Captive-born collared peccary (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Pecari tajacu</Emphasis>, Tayassuidae) fails to discriminate between predator and non-predator models

Captive animals may lose the ability to recognize their natural predators, making conservation programs more susceptible to failure if such animals are released into the wild. Collared peccaries are American tayassuids that are vulnerable to local extinction in certain areas, and conservation programs are being conducted. Captive-born peccaries are intended for release into the wild in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. In this study, we tested the ability of two groups of captive-born collared peccaries to recognize their predators and if they were habituated to humans. Recognition tests were performed using models of predators (canids and felids) and non-predators animals, as well as control objects, such as a plastic chair; a human was also presented to the peccaries, and tested as a separate stimulus. Anti-predator defensive responses such as fleeing and threatening displays were not observed in response to predator models. Predator detection behaviors both from visual and olfactory cues were displayed, although they were not specifically targeted at predator models. These results indicate that collared peccaries were unable to recognize model predators. Habituation effects, particularly on anti-predator behaviors, were observed both with a 1-h model presentation and across testing days. Behavioral responses to humans did not differ from those to other models. Thus, if these animals were to be released into the wild, they should undergo anti-predator training sessions to enhance their chances of survival.     

Evaluation of coffee reference genes for relative expression studies by quantitative real-time RT-PCR

Accuracy in quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) requires the use of stable endogenous controls. Normalization with multiple reference genes is the gold standard, but their identification is a laborious task, especially in species with limited sequence information. Coffee (Coffea ssp.) is an important agricultural commodity and, due to its economic relevance, is the subject of increasing research in genetics and biotechnology, in which gene expression analysis is one of the most important fields. Notwithstanding, relatively few works have focused on the analysis of gene expression in coffee. Moreover, most of these works have used less accurate techniques such as northern blot assays instead of more accurate techniques (e.g., qPCR) that have already been extensively used in other plant species. Aiming to boost the use of qPCR in studies of gene expression in coffee, we uncovered reference genes to be used in a number of different experimental conditions. Using two distinct algorithms implemented by geNorm and Norm Finder, we evaluated a total of eight candidate reference genes (psaB, PP2A, AP47, S24, GAPDH, rpl39, UBQ10, and UBI9) in four different experimental sets (control versus drought-stressed leaves, control versus drought-stressed roots, leaves of three different coffee cultivars, and four different coffee organs). The most suitable combination of reference genes was indicated in each experimental set for use as internal control for reliable qPCR data normalization. This study also provides useful guidelines for reference gene selection for researchers working with coffee plant samples under conditions other than those tested here. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Genomic Variants Revealed by Invariably Missing Genotypes in Nelore Cattle

High density genotyping panels have been used in a wide range of applications. From population genetics to genome-wide association studies, this technology still offers the lowest cost and the most consistent solution for generating SNP data. However, in spite of the application, part of the generated data is always discarded from final datasets based on quality control criteria used to remove unreliable markers. Some discarded data consists of markers that failed to generate genotypes, labeled as missing genotypes. A subset of missing genotypes that occur in the whole population under study may be caused by technical issues but can also be explained by the presence of genomic variations that are in the vicinity of the assayed SNP and that prevent genotyping probes from annealing. The latter case may contain relevant information because these missing genotypes might be used to identify population-specific genomic variants. In order to assess which case is more prevalent, we used Illumina HD Bovine chip genotypes from 1,709 Nelore (Bos indicus) samples. We found 3,200 missing genotypes among the whole population. NGS re-sequencing data from 8 sires were used to verify the presence of genomic variations within their flanking regions in 81.56% of these missing genotypes. Furthermore, we discovered 3,300 novel SNPs/Indels, 31% of which are located in genes that may affect traits of importance for the genetic improvement of cattle production.     

Effect of solvents on obligately anaerobic bacteria

Growth of Acetobacterium woodii and Clostridium sporogenes was studied in the presence of water-immiscible solvents. Nitrogen purging, vacuum distillation or distillation under nitrogen were all suitable as methods to remove oxygen from the solvents, since growth rates and yields of A. woodii were unaffected in the presence of tetradecane which had been degassed by these methods. Varying the solvent volume from 20% to 80% of the culture volume had little effect on growth rate of A. woodii. A.woodii was relatively sensitive to organic solvents since growth was inhibited by alkanes with logP(octanol/water) values below 7.1. C. sporogenes was less solvent sensitive, since it grew without inhibition when the logP of the solvent was > or = 6.6. Nevertheless, both A. woodii and C. sporogenes were more sensitive to solvent polarity than aerobic bacteria.     

Effects of nandrolone and resistance training on the blood pressure,cardiac electrophysiology,and expression of atrial β-adrenergic receptors

AimsThis study was performed to assess isolated and combined effects of nandrolone and resistance training on the blood pressure, cardiac electrophysiology, and expression of the β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors in the heart of rats.Main methodsWistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and submitted to a 6-week treatment with nandrolone and/or resistance training. Cardiac hypertrophy was accessed by the ratio of heart weight to the final body weight. Blood pressure was determined by a computerized tail-cuff system. Electrocardiography analyses were performed. Western blotting was used to access the protein levels of the β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors in the right atrium and left ventricle.Key findingsBoth resistance training and nandrolone induced cardiac hypertrophy. Nandrolone increased systolic blood pressure depending on the treatment time. Resistance training decreased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, as well as induced resting bradycardia. Nandrolone prolonged the QTc interval for both trained and non-trained groups when they were compared to their respective vehicle-treated one. Nandrolone increased the expression of β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors in the right atrium for both trained and non-trained groups when they were compared to their respective vehicle-treated one.SignificanceThis study indicated that nandrolone, associated or not with resistance training increases blood pressure depending on the treatment time, induces prolongation of the QTc interval, and increases the expression of β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors in the cardiac right atrium, but not in the left ventricle.     

Unveiling the social performance of selected agri-food chains in Costa Rica: the case of green coffee,raw milk and leafy vegetables

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment - Several frameworks coincide in the importance of addressing social impacts to ensure sustainability. However, the agri-food sector, regarded as...     

Use of polymethylmethacrylate as permanent filling agent in the jaw, mouth and face regions--implications for dental practice

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00479.x
Use of polymethylmethacrylate as permanent filling agent in the jaw, mouth and face regions – implications for dental practice Objectives: This article is a review of PMMA focusing on its properties, indications, contra‐indications and adverse effects. Background: The search to remain young is a constant attitude among Brazilians. The low cost of filling agents have stimulated its indiscriminate use, especially the bioplasty (non‐incisional method). Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the cosmetic filling agent of choice, because of its low cost, easy access and simple application technique. The impact on dentistry and orofacial medicine needs further awareness. Conclusion: The article aims to draw the attention of odontology and medical professionals to the product's applicability and its possible complications.     

Auxotrophic mutant of Staphylococcus aureus interferes with nasal colonization by the wild type

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is a risk factor for infection in humans, particularly in the hospital setting. Bacterial interference was used as an alternative strategy for the prevention of upper respiratory, urogenital and gastrointestinal tract infections. This study was designed to assess if the administration of a live-attenuated aroA mutant of S. aureus is useful as a potential approach to prevent transient staphylococcal nasal carriage by virulent strains. We constructed an aroA mutant of S. aureus Newman strain by homologous recombination. The auxotrophic NK41 mutant was attenuated as determined by the increase of the LD(50) after intraperitoneal challenge. In mice, previous nasal colonization with the NK41 mutant significantly reduced the number of CFU of S. aureus (HU-71 and Hde288) clinical isolates and the parental Newman strain. The NK41 mutant was unable to induce a pro-inflammatory response and to damage the invaded human respiratory epithelial cells. Moreover, the cells previously or simultaneously infected with the NK41 mutant were invaded by virulent strains in a significantly lower degree than those of the control group. In conclusion, the attenuated NK41 mutant interfered with the colonization and establishment of pathogenic strains of S. aureus, which produce severe infections.