Fontes e níveis de proteína bruta em dietas para juvenis de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

Este experimento foi conduzido, por um período de 100 dias, com o objetivo de estudar diferentes fontes e níveis de proteína bruta em dietas para juvenis de pacu. Foram utilizados 252 juvenis de pacu, distribuídos em 36 caixas de cimento amianto com volume de 150 litros, sendo estocados sete peixes em cada unidade. Durante o período experimental, a temperatura média da água permaneceu em 28ºC e os demais parâmetros limnológicos (oxigênio dissolvido, pH, alcalinidade e condutividade) apresentaram-se dentro dos níveis adequados para o desenvolvimento desta espécie. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, no qual foram avaliados nove tratamentos em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo três níveis de substituição da fonte protéica de origem animal (farinha de peixe), pela fonte de origem vegetal (farelo de soja), aos níveis de 0, 50 e 100% e três níveis de proteína bruta (18, 22 e 26%). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o nível de 22% de proteína bruta foi mais adequado e a farinha de peixe pode ser substituída parcial ou totalmente pelo farelo de soja. A substituição da farinha de peixe por farelo de soja proporcionou os melhores coeficientes de digestibilidade, sem afetar ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, taxa de crescimento específico e taxa de eficiência protéica dos juvenis. Esta substituição também não afetou a composição corporal dos peixes, como a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio, nitrogênio corporal, gordura corporal e nitrogênio e gordura no ganho de peso.

Insulin signaling proteins in pancreatic islets of insulin-resistant rats induced by glucocorticoid

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Variability and resistance mutations in the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease in patients not treated with protease inhibitors

The goal of treatment of chronic hepatitis C is to achieve a sustained virological response, which is defined as exhibiting undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in serum following therapy for at least six months. However, the current treatment is only effective in 50% of patients infected with HCV genotype 1, the most prevalent genotype in Brazil. Inhibitors of the serine protease non-structural protein 3 (NS3) have therefore been developed to improve the responses of HCV-infected patients. However, the emergence of drug-resistant variants has been the major obstacle to therapeutic success. The goal of this study was to evaluate the presence of resistance mutations and genetic polymorphisms in the NS3 genomic region of HCV from 37 patients infected with HCV genotype 1 had not been treated with protease inhibitors. Plasma viral RNA was used to amplify and sequence the HCV NS3 gene. The results indicate that the catalytic triad is conserved. A large number of substitutions were observed in codons 153, 40 and 91; the resistant variants T54A, T54S, V55A, R155K and A156T were also detected. This study shows that resistance mutations and genetic polymorphisms are present in the NS3 region of HCV in patients who have not been treated with protease inhibitors, data that are important in determining the efficiency of this new class of drugs in Brazil.

PRP8 intein in Ajellomycetaceae family pathogens: Sequence analysis, splicing evaluation and homing endonuclease activity

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A label-free immunosensor based on recordable compact disk chip for early diagnostic of the dengue virus infection

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação de fontes de amônia para o tratamento de fenos de gramíneas tropicais. 2. Compostos nitrogenados

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para se avaliarem as alterações nos conteúdos de compostos nitrogenados dos fenos de braquiária decumbens (Brachiaria decumbnes Stapf) e jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) não-tratados, tratados com uréia (U - 5,4% da MS), uréia (UL - 5,4% da MS) mais labe-labe (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet, cv. Highworth-3,0% da MS) ou amônia anidra (NH3 -3,0% da MS). A aplicação de amônia anidra ou de uréia aumentou os teores de N total, N insolúvel em detergente neutro, N insolúvel em detergente ácido, N não-protéico e N amoniacal. A amonização diminuiu as relações N insolúvel em detergente neutro/N total e N insolúvel em detergente ácido/N total e aumentou as relações N não-protéico/N total, N amoniacal/N total e os teores de PB. O N aplicado foi retido, principalmente, nas formas de NNP e N amoniacal.

An examination of constraints affecting the intralimb coordination of hemiparetic gait

A dynamical systems approach to the study of locomotor intralimb coordination in those with hemiparesis led to an examination of the utility of the shank-thigh relative phase (RP) as a collective variable and the identification of potential constraints that may shape this coordination. Eighteen non-disabled individuals formed three groups matched to the age and gender of six participants with chronic right hemiparesis. The three groups differed in the constraints imposed on their walking: (1) walking at their preferred walking speed; (2) walking as slowly as those with hemiparesis; and, (3) walking slowly with a right ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The results revealed an asymmetry in intralimb coordination between the unaffected and affected leg of those with hemiparesis localized to the latter third of the gait cycle when the limb is advanced from the end of stance to the reestablishment of a new stance. Walking slowly with or without an AFO resulted in no measureable effect in the non-disabled, but accounts for 22% of the variance in the intralimb coordination of the hemiplegic's affected limb and 16% in the unaffected limb. The AFO offered little additional contribution. These results derive from shank-thigh RP that is shown to provide more information about intralimb coordination than knee angle displacement. Implications for these results and the use of RP for rehabilitation are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved. PsycINFO classification. 3297. 2330.

Efeito dos níveis de energia da ração sobre o desempenho e teor de gordura na carcaça de frangos de corte

It was studied the effect of energy levels in the diet, obtained from vegetal oil inclusion, on the performance, diet cost per kilogram of broiler and fat content of the carcass, There were used 4,800 broiler chicks, 2,400 males and 2,400 females, and they were distributed in six treatment (energy levels in kcal ME/kg of diet) in three different phases: start diet from one to 20 days of age: A - 2930, B - 2980, C - 3030, D - 3080, E - 3130, F - 3180, growth diet from 21 to 40 days: A - 2980, B - 3030, C - 3050, D - 3130, E - 3150, F - 3230, finishing diet from 41 to 45 days of age: A - 3030, B - 3080, C - 3130,, D - 3180, E - 3230, F - 3280. The protein content was 22, 20 and 18% in each phase, respectively, There were evaluated the feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, weight gain, feed conversion mortality, diet cost per kg/bw. Sixty broilers were slaughtered, five males and five females per treatment, randomly chosen to determine the carcass composition considering the dry matter content, lipids content and protein content, total fat in carcass and fat per kilogram of broiler. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the means were compared using SNK. The broilers fed with medium and low levels of dietary energy showed the highest weight gain. At energy levels of the treatment D in the three phases, the lowest cost per kilogram of broiler was obtained. The females presented the highest fat content per kilogram of broiler produced.

Complete nucleotide sequence, genomic organization and phylogenetic analysis of Citrus leprosis virus cytoplasmic type

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA 1 (8745 nt) and RNA 2 (4986 nt) of Citrus leprosis virus cytoplasmic type (CiLV-C) was determined using cloned cDNA. RNA 1 contains two open reading frames (ORFs), which correspond to 286 and 29 kDa proteins. The 286 kDa protein is a polyprotein putatively involved in virus replication, which contains four conserved domains: methyltransferase, protease, helicase and polymerase. RNA 2 contains four ORFs corresponding to 15, 61, 32 and 24 kDa proteins, respectively. The 32 kDa protein is apparently involved in cell-to-cell movement of the virus, but none of the other putative proteins exhibit any conserved domain. The 5' regions of the two genomic RNAs contain a 'cap' structure and poly(A) tails were identified in the 3'-terminals. Sequence analyses and searches for structural and non-structural protein similarities revealed conserved domains with members of the genera Furovirus, Bromovirus, Tobravirus and Tobamovirus, although phylogenetic analyses strongly suggest that CiLV-C is a member of a distinct, novel virus genus and family, and definitely demonstrate that it does not belong to the family Rhabdoviridae, as previously proposed. Based on these results it was proposed that Citrus leprosis virus be considered as the type member of a new genus of viruses, Cilevirus.

Relação lisina digestível: proteína digestível em rações para tilápias-do-nilo

This study was carried out to determine the best digestible protein/digestible lysine ratio that should be present in feed fed to Nile tilapias. Two hundred and sixteen tilapias (11.0 +/- 0.43g) were distributed in 36 fish tanks (205 L) at a density of 6 fish/tank. Twelve feeds were formulated with three different digestible protein (DP) levels 22.0; 26.0 and 30.0% (based on digestible amino acids) and four different lysine percentages of 4.5; 6.0; 7.5 or 9.0% in relation to digestible protein. The fish were fed ad libtum during a 60-day period. There was significant effect of the digestible protein and digestible lysine ratio on weight gain, because the increase in lysine levels in feeds with 26 and 30% DP promoted linear increase in this parameter. The best values for feed conversion were obtained at the levels 26 and 30% DP that increased the daily consumption of digestible protein. The lysine level caused a linear reduction in feed conversion and linear increase in the protein efficiency rate. The results suggested that the 26% DP level might be used in ration to feed Nile tilapia juveniles; however, these should contain digestible amino acids and the digestible lysine/digestible protein ratio should be 6.0%. However, for levels higher than 26% DP, a maximum digestible lysine level of 7.5% DP improved weight gain for the species.

Influence of TiO2 and AI(2)O(3) on the electrical and microstructural properties of SnO2 ceramics obtained by the Pechini method

Tin oxide has wakened up great scientific and technological interest for its potential use in varistors production and as gas sensor. In order to improve the microstructural and electrical properties in SnO2 varistor ceramics, the influence of differents dopants used, like TiO2 and Al2O3, is under research. The effect of TiO2 and Al2O3 on the properties of Sn-Co-Nb varistor systems obtained by the Pechini method has been investigated in this work. Characterization of synthesized raw material was performed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). The microstructural and electrical characterization of sintered samples show that the TiO2 favors the grain growth and the Al2O3 contributes to the decrease it, effect that is manifested in the Sn-Co-Nb varistor systems. Breakdown field increase up to 6300V/cm with increasing Al2O3 content and non-linear coefficients with alpha=22 were obtained.

Quantificação do interferon-tau durante o reconhecimento materno da gestação em fêmeas bovinas Bos taurus indicus

During the critical period of the maternal recognition, which occurs between days 15 and 19 of pregnancy, the conceptus must competently synthesize molecules capable of blocking the synthesis of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and luteolysis. In cattle, the major macromolecule involved in suck blockage is the protein interferontau (IFN-τ). During the critical period, failures in the recognition of pregnancy determine embryonic mortality on up to 40% of inseminated cows. Data about IFN-τ in Bos taurus indicus are still scarce. Objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the presence of IFN-τ during the critical period for maternal recognition of pregnancy in uterine flushings obtained in vivo by Foley catheter (Days 14, 16 and 18 post estrus) or post-mortem (Day 18 post estrus). Multiparous, cyclic or pregnant zebu cows (Bos taurus indicus) on days 14, 16 and 18 post estrus were used for in vivo or post mortem uterine flushing collection. In both cases, a Ringer solution was used to wash the uterus of cows. Uterine flushings were concentrated by ultrafiltration and lyophilized. Proteins were separated by one-dimensional electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in a 15% polyacrilamide gel. Interferontau quantification in uterine flushings was performed by western blotting and densitometry. Non-specific protein bands were observed in both in vivo and post mortem uterine flushings. Interferon-tau was detected only in uterine flushings obtained from pregnant cows post-mortem (P<0.05). Optical density of protein bands was not affected by the day of the critical period, state (cyclic or pregnant) or interaction day x state. There was no effect of the conceptus weight or progesterone concentration on the day of uterine flushing collection in the optical density of the IFN-τ protein band. It was concluded that the detection and quantification of IFN-τ in the uterine environment of zebu cows, in these experimental?conditions, is only possible in uterine flushings obtained post-mortem.

Crystal structure of Jararacussin-I: The highly negatively charged catalytic interface contributes to macromolecular selectivity in snake venom thrombin-like enzymes

Snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs) are hemostatically active toxins that perturb the maintenance and regulation of both the blood coagulation cascade and fibrinolytic feedback system at specific points, and hence, are widely used as tools in pharmacological and clinical diagnosis. The crystal structure of a thrombin-like enzyme (TLE) from Bothrops jararacussu venom (Jararacussin-I) was determined at 2.48 Å resolution. This is the first crystal structure of a TLE and allows structural comparisons with both the Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Protein C Activator and the Trimeresurus stejnegeri plasminogen activator. Despite the highly conserved overall fold, significant differences in the amino acid compositions and three-dimensional conformations of the loops surrounding the active site significantly alter the molecular topography and charge distribution profile of the catalytic interface. In contrast to other SVSPs, the catalytic interface of Jararacussin-I is highly negatively charged, which contributes to its unique macromolecular selectivity. © 2012 The Protein Society.

Periapical lesions decrease insulin signal and cause insulin resistance

Introduction: Inflammatory cytokines are associated with decreased insulin signal transduction. Moreover, local oral inflammation, such as that accompanying periodontal disease, is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periapical lesions (PLs) on insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity in rats. We hypothesized that PLs alter systemic insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity via elevated plasmatic tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Methods: Wistar rats were divided into control (CN) and PL groups. PLs were induced by exposing pulpal tissue to the oral environment. After 30 days, insulin sensitivity was measured using the insulin tolerance test. After euthanization, maxillae were processed for histopathology. Plasmatic concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin signal transduction was evaluated using insulin receptor substrate tyrosine phosphorylation status and serine phosphorylation status in periepididymal white adipose tissue via Western blotting. For insulin signaling and insulin tolerance tests, the analyses performed were analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test. For TNF-α analysis, the Student's t test was used. In all tests, P <.05 was considered significant. Results: The rats with PLs showed higher plasmatic TNF-α, lower constant rate for glucose disappearance values, and reduced pp185 tyrosine phosphorylation status but no change in serine phosphorylation status in white adipose tissue after insulin stimulation. Conclusions: PLs can cause alterations to both insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity, probably because of elevation of plasmatic TNF-α. The results from this study emphasize the importance of the prevention of local inflammatory diseases, such as PLs, with regard to the prevention of insulin resistance. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists.

Genome-wide association study for birth weight in Nellore cattle points to previously described orthologous genes affecting human and bovine height

Background: Birth weight (BW) is an economically important trait in beef cattle, and is associated with growth- and stature-related traits and calving difficulty. One region of the cattle genome, located on Bos primigenius taurus chromosome 14 (BTA14), has been previously shown to be associated with stature by multiple independent studies, and contains orthologous genes affecting human height. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BW in Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos primigenius indicus) was performed using estimated breeding values (EBVs) of 654 progeny-tested bulls genotyped for over 777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Results: The most significant SNP (rs133012258, PGC = 1.34 × 10-9), located at BTA14:25376827, explained 4.62% of the variance in BW EBVs. The surrounding 1 Mb region presented high identity with human, pig and mouse autosomes 8, 4 and 4, respectively, and contains the orthologous height genes PLAG1, CHCHD7, MOS, RPS20, LYN, RDHE2 (SDR16C5) and PENK. The region also overlapped 28 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) previously reported in literature by linkage mapping studies in cattle, including QTLs for birth weight, mature height, carcass weight, stature, pre-weaning average daily gain, calving ease, and gestation length.Conclusions: This study presents the first GWAS applying a high-density SNP panel to identify putative chromosome regions affecting birth weight in Nellore cattle. These results suggest that the QTLs on BTA14 associated with body size in taurine cattle (Bos primigenius taurus) also affect birth weight and size in zebu cattle (Bos primigenius indicus). © 2013 Utsunomiya et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.