Abstract The objective of the present work was the molecular characterization of 11 parents and 101 hybrid progenies of conilon coffee, obtained through diallel crosses from the breeding program of the Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (Incaper, ES, Brazil). The analyses were performed with 18 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers, obtaining a total of 32 alleles. SSR markers were classified as moderately informative (PIC = 0.37), being efficient in characterizing individuals. High genetic diversity was verified in the 112 genotypes, based on the greater values of observed heterozygosity about to the expected heterozygosity (0.55 and 0.44, respectively), negative values for the fixation index (F) (-0.14), and the formation of distinct groups by UPGMA. These results indicate high genetic variability among the conilon coffee genitors, which remained similar and persisting in the progenies. The average dissimilarity between parents was 0.29 and between progenies 0.34. The progenies 38 and 40 and the parent P11 were considered the most divergent in the study. The genetic variability found can be explored in the genetic breeding of the conilon coffee and guide crossings between diversified and compatible genetic materials, for the composition of novel cultivars for the state of Espírito Santo.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis, is intrinsically related to obesity. Our previous study reported on the anti-obese activity of α,β-amyrin (AMY), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Protium heptaphyllum. This study investigated its ability to prevent fatty liver and the underlying mechanism using the mouse model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in male Swiss mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. The controls were fed a normal chow diet (ND). The mice were simultaneously treated with AMY at 10 and 20 mg/kg or fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg. Lipid levels along with metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in liver and serum. The liver sections were histologically examined using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were performed to analyze signaling mechanisms. Mice fed HFD developed severe hepatic steatosis with elevated triglycerides and lipid droplets compared with ND controls. This was associated with a decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, an increase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, which have roles in lipogenesis, inhibition of lipolysis, and inflammatory response. AMY treatment reversed these signaling activities and decreased the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response, evidenced by serum and liver parameters as well as histological findings. AMY-induced reduction in hepatic steatosis seemed to involve AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling pathways, which supported its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

RESUMO: A contribuição da tomografia computadorizada para estadiamento e planejamento cirúrgico de tumores perineais malignos em cães é discutida. Cinco cães diagnosticados com neoplasias perineais malignas foram submetidos ao exame de tomografia computadorizada (CT). A imagem por TC permitiu a investigação de planos de clivagem entre as lesões neoplásicas e estruturas adjacentes, como o reto, o ânus, a vagina, a uretra e os músculos perineais. A avaliação precisa dos linfonodos regionais e estruturas ósseas adjacentes também foi possível. Todos os tumores avaliados nesta região apresentaram aspecto heterogêneo nas imagens de TC pré e pós-contraste, mas apenas os adenocarcinomas de saco anal apresentaram linfonodopatia. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou ser uma ferramenta valiosa para o estadiamento da neoplasia, determinação da extensão da lesão e invasão de tecidos adjacentes, proporcionando contribuições significativas para o planejamento terapêutico clínico e cirúrgico.

ABSTRACT: The contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning of malignant perineal tumors in dogs is discussed. Five dogs diagnosed with malignant perineal neoplasms underwent to computed tomography (CT) examination. The CT image enabled investigation of cleavage planes between neoplastic lesions and adjacent structures such as the rectum, anus, vagina, urethra and perineal muscles. Accurate assessment regional lymph nodes and adjacent bone structures was also possible. All tumors evaluated in this region presented heterogeneous appearance in pre and postcontrast CT images, but only the anal sac adenocarcinomas presented lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable tool for tumor staging and determination of lesion extension and invasion of adjacent tissues, providing significant contributions to clinical and surgical therapeutic planning.

Previous studies have reported on the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of ferulic acid (FA) but its anti-obesity potential has not yet been firmly established. This study investigated the possible anti-obesitogenic effects of FA in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. To assess the antiobesity potential of FA, 32 male Swiss mice, weighing 20–25 g (n=6–8 per group) were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD, treated orally or not with either FA (10 mg/kg) or sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks and at the end of this period, the body weights of animals, visceral fat accumulation, plasma levels of glucose and insulin hormone, amylase and lipase activities, the satiety hormones ghrelin and leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCH-1) were analyzed. Results revealed that FA could effectively suppress the HFD-associated increase in visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte size and body weight gain, similar to sibutramine, the positive control. FA also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the HFD-induced elevations in serum lipid profiles, amylase and lipase activities, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin hormone. The markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen in HFD-fed control mice were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by FA treatment, almost reaching the values seen in ND-fed mice. Furthermore, FA demonstrated significant (P<0.05) inhibition of serum levels of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, and MCH-1. These results suggest that FA could be beneficial in lowering the risk of HFD-induced obesity via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory responses.

This study aimed to describe the association of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. with ixodid tick cell lines by flow cytometry and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Spirochetes were stained with a fluorescent membrane marker (PKH67 or PKH26), inoculated into 8 different tick cell lines and incubated at 30°C for 24 h. PKH efficiently stained B. burgdorferi without affecting bacterial viability or motility. Among the tick cell lines tested, the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus cell line RA243 achieved the highest percentage of association/internalization, with both high (90%) and low (10%) concentrations of BSK-H medium in tick cell culture medium. Treatment with cytochalasin D dramatically reduced the average percentage of cells with internalized spirochetes, which passed through a dramatic morphological change during their internalization by the host cell as observed in time-lapse photography. Almost all of the fluorescent bacteria were seen to be inside the tick cells. PKH labeling of borreliae proved to be a reliable and valuable tool to analyze the association of spirochetes with host cells by flow cytometry, confocal and fluorescence microscopy.

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de ureia convencional (UC) ou de ureia de liberação lenta (ULL) em suplementos concentrados, nos níveis de 2, 4 ou 6% (base da matéria seca), em substituição ao farelo de soja, sobre o desempenho produtivo de vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu (499±61kg de peso corporal e 167 dias de lactação) mantidas em pastos de capim-elefante (11,5% de proteína bruta e 60% de FDNcp), sob lotação intermitente, no período das chuvas. Um suplemento controle (sem ureia) foi utilizado contendo farelo de soja como fonte proteica. Foram utilizadas 21 vacas, distribuídas em delineamento em blocos incompletos balanceados, com três períodos de 21 dias cada (14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta). Os animais entraram nos piquetes com altura do pasto de 110-120cm e saíram quando atingiram altura de 40-50cm. Os suplementos concentrados isonitrogenados (24% de proteína bruta, base da matéria seca) foram fornecidos na quantidade de 3,2kg/vaca/dia (base da matéria natural). Não houve efeito (P>0,05) de fonte de proteína bruta (farelo de soja vs. fonte de NNP), de interação entre fonte de NNP (UC vs. ULL) e nível de NNP (2, 4 e 6% na MS do suplemento), de fonte de NNP e de nível de NNP e sobre a produção de leite (10,0kg/dia), produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura (10,7kg/dia), teores de gordura (4,01%), proteína (3,66%), lactose (4,16%), extrato seco total (12,86%) e extrato seco desengordurado (8,60%) no leite. A substituição da ureia convencional pela ULL não promove melhoria no desempenho produtivo de vacas leiteiras mestiças em pastagem de capim-elefante, no período das chuvas. A ureia (convencional ou de liberação lenta) pode ser incluída em até 6% na MS de suplementos concentrados, em substituição ao farelo de soja, sem afetar o desempenho produtivo de vacas mestiças (Holandês x Zebu) em pastagem, no período das chuvas.

The effect of using conventional urea (CU) or slow release urea (SRU) was evaluated by replacing soybean meal (SBM) in concentrated supplements in levels of 2, 4 or 6% (dry matter basis) on productive performance of crossbred Holstein x Zebu lactating dairy cows (499±61kg body weight and 167 days of lactation) grazing on elephant grass (11.5% CP and 60% NDF) under rotational grazing during the rainy season. A supplement control (no urea) was used containing SBM as a protein source. A total of 21 cows were distributed an incomplete randomized block design with three periods of 21 days each (14 days of adaptation and seven days of collection). The animals entered the paddocks with a pasture height of 110-120cm and left when the grass reached the height of 40-50cm. The concentrated isonitrogenous supplements (24% crude protein, dry matter basis) were provided in the amount of 3.2kg/cow/day (fed basis). There was no effect (P>0.05) on source of crude protein (SBM vs source NPN), source NPN, level of NPN, interaction between source NPN and level of NPN on milk production (10.0kg/day), fat milk production corrected to 3.5% (10.7kg/day), levels of fat (4.01%), protein (3.66%), lactose (4.16%), total solids (12.86%) and non-fat solids (8.60%) in milk. The replacement of CU by SRU does not promote improvement in the productive performance of crossbred dairy cows grazing on elephant grass during the rainy season. Urea (CU or SRU) can be included in up to 6% of the DM concentrated supplements, replacing SBM, without affecting the productive performance of crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) in pasture during the rainy season.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos quantificar o teor de soro e o índice de caseinomacropeptídeo (CMP) de bebidas lácteas fermentadas preparadas em laboratório, adicionadas de diferentes concentrações de soro (0, 10, 20 e 40%), fermentadas e armazenadas em refrigeração (8-10oC) por tempos distintos (zero, sete, 14 e 21 dias), por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência-filtração em gel (CLAE-FG), bem como verificar a interferência da cultura utilizada no preparo das bebidas lácteas fermentadas e do tempo de armazenamento na detecção de soro lácteo e CMP. Quando os teores de soro lácteo e os índices de CMP obtidos por CLAE-FG de bebidas lácteas fermentadas foram analisados ao longo do tempo de armazenamento, verificou-se que não houve diferença (p>0,05) para o leite (0% de soro) e as bebidas lácteas com 10 e 20% de soro nos tempos de zero, sete, 14 e 21 dias de armazenamento. No entanto, para a bebida láctea fermentada adicionada de 40% de soro, foi observada diferença para o tempo de armazenamento de 21 dias (p<0,05), em que o teor de soro e o índice de CMP obtidos foram maiores que os demais, que se mostraram equivalentes entre si (p>0,05) para os tempos de zero, sete e 14 dias.

Cheese whey level and caseinomacropeptide (CMP) index of fermented milk beverages added with four levels of cheese whey (0, 10, 20, and 40%) and stored at 8-10oC for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-gel filtration (HPLC-GF). Additionally, the interference of the starter culture and the storage time on the detection of cheese whey and CMP were investigated. Refrigerated storage up to 21 days did not affect (P>0.05) cheese whey and CMP amounts in milk (0% of cheese whey) and in fermented milk beverages added with 10 and 20% of cheese whey (P>0.05). However, cheese whey and CMP amounts were higher than expected (P<0.05) in fermented milk beverages added with 40% of cheese whey and stored for 21 days.

Effective statin therapy is associated with a marked reduction of cardiovascular events. However, the explanation for full benefits obtained for LDL cholesterol targets by combined lipid-lowering therapy is controversial. Our study compared the effects of two equally effective lipid-lowering strategies on markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption. A prospective, open label, randomized, parallel design study, with blinded endpoints, included 116 subjects. We compared the effects of a 12-week treatment with 40 mg rosuvastatin or the combination of 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe on markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol and β-sitosterol), synthesis (desmosterol), and their ratios to cholesterol. Both therapies similarly decreased total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B, and increased apolipoprotein A1 (P < 0.05 vs baseline for all). Simvastatin/ezetimibe increased plasma desmosterol (P = 0.012 vs baseline), and decreased campesterol and β-sitosterol (P < 0.0001 vs baseline for both), with higher desmosterol (P = 0.007) and lower campesterol and β-sitosterol compared to rosuvastatin, (P < 0.0001, for both). In addition, rosuvastatin increased the ratios of these markers to cholesterol (P < 0.002 vs baseline for all), whereas simvastatin/ezetimibe significantly decreased the campesterol/cholesterol ratio (P = 0.008 vs baseline) and tripled the desmosterol/cholesterol ratio (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). The campesterol/cholesterol and β-sitosterol/cholesterol ratios were lower, whereas the desmosterol/cholesterol ratio was higher in patients receiving simvastatin/ezetimibe (P < 0.0001 vs rosuvastatin, for all). Pronounced differences in markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis were observed between two equally effective lipid-lowering strategies.

An electronic equipment based on the infrared spectroscopy was evaluated to measure the whey composition in "Minas padrão" and "prato" cheeses. The results for fat, protein, and total solids using infrared instrument based on filters and using standard methods were compared. There were differences between the values obtained from both analytical methods, and since compounds formed during heating of the analyzed whey may have interfered with infrared spectrum readings, a linear transformation of the data was done. After this statistical adjustment, results for "Minas padrão" cheese were equivalent in both infrared and standard methods. For "prato" cheese whey, the difference was significant, even after the adjustment.

A eficiência do glyphosate no controle de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em áreas de cultivo do Tifton 85 foi avaliada utilizando o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com oito doses de glyphosate (0, 90, 180, 360, 720, 1.080, 1.440 e 1.800 g ha-1), e quatro repetições. Cada parcela foi constituída de um vaso com duas plantas de B. brizantha cv. Marandu e duas plantas de Tifton-85. A aplicação do herbicida foi feita quando as plantas de B. brizantha apresentavam cerca de 40 cm de altura. O nível de intoxicação nas plantas de Tifton 85 e a eficiência do herbicida no controle de B. brizantha foram avaliados aos 15, 30 e 60 dias após aplicação (DAA). Aos 60 DAA, as plantas foram colhidas ao nível do solo e secas em estufa. A rebrota foi avaliada, do mesmo modo, aos 60 dias após o corte (DAC). Obeservou-se controle superior a 90% de B. brizantha, a partir da dose de 738,28 g ha-1 de glyphosate, enquanto a intoxicação para as plantas de Tifton 85 foi de apenas 12,05. Aos 60 DAA, houve redução na produção de massa seca de braquiária a partir da dose de 90 g ha-1. Doses superiores a 720 g ha-1 diminuíram o crescimento e desenvolvimento do Tifton 85, afetando sua produção, sem, no entanto, ocasionar a morte das plantas. Os resultados evidenciam boa tolerância do Tifton 85 até a dose de 720 g ha-1 de glyphosate.

No information is available on selective herbicide to control Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu on established pasture of 'Tifton 85'. This work evaluated the selectivity of glyphosate to Tifton 85 culture, using a randomized block design, with eight glyphosate rates (0; 90; 180; 360; 720; 1.080; 1.440 and 1.800 g ha-1 ), and four replications. Each plot consisted of a pot with two Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu plants and two 'Tifton-85' plants. Herbicide was applied when Brachiaria was around 40 cm high. After 15, 30 and 60 days of application (DAA), intoxication level on Tifton plants and herbicide efficiency on Brachiaria control were evaluated. At 60 DAA, the plants were cut and dried in a greenhouse, and the sprouts evaluated 60 days after cut. Under 738.28 g ha-1 of glyphosate, 90% of the Brachiaria brizantha plants were controlled, while Tifton plant intoxication was observed only at 12.05%. At 60 DAA, Brachiaria dry matter production decreased from 90 g ha-1 , with total control of these plants being observed at the rate of 738.28 g ha-1. Rates higher than 720 g ha-1 reduced the growth and development of Tifton 85, affecting its production without, however, leading to death of the plants. The results evidenced good selectivity for glyphosate to Tifton 85 culture up to 720 g ha-1.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia dos herbicidas 2,4-D + picloram (Tordon), fluroxypyr + picloram (Plenum) e triclopyr (Garlon) no controle de aroeirinha (Schinus terebintifolius) e mata-pasto (Eupatorium maximilianii), bem como a ação residual desses herbicidas no solo. O estudo foi conduzido em pastagem estabelecida de capim-gordura (Melinis minutiflora). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições e 13 tratamentos, distribuídos em esquema fatorial (3x4+1), sendo duas misturas comerciais e um herbicida, aplicados em quatro doses: 2,4-D + picloram [360 + 96 g ha-1; 720 + 192 g ha-1; 1.080 + 288 g ha-1; 1.440 + 384 g ha-1]; fluroxypyr + picloram [120 + 120 g ha-1; 240 + 240 g ha-1; 380 + 380 g ha-1; 480 + 480 g ha-1] e o herbicida triclopyr (240, 480, 720 e 960 g ha¹), além de uma testemunha sem herbicida. Foram realizadas avaliações de intoxicação na pastagem aos 7 e 15 DAA e de controle das plantas daninhas aos 60 e 180 DAA. O resíduo no solo foi avaliado por meio de bioensaios em vasos, em casa de vegetação, com amostras de solo coletadas nas parcelas experimentais, nas profundidades de 0 a 10 e 10 a 20 cm, aos 10, 40, 70, 120, 180 e 360 DAA, utilizando-se pepino (Cucumis sativus) como planta indicadora. Controle superior a 90% de Schinus terebintifolius e Eupatorium maximilianii foi obtido aos 180 DAA, respectivamente a partir de: 2,78 e 2,46 L ha-1 para o Tordon; 1,97 e 2,02 L ha-1 para o Plenum; e 1,23 e 1,44 L ha-1 para o Garlon. Verificou-se resíduo no solo até os 360 DAA para as misturas comerciais de herbicidas que continham picloram na formulação. Resíduo do herbicida triclopyr foi observado somente nas amostras coletadas aos 10 DAA, indicando curta persistência no solo.

This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the herbicides 2,4-D + picloram (Tordon); fluroxypyr + picloram (Plenum) and triclopyr (Garlon) in the control of Schinus terebintifolius and Eupatorium maximilianii, which are important weeds in pastures. The experiment was developed in a pasture of Melinis minutiflora, arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications, distributed in a factorial scheme (3x4+1), using two commercial mixtures and herbicide applied at four rates: 2,4-D + picloram [360 + 96 g ha-1; 720 + 192 g ha-1; 1.080 + 288 g ha-1; 1.440 + 384 g ha-1]; fluroxypyr + picloram [120 + 120 g ha-1; 240 + 240 g ha-1; 380 + 380 g ha-1; 480 + 480 g ha-1] triclopyr herbicide: 240; 480; 720 and 960 g ha-1 plus a control without herbicide. Intoxication in the pasture was evaluated at 7 and 15 DAA (Days After Application) and weed control at 60 and 180 DAA. The residue in the soil was evaluated through bioassay, in pots in the greenhouse, with soil samples collected in the experimental plots at depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm, 10, 40, 70, 120, 180 and 360 DAA, with Cucumis sativus used as test plant. Controls over 90% of Schinus terebintifolius and Eupatorium maximilianii were obtained 180 DAA, respectively, as follows 2.78 and 2.46 L ha-1 on Tordon; 1.97 and 2.02 L ha-1 on Plenum; and 1.23 and 1.44 L ha-1 on Garlon. Residues in the soil were verified until 360 DAA for herbicide commercial mixtures containing picloram in their formulation. Triclopyr herbicide residue was verified only at 10 DAA, indicating short persistence in the soil.

Foram realizadas 114 coletas de embriões em éguas mestiças das raças Bretã e Campolina, distribuídas ao acaso em dois tratamentos: T1 - fluxo interrompido, método tradicional que utiliza filtro de embrião (n=56) e T2 - fluxo direto, sem interrupção do fluxo e sem utilização do filtro (n=58). O meio utilizado nas lavagens foi o Ringer lactato. Não houve diferenças entre tratamentos em relação à taxa de recuperação de embriões (58,9 e 44,8%), à qualidade dos embriões (3,56 e 3,53), à taxa de recuperação do meio de coleta (98,1% e 98,1%) e à taxa de gestação (52,9 e 81,8%), respectivamente, para T1 e T2. Observaram-se diferenças entre tratamentos quanto ao tempo de duração da coleta (10,3 e 7,4 minutos) e ao intervalo de tempo da coleta à inovulação (39,5 e 65,7 minutos).

One hundred and fourteen embryo collections were performed in donor mares of crossbred Breton and Campolina breeds randomly allotted to two treatments: T1 - interrupted flushing (n=56), embryo flushing system whereby an embryo filter was inserted in the recovery line, and T2 - direct flushing (n=58), without flushing interruption. The flushing medium was the Ringer lactate. No differences between T1 and T2 were observed for the embryo recovery rate (58.9% and 44.8%), for the quality of the embryos (3.56 and 3.53), for the recovery medium from the uterus (1962.10ml, 98.1% and 1962.39ml, 98.1%) and for the pregnancy rate of the transferred embryo (52.9% and 81.8%). Also, no differences between T1 and T2 for length of collection (10.3 and 7.4 minutes), and for interval from the collection to transference (39.5 and 65.7 minutes) were observed.

Vinte e quatro novilhas foram utilizadas para avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes dietéticas lipídicas associadas ou não ao hCG sobre o níveis de progesterona e de metabólitos lipidícos e sobre a função luteal cíclica de novilhas. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, em um esquema fatorial de 2 × 3, (com e sem injeção de hCG e três dietas isoprotéicas). A concentração sérica de progesterona do sexto ao 12º dia pós-estro foi maior nas novilhas alimentadas com dietas hiperlipídicas em relação à da dieta-controle. As dietas hiperlipídicas interferiram no perfil metabólico lipídico, especialmente do sexto ao nono dia após o início do estro. Observou-se interação entre aplicação de hCG e dietas hiperlipídicas. Os metabólitos lipídicos que melhor indicaram alterações metabólicas foram o colesterol total e as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL). Houve correlação positiva entre colesterol total, HDL e concentração de progesterona na fase luteal do ciclo estral. Colesterol total e HDL interferem na função luteal de novilhas, provavelmente como precursores na síntese esteroidogênica do ovário.

Twenty-four heifers were allotted in a randomized block design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (with or without the injection of hCG, three isoproteic diets) to evaluate the effect of different dietary lipid sources associated or not to hCG on the progesterone and lipid metabolite levels, and the cyclic luteal function of heifers in six different treatments. The progesterone concentration from the sixth to the 12th day postestrus were higher in heifers fed on hyperlipidemic diets than those fed on control diet. The hyperlipidemic diets were important in the lipidic metabolism profile, mainly from sixth to the ninth day after the onset of estrus because the interaction between the hCG and hyperlipidemic diets. The best lipidic metabolites to detect the lipometabolic alterations were the total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL). There was a positive correlation between the total cholesterol, HDL and progesterone concentration in postestrus animals. Total cholesterol and HDL probably can modify the luteal cyclic function of heifers and be the precursors in the esteroidogenic sinthesis in the ovary.