Focal adhesion kinase inhibition decreases cell viability and induces apoptosis of JAK2 V617F positive cells

Abstract Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) protein participates in proliferation, migration, cell survival, and apoptosis process. It has been described as overexpressed in several neoplasms being a promising target for therapy. BCR-ABL negative chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders characterized by the excess of proliferation and apoptosis resistance. The identification of the acquired JAK2 V617F mutation in MPN patients allowed a better understanding of pathogenesis. However, there is still no pharmacological treatment that leads all patients to molecular remission, justifying new studies. The present study aimed to evaluate FAK involvement in the viability and apoptosis of HEL and SET-2 cells, both JAK2 V617F positive cell lines. The FAK inhibitor PF 562,271 was used. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay and apoptosis verified by cleaved PARP, cleaved Caspase 3 and Annexin-V/PI staining detection. FAK inhibition significantly reduced HEL and SET-2 cells viability and induced apoptosis. Considering the role of JAK/STAT pathway in MPN, further investigation of FAK participation in the MPN cells proliferation and apoptosis resistance, as well as possible crosstalk between JAK and FAK and downstream pathways may contribute to the knowledge of MPN pathophysiology, the discovery of new molecular targets, and JAK inhibitors resistance mechanisms.

Different corporal structures determining the effective production of Red Angus primiparous cows at 24 months of age / Diferentes estruturas corporais na produtividade efetiva de vacas primíparas aos 24 meses de idade

The objective was to evaluate the production and efficiency of 24-month-old Red Angus primiparous cows of different weights at weaning and repetition of pregnancy. Before calving, the females were managed in natural prairies and fed sweet clover (Lotus corniculatus) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), with loads of 315 and 501 kg ha-¹, respectively. Females were divided into groups according to the average birth weight into light 346.15 ± 3.39 kg; moderate 381.95 ± 2.99 kg; and heavy 412.63 ± 3.33 kg weights. The indicators evaluated were: primiparous weights and body conditions at calving and weaning, daily average and total gains, fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), and accumulation. Calves at birth and weaning had their daily average and total weights evaluated. In terms of production, the daily average and total gains per pair and effective herd production (EHP) of the weight groups were measured. At weaning, morphometric measures, viz. croup height and thoracic perimeter had a linear relationship increasing with the weight at calving. In FTAI and cumulative pregnancy, the groups of light and moderate cows were more efficient than the heavy group cows, with values of 81.25%, 75.00%, and 55.56%, respectively. The EHP differed between the groups with values of 37.07 ± 1.71, 28.13 ± 1.50, and 19.99 ± 1.68 kg, for light, moderate, and heavy, respectively. Light cows were 31.8% and 85.4% higher in effective production than moderate and heavy cows, respectively. Knowledge of the production system is important for enhancing breeding efficiency. The improvement in productive performance is related to the adequacy of metrices used in the production system.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção e eficiência de vacas Red Angus primíparas aos 24 meses de diferentes pesos do parto a desmama e a repetição de cria. Antes do parto as fêmeas foram manejadas em pastagens naturais e após em pastagens de cornichão (Lotus corniculatus) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) com cargas de 315 e 501 kg ha-¹, respectivamente. As fêmeas foram divididas em grupos de acordo com o peso médio ao parto em leves 346,15±3,39 kg; moderadas 381,95±2,99 kg e pesadas 412,63±3,33 kg. Os indicadores avaliados foram: nas primíparas pesos e condições corporais ao parto e ao desmame, ganhos médios diários e totais, prenhez da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e acumulada. Nos bezerros foram avaliados pesos ao nascimento e a desmama, ganhos médios diários e totais. Da produção mediram-se os ganhos médios diários e totais do par e a produtividade efetiva de rebanho (PER) dos grupos de pesod. Ao desmame as medidas morfométricas de altura de garupa e perímetro torácico tiveram comportamento linear aumentando com os pesos ao parto das vacas. Na prenhez da IATF e acumulada, os grupos das vacas leves e moderadas se mostraram mais eficientes do que as Pesadas com valores de 81,25, 75,00 e 55,56%, respectivamente. A PER diferiu entre os grupos com valores de 37,07±1,71, 28,13±1,50 e 19,99±1,68 kg, para leves, moderadas e pesadas, respectivamente. As vacas leves foram 31,8 e 85,4% superiores na produtividade efetivado que as moderadas e pesadas, respectivamente. O conhecimento do sistema de produção é importante para elevar a eficiência da cria. A melhora no desempenho produtivo está ligada a adequação do tamanho das matrizes para o sistema produtivo.(AU)

Biological efficiency of Charolais beef cows of different body sizes / Eficiência biológica de vacas de cria Charolês de diferentes tamanhos corporais

This study aimed to evaluate the production, reproductive performance, and productive efficiency of predominantly Charolais cows and their calves (Straightbred, ¾ C, » N) according to body size at calving. Sixty-three cow-calf pairs were used and classified into three weight groups: Light (331.3±5.8 kg), Moderate (385.9±5.3 kg), and Heavy (424.4±6.2 kg). The classes were formed using half standard deviations above or below the average weight of the cows at calving. For each pair, the body weight was evaluated at calving, at weaning (63 days), at the beginning and at end of the reproductive period, and at 9 months for the calves. Pregnancy rates were similar (P > 0.05) between weight groups. The calves did not differ (P > 0.05) in terms of body weight and weight gain from calving until pregnancy diagnosis (210 days). The heavy cows had greater weight variations from 210 days to 270 days than the light cows. The calf production rate (kg calf/cow kept in herds) did not differ between weight groups. However, in relation to the weight of the cows at 210 days, light cows were 11.28% and 13.02% more productive (P < 0.05), than moderate and heavy cows, respectively. Light cows were more efficient than the other classes of cows at calving and at 210 days old. Our simulations showed that there were more kilograms for sale in herds of light cows (53.085 kg) than moderate and heavy cows (52.310 and 52.870 kg, respectively), while maintaining the structures of the herd constant. The size of the Charolais cow did not influence the weight of calves from calving until 7 months of age or their reproductive performance provided they were weaned early. The need for space for the maintenance of the cow-calf pair increased as the weight of the cows increased. In herds with smaller cows, higher numbers and a higher production of weight for sale are observed than in herds with moderate and heavy cows...(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção, desempenho reprodutivo e eficiência produtiva de vacas de cria com predominância Charolês (Puras e ¾ C, » N) e seus bezerros de acordo com seu tamanho corporal no parto. Foram utilizados sessenta e três pares de vaca:bezerro classificadas em três grupos de pesos: Leves (331,4±5,8 kg), Moderadas (385,9±5,3 kg) e Pesadas (424,3±6,2 kg). As classes foram formadas com meio desvio padrão acima ou abaixo da média geral de peso das vacas ao parto. Para cada par, o peso corporal foi avaliado ao parto, no desmame (63 dias), no início e no final do período reprodutivo e nos bezerros aos nove meses de idade. As taxas de prenhez foram semelhantes (P > 0,05) entre os grupos de peso. Os bezerros não diferiram (P > 0,05) em peso e ganho de peso corporal do parto até os 210 dias. Os bezerros das vacas Pesadas apresentaram maiores variações de peso dos 210 aos 270 dias se comparados às vacas Leves. O índice de produção de bezerro (kg de bezerro/vaca mantida) não diferiu. No entanto, ao relacioná-lo ao peso das vacas aos 210 dias, as vacas Leves forma mais produtivas (P < 0,05), com aumento em 11,28 e 13,02% na produção de bezerro quando comparada às vacas Moderadas e Pesadas, respectivamente. Vacas Leves foram mais eficientes ao parto e aos 210 dias. Através de simulação, verificaram-se mais quilos passíveis de venda no rebanho de vacas Leves (53.085 kg) comparado aos grupos Moderadas e Pesadas (52.310 e 52.870 kg, respectivamente), mantendo as estruturas do rebanho constante. O tamanho da vaca Charolês não influencia o peso do terneiro do parto aos sete meses de idade, nem o desempenho reprodutivo das mesmas, desde que desmamadas precocemente. A necessidade de área para a manutenção do par vaca:bezerro é crescente conforme o aumento do peso das vacas. Nos rebanhos com vacas menores, foi estimado maior número de matrizes e uma maior produção de peso para venda comparado às vacas Moderadas e Pesadas...(AU)

Body size and its effects on productive efficiency of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition / Tamanho corporal e seus efeitos na eficiência produtiva de vacas com composição genética predominante de bovinos Nelore

This study was developed to evaluate productive efficiency during the lactation period of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition based on their body size. Cows were divided into the following categories: light (≤ 316 kg), moderate (≥ 317 and ≤ 400 kg), or heavy (≥ 401 kg). Body weight change and total gain from birth to 210 days of age of calves born from heavy cows (0.155±0.03 and 111.6±5.1 kg) were higher than those of calves born from light (0.064±0.03 and 91.0±4.3 kg) and moderate (0.144±0.03 and 97.7±4.0 kg) cows. Calf production index differed (p < 0.05) with the herd of heavy cows (93.5±3.2 kg), producing 57.4 and 19.7% more kilograms of calf than light (59.4±2.7 kg) and moderate (78.1±2.4 kg) cows, respectively. Heavy Nellore cows produce heavier calves and have a better reproductive performance, which lead to a better calf production index. However, they require a larger area for the same herbage allowance. Calves born from heavier Nellore cows gain more weight from birth to 210 days of age and are heavier from 210 to 270 days of age.

O estudo objetivou avaliar a eficiência produtiva durante a lactação de vacas com predominância Nelore de diferentes tamanhos corporais no sul do Brasil. Foram formados três grupos de vacas a partir do peso vivo: leves (≤ 316 kg), moderadas (≥ 317 e ≤ 400 kg) ou pesadas (≥ 401 kg). A variação de peso corporal e o ganho total do nascimento aos 210 dias dos bezerros de vacas pesadas (0,155±0,03 e 111,6±5,1 kg) foram superiores aos filhos de vacas leves (0,064±0,03 e 91,0±4,3 kg) e moderadas (0,144±0,03 e 97,7±4,0 kg). O índice de produção de bezerros apresentou diferença (p < 0,05) com o rebanho de vacas pesadas (93,5±3,2 kg) produzindo 57,4 e 19,7% mais quilogramas de bezerro que as leves (59,4±2,7 kg) e moderadas (78,1±2,4 kg), respectivamente. Vacas Nelores pesadas produzem bezerros mais pesados ao nascimento e possuem melhor desempenho reprodutivo, determinando o melhor índice de produção de bezerro; porém, as mesmas necessitam de maior área para a mesma oferta de forragem. Bezerros filhos de vacas Nelore com maior peso corporal possuem maior ganho de peso do nascimento aos 210 dias e são mais pesados aos 210 e 270 dias de idade.

Body size and its effects on productive efficiency of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition / Tamanho corporal e seus efeitos na eficiência produtiva de vacas com composição genética predominante de bovinos Nelore

This study was developed to evaluate productive efficiency during the lactation period of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition based on their body size. Cows were divided into the following categories: light (≤ 316 kg), moderate (≥ 317 and ≤ 400 kg), or heavy (≥ 401 kg). Body weight change and total gain from birth to 210 days of age of calves born from heavy cows (0.155±0.03 and 111.6±5.1 kg) were higher than those of calves born from light (0.064±0.03 and 91.0±4.3 kg) and moderate (0.144±0.03 and 97.7±4.0 kg) cows. Calf production index differed (p < 0.05) with the herd of heavy cows (93.5±3.2 kg), producing 57.4 and 19.7% more kilograms of calf than light (59.4±2.7 kg) and moderate (78.1±2.4 kg) cows, respectively. Heavy Nellore cows produce heavier calves and have a better reproductive performance, which lead to a better calf production index. However, they require a larger area for the same herbage allowance. Calves born from heavier Nellore cows gain more weight from birth to 210 days of age and are heavier from 210 to 270 days of age.(AU)

O estudo objetivou avaliar a eficiência produtiva durante a lactação de vacas com predominância Nelore de diferentes tamanhos corporais no sul do Brasil. Foram formados três grupos de vacas a partir do peso vivo: leves (≤ 316 kg), moderadas (≥ 317 e ≤ 400 kg) ou pesadas (≥ 401 kg). A variação de peso corporal e o ganho total do nascimento aos 210 dias dos bezerros de vacas pesadas (0,155±0,03 e 111,6±5,1 kg) foram superiores aos filhos de vacas leves (0,064±0,03 e 91,0±4,3 kg) e moderadas (0,144±0,03 e 97,7±4,0 kg). O índice de produção de bezerros apresentou diferença (p < 0,05) com o rebanho de vacas pesadas (93,5±3,2 kg) produzindo 57,4 e 19,7% mais quilogramas de bezerro que as leves (59,4±2,7 kg) e moderadas (78,1±2,4 kg), respectivamente. Vacas Nelores pesadas produzem bezerros mais pesados ao nascimento e possuem melhor desempenho reprodutivo, determinando o melhor índice de produção de bezerro; porém, as mesmas necessitam de maior área para a mesma oferta de forragem. Bezerros filhos de vacas Nelore com maior peso corporal possuem maior ganho de peso do nascimento aos 210 dias e são mais pesados aos 210 e 270 dias de idade.(AU)

Biological efficiency of Charolais beef cows of different body sizes / Eficiência biológica de vacas de cria Charolês de diferentes tamanhos corporais

This study aimed to evaluate the production, reproductive performance, and productive efficiency of predominantly Charolais cows and their calves (Straightbred, ¾ C, » N) according to body size at calving. Sixty-three cow-calf pairs were used and classified into three weight groups: Light (331.3±5.8 kg), Moderate (385.9±5.3 kg), and Heavy (424.4±6.2 kg). The classes were formed using half standard deviations above or below the average weight of the cows at calving. For each pair, the body weight was evaluated at calving, at weaning (63 days), at the beginning and at end of the reproductive period, and at 9 months for the calves. Pregnancy rates were similar (P > 0.05) between weight groups. The calves did not differ (P > 0.05) in terms of body weight and weight gain from calving until pregnancy diagnosis (210 days). The heavy cows had greater weight variations from 210 days to 270 days than the light cows. The calf production rate (kg calf/cow kept in herds) did not differ between weight groups. However, in relation to the weight of the cows at 210 days, light cows were 11.28% and 13.02% more productive (P < 0.05), than moderate and heavy cows, respectively. Light cows were more efficient than the other classes of cows at calving and at 210 days old. Our simulations showed that there were more kilograms for sale in herds of light cows (53.085 kg) than moderate and heavy cows (52.310 and 52.870 kg, respectively), while maintaining the structures of the herd constant. The size of the Charolais cow did not influence the weight of calves from calving until 7 months of age or their reproductive performance provided they were weaned early. The need for space for the maintenance of the cow-calf pair increased as the weight of the cows increased. In herds with smaller cows, higher numbers and a higher production of weight for sale are observed than in herds with moderate and heavy cows...

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção, desempenho reprodutivo e eficiência produtiva de vacas de cria com predominância Charolês (Puras e ¾ C, » N) e seus bezerros de acordo com seu tamanho corporal no parto. Foram utilizados sessenta e três pares de vaca:bezerro classificadas em três grupos de pesos: Leves (331,4±5,8 kg), Moderadas (385,9±5,3 kg) e Pesadas (424,3±6,2 kg). As classes foram formadas com meio desvio padrão acima ou abaixo da média geral de peso das vacas ao parto. Para cada par, o peso corporal foi avaliado ao parto, no desmame (63 dias), no início e no final do período reprodutivo e nos bezerros aos nove meses de idade. As taxas de prenhez foram semelhantes (P > 0,05) entre os grupos de peso. Os bezerros não diferiram (P > 0,05) em peso e ganho de peso corporal do parto até os 210 dias. Os bezerros das vacas Pesadas apresentaram maiores variações de peso dos 210 aos 270 dias se comparados às vacas Leves. O índice de produção de bezerro (kg de bezerro/vaca mantida) não diferiu. No entanto, ao relacioná-lo ao peso das vacas aos 210 dias, as vacas Leves forma mais produtivas (P < 0,05), com aumento em 11,28 e 13,02% na produção de bezerro quando comparada às vacas Moderadas e Pesadas, respectivamente. Vacas Leves foram mais eficientes ao parto e aos 210 dias. Através de simulação, verificaram-se mais quilos passíveis de venda no rebanho de vacas Leves (53.085 kg) comparado aos grupos Moderadas e Pesadas (52.310 e 52.870 kg, respectivamente), mantendo as estruturas do rebanho constante. O tamanho da vaca Charolês não influencia o peso do terneiro do parto aos sete meses de idade, nem o desempenho reprodutivo das mesmas, desde que desmamadas precocemente. A necessidade de área para a manutenção do par vaca:bezerro é crescente conforme o aumento do peso das vacas. Nos rebanhos com vacas menores, foi estimado maior número de matrizes e uma maior produção de peso para venda comparado às vacas Moderadas e Pesadas...

Different corporal structures determining the effective production of Red Angus primiparous cows at 24 months of age / Diferentes estruturas corporais na produtividade efetiva de vacas primíparas aos 24 meses de idade

The objective was to evaluate the production and efficiency of 24-month-old Red Angus primiparous cows of different weights at weaning and repetition of pregnancy. Before calving, the females were managed in natural prairies and fed sweet clover (Lotus corniculatus) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), with loads of 315 and 501 kg ha-¹, respectively. Females were divided into groups according to the average birth weight into light 346.15 ± 3.39 kg; moderate 381.95 ± 2.99 kg; and heavy 412.63 ± 3.33 kg weights. The indicators evaluated were: primiparous weights and body conditions at calving and weaning, daily average and total gains, fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), and accumulation. Calves at birth and weaning had their daily average and total weights evaluated. In terms of production, the daily average and total gains per pair and effective herd production (EHP) of the weight groups were measured. At weaning, morphometric measures, viz. croup height and thoracic perimeter had a linear relationship increasing with the weight at calving. In FTAI and cumulative pregnancy, the groups of light and moderate cows were more efficient than the heavy group cows, with values of 81.25%, 75.00%, and 55.56%, respectively. The EHP differed between the groups with values of 37.07 ± 1.71, 28.13 ± 1.50, and 19.99 ± 1.68 kg, for light, moderate, and heavy, respectively. Light cows were 31.8% and 85.4% higher in effective production than moderate and heavy cows, respectively. Knowledge of the production system is important for enhancing breeding efficiency. The improvement in productive performance is related to the adequacy of metrices used in the production system.

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção e eficiência de vacas Red Angus primíparas aos 24 meses de diferentes pesos do parto a desmama e a repetição de cria. Antes do parto as fêmeas foram manejadas em pastagens naturais e após em pastagens de cornichão (Lotus corniculatus) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) com cargas de 315 e 501 kg ha-¹, respectivamente. As fêmeas foram divididas em grupos de acordo com o peso médio ao parto em leves 346,15±3,39 kg; moderadas 381,95±2,99 kg e pesadas 412,63±3,33 kg. Os indicadores avaliados foram: nas primíparas pesos e condições corporais ao parto e ao desmame, ganhos médios diários e totais, prenhez da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e acumulada. Nos bezerros foram avaliados pesos ao nascimento e a desmama, ganhos médios diários e totais. Da produção mediram-se os ganhos médios diários e totais do par e a produtividade efetiva de rebanho (PER) dos grupos de pesod. Ao desmame as medidas morfométricas de altura de garupa e perímetro torácico tiveram comportamento linear aumentando com os pesos ao parto das vacas. Na prenhez da IATF e acumulada, os grupos das vacas leves e moderadas se mostraram mais eficientes do que as Pesadas com valores de 81,25, 75,00 e 55,56%, respectivamente. A PER diferiu entre os grupos com valores de 37,07±1,71, 28,13±1,50 e 19,99±1,68 kg, para leves, moderadas e pesadas, respectivamente. As vacas leves foram 31,8 e 85,4% superiores na produtividade efetivado que as moderadas e pesadas, respectivamente. O conhecimento do sistema de produção é importante para elevar a eficiência da cria. A melhora no desempenho produtivo está ligada a adequação do tamanho das matrizes para o sistema produtivo.

Genetic group and horns presence in injuries and economic losses of bovine carcasses / Grupo genético e presença de chifres em lesões e perdas econômicas de carcaças bovinas

Assessment of carcass bruises in steers and cull females, classified during unloading at the slaughterhouse according to genetic dominance in zebu and taurine cattle, and the presence of horns, including polled, horned and mixed batches. We considered horned the batches that included more than 20% of horned animals and mixed the batches that included less than 20% horned animals. The data were collected in a commercial slaughterhouse and included 93 batches, with a total of 2,520 animals, from different regions in Rio Grande do Sul. After evisceration, the bruises were identified and recorded in the different carcass regions: hip, round, ribs, forequarter and loin area per animal and batch. The weights of the removed tissue due to bruising was based on the average weights of various samples of bruises according to their degree of severity. Regarding the number of bruises per animal, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between genetic groups, however, when comparing the total bruises per batch, differences were observed in all carcass regions, except for the forequarter, with a greater number of injuries in zebu than in taurine carcasses. The individual assessments showed 86.2% (P < .05) more bruises in the ribs region in horned than in polled animals carcasses. Horned batches had higher bruises mean (P < .05) compared to the polled, with increases of 65.1; 131.7 e 132.8 % in total bruises in the carcass, ribs and forequarter, respectively. The mixed batches did not differ from polled and horned batches. Zebu animals were responsible for higher industry loss totaling 1.21 kg, resulting in a economic loss of R $ 15.48 per carcass. The presence of horns resulted in greater carcass loss, 1.13 kg, with economic loss of R $ 16.11 per carcass. The bruises on carcasses are affected by the breed group and presence of horns, with zebu and horned groups leading to greater economic losses for the meat production chain.(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo para avaliar as contusões na carcaça de machos castrados e fêmeas de descarte, classificados ao desembarque no frigorífico segundo a predominância genética em taurinos e zebuínos, e a presença de chifres, incluindo mochos, aspados e mistos. Foram considerados aspados os lotes que incluíam mais de 20% de animais aspados, e mistos menos de 20% de animais aspados. Os dados foram coletados em uma empresa frigorífica do RS, por intermédio da análise de 93 lotes, totalizando 2.520 animais, provenientes de diferentes regiões do estado. Após a evisceração, na linha de abate, foram identificadas as contusões e contabilizadas de acordo com as regiões da carcaça: quadril, traseiro, costela, dianteiro e lombo, por animal e total do lote. Os pesos dos tecidos removidos devido às contusões foi baseado nos pesos médios de várias amostragens das contusões de acordo com o grau de severidade das mesmas. Não houve diferenças (P > 0,05) no número de contusões por animal entre os grupos genéticos, porém, quando comparados os totais por lote, observou-se diferenças em todas as regiões da carcaça, com exceção do dianteiro, com maior número de contusões nos zebuínos em relação aos taurinos. Nas avaliações individuais houve aumentos de 86,2% (P < 0,05) de contusões para a região da costela dos animais aspados em comparação aos mochos. Lotes aspados apresentaram maior média (P < 0,05) de contusões em comparação aos mochos com aumento de 65,1; 131,7 e 132,8 % nas contusões totais na carcaça, na costela e no dianteiro, respectivamente. Os lotes mistos não diferiram dos mochos e aspados. A maior perda econômica ocorreu no grupo dos zebuínos, totalizando 1,21 kg/carcaça resultando em R$ 15,48 por carcaça. A presença de chifres resultou em maior perda em kg de carcaça (1,13 kg) com perda econômica de R$ 16,11 por carcaça.[...](AU)

Genetic group and horns presence in injuries and economic losses of bovine carcasses / Grupo genético e presença de chifres em lesões e perdas econômicas de carcaças bovinas

Assessment of carcass bruises in steers and cull females, classified during unloading at the slaughterhouse according to genetic dominance in zebu and taurine cattle, and the presence of horns, including polled, horned and mixed batches. We considered horned the batches that included more than 20% of horned animals and mixed the batches that included less than 20% horned animals. The data were collected in a commercial slaughterhouse and included 93 batches, with a total of 2,520 animals, from different regions in Rio Grande do Sul. After evisceration, the bruises were identified and recorded in the different carcass regions: hip, round, ribs, forequarter and loin area per animal and batch. The weights of the removed tissue due to bruising was based on the average weights of various samples of bruises according to their degree of severity. Regarding the number of bruises per animal, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between genetic groups, however, when comparing the total bruises per batch, differences were observed in all carcass regions, except for the forequarter, with a greater number of injuries in zebu than in taurine carcasses. The individual assessments showed 86.2% (P < .05) more bruises in the ribs region in horned than in polled animals carcasses. Horned batches had higher bruises mean (P < .05) compared to the polled, with increases of 65.1; 131.7 e 132.8 % in total bruises in the carcass, ribs and forequarter, respectively. The mixed batches did not differ from polled and horned batches. Zebu animals were responsible for higher industry loss totaling 1.21 kg, resulting in a economic loss of R $ 15.48 per carcass. The presence of horns resulted in greater carcass loss, 1.13 kg, with economic loss of R $ 16.11 per carcass. The bruises on carcasses are affected by the breed group and presence of horns, with zebu and horned groups leading to greater economic losses for the meat production chain.

Foi realizado um estudo para avaliar as contusões na carcaça de machos castrados e fêmeas de descarte, classificados ao desembarque no frigorífico segundo a predominância genética em taurinos e zebuínos, e a presença de chifres, incluindo mochos, aspados e mistos. Foram considerados aspados os lotes que incluíam mais de 20% de animais aspados, e mistos menos de 20% de animais aspados. Os dados foram coletados em uma empresa frigorífica do RS, por intermédio da análise de 93 lotes, totalizando 2.520 animais, provenientes de diferentes regiões do estado. Após a evisceração, na linha de abate, foram identificadas as contusões e contabilizadas de acordo com as regiões da carcaça: quadril, traseiro, costela, dianteiro e lombo, por animal e total do lote. Os pesos dos tecidos removidos devido às contusões foi baseado nos pesos médios de várias amostragens das contusões de acordo com o grau de severidade das mesmas. Não houve diferenças (P > 0,05) no número de contusões por animal entre os grupos genéticos, porém, quando comparados os totais por lote, observou-se diferenças em todas as regiões da carcaça, com exceção do dianteiro, com maior número de contusões nos zebuínos em relação aos taurinos. Nas avaliações individuais houve aumentos de 86,2% (P < 0,05) de contusões para a região da costela dos animais aspados em comparação aos mochos. Lotes aspados apresentaram maior média (P < 0,05) de contusões em comparação aos mochos com aumento de 65,1; 131,7 e 132,8 % nas contusões totais na carcaça, na costela e no dianteiro, respectivamente. Os lotes mistos não diferiram dos mochos e aspados. A maior perda econômica ocorreu no grupo dos zebuínos, totalizando 1,21 kg/carcaça resultando em R$ 15,48 por carcaça. A presença de chifres resultou em maior perda em kg de carcaça (1,13 kg) com perda econômica de R$ 16,11 por carcaça.[...]

Anomalously phosphorylated tau and Abeta fragments in the CSF correlates with cognitive impairment in MCI subjects.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid deposits, consisting largely of Abeta peptide and the presence of intraneuronal aggregates of neurofibillary tangles formed by tau. Development of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers has become a rapidly growing research field, considering the need for diagnostic tools for AD, thus allowing therapeutic compounds to have the greatest potential for being effective. We have focused on the relationships between critical biomarkers such as tau and Abeta in the CSF and the cognitive impairment of patients, as assessed by a battery of neuropsychological tests derived from CDR and CERAD, of value in the evaluation of AD patients. As part of a longitudinal study, we analyzed by ELISA and Western blots the levels and molecular patterns of hyperphosphorylated tau in the CSF of three different groups of patients: AD patients between 69- and 73-years-old, a group characterized with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) between 65- and 70-years-old, and a non-demented neurological control group of comparable ages. The levels of AT8-reactive phosphorylated tau were significantly higher (P<0.05) in AD patients (0.604+/-0.078, n=23) as compared with the control group (0.457+/-0.086, n=25). No differences between the levels of AT8-reactive tau of MCI patients (0.510+/-0.090, n=45) and controls were observed. However, when the MCI group was divided on the basis of the total box score (TBS) from CDR, those subjects with a TBS<1.5 presented tau levels (0.456+/-0.032, n=31) similar to controls, whereas those patients with TBS>or=1.5 displayed tau levels (0.590+/-0.086, n=14) comparable with those of AD. Western blot analyses revealed a higher AT8 reactivity in CSF samples of AD patients as compared with MCI and control samples, indicating higher levels of AD tau phosphoepitopes in the CSF. Tau heterogeneity was observed in samples of AD and MCI with higher impairment as compared with controls. As expected from previous reports, levels of Abeta (1-42) were lower (0.052+/-0.005) than controls (0.070+/-0.010), whereas the levels of MCI group were 0.060+/-0.007. The MCI group with a TBS>or=1.5 presented Abeta levels of 0.053+/-0.005 similar to those of AD patients, whereas the MCI group with TBS<1.5 exhibited Abeta levels (0.066+/-0.007) similar to controls. Studies highlight the relationships between anomalously phosphorylated tau markers in CSF with the information from TBS analysis of the different groups of patients.

ApoE alleles and tau markers in patients with different levels of cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: The presence of brain hyperphosphorylated tau constitutes a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders of the Alzheimer's type. This report describes the relationships between tau markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the degree of cognitive impairment and the predictive value of genetic markers such the alleles of apolipoprotein E, namely, the presence of Apo-epsilon4, as part of a longitudinal study. METHODS: Three major groups of patients with ages ranging from 65-73 years were evaluated in this study (n=72): Alzheimer's disease patients (AD), a group with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normal senile patients (NS). Hyperphosphorylated tau and tau dephosphorylated species at the Alzheimer-type epitopes in CSF samples were analyzed by ELISA assays using a battery of different monoclonal antibodies. ApoE was analyzed by PCR in blood samples. RESULTS: The levels of hyperphosphorylated tau were significantly higher in AD patients, but no statistical differences were found between the MCI and NS groups. However, the analysis of tau markers and cognitive impairment indicated the existence of two main subgroups within this population: MCI patients with a higher cognitive impairment as revealed by the total box score (TBS) >1.5 who exhibited phosphorylated tau patterns similar to the AD group, and patients with a mild impairment (TBS <1.5) with tau patterns similar to normal patients. In regard to ApoE, epsilon4/epsilon4 genotype was absent in the Chilean population analyzed, and only the epsilon2/epsilon4 genotype was significantly increased in both MCI and AD patients. A detailed analysis of the ApoE alleles, particularly epsilon3 and epsilon4, indicated a tendency to increase the epsilon4 allele in the MCI group with higher cognitive impairment and in AD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Studies indicate that hyperphosphorylated tau is a good indicator of the degree of cognitive disorders in early stages of AD and that no clear correlation exists with the epsilon4/epsilon4 and epsilon3/epsilon4 genotypes, even though a higher proportion of epsilon4 allele in the MCI group with a more significant level of impairment and in AD patients was evidenced.

Determination of cobalt in urine by FI-ICP-AES with online preconcentration.

A method for the preconcentration and determination of cobalt in human urine samples was developed. The online preconcentration and determination were attained using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectromety (ICP-AES) coupled to a flow injection (FI) method. Cobalt was retained on an Amberlite XAD-7 resin as cobalt-2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol complex at pH 9.5. Cobalt was removed from the microcolumn with perchloric acid. A sensitivity enhancement factor of 90 was obtained with respect to cobalt determination by ICP-AES without preconcentration. The value of detection limit for the preconcentration method proposed was 25 ng/L. The precision for 10 replicate determinations at the 5 mg/L (mean +/- SD, 5.1 +/- 0.14) Co level was 2.7% relative standard deviation, calculated from the peak heights obtained. The calibration graph preconcentration method for cobalt was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 from approximately 0.25 mg/L up to at least 100 mg/L. The method was successfully applied to the determination of cobalt in human urine samples.

Tubulin, actin, and tau protein interactions and the study of their macromolecular assemblies.

The intracellular polymerization of cytoskeletal proteins into their supramolecular assemblies raises many questions regarding the regulatory patterns that control this process. Binding experiments using the ELISA solid phase system, together with protein assembly assays and electron microscopical studies provided clues on the protein-protein associations in the polymerization of tubulin and actin networks. In vitro reconstitution experiments of these cytoskeletal filaments using purified tau, tubulin, and actin proteins were carried out. Tau protein association with tubulin immobilized in a solid phase support system was inhibited by actin monomer, and a higher inhibition was attained in the presence of preassembled actin filaments. Conversely, tubulin and assembled microtubules strongly inhibited tau interaction with actin in the solid phase system. Actin filaments decreased the extent of in vitro tau-induced tubulin assembly. Studies on the morphological aspects of microtubules and actin filaments coexisting in vitro, revealed the association between both cytoskeletal filaments, and in some cases, the presence of fine filamentous structures bridging these polymers. Immunogold studies showed the association of tau along polymerized microtubules and actin filaments, even though a preferential localization of labeled tau with microtubules was revealed. The studies provide further evidence for the involvement of tau protein in modulating the interactions of microtubules and actin polymers in the organization of the cytsokeletal network.