Resumen Introducción. Los huevos son un alimento fuente de proteínas que se deteriora fácilmente durante su almacenamiento. La suplementación de polvo de pimiento rojo picante rico en compuestos bioactivos en dietas para gallinas ponedoras puede mejorar la calidad del huevo y prevenir su deterioro durante el almacenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la suplementación con pimiento rojo picante en polvo y diferentes tiempos de almacenamiento sobre la calidad física del huevo de gallinas ponedoras. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo de enero a marzo de 2024 en el Granero de Investigación de PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Se asignaron 80 gallinas ponedoras de 56 semanas de edad (1681 ± 64 g) de la cepa Novogen a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos (cuatro réplicas, cinco gallinas por réplica): dieta basal como control (P0); dieta basal + 0,25 % de chile rojo en polvo (P1); dieta basal + 0,5 % de chile rojo en polvo (P2), y dieta basal + 0,75 % de chile rojo en polvo (P3). Al final de la sexta semana, se recogió un huevo por grupo y se analizó su calidad física en tres tratamientos de almacenamiento: fresco (S0), una semana de almacenamiento (S1) y dos semanas de almacenamiento (S2). Los datos de calidad de los huevos se analizaron con un diseño experimental factorial (4 × 3) utilizando el programa SPSS 26 (Chicago, IL, USA). Resultados. La suplementación con un 0,5% de pimiento rojo picante en polvo aumentó significativamente el peso del huevo. La adición de pimiento rojo picante y la duración del tratamiento afectaron significativamente al color de la yema del huevo. El grupo tratado con pimiento picante mostró un pH del albumen y la yema significativamente más bajo. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la suplementación de pimiento rojo picante en polvo en las dietas de gallinas ponedoras mejoró el color de la yema del huevo. La inclusión de 0,5 % en la ración fue capaz de mantener bajo el pH de la yema y el albumen.

Abstract Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chili pepper powder, rich in bioactive compounds, in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (four replications, five hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2), and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepper powder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1) and two weeks storage (S2). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 × 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk color. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens’ diets has been shown to improve egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

RESUMO A germinação controlada é um procedimento simples e de baixo custo que busca melhorar a qualidade nutricional, funcional e sensorial de sementes destinadas à alimentação. As condições de germinação influenciam diretamente na composição final do broto, sendo função principalmente do tempo de processo. Assim, objetivou-se examinar os efeitos de períodos de germinação nas propriedades nutricionais de sementes de feijão lima das variedades ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’, ‘Raio-de-Sol’, ‘Branca’ e ‘Raio-de-Sol Grande’. Foram avaliados os teores de água, proteínas, amido, açúcares totais e redutores, compostos fenólicos totais, taninos, flavonoides e antocianinas nos tempos 0, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Os dados foram processados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e dispostos em esquema fatorial (4 × 5), com três repetições. O processo de germinação aumentou o teor de proteína e reduziu o teor de amido; promovendo o aumento parcial dos açúcares redutores e dos açúcares totais. Os compostos fenólicos totais, taninos, flavonóides e antocianinas aumentaram com o tempo de processo, atingindo valores máximos absolutos entre 72 e 96 horas. A variedade ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’ apresentou os maiores valores de compostos fenólicos totais e antocianinas; o teor de flavonóides foi maior na ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’ e no ‘Raio-de-Sol Grande’, enquanto a variedade ‘Branca’ apresentou o maior teor de taninos totais. Portanto, conclui-se que a germinação demonstrou ser um processo capaz de aprimorar a composição nutricional e funcional do feijão lima.

ABSTRACT Controlled germination is a simple low-cost procedure to improve the nutritional, functional and sensory quality of seeds intended for food. Germination conditions directly influence the final composition of the sprout, being mainly a function of the process time. Thus, the aim was to examine the effects of germination periods on the nutritional properties of lima bean seeds of the varieties ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’, ‘Raio-de-Sol’, ‘Branca’, and ‘Raio-de-Sol Grande’. The water content, proteins, starch, total and reducing sugars, total phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were evaluated at times 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The data was processed in a completely randomized design and arranged in a factorial scheme (4 × 5), with three replicates. The germination process increased the protein content and reduced the starch content, promoting a partial increase in reducing sugars and total sugars. The total phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins increased with the process time, reaching absolute maximum values between 72 and 96 hours. The variety ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’ presented the highest values of total phenolic compounds and anthocyanins; the flavonoid content was higher in ‘Orelha-de-Vó Preta’ and ‘Raio-de-Sol Grande’, while the variety ‘Branca’ presented the highest of total tannins content. Therefore, it is concluded that germination has proven to be a process capable of enhancing the nutritional and functional composition of lima beans.

Resumo Introdução: No noroeste de Portugal, a amiloidose AA foi relatada como a nefropatia amiloide mais frequente, embora não esteja claro se a incidência e desfechos da doença mudaram. Os autores analisaram alterações na epidemiologia, etiologias e desfechos de pacientes com amiloidose renal AA nos últimos 40 anos. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de centro único, envolvendo pacientes com diagnóstico de amiloidose AA comprovada por biópsia renal, realizado no noroeste de Portugal entre 1978 e 2019. Os pacientes foram agrupados em coortes de 14 anos baseadas no ano do diagnóstico (CA 1978–1991; CB 1992–2005; CC 2006–2019), com análises de evolução clínica e desfechos. Resultados: Incluímos 69 pacientes com amiloidose AA. A incidência da doença permaneceu estável em CA (64%) e CB (62,7%), em oposição à redução significativa na coorte mais recente (44%, p = 0,027). A idade média na apresentação aumentou em dez anos de CA para CC. No geral, infecções foram a principal causa de óbito, com aumento significativo ao longo do tempo (9,1% na CA para 76,9% na CC; p = 0,002). Não houve diferenças significativas de sobrevida global e renal entre as três coortes. Entretanto, pacientes na CC faleceram com idade mais avançada (61,4 anos) do que na CA (52,3 anos). Conclusão: A incidência de amiloidose AA tem diminuído nos últimos 40 anos. Em contrapartida, a idade de apresentação da nefropatia amiloide tem aumentado. Desfechos globais e renais não melhoraram, mas a expectativa de vida média aumentou, sugerindo progresso no manejo geral e no tratamento de suporte da patologia renal e subjacente.

Abstract Introduction: In the northwest of Portugal, AA amyloidosis was reported as the most frequent amyloid nephropathy, but it is unclear if the disease’s incidence and outcomes have changed. The authors studied the changing epidemiology, aetiologies, and outcomes of patients with renal AA amyloidosis over the last 40 years. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study involving patients with renal biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis diagnosed in the northwest of Portugal between 1978 and 2019. The patients were grouped into 14-year cohorts based on the year of diagnosis (CA 1978–1991; CB 1992–2005; CC 2006–2019), and clinical course and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Sixty-nine AA amyloidosis patients were included. The incidence of the disease remained stable in CA (64%) and CB (62.7%) as opposed to the significant decrease in the most recent cohort (44%, p = 0.027). The mean age at presentation increased by ten years from CA to CC. Overall, infections were the leading cause of death, with a significant rise over time (9.1% in CA to 76.9% at CC, p = 0.002). There were no significant global and renal survival differences between the three cohorts. However, the CC patients died at an older age (61.4 years) than the CA (52.3 years). Conclusion: The incidence of AA amyloidosis has been declining over the last 40 years. In contrast, the age at presentation of amyloid nephropathy has been increasing. Global and renal outcomes did not improve, but the average life expectancy increased, suggesting progress in general management and supportive care of renal and underlying pathology.

ABSTRACT Concentrate supplementation during the finishing phase in tropical pastures improves the average daily gain and carcass characteristics of the animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation level (% of body weight, BW) on intake, apparent digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of steers finished on tropical pasture during the dry season. Forty male, uncastrated Girolando steers, weighing 439.25 ± 36.67 kg and aged 20 mo, were utilized. Treatments involved levels of concentrate supplementation: 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% BW for steers finished on Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster ‘Marandu’ pasture over an 84-d period in the dry season. The DM intake from the supplement (9.00 to 7.49 kg d-1) and total digestible nutrients (5.99 to 7.29 kg d-1) linearly increased (P < 0.05) with the rising level of concentrate supplementation. The average daily gain of the steers (0.44 kg d-1) remained unaffected (P > 0.05) by the increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Hot carcass weight (228.62 to 257.20 kg) and yield increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the levels of concentrate supplement. The 0.3% BW level of supplement resulted in carcasses with a thicker (P < 0.05) backfat layer (4.75 mm). Protein and cholesterol contents in the steers’ meat were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the level of concentrate supplementation. In conclusion, we recommend a concentrate supplementation level of 0.5% BW for steers finished on pasture during the dry season.

ABSTRACT Nutritional management of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress conditions presents a significant challenge due to the increasing issue of global warming. The study aimed to explore the effects of Cr supplementation in the form of chromium propionate (CrP) on feed intake, lactation performance, and selected biochemical serum parameters in mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows under heat stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during July and August and lasted for 8 wk. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 76.45 ± 2.80 during the experimental period, indicating that the cows were under heat stress. The added CrP provided 0.34 mg Cr kg-1 DM of used ration. The supplementation of diet with CrP increased DM intake (4.11%, P < 0.01) and the yield of milk (4.48%, P < 0.01), 4% fat-corrected milk (4.08%, P < 0.01), milk fat (4.46%, P < 0.01), protein (4.21%, P < 0.01), lactose (3.79%, P < 0.01), and total solids (3.51%, P < 0.01). Additionally, CrP supplementation increased blood glucose concentrations (8.39%, P < 0.01), while reducing blood urea N (BUN) levels (14.85%, P < 0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels (17.14%, P < 0.05). The use of CrP as additional dietary source of Cr significantly improved productive performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions. It was indicated that supplemented Cr could have positive effect on glucose and N metabolism, as well as on energy metabolism of lactating cows at moderately high THI values.

ABSTRACT Spermidine (Spd), a naturally occurring molecule in plants, is being investigated for its potential to improve the bean’s tolerance to salinity stress. This study explores how common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can be helped to thrive in salty environments. This research involved a group receiving regular watering with half strength Hoagland’s solution (HS), and other group watered with a modified form of the same solution containing 75 mM NaCl to stimulate salt stress. Seedlings were treated with foliar applications of Spd (0, 0.5, 1 mM) at five intervals: 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 d after sowing. Applying Spd significantly reduced damage caused by salt and protected essential pigments for photosynthesis (total chlorophyll by 33% and carotenoids by 57% over than the Spd-untreated plants under saline conditions). Additionally, 1 mM Spd enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase by 15%, 55% and 4.6% and promoted the buildup of beneficial compounds like proline, free amino acids and sugars. Remarkably, exogenous Spd application reduced Na+ accumulation while improving K+ content in common beans under salinity stress. Additionally, it enhanced the cell membrane stability index (CMSI) during stressful situations, the maximum CMSI (94.31%) was recorded with 1 mM Spd under non-stress conditions, whereas the minimum CMSI (72.97%) was registered under salinity without Spd. Under salinity condition, the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of the vacuolar-localized Na+/H+ antiporter protein (NHX1), and the multifunctional osmotic protection protein (Osmotin) in comparison to the control. Furthermore, common bean treated with Spd showed significantly higher expression levels of SOS1, NHX1, and Osmotin, under normal and salinity conditions, with the highest gene expression observed under 1 mM spermidine treatment under saline conditions. Spermidine at 1 mM notably decreased malondialdehyde levels compared to 0.5 mM (10.68 vs. 12.11 nmol g-¹ FW). Overall, the findings propose that Spd may be an effective tool for cultivating common beans in saline areas, potentially paving the way for increased food production in challenging environments.

The southern African Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene hominin record is abundant and exhibits a high taxonomic diversity with three genera represented: Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo. Hominin fossil diversity and variation are often contextualised within other fossil assemblages or modern/extant counterparts. However, the incompleteness of the fossil record, sample selection bias and taphonomic condition of the specimens themselves constrain interpretations of diversity and variation within and between species. Thus, species identification and the nature of the observed variation are frequently debated. Palaeoproteomics can help improve our understanding of taxonomic variation, as demonstrated by the recently generated proteome of Paranthropus specimens from Swartkrans. Here, we demonstrate protein preservation for an A. africanus specimen from Sterkfontein Member 4, Sts 63, using minimally invasive analysis, and identify it as belonging to a male individual. We then discuss some of the current limitations of palaeoproteomics and how we can potentially overcome them. Although it is still in its infancy for Plio-Pleistocene hominin fossils, palaeoproteomics has the potential to help unravel the causes of observed morphological variation. Lastly, we strongly believe that the involvement of African researchers at all levels of this research, including leadership, is of great importance. SIGNIFICANCE: We have successfully determined the biological sex of an Australopithecus africanus specimen (Sts 63) from Sterkfontein Member 4 with the age range of 3.5 to 2.01 Ma, with a high degree of confidence, and we have assessed the extent of protein preservation. These discoveries hold significant implications for our understanding of sexual dimorphism and intraspecies variation as observed in African Plio-Pleistocene hominins.

In this study, we report the synthesis of acridone derivatives and their potential as photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors, as well as their preand post-emergence herbicidal activities through chlorophyll a fluorescence and germination assays. Among the compounds tested for PSII activity, acridin-9(10H)-one showed the most promising results, reducing the performance index on an absorption basis and decreasing the quantum yield for electron transport compared to the control. These findings suggest an inhibitory effect on PSII within the electron transport chain. Additionally, 2-chloroacridin-9(10H)-one and 9(10H)-acridone-4-carboxylic acid exhibited post-emergence herbicidal activity against Amaranthus lividus and Amaranthus viridis weeds, respectively, leading to a reduction in radicle and hypocotyl lengths. Furthermore, we applied a molecular docking approach with the D1 protein and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase to investigate the structure-activity relationships among the acridone derivatives with these enzymes. The analysis highlighted the importance of the carbonyl group and aromatic substituents on the acridone scaffold facilitating ligand interactions, especially through hydrogen bonding. Consequently, our research group aims to optimize these molecular features to develop new, potent bioactive molecular scaffolds.

Abstract More than 90% of spermatozoa of boars in pork producing countries is stored in liquid at 17 °C; however, the quality of these spermatozoa is affected by bacterial breeding and oxidative damage. This study analyzed sperm quality and sperm capacitation after storage to study the effects of the effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) supplementation on seminal plasma (SP)-free sperm preservation. We investigated the effects of adding 20, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL of ZnO NPs to a seminal free boar sperm diluent over a 7-day period at 17 °C to assess the changes in non-capacitated/capacitated sperm quality parameters, antioxidant capacity, ATP content and extent of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The addition of different doses of ZnO NPs to stored sperm did not induce significant effects on the sperm motility and ATP content when compared to the sperm without ZnO NPs treatment. However, the addition of 50, 100, 200 μg/mL ZnO NPs to stored sperm improved total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) (p < 0.05). ZnO NPs also reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the preserved sperm (p < 0.05). Moreover, our results indicate that the supplementation of 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs to preserved sperm improved the sperm membrane integrity (p < 0.05). ZnO NPs exerted protective effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation, especially with regards to membrane proteins. Following incubation and capacitation, sperm exhibited good levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and ATP levels with high T-AOC and CuZn-SOD activity and low MDA content. ZnO NPs exerted protective capacity to a preservation extender used for SP-free boar sperm during storage at 17 °C. The optimal concentration of ZnO NPs for preservation extender was 50 μg/mL.

Abstract Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) is a member of cancer-testis antigen, having characteristics of a scaffold protein, which is involved in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK signaling pathway, suggesting its key involvement in different physiological processes, such as survival, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and cell proliferation. We identified two families (A and B) having multisystem features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) in families A and B revealed a homozygous frameshift variant (c.903del; p.Phe301Leufs*2) in the SPAG9 gene. Sanger sequencing of both families revealed perfect segregation of the identified variant in all family members. 3D protein modeling revealed substantial changes in the protein’s secondary structure. Furthermore, RT-qPCR revealed a substantial reduction of SPAG9 gene expression at the mRNA level in the affected individuals of both families, thus supporting the pathogenic nature of the identified variant. For the first time in the literature, biallelic SPAG9 gene variation was linked to multisystem-exhibiting features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Thus, this data supports the notion that SPAG9 plays an important role in a multisystemic disorder in humans.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the molecular evolution of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. Methods: Fifty-six hairless mice were divided into two groups: control (no intervention); and carcinogenesis (treated with two doses of azoxymethane at 10 mg/kg during the third and the fourth week and dextran sodium sulfate at 2.5% for seven days in the second, fifth, and eighth week). Euthanasia occurred at the fifth, 10th, 15th, and 20th week. Colons were collected, and gene expression of ER stress markers (IRE1-α, PERK, ATF6, and CHOP) was assessed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: ERN1 expression was significantly higher than the control at the 10th week (1.39 ± 0.16, p 0.05) and the 20th week (1.15 ± 0.04, p 0.01). ATF6 also showed elevated expression, significantly different at the 10th week (1.71 ± 0.29, p 0.05) and the 20th week (1.14 ± 0.06, p 0.05). PERK and CHOP expressions were significantly higher than the control in the 15th (PERK = 1.30 ± 0.12, CHOP = 1.48 ± 0.23) and 20th weeks (PERK = 1.63 ± 0.20, CHOP = 1.67 ± 0.22, p 0.05). Conclusion: Upregulation of IRN1, PERK, ATF6, and CHOP demonstrates a strong ER stress response during colorectal cancer development.

RESUMO Objetivo: A brucelose é uma doença infecciosa multissistêmica e pode causar aumento dos reagentes de fase aguda. Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar o índice de massa plaquetária (PMI, platelet mass index), a relação neutrófilos-linfócitos (NLR, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) e o índice de inflamação imunológica sistêmica (SII, systemic immune-inflammation index) em crianças com brucelose, e determinar seus papéis no envolvimento focal. Métodos: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu 69 pacientes com brucelose e um grupo controle de 69 crianças saudáveis. Marcadores de inflamação, PMI, NLR e SII foram comparados em pacientes com brucelose e grupo controle e em pacientes com brucelose com e sem envolvimento focal. Resultados: Os valores de hemoglobina e plaquetas foram significativamente menores nos casos de brucelose em comparação ao grupo controle (p<0,001), e proteína C-reativa e ferritina foram significativamente maiores (p<0,001). O SII e o PMI foram significativamente menores no grupo de pacientes com brucelose em comparação ao grupo controle (p<0,001). Na comparação dos casos com e sem envolvimento focal, não foi detectada diferença estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros hematológicos e marcadores de inflamação. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que o PMI, um dos novos marcadores que podem ser calculados a partir do hemograma completo, pode ser útil no diagnóstico da brucelose infantil. Resultados semelhantes não puderam ser alcançados para NLR e SII. Novos estudos são necessários para testar o valor diagnóstico de PMI, NLR e SII na brucelose infantil.

ABSTRACT Objective: Brucellosis is a multisystem infectious disease and may cause an increase in acute phase reactants. This study aimed to examine the platelet mass index (PMI), the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in children with brucellosis and to determine their roles in focal involvement. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 69 patients with brucellosis and a control group of 69 healthy children. Inflammation markers, PMI, NLR, and SII were compared in brucellosis patients and the control group and in brucellosis patients with and without focal involvement. Results: Hemoglobin and platelet values were significantly lower in brucellosis cases compared to the control group (p<0.001), and C-reactive protein and ferritin were significantly higher (p<0.001). SII and PMI were significantly lower in the brucellosis patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In the comparing cases with and without focal involvement, no statistically significant difference was detected in hematological parameters and inflammation markers. Conclusions: This study showed that PMI, one of the new markers that can be calculated from complete blood count, may be useful in diagnosing childhood brucellosis. Similar results could not be reached for NLR and SII. New studies testing the diagnostic value of PMI, NLR, and SII in childhood brucellosis are needed.

Antibiotic resistance raises concerns about their residues in food and the environment. To produce antibiotic-free dairy products, countries explore new strategies to reduce antibiotic doses in mastitis treatment. Lactoferrins (LF), iron-binding glycoproteins, exhibit species-specific glycosylation affecting their properties. While formulations of bovine lactoferrin have been tested with antibiotics showed synergistic properties increasing the antibacterial properties, other interactions of lactoferrin isoforms with antibiotics remain unclear. This study isolates, purifies, and characterizes buffalo lactoferrin (Bf-LF) and its interaction with amoxicillin. Bf-LF was purified using a Sephacryl S-100 column and monitored spectrofluorometrically. Spectroscopic analysis of Bf-LF interaction with amoxicillin reveals that increasing amoxicillin concentration reduces Bf LF fluorescence, indicating conformational changes. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (KSV) and binding constant (Ka) measured at 298 K shows values around (2.79 ± 0.29) × 104 L mol-1 and (0.300 ± 0.04) × 104 L mol-1, respectively. UV-Vis spectroscopy shows a red shift (258.08 to 271.83 nm) implying Bf-LF-amoxicillin binding. In silico studies suggest polar interactions between amoxicillin and specific Bf-LF amino acids.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar o consumo de matéria seca, produção de leite, composição do leite e parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos entre vacas Holandesas e Jersey sob estresse térmico. Vacas Holandesas (n=8) e Jersey (n=8) foram alocadas em dois grupos de tratamento: VA, com resfriamento, e SVA, sem resfriamento. O experimento incluiu 14 dias de adaptação (todas as vacas foram resfriadas) e cinco dias de avaliação (apenas as vacas VA foram resfriadas). O consumo de matéria seca e a produção de leite foram medidos diariamente. No Dia 0 do período de adaptação e nos Dias 1, 3 e 5 do período de avaliação, foram coletadas amostras de leite para análise de composição, físico-química e células somáticas; foi coletado sangue para análise do conteúdo de proteínas totais, albumina, uréia, creatinina, glicose e beta-hidroxibutirato. Os parâmetros fisiológicos medidos foram frequência respiratória, temperatura superficial, temperatura retal e movimentos ruminais. O delineamento experimental foi fatorial 2 × 3, com dois tratamentos e três dias. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e testados quanto à normalidade dos resíduos. Para o consumo de matéria seca houve interação tratamento*dia e a produção e composição do leite foram semelhantes. Apenas o conteúdo proteico foi maior no grupo de tratamento VA do que no grupo SVA. O leite das vacas SVA apresentou maior resistência ao etanol do que o das vacas VA. O ponto de congelamento foi maior no grupo de tratamento VA. A concentração de beta-hidroxibutirato foi maior no grupo de tratamento VA. Um curto período de estresse térmico não afetou imediatamente a produção, mas afetou a composição e as propriedades físico-químicas do leite. O resfriamento ativo das vacas com ventilação e aspersão influencia a quantidade de calor produzido e retido, impactando nos parâmetros fisiológicos, metabólitos sanguíneos, composição e propriedades físico-químicas do leite.

ABSTRACT: This research compared dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, and physiological and biochemical parameters between holstein and jersey cows under heat stress. Holstein (n=8) and Jersey (n=8) cows were allocated into two treatment groups: VA, with cooling, and SVA, with no cooling. The experiment included 14 days of adaptation (all the cows were cooled) and 5 days of evaluation (only the VA cows were cooled). Dry matter intake and milk production were measured daily. On Day 0 of the adaptation period and on Days 1, 3 and 5 of the evaluation period, milk samples were collected for composition, physicochemical and somatic cell analysis; blood was collected for analysis of the contents of total proteins, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate. The physiological parameters measured were respiratory rate, surface temperature, rectal temperature and ruminal movements. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 factorial, with two treatments and three days. The data were subjected to ANOVA and tested for normality of the residuals. For dry matter intake, there was a treatment*day interaction, and the milk yield and composition of the treatments were similar. Only the protein content was greater in the VA treatment group than in the SVA group. The milk from SVA cows had greater resistance to ethanol than that from VA cows. The freezing point was greater in the VA treatment group. The concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate was greater in the VA treatment group. A short heat stress period did not immediately affect production, but it did affect the composition and physicochemical properties of milk. The active cooling of cows with ventilation and sprinkling influences the amount of heat produced and retained, impacting the physiological parameters, blood metabolites, composition, and physicochemical properties of milk.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein 2 (TMED2) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methodology A bioinformatics analysis was first conducted to explore TMED2 expression in OSCC and its relation with overall survival. The analysis results were further verified by assessing TMED2 expression levels in human normal oral keratinocyte cells and human OSCC cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot. Finally, the effects of TMED2 knockdown and overexpression on the expression levels of TMED2, ADP-ribosylation factor 1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½, and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ proteins were examined in cells using the Western blot. Results The GEPIA2 database showed that OSCC tissues expressed more TMED2 than normal tissues. At the cellular level, TMED2 expression significantly increased in SCC-4, HSC-3, and CAL-27 cells than in human normal oral keratinocyte cells. TMED2 knockdown reduced cell proliferation, increased the apoptosis rate in SCC-4 cells, and led to a higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase and a lower proportion in the S phase. Conclusion TMED2 may promote OSCC cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, potentially by activation of the ADP-ribosylation factor 1/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ signaling pathway.