Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) detection in six genes in the Portuguese indigenous sheep breed "Churra da Terra Quente"

Evaluation of the genetic diversity for six genes in forty animals of the Portuguese indigenous sheep breed (Ovis aries) “Churra da Terra Quente” was done. A non-radioactive method to allow single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) detection was optimised, starting from genomic DNAand PCR amplification of seven fragments: exon 1 of the a-lactalbumin gene; exons 10 and 11 of the as1-casein gene; exon 7 of the b-casein gene; exon 4 of the k-casein gene; exons 4 and 5 of the growth hormone gene and exon 6 of the growth hormone receptor gene. Polymorphisms were detected in five of the PCR products. Only k-casein and growth hormone receptor were monomorphic. a-lactalbumin and as1-casein exons showed three conformational patterns, b-casein and growth hormone exon 4 showed two electrophoretic patterns and growth hormone exon 5 showed five conformational patterns. These data provide evidence that “Churra da Terra Quente” has a high genetic variability, which opens interesting prospects for future selection programs and also for preservation strategies. Also, our data show that PCR-SSCP is an appropriate tool for evaluating genetic variability

The influence of ACE ID and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training

Background We studied the influence of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (single or combined) on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training. Methods One hundred and thirty-nine healthy older Caucasian women participated in this study (age: 65.5 ± 8.2 years, body mass: 67.0 ± 10.0 kg and height: 1.57 ± 0.06 m). Walking speed (S10) performance and functional capacity assessed by the “get-up and go” (GUG) mobility test were measured at baseline (T1) and after a consecutive 12-week period of high-speed power training (40-75% of one repetition maximum in arm and leg extensor exercises; 3 sets 4–12 reps, and two power exercises for upper and lower extremity). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and genotyping analyses were performed by PCR methods. Genotype distributions between groups were compared by Chi-Square test and the gains in physical performance were analyzed by two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. Results There were no significant differences between genotype groups in men or women for adjusted baseline phenotypes (P > 0.05). ACE I/D and ACTN3 polymorphisms showed a significant interaction genotype-training only in S10 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.044, respectively) and not in the GUG test (P = 0.311 and P = 0.477, respectively). Analyses of the combined effects between genotypes showed no other significant differences in all phenotypes (P < 0.05) at baseline. However, in response to high-speed power training, a significant interaction on walking speed (P = 0.048) was observed between the “power” (ACTN3 RR + RX & ACE DD) versus “non-power” muscularity-oriented genotypes (ACTN3 XX & ACE II + ID)]. Conclusions Thus, ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms are likely candidates in the modulation of exercise-related gait speed phenotype in older women but not a significant influence in mobility traits

TWIST1 Gene: First Insights in Felis catus

TWIST1 is thought to be a novel oncogene. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the TWIST1 gene expression profiles in tumor cells may give new insights regarding prognostic factors and novel therapeutic targets in veterinary oncology. In the present study we partially isolated the TWIST1 gene in Felis catus and performed comparative studies. Several primer combinations were used based on the alignments of homologous DNA sequences. After PCR amplification, three bands were obtained, purified and sequenced. Several bioinformatic tools were utilized to carry out the comparative studies. Higher similarity was found between the isolated TWIST1 gene in Felis catus and Homo sapiens (86%) than between Homo sapiens and Rattus norvegicus or Mus musculus (75%). Partial amino acid sequence showed no change in the four species analyzed. This confirmed that coding sequences presented high similarity (~96%) between man and cat. These results give the first insights regarding the TWIST1 gene in cat but further studies are required in order to establish, or not, its role in tumor formation and progression in veterinary oncology

The influence of ACE ID and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training

Background: We studied the influence of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (single or combined) on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training. Methods: One hundred and thirty-nine healthy older Caucasian women participated in this study (age: 65.5 ± 8.2 years, body mass: 67.0 ± 10.0 kg and height: 1.57 ± 0.06 m). Walking speed (S10) performance and functional capacity assessed by the “get-up and go” (GUG) mobility test were measured at baseline (T1) and after a consecutive 12-week period of high-speed power training (40-75% of one repetition maximum in arm and leg extensor exercises; 3 sets 4–12 reps, and two power exercises for upper and lower extremity). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and genotyping analyses were performed by PCR methods. Genotype distributions between groups were compared by Chi-Square test and the gains in physical performance were analyzed by two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences between genotype groups in men or women for adjusted baseline phenotypes (P > 0.05). ACE I/D and ACTN3 polymorphisms showed a significant interaction genotype-training only in S10 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.044, respectively) and not in the GUG test (P = 0.311 and P = 0.477, respectively). Analyses of the combined effects between genotypes showed no other significant differences in all phenotypes (P < 0.05) at baseline. However, in response to high-speed power training, a significant interaction on walking speed (P = 0.048) was observed between the “power” (ACTN3 RR + RX & ACE DD) versus “non-power” muscularity-oriented genotypes (ACTN3 XX & ACE II + ID)]. Conclusions: Thus, ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms are likely candidates in the modulation of exercise-related gait speed phenotype in older women but not a significant influence in mobility traits.The study was developed with the aid of a research fellowship, reference number SFRH/BD/47114/2008, funded by POPH – QREN, shared by the European Social Fund and the national funds of MCTES. This work was supported in part by the Spanish Department of Health and Institute Carlos III of the Government of Spain [Spanish Net on Aging and frailty; (RETICEF)] and Economy and Competitivity Department of the Government of Spain, under grants numbered RD12/043/0002, and DEP2011-24105, respectively

Lixo contaminado que produzo em casa, onde descartar?

Foi elaborado um material educativo, com abordagem do tema de orientação e cuidados necessários a respeito do descarte correto de resíduos gerados em domicílio, voltado aos pacientes/usuários portadores de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e que utilizam nutrição parenteral total. Este material é composto por folder informativo e orientativo, sendo colorido, escrita de fácil compreensão e imagens. Os conteúdos contemplados foram: orientações sobre o que são as fitas de HGT, seringas e agulhas, material utilizado para nutrição parenteral e materiais de curativo e dicas de recipiente, modo de utilização e descarte correto dos insumos utilizados. A utilização desse recurso informativo virtual poderá ocorrer de forma presencial ou por meio da autoaplicação/aprendizagem. Além disso, também poderá ser socializado via grupos de educação em saúde cotidianos e nas unidades de saúde. Isto posto, oferece à equipe responsável pela condução do trabalho alternativas interventivas conforme as orientações de biossegurança e Estratégias para o cuidado da pessoa com doença crônica vigentes e relacionadas à educação em saúde.Estes arquivos não podem ser editados, pois é um formato fechado. Este formato permite que sejam feitas edições — como marcação de texto e comentários, além de preenchimento de formulários — caso o autor permita. Este arquivo pode ser visualizado em leitores de PDF como o Adobe Acrobat Reader ou em navegadores da web.Materiais de cursos e disciplinasSugere-se distribuir aos pacientes portadores de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e que fazem uso de nutrição parenteral em domicilio no qual fazem parte e utilizam os serviços de saúde. Pode ser entregue na forma impressa, pois o material foi elaborado da melhor maneira lúdica e didática e uma leitura rápida.1. versã

CLUBE DE CIÊNCIAS: DISCUTINDO GÊNERO, IDENTIDADE E A VALORIZAÇÃO-INSERÇÃO DE MENINAS NO CAMPO CIENTÍFICO

O presente artigo visa apresentar os resultados parciais de uma aplicação realizada no grupo/projeto L.I.R.A. sobre a percepção de um grupo de meninas a respeito do papel delas na sociedade e nas ciências, bem como refletir sobre como essa percepção, tanto de si quanto do outro, afeta a construção de suas identidades. A análise dos dados foi feita através de uma metodologia qualitativa com a aplicação de um grupo focal que teve como foco o discurso das participantes sobre o tema pesquisado. Os resultados parciais demonstraram que embora as meninas apresentem interesse por ciências e por algumas de suas áreas específicas: matemática, engenharia entre outras, sofrem preconceito de gênero por parte de amigos e familiares por esses não acreditarem em sua capacidade. Logo, a discussão sobre essa tema se mostrou de grande relevância não só para os objetivos da pesquisa, mas também para incentivar as meninas a pensarem sobre essa temática e se inserirem na área científica

The therapeutic play in nursing graduation: from theory to practice / O brinquedo terapêutico na graduação de enfermagem: da teoria à prática

Objetivo: identificar o uso do brinquedo terapêutico pelos acadêmicos de enfermagem no cuidado à criança hospitalizada e discutir as implicações de seu uso na trajetória do acadêmico de enfermagem. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em uma Escola de Enfermagem Federal no Rio de Janeiro com 17 acadêmicos. A coleta de dados foi realizada em outubro e novembro de 2016 por meio de entrevista semiestrutura e tratados com a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: o brinquedo terapêutico é apresentado ao aluno no conteúdo teórico, porém sem a oportunidade de aplicá-lo na prática. Sua aplicação prática o deixaria mais seguro para prestar assistência à criança, somado a qualidade do cuidado prestado e os benefícios para ela. Conclusão: o ensino do brinquedo terapêutico deve acontecer em campo prático, e não somente no teórico, contribuindo assim, para melhor formação do enfermeiro e melhoria da qualidade da assistência pediátrica.