Carcass quality and FABP3 and FAPB4 contents in pigs used for dry-cured ham production

O presunto maturado seco possui alto valor agregado para a indústria processadora de carne suína. Aliada ao longo tempo de maturação, a produção deste tipo de presunto demanda o abate de suínos pesados e com quantidades adequadas de gordura extra e intramuscular no pernil. O presente trabalho foi composto de dois estudos. Os objetivos do primeiro foram comparar e correlacionar as características de carcaça e pernil em uma população com distintos pesos de abate (130 e 160 kg). Objetivou-se também identificar quais grupos, dentro de cada peso de abate e sexo, melhor atenderiam às características de qualidade para o processamento de presuntos maturados. Foram utilizados 1.121 suínos, divididos em cinco grupos genéticos, formados por meio de cruzamentos entre Duroc, Large White e Landrace, e dois sexos (machos castrados e fêmeas). As características avaliadas nas carcaças e nos respectivos pernis foram: peso da carcaça quente (PCQ), espessura de toucinho (ET), profundidade do lombo (PM), peso bruto do pernil (PB), peso refilado do pernil (PR), espessura da gordura interna do pernil (EIN), espessura da gordura externa do pernil (EEX), pH (PH), cor (COR) e % gordura intramuscular (GIM). Os efeitos de grupo genético, peso de abate e sexo nas características da carcaça e do pernil foram determinados por meio do Modelo Linear Geral (GLM). As médias de cada característica foram comparadas entre si, dentro de cada peso de abate, por meio do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK). Aos 130 kg, os grupos genéticos formados por cruzamentos entre Duroc e Large White apresentaram ET intermediária, quando comparados aos grupos formados por animais puros Duroc (DUDU) e Large White (WIWI). Este último, assim como as fêmeas, produziu carcaças com menor quantidade de gordura. A EIN foi igual entre todos os grupos e a EEX foi maior no DUDU. O pH não foi diferente entre os grupos, e somente o DUDU apresentou GIM significativamente diferente dos demais. Houve efeito significativo de sexo para PB, PR, EEX e EIN. Aos 160 kg, as carcaças dos machos apresentaram maior ET, EIN e EEX e menor PM, PR e COR que as das fêmeas. Não houve diferença para essas características entre os grupos genéticos. Estes resultados permitem concluir que a inclusão da raça Duroc, concomitante ao uso de machos castrados, atende às características de qualidade do pernil destinado à maturação, principalmente no peso de 160 kg. O segundo estudo objetivou medir a expressão dos genes FABP3 e FABP4 na musculatura do pernil por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Quantitativa (qPCR) apenas dentro do peso 130 kg. Objetivou-se também comparar a expressão destes genes entre os grupos genéticos e os sexos, assim como associar a expressão gênica do FABP3 e FABP4 às características da carcaça e pernil. Foram utilizadas 54 amostras do músculo Semimembranosus para a extração do RNA total. A expressão dos genes FABP3 e FABP4 foi determinada por meio de PCR em tempo real, com a tecnologia Taqman , empregando o método de quantificação relativa (comparativo) nas avaliações. Os níveis médios de expressão foram comparados entre os grupos genéticos e os sexos, por meio do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls. A quantidade relativa de mRNA dos genes FABP3 e FABP4 apresentaram alta variabilidade. Não houve efeito significativo de grupo genético e sexo nos níveis de expressão do FABP4. Houve interação entre grupo genético e sexo na quantidade relativa de mRNA do gene FABP3. Foi encontrada correlação significativa entre os níveis de expressão dos genes FABP3 e FABP4, mas as correlações obtidas entre a quantidade relativa destes genes e a ET, PB, PR, EIN, EEX e GIM foram baixas e nãosignificativas. Estes resultados indicam forte associação entre a expressão gênica do FABP3 e FABP4 nesta população. Entretanto, não foi encontrada, entre os grupos genéticos e os sexos avaliados, diferença significativa a 5% nos níveis de expressão de ambos os genes.Dry cured ham has a high added value in the pork processing industry. Combined with long curing time, the production of this type of ham requires the slaughtering of heavy pigs exhibiting the adequate amounts of extra and intramuscular ham fatness. The present work consisted of two studies. The first study aimed to compare and correlate the carcass and ham traits of a pig population with different weights at slaughter (130 and 160 kg) as well as to identify which weight at slaughter and sex groups would better meet the quality traits for cured ham processing. A total of 1.121 pigs were divided into five genetic groups, formed by Duroc, Large White and Landrace crosses, and two sexes (castrates and females). The carcass and respective ham traits evaluated were: hot carcass weight (HCW), backfat thickness (BT), loin depth (LD ), gross ham weight (GHW), trimmed ham weight (THW), ham internal fat thickness (HIFT), ham external fat thickness (HEFT), pH (PH), color (COL) and % intramuscular fat (IMF). The effects of genetic group, weight at slaughter and sex on carcass and ham traits were determined by the General Linear Model (GLM). The means of each trait were compared to one another for each weight at slaughter, using the Newman-Keuls-Student test (SNK). At 130 kg, the genetic groups formed by Duroc and Large White crosses presented intermediary BT, compared to the groups formed by pure Duroc (DUDU) and Large White (WIWI). The latter as well as the females produced carcass with less fat. HIFT was equal for all groups and HEFT was higher than in DUDU; pH was not different among the groups and only DUDU presented IMF significantly different from the others. A significant sex effect was observed for GHW, THW, HEFT and HIFT. At 160 kg, the male carcasses presented higher BF, HIFT and HEFT and lower LD, THW and COL than the females. No difference was found for these traits among the genetic groups. These results allow the conclusion that Duroc inclusion, concomitantly to the use of castrates, meets the quality traits of ham selected for curing, especially at the 160 kg weight. The second study aimed to measure the expression of the genes FABP3 andFABP4 in ham musculature by means of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) but only in the 130 kg weight group. Another objective was to compare the mRNA content among the genetic groups and sexes, as well as to associate FABP3 and FABP4 expression to the carcass and ham traits. A total of 54 samples of the Semimembranosus muscle were used for total RNA extraction. FABP3 and FABP4 content was determined by means of real time PCR, applying Taqman technology and the comparative method of relative quantification. The mean expression levels were compared between the genetic groups and sexes by the Newman-Keuls-Student test (SNK). The relative mRNA amount of the genes FABP3 and FABP4 presented high variability. No significant genetic group and sex effect on FABP4 content were observed. Genetic group x sex interaction was observed in the relative amount of mRNA in FABP3. A significant correlation was found between the FABP3 and FABP4 contents but the correlations obtained between the relative contents of these genes and BF, GHW, THW, HIFT, HEFT and IMF were low and non-significant. These results indicate a strong association between FABP3 and FABP4 expression in this population. However, no significant difference at 5% in the contents of both genes was found between the genetic groups and the sexes evaluated

Modelo de carroceria e seu impacto sobre o bem-estar e a qualidade da carne dos suínos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do modelo de carroceria (MC) (metálica dupla ou simples e simples de madeira) sobre a freqüência de diferentes tipos de lesões na carcaça (FLC) e sobre a qualidade da carne dos suínos. Foram utilizadas 360 fêmeas com peso vivo médio de 132,72±11,09kg. Para a análise estatística, considerou-se no modelo os efeitos de bloco (BL), o MC e a interação entre MC x BL. Verificou-se um efeito do MC sobre a freqüência de lesões na carcaça provenientes de briga e a freqüência total de lesões, sobre o pH1 do músculo Semispinalis capitis (SC), sobre o pH U dos músculos SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) e Semimembranosus (SM) e sobre a cor dos músculos LD e SM. Suínos transportados em carroceria metálica simples apresentaram maiores valores de pH e da cor dos músculos avaliados. Conclui-se que suínos transportados em carroceria simples apresentam maior prevalência de lesões na carcaça e que o transporte dos suínos em carroceria metálica teve efeito positivo sobre os valores de pH e da cor carne.This experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of three truck-tier models (MC) (metallic simple tier, metallic duple tier and wood simple tier) on the frequency of different kinds of carcass lesions (FLC) and pork quality. For this study, three hundred and sixty gilts with an average body weight of 132.72±11.09kg were used. Statistic analysis of the data considered the effects of Blocks (BL), MC and the interaction MC x BL. MC had significant effect on frequency of lesions caused by fighting, on total frequency of injuries, on pH1 of muscle Semispinalis capitis (SC), on pH U of muscle SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) and on color of the muscles LD e SM. Pigs transported in simple metallic truck-tier showed increased values of pH and muscles color. As a conclusion, transportation of slaughter pigs in simple wood truck-tier affects animal welfare negatively, while metallic truck-tier showed positive effects on meat pH and color compared to

Tempo de jejum dos suínos no manejo pré-abate sobre a perda de peso corporal, o peso do conteúdo estomacal e a incidência de úlcera esofágica-gástrica

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do tempo de jejum (9, 12, 15 e 18 horas) dos animais na granja (TJG) e da posição na carroceria do caminhão (PBO) durante o transporte da granja ao frigorífico sobre: a perda de peso corporal (PPC), o peso do estômago cheio (PEC) e vazio (PEV), o peso do conteúdo estomacal (PCE) e o escore de lesão na mucosa esofágica-gástrica (ELG). Foram utilizadas 192 fêmeas, com peso vivo médio de 134,51±11,80kg. No modelo, foram considerados os efeitos de bloco (estação do ano, BL), TJG, PBO e da interação entre BL x TJG. Verificou-se efeito significativo do TJG apenas sobre o peso do conteúdo estomacal. Não se observou efeito significativo da PBO sobre qualquer das variáveis avaliadas. Dos suínos avaliados, 90,3% apresentaram PEC menor que 500 gramas e 8,56% com PEC entre 500 e 800 gramas. A prevalência de suíno com ELG foi baixa (14,97%), sendo que, dos animais com ELG, 13,90% apresentaram lesão de grau 1 e 1,09% eram grau dois. Conclui-se que animais submetidos a jejum na granja de 15 horas apresentam menor peso do conteúdo estomacal ao abate.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time period (9, 12, 15 and 18 hours) at the farm (TJG) and the pig s position in the lorry s livestock compartment (PBO) during the transport from the farm to the processing plant on: body weight loss (PPC), weight of stomach (full= PEC and empty= PEV), weight of stomach contents (PCE), and incidence of gastric ulcer (ELG). A total of 192 females with average 34.51±11.80kg of body weigh were used. The statistical model considered the effects of: block (season, BL), TJG, PBO and the interaction between BL and TJG. There was a significant effect of TJG only on stomach content. There was no effect of PBO on any of the evaluated variables. A PEC inferior to 500g was observed in 90.3% of the animals, while 8.56% of the pigs presented PEC between 500 and 800g. Incidence of ELG was low (14.97%), and among the ELG animals, 13.90% showed grade 1 lesion, and 1.09% grade two lesion. As a conclusion, pigs submitted to a fasting period of 15 hours have less stomach contents at the processing

Tempo de jejum na granja sobre o perfil hormonal e os parâmetros fisiológicos em suínos de abate pesados

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o tempo de jejum na granja e a posição dos animais na carroceria do caminhão durante o transporte ao abatedouro sobre o status hormonal e fisiológico de suínos de abate pesados visando obter melhorias no manejo pré-abate e reduzir perdas na qualidade de carne. Foram utilizadas 64 fêmeas com peso médio de 133+11kg, oriundas de duas granjas de terminação. Os tempos de jejum avaliados foram nove, 12, 15 e 18h, enquanto que as posições consideradas na carroceria foram box (frente, meio e atrás), piso (inferior e superior) e lado (lateral direita e esquerda). Ao abate, foram medidos os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no sangue. A concentração de cortisol na saliva (CCS) foi medida nas granjas (24 horas antes e após embarque) e no abatedouro (logo após o descarregamento e antes do abate). A freqüência cardíaca foi monitorada durante todo o manejo pré-abate. Foi observado o efeito da interação entre TJG e o local de avaliação sobre a CCS e a freqüência cardíaca. A CCS e a freqüência cardíaca aumentaram significativamente da granja ao desembarque no abatedouro em relação ao descanso pré-abate no abatedouro foi observada uma redução (P0,05) os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no abate dos suínos.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time on the farm (TJG) and the position of the animals on truck compartment during transport to slaughterhouse in the hormonal and physiological status of heavy-weight swine in order to obtain future management improvements and to reduce meat quality downgrades. Sixty-four females obtained from two farms and averaging 133+11kg body weight were used. Fasting time evaluated on farms were 9, 12, 15 and 18 h while the positions considered in the truck were Box (front, middle, and back), Deck (under and upper level) e Side (right and left). Swine blood concentration of glucose, lactate and CPK were evaluated at slaughter. Cortisol concentration on saliva (CCS) was evaluated on the farm (24 hours before uploading and after loading) and at slaughterhouse (after downloading and before slaughter). Hearth frequency was continuously evaluated during pre-slaughter management. Interaction between TJG and moment of salivary cortisol sampling and heart rate data recording were observed. CCS and heart rate values increased from farm to truck downloading at slaughterhouse, while pre-slaughter resting reduced (P0.05) on glucose, lactate and CPK levels at slaughter time

Efeito do manejo pré-abate sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos em fêmeas suínas pesadas

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do período de descanso (3, 5, 7 e 9 horas) dos suínos no frigorífico (PDF) e da localização dos suínos na carroceria do caminhão (PBO), quando transportados, no inverno ou verão, sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos avaliados em 64 fêmeas, com peso médio de 130kg para abate, durante o manejo pré-abate. Para a análise estatística, foram considerados, no modelo de análise da variância, os efeitos de bloco, PDF, PBO e da interação (bloco x PDF), entre outros. O PDF influenciou, significativamente, as concentrações de lactato no sangue e cortisol na saliva. Suínos que descansaram 5 e 7 horas apresentaram maior concentração de lactato em relação aos animais que descansaram 3 e 9 horas. No transporte, a freqüência cardíaca foi muito maior em relação aos demais locais avaliados. Concluiu-se que o incremento do PDF não promove mudanças na freqüência cardíaca, nas concentrações de glicose e CPK no sangue e cortisol na saliva, mas interfere na concentração de lactato no sangue dos suínos.The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of pig lairage time (PDF=3, 5, 7 and 9 hours) and evaluate the effect of pig position into the truck (PBO) during transportation to slaughterhouse, in winter or summer conditions, on some physiologic parameters evaluated on 64 heavyweight females with mean liveweight of 130kg during pre-slaughter events. The following effects were considered in the statistical analysis of variance model: block (BL=summer farm or winter farm), PDF, PBO and interaction (Block x PDF), under other factors. The PDF influenced significativelly blood lactate and saliva cortisol levels. Pig submitted to 5 and 7 hours of lairage had higher levels of lactate when compared to pigs submitted to 3 and 9 hours of lairage. During transport the heart rate were higher than in other pre-slaughter events. It is concluded that increasing PDF above 3 hours had no effects on heart frequency, glucose and CPK levels and salivary cortisol levels but affects the blood lactate levels

Global attitudes in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: ACIE Appy Study

Background: Surgical strategies are being adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations on the management of acute appendicitis have been based on expert opinion, but very little evidence is available. This study addressed that dearth with a snapshot of worldwide approaches to appendicitis. Methods: The Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe designed an online survey to assess the current attitude of surgeons globally regarding the management of patients with acute appendicitis during the pandemic. Questions were divided into baseline information, hospital organization and screening, personal protective equipment, management and surgical approach, and patient presentation before versus during the pandemic. Results: Of 744 answers, 709 (from 66 countries) were complete and were included in the analysis. Most hospitals were treating both patients with and those without COVID. There was variation in screening indications and modality used, with chest X-ray plus molecular testing (PCR) being the commonest (19\ub78 per cent). Conservative management of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis was used by 6\ub76 and 2\ub74 per cent respectively before, but 23\ub77 and 5\ub73 per cent, during the pandemic (both P < 0\ub7001). One-third changed their approach from laparoscopic to open surgery owing to the popular (but evidence-lacking) advice from expert groups during the initial phase of the pandemic. No agreement on how to filter surgical smoke plume during laparoscopy was identified. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients admitted with appendicitis and one-third felt that patients who did present had more severe appendicitis than they usually observe. Conclusion: Conservative management of mild appendicitis has been possible during the pandemic. The fact that some surgeons switched to open appendicectomy may reflect the poor guidelines that emanated in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/‘proxy’ AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele