglobins"-and with NF-"Cathepsin B," "Receptors, Neuropeptide," and "Palmitic Acid." This is the first study in Nelore cattle introducing the concept of MeSH analysis. The genomic analyses contributed to a better understanding of the genetic control of the reproductive traits HP and NF and provide new selection strategies to improve beef production.

Evaluation of fibronectin 1 in one dried blood spot and in urine after rhGH treatment.

Since the appearance of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the 1980s, its expansion and acquisition through the black market has increased, so the detection of its abuse continues to be a challenge. New biomarkers that are more reliable and sensitive, allowing a larger detection window, are still needed. In this line, Fibronectin 1 (FN1) has been proposed as a potential genetic and protein biomarker of rhGH abuse in peripheral blood lymphocytes, serum, and plasma. However, logistic problems associated with current blood collection in sports drug testing point towards potential new alternative matrices that could be good candidates to be evaluated. Results obtained in this study showed high ELISA FN1 levels in one dried blood spot and in urine samples in ten healthy male volunteers treated with rhGH. Results showed that especially dried blood spots appear as a potential good matrix to detect rhGH abuse by means of FN1 biomarker. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Parameters of a dynamic mechanistic model of cattle growth retain enough biological interpretation for genotype-to-phenotype mapping.

This study aimed to investigate the predictability of a phenotype when using a dynamic model of cattle growth. Genotypic and phenotypic information on Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle were used in a genome-wide association analysis designed to contrast the biological interpretation of core parameters [conversion efficiency of metabolizable energy to net energy for gain (kg) and adjusted final shrunk body weight (AFSBW)] to their associated genomic regions and nearby quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to develop prediction equations for kg and AFSBW, which enter the model for simulative prediction purposes. QTLs and genes, one related to mature body weight and another to growth efficiency, are consistent with the model equations. Significantly associated SNPs were used to compute parameters, which yielded reasonable model outcomes when compared with regular parameter computations. Our results provide evidence of the biological validity of using such parameters as component traits of higher phenotypes and the possibility of using genomic data for genotype-to-parameter mapping.

Systems genetics and genome-wide association approaches for analysis of feed intake, feed efficiency, and performance in beef cattle.

Feed intake, feed efficiency, and weight gain are important economic traits of beef cattle in feedlots. In the present study, we investigated the physiological processes underlying such traits from the point of view of systems genetics. Firstly, using data from 1334 Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle and 943,577 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a genome-wide association analysis was performed for dry matter intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and residual feed intake with a Bayesian Lasso procedure. Genes within 50-kb SNPs, most relevant for explaining the genomic variance, were annotated and the biological processes underlying the traits were inferred from Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Our results indicated several putative genomic regions associated with the target phenotypes and showed that almost all genomic variances were in the SNPs located in the intergenic and intronic regions. We further identified five main metabolic pathways related to ion transport, body composition, and feed intake control, which influenced the four phenotypes simultaneously. The systems genetics approach used in this study revealed novel pathways related to feed efficiency traits in beef cattle.

Metabolic blood profile of beef heifers during oestrous and non-oestrous states.

Haematological metabolic profiles in heifers could contribute to the development of proxies for oestrous detection and provide clues to further characterize biological changes during oestrus. One hundred and seven beef heifers were observed for oestrous behaviour twice daily for 124 days. Feed intake and productive performance (body weight and composition) traits were measured, and feed efficiency was determined using residual feed intake (kg DM/day). Blood plasma samples were collected when signs of oestrus were observed and every 30 ± 2 days. Heifers were considered in oestrus (n = 71) when plasma progesterone concentrations were <0.6 ng/ml. Least square means of blood metabolic parameters were compared between oestrous and non-oestrous states and within oestrous groups according to performance traits and age. Heifers in oestrus exhibited higher concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), beta-hydroxybutyric acid, creatine kinase (CK) and triiodothyronine (T3) than heifers in non-oestrus. Heifers in oestrus revealed lower osmolality and concentrations of calcium, sodium and total protein than during non-oestrus. Younger (and smaller) heifers had greater concentrations of CK, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glucose and sodium than the older heifers. Heifers with lower fatness had increased osmolality and concentrations of cholesterol, CK, phosphorus, sodium and reduced T3 levels. Feed efficient heifers had greater levels of AST, cholesterol and GGT than inefficient heifers. Blood plasma parameters may be complementary to oestrous detection upon further validation; effects of age, feed efficiency, body size and body composition should be considered to optimize this haematological assessment.

Genomic clustering helps to improve prediction in a multibreed population.

Genomic prediction for crossbred beef cattle has shown limited results using low- to moderate-density SNP panels. The relationship between the training and validation populations, as well as the size of the reference population, affects the prediction accuracy for genomic selection. Rotational crossbreeding systems require the usage of crossbred animals as sires and dams of future generations, so crossbred animals require accurate evaluation. Here, a novel method for grouping of purebred and crossbred animals (based exclusively on genotypes) for genomic selection was investigated. Clustering of animals to investigate the genetic similarity among different groups was performed using several genomic relationship criteria between individuals. Hierarchical clusters based on average-link criteria (computed as the mean distance between elements of each subcluster) were formed. The accuracy of genomic prediction was assessed using 1,500 bulls genotyped for 54,609 markers. Estimated breeding values based on all available phenotypic records for birth weight, weaning gain, postweaning gain, and yearling gain were calculated using BLUP methodologies and deregressed to ensure unbiased comparisons could be made across populations. A 5-fold validation technique was used to calculate direct genomic values for all genotyped bulls; the addition of unrelated animals in the reference population was also investigated. We demonstrate a decrease in genomic selection accuracy after including animals from disconnected clusters. A method to improve genomic selection for crossbred and purebred animals by clustering animals based on their genotype is suggested. Unlike traditional approaches for genomic selection with a fixed reference population, genomic prediction using clusters (GPC) chooses the best reference population for better accuracy of genomic prediction of crossbred and purebred animals using clustering methods based on genotypes. An overall average gain in accuracy of 1.30% was noted over all scenarios across all traits investigated when the GPC approach was implemented. Further investigation is required to assess this difference in accuracy when a larger genotyped population is available, especially for the comparison of groups with higher genetic dissimilarity, such as those found in industry-wide across-breed genetic evaluations.

Genetic and protein biomarkers in blood for the improved detection of GH abuse.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH, somatotropin) is one of the relevant forbidden substances to be detected in sport drug testing. Since the appearance of recombinant hGH (rhGH) in the 80's, its expansion and availability through the black market have increased, so the detection of its abuse continues to be a challenge at present. New techniques or biomarkers that are robust, reliable, sensitive and allowing a large detection time window are welcome. rhGH produces an increase of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). FN1 (fibronectin 1) and RAB31 (member of RAS oncogene family) genes have been suggested as two potential biomarkers for IGF-1 abuse. Following this line, in the present study some genetic and proteomic approaches have been performed with fourteen healthy male subjects treated with rhGH (which produces increase of IGF-1 concentrations) to study FN1 gene, FN1 protein, RAB31 gene and RAB31 protein as potential biomarkers for rhGH abuse. The results showed that both, RAB31 and FN1 genes and FN1 protein could be potential biomarkers for rhGH administration. Preliminary assessments of gender, age, acute sport activities and GHRP-2 (pralmorelin, a rhGH releasing peptide) influence suggest they are not relevant confounding factors. Thus, the selected markers present high sensitivity and a larger detection window for rhGH detection than IGF-1 itself.