Effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay with Moringa hay (Moringa oleifera L.) on the nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, and water balance of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (TH) with Moringa hay (MH) on the intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen parameters, serum attributes, nitrogen balance, water balance, and urinary attributes of sheep. Thus, 5 rams, ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês, that were 12 ± 4 months of age with an initial body weight of 32.8 ± 2.6 kg were distributed in metabolic cages in a Latin square design. The experiment lasted 85 days and was divided into five 17-day periods. The animals received rations with increasing replacement (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g/kg of dry matter in the total diet) of TH for MH. The forage: concentrate ratio of the diets was 40:60. Replacing TH with MH reduced (P < 0.05) the intake of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDFap), and total digestible nutrients by sheep. The apparent digestibility of NDFap and the feeding and rumination efficiencies of NDFap were reduced (P < 0.05) when MH replaced TH in the animals' diet. This replacement did not influence (P > 0.05) serum urea, total protein, creatinine, or aspartate aminotransferase in sheep. Replacing TH with MH decreased water intake and excretion (P < 0.05). In addition, nitrogen excretion via urine, urinary creatinine, and nitrogen absorption decreased (P < 0.05) when TH was replaced with MH. However, there was an increase in the sheep's nitrogen retention and urine pH. We recommend replacing 30% TH with MH in the diet of lambs because it does not compromise nutrient metabolism.

Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Fatty Acid Profile of Post-Weaning and Finishing Zebu Steers on Tropical Pasture with Three Low-Intake Supplementation Strategies.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of three supplementation strategies on intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, proximate composition, and the fatty acid profile of meat from steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning and finishing stages. The experiment involved 33 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 castrated Zebu steers weighing 335 ± 42.90 kg, aged 22 ± 2 m. The animals were managed on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu using an intermittent grazing system with continuous stocking and variable stocking rates for 310 days. The supplementation strategies were as follows: MS/US (mineral salt/urea supplementation): mineral salt in the rainy season and mineral salt with urea in the dry season; US/PS1 (urea supplementation/protein supplementation): mineral salt with urea in the rainy season and protein supplement at 1 g/kg body weight (BW) in the dry season; and PS1/PS2 (protein supplementation 1/protein supplementation 2): protein supplement at 1 g/kg BW in the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW in the dry season. The dry matter intake did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between strategies. However, the post-weaning PS1/PS2 strategy resulted in higher (p < 0.05) crude protein intake. The final body weight did not differ (p > 0.05) between the strategies, but the average daily gain in post-weaning and finishing was higher (p < 0.05) for MS/US (restricted) animals. Carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, and lipid content in meat were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for steers in the PS1/PS2 group. Steers finished on MS/US produced meat with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Concentrate supplementation at 1 g/kg BW during the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW during the dry season is recommended for post-weaning and finishing steers on tropical pasture.

Production of flavor-active compounds and physiological impacts in immobilized Saccharomyces spp. cells during beer fermentation.

Yeast immobilization in beer fermentation has recently regained attention, due to the expansion of the craft beer market and the diversification of styles and flavors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological differences between immobilized and free yeast cells with a focus on flavor-active compounds formation. Three strains of Saccharomyces spp. (SY025, SY067, SY001) were evaluated in both free and immobilized (using a cellulose-based support, referred as ImoYeast) forms during static batch fermentations of 12 °P malt extract. Immobilized cells showed higher glycerol (SY025, 40%; SY067, 53%; SY001, 19%) and biomass (SY025, 67%; SY067, 78%; SY001, 56%) yields than free cells. Conversely, free cells presented higher ethanol yield (SY025, 9%; SY067, 9%; SY001, 13%). Flavor-active compounds production exhibited significant alterations between immobilized and free cells systems, for all strains tested. Finally, a central composite design with varying initial biomass (X0) and substrate (S0) concentrations was conducted using strain SY025, which can be helpful to modulate the formation of one or more flavor-active compounds. In conclusion, yeast immobilization in the evaluated support resulted in flavor alterations that can be exploited to produce different beer styles.

Ultrastructure of the extraordinary pedal gland in Asplanchna aff. herricki (Rotifera: Monogononta).

Rotifers possess complex morphologies despite their microscopic size and simple appearance. Part of this complexity is hidden in the structure of their organs, which may be cellular or syncytial. Surprisingly, organs that are cellular in one taxon can be syncytial in another. Pedal glands are widespread across Rotifera and function in substrate attachment and/or egg brooding. These glands are normally absent in Asplanchna, which lack feet and toes that function as outlets for pedal glandular secretions in other rotifers. Here, we describe the ultrastructure of a pedal gland that is singular and syncytial in Asplanchna aff. herricki, but is normally paired and cellular in all other rotifers. Asplanchna aff. herricki has a single large pedal gland that is active and secretory; it has a bipartite, binucleate, syncytial body and a cytosol filled with rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and several types of secretory vesicles. The most abundant vesicle type is large and contains a spherical electron-dense secretion that appears to be produced through homotypic fusion of condensing vesicles produced by the Golgi. The vesicles appear to undergo a phase transition from condensed to decondensed along their pathway toward the gland lumen. Decondensation changes the contents to a mucin-like matrix that is eventually exocytosed in a "kiss-and-run" fashion with the plasma membrane of the gland lumen. Exocytosed mucus enters the gland lumen and exits through an epithelial duct that is an extension of the syncytial integument. This results in mucus that extends from the rotifer as a long string as the animal swims through the water. The function of this mucus is unknown, but we speculate it may function in temporary attachment, prey capture, or floatation.

Advancing healthcare with artificial intelligence: diagnostic accuracy of machine learning algorithm in diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in the Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: In healthcare systems in general, access to diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening is limited. Artificial intelligence has the potential to increase care delivery. Therefore, we trained and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a machine learning algorithm for automated detection of DR. METHODS: We included color fundus photographs from individuals from 4 databases (primary and specialized care settings), excluding uninterpretable images. The datasets consist of images from Brazilian patients, which differs from previous work. This modification allows for a more tailored application of the model to Brazilian patients, ensuring that the nuances and characteristics of this specific population are adequately captured. The sample was fractionated in training (70%) and testing (30%) samples. A convolutional neural network was trained for image classification. The reference test was the combined decision from three ophthalmologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve of the algorithm for detecting referable DR (moderate non-proliferative DR; severe non-proliferative DR; proliferative DR and/or clinically significant macular edema) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 15,816 images (4590 patients) were included. The overall prevalence of any degree of DR was 26.5%. Compared with human evaluators (manual method of diagnosing DR performed by an ophthalmologist), the deep learning algorithm achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.98), with a specificity of 94.6% (95% CI 93.8-95.3) and a sensitivity of 93.5% (95% CI 92.2-94.9) at the point of greatest efficiency to detect referable DR. CONCLUSIONS: A large database showed that this deep learning algorithm was accurate in detecting referable DR. This finding aids to universal healthcare systems like Brazil, optimizing screening processes and can serve as a tool for improving DR screening, making it more agile and expanding care access.

Correlation between sporogenesis and lipopeptide production in Paenibacillus elgii.

Pelgipeptins, tridecaptins, and elgicins are among the antimicrobials produced by Paenibacillus elgii. Growth in complex media is commonly applied to obtain lipopeptides from culture's supernatant, but it requires further purification. This study aimed to improve the yield of pelgipeptins and tridecaptins using chemically defined media. The kinetics of antimicrobial lipopeptide yield in chemically defined media were evaluated in P. elgii AC13. Pelgipeptins were detected in the supernatant and the culture pellet, but tridecaptins were mainly associated with cell debris or endospores. We investigated whether removing Ca2+ would impair P. elgii sporogenesis, consequently improving the yield of tridecaptin. The kinetics of both lipopeptides in the presence and absence of Ca2+ were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated and further correlated with the cell cycle. The impairment of P. elgii AC13 sporogenesis had no effect on tridecaptin production, which remained undetected in the supernatant of the culture. On the other hand, the yield of pelgipeptin in a Ca2+-free medium increased. We showed for the first time that the removal of Ca2+ interrupted the sporogenesis in P. elgii and improved the yield of pelgipeptins. However, Ca2+ absence had no effect on tridecaptin yield, which is possibly degraded or associated with other cell debris components.

Wilson disease: the diagnostic challenge and treatment outcomes in a series of 262 cases.

BACKGROUND: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to organ toxicity due to copper overload. Early diagnosis is complicated by the rarity and diversity of manifestations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic features and response to treatment in our cohort of WD patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 262 WD patients stratified by clinical presentation, complementary exams, ATP7B genotyping, and response to treatment. RESULTS: Symptoms occurred at an average age of 17.4 (7-49) years, and patients were followed up for an average of 9.6 (0-45) years. Patients presented mainly with hepatic (36.3%), neurologic (34.7%), and neuropsychiatric (8.3%) forms. Other presentations were hematologic, renal, or musculoskeletal, and 16.8% of the patients were asymptomatic. Kayser-Fleischer rings occurred in 78.3% of the patients, hypoceruloplasminemia in 98.3%, and elevated cupruria/24h in 73.0%, with an increase after D-penicillamine in 54.0%. Mutations of the ATP7B gene were detected in 84.4% of alleles. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormalities in the basal ganglia in 77.7% of patients. D-penicillamine was the first choice in 93.6% of the 245 patients, and 21.1% of these patients were switched due to adverse effects. The second-line therapies were zinc and trientine. The therapeutic response did not differ significantly between the drugs (p = 0.2). Nine patients underwent liver transplantation and 82 died. CONCLUSION: Wilson disease is diagnosed at a late stage, and therapeutic options are limited. In people under 40 years of age with compatible manifestations, WD could be considered earlier in the differential diagnosis. There is a need to include ATP7B genotyping and therapeutic alternatives in clinical practice.

ANTECEDENTES: A doença de Wilson (DW) é um distúrbio autossômico recessivo caracterizado por acúmulo de cobre lesivo aos órgãos. O diagnóstico precoce é dificultado pela raridade e diversidade de apresentações. OBJETIVO: Descrever características ao diagnóstico e resposta ao tratamento em uma coorte de DW. MéTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de 262 casos de DW quanto à apresentação clínica, exames complementares, genotipagem e resposta ao tratamento. RESULTADOS: Os sintomas surgiram em uma média aos 17,4 (7­49) anos, e os pacientes foram acompanhados por uma média de 9,6 (0­45) anos. Os pacientes apresentaram principalmente formas hepáticas (36,3%), neurológicas (34,7%) e neuropsiquiátricas (8,3%). Outras apresentações foram hematológicas, renais e musculoesqueléticas. Apenas 16,8% eram assintomáticos. Anéis de Kayser-Fleischer ocorreram em 78,3% dos pacientes, hipoceruloplasminemia em 98,3%, e cuprúria elevada/24h em 73,0%, com aumento após D-penicilamina em 54,0%. Mutações do gene ATP7B foram detectadas em 84,4% dos alelos pesquisados. A ressonância magnética cerebral mostrou alterações em gânglios da base em 77,7% dos pacientes. O tratamento com D-penicilamina foi a escolha inicial em 93,6% dos 245 casos e foi trocado em 21,1% devido a efeitos adversos. Terapias de segunda linha foram zinco e trientina. A resposta terapêutica não diferiu significativamente entre os medicamentos (p = 0,2). Nove pacientes receberam transplante hepático e 82 faleceram. CONCLUSãO: O diagnóstico da DW ainda ocorre em estágios tardios, e as opções terapêuticas são limitadas. A DW deve ser considerada precocemente no diagnóstico diferencial de pessoas com menos de 40 anos com manifestações compatíveis. É necessário incorporar na prática clínica a genotipagem do ATP7B e alternativas terapêuticas à penicilamina.

Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0 g/kg (control), 70 g/kg, 140 g/kg, and 210 g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0 kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210 g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.

Evaluation of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in liver cells' cultures by MEKC: Initial hints to comprehend its role in diabetes mellitus of obese individuals.

Genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, and other factors lead to various complications in the body, such as obesity and other chronic diseases. The inflammatory state caused by excessive accumulation of body fat affects the pathways related to the control of glycemic homeostasis, leading to a high demand for insulin, to subsequent failure of stressed ß cells, and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study of new endocrine signalers, such as bile acids (BAs), becomes necessary as it allows the development of alternatives for T2DM treatment. In this work, a methodology was developed to quantify tauroursodeoxycholic BA (TUDCA) in liver cells of the HepG2 strain treated in hyperlipidic medium. This BA helps to improve insulin clearance by increasing the expression of the insulin-degrading enzyme, restoring sensitivity to this hormone, and making it viable for treating T2DM. Herein, a targeted metabolomic method for TUDCA determination in extracellular medium of hepatocyte matrices by micellar electrokinetic chromatography-UV was optimized, validated, and applied. The optimized background electrolyte was composed of 40 mmol/L sodium cholate and 30 mmol/L sodium tetraborate at pH 9.0. The following figures of merit were evaluated: linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, accuracy, and precision. Data obtained with the validated electrophoretic method showed a self-stimulation of TUDCA production in media supplemented only with BA. On the other hand, TUDCA concentration was reduced in the hyperlipidic medium. This suggests that, in these media, the effect of TUDCA is reduced, such as self-stimulated production and consequent regulation of glycemic homeostasis. Therefore, the results reinforce the need for investigating TUDCA as a potential T2DM biomarker as well as its use to treat several comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Chitosan Coating with Rosemary Extract Increases Shelf Life and Reduces Water Losses from Beef.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of films based on chitosan and rosemary extract on the physicochemical, microbiological, and oxidative characteristics of beef. Refrigerated steaks of Longissimus dorsi were distributed in a factorial arrangement (4 × 4) into four treatments consisting of four edible films (control; chitosan; chitosan + 4% rosemary extract; and chitosan + 8% rosemary extract) and four days of aging (0, 2, 4, and 8 days). Incorporating 4% or 8% rosemary extract into the chitosan film improved the characteristics of the films in terms of moisture absorption and elasticity. The edible coatings with chitosan and rosemary extract and the different days of aging increased the tenderness and decreased the lipid oxidation of beef. In addition, the chitosan films containing rosemary extract increased the water-holding capacity and decreased the cooking losses of beef. The films containing 4% and 8% rosemary extract decreased the development of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Staphylococcus ssp. in beef. We recommend incorporating 4% rosemary extract into chitosan-based coatings to preserve the quality of refrigerated beef.

Concerted regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and contractile properties by the orphan nuclear receptor Nr2f6.

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of skeletal muscle plasticity upon changes in the environment, nutrient supply, and exercise depends on regulatory mechanisms that couple structural and metabolic adaptations. The mechanisms that interconnect both processes at the transcriptional level remain underexplored. Nr2f6, a nuclear receptor, regulates metabolism and cell differentiation in peripheral tissues. However, its role in the skeletal muscle is still elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Nr2f6 modulation on muscle biology in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Global RNA-seq was performed in Nr2f6 knockdown C2C12 myocytes (N = 4-5). Molecular and metabolic assays and proliferation experiments were performed using stable Nr2f6 knockdown and Nr2f6 overexpression C2C12 cell lines (N = 3-6). Nr2f6 content was evaluated in lipid overload models in vitro and in vivo (N = 3-6). In vivo experiments included Nr2f6 overexpression in mouse tibialis anterior muscle, followed by gene array transcriptomics and molecular assays (N = 4), ex vivo contractility experiments (N = 5), and histological analysis (N = 7). The conservation of Nr2f6 depletion effects was confirmed in primary skeletal muscle cells of humans and mice. RESULTS: Nr2f6 knockdown upregulated genes associated with muscle differentiation, metabolism, and contraction, while cell cycle-related genes were downregulated. In human skeletal muscle cells, Nr2f6 knockdown significantly increased the expression of myosin heavy chain genes (two-fold to three-fold) and siRNA-mediated depletion of Nr2f6 increased maximal C2C12 myocyte's lipid oxidative capacity by 75% and protected against lipid-induced cell death. Nr2f6 content decreased by 40% in lipid-overloaded myotubes and by 50% in the skeletal muscle of mice fed a high-fat diet. Nr2f6 overexpression in mice resulted in an atrophic and hypoplastic state, characterized by a significant reduction in muscle mass (15%) and myofibre content (18%), followed by an impairment (50%) in force production. These functional phenotypes were accompanied by the establishment of an inflammation-like molecular signature and a decrease in the expression of genes involved in muscle contractility and oxidative metabolism, which was associated with the repression of the uncoupling protein 3 (20%) and PGC-1α (30%) promoters activity following Nr2f6 overexpression in vitro. Additionally, Nr2f6 regulated core components of the cell division machinery, effectively decoupling muscle cell proliferation from differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a novel role for Nr2f6 as a molecular transducer that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between skeletal muscle contractile function and oxidative capacity. These results have significant implications for the development of potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and myopathies.

Influence of simultaneous comorbidities on COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality in people with diabetes.

Objectives: This study analyzed the influence of 23 comorbidities on COVID-associated acute distress respiratory syndrome (CARDS) mortality in people with a history of diabetes mellitus. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross sectional study was utilized to investigate data from 6723 health services in Brazil, comprising 5433 people with diabetes. Adjusted logistic regression models for demographic factors such as age, sex, and race were used to analyze the association between CARDS mortality and comorbidities. Results: Persons with two (p < 0.001), three (p < 0.001), four (p < 0.001), and five (p < 0.001) simultaneous comorbidities had a higher chance of dying. We identified that diabetes patients who had concomitant metabolic diseases (p = 0.019), neurological disorders (p < 0.001), or were smokers (p < 0.001) had a higher predicted mortality risk based on CADRS. Conclusion: The number of comorbidities plays a determining role in CARDS mortality in people with diabetes, especially those who suffer from smoking and neurological diseases simultaneously.

Diving into the proteomic atlas of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.

The COVID-19 pandemic was initiated by the rapid spread of a SARS-CoV-2 strain. Though mainly classified as a respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infects multiple tissues throughout the human body, leading to a wide range of symptoms in patients. To better understand how SARS-CoV-2 affects the proteome from cells with different ontologies, this work generated an infectome atlas of 9 cell models, including cells from brain, blood, digestive system, and adipocyte tissue. Our data shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly trigger dysregulations on proteins related to cellular structure and energy metabolism. Despite these pivotal processes, heterogeneity of infection was also observed, highlighting many proteins and pathways uniquely dysregulated in one cell type or ontological group. These data have been made searchable online via a tool that will permit future submissions of proteomic data ( https://reisdeoliveira.shinyapps.io/Infectome_App/ ) to enrich and expand this knowledgebase.

Dose accuracy of the follitropin alfa pen injector 2.0, the follitropin alfa:lutropin alfa 2:1 combination pen injector 2.0 and the choriogonadotropin alfa pen injector 1.0 used for fertility treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to confirm that the incremental dose/clicks system dispenses accurate doses for the Merck family of fertility pen injectors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Set doses (Vset) for three dose dial settings (minimum dose [Vmin], midpoint dose [Vmid] and maximum dose [Vmax] for the follitropin alfa, choriogonadotropin alfa [D2 classification: single use/variable dose], and follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen injectors) or a single Vset for the choriogonadotropin alfa (D1 classification: single use/single dose) were assessed. Last dose administered by the multi-dose device was assessed for the 900 IU, 450 IU, 300 IU and 150 IU follitropin alfa, and the 900:450 IU, 450:225 IU and 300:150 IU follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen presentations. RESULTS: Dose accuracy tests for Vmin, Vmid and Vmax for the follitropin alfa and the follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen injectors, and last dose administered, were within acceptable limits according to ISO 11,608-1:2012/2014. Dose accuracy tests for the single use/single dose device classification and the single use/variable dose device classification of the choriogonadotropin alfa pen injector were also within the acceptable limits, according to ISO 11608-1:2000/2014. CONCLUSIONS: The Merck family of fertility pen injectors functions reliably and the incremental dose/clicks system dispenses accurate doses.

Association of rainfall pattern with the disappearance of mineral mixtures fed cattle managed on tropical pastures.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between rainfall and the disappearance of mineral mixtures in the supplementation of cattle on pasture. Supplement consumption and rainfall data were obtained from five experiments carried out between 2016 and 2022. The experiments lasted from 84 to 126 days and had 12 to 18 paddocks formed by Brachiaria spp. under grazing by beef cattle (n = 544), receiving mineral supplementation. Supplement disappearance (SD), difference between the amount offered and leftovers (considering intake and losses) and precipitation (PR), was measured over periods of 14 to 21 days. The periods (n = 565) were classified as very dry, dry, normal, rainy, and very rainy, using the Quantis method. The number of rainy days (RD) and the average precipitation per RD (APRD) per period and the average body weight (BW) of the animals in the periods were also determined. Linear regression analyses assessed the association between BW, PR, RD, and APRD. The average PR in the periods studied was 68.5 mm, ranging from 0.00 to 160.3 mm. Each period had up to six RD, with up to 129.5 mm precipitated. The average BW was 270 kg, ranging from 208 to 335 kg and the average SD was 82.2 g/animal/day, ranging from 0.52 to 176.7 g/animal/day. Differences in RD and APRD are consistent across precipitation classes. In the regression analysis, the model with the highest coefficient of determination was the one that contained the linear and quadratic terms for the RD variable. Including linear and quadratic terms of all variables in a multiple regression represented more than half of the variation in the disappearance of the supplement (R2 = 0.5823). There is no clear relationship between the intensity of precipitation, reflected in the form of classes, and the disappearance of supplements offered to cattle on pasture since dry and very rainy periods can be equivalent. However, variables that characterize the precipitation pattern are more relevant than animal live weight to explain existing variations in supplement disappearance. Among them, the frequency with which precipitation occurs (number of rainy days in the period) seems to be more important than the precipitation rate itself, probably because it is related to the volume of precipitation accumulated in the period.

Cactus species and tree forage hay in the diet of dairy goats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the association of Opuntia stricta (OS) or Nopalea cochenillifera (NC) with Moringa hay (MY) or Leucaena hay (LY) on nutrient intake, ingestive behavior, serum biochemistry, and milk production and composition of dairy goat. Eight multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average of 68 ± 8 days in milk and 48.5 ± 6 kg of initial weight, fed with the following treatment diets: OS + MY; OS + LY; NC + MY, and NC + LY. The treatments were distributed in a double Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two varieties of cactus and two of hay). Goats fed with NC had higher (P < 0.05) intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates. There was no influence (P > 0.05) on milk production, but goats fed with OS produced milk with higher (P < 0.05) fat content and presented higher (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the hay type on the nutrient intake and milk production and composition of goats, but the animals fed with MY had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and greater efficiency of NDF rumination. Goats fed with OS showed greater feeding and rumination efficiency. Our results indicated that both cactus species could be successfully included in the diet of low yielding dairy goats fed 18.4% concentrate.

Interesterified palm oil promotes insulin resistance and altered insulin secretion and signaling in Swiss mice.

Interesterified fats have been used to replace trans-fat in ultra-processed foods. However, their metabolic effects are not completely understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects related to glucose homeostasis in response to interesterified palm oil or refined palm oil intake. Four-week-old male Swiss mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups and fed the following diets for 8 weeks: a normocaloric and normolipidic diet containing refined palm oil (PO group) or interesterified palm oil (IPO group); a hypercaloric and high-fat diet containing refined PO (POHF group) or interesterified PO (IPOHF group). Metabolic parameters related to body mass, adiposity and food consumption showed no significant differences. As for glucose homeostasis parameters, interesterified palm oil diets (IPO and IPOHF) resulted in higher glucose intolerance than unmodified palm oil diets (PO and POHF). Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp assessment showed a higher endogenous glucose production in the IPO group compared with the PO group. Moreover, the IPO group showed significantly lower p-AKT protein content (in the muscle and liver tissues) when compared with the PO group. Analysis of glucose-stimulated static insulin secretion (11.1 mmol/L glucose) in isolated pancreatic islets showed a higher insulin secretion in animals fed interesterified fat diets (IPO and IPOHF) than in those fed with palm oil (PO and POHF). Interesterified palm oil, including in normolipidic diets, can impair insulin signaling in peripheral tissues and increase insulin secretion by ß-cells, characterizing insulin resistance in mice.

PI3K Signaling Pathways as a Molecular Target for Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of cancer that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It currently accounts for about 2% of diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide, with 296,000 new cases reported per year. The first-choice treatment consists of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy, which increases patients' survival by 15 months. New clinical and pre-clinical research aims to improve this prognosis by proposing the search for new drugs that effectively eliminate cancer cells, circumventing problems such as resistance to treatment. One of the promising therapeutic strategies in the treatment of GBM is the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is closely related to the process of tumor carcinogenesis. This review sought to address the main scientific studies of synthetic or natural drug prototypes that target specific therapy co-directed via the PI3K pathway, against human glioblastoma.