Familial hypercholesterolemia: Is there a role for PCSK9 and thrombin generation?

INTRODUCTION: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. The prevalence of FH has previously been reported as 1 in 500 in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) levels, lipid profile and thrombin generation in FH patients undergoing treatment or not. METHODS: Eighty individuals with FH were selected and distributed in 2 groups: individuals treated with statins alone or conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) (T = 53) and those non treated (NT = 27). PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA, the lipid profile by colorimetric enzyme method and thrombin generation assay (TGA) by CAT method. RESULTS: Individuals treated with conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) showed a significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and in the potential for thrombin generation (ETP with low and high concentration of tissue factor), compared to the treated individuals with monotherapy (statins). PCSK9 was positively correlated with increased levels of TC, LDLc and triglycerides, while TGA parameters were positively correlated with PCSK9 and lipid profile. CONCLUSION: PCSK9 levels appear to be associated with components of the lipid and hemostatic profiles, in addition to being influenced by age. In general, our findings suggest that combined therapy for the treatment of FH is associated with a significant improvement in both lipid and hemostatic profiles assessed by TGA, suggesting a reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic risks and, therefore, more promising compared to the use of statin monotherapy.

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Meat quality of finishing feedlot lambs fed diets of assorted sorghum cultivars

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.(AU)

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Meat quality of finishing feedlot lambs fed diets of assorted sorghum cultivars

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.(AU)

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.

Classificação e tipificação de carcaças bovinas na região oeste da Bahia em duas épocas do ano / Classification and grading of beef carcasses from the western region of Bahia during two seasons of the year

O resultado final de sistemas de produção de gado de corte é verificado nas carcaças. No Brasil, entretanto, é raro o frigorífico que separa os produtos conforme a qualidade, principalmente na região Nordeste. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as carcaças bovinas na região oeste da Bahia em duas épocas distintas do ano (chuvosa e seca) de acordo com o Sistema Nacional de Tipificação de Carcaças Bovinas (SNTCB). As avaliações foram realizadas em frigorífico sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF), em Barreiras, Bahia. Foram amostradas 1.000 carcaças, metade no período seco (agosto) e o restante no período chuvoso (dezembro). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva, obtendo-se média e erro padrão de cada variável-resposta. A época do ano não influenciou o abate em relação ao gênero dos animais, havendo equilíbrio entre machos inteiros (44%) e fêmeas (42%), com pouca participação de machos castrados (14%). O grau de maturidade dos animais abatidos foi elevado, sendo que cerca de 70% possuía acima de quatro dentes incisivos permanentes. As carcaças variaram quanto ao acabamento entre escores 2 e 4, sendo que 32% apresentaram cobertura de gordura escassa (escore ≤ 2) na época seca e 52% na época chuvosa. A estiagem prolongada afetou os resultados. Os dados de conformação indicaram mais de 90% das carcaças analisadas como retilíneas, sub-convexas e convexas, sendo que a maior parte delas pesou menos de 16@, peso mínimo recomendado pelo frigorífico. Foram tipificadas pela letra “I” 64% das carcaças analisadas, penúltima escala qualitativa no sistema oficial (B-R-A-S-I-L). Independente da época do ano, os bovinos abatidos na região oeste da Bahia resultaram em carcaças com reduzido padrão de qualidade em virtude do elevado grau de maturidade, conformação e acabamento inadequados e baixo peso. Melhoramento genético e manejo apropriado são necessários para a produção de carcaças de mais alto padrão de qualidade...(AU)

The final result of beef cattle production systems is verified in carcasses. However, in Brazil the cold storage facility rarely separates the products according to quality, especially in the northeastern region of the country. The objective of this study was to evaluate beef carcasses from the western region of Bahia during two seasons (rainy and dry) of the year according to the National Beef Carcass Grading System (Sistema Nacional de Tipificação de Carcaças Bovinas - SNTCB). The evaluations were performed at a cold storage facility in Barreiras, Bahia, which is monitored by the Federal Inspections Service (Serviço de Inspeção Federal - SIF). A total of 1,000 carcasses, half during the dry season (August) and the other half during the rainy season (December), were sampled. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and the mean and standard error of each response variable were obtained. The season of the year did not influence the sex of the animals slaughtered, with a balance between intact males (44%) and females (42%) and little participation of castrated males (14%). The degree of maturity of the slaughtered animals was high, with about 70% of the animals possessing more than four permanent incisors. The carcasses varied in terms of finishing from scores 2 to 4; 32% had a low fat cover (score ≤ 2) in the dry season and 52% in the rainy season. Prolonged drought affected the results. The conformation data indicated more than 90% of the carcasses to be rectilinear, subconvex and convex and most of them weighed less than 240 kg, the minimum weight recommended by cold storage facilities. Sixty-four percent of the carcass analyzed were graded as letter “I”, the penultimate score of the official system (B-R-A-S-I-L). Regardless of the season of the year, cattle slaughtered in the western region of Bahia resulted in low-quality carcasses due to the high degree of maturity, inadequate conformation and finishing, and low weight of the animals...(AU)

Classificação e tipificação de carcaças bovinas na região oeste da Bahia em duas épocas do ano / Classification and grading of beef carcasses from the western region of Bahia during two seasons of the year

O resultado final de sistemas de produção de gado de corte é verificado nas carcaças. No Brasil, entretanto, é raro o frigorífico que separa os produtos conforme a qualidade, principalmente na região Nordeste. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as carcaças bovinas na região oeste da Bahia em duas épocas distintas do ano (chuvosa e seca) de acordo com o Sistema Nacional de Tipificação de Carcaças Bovinas (SNTCB). As avaliações foram realizadas em frigorífico sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF), em Barreiras, Bahia. Foram amostradas 1.000 carcaças, metade no período seco (agosto) e o restante no período chuvoso (dezembro). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva, obtendo-se média e erro padrão de cada variável-resposta. A época do ano não influenciou o abate em relação ao gênero dos animais, havendo equilíbrio entre machos inteiros (44%) e fêmeas (42%), com pouca participação de machos castrados (14%). O grau de maturidade dos animais abatidos foi elevado, sendo que cerca de 70% possuía acima de quatro dentes incisivos permanentes. As carcaças variaram quanto ao acabamento entre escores 2 e 4, sendo que 32% apresentaram cobertura de gordura escassa (escore ≤ 2) na época seca e 52% na época chuvosa. A estiagem prolongada afetou os resultados. Os dados de conformação indicaram mais de 90% das carcaças analisadas como retilíneas, sub-convexas e convexas, sendo que a maior parte delas pesou menos de 16@, peso mínimo recomendado pelo frigorífico. Foram tipificadas pela letra “I” 64% das carcaças analisadas, penúltima escala qualitativa no sistema oficial (B-R-A-S-I-L). Independente da época do ano, os bovinos abatidos na região oeste da Bahia resultaram em carcaças com reduzido padrão de qualidade em virtude do elevado grau de maturidade, conformação e acabamento inadequados e baixo peso. Melhoramento genético e manejo apropriado são necessários para a produção de carcaças de mais alto padrão de qualidade...

The final result of beef cattle production systems is verified in carcasses. However, in Brazil the cold storage facility rarely separates the products according to quality, especially in the northeastern region of the country. The objective of this study was to evaluate beef carcasses from the western region of Bahia during two seasons (rainy and dry) of the year according to the National Beef Carcass Grading System (Sistema Nacional de Tipificação de Carcaças Bovinas - SNTCB). The evaluations were performed at a cold storage facility in Barreiras, Bahia, which is monitored by the Federal Inspections Service (Serviço de Inspeção Federal - SIF). A total of 1,000 carcasses, half during the dry season (August) and the other half during the rainy season (December), were sampled. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and the mean and standard error of each response variable were obtained. The season of the year did not influence the sex of the animals slaughtered, with a balance between intact males (44%) and females (42%) and little participation of castrated males (14%). The degree of maturity of the slaughtered animals was high, with about 70% of the animals possessing more than four permanent incisors. The carcasses varied in terms of finishing from scores 2 to 4; 32% had a low fat cover (score ≤ 2) in the dry season and 52% in the rainy season. Prolonged drought affected the results. The conformation data indicated more than 90% of the carcasses to be rectilinear, subconvex and convex and most of them weighed less than 240 kg, the minimum weight recommended by cold storage facilities. Sixty-four percent of the carcass analyzed were graded as letter “I”, the penultimate score of the official system (B-R-A-S-I-L). Regardless of the season of the year, cattle slaughtered in the western region of Bahia resulted in low-quality carcasses due to the high degree of maturity, inadequate conformation and finishing, and low weight of the animals...

Milk adulteration: Detection of bovine milk in bulk goat milk produced by smallholders in northeastern Brazil by a duplex PCR assay.

The aim of this study was to investigate the adulteration of goat milk produced by smallholders in semiarid northeastern Brazil with bovine milk as an adulterant. The study was requested by the association of smallholder producers in the region to investigate and to inhibit adulteration practices as a need to ensure the quality and safety of goat milk. A duplex PCR assay has been developed and standardized. Further validation was performed in 160 fresh bulk goat milk samples. The detection limit of the duplex PCR was 0.5% bovine milk in goat milk and the results indicated that 41.2% of the goat milk presented to market was positive for bovine milk. Making the test available to the association of producers, together with extension activities, have been applied to reduce adulteration in goat milk sold to small-scale dairy plants and to ensure the species origin for goat milk in the state of Paraíba.

Risk factors associated with selected indicators of milk quality in semiarid northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to gain information on quality traits, mainly bacterial and somatic cell counts of bulk milk, produced by small- and medium-scale producers in a semiarid northeastern region of Brazil and to identify and characterize possible risk factors associated with those quality traits. A cross-sectional study was performed on 50 farms. Bulk milk samples were collected for bacterial and somatic cell counts. Additionally, information about farm demographics, general management practices, hygiene, and milking procedures was also obtained. Multivariable analysis using logistic regression was performed with predictors previously identified by univariate analysis using a Fisher's Exact test. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts varied from 3.59 log to 6.95 log cfu/mL, with geometric mean of 5.27 log cfu/mL. Mean total coliform count was 3.27 log (1.52 log to 5.89 log) most probable number (MPN)/mL, whereas mean thermotolerant coliforms was 2.38 log (1.48 log to 4.75 log) MPN/mL. A high positive correlation was observed between aerobic mesophilic bacteria and coliform counts. Although most farms met the standard for the current regulations for total bacteria (88%) and somatic cell counts (94%), nearly half of the producers (46%) would have problems in achieving the 2012 threshold limit for total bacteria count if no improvement in milk quality occurs. Mean value for staphylococci was 3.99 log (2.31 log to 6.24 log) cfu/mL, and Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 33 (66%) farms. Premilking teat-end wash procedure (odds ratio=0.191) and postmilking teat dip (odds ratio=0.67) were associated with lower aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus counts in bulk milk, respectively. Considering that the farm characteristics in this study are representative of the semiarid northeastern region, these findings encourage further investigations for supporting intervention measures intended to improve the quality of milk produced by smallholders.