A genomic study on mammary gland acclimatization to tropical environment in the Holstein cattle.

This study aims at identifying mammary gland genes expressed in Brazilian Holstein cattle produced under tropical conditions, as compared to the Portuguese Holstein cattle produced in a temperate region. For this purpose, cDNA microarrays and real-time (RT) PCR transcriptomic techniques were utilized in 12 Holstein cows from the same lactating phase and management systems divided into two groups: Holstein Brazil (HB) originated from Brazil and Holstein Portugal (HP) from Portugal. The genomic results show that from a total of 4608 genes available from the microarray slide (Bovine Long Oligo (BLO) library), 65 transcripts were identified as differentially expressed in mammary glands. The genes associated with mammary gland development and heat stress responses showed greater expression in HB animals. In the HP group, upregulated genes related with apoptosis and vascular development and downregulated genes related with resistance to heat stress were observed. Validation of microarray results was done using RT-PCR. HB animals had higher blood levels of growth hormone than HP animals. Blood levels of prolactin and T3 were similar for both groups and GH levels were increased in the HB group. The results suggest a gene change towards long-term acclimatization of Brazilian Holstein cattle to cope with tropical heat stress conditions.

Improvement of Sporobolomyces ruberrimus carotenoids production by the use of raw glycerol.

The red yeast Sporobolomyces ruberrimus H110 was able to use glycerol as a carbon source. The highest concentration (0.51gL(-1)) and productivity (0.0064gL(-1)h(-1)) of carotenoids were achieved when raw glycerol from biodiesel production, containing around 1gL(-1) of fatty acids, was used as the carbon source, which represented increases of 27% and 1.5×, respectively, in relation to pure glycerol. Mass spectrometry analysis led to the identification of four carotenoids in the fermented samples, torularhodin, torulene, ß-carotene and γ-carotene. The use of raw glycerol also enhanced the proportion of torularhodin (69% against 59% in pure glycerol). The addition of individual fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids) to pure glycerol resulted in increases between 15% and 25% in maximum concentration and between 1.6× and 2.0× in productivity of carotenoids. The presence of palmitic and oleic acids increased the torularhodin proportion to 66%.

Gene expression of regulatory enzymes involved in the intermediate metabolism of sheep subjected to feed restriction.

The effect of feed restriction on gene expression of regulatory enzymes of intermediary metabolism was studied in two sheep breeds (Australian Merino and Dorper) subjected to two nutritional treatments: feed restriction (85% of daily maintenance requirements) and control (ad libitum feeding), during 42 days. The experimental animals (ram lambs) were divided into four groups, n = 5 (Australian Merino control (MC), Australian Merino Restriction (MR), Dorper control (DC) and Dorper Restriction (DR)). After the trial, animals were sacrificed and samples were taken from liver tissue to quantify glucose levels and gene expression of relevant intermediary metabolism enzymes (phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, glycogen synthase (GS), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and carbamoyl phosphate synthase (CPS)) through real-time PCR. During the experimental period, the MR animals lost 12.6% in BW compared with 5.3% lost by the Dorper lambs. MC and DC rams gained, respectively, 8.8% and 14% during the same period. Within the Dorper breed, restricted feed animals revealed a significant decrease over controls in the transcription of PFK (1.95-fold) and PK (2.26-fold), both glycolytic enzymes. The gluconeogenesis showed no change in the feed restricted animals of both breeds. DR feed group presented a significant decrease over the homologous Merino sheep group on GS. In both experimental breeds, FAS mRNA expression was decreased in restricted feed groups. GDH expression was decreased only in the DR animals (1.84-fold) indicating a reduced catabolism of amino acids in these animals. Finally, CPS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Dorper sheep, indicating a facilitated urea synthesis in this breed. These results indicate a better adaptation of metabolic intermediate regulatory enzymes and hepatic glucose production of Dorper sheep to feed restriction concurring with the BW results in the experimental groups.

Eficácia do glyphosate e 2, 4-d no controle de Commelina villosa / Efficacy of glyphosate and 2, 4-D in control of Commelina villosa

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de glyphosate e 2,4-D, isolados e em mistura, no controle de Commelina villosa. Foram estudadas duas metodologias de avaliação de absorção de herbicidas em oito intervalos de tempo para a lavagem (simulando chuva após a aplicação) e corte (simulando abortamento, como estratégia de defesa) das folhas: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 e 48 horas após a aplicação dos herbicidas, além de um tratamento sem lavagem ou corte das folhas, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, dispostos em um esquema fatorial 3 x 7 + 1 (três herbicidas x sete períodos – horas após a aplicação). Os herbicidas e doses testados foram: glyphosate (1.440 g ha-1), 2,4-D (720 g ha-1) e a mistura glyphosate + 2,4-D (1.080 + 720 g ha-1). A simulação de chuva interferiu de forma negativa no controle das plantas com o herbicida glyphosate. O controle com o herbicida 2,4-D foi influenciado apenas no período de 2 horas. Os períodos de simulação de chuva não influenciaram no controle das plantas com a mistura de glyphosate + 2,4-D. Para o estudo com corte das folhas tratadas, todos os tratamentos independente do período para corte das folhas foram influenciados de forma negativa no controle, sendo que as plantas apresentaram rebrotas quando tratadas com o herbicida 2,4-D isolado.

Efficacy of glyphosate and 2,4-d in the control of Commelina Villosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of glyphosate and 2,4-D alone and in combination, in the control of Commelina villosa. We studied two methodologies for evaluating herbicide absorption in eight time intervals for washing (simulating rainfall after application) and cutting of leaves (simulating abortion as a defense strategy): 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after herbicide application, and a treatment without washing or cutting the leaves in a completely randomized design with four replications in a 3 x 7 + 1 factorial design (three herbicides x seven periods – hours after application). Herbicides and doses tested were: glyphosate (1,440 g ha-1), 2,4-D (720 g ha-1) and a mixture of glyphosate + 2,4-D (1,080 + 720 g ha-1). The simulation of rain interfered negatively in the plant control with glyphosate. The control with the herbicide 2,4-D was affected only for the period of 2 hours. Periods of rain simulation did not influence the control of plants with a mixture of glyphosate + 2,4-D. For the study with the cutting of treated leaves, all treatments regardless of the period of cutting the leaves were influenced negatively in terms of plant control, the plants showing regrowth when treated with 2,4-D alone.

On site noninvasive assessment of peri-implant inflammation by optical spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Optical spectroscopy has been proposed to measure regional tissue hemodynamics in periodontal tissue. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the diagnostic potential of optical spectroscopy in peri-implant inflammation in vivo by assessing multiple inflammatory parameters (tissue oxygenation, total tissue hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin and tissue edema) simultaneously. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a total of 64 individuals who presented with dental implants in different stages of inflammation. In brief, visible-near-infrared spectra were obtained, processed and evaluated from healthy (n = 151), mucositis (n = 70) and peri-implantitis sites (n = 75) using a portable spectrometer. A modified Beer-Lambert unmixing model that incorporates a nonparametric scattering loss function was employed to determine the relative contribution of each inflammatory component to the overall spectrum. RESULTS: Tissue oxygenation at peri-implantitis sites was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) when compared with that at healthy sites, which was largely due to an increase in deoxyhemoglobin and a decrease in oxyhemoglobin at the peri-implantitis sites compared with the mucositis and healthy sites. In addition, the tissue hydration index derived from the optical spectra in mucositis was significantly higher than that in other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study revealed that hemodynamic alterations can be detected around diseased peri-implant sites by optical spectroscopy, and this method may be considered an alternative and feasible approach for the monitoring and diagnosis of peri-implant diseases.

Efeito de diferentes herbicidas, doses e volume de calda na dessecação de milheto [Pennisetum Glaucum (L. Leek)] / Effect of different herbicides, doses and spray volume in the chemical management of pearl millet [Pennisetum Glaucum (L. Leek)]

Objetivou-se nesse trabalho avaliar a eficácia de diferentes herbicidas aplicados em pósemergência na de secação do milheto com diferentes doses e volumes de calda de aplicação. Para a dessecação do milheto foram utilizadas doses de 0, 25, 50 e 100% dos herbicidas glyphosate (1.440 g ha-1), em três formulações comerciais (Round up Original, Round up Transorb e Round up WG), paraquat + diuron (500 + 250 g ha-1) e amônio-glufosinato (800 g ha-1). Em todos os tratamentos foram utilizados dois volumes de aplicação (200 e 400 L ha-1). Manteve-se uma testemunha sem aplicação de herbicidas. Os efeitos dos tratamentos foram avaliados visualmente aos 3, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após aplicação. Ao final das avaliações foi determinada a massa seca das plantas. O estudo de campo foi instalado no delineamento em blocos casualizados. No final do estudo, aos 28 DAA, todos os tratamentos apresentaram controle total das plantas de milheto, independente da dose e do volume de aplicação, exceto para os tratamentos com paraquat + diuron e amônio-glufosinate na menor dose (25% da dose), nos dois volumes de aplicação, que apresentaram ainda controles considerados bons a muito bom, sendo que para esses dois herbicidas houve efeito do volume de calda, na qual o controle foi superior com o uso de volume menor.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides applied in post-emergence in the desiccation of pearl millet with different doses and spray volumes. For the desiccation, doses at 0, 25, 50 and 100% of the herbicide glyphosate (1,440 g ha-1) were used in 3 formulations (Original Round up, Round up Transorb and Round up WG), paraquat + diuron (500 + 250 g ha-1) and glufosinateammonium (800 g ha-1). In all treatments, 2 spray volumes (200 and 400 l ha-1) were used, and there was 1 treatment (control) without the application of herbicides. The treatment effects were evaluated visually at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application (DAA). At the end of the evaluations, the dry mass of the plants was determined. The field trial was carried out in randomized block design. At the end of the study, at 28 DAA, all treatments presented total control of plant pearl millet, regardless of the dose and spray volume, except the treatments with paraquat + diuron and glufosinate-ammonium at the lower dose (25%), in 2 spray volumes, which nevertheless showed good and very good control, these two herbicides presenting an effect of volume, in which the control was higher with the use of smaller volume.

Use of the caffeine-halothane contracture test for the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia in Brazil

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. Deaths due to MH have been reported in Brazil. The first Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostic and Research Center in Latin America was inaugurated in 1993 at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The center followed the diagnostic protocols of the North America MH Group, in which the contractures of biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle are analyzed after exposure to caffeine and halothane (CHCT). CHCT was performed in individuals who survived, their relatives and those with signs/symptoms somewhat related to MH susceptibility (MHS). Here, we report data from 194 patients collected over 16 years. The Southeast (N = 110) and South (N = 71) represented the majority of patients. Median age was 25 (4-70) years, with similar numbers of males (104) and females (90). MHS was found in 90 patients and 104 patients were normal. Abnormal responses to both caffeine and halothane were observed in 59 patients and to caffeine or halothane in 20 and 11 patients, respectively. The contracture of biopsies from MHS exposed to caffeine and halothane was 1.027 ± 0.075 g (N = 285) and 4.021 ± 0.255 g (N = 226), respectively. MHS was found in patients with either low or high blood creatine kinase and also, with a low score on the clinical grading scale. Thus, these parameters cannot be used with certainty to predict MHS. We conclude that the CHCT protocol described by the North America MH Group contributed to identification of MHS in suspected individuals at an MH center in Brazil with 100 percent sensitivity and 65.7 percent specificity.

Use of the caffeine-halothane contracture test for the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia in Brazil.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. Deaths due to MH have been reported in Brazil. The first Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostic and Research Center in Latin America was inaugurated in 1993 at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The center followed the diagnostic protocols of the North America MH Group, in which the contractures of biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle are analyzed after exposure to caffeine and halothane (CHCT). CHCT was performed in individuals who survived, their relatives and those with signs/symptoms somewhat related to MH susceptibility (MHS). Here, we report data from 194 patients collected over 16 years. The Southeast (N = 110) and South (N = 71) represented the majority of patients. Median age was 25 (4-70) years, with similar numbers of males (104) and females (90). MHS was found in 90 patients and 104 patients were normal. Abnormal responses to both caffeine and halothane were observed in 59 patients and to caffeine or halothane in 20 and 11 patients, respectively. The contracture of biopsies from MHS exposed to caffeine and halothane was 1.027 +/- 0.075 g (N = 285) and 4.021 +/- 0.255 g (N = 226), respectively. MHS was found in patients with either low or high blood creatine kinase and also, with a low score on the clinical grading scale. Thus, these parameters cannot be used with certainty to predict MHS. We conclude that the CHCT protocol described by the North America MH Group contributed to identification of MHS in suspected individuals at an MH center in Brazil with 100% sensitivity and 65.7% specificity.

Feed restriction and genetic selection on the expression and activity of metabolism regulatory enzymes in rabbits.

This work aims at the identification of relevant intermediate metabolism enzymes contributing to improved meat production due to genetic selection. A wild rabbit (WR) breed and a highly meat selected breed (New Zealand (NZ) rabbit) were used. Food restriction was used as an experimental condition so as to enhance differences within the metabolic pathways under study. During a period of 30 days, NZ and WR experimental breeds were subjected to, respectively, 40% and 60% ad libitum food restriction leading to 17.7% and 21.1% initial weight. Hepatic glycolytic, lipidic and protein regulatory enzyme activity, transcriptional and metabolite levels were determined. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), triiodothyronine, and cortisol were also evaluated. In the glycolytic pathways, the NZ control rabbits presented a higher phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase activity level when compared to the WR, while the latter group showed a higher expression of glycogen synthase, although with less glycogen content. In the nitrogen metabolism, our results showed a lower activity level of glutamate dehydrogenase in WR when subjected to food restriction. Within the lipid metabolism, results showed that although WR had a significantly higher mRNA hepatic lipase, non-esterified fatty acid levels were similar between the experimental groups. NZ rabbits presented a better glycemia control and greater energy substrate availability leading to enhanced productivities in which triiodothyronine and IGF-1 played a relevant role.

Proteomic investigation of the effects of weight loss in the gastrocnemius muscle of wild and NZW rabbits via 2D-electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF MS.

The study of changes within the key agents regulating metabolism during genetic upgrading because of selection can contribute to an improved understanding of genomic and physiological relationships. This may lead to increased efficiencies in animal production. These changes, regarding energy and protein metabolic saving mechanisms, can be highlighted during food restriction periods. In this study, a 20% weight reduction was induced in two rabbit breeds: New Zealand white, a selected meat producer (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus), and Iberian wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus), with the aim of determining differential protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle within control (ad libitum) and restricted diet experimental animal groups, using techniques of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting. Results show that L-lactate dehydrogenase, adenylate kinase, beta enolase and alpha enolase, fructose bisphosphate aldolase A and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, which are enzymes involved in energy metabolism, are differentially expressed in restricted diet experimental animal groups. These enzymes are available to be further tested as relevant biomarkers of weight loss and putative objects of manipulation as a selection tool towards increasing tolerance to weight loss. Similar reasoning could be applied to 2D gel electrophoresis spots corresponding to the important structural proteins tropomyosin beta chain and troponin I. Finally, a spot identified as mitochondrial import stimulation factor seems of special interest as a marker of undernutrition, and it may be the object of further studies aiming to better understand its physiological role.

The effect of weight loss on protein profiles of gastrocnemius muscle in rabbits: a study using 1D electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting.

The study of physiological changes occurring during selection contributes to an improved understanding of relationships leading to efficiencies in animal production. To investigate the effects of food restriction in gastrocnemius muscle protein expression, 20% weight reduction was induced in New Zealand White (meat producing) and wild rabbits, using one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting. Lower expression levels of myosin heavy chains were found in the Wild Rabbits Restricted Group, while myosin light chain and alpha-crystallin proteins were not detected in restricted groups. Glyceraldeyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycogen phosphorylase expression levels were similar for all experimental groups. Phosphopyruvate hydratase beta was not detected in the wild rabbit restricted diet group. Pyruvate kinase levels were 50% lower in the New Zealand Restricted group. LIM protein detection was absent in the control New Zealand group. Results also show relevance of actin in preserving muscle structure in depressed food availability, the sensitivity of both myosin light chain and alpha-crystallin protein to restricted feed and the role of PK in the resistance of New Zealand rabbits to food restriction.

Immunogold localization of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase in leaf segments of wild-type and transgenic tobacco plants expressing the AtTPS1 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Following the establishment of a transgenic line of tobacco (B5H) expressing the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, a preliminary immunolocalization study was conducted using leaves of adequately watered B5H and wild-type plants. Immunocytochemical staining, followed by electron microscopy showed that the enzyme could be detected in both B5H and wild-type plants at two different levels. Quantification showed the signal to be two to three times higher in transgenic plants than in the wild type. This enzyme was markedly present in the vacuoles and the cell wall, and to a lesser extent in the cytosol. Moreover, a high profusion of gold particles was detected in adjacent cells and in the sieve elements. Occasional spots were also detected in chloroplasts and the nucleus, especially in the transgenic B5H line. No labeling signal was detected in mitochondria. Protein localization seems to confirm the important role of TPS in sugar metabolism and transport through the plant, which could explain its role in plant stress tolerance. Finally, it can be expected that TPS from tobacco has a relatively high similarity to the TPS of Arabidopsis thaliana.

The effect of supplementation on productive performance of Boer goat bucks fed winter veld hay.

Fifteen Boer goat bucks, (6-8 months old), were allocated into two groups and fed ad libitum for a period of 29 days. The WH group (winter hay; n = 8) received a chopped diet consisting of grass hay, predominantly Themeda trianda grass (cut during the winter) from a natural pasture (veld). The WH+S group (winter hay plus supplement; n = 7) received a chopped diet consisting of Themeda trianda veld hay, supplemented with maize meal, molasses meal and urea. Body weights and feed consumption were recorded. Animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics (weight and percentages of selected carcass cuts) and the carcass chemical composition were determined. The WH+S animals showed a higher live weight and cumulated feed intake. Carcass cuts from WH animals represented a higher percentage of the total carcass, especially cuts where muscle depots are higher (legs, best end chops and prime cuts). There is an attempt by non-supplemented animals to preserve the body's nitrogen reserves under prolonged nutritional stress conditions, and there is consequently a necessity to supplement feeding of small ruminants fed winter veld hay, especially if the animals are to be used in subsequent breeding seasons.

Protective effect of clenbuterol on duodenal epithelium during food restriction in rats.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the beta2-adrenoceptor, clenbuterol, on the duodenal epithelium of food-restricted rats. Clenbuterol was administered as a dietary admixture (4 mg/kg diet) to three groups of male Wistar rats (n = 8) housed individually in metabolic cages and fed ad libitum for 15 days at 110% and 160% of the estimated requirement for energy maintenance. Untreated groups at each energy intake level were also included. Samples of the duodenum were examined by light microscopy. Compared with control animals, clenbuterol treatment significantly increased body mass in all diet groups, although it induced no changes in mean food intake. Gastrointestinal (GIT) dry mass was increased by clenbuterol only in the most severely-restricted-diet group. In this group, clenbuterol treatment increased GIT tissue nitrogen (23%), more than it did in the ad libitum group (13%). In all treated groups, clenbuterol induced significant hypertrophy of duodenal enterocytes and circular muscle layers, and the diameter of lymphatic vessels increased. In the clenbuterol-treated, restricted-diet groups the height of the brush borders of enterocytes increased. It is concluded that clenbuterol has a protective effect on the intestinal structure in rats on restricted as well as ad libitum diets.

Effect of clenbuterol on growth, nitrogen and energy balances and endocrine status in food-restricted sheep.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the beta2-adrenoceptor clenbuterol on food-restricted sheep. Clenbuterol was administered as a dietary admixture (4 mg/ kg diet) to a group of male Serra da Estrela sheep (n = 6). The animals were housed individually in metabolic cages and fed for 45 days at 65% of estimated requirement for energy maintenance. An untreated group with the same energy intake level was included as a control. Changes in body mass, nitrogen and energy balances and insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and triiodothyronine (T3 ) levels in the experimental animals were monitored. During the 4th week of the trial, clenbuterol-treated sheep showed increased mass gains, greater energy retention and serum IGF-1 levels and decreased T3 serum concentrations. This study showed that clenbuterol may induce a protective effect in sheep subjected to periods of food deprivation, based on the body mass and digestible energy effects manifested by treated animals.

Parentage testing on blood crusts from firearms projectiles by DNA typing settles and insurance fraud case.

We describe a case of a fraudulent insurance claim. The family of an adult white male (DLF) notified the police of their son's disappearance. After a few weeks, a corpse that presented characteristics similar to those of the DLF was found in advanced stages of decay and was identified by the family as being DLF. The family then filed a claim for the life insurance that DLF had taken out just before he disappeared. Suspicions were raised about the identification of the corpse, because it had been done only visually, and because the insurance policy had been taken out just prior to DLF's disappearance. The insurance company requested a postmortem examination for identification. As the corpse had been cremated immediately after identification by the family, the biological material that was encrusted on the two projectiles removed from the body was used for analysis. The blood crusts provided enough genomic DNA for us to carry out PCR base typing of HLA-DQA1, D1S80, HUMCSF1PO, HUMTPOX, HUMTH01, D3S1744, D12S1090, D18S849, and amelogenin. Results from all loci typing from the corpse presumed to be that of DLF were then compared with that of his alleged biological parents, revealing genetic incompatibility.

Effect of clenbuterol on endocrine status and nitrogen and energy balance in food-restricted rats.

We administered clenbuterol as a dietary admixture (4 mg/kg diet) to three groups of male Wistar rats (n = 8) housed individually in metabolism cages and fed for 15 d at 110, 160, and 235% (ad libitum) of the estimated requirement for energy maintenance. Untreated groups at each level of energy intake and a baseline group were also included. In the diet-restricted rats, clenbuterol induced greater and more persistent increases in nitrogen balance, biological value, and net protein utilization than it did in the ad libitum-fed rats. Energy balance was increased by clenbuterol treatment in the diet-restricted rats, with no significant changes occurring in the ad libitum fed rats. Compared with untreated rats, clenbuterol reduced blood glucose in all diet groups and serum insulin in the ad libitum and the moderately restricted (160%) rats. Serum IGF-I was increased in the highly restricted (110%) rats. Corticosterone levels were increased by clenbuterol treatment in all diet groups. These results are consistent with previous results showing that clenbuterol can help improve growth, but they also show that clenbuterol can offset the effects of food restriction on protein and energy metabolism.

Effect of clenbuterol on growth and body composition during food restriction in rats.

Clenbuterol was administered as a dietary admixture (4 mg/kg diet) to three groups of male Wistar rats (n = 8) housed individually in metabolism cages and fed for 15 d at 110, 160, and 235% (ad libitum) of estimated requirement for energy maintenance. Untreated groups at each level of energy intake were also included. There was no effect of clenbuterol on food intake in the ad libitum group, but the drug produced significant increases in body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass weight, dressing and protein content at all three levels of energy intake. This effect of clenbuterol was particularly noticeable in the restricted animals. Clenbuterol caused changes in body composition (increased percentage of water and protein, decreased percentage of fat) in the ad libitum rats but had no effect in the restricted groups. The reduction in the growth of the viscera caused by energy restriction was not affected by clenbuterol, apart from in the 110% restricted group, where the gastrointestinal tract was 26% heavier in the clenbuterol-treated rats. The results show that the growth anabolic actions of clenbuterol can be sustained and may be even more marked in rats fed restrictively than in those given ad libitum access to feed.

Median mandibular cleft.

We report on a patient with median cleft of mandible and lower lip and its associated corrective treatment, and we review the literature.

Craniofacial treatment of giant-cell tumors of the sphenoid bone.

We report a craniofacial approach for resection of a giant-cell tumor of the sphenoid bone. Complementary radiotherapy was performed because of the incomplete tumor remotion. Four-year follow-up is presented.