RESUMO A brucelose é uma das doenças de caráter zoonótico mais difundidas no mundo, representando um grande problema econômico e de saúde pública. A Brucella melitensis, a B. suis e a B. abortus são consideradas as mais patogênicas espécies para humanos. A espécie apontada como a mais virulenta é a B. melitensis, endêmica em várias partes do mundo, particularmente o biovar 3 na região do Mediterrâneo e na Europa Oriental. Alguns países da América Latina são seriamente afetados pelo biovar 1, especialmente México, Peru e norte da Argentina. O Brasil é considerado livre desse agente etiológico, porém sempre há o questionamento se a infecção não ocorre ou se falta pesquisa. Diante dessa questão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra amostras lisas de Brucella em caprinos e ovinos dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba. Todas as amostras foram submetidas à triagem pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Como testes confirmatórios, utilizou-se a reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e também o teste de polarização fluorescente (TPF). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva nos testes confirmatórios (RFC e TPF). Esse resultado comprova que a infecção por B. melitensis é exótica no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widespread almost all over the world, representing a significant economic and public health problem. Brucella melitensis, B. suis and B. abortus are considered the most pathogenic species for humans. The most virulent species, B. melitensis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly the biovar 3 in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Some Latin American countries are seriously affected by biovar 1, especially Mexico, Peru and northern Argentina. Furthermore, while Brazil is considered free of this etiologic agent, one recurrent question is whether this infection really does not occur in Brazil or there is a lack of research/data on the subject. To answer this question, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in goats and sheep in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba, Ceará and Paraíba. All samples were screened by the Rose Bengal test (RBT). The complement fixation (CFT) and the fluorescence polarization (FPT) tests were used as confirmatory tests. There were no positive samples in the confirmatory tests (both CFT and FPT). We, therefore, conclude that this result reinforces the previous knowledge regarding the exotic status of B. melitensis infection in Brazil.

ABSTRACT The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field.

Abstract: In Mexico, the productive activities of indigenous communities revolve around the milpa. Food and Nutrition Sovereignty and Security (SSAN) in these communities are under threat due to factors that put food, biological and cultural diversity at risk. The objective was to analyze the milpa as a traditional agroecosystem in the Nahuatl community of Ocotal Texizapan, Veracruz and factors that affect the dimensions of the SSAN. Semi-structured and in-depth interview (n = 20 families) and participatory observation were conducted. Local knowledge regarding agrobiodiversity in the milpa was recorded. It was found that the milpa (associated maize, beans, squash and edible herbaceous) is established in two cycles (temporal and tapachole or "tapáchôlsinti"). 31 species of plants grown associated, intercropping or tolerated are collected within or around the milpa. A total of 19 species (61%) were edible. Food diversity is supported by plants collected in the milpa and also by hunting and collecting edible fungi, insects and herbs. The milpa, based on a deep traditional knowledge of the environment, climate and availability of natural resources is key in the availability of plant and animal for food throughout the year. It can be concluded that achieving the milpa represents food security and the flora and fauna associated with it, contribute to the nutritional security among Ocotal families and whose agricultural management is impregnated by a strong historical-cultural-religious content.

Resumen: En México, las actividades productivas de las comunidades indígenas campesinas giran alrededor de la milpa. La Soberanía y Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (SSAN) en dichas comunidades está bajo amenaza debido a factores que ponen en riesgo la diversidad alimentaria, biológica y cultural. El objetivo fue analizar la milpa como un agroecosistema tradicional en la comunidad náhuatl de Ocotal Texizapan, Veracruz y factores que inciden en las dimensiones de la SSAN. Se realizó entrevista semi-estructurada y a profundidad (n = 20 familias) y observación participativa. Se registraron los conocimientos locales respecto a la agrobiodiversidad presente en la milpa. Se encontró que la milpa (asocio maíz, frijol, calabaza y herbáceas comestibles) se establece en dos ciclos (temporal y tapachole o “tapáchôlsinti”). Se colectaron 31 especies de plantas cultivadas de manera asociada, intercalada o toleradas dentro o en el contorno de la milpa. Un total de 19 especies (61%) son comestibles. La diversidad alimentaria es apoyada por plantas recolectadas en la milpa y por la caza y recolecta de hongos, insectos y hierbas comestibles. La milpa, basada en un conocimiento tradicional profundo del ambiente, el clima y disponibilidad de los recursos es clave en la disponibilidad de alimentos vegetales y animales durante todo el año. Se concluye que lograr la milpa representa la seguridad alimentaria y la flora y fauna asociada a ésta, aportan a la seguridad nutricional de las familias de Ocotal y cuyo manejo agrícola está impregnado por un fuerte contenido histórico-cultural-religioso.

ABSTRACT A 6-month-old female, 1.0kg, uncastrated female Persian cat was brought to the Veterinary Hospital at State University of Ceara, with a history of dyspnea, prostration, hyporexia and progressive weight loss for a month. On physical examination, systolic cardiac murmur, cyanosis and dyspnea were detected. Unfortunately, the cat died during oxygen therapy. Necropsy examination revealed an increase in cardiac silhouette and ventricular septal defect of 2cm in diameter. Macroscopically the lungs were collapsed, with absent and diffusely reddish blackish crepitus, and the liver with blackish red coalescent multifocal areas, interspersed with lighter areas and lobular pattern with irregular brownish multifocal areas intercepted by brownish areas. Thus, the necropsy results together with the history and physical examination of the animal confirmed the diagnosis of Eisenmenger Syndrome, becoming the report of the first case, in a cat, in Brazil.

RESUMO: O pequizeiro, espécie frutífera nativa do cerrado, encontra-se em risco de extinção devido à destruição de vegetações nativas e pelo extrativismo de seus frutos. Por ser uma espécie de período juvenil longo, torna-se sensível à interferência imposta por plantas daninhas, principalmente gramíneas forrageiras. Nesta pesquisa, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da interferência causada por gramíneas forrageiras convivendo com plantas de pequi. Os tratamentos, arranjados em esquema fatorial, constituíram-se de três espécies de plantas daninhas (Melinis minutiflora, Paspalum notatum e Urochloa decumbens) convivendo em quatro densidades (1, 2, 3 e 4 plantas por vaso) com as mudas de pequizeiro. Como tratamento adicional, foi cultivada uma planta de pequi livre de convivência. As variáveis fisiológicas taxa fotossintética (A), condutância estomática (gs), taxa transpiratória (E), relação Ci/Ca, rendimento quântico efetivo do FS II, taxa de transporte de elétrons e quenching não fotoquímico e as variáveis de crescimento altura (AP), área foliar (AF) e massa seca (MS) foram afetadas pela convivência das plantas daninhas, após 75 dias de convivência. U. decumbens promoveu maior intensidade de interferência com plantas de pequi. O grau de interferência foi maior com o aumento da densidade das plantas daninhas, com comportamento linear decrescente para as variáveis A, gs, E, AP, AF, MS, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas do pequizeiro.

ABSTRACT: Pequi plants are native fruit species of the Cerrado and is at risk of extinction due to the destruction of native vegetation and the extraction of their fruits. Because this species has a long juvenile period, it becomes susceptible to the interference of weeds, mainly forage grass. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of forage grass species coexisting with small seedlings. The treatments, arranged in a factorial scheme, consisted of three weed species(Melinis minutiflora, Paspalum notatumandUrochloa decumbens)coexisting in four densities (1, 2, 3, and 4 plants per pot) with pequi plants. As an additional treatment a pequi plant was cultivated free of coexistence. The physiological variables photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) Ci/Ca relation, the effective quantum yield of PS II, transport rate of electrons and non-photochemical quenching, and growth variables: height (PH), Leaf area (LA) and dry matter (DM) were affected by weed coexistence.U. decumbenspromoted greater intensity interference with pequi plants. The degree of interference was greater with increasing density of weeds, with linear decreasing behavior for the variables A, gs, E, PH, LA, MD, stem diameter and number of leaves of pequi plants.

ABSTRACT Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A.C. Sm., Fabaceae, has been widely studied for its medicinal activities. Many neurodegenerative disorders are caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity induced by glutamate and ultimately cell death. This study describes the chemical profile of the ethanolic, hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from seeds of A. cearensis. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical profile of extracts obtained from seeds of A. cearensis, as well as their cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effects in cultures of neural PC12 cells. Metabolite profile was performed by GC–MS. PC12 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the extracts (0.01–2000 µg/ml) and the cell viability was analyzed after 24 and 72 h using an MTT test. For the excitotoxicity assay, PC12 cells were pre-treated with glutamate (1 mM) for 6 h and treated with increasing concentrations (0.1–1000 µg/ml) of the extracts. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts detected various compounds with antioxidant properties, with the majority of peaks corresponding to the isoflavone coumarin. Only the hexane extract showed toxicity after 72 h exposure at the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml). By contrast, all extracts increased the cellular viability of PC12 cells against the toxicity caused by glutamate. Therefore, the extracts from the seeds of A. cearensis showed no toxicity and have neuroprotective potential against neuronal damage induced by glutamate, which may be related to their antioxidant properties.

ABSTRACT Prosopis juliflora is a shrub that has been used to feed animals and humans. However, a synergistic action of piperidine alkaloids has been suggested to be responsible for neurotoxic damage observed in animals. We investigated the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD) and autophagy on the mechanism of cell death induced by a total extract (TAE) of alkaloids and fraction (F32) from P. juliflora leaves composed majoritary of juliprosopine in a model of neuron/glial cell co-culture. We saw that TAE (30 µg/mL) and F32 (7.5 µg/mL) induced reduction in ATP levels and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential at 12 h exposure. Moreover, TAE and F32 induced caspase-9 activation, nuclear condensation and neuronal death at 16 h exposure. After 4 h, they induced autophagy characterized by decreases of P62 protein level, increase of LC3II expression and increase in number of GFP-LC3 cells. Interestingly, we demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin and vinblastine increased the cell death induced by TAE and autophagy induced by serum deprivation and rapamycin reduced cell death induced by F32 at 24 h. These results indicate that the mechanism neural cell death induced by these alkaloids involves PCD via caspase-9 activation and autophagy, which seems to be an important protective mechanism.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar e correlacionar as características de desempenho e de carcaça em codornas de corte do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1176 codornas de um dia, machos e fêmeas, de sete genótipos de codornas de corte (EV1, EV2, UFV1, UFV2, UFV3, LF1 e LF2), distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com ensaio fatorial 7x2 (genótipo x sexo), em sete repetições com 12 codornas por unidade experimental. As codornas foram pesadas individualmente do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade, em intervalos semanais. Aos 35 dias de idade, dois machos e duas fêmeas de cada genótipo e repetição foram amostrados e abatidos para avaliação do peso de carcaça e dos cortes nobres. As análises estatísticas foram conduzidas utilizando-se o procedimento GLM e CORR com a opção MANOVA do SAS para avaliar as diferenças entre os genótipos e a correlação entre as variáveis. Não houve interação (P≥0,05) entre genótipo e sexo para as características de desempenho (peso e ganho de peso nas diferentes idades). Entretanto, houve efeito significativo da interação genótipo x sexo (P<0,05) para as características de pesos de carcaça, peito e coxa+sobrecoxa. Em geral, as codornas dos grupos genéticos UFV1, UFV2 e UFV3 foram as mais pesadas dos sete aos 35 dias de idade e apresentaram maiores rendimentos de carcaça. Como observado pelas correlações fenotípicas, a tendência é que codornas que apresentam maior peso corporal e ganho de peso irão apresentar maior peso de carcaça e dos seus principais cortes.

This study was carried out to compare and relate the performance and carcass traits of different quail genotypes from hatch to 35 days of age. A total of 1176 one-day-old quails of both sexes were allotted in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 7x2 factorial scheme (genotypes x sexes), in seven replicates with 12 quails per experimental unit. Quails of each genotype were weighed weekly from hatch to 35 days of age. At 35 days of age two males and two females of each genotype and replicate were sampled and slaughtered to evaluate carcass weight and main cut yield. Statistical analyses were performed by GLM and CORR procedure from the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2000, version 9.0), with the MANOVA option of the SAS device to assess the differences between the genotypes and the correlation between variables. There was no interaction (P≥0.05) between genotype and sex with the performance characteristics of weight and weight gain. However, there was a significant effect of genotype x sex (P<0.05) for the characteristics carcass,breast, thigh and drumstick weights. In general, quails of genetic groups UFV1, UFV2 and UFV3 were heavier from 7 to 35 days of age. We observed that for the correlation the tendency is that quail that showed higher body weight and weight gain will have greater housing and main cuts weight.

Several studies have emphasized the contribution of haptic input that results from the use of rigid and non-rigid tools to the postural control system. Experimental protocols such as the light touch and the anchor system are based on individuals' haptic exploration of the environment through direct tactile-kinesthetic contact, or indirectly through rigid or flexible tools that are attached to the body. In this article, we introduce the main findings of humans' haptic use of non-rigid tools during postural control tasks. We illustrate the effects of an anchor system paradigm on the maintenance of stability via haptic information. Haptic anchoring includes the handling of flexible cables that are attached to loads that are in contact with a surface. We include results of studies about haptic information gathered during the holding of a walking dog's leash. Studies that used the anchor system demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing body sway in several groups, including young adults, children, older individuals, and intellectually disabled individuals. We discuss several experimental designs and intervention protocols in order to illustrate how haptic anchoring could prompt functional plasticity.

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a seletividade do clomazone em duas formulações e do S-metolachlor aplicados em diferentes tamanhos de brotos depois da poda da mandioca Baianinha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (5 tratamentos x 2 tamanhos de brotos após a poda - 10 e 33 cm), com quatro repetições. Os herbicidas avaliados foram: clomazone (suspensão de encapsulado 900 g ha-1), clomazone (suspensão de encapsulado 1.080 g ha-1), clomazone (concentrado emulsionável 900 g ha-1), S-metolachlor (1.920 g ha-1), além da testemunha sem aplicação. Durante a condução do experimento, todas as parcelas foram mantidas livres da interferência das plantas daninhas por meio de capinas manuais. Concluiu-se que ambas as formulações do clomazone e o S-metolachlor apresentaram-se seletivas quando aplicadas em ambos os tamanhos de brotos avaliados; no entanto, a aplicação do S-metolachlor em brotos de 33 cm proporcionou maior seletividade às plantas de mandioca Baianinha.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity of clomazone in two formulations and S-metolachlor applied on shoots of different sizes after pruning of 'Baianinha' cassava. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design in a factorial 5 x 2 (5 treatments x 2 sizes of shoots after pruning - 10 and 33 cm) with four replications. The herbicides evaluated were: clomazone (encapsulated suspension - 900 g h-1), clomazone (encapsulated suspension - 1,080 g ha-1), clomazone (emulsifiable concentrate 900 g ha-1), S-metolachlor (1,920 g ha-1) and an untreated control. During the experiment, all plots were kept free of weed interference by hand weeding. It was concluded that both the formulations of clomazone and S-metolachlor were selective when applied on both the shoot sizes evaluated. However, the application of S-metolachlor on 33 cm shoots gave higher selectivity to 'Baianinha' cassava plants.

Foi objetivo deste trabalho efetuar: (i) uma análise descritiva das idades de todos os participantes nas provas de Natação Pura Desportiva nos Jogos Olímpicos de Pequim 2008 e; (ii) uma análise comparativa das idades com base no sexo. Foram analisadas 1101 inscrições (588 masculinas e 513 femininas) em todas as provas dos Jogos Olímpicos de Pequim 2008: 50 metros livres (L50), 100 metros livres (L100), 200 metros livres (L200), 400 metros livres (L400), 800 metros livres (L800, apenas sexo feminino) 1500 metros livres (L1500, apenas sexo masculino), 100 metros costas (C100), 200 metros costas (C200), 100 metros bruços (B100), 200 metros bruços (B200), 100 metros mariposa (M100), 200 metros mariposa (M200). Foram consultadas as listas finais de resultados disponibilizadas no site oficial dos Jogos Olímpicos de Pequim 2008 para identificação das identidades e idade cronológica dos nadadores. A idade cronológica (dia, mês, ano) foi convertida em idade decimal no dia de realização das eliminatórias de cada prova. Da análise quartílica, verifica-se uma tendência para a mediana da idade decimal, bem como a variância, diminuírem com o aumento da distância nadada em todos os estilos em ambos os sexos. Verificaram-se variações significativas de acordo com o sexo na idade decimal nas provas de L400 (p = .01), L1500/L800 (p = .02), C100 (p < .01), C200 (p < .01), B100 (p = .02), B200 (p = .04), M100 (p = .05) e M200 (p < .01). Em todos esses casos, a idade decimal foi significativamente superior nos nadadores do que nas nadadoras.

The aim of this paper was to: (i) describe the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimmer’s ages and; (ii) compare ages according to swimmer’s gender. It was analyzed 1101 inscriptions (588 men and 513 women) for all swimming events held at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: 50 meters freestyle (L50), 100 meters freestyle (L100), 200 meters freestyle (L200), 400 meters freestyle (L400), 800 meters freestyle (L800, only women) 1500 meters freestyle (L1500, only men), 100 meters backstroke (C100), 200 meters backstroke (C200), 100 meters breaststroke (B100), 200 meters breaststroke (B200), 100 meters butterfly (M100), 200 meters butterfly (M200). The final result lists was consulted at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games official internet site, collecting the swimmer’s name and chronological age for each event. Afterwards, chronological age was converted into decimal age at the day of the event heats. From the quartile analysis became clear that there was a tendency for the age median and variance to decrease from the shorter to the longest events for both genders. There were significant variations in the age, according to gender at the L400 (p = .01), L1500/L800 (p = .02), C100 (p < .01), C200 (p < .01), B100 (p = .02), B200 (p = .04), M100 (p = .05) and M200 (p < .01). For all these events, decimal age was higher for men than for women.

Avaliou-se o perfil metabólico de 40 ovinos Santa Inês, inteiros, com peso vivo médio inicial de 17±1,7kg,, submetidos à restrição alimentar seguida de realimentação em confinamento, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: 0, 20, 40 e 60% de restrição alimentar. Dois ensaios foram desenvolvidos, um referente à restrição e outro à realimentação. Para tanto, foi utilizado delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e 10 repetições, e distribuído em fatorial cruzado 4x3. Observou-se na fase de restrição que os níveis de fósforo foram mais altos nos animais sob restrição alimentar; o mesmo ocorrendo na fase final para as concentrações de proteínas totais (PT), albumina (Alb) e colesterol total. A gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) decresceu de forma linear com o aumento da restrição. No segundo ensaio, verificou-se que as concentrações de PT, Alb, globulina, colesterol total, lipoproteína de alta densidade, GGT e magnésio (Mg) apresentaram diferença (P<0,05) entre os períodos de coleta. Já na restrição prévia, observou-se comportamento linear decrescente para GGT e interação tratamento versus período de coleta para a concentração de cálcio. Os níveis de restrição alimentar afetaram o metabolismo proteico e não interferiram no metabolismo energético, e a realimentação resultou em alteração no metabolismo proteico, energético e mineral.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile of 40 Santa Inês sheep, whole, with average weight of 17±1,7kg, submitted to food restriction followed by refeeding in confinement, distributed in four treatments: 0, 20, 40 and 60% restriction food. Two tests were developed, one for restriction and one for refeeding. In this experiment a completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and 10 repetitions, distributed in a factorial 4x3 crossover. In the constraint phase it was observed that phosphorus levels were higher in animals under food restriction, this also occurred in the final stage for of total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and total cholesterol concentrations. The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) decreased linearly with increasing restriction. On the second trial it was found that concentrations of PT, Alb, globulin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, GGT and Mg were similar (P<0,05) between collection periods. In the previous restriction, a decreasing linear behavior and interaction treatment for GGT versus collection period for the concentration of calcium was observed. The levels of food restriction affect protein metabolism and did not interfere with energy metabolism, and feedback resulted in changes in protein, energy and mineral metabolism.

Compararam-se os efeitos analgésico, sedativo e neuroendócrino decorrentes da administração epidural e intramuscular da metadona em gatas submetidas à ovariossalpingoisterectomia (OSH). Todos os animais foram tranquilizados com acepromazina, 0,1mg kg-1 IM, seguindo-se a indução e manutenção anestésica com tiopental sódico, 12mg kg-1 IV, e halotano, respectivamente. Após a estabilização anestésica, os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos, com oito animais cada, tratados com metadona pela via epidural (EP) ou intramuscular (IM) 0,2mg kg-1, respectivamente, ou com solução salina (S) 0,2mL kg-1. Foram avaliados: graus de analgesia e de sedação, necessidade de analgesia de resgate, efeitos adversos e concentração sérica de cortisol. Os graus de analgesia e de sedação e o cortisol não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Analgesia de resgate foi administrada quatro, nove e 11 vezes nos tratamentos EP, IM e S, respectivamente. Nos tratamentos IM e S, a suplementação analgésica foi necessária a partir da primeira hora pós-cirúrgica, enquanto no tratamento EP, somente a partir da terceira hora após a OSH. Conclui-se que a administração de metadona pela via epidural resulta em menor quantidade do analgésico pós-operatório, e que a analgesia é mais prolongada quando comparada à obtida pela via intramuscular, em gatas submetidas à OSH.

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic, sedative and neuroendocrine effects of epidural (EP) and intramuscular (IM) methadone in cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy. The pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.1mg kg-1, IM) followed by induction of anesthesia with intravenous thiopental, 12mg kg-1, and anesthesia maintenance with halothane. After anesthesia stabilization the cats were randomly assigned to three groups of eight animals each and received EP or IM methadone, 0.2mg kg-1 diluted with saline to 0.2mL kg-1, EP and IM, respectively, or a saline placebo (S), 0.2mL kg-1. Pain measurements, degree of sedation, rescue analgesia requirements, adverse effects and serum cortisol concentration were recorded. Cortisol, pain and sedation scores did not differ among the groups. Rescue analgesia was administered 4, 9 and 11 times in the EP, IM and S treatment, respectively. In the IM and S rescue analgesia treatments were required early (first hour postoperative), whereas in the EP treatment, additional analgesics were required after the third hour postoperative. In conclusion, methadone epidural reduced the postoperative analgesic requirements and produced longer analgesia when compared to intramuscular administration in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

A mixture of bovine DNA from a male and a female Jersey (Bos taurus taurus) bred in different proportions was used to determine the sensitivity of PCR to amplify and discriminate the bovine DNA samples. Samples were obtained from the peripheral blood of a bull and a heifer and DNA was isolated using a commercial kit for extraction and purification of nucleic acids. Two primers sets were designed to flank genomic regions: one autosomal and one Y-specific. DNA samples were diluted in water to a final concentration of 4x10-14 ng. The results showed positive amplification of the samples diluted to a concentration of 4x10-10ng and 4x10-4ng for the autosomal and Y-specific regions, respectively. PCR was able to discriminate the male DNA in a mixture of 99:1 (DNA ♀: DNA ♂) heifer to bull ratio. Therefore, the PCR was successful in amplifying the bovine genome in samples containing low concentrations of DNA. Thus, PCR can be used as a sensitive and efficient tool to determine the sex of the fetus in pregnant cows, helping to promote correct and efficient animal management, sex selection, and breeding in commercial herds.

After myocardial infarction (MI), activation of the immune system and inflammatory mechanisms, among others, can lead to ventricular remodeling and heart failure (HF). The interaction between these systemic alterations and corresponding changes in the heart has not been extensively examined in the setting of chronic ischemia. The main purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in cardiac gene and systemic cytokine profile in mice with post-ischemic HF. Plasma was tested for IgM and IgG anti-heart reactive repertoire and inflammatory cytokines. Heart samples were assayed for gene expression by analyzing hybridization to AECOM 32k mouse microarrays. Ischemic HF significantly increased the levels of total serum IgM (by 5.2-fold) and total IgG (by 3.6-fold) associated with a relatively high content of anti-heart specificity. A comparable increase was observed in the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β (3.8X) and TNF-α (6.0X). IFN-γ was also increased by 3.1-fold in the MI group. However, IL-4 and IL-10 were not significantly different between the MI and sham-operated groups. Chemokines such as MCP-1 and IL-8 were 1.4- and 13-fold increased, respectively, in the plasma of infarcted mice. We identified 2079 well annotated unigenes that were significantly regulated by post-ischemic HF. Complement activation and immune response were among the most up-regulated processes. Interestingly, 21 of the 101 quantified unigenes involved in the inflammatory response were significantly up-regulated and none were down-regulated. These data indicate that post-ischemic heart remodeling is accompanied by immune-mediated mechanisms that act both systemically and locally.