Resequencing of Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds revealed variants in candidate genes and transcription factors for meat fatty acid profile.

The beef cattle industry has experienced a shift driven by a market demand for healthier meat, cost efficiency and environmental sustainability in recent years. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on the fatty acids content and functions of meat in cattle breeding programmes. Besides, a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing the expression of different phenotypes related to fatty acid profiles is crucial. In this study, we aimed to identify Single-Nucleotide Variants (SNV) and Insertion/Deletion (InDels) DNA variants in candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles described in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies conducted in beef cattle breeds. Utilizing whole-genome re-sequencing data from Brazilian locally adapted bovine breeds, namely Caracu and Pantaneiro, we identified SNVs and InDels associated with 23,947 genes. From these, we identified 318 candidate genes related to fatty acid profiles that contain variants. Subsequently, we select only genes with SNVs and InDels in their promoter, 5' UTR and coding region. Through the gene-biological process network, approximately 19 genes were highlighted. Furthermore, considering the studied trait and a literature review, we selected the main transcription factors (TF). Functional analysis via gene-TF network allowed us to identify the 30 most likely candidate genes for meat fatty acid profile in cattle. LIPE, MFSD2A and SREBF1 genes were highlighted in networks due to their biological importance. Further dissection of these genes revealed 15 new variants found in promoter regions of Caracu and Pantaneiro sequences. The gene networks facilitated a better functional understanding of genes and TF, enabling the identification of variants potentially related to the expression of candidate genes for meat fatty acid profiles in cattle.

A network-based approach to understanding gene-biological processes affecting economically important traits of Nelore cattle.

This study aimed to build gene-biological process networks with differentially expressed genes associated with economically important traits of Nelore cattle from 17 previous studies. The genes were clustered into three groups by evaluated traits: group 1, production traits; group 2, carcass traits; and group 3, meat quality traits. For each group, a gene-biological process network analysis was performed with the differentially expressed genes in common. For production traits, 37 genes were found in common, of which 13 genes were enriched for six Gene Ontology (GO) terms; these terms were not functionally grouped. However, the enriched GO terms were related to homeostasis, the development of muscles and the immune system. For carcass traits, four genes were found in common. Thus, it was not possible to functionally group these genes into a network. For meat quality traits, the analysis revealed 222 genes in common. CSRP3 was the only gene differentially expressed in all three groups. Non-redundant biological terms for clusters of genes were functionally grouped networks, reflecting the cross-talk between all biological processes and genes involved. Many biological processes and pathways related to muscles, the immune system and lipid metabolism were enriched, such as striated muscle cell development and triglyceride metabolic processes. This study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms of production, carcass and meat quality traits of Nelore cattle. This information is fundamental for a better understanding of the complex traits and could help in planning strategies for the production and selection systems of Nelore cattle.

Alopecia temporária após tratamento endovascular relacionada a uma malformação arteriovenosa em face: relato de caso / Temporary alopecia after endovascular treatment related to an arteriovenous malformation in the face: case report / Alopecia temporal posterior a tratamiento endovascular relacionado con malformación arteriovenosa en la cara: reporte de caso

Objetivo: relatar um caso de alopecia temporária após tratamento endovascular com exposição por fluoroscopia devido a uma malformação arteriovenosa na face. Detalhamento do caso: sexo masculino, 34 anos, com queixa de lesão na asa nasal, lábio superior e lateral da face (direita). O paciente trouxe exame de angioressonância apresentando uma malformação arteriovenosa em face com nutrição pela artéria facial e drenagem pela veia mandibular. Como tratamento foi optado uma arteriografia diagnóstica para melhor avaliação de vascularização da malformação arteriovenosa seguida de embolização com onyx® (mistura de etileno vinil álcool copolímero) que fornece o contraste necessário para a visibilização da mistura sob fluoroscopia. O procedimento foi realizado 14 dias após a 1ª consulta, sem intercorrências indicando sucesso terapêutico. No retorno, terceira semana após o procedimento, apresentou alopecia setorial em região occipitoparietal direita. Não havia manchas em região, bem como outros sintomas associados. Foi realizado como tratamento o uso de Minoxidil tópico e Cilostazol via oral. Após o tratamento houve retorno do crescimento espontâneo em cerca de 2 meses. Considerações finais: a embolização com onyx® mostrou-se uma valiosa opção terapêutica com uma maior conservação das estruturas nobres em malformações arteriovenosas, com baixa taxa de complicações no médio e longo prazo.

Objective: to report a case of temporary alopecia after endovascular treatment with fluoroscopy exposure due to an arteriovenous malformation on the face. Case detail: male, 34 years old, complaining of a lesion on the nasal wing, upper lip and side of the face (right). The patient brought an angioresonance exam showing an arteriovenous malformation in the face with nutrition through the facial artery and drainage through the mandibular vein. As a treatment, a diagnostic arteriography was chosen for a better assessment of the vascularity of the arteriovenous malformation followed by embolization with onyx® (mixture of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), which provides the necessary contrast for visualization of the mixture under fluoroscopy. The procedure was performed 14 days after the 1st consultation, with no intercurrences indicating therapeutic success. On return, third week after the procedure, he presented sectoral alopecia in the right occipitoparietal region. There were no stains in the region, as well as other associated symptoms. The use of topical Minoxidil and oral Cilostazol was carried out as treatment. After treatment there was a return of spontaneous growth in about 2 months. Final considerations: embolization with onyx® proved to be a valuable therapeutic option with greater conservation of noble structures in arteriovenous malformations, with a low rate of complications in the medium and long term.

Objetivo: reportar un caso de alopecia transitoria posterior a tratamiento endovascular con exposición radioscópica debido a una malformación arteriovenosa en la cara. Detalle del caso: varón, 34 años, que se queja de una lesión en el ala nasal, labio superior y lado de la cara (derecha). El paciente trajo un examen de angiorresonancia que mostró una malformación arteriovenosa en la cara con nutrición a través de la arteria facial y drenaje a través de la vena mandibular. Como tratamiento se optó por una arteriografía diagnóstica para una mejor valoración de la vascularización de la malformación arteriovenosa seguida de embolización con onyx® (mezcla de copolímero de etileno alcohol vinílico), que proporciona el contraste necesario para la visualización de la mezcla bajo fluoroscopia. El procedimiento se realizó 14 días después de la 1.ª consulta, sin intercurrencias que indicaran éxito terapéutico. A su regreso, a la tercera semana del procedimiento, presenta alopecia sectorial en región occipitoparietal derecha. No había manchas en la región, así como otros síntomas asociados. Como tratamiento se realizó el uso de Minoxidil tópico y Cilostazol oral. Después del tratamiento hubo un retorno del crecimiento espontáneo en aproximadamente 2 meses. Consideraciones finales: la embolización con onyx® demostró ser una valiosa opción terapéutica con mayor conservación de las estructuras nobles en las malformaciones arteriovenosas, con una baja tasa de complicaciones a medio y largo plazo.

Identification of candidate lethal haplotypes and genomic association with post-natal mortality and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle.

The wide use of genomic information has enabled the identification of lethal recessive alleles that are the major genetic causes of reduced conception rates, longer calving intervals, or lower survival for live-born animals. This study was carried out to screen the Nellore cattle genome for lethal recessive haplotypes based on deviation from the expected population homozygosity, and to test SNP markers surrounding the lethal haplotypes region for association with heifer rebreeding (HR), post-natal mortality (PNM) and stayability (STAY). This approach requires genotypes only from apparently normal individuals and not from affected embryos. A total of 62,022 animals were genotyped and imputed to a high-density panel (777,962 SNP markers). Expected numbers of homozygous individuals were calculated, and the probabilities of observing 0 homozygotes was obtained. Deregressed genomic breeding values [(G)EBVs] were used in a GWAS to identify candidate genes and biological mechanisms affecting HR, STAY and PNM. In the functional analyses, genes within 100 kb down and upstream of each significant SNP marker, were researched. Thirty haplotypes had high expected frequency, while no homozygotes were observed. Most of the alleles present in these haplotypes had a negative mean effect for PNM, HR and STAY. The GWAS revealed significant SNP markers involved in different physiological mechanisms, leading to harmful effect on the three traits. The functional analysis revealed 26 genes enriched for 19 GO terms. Most of the GO terms found for biological processes, molecular functions and pathways were related to tissue development and the immune system. More phenotypes underlying these putative regions in this population could be the subject of future investigation. Tests to find putative lethal haplotype carriers could help breeders to eliminate them from the population or manage matings in order to avoid homozygous.

Transcriptome Profiling of the Liver in Nellore Cattle Phenotypically Divergent for RFI in Two Genetic Groups.

The identification and selection of genetically superior animals for residual feed intake (RFI) could enhance productivity and minimize environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to use RNA-seq data to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), known non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specific biomarkers and enriched biological processes associated with RFI of the liver in Nellore cattle in two genetic groups. In genetic group 1 (G1), 24 extreme RFI animals (12 low RFI (LRFI) versus 12 high RFI (HRFI)) were selected from a population of 60 Nellore bulls. The RNA-seq of the samples from their liver tissues was performed using an Illumina HiSeq 2000. In genetic group 2 (G2), 20 samples of liver tissue of Nellore bulls divergent for RFI (LRFI, n = 10 versus HRFI, n = 10) were selected from 83 animals. The raw data of the G2 were chosen from the ENA repository. A total of 1811 DEGs were found for the G1 and 2054 for the G2 (p-value ≤ 0.05). We detected 88 common genes in both genetic groups, of which 33 were involved in the immune response and in blocking oxidative stress. In addition, seven (B2M, ADSS, SNX2, TUBA4A, ARHGAP18, MECR, and ABCF3) possible gene biomarkers were identified through a receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) considering an AUC > 0.70. The B2M gene was overexpressed in the LRFI group. This gene regulates the lipid metabolism protein turnover and inhibits cell death. We also found non-coding RNAs in both groups. MIR25 was up-regulated and SNORD16 was down-regulated in the LRFI for G1. For G2, up-regulated RNase_MRP and SCARNA10 were found. We highlight MIR25 as being able to act by blocking cytotoxicity and oxidative stress and RMRP as a blocker of mitochondrial damage. The biological pathways associated with RFI of the liver in Nellore cattle in the two genetic groups were for energy metabolism, protein turnover, redox homeostasis and the immune response. The common transcripts, biomarkers and metabolic pathways found in the two genetic groups make this unprecedented work even more relevant, since the results are valid for different herds raised in different ways. The results reinforce the biological importance of these known processes but also reveal new insights into the complexity of the liver tissue transcriptome of Nellore cattle.

Impacto de Marcadores Inflamatórios no Prognóstico de Pacientes Oncológicos Internados no Instituto Nacional de Câncer com SARS-CoV-2 na Primeira Onda da Pandemia no Brasil / Impact of Inflammatory Markers on the Prognosis of Patients with Cancer Admitted to the National Cancer Institute with SARS-CoV-2 in the First Wave of the Pandemic in Brazil / Impacto de los Marcadores Inflamatorios en el Pronóstico de Pacientes con Cáncer Ingresados en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer con SARS-CoV-2 en la Primera Ola de la Pandemia en el Brasil

Introdução: O intenso processo inflamatório desencadeado pela covid-19 tem sido apontado por diversos autores. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de marcadores inflamatórios no prognóstico de pacientes com tumores sólidos internados com SARS-CoV-2/covid-19 na primeira onda da pandemia no Brasil. Método: Estudo de coorte com pacientes maiores de 18 anos com câncer, internados em um centro público de referência no tratamento oncológico, com SARS-CoV-2/covid-19, no período de março a setembro de 2020. Os seguintes marcadores inflamatórios foram analisados: razão neutrófilo-linfócito (RNL), derivação da razão neutrófilo-linfócito (dRNL) e razão plaqueta-linfócito (RPL). Foi considerado desfecho deste estudo a ocorrência de óbito durante a internação hospitalar. A associação entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho foi analisada por meio de regressão logística univariada e múltipla. Resultados: Dos 185 pacientes, a maioria apresentava idade < 65 anos (61,1%), performance status (PS) ≥ 2 (82,4%) e estavam em tratamento oncológico (80,0%). O câncer de mama foi o tumor mais frequente (26,5%). Para a maior parte dos casos, o tempo de internação foi ≥ 5 dias (59,5%) e ocorreu em unidade de tratamento intensivo (84,3%). Durante a internação, 86 (46,5%) pacientes evoluíram para óbito. Na análise ajustada, apenas a RNL elevada (≥ 4,44) esteve associada ao risco de morrer (OR 3,54; IC 95%; 1,68 - 7,46; p = 0,001). Conclusão: A RNL se mostrou um importante marcador prognóstico, e níveis acima do seu valor mediano estiveram relacionados ao aumento do risco de morte durante a internação hospitalar

Introduction: The intense inflammatory process triggered by COVID-19 has been pointed out by several authors. Objective: To evaluate the impact of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of patients with solid tumors hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in the first wave of the pandemic in Brazil. Method: A cohort study of patients >18 years old with cancer, hospitalized at a public cancer treatment reference center, with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 from March to September 2020. The following inflammatory markers were analyzed: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derivation of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The outcome of this study was death during hospitalization. The association between the independent variables and the outcome was analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression. Results: Of the 185 patients, most were aged < 65 years (61.1%), had performance status (PS) ≥ 2 (82.4%) and were in cancer treatment (80.0%). Breast cancer was the most frequent tumor (26.5%). For the majority of the cases, the length of hospital stay was ≥ 5 days (59.5%) and occurred in the intensive treatment unit (84.3%). During hospitalization, 86 (46.5%) patients progressed to death. In the adjusted analysis only high NLR (≥ 4.44) was associated with the risk of death (OR 3.54; 95% CI; 1.68 - 7.46; p = 0.001). Conclusion: NLR proved to be an important prognostic marker, and levels above its median value were related to an increased risk of death during hospitalization

Introducción: El papel de la inflamación desencadenada por la COVID-19 ha sido señalado por varios autores. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los marcadores inflamatorios en el pronóstico de pacientes con tumores sólidos hospitalizados por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 en la primera ola de la pandemia en el Brasil. Método: Estudio de cohorte con pacientes >18 años con cáncer, ingresados en un centro público de referencia en el tratamiento del cáncer, con SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 de marzo a septiembre de 2020. Se evaluaron los siguientes marcadores inflamatorios: relación neutrófilos-linfocitos (RNL), derivación de la relación neutrófilos-linfocitos (dRNL) y relación plaquetas-linfocitos (RPL). Se consideró como desenlace de este estudio la ocurrencia de muerte durante la hospitalización. La asociación entre las variables independientes y el desenlace se analizó mediante regresión logística univariada y múltiple. Resultados: De los 185 pacientes hospitalizados, la mayoría tenía una edad < 65 años (61,1%), un performance status (PS) ≥ 2 (82,4%) y estaban en tratamiento oncológico (80,0 %). El cáncer de mama fue el tumor más frecuente (26,5%). Para la mayoría de los casos, el tiempo de hospitalización fue ≥ 5 días (59,5%) y ocurrió en la unidad de tratamiento intensivo (84,3%). Durante la hospitalización, 86 (46,5%) pacientes terminaron falleciendo. En el análisis ajustado, solo una RNL alta (≥ 4,44) se asoció con el riesgo de muerte (OR 3,54; IC 95%; 1,68 - 7,46; p = 0,001). Conclusión: La RNL demostró ser un importante marcador pronóstico, y los niveles por encima de su valor medio se relacionaron con un mayor riesgo de muerte durante la hospitalización

Integration analyses of structural variations and differential gene expression associated with beef fatty acid profile in Nellore cattle.

This study aimed to integrate analyses of structural variations and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the beef fatty acid (FA) profile in Nellore cattle. Copy numbers variation (CNV) detection was performed using the penncnv algorithm and CNVRuler software in 3794 genotyped animals through the High-Density Bovine BeadChip. In order to perform the genomic wide association study (GWAS), a total of 963 genotyped animals were selected to obtain the intramuscular lipid concentration and quantify the beef FA profile. A total of 48 animals belonging to the same farm and management lot were extracted from the 963 genotyped and phenotyped animals to carry out the transcriptomic and differentially expressed gene analyses. The GWAS with extreme groups of FA profiles was performed using a logistic model. A total of 43, 42, 66 and 35 significant CNV regions (p < 0.05) for saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids were identified respectively. The paired-end sequencing of 48 samples was performed using the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to validate the DEGs identified by RNA-seq analysis. The results showed several DEGs associated with the FA profile of Longissimus thoracis, such as BSCL2 and SAMD8. Enriched terms as the cellular response to corticosteroid (GO:0071384) and glucocorticoid stimulus (GO:0071385) could be highlighted. The identification of structural variations harboring candidate genes for beef FA must contribute to the elucidation of the genetic basis that determines the beef FA composition of intramuscular fat in Nellore cattle. Our results will contribute to the identification of potential biomarkers for complex phenotypes, such as the FA profile, to improve the reliability of the genomic predictions including pre-selected variants using differentiated weighting in the genomic models.

Candida species contamination in drinking groundwater from residence wells in three municipalities of midwestern Brazil and the potential human health risks.

Groundwater represents one of the largest safe drinking water sources worldwide; however, it has been threatened by increased human activities in recent years. Candida species express virulence factors that contribute to the establishment and worsening of infections, although little is known about the virulence profiles of these species in potable groundwater. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of yeasts in groundwater from residential wells and to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility profile, hydrolytic enzyme production, adhesion capacity, and biofilm formation of Candida spp. Fifty yeasts representing nine genera were isolated: Candida (48%), Meyerozyma (20%), Pichia (8%), Exophiala (8%), Clavispora (4%), Kodamaea (4%), Rhodotorula (4%), Hanseniaspora (2%), and Kazachstania (2%). Candida parapsilosis was the most commonly isolated species, and approximately 29% of the Candida isolates were resistant to at least one azole. All Candida isolates were able to produce hydrolytic enzymes and adhere to polystyrene, and most were classified as hydrophobic. Candida spp. can establish and form biofilms when cultivated in different media such as Sabouraud broth, water, and calcium hypochlorite. The use of contaminated groundwater for human consumption represents a possible route for the transmission of clinically relevant yeasts that can cause fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and establish effective measures for groundwater treatment to ensure the quality and safety for consumption.

Small genetic variation affecting mRNA isoforms associated with marbling and meat color in beef cattle.

The aim of this study was to identify mRNA isoforms and small genetic variants that may be affecting marbling and beef color in Nellore cattle. Longissimus thoracis muscle samples from 20 bulls with different phenotypes (out of 80 bulls set) for marbling (moderate (n = 10) and low (n = 10) groups) and beef color (desirable (n = 10) and undesirable (n = 9) group) traits were used to perform transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing. Fourteen and 15 mRNA isoforms were detected as differentially expressed (DE) (P-value ≤ 0.001) between divergent groups for marbling and meat color traits, respectively. Some of those DE mRNA isoforms have shown sites of splicing modified by small structural variants as single nucleotide variant (SNV), insertion, and/or deletion. Enrichment analysis identified metabolic pathways, such as O2/CO2 exchange in erythrocytes, tyrosine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine degradation. The results obtained suggest potential key regulatory genes associated with these economically important traits for the beef industry and for the consumer.

Sustainable Intensification of Beef Production in the Tropics: The Role of Genetically Improving Sexual Precocity of Heifers.

Increasing productivity through continued animal genetic improvement is a crucial part of implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs. In Zebu cattle, the lack of sexual precocity is one of the main obstacles to improving beef production efficiency. Puberty-related traits are complex, but large-scale data sets from different "omics" have provided information on specific genes and biological processes with major effects on the expression of such traits, which can greatly increase animal genetic evaluation. In addition, genetic parameter estimates and genomic predictions involving sexual precocity indicator traits and productive, reproductive, and feed-efficiency related traits highlighted the feasibility and importance of direct selection for anticipating heifer reproductive life. Indeed, the case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs presented here show that, in 12 years of selection for female early precocity and improved management practices, the phenotypic means of age at first calving showed a strong decreasing trend, changing from nearly 34 to less than 28 months, with a genetic trend of almost -2 days/year. In this period, the percentage of early pregnancy in the herds changed from around 10% to more than 60%, showing that the genetic improvement of heifer's sexual precocity allows optimizing the productive cycle by reducing the number of unproductive animals in the herd. It has a direct impact on sustainability by better use of resources. Genomic selection breeding programs accounting for genotype by environment interaction represent promising tools for accelerating genetic progress for sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle.

Genes and proteins associated with ribeye area and meat tenderness in a commercial Nellore cattle population.

Despite several studies on genetic markers and differentially expressed genes related to ribeye area (REA) and tenderness traits in beef cattle, there is divergence in the results regarding the genes associated with these traits. Thirteen genes associated with or exhibiting biological functions that might influence such phenotypes were included in this study. A total of five genes for REA (IGF-1, IGF-2, MSTN, NEDD4, and UBE4A) and eight genes for meat tenderness (CAPN1, CAPN2, CAST, HSPB1, DNAJA1, FABP4, SCD, and PRKAG3) were selected from previous studies on beef cattle. Genes and their respective proteins expression were validated in a commercial population of Nellore cattle using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and advanced mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) techniques, respectively. The MSTN gene was upregulated in animals with low REA. The CAPN1, CAPN2, CAST, HSPB1, and DNAJA1 genes were upregulated in animals with tough meat. The proteins translated by these genes were not differentially expressed. Our results confirm the potential of some of the studied genes as biomarkers for carcass and meat quality traits in Nellore cattle.

Spliced genes in muscle from Nelore Cattle and their association with carcass and meat quality.

Transcript data obtained by RNA-Seq were used to identify differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in ribeye muscle tissue between Nelore cattle that differed in their ribeye area (REA) or intramuscular fat content (IF). A total of 166 alternatively spliced transcripts from 125 genes were significantly differentially expressed in ribeye muscle between the highest and lowest REA groups (p ≤ 0.05). For animals selected on their IF content, 269 alternatively spliced transcripts from 219 genes were differentially expressed in ribeye muscle between the highest and lowest IF animals. Cassette exons and alternative 3' splice sites were the most frequently found alternatively spliced transcripts for REA and IF content. For both traits, some differentially expressed alternatively spliced transcripts belonged to myosin and myotilin gene families. The hub transcripts were identified for REA (LRRFIP1, RCAN1 and RHOBTB1) and IF (TRIP12, HSPE1 and MAP2K6) have an important role to play in muscle cell degradation, development and motility. In general, transcripts were found for both traits with biological process GO terms that were involved in pathways related to protein ubiquitination, muscle differentiation, lipids and hormonal systems. Our results reinforce the biological importance of these known processes but also reveal new insights into the complexity of the whole cell muscle mRNA of Nelore cattle.

Use of gene expression profile to identify potentially relevant transcripts to myofibrillar fragmentation index trait.

The myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) is an indicative trait for meat tenderness. Longissimus thoracis muscle samples from the 20 most extreme bulls (out of 80 bulls set) for MFI (high (n = 10) and low (n = 10) groups) trait were used to perform transcriptomic analysis, using RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq). An average of 24.616 genes was expressed in the Nellore muscle transcriptome analysis. A total of 96 genes were differentially expressed (p value ≤ 0.001) between the two groups of divergent bulls for MFI. The HEBP2 and BDH1 genes were overexpressed in animals with high MFI. The MYBPH and MYL6, myosin encoders, were identified. The differentially expressed genes were related to increase mitochondria efficiency, especially in cells under oxidative stress conditions, and these also were related to zinc and calcium binding, membrane transport, and muscle constituent proteins, such as actin and myosin. Most of those genes were involved in metabolic pathways of oxidation-reduction, transport of lactate in the plasma membrane, and muscle contraction. This is the first study applying MFI phenotypes in transcriptomic studies to identify and understand differentially expressed genes for beef tenderness. These results suggest that differences detected in gene expression between high and low MFI animals are related to reactive mechanisms and structural components of oxidative fibers under the condition of cellular stress. Some genes may be selected as positional candidate genes to beef tenderness, MYL6, MYBPH, TRIM63, TRIM55, TRIOBP, and CHRNG genes. The use of MFI phenotypes could enhance results of meat tenderness studies.

Effects of a 12-week hip abduction exercise program on the electromyographic activity of hip and knee muscles of women with patellofemoral pain: A pilot study

Aims: The purpose of our study was to compare the hip and knee muscle activity before and after a hip abduction exercise program in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Methods: Eleven women with PFP were included in our pre/post design study. Participants were assessed before and after 12-week hip abduction exercise program. All participants performed 6 stair climbing repetitions, 3 sets of rope jumps over 30 s and 5 sets of 8 squats to standardize the physical activity level before data collection. We recorded the electromyographic activity from gluteus medius, vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) for double-legged squat with and without isometric hip abduction. Additionally, participants were asked to perform a step-down test to assess objective function (maximum number of repetitions over 30 s) and completed a clinical evaluation. Results: Longer duration of VM (Mean difference [95% CI]) = -0.97 [-1.48; -0.46], ES [effect size] = 0.66) and VL (-0.81 [-1.35; -0.27], ES = 0.54) were found after the hip abduction exercise program only for free squat. The participants also performed higher number of step-down repetitions (-3.54 [-5.84; -1.25], ES = 1.03) after the hip abduction exercise program and showed improvement in pain reports. Conclusion: A 12-week hip abduction exercise program changed the quadriceps muscle activation pattern and improved pain and objective function of women with PFP. The exercises promoted a longer VM and VL activation duration. Additionally, they promoted a clinical improvement in the patients with PFP.(AU)

Prediction of hub genes associated with intramuscular fat content in Nelore cattle.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use transcriptome RNA-Seq data from longissimus thoracis muscle of uncastrated Nelore males to identify hub genes based on co-expression network obtained from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with intramuscular fat content. RESULTS: A total of 30 transcriptomics datasets (RNA-Seq) obtained from longissimus thoracis muscle were selected based on the phenotypic value of divergent intramuscular fat content: 15 with the highest intramuscular fat content (HIF) and 15 with the lowest intramuscular fat content (LIF). The transcriptomics datasets were aligned with a reference genome and 65 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 21 upregulated and 44 downregulated genes in HIF animals. The normalized count data from DEGs was then used for co-expression network construction. From the co-expression network, four modules were identified. The topological properties of the network were analyzed; those genes engaging in the most interactions (maximal clique centrality method) with other DEGs were predicted to be hub genes (PDE4D, KLHL30 and IL1RAP), which consequently may play a role in cellular and/or systemic lipid biology in Nelore cattle. Top modules screened from the gene co-expression network were identify. The two candidate modules had clear associated biological pathways related to fat development, cell adhesion, and muscle differentiation, immune system, among others. The hub genes belonged in top modules and were downregulated in HIF animals. PDE4D and IL1RAP have known effects on lipid metabolism and the immune system through the regulation of cAMP signaling. Given that cAMP is known to play a role in lipid systems, PDE4D and IL1RAP downregulation may contribute to increased levels of intracellular cAMP and thus may have effects on IF content differences in Nelore cattle. KLHL30 may have effects on muscle metabolism. Klhl protein families play a role in protein degradation. However, the downregulation of this gene and its role in lipid metabolism has not yet been clarified. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported in this study indicate candidate genes and molecular mechanisms involved in IF content difference in Nelore cattle.

Assessment of different methods for the detection of biofilm production in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of newborns.

INTRODUCTION: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a frequent cause of bacteremia, especially in neonates. The major virulence determinant in CoNS is the ability to produce biofilms, which is conferred by the icaADBC genes. This study aimed to assess different methods for the detection of biofilm formation in 176 CoNS isolates from blood cultures of newborns. METHODS: The presence of the icaACD genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biofilm formation was assessed on congo red agar (CRA), by the tube method (TM), and on tissue culture plates (TCP). RESULTS: Of the 176 CoNS isolates, 30.1% expressed icaACD and 11.4% expressed icaAD. The CRA assay and TM showed that 42% and 38.6% of the isolates were biofilm producing, respectively. On TCP, 40.9% of the isolates produced biofilms; 21% were weakly adherent and 19.9% were strongly adherent. When compared to the gold standard technique (PCR), the CRAassay showed 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity (kappa = 0.64), TM showed 78% sensitivity and 89% specificity (kappa = 0.68), and TCP showed 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity (kappa = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ~42% of CoNS isolates produced biofilms, and the presence of icaACD was associated with a greater capacity to form biofilms. Compared to the other phenotypic methodologies, TCP is an ideal procedure for routine laboratory use.

Assessment of different methods for the detection of biofilm production in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of newborns

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a frequent cause of bacteremia, especially in neonates. The major virulence determinant in CoNS is the ability to produce biofilms, which is conferred by the icaADBC genes. This study aimed to assess different methods for the detection of biofilm formation in 176 CoNS isolates from blood cultures of newborns. METHODS: The presence of the icaACD genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biofilm formation was assessed on congo red agar (CRA), by the tube method (TM), and on tissue culture plates (TCP). RESULTS: Of the 176 CoNS isolates, 30.1% expressed icaACD and 11.4% expressed icaAD. The CRA assay and TM showed that 42% and 38.6% of the isolates were biofilm producing, respectively. On TCP, 40.9% of the isolates produced biofilms; 21% were weakly adherent and 19.9% were strongly adherent. When compared to the gold standard technique (PCR), the CRAassay showed 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity (kappa = 0.64), TM showed 78% sensitivity and 89% specificity (kappa = 0.68), and TCP showed 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity (kappa = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ~42% of CoNS isolates produced biofilms, and the presence of icaACD was associated with a greater capacity to form biofilms. Compared to the other phenotypic methodologies, TCP is an ideal procedure for routine laboratory use.

Prediction of meat quality traits in Nelore cattle by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.

The main definition for meat quality should include factors that affect consumer appreciation of the product. Physical laboratory analyses are necessary to identify factors that affect meat quality and specific equipment is used for this purpose, which is expensive and destructive, and the analyses are usually time consuming. An alternative method to performing several beef analyses is near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), which permits to reduce costs and to obtain faster, simpler, and nondestructive measurements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of NIRS to predict shear force [Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF)], marbling, and color (*a = redness; b* = yellowness; and L* = lightness) in meat samples of uncastrated male Nelore cattle, that were approximately 2-yr-old. Samples of longissimus thoracis (n = 644) were collected and spectra were obtained prior to meat quality analysis. Multivariate calibration was performed by partial least squares regression. Several preprocessing techniques were evaluated alone and in combination: raw data, reduction of spectral range, multiplicative scatter correction, and 1st derivative. Accuracies of the calibration models were evaluated using the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), coefficient of determination in the calibration (R2C), and prediction (R2P) groups. Among the different preprocessing techniques, the reduction of spectral range provided the best prediction accuracy for all traits. The NIRS showed a better performance to predict WBSF (RMSEP = 1.42 kg, R2P = 0.40) and b* color (RMSEP = 1.21, R2P = 0.44), while its ability to accurately predict L* (RMSEP = 1.98, R2P = 0.16) and a* (RMSEP = 1.42, R2P = 0.17) was limited. NIRS was unsuitable to predict subjective meat quality traits such as marbling in Nelore cattle.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of statins with the complex {[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenyltriazene N 3 -oxide-κ 2 N 1,O 4 ](dimethylbenzylamine-κ 2 C 1, N 4 )palladium(II)}

Abstract The treatment of infections caused by resistant microorganisms represents a big challenge in healthcare due to limited treatment options. For this reason, the discovery of new active substances which are able to perform innovative and selective actions is of great impact nowadays. Statins and triazenes (TZC) have consolidated as a promising class of compounds, characterized by the expressive biological activity, especially antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro synergistic antibacterial effect of the association of statins and a new TZC complex {[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenyltriazene N 3-oxide-κ 2 N 1,O 4](dimethylbenzylamine-κ 2 C 1,N 4)palladium(II)} (Pd(DMBA)LBr) against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains and clinical isolates. The complex and the statins showed bacterial activity of all tested strains and clinical isolates, evidencing that TZC complexion with metals can be promising. Simvastatin showed synergy when associated to the complex (FICI≤0.5), being the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg mL-1 found in 6 samples. Thus, it is possible to infer that the association between Pd(DMBA)LBr and simvastatin consists of an alternative to increase the pontential of these compounds, since statins have low toxicity.