Genetic and environmental factors affecting ultrasound measures of longissimus muscle area and backfat thickness in Nelore cattle

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and environmental factors affecting records of longissimus muscle area (LMA) and back fat thickness (BF) obtained between the 12th and 13th ribs, and rump fat thickness (RF) between the hook and pin bones, measured by real-time ultrasound in Nelore cattle. Also, weight records of 22,778 animals born from 1998 to 2003, in ten farms across six Brazilian states were used. Carcass traits as measured by ultrasound of the live animal were recorded from 2002 to 2004 in 2590 males and females with ages varying from 450 to 599 days. Fixed models including farm, year and season of birth, sex and type of feed effects, and the covariates age of dam (AOD) and age of animal at measurement were used to study the effect of environmental factors on these traits. The genetic parameters for LMA, BF and RF were estimated with two and three-trait animal models with 120-day weights using a restricted maximum likelihood method. All environmental effects significantly affected carcass traits, with the exception of year of birth for BF and RF and AOD for LMA. The heritability estimates for LMA, BF and RF were 0.35, 0.51 and 0.39, respectively. Standard errors obtained in one-trait analyses were from 0.07 to 0.09. Genetic correlation estimates between LMA and the two traits of subcutaneous fat were low (close to zero) and 0.74 between BF and RF, indicating that the selection for LMA should not cause antagonism in the genetic improvement of subcutaneous fat measured by real-time ultrasound. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.

Co-Expression of Leptin and Oestrogen Receptors in the Preoptic-Hypothalamic Area

The interaction between the reproductive axis and energy balance suggests that leptin acts as a possible mediator. This hormone acts in the regulation of metabolism, feeding behaviour and reproduction. Animals homozygous for the gene `ob` (ob/ob) are obese and infertile, and these effects are reversed after systemic administration of leptin. Thus, the present study aimed to determine: (i) whether cells that express leptin also express oestrogen receptors of type-alpha (ER-alpha) or -beta (ER-beta) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and in the arcuate (ARC), dorsomedial (DMH) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and (ii) whether there is change in the gene and protein expression of leptin in these brain areas in ovariectomised (OVX) animals when oestrogen-primed. Wistar female rats with normal oestrous cycles or ovariectomised oestrogen-primed or vehicle (oil)-primed were utilised. To determine whether there was a co-expression, immunofluorescence was utilised for double staining. Confocal microscopy was used to confirm the co-expression. The technique of real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were employed to analyse gene and protein expression, respectively. The results obtained showed co-expression of leptin and ER-alpha in the MPOA and in the DMH, as well as leptin and ER-beta in the MPOA, DMH and ARC. However, we did not detect leptin in the MPOA, ARC and DMH using western blotting and there was no statistical difference in leptin gene expression in the MPOA, DMH, ARC, pituitary or adipose tissue between OVX rats treated with oestrogen or vehicle. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study confirm that the brain is also a source of leptin and reveal co-expression of oestrogen receptors and leptin in the same cells from areas related to reproductive function and feeding behaviour. Although these data corroborate the previous evidence obtained concerning the interaction between the action of brain leptin and reproductive function, the physiological relevance of this interaction remains uncertain and additional studies are necessary to elucidate the exact role of central leptin.

Ticks (Acari : ixodidae) infesting wild birds in an Atlantic forest area in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, with isolation of Rickettsia from the tick Amblyomma longirostre

During field work in Nazare Paulista, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, we found 13 (56.5%) of 23 birds (mostly Passeriformes) to be infested by 28 larvae and I nymph of Amblyomma spp. Two larvae were reared to the adult stage, being taxonomically identified as Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca and Aragao, whereas five larvae and one nymph were identified as Amblyomma longirostre Koch. All six A. longirostre specimens were shown to be infected by rickettsia, as demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting two rickettsial genes (gltA and ompA) or isolation of rickettsia in cell culture from one of the ticks. This isolate was designated as strain AL, which was established in Vero cell culture and was molecularly characterized by DNA sequencing fragments of the rickettsial genes gltA, htrA, ompA, and ompB. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from ompA and ompB partial sequences showed a high degree of similarity of strain AL with Rickettsia sp. strain ARANHA, previously detected by PCR in A. longirostre ticks from Rondonia, northern Brazil. We conclude that strain AL is a new rickettsia genotype belonging to the same species of strain ARANHA, which are closely related to Candidatus `R. amblyomniii`. Further studies should elucidate if strains AL and ARANHA are different strains of Candidatus `R. amblyommii` or are a new species.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from free range chickens in the Pantanal area of Brazil

The aim of this paper was to genetically characterize Toxoplasma gondii isolates from free range chickens in regions of Brazilian territory in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) where T. gondii strains have never been studied. In total, T. gondii isolates from 22 free range chickens were included in this study. Fifty chickens from Eldorado, thirty from Rio Verde and ten from Aquidauana were sampled between January and April 2007. In relation to the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from chickens in MS, the magnitude of the diversity in the isolates sampled in this study was comparable to the overall diversity in a composite data set. These 22 isolates in MS revealed 11 genotypes, whereas the 321 isolates ever genotyped in Brazil have revealed 95 genotypes. The values of Simpson`s Diversity Index for the whole population of T. gondii isolates in Brazil, the whole population of T. gondii isolates from chickens in Brazil and the population surveyed in this study were 0.97, 0.95 and 0.90, respectively. Seven of the 11 genotypes revealed from chicken isolates from MS are newly described genotypes and six of them each have a single isolate. In conclusion, the results obtained from isolates in MS corroborate previous studies on T. gondii isolates in Brazil, thus confirming their diversity and atypicality. Nonetheless, the applicability of PCR-RFLP markers for epidemiological inferences remains controversial. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interface between domestic and wild carnivores in an environmental protection area in the brazilian Amazon: indicators and aplications for conservation

The presence of domestic animals in protected areas has been a growing world concern, including in the Brazilian Amazon. Introduced domestic carnivores can put the conservation of carnivores and other wild mammals at risk in protected areas. These risks can be associated with direct factors, such as the dogs` hunting habit, and indirect factors, such as the domestic carnivores` potential for transmitting infectious agents to wild populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential implications of humans and domestic animals staying in fragmented and altered areas such as the Wildlife Protection Areas (WPA) in the Tucuruf Lake Environmental Protection Area (Para, Brazil), created for the full protection of its fauna and flora. This evaluation was made through interviews conducted with riparian inhabitants living in the WPA and surrounding area, involving issues related to the presence of dogs (number of animals per domicile, birth rate, mortality rate, vaccination status, hunting habit) and wild carnivores (occurrence and location) in the study area. The results indicated risks mainly due to the presence of on average three dogs per domicile, as well as the high canine birth rate, their hunting habits, low vaccination rates and evidence of direct and indirect contact with the human, canine and wild carnivore populations. These factors represent risks to the health and conservation of Tucurui EPA wild carnivores since they provide favorable conditions for the transmission of pathogens from domestic fauna to wild fauna, as well as the risks brought about by hunting.

The Importance of Adhesive Area Delimitation in a Microshear Bond Strength Experimental Design

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of adhesive area delimitation on the microshear bond strength of different adhesives to dentin. Materials and Methods: Eighteen bovine incisors were sectioned and the exposed dentin surfaces were prepared with 600-grit SIC paper. These teeth were randomly divided into three groups, according to the adhesive to be applied: two-step etch-and-rinse Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE), two-step self-etching Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray), and one-step Clearfil S(3) Bond (Kuraray). On each dentin surface, 4 samples were built up with the composite resin Z100 (3M ESPE); on 2 of these, a suggested area delimitation technique was employed. After 24 h of storage in water at 37 degrees C, samples were subjected to the microshear bond strength test, and the failure modes were evaluated under optical and scanning electron microscopes. The obtained results were statistical analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey`s test. Results: Groups without area delimitation presented significantly higher bond strength results (p < 0.05) and a higher incidence of cohesive failures. In these groups, fractures tended to occur beyond the limits of the actual adhesive area, while the area restriction technique succeeded in avoiding this phenomenon. The three adhesives performed similarly when area delimitation was employed (p > 0.05), but Clearfil S(3) Bond showed significantly higher bond strength results when no area delimitation was taken into account (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The extension of the adhesive area beyond the limits of the composite cylinder may play an important role in the results of microshear bond strength tests, while the suggested area delimitation technique may lead to less questionable outcomes.

Low-Fluoride Acidic Dentifrice: A Randomized Clinical Trial in a Fluoridated Area

Background: Low-fluoride dentifrices have been suggested as alternatives to reduce dental fluorosis risk, but there is no consensus regarding their clinical effectiveness, which has been suggested to be increased when their pH is acidic. Aims: This single-blind randomized clinical trial evaluated the caries increment during the use of a low-fluoride acidic liquid dentifrice. Methods: Four-year-old schoolchildren (n = 1,402) living in a fluoridated area (0.6-0.8 ppm F) were randomly allocated to 4 groups differing according to the type of dentifrice used over a 20-month period. Group 1 (n = 345): liquid dentifrice, 1,100 ppm F, pH 4.5. Group 2 (n = 343): liquid dentifrice, 1,100 ppm F, pH 7.0. Group 3 (n = 354): liquid dentifrice, 550 ppm F, pH 4.5. Group 4 (n = 360): toothpaste, 1,100 ppm F, pH 7.0. At baseline and after 20 months, clinical examinations were conducted (dmfs index) and caries increment was calculated. Data were analysed by GLM procedure using classrooms (cluster) as unit of analysis (p < 0.05). Results: The mean +/- SD (95% CI) net increments found were as follows. Group 1: 2.06 +/- 2.38 (1.8-2.3); group 2: 2.08 +/- 2.87 (1.7-2.4); group 3: 2.05 +/- 2.79 (1.7-2.4), and group 4: 2.08 +/- 2.34 (1.8-2.4). No significant differences were detected among the groups. Conclusion: In a population with high caries risk living in a fluoridated area, as the selected sample, and according to the present protocol, the low-fluoride acidic liquid dentifrice seems to lead to similar caries progression rates as conventional 1,100 ppm F toothpaste. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Root Canal Area Increase Promoted by the EndoSequence and ProTaper Systems: Comparison by Computed Tomography

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the increase of the root canal area after instrumentation with EndoSequence or ProTaper rotary systems. Methods: Twenty-two mesial root canals from mandibular molars were instrumented. Teeth were mounted on a base, numbered, and divided into 2 groups; teeth from 1-11 (PT group) were instrumented by using the ProTaper system, and teeth from 12-22 (ES group) were instrumented by using the EndoSequence system. Cone beam computed tomography was performed on all teeth before and after instrumentation. Measurements at 3,5, and 7 mm as well as differences in instrument performance were statistically compared by the Student t test at 5% significance level. Results: Both systems increased significantly the root canal area (P < .05) at all levels. Comparison between the rotary systems showed significantly greater increase (P < .05) for EndoSequence at 3 mm, with no statistically significant difference (P < .05) at the other levels. Conclusions: Both rotary systems increased significantly the root canal area. (J Endod 2010;36:1179-1182)

Analysis of the gutta-percha filled area in C-shaped mandibular molars obturated with a modified MicroSeal technique

To analyse the gutta-percha filled area of C-shaped molar teeth root filled with the modified MicroSeal technique with reference to the radiographic features and the C-shaped canal configuration. Twenty-three mandibular second molar teeth with C-shaped roots were classified according to their radiographic features as: type I - merging, type II - symmetrical and type III - asymmetrical. The canals were root filled using a modified technique of the MicroSeal system. Horizontal sections at intervals of 600 mu m were made 1 mm from the apex to the subpulpal floor level. The percentage of gutta-percha area from the apical, middle and coronal levels of the radiographic types was analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Complementary analysis of the C-shaped canal configurations (C1, C2 and C3) determined from cross-sections from the apical third was performed in a similar way. No significant differences were found between the radiographic types in terms of the percentage of gutta-percha area at any level (P > 0.05): apical third, type I: 77.04%, II: 70.48% and III: 77.13%, middle third, type I: 95.72%, II: 93.17%, III: 91.13% and coronal level, type I: 98.30%, II: 98.25%, III: 97.14%. Overall, the percentage of the filling material was lower in the apical third (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the C-shaped canal configurations apically; C1: 72.64%, C2: 79.62%, C3: 73.51% (P > 0.05). The percentage of area filled with gutta-percha was similar in the three radiographic types and canal configuration categories of C-shaped molars. These results show the difficulty of achieving predictable filling of the root canal system when this anatomical variation exists. In general, the apical third was less completely filled.

Palpation of the lateral pterygoid area in the myofascial pain diagnosis

Objectives. To evaluate the diagnostic value of intraoral palpation at the lateral pterygoid (LP) area as part of the physical examination to detect myofascial pain, according to modified research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. Study design. Fouty-four women composed the myofascial pain group, and 33 symptom-free age-matched were the control group. One examiner calibrated and blinded to group distribution performed 2 intraoral bilateral palpations of the lateral pterygoid. Results. The LP area palpation showed sensitivity and specificity values of 79.55% and 77.27%, respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 3.50 and 0.26, respectively. Conclusions. Palpation at the LP area did not reach acceptable values of specificity, and care must be taken when judging positive response to this procedure.

Survival of Dental Implants in the Cleft Area-A Retrospective Study

Objective To evaluate the survival rate of dental implants placed in the cleft area Design Retrospective study Setting Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Brazil Institutional Tertiary Healthcare Center Patients 120 patients who received dental implants in the grafted cleft area in the years 1999 to 2005 Interventions Clinical data were evaluated from the records of 120 patients according to the following criteria placement grafted, cleft area, and age at surgery, age at placement of dental implants, site and dimension of implants, interval between placement of implants and the last clinical follow-up, and interval between placement and removal or indication for removal of implants Main Outcome Measures Percentage of survival rate of implants Results Mean age at placement of the bone graft was 17 6 years and 21 years at placement of implants A total of 123 cleft areas received secondary bone graft and bone graft to install implants (regraft) The mean survival rate was 34 months since placement of the implant to the last clinical follow-up and 26 months since placement of the prosthesis Seven dental implants were removed The survival rate since placement to the last clinical follow-up was 94 3% Conclusion Rehabilitation of the cleft area with dental implants is a viable and secure alternative, with good prognosis

Alpha-oestrogen and progestin receptor expression in the hypothalamus and preoptic area dopaminergic neurones during oestrous in cycling rats

A secretory surge of prolactin occurs on the afternoon of oestrous in cycling rats. Although prolactin is regulated by ovarian steroids, plasma oestradiol and progesterone levels do not vary during oestrous. Because prolactin release is tonically inhibited by hypothalamic dopamine and modulated by dopamine transmission in the preoptic area (POA), the present study aimed to evaluate whether oestrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and progestin receptor (PR) expression in the dopaminergic neurones of arcuate (ARC), periventricular, anteroventral periventricular (AVPe) and ventromedial preoptic (VMPO) nuclei changes during the day of oestrous. Cycling rats were perfused every 2 h from 10-20 h on oestrous. Brain sections were double-labelled to ER alpha or PR and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The number of TH-immunoreactive (ir) neurones did not vary significantly in any area evaluated. ER alpha expression in TH-ir neurones increased at 14 and 16 h in the rostral-ARC and dorsomedial-ARC, 14 h in the caudal-ARC and 16 h in the VMPO, whereas it was unaltered in the ventrolateral-ARC, periventricular and AVPe. PR expression in TH-ir neurones of the periventricular and rostral, dorsomedial, ventrolateral and caudal-ARC decreased transitorily during the afternoon, showing the lowest levels between 14 and 16 h; but it did not vary in the AVPe and VMPO. Plasma oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were low and unaltered during oestrous, indicating that the changes in receptors expression were probably not due to variation in ligand levels. Thus, our data suggest that variations in ER alpha and PR expression may promote changes in the activity of medial basal hypothalamus and POA dopaminergic neurones, even under unaltered secretion of ovarian steroids, which could facilitate the occurrence and modulate the magnitude of the prolactin surge on oestrous.

Neonatal handling reduces the number of cells in the medial preoptic area of female rats

Early-life events may induce alterations in neuronal function in adulthood. A crucial aspect in studying long-lasting effects induced by environmental interventions imposed to the animal several weeks before is finding a stable change that could be causally related to the phenotype observed in adulthood. In order to explain an adult trait, it seems necessary to look back to early life and establish a temporal line between events. The neonatal handling procedure is an experimental tool to analyze the long-lasting impact of early-life events. Aside from the neuroendocrine response to stress, neonatal handling also alters the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. Reductions in ovulation and surge of the luteinizing hormone (LH) on the proestrous day were shown in female rats. Considering the importance of the medial preoptic area (MPA) for the control of ovulation, the present study aimed to verify the effects of neonatal handling on the numerical density and cell size in the MPA in 11-day-old and 90-day-old female rats. Cellular proliferation was also assessed using BrdU (5-bromo-2`-deoxyuridine) in 11-day-old pups. Results showed that neonatal handling induces a stable reduction in the number of cells and in the size of the cell soma, which were lower in handled females than in nonhandled ones at both ages. Cellular proliferation in the MPA was also reduced 24 h after the last manipulation. The repeated mother-infant disruption imposed by the handling procedure ""lesioned"" the MPA. The dysfunction in the ovulation mechanisms induced by the handling procedure could be related to that neuronal loss. The study also illustrates the impact of an environmental intervention on the development of the brain. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the domestic use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene. Materials and methods: Completely edentulous participants wearing maxillary dentures were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: (1) Follow-up only (control; n = 12); (2) Oral and denture hygiene instructions (n = 10); (3) Instructions associated with the home use of a disclosing agent (1% neutral red; n = 10). Biofilm coverage area (%) over internal and external surfaces of the maxillary denture was assessed at baseline and after 14 and 90 days. Data were evaluated by generalised estimating equations based on score tests (alpha = 0.05). Results: The participants presented low changes for areas of biofilm coverage (14 days (%): internal: GI = 1.4 +/- 0.9; GII = 1.5 +/- 1.3; GIII = -0.4 +/- 0.9; external: GI = 1.4 +/- 1.5; GII = 1.5 +/- 1.4; GIII = -0.4 +/- 0.9; 90 days (%): internal: GI = 2.0 +/- 0.9; GII = 2.2 +/- 1.4; GIII = 0.3 +/- 1.0; external: GI = 2.1 +/- 1.4; GII = 2.2 +/- 1.5; GIII = 0.3 +/- 0.9). Changes were similar for the three groups (p = 0.293) and were not influenced by the test time (p = 0.218). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the home use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene does not improve the removal of the biofilm, particularly for patients with adequate oral hygiene habits.