Functional polymorphisms in genes of the Angiotensin and Serotonin systems and risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: AT1R as a potential modifier

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Angiotensin and serotonin have been identified as inducers of cardiac hypertrophy. DNA polymorphisms at the genes encoding components of the angiotensin and serotonin systems have been associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We genotyped five polymorphisms of the <it>AGT</it>, <it>ACE</it>, <it>AT1R</it>, <it>5-HT2A</it>, and <it>5-HTT </it>genes in 245 patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM; 205 without an identified sarcomeric gene mutation), in 145 patients with LVH secondary to hypertension, and 300 healthy controls.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found a significantly higher frequency of <it>AT1R </it>1166 C carriers (CC+AC) among the HCM patients without sarcomeric mutations compared to controls (p = 0.015; OR = 1.56; 95%CI = 1.09-2.23). The <it>AT1R </it>1166 C was also more frequent among patients who had at least one affected relative, compared to sporadic cases. This allele was also associated with higher left ventricular wall thickness in both, HCM patients with and without sarcomeric mutations.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The 1166 C <it>AT1R </it>allele could be a risk factor for cardiac hypertrophy in patients without sarcomeric mutations. Other variants at the <it>AGT</it>, <it>ACE</it>, <it>5-HT2A </it>and <it>5-HTT </it>did not contribute to the risk of cardiac hypertrophy.</p

Mutational spectrum of the SPG4 (SPAST) and SPG3A (ATL1) genes in Spanish patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSP) are characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower limbs. At least 45 loci have been identified in families with autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), or X-linked hereditary patterns. Mutations in the <it>SPAST </it>(<it>SPG4</it>) and <it>ATL1 </it>(<it>SPG3A</it>) genes would account for about 50% of the ADHSP cases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We defined the <it>SPAST </it>and <it>ATL1 </it>mutational spectrum in a total of 370 unrelated HSP index cases from Spain (83% with a pure phenotype).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found 50 <it>SPAST </it>mutations (including two large deletions) in 54 patients and 7 <it>ATL1 </it>mutations in 11 patients. A total of 33 of the <it>SPAST </it>and 3 of the <it>ATL1 </it>were new mutations. A total of 141 (31%) were familial cases, and we found a higher frequency of mutation carriers among these compared to apparently sporadic cases (38% vs. 5%). Five of the <it>SPAST </it>mutations were predicted to affect the pre-mRNA splicing, and in 4 of them we demonstrated this effect at the cDNA level. In addition to large deletions, splicing, frameshifting, and missense mutations, we also found a nucleotide change in the stop codon that would result in a larger ORF.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In a large cohort of Spanish patients with spastic paraplegia, <it>SPAST </it>and <it>ATL1 </it>mutations were found in 15% of the cases. These mutations were more frequent in familial cases (compared to sporadic), and were associated with heterogeneous clinical manifestations.</p

Efecto de la fertilización nitrogenada en la dinámica del óxido nitroso y metano en Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickerdt.

Livestock activities cause a significant impact on the environment due to the release of N into the soil, which in turn results in nitrification and the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). At Corpoica’s Turipaná Research Center (Cereté, Colombia), we evaluated three different genotypes of B. humidicola (CIAT 16888, CIAT 26159, and CIAT 679) with three levels of nitrogen fertilization application (0, 150, and 300 kg ha-1) in order to determine the flow dynamics of GHG and their relationship to growth and forage production. The results indicated that the best genotype, in terms of production, was CIAT 16888, with an dry matter production of 2,075.32 kg ha-1, a height of 46.87 cm, and leaf/stem ratio of 2.51, with no significant differences with genotype CIAT 679, but with genotype CIAT 26159 (P ≤ 0.05). The flow of GHG (methane and nitrous oxide) increased as the N levels increased, indicating a significant correlation between the grass’s growth and total flows.  Las actividades ganaderas causan un impacto significativo en los cambios ambientales, debido a las altas pérdidas de N que promueven procesos de nitrificación y aumento en emisiones de gases efecto invernadero (GEI). En el Centro de Investigación Turipaná de Corpoica (Cereté, Colombia), se evaluaron tres accesiones de B. humidicola (CIAT 16888, CIAT 26159 y CIAT 679) con tres niveles de aplicación de nitrógeno (0, 150 y 300 kg ha-1) con el fin de determinar la dinámica del flujo de gases de efecto invernadero y su relación con el crecimiento y la producción de forraje. Los resultados indicaron que el mejor genotipo, en términos de producción, fue CIAT 16888, con una producción de materia seca 2.075,32 kg ha-1, altura de 46,87 cm y relación hoja/tallo de 2,51, sin diferencias significativas con el genotipo CIAT 679 pero sí con el genotipo CIAT 26159 (P ≤ 0,05). El flujo de gases de efecto invernadero (metano y óxido nitroso) se incrementó con los niveles de N, lo que indica una correlación significativa entre el crecimiento del pasto y los flujos totales. 

Comportamiento ingestivo diurno de bovinos de ceba en praderas del pasto Guinea (Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of stocking rate on the diurnal feeding behavior and productive performance of fattening steers. The research was carried out over 107 days, from July until October 2010, at the Turipaná research center of Corpoica (Cereté, Colombia). Beef cattle commercial zebu with an average weight of 314 ± 29 kg grazed in a pasture of Guinea cv. Mombasa (Panicum maximum) grass. We used two experimental designs. The first employed a randomized complete block design with subsampling, with three treatments (5, 6, y 7 animals/ha) and two replicates for the production analysis of forage quality and daily live weight gain. The second was a randomized complete block design with three treatments and three repeats, corresponding to nine experimental units, designed for the analysis of diurnal feeding behavior variables. Differences were found between the dry matter yield and daily live weight gain (P ≤ 0.05) with the load of 5 animals/ha (5,070 kg ms/ha and 0,730 kg/day-1, respectively). As for the diurnal grazing variables, total rumination, and standing ruminating, the study also resulted in disparities (P ≤ 0.05) between the different units. The stocking rate of 7 animals/ha had the highest grazing time (7.53 hours), compared to the treatments of 5 and 6 animals/ha, which showed 6.81 and 6.37 hours, respectively. The biting rate did not vary (P ≤ 0.05) between loads. Ingestive behavior variables assessed, as well as the daily live weight gain and yield were influenced by stocking rate.  El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la carga animal sobre la conducta de alimentación diurna y el rendimiento productivo de los novillos de engorde. La investigación se llevó a cabo durante 107 días, a partir de julio hasta octubre de 2010, en el Centro de Investigación Turipaná de Corpoica (Cereté, Colombia). Ganado Bovinos de ceba Cebú comercial con un peso promedio de 314 ± 29 kg que pastorearon en una pradera de Guinea cv. Mombasa (Panicum maximum). Se utilizaron dos diseños experimentales. El primero empleó un diseño de bloques completos al azar (DBCA) con submuestreo, con tres tratamientos (5, 6 y 7 animales/ha) y dos repeticiones para el análisis de la producción de la calidad del forraje y la ganancia diaria de peso vivo. El segundo fue un DBCA con tres tratamientos y tres repeticiones, correspondientes a nueve unidades experimentales, diseñados para el análisis de las variables de comportamiento ingestivo diurno. Se encontraron diferencias entre el rendimiento de materia seca y la ganancia diaria de peso vivo (P ≤ 0,05), con la carga de 5 animales/ha (5.070 ms/ha y 0,730 kg días-1, respectivamente). En cuanto a las variables de pastoreo diurno, la rumia total y la rumia parada se encontraron diferencias (P ≤ 0,05) entre las diferentes unidades. La tasa media de 7 animales/ha tuvo el mayor tiempo de pastoreo (7,53 horas), em comparación con los tratamientos de 5 y 7 animales/ha, que mostró 6,81 y 6,37 horas, respectivamente. La tasa de bocados no varió (P ≤ 0,05) entre las cargas. Las variables de comportamiento ingestivo evaluadas, al igual que la ganancia diaria de peso vivo y rendimiento de forraje, fueron influenciadas por la carga animal. 

Efectos de las condiciones ambientales sobre el comportamiento ingestivo en bovinos de carne en un sistema intensivo en el Valle del Sinú

Increases in temperature and relative humidity together with the solar radiation effect are detrimental to animal welfare, affecting their behavior when it comes to feeding and digestive behavior, which affects their productivity. Therefore, the goal of this research was to analyze the link between atmospheric variables, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to the time of grazing and rumination of commercial Zebu cattle. The research took place from July to October 2010, at the Turipaná Center, Corpoica (Cereté, Colombia). Male intact bovines (27), with an average weight of 314 ± 29 kg, grazed in an area of 18 hectares, established with Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa, Cynodonnlem fluensis and Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II, without shade availability. Eight evaluations were conducted for 8 days in the experimental period for atmospheric variables and ingestion. Notes were taken in 12 hour time frames (6:00 AM a 6:00 PM). The outcome showed that as the air temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation increased, the grazing time decreased and rumination time lasted longer. However, when wind speed increased, grazing time increased as well and rumination took less time. The results showed that the air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed had a direct influence on the ingestive behavior of beef cattle managed in intensive systems (shadeless) in Valle del Sinú.  Incrementos en la temperatura ambiental y la humedad relativa, unidas al efecto de la radiación solar, ocasionan pérdidas en el bienestar animal, afectando la conducta ingestiva y la productividad animal. Por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las relaciones entre las variables atmosféricas, como temperatura del aire, humedad relativa, velocidad del viento y radiación solar, con los tiempos de pastoreo y de rumia de bovinos cebú comercial. La investigación se llevó a cabo durante 96 días, entre julio-octubre de 2010, en el C.I. Turipaná de Corpoica (Cereté, Colombia). Bovinos machos enteros (27), con peso promedio 314 ± 29 kg, pastorearon en un área de 18 hectáreas, establecidas en Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa, Cynodonnlem fluensis y Brachiaria híbrido cv. Mulato II, sin disponibilidad de sombra. Se realizaron ocho evaluaciones durante 8 días dentro del periodo experimental de las variables atmosféricas e ingestivas y las anotaciones se hicieron en un lapso de 12 horas continuas (6:00 AM a 6:00 PM). Los resultados resaltan que al aumentar la temperatura del aire, humedad relativa y la radiación solar, disminuyó el tiempo de pastoreo y aumentó el tiempo de rumia, mientras que al aumentar la velocidad del viento se incrementó el tiempo de pastoreo y disminuyó el tiempo de rumia. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que la temperatura del aire, humedad relativa, radiación solar y velocidad del viento, presentaron una influencia directa sobre el comportamiento ingestivo de los bovinos de carne manejados en sistemas intensivos (sin sombra) en el Valle del Sinú. 

Comportamiento ingestivo diurno de bovinos de ceba en Brachiaria híbrido Mulato II

For cattle production under grazing conditions, the system characteristic is the multiplicity of elements that interact to make meaningful changes in the eating habits of cattle. This study evaluated diurnal behavior and their productive performance. Grazing cattle were fed with hybrid Brachiaria cv. Mulato II. This study was conducted in a 107 days period between July and October 2010 at Corpoica Turipaná Research Center, (Cereté, Colombia). 72 cebú cattle, with an average initial weight of 314 ± 29 kg were used on a 12 hectares field planted with hybrid Brachiaria cv. Mulato II. Two experimental trials were implemented: the first one, using a randomized block design with two replicates using three treatment of 5, 6 and 7 animals/ha. Weight gaining and quality of the fodder were evaluated. The second trial using a randomized block design with three treatments for nine experimental units, monitored daily feeding habits. The quality of the fodder didn’t show any significant difference (P > 0.05), but the time the cattle spent grazing and ruminating while laying down and moving regularly, showed differences (P 0.001). The variables of feeding behavior evaluated, and the weight gaining process were highly influenced by the animal performance.La producción de bovinos en pastoreo se caracteriza por la múltiple interacción de variables, las cuales pueden afectar la conducta ingestiva de los bovinos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento ingestivo diurno y el rendimiento productivo de novillos de engorde en pradera del Brachiaria híbrido cv. Mulato II. La investigación duró 107 días, entre julio y octubre de 2010, en el Centro de Investigación Turipaná de Corpoica en Cereté, Colombia. Se utilizaron 72 bovinos de ceba, de raza cebú comercial con peso promedio de 314 ± 29 kg, los cuales pastorearon en un área de 12 hectáreas establecidas con Brachiaria híbrido cv. Mulato II. Se realizaron dos diseños experimentales: el primero, diseño de bloques completos al azar con submuestreo, conformado por tres tratamientos, 5, 6 y 7 animales/ha y dos repeticiones, para analizar la producción, calidad del forraje y ganancia diaria de peso; el segundo, un diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres tratamientos y tres repeticiones, correspondientes a nueve unidades experimentales, para el análisis de las variables de comportamiento ingestivo. La disponibilidad de forraje no presentó diferencia significativa (P > 0,05); en cambio, en las actividades de pastoreo, rumia total, rumia echado y rumia parado, el análisis detectó diferencias significativas (P < 0,05); para la ganancia diaria de peso, el análisis mostró diferencia altamente significativa (P < 0,01) en los diferentes tratamientos. Las variables de comportamiento ingestivo evaluadas y la ganancia diaria de peso vivo fueron influenciadas por la carga animal

Variability in grazer-mediated defensive responses of green and red macroalgae on the south coast of South Africa

Variabilities in the responses of several South African red and green macroalgae to direct grazing and the responses of one green alga to cues from grazers were tested. We used two feeding experiments: (1) testing the induced responses of three red and one green algae to direct grazing by mesograzers and (2) a multi-treatment experiment, in which the direct and indirect effects of one macrograzer species on the green alga Codium platylobium were assessed. Consumption rates were assessed in feeding assays with intact algal pieces and with agar pellets containing non-polar extracts of the test algae. Defensive responses were induced for intact pieces of Galaxaura diessingiana, but were not induced in pellets, suggesting either morphological defence or chemical defence using polar compounds other than polyphenols. In contrast, exposure to grazing stimulated consumption of Gracilaria capensis and Hypnea spicifera by another grazing species. In the multi-treatment experiment, waterborne cues from both grazing and non-grazing snails induced defensive algal traits in C. platylobium. We suggest that inducible defences among macroalgae are not restricted to brown algae, but that both the responses of algae to grazers and of grazers to the defences of macroalgae are intrinsically variable and complex