ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on activation and apoptosis of primordial follicles. There was no difference in the total number of follicles as well as in the different types of follicles. Furthermore, the LPS challenge didn’t modulate the expression of genes related with ovarian reserve (HAM), oocyte survival (Survivin), activation rate (Pten, KIT, KITL1, KITL2, AKT1, SIRT1), and follicular abnormalities. Therefore, the LPS exposure with 24h interval had no effect on activation rate and primordial follicles abnormalities, and also had no effect on expression of anti-apoptotic genes and genes related with ovarian reserve, oocyte survival, activation rate, and primordial follicles abnormalities.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) na ativação e a apoptose de folículos primordiais. Dez novilhas saudáveis (Bos taurus taurus), com idade média de 14 meses, alojadas em sistema de confinamento e alimentadas com TMR, foram utilizadas neste experimento. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo LPS (LPS; n = 5), que recebeu duas injeções intravenosas de 0,5μg/kg de peso corporal de lipopolissacarídeo (Sigma Aldrich®) diluído em 2mL de solução salina (0,9% de NaCl), com intervalo de 24h; e grupo controle (CTR; n = 5), que recebeu duas injeções intravenosas de 2mL de solução salina (0,9% de NaCl), com intervalo de 24h. A primeira injeção de LPS foi realizada no d 1, e no d 5 os animais foram abatidos, os ovários foram pesados e as amostras dos ovários foram coletadas para avaliação histológica e molecular. Não houve diferença no número total de folículos, bem como nos diferentes tipos de folículos. Além disso, o desafio com LPS não modulou a expressão de genes relacionados à reserva ovariana (HAM), à sobrevivência oocitária (Survivin), à taxa de ativação (Pten, KIT, KITL1, KITL2, AKT1, SIRT1) e às anormalidades foliculares. Portanto, a exposição ao LPS com intervalo de 24h não teve efeito sobre a taxa de ativação e as anormalidades dos folículos primordiais, bem como não teve efeito sobre a expressão de genes antiapoptóticos e de genes relacionados com a reserva ovariana, a sobrevivência oocitária, a taxa de ativação e as anormalidades dos folículos primordiais.

ABSTRACT Previous geochronological data indicate a protracted Devonian magmatic activity developed in the Sierra de San Luis, Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina, with three major crystallization events: 393±3, 384±2, and 377±2 Ma. Previously reported whole-rock Sm-Nd isotopes data define two average distinctive εNdt values: -1.37 and -3.47, and they are consistent with new data presented here. The first signature is assumed for a parental magma with dominant metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source, whereas the second signature could represent a parental magma derived of a lower continental crust source hybridized with magmas of the first signature. Notably, the new zircon Hf isotopes performed on the same zircon domains that were previously dated, indicate that the contribution of the source was variable over time. In situ Hf in zircon is relevant to evaluate the compositional evolution of the Devonian granitic magmas in the Sierra de San Luis, since the high variability of the εHft values recorded in zircons indicate that the calculated εNdt values for the samples can only be interpreted as a final picture of the petrogenetic process. Zircon Hf isotopes data suggest that the zircon crystallized from a magma with variable composition, recording two major events, yielding two εHft signatures: (1) -3.54 and (2) -6.85. A third composition, yield a less representative εHft value of -5.44, and represent a εHft signature (3).

RESUMEN Estudios integrados de isótopos de U-Pb y Hf en circón y Nd en roca total a partir de rocas graníticas devónicas en la Sierra de San Luis (Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina): implicancias petrogenéticas. Datos geocronológicos previos indican que una prolongada actividad magmática devónica se desarrolló en la Sierra de San Luis, Sierras Pampeanas de Argentina, con tres eventos de cristalización importantes: 393±3, 384±2 y 377±2 Ma. Datos previos de isótopos de Sm-Nd en roca total definen dos valores promedio distintivos de εNdt: -1,37 y -3,47, los cuales son consistentes con los nuevos datos presentados aquí. La primera signatura es asumida para un magma parental derivado de una dominante fuente de manto litosférico subcontinental metasomatizado (SCLM), mientras que la segunda signatura podría representar un magma parental derivado de una corteza continental inferior hibridado con un magma con la primera signatura. Notablemente, los nuevos datos de isótopos de Hf realizados en los mismos dominios de circón que se dataron previamente, indican que la contribución de la fuente fue variable a lo largo del tiempo. Los valores de Hf in situ en circón son relevantes para evaluar la evolución composicional de los magmas graníticos del Devónico en la Sierra de San Luis, ya que la alta variabilidad de los valores de εHft registrados en los circones, indica que los valores de εNdt calculados para las muestras solo pueden ser interpretados como una imagen final del proceso petrogenético. Los datos de isótopos de Hf en circón sugieren que este mineral cristalizó a partir de un magma con composición variable, con dos eventos principales, que produjeron dos signaturas de εHft: (1) -3,54 y (2) -6,85. Una tercera composición arroja un valor de εHft menos representativo de -5,44, y equivale a una signatura de εHft (3).

Anoikis is a type of apoptosis that occurs in response to the loss of adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Anoikis resistance is a critical mechanism in cancer and contributes to tumor metastasis. Nitric oxide (NO) is frequently upregulated in the tumor area and is considered an important player in cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NO on adhesiveness, invasiveness, and migration of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells. Here, we report that anoikis-resistant endothelial cells overexpress endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The inhibition of NO release in anoikis-resistant endothelial cells was able to decrease adhesiveness to fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV. This was accompanied by an increase in cell invasiveness and migration. Furthermore, anoikis-resistant cell lines displayed a decrease in fibronectin and collagen IV protein expression after L-NAME treatment. These alterations in adhesiveness and invasiveness were the consequence of MMP-2 up-regulation observed after NO release inhibition. The decrease in NO levels was able to down-regulate the activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) protein expression. ATF3 represses MMP-2 gene expression by antagonizing p53-dependent trans-activation of the MMP-2 promoter. We speculate that the increased release of NO by anoikis-resistant endothelial cells acted as a response to restrict the MMP-2 action, interfering in MMP-2 gene expression via ATF3 regulation. The up-regulation of nitric oxide by anoikis-resistant endothelial cells is an important response to restrict tumorigenic behavior. Without this mechanism, invasiveness and migration potential would be even higher, as shown after L-NAME treatment.

Abstract Divergence studies are essential for the conservation of genetic resources and guidance in genetic improvement programs. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic dispersion of half-sib progenies using Gower’s algorithm and the non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis based on qualitative and quantitative traits. Twenty-two half-sib progenies of African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) were evaluated in a randomized block design with 22 treatments (progenies/origin), with 30 replications and one plant per plot, totaling 660 plants. The total tree height (cm), diameter at soil level (cm), chlorophyll A and B, presence of bifurcation, presence of lateral branches, stem tortuosity, and the phytosanitary and nutritional status according to a rating scale were evaluated. Data analysis was performed at the progeny mean level for the quantitative traits and the modal value was used for the qualitative traits. The technique used presented the distance between the progenies of K. senegalensis in a graphical form. The dispersion of the progenies in the graph is indicative that there is phenotypic variation in the progeny test, allowing to select individuals with characteristics of interest to improve mahogany for Piauí. Gower’s algorithm applied to mixed data and non-metric multidimensional scaling are efficient methods to describe phenotypic similarities between progenies.

RESUMO: Quarenta e seis suínos apresentaram fraqueza muscular, paresia e paralisia de membros pélvicos, perda de peso, decúbito lateral e morte, com um curso clínico de 7 a 10 dias. Dois suínos foram submetidos a necropsia e exibiram fragilidade óssea, formação de calo ósseo, e múltiplas fraturas em membros, costelas e vértebras. Microscopicamente notou-se difusamente um marcado decréscimo na espessura e número de trabéculas ósseas. Essas estavam desconexas, com uma aparência de flutuação, enquanto o córtex dos ossos longos estava afinado, com um aumento da porosidade pela dilatação dos canais de Haversian, erosão endosteal e diminuição da atividade osteoblástica. Espectrofotometria por chama foi realizada em amostras de fígado, e revelou um excesso de zinco (>2300ppm) e deficiência de cobre (<33.1ppm). Neste trabalho, apresentamos a primeira descrição patológica de um surto de osteoporose em suínos, além de fornecer uma breve revisão de doenças metabólicas em suínos.

ABSTRACT: Forty-six pigs presented muscle weakness, hind limb paresis and paralysis, weight loss, lateral recumbency, and death in a clinical course of 7 to 10 days. Two pigs were necropsied and exhibited bone fragility, bone callus formation, and multiple fractures in the limbs, ribs, and vertebrae. Microscopically, there was a diffuse and marked decrease in thickness and number of trabeculae. These were disconnected, with a “free-floating” appearance, while the cortex of the long bones was thinned, with an increase of the cortical porosity by enlargement of Haversian canals and endosteal erosion and decreased osteoblastic activity. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry in liver samples revealed significant zinc overload (>2300ppm) and copper deficiency (<33.1ppm). In this communication, we present the first pathologic description of an outbreak of osteoporosis in pigs, and we also provide a brief review of metabolic bone diseases in pigs.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar um programa de controle da artrite encefalite caprina (AEC), por meio de testes diagnósticos sensíveis, separação de mãe e cria após o parto e medidas de manejo, com o intuito de formar rebanho livre do vírus. Utilizou-se um total de 47 cabritos da raça Saanen, mantidos isoladamente até o resultado dos primeiros testes de reação em cadeia de polimerase nested (PCR nested) e Western Blotting (WB), com base na coleta de sangue no momento do nascimento (M0). No PCR nested, quatro animais foram positivos, no M0, e foram eutanasiados. Posteriormente, os demais 43 cabritos foram submetidos à coleta de sangue aos 60 (M60) e 270 (M270) dias de vida para realização de novos testes de WB e PCR nested, que não detectaram animais positivos. Pode-se afirmar que a metodologia adotada neste estudo foi efetiva no controle da doença, nas fases de aleitamento e pós-aleitamento, e que a combinação do sistema de manejo, a fim de propiciar diminuição de risco de transmissão horizontal, com técnicas de diagnóstico mais apuradas, como o WB e a PCR nested, é relevante para elaboração de plano estratégico de controle da enfermidade.

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate a program to control Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), using diagnostic tests, separation of the mother and postpartum and other management measures, in order to form a free flock of the virus. We used a total of 47 Saanengoats in isolation until the results of the first nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested PCR) and Western Blotting (WB) tests, based on blood collection at the time of birth (M0). In the nested PCR, 4 animals were positive, at M0, and were eliminated. Later, the other 43goats were submitted to blood collection at 60 (M60) and 270 (M270) days of life to perform new tests of WB and nested PCR, which did not detect positive animals. We can affirm that the methodology adopted in this study was effective in the control of the disease, in the phase of breastfeeding and post-breastfeeding, and that the combination of the management system, which allows a reduction of risk of horizontal transmission, with more accurate diagnostic techniques, such as WB and nested PCR, is relevant for the elaboration of a strategic plan for the disease control.

RESUMO: As doenças de pele em suínos podem impactar negativamente a produção. Estas causam perdas relacionadas à morte dos acometidos, a custo com tratamentos, atraso no crescimento e condenações nos frigoríficos. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido para determinar a frequência e descrever os achados histopatológicos das doenças de pele em suínos nas diferentes faixas etárias, através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2006 a 2018. Foram analisados 154 casos conclusivos incluindo as doenças restritas a pele (dermatites alérgicas, epidermite exsudativa, dermatite vesicular, pitiríase rósea, varíola suína, cisto folicular, papiloma e hemangioma escrotal) e as secundárias a doenças sistêmicas (erisipela, síndrome dermatite nefropatia suína (SDNS), septicemia bacteriana e hemorragias múltiplas de causa não determinada). Estas foram classificadas em bacterianas (46,1%), virais (26,6%), alérgicas (12,3%), neoplásicas (1,3%) e outras (13,6%). A erisipela suína foi a enfermidade mais diagnosticada (47/154), seguida por SDNS (23/154), dermatite alérgica (19/154) e epidermite exsudativa (15/154). Observamos ainda dermatite vesicular (9/154), pitiríase rósea (9/154), septicemia bacteriana com manifestações cutâneas (9/154), varíola suína (9/154) e hemorragias múltiplas de causa não determinada (7/154). Em menor número, cisto folicular (3/154), hiperqueratose sem causa definida (2/154), papiloma (1/154) e hemangioma escrotal (1/154). Dos casos conclusivos, a idade foi informada em 138 casos, sendo a maior frequência das lesões de pele observadas na linha de inspeção, durante o abate (56/138).

ABSTRACT: Skin diseases in pigs can negatively impact the production. They cause losses related to the death of the affected pigs, to the cost with the treatment, growth retardation and condemnations in the slaughterhouses. This study was developed to determine the frequency and describe the histopathological findings of skin diseases in pigs in different age groups through a retrospective study from 2006 to 2018. A total of 154 conclusive cases were analyzed, including skin restricted diseases (allergic dermatitis, exudative epidermitis, vesicular dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, swinepox, follicular cyst, papilloma and scrotal hemangioma) or skin lesions secondary to systemic diseases (erysipelas, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), bacterial septicemia and multiple hemorrhages without definite cause). The skin lesions were classified as bacterial (46.1%), viral (26.6%), allergic (12.3%), neoplastic (1.3%) and others (13.6%). Swine erysipelas was the most frequent diagnosis (47/154), followed by PDNS (23/154), allergic dermatitis (19/154) and exudative epidermitis (15/154). Vesicular dermatitis (9/154), pityriasis rosea (9/154), septicemia with cutaneous manifestations (9/154), swinepox (9/154) and multiple hemorrhages without definite cause (7/154) were also observed. Follicular cyst (3/154), hyperkeratosis without definite cause (2/154), papilloma (1/154), and scrotal hemangioma (1/154) were less frequently described. Of the conclusive diagnosis, age was reported in 138 cases, with the highest frequency of skin lesions observed at the inspection process during slaughter (56/138).

Abstract The grasshopper Rhammatocerus brasiliensis shows polymorphism of B chromosomes, but the magnitude of B-chromosome occurrence and the factors that may contribute to their dispersion in the species remain unknown thus far. The present study analyzed the occurrence and dispersion of B chromosomes in R. brasiliensis individuals from 21 populations widely distributed in the Brazilian Northeast. The genetic connectivity between 10 populations was verified through analysis of ISSR markers from 200 individuals. Of the 21 populations, 19 presented individuals with one B chromosome, three with two, and one with three B chromosomes. The B chromosome is of medium size and constitutive heterochromatin (CH) located in the pericentromeric region. A variant B chromosome was observed in three populations, similar in size to that of chromosome X, gap and CH, and located in the terminal region. B chromosome frequencies in different populations varied from 0% to 18,8%, mean 8,5%. The wide distribution of the B chromosome is likely a consequence of the positive gene flow among the analyzed populations. B-chromosome occurrence in populations of R. brasiliensis possibly follows the population genetic structure of the species and, owing to the existence of a variant, its origin may not be recent.

ABSTRACT Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Verbenaceae, is considered a great source of a bioactive volatile oil. Due to the wide range of known chemotypes, its chemical analysis is very important. Among the several activities of this volatile oil, a potential larvicidal action against Culicidae species is highlighted. However, the low water miscibility of volatile oils limits their application in aqueous media. Oil in water nano-emulsions are in the spotlight of novelty to solve this main problem. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain this nanostructured system with L. alba volatile oil (citral chemotype) and evaluate its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The major compounds were geranial (30.02%) and neral (25.26%). Low mean droplet size (117.0 ± 1.0 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.231 ± 0.004) were observed and no major changes were observed after seven days of storage. LC50 values against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti third-instar larvae were respectively 38.22 and 31.02 ppm, while LC90 values were, respectively, 59.42 and 47.19 ppm. The present study makes use of a low energy, solvent-free and ecofriendly method with reduced costs. Thus, this paper contributes significantly to phyto-nanobiotechnology of larvicidal agents, opening perspectives for the utilization of L. alba volatile oil in integrated practices of vector control.

RESUMO: Cardiomiopatia dilatada (CMD) é uma condição que afeta o miocárdio, raramente relatada em porcos. A DCM é caracterizada por dilatação ventricular, que resulta em disfunção sistólica e disfunção diastólica secundária e pode levar a arritmias e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva fatal. Este estudo descreve os achados clínicos, patológicos, químicos e toxicológicos da CMD em suínos de creche através de estudos naturais e experimentais. Investigaram-se três granjas com surtos de mortalidade por CMD através de exames de necropsia (catorze suínos), microscópicos, virológicos, químicos e toxicológicos para a detecção da etiologia. O estudo experimental foi conduzido com nove leitões de 40 dias de idade, divididos em três grupos de três leitões cada. O grupo 1 foi alimentado com a dieta suspeita dos casos naturais; o 2 com metade da dieta suspeita e metade de dieta controle; e o 3 recebeu apenas a dieta controle. Sinais clínicos foram registrados. Todos os suínos foram submetidos a eutanásia, necropsia para a coleta de amostras para exames laboratoriais após 15 dias do início do experimento. Na necropsia, todos os leitões dos casos naturais apresentavam dilatação cardíaca bilateral associada a padrão lobular hepático aumentado (fígado de noz-moscada) e edema pulmonar. Microscopicamente, o coração revelou hipertrofia severa e vacuolização de cardiomiócitos, bem como desordem de miofibras. A análise da ração demonstrou que o farelo de soja apresentava baixa solubilidade o que indica baixa qualidade. Após a substituição da ração suspeita, os porcos clinicamente doentes recuperaram e a mortalidade cessou. No estudo experimental, dois leitões do grupo 1 apresentaram tosse, dispneia e diarreia. Na necropsia, esses animais apresentavam lesões macroscópicas e macroscópicas similar aos casos naturais. A CMD nutricional em suínos pode estar associado à dieta com farelo de soja de baixa qualidade, como foi confirmado através de um estudo experimental.

ABSTRACT: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition that affects the myocardium, seldom reported in pigs. The DCM is characterized by ventricular dilation, which results in systolic and secondary diastolic dysfunction and can lead to arrhythmia and fatal congestive heart failure. This study described the clinical, pathological, chemical and toxicological findings of nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in nursery pigs through natural and experimental studies. Naturally occurring cases of DCM in three swine farms were investigated through necropsy (fourteen pigs), microscopic, virological, chemical and toxicological exams for the detection of the etiology. The experimental study was conducted with nine 40 days-old piglets, which were divided into three groups of three piglets each. Group 1 was fed with the suspected diet of the naturally occurring cases, Group 2 with half of the suspected diet and half of a control diet, and Group 3 received only the control diet. Clinical signs were recorded. All pigs were submitted of euthanized, necropsie and collection sample for laboratories exams, after 15 days of experiment onset. At the necropsy, all naturally occurring cases had bilateral cardiac dilatation associated to hepatic enhanced lobular pattern (nutmeg liver) and lungs edema. Microscopically, the heart revealed severe hypertrophy and vacuolization of cardiomyocytes, as well as myofiber disarray. Feed analysis revealed low-quality standard soybean meal. After the suspected feed was replaced, clinically ill pigs recovered, and mortality ceased. At the experimental study, two piglets from Group 1 had cough, dyspnea and diarrhea. At the necropsy, these animals had similar gross and microscopic lesions to the natural cases. The nutritional DCM in pigs may be associated to the diet with low-quality soybean meal, as it was further confirmed through an experimental study.

RESUMO: Urolitíase obstrutiva é uma enfermidade caracterizada pela presença de urólitos no trato urinário, com consequente obstrução das vias de excreção. Este artigo descreve os achados epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de 22 surtos de urolitíase em suínos de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Os suínos afetados eram machos e clinicamente apresentavam letargia, disúria, prolapso retal, abaulamento do abdômen, extremidades cianóticas e relutância em movimentar-se. A duração dos sinais clínicos variou de 12 horas a uma semana, e a letalidade foi de 100%. As alterações macroscópicas caracterizaram-se por ruptura da bexiga com acentuada quantidade de líquido de coloração amarelada e odor amoniacal (urina) livre na cavidade abdominal (uroperitônio), além de discreta deposição de fibrina sobre os órgãos e hidronefrose. Frequentemente obstruindo o lúmen da uretra peniana e por vezes livre na cavidade abdominal, era possível observar urólitos urinários que variavam de 0,3 a 1cm de diâmetro. Os achados histopatológicos incluíram edema e hemorragia difusos e acentuados na bexiga, associado a infiltrado inflamatório predominante de linfócitos, plasmócitos e macrófagos. Na uretra peniana havia necrose difusa e acentuada do epitélio da mucosa. No peritônio e nas serosas dos órgãos da cavidade abdominal havia intensa deposição de fibrina e infiltrado neutrofílico. Os urólitos foram submetidos ao método de determinação qualitativa dos componentes minerais, os quais foram compatíveis com carbonato de cálcio e fosfato de amônio magnesiano. A análise da ração de crescimento revelou baixos níveis de cálcio, em relação ao fósforo, perfazendo uma relação Ca:P de aproximadamente 0,35:1. Os achados histológicos e as dosagens minerais sugerem que os surtos de urolitíase foram relacionados a um desequilíbrio nutricional nas proporções de cálcio e fósforo dietético. A principal causa da morte dos suínos foi relacionada à desidratação e ao uroperitônio.

ABSTRACT: Obstructive urolithiasis is a disease characterized by the presence of uroliths in the urinary tract, with consequent obstruction of excretion pathways. This paper described the epidemiological and clinical-pathological findings of 22 outbreaks of urolithiasis in growing-finishing pigs in Southern Brazil. All affected pigs were male and clinical presentation consisted of lethargy, dysuria, rectal prolapse, abdominal distention, peripheral cyanosis and reluctance to move. Clinical progression course ranged from 12 hours to one week, and the lethality rate was 100%. Gross changes were characterized by urinary bladder rupture associated with marked amount of yellowish liquid with ammoniacal odor (urine) in the abdominal cavity (uroperitoneum), as well as mild fibrin deposition on the surface of abdominal organs and hydronephrosis. Urinary uroliths ranging from 0.3 to 1cm in diameter were often observed obstructing the lumen of the penile urethra and sometimes those were free in the abdominal cavity. Histopathological findings included diffuse and marked urinary bladder edema and hemorrhage associated with inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Diffuse and marked necrosis of the mucosal epithelium was observed in the penile urethra. Intense fibrin deposition and inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils were noted in the peritoneum, as well as in the serosa of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Uroliths were submitted to the method of qualitative determination of the mineral components, and were compatible with calcium carbonate and magnesium ammonium phosphate. Growing pigs ration analysis revealed low levels of calcium in relation to phosphorus, resulting in a Ca:P ratio of approximately 0.35:1. Histological findings and mineral analysis suggest that outbreaks of urolithiasis were related to a nutritional imbalance in the proportions of dietary calcium and phosphorus. The main cause of mortality was related to dehydration and uroperitoneum.

RESUMO Esse estudo representa uma primeira tentativa de resgate de germoplasma em um equino doméstico tradicional citado em literatura precoce Iberiana e Sul Americana como um cavalo Curraleiro. Num esforço de identificar e possivelmente caracterizar esse tipo de cavalo, acessamos conhecimento tradicional em diversas áreas rurais estratégicas. A maioria consistia em assentamentos rurais fundados por comunidades escravas foragidas no século dezesseis. Vinte entrevistas foram conduzidas e analisadas utilizando análise de conteúdo de discurso clássico. Como resultado, cinco categorias de resposta foram reconhecidas: 1) Identificação e localização de cavalos Curraleiros; 2) Caracterização de cavalos curraleiros; 3) Aspectos históricos, 4) Perspectivas de conservação, e 5) Aspectos sanitários e produtivos da criação de cavalos Curraleiros. Concluímos que, apesar de escasso, o cavalo Curraleiro, citado na literatura, ainda existe e apresenta características fenotípicas que permitem discriminação de raças oficialmente reconhecidas no Brasil. Nossos achados podem abrir alas para o reconhecimento de um recurso animal genuíno que pode ter um papel no desenvolvimento rural em regiões específicas e comunidades tradicionais. Análise de conteúdo de discurso foi eficaz para identificação e caracterização in loco de criação tradicional rara. Desta forma, encorajamos o uso dessa ferramenta como alternativa para subsídio de identificação e programas de conservação genética ao redor do mundo.

ABSTRACT This study represents a first attempt to rescue germplasm of a traditional domestic equine cited in early Iberian and South American literature as Curraleiro horse. As an effort to identify and possibly characterize this type of horse we accessed traditional knowledge in strategic rural areas. Most areas were configured by hinterland settlements founded by runaway slave communities from the sixteenth century. Twenty interviews were conducted and analyzed using classical Speech Content Analysis. As a result, five response categories were recognized: 1) Identification and location of Curraleiro horses; 2) Characterization of Curraleiro horses; 3) Historical aspects; 4) Curraleiro horse conservation prospects and 5) Sanitary and productive aspects of Curraleiro horse breeding. We concluded that although scarce, the Curraleiro horse, cited in literature, still exists and showed phenotypical features which allow fine discrimination from any officially recognized breed in Brazil. Our findings may open the door for the recognition of a genuine animal resource which could play a role in rural development for specific regions and traditional communities. Speech Content Analysis was effective for in loco identification and characterization of rare traditional livestock. Thus, we encourage the usage of this tool as an alternative to subsidize identification and genetic conservation programs worldwide.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os SNPs rs471462296, rs456245081 e rs438495570 do gene DGAT1 em bovinos Nelore. Foram analisados 109 bovinos. A extração do DNA genômico foi realizada do sangue dos animais, usando-se o kit Ilustra Blood Genomic Prep Mini Spin® (GE Healthcare, UK). A concentração e o grau de pureza do DNA foram determinados por meio de espectrofotômetro (Nanodrop - Thermo Fisher Scientifc, USA). A genotipagem dos SNPs ocorreu mediante o emprego do ensaio Taqman® (Applied Biosystems, USA). Na análise genômica, não foram encontradas alterações nas frequências alélicas e genotípicas (P≥0,05) para os SNPs testados. Dessa forma, a região 5’UTR analisada apresentou-se monomórfica e a variação de SNPs não foi observada, o que limita seu uso como marcadores moleculares para o gene DGAT1 em Nelore.

Fibroblasts are a highly heterogeneous population of cells, being found in a large number of different tissues. These cells produce the extracellular matrix, which is essential to preserve structural integrity of connective tissues. Fibroblasts are frequently engaged in migration and remodeling, exerting traction forces in the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for matrix deposition and wound healing. In addition, previous studies performed on primary myoblasts suggest that the E3 ligase MuRF2 might function as a cytoskeleton adaptor. Here, we hypothesized that MuRF2 also plays a functional role in skeletal muscle fibroblasts. We found that skeletal muscle fibroblasts express MuRF2 and its siRNA knock-down promoted decreased fibroblast migration, cell border accumulation of polymerized actin, and down-regulation of the phospho-Akt expression. Our results indicated that MuRF2 was necessary to maintain the actin cytoskeleton functionality in skeletal muscle fibroblasts via Akt activity and exerted an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling in the skeletal muscle tissue.

RESUMO: Sida carpinifolia é uma planta responsável por intoxicar várias espécies animais. Este artigo descreve hipomielinogênese em fetos e neonatos de bovinos que consumiram S. carpinifolia. Os neonatos manifestaram ataxia e tremores musculares. Dois neonatos e quatro fetos bovinos foram necropsiados e não havia alterações macroscópicas significativas. Os achados histopatológicos incluíram vacuolização de células acinares do pâncreas, células foliculares da tireoide, hepatócitos, células renais tubulares e neurônios nos fetos. Nos neonatos havia vacuolização na substância branca do lobo frontal telencefálico, além de esferoides axonais no encéfalo dos fetos e dos recém-nascidos. A avaliação lectino-histoquímica demonstrou marcação para as lectinas Con-A, WGA e s-WGA. A coloração de Luxol Fast Blue revelou diminuição acentuada da mielina no telencéfalo de todos os fetos e diminuição moderada nos neonatos. Os achados histológicos e lectina-histoquímicos indicam que o consumo de S. carpinifolia por fêmeas bovinas gestantes pode causar hipomielinogênese em fetos e neonatos.

ABSTRACT: Sida carpinifolia is a plant responsible for poisoning several species of animals. This paper describes Hypomyelinogenesis in fetuses and neonates of cattle that consumed S. carpinifolia. Neonates manifested ataxia and muscle tremors. Two bovine newborns and four fetuses were necropsied and showed no significant gross changes. Histopathologic findings included vacuolation of pancreatic acinar cells, thyroid follicular cells, hepatocytes, cells of renal tubules and neurons of the fetus and the white matter of the telencephalic frontal lobe of the neonates and also revealed axonal spheroids in the brain of the fetuses and neonates. The lectin-histochemical evaluation shoved staining for the lectins Con-A, WGA and s-WGA. The Luxol Fast Blue staining revealed a marked decrease of myelin in the brain of all the fetuses and a moderate decrease in the neonates. Histologic and lectin-histochemic findings indicate that the consumption of S. carpinifolia by pregnant bovine females can cause hypomyelinogenesis in fetuses and neonates.