Genetic relationships among grapevine cultivars grown in Oltrepò Pavese (Italy)

In order to evaluate the genetic distance among 47 grapevine accessions, including major and minor local cultivars grown in Oltrepò pavese (Pavia, Italy), DNA has been analysed with the AFLP approach (VOS et al. 1995). The electrophoretic analysis of the products amplified by 3 primer combinations showed high polymorphism.Furthermore, considering that DNA markers for haploid, uniparentally inherited genomes, such as the chloroplast DNA, are important indicators of pedigree, CpSSR analysis was also performed and this identified cases of maternal common origin among the analysed cultivars. The results show that these molecular tools allow univocal genotype identification and that the analysed germplasm has a wide genetic dissimilarity. Results are coherent with the postulation of a polycentric origin for the Oltrepò pavese cultivars and of a multiple varietal flow from different viticultural regions. The molecular information gathered in this research is essential for the establishment of an appropriate presentation programme of autochthonous varieties

Genetic parameters and selection for casein content in Italian Holstein and Brown Swiss.

A total of more than 2,000,000 records on casein contents were collected in Lombardia (Italy) during routine milk recording of Italian Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cows. Variance components for casein were estimated as well as all the genetic correlations of casein with production and type traits considered in selection. According to the heritabilities estimated (12.4% for Brown and 9.36% for Holstein), breeding values were calculated for bulls and compared to the breeding values for total protein. The results of two different selection scenarios were compared for each breed when including protein or casein as selection criterion. Genetic progress expected for all traits selected were compared after 10 years of selection. The genetic variability of casein allows the use of this trait as selection criterion with the estimation of breeding values and its inclusion in selection indexes. Ranking of breeding values for casein and protein are very similar in both breeds. But some differences in genetic values for casein exist for the same level of breeding value for protein. Nevertheless results in genetic gain differ between breeds depending mainly on genetic correlations with the other traits selected. The positive results in selection response estimated for several traits suggest to the Brown Swiss Association the replacement of protein selection with casein. In contrast the smaller effects estimated for the Italian Holstein suggest to wait for more casein data collected before any change in selection program

An amino acids mixture improves the hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, but at high dose it leads to undesirable side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of DDM-GSH, a mixture of L-cysteine, L-methionine, and L-serine in a weight ratio of 2\u2009:\u20091\u2009:\u20091, in comparison to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), against acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicity was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of low dose (2\u2009mmol/kg) or high dose (8\u2009mmol/kg) of APAP. DDM-GSH (0.4 to 1.6\u2009mmol/kg) was given ip to mice 1\u2009h before the APAP administration. The same was done with NAC (0.9 to 3.6\u2009mmol/kg), the standard antidote of APAP toxicity. Mice were sacrificed 8\u2009h after the APAP injection to determine liver weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total glutathione (GSH) depletion and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in liver tissues. DDM-GSH improved mouse survival rates better than NAC against a high dose of APAP. Moreover, DDM-GSH significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner not only APAP-induced increases of ALT but also APAP-induced hepatic GSH depletion and MDA accumulation. Our results suggest that DDM-GSH may be more potent than NAC in protecting the liver from APAP-induced liver injury

Acute simvastatin increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation via AMP-activated protein kinase and reduces contractility of isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries

Statins can have beneficial cholesterol-independent effects on vascular contractility, which may involve increases in the bioavailability of NO (nitric oxide) as a result of phosphorylation of eNOS (endothelial NO synthase). Although this has been attributed to phosphorylation of Akt (also known as protein kinase B), studies in cultured cells have shown that statins can phosphorylate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase); it is unknown whether this has functional effects in intact arteries. Thus we investigated the acute effects of simvastatin on resistance arterial contractile function, evaluating the involvement of NO, Akt and AMPK. Isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries were mounted on a wire myograph. The effects of incubation (1 and 2 h) with simvastatin (0.1 or 1 μM) on contractile responses were examined in the presence and absence of L-NNA (N-nitro-L-arginine; 10 μM) or mevalonate (1 mM). Effects on eNOS, phospho-eNOS (Ser1177), and total and phospho-Akt and -AMPK protein expression were investigated using Western blotting. The effect of AMPK inhibition (compound C, 10 μM) on eNOS phosphorylation and contractile responses were also studied. Simvastatin (1 μM, 2 h) significantly reduced constriction to U46619 and phenylephrine and enhanced dilations to ACh (acetylcholine) in depolarized, but not in U46619-pre-constricted arteries. These effects were completely and partially prevented by L-NNA and mevalonate respectively. Simvastatin increased eNOS and AMPKα phosphorylation, but had no effect on Akt protein expression and phosphorylation after 2 h incubation. Compound C prevented the effects of simvastatin on eNOS phosphorylation and contractility. Thus simvastain can acutely modulate resistance arterial contractile function via mechanisms that involve the AMPK/phospho-eNOS (Ser1177)/NO-dependent pathway

Molecular approach to assess the origin of cv. Marzemino

DNA marker analysis was used to determine the varietal identity of Marzemino accessions in public collections and private Italian vineyards; relationships among this varietal group and Vertzami, a traditional Greek cultivar, were also investigated through SSR and AFLP approaches. Molecular results strongly support the relationship among Vertzami cultivars growing in Greece, Marzemino and several Italian accessions selected on the basis of etymological similarity. SSR data exclude a direct descent of Marzemino, or other related Italian varieties, from Vertzami; on the other hand the level of similarity among Vertzami, Marzemino and some related varieties indicates a possible common ancestor. None of the accessions is considered as common ancestor but on the basis of genomic variability in the Marzemino group and of the relationships with the other Italian cultivars a probable Italian ancestor is supposed.

Endothelial Dysfunction In Cardiovascular And Endocrine-metabolic Diseases: An Update.

The endothelium plays a vital role in maintaining circulatory homeostasis by the release of relaxing and contracting factors. Any change in this balance may result in a process known as endothelial dysfunction that leads to impaired control of vascular tone and contributes to the pathogenesis of some cardiovascular and endocrine/metabolic diseases. Reduced endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased production of thromboxane A2, prostaglandin H2 and superoxide anion in conductance and resistance arteries are commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive, diabetic and obese animals, resulting in reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and in increased vasoconstrictor responses. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the role of enhanced overactivation of β-adrenergic receptors inducing vascular cytokine production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling that seem to be the mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, heart failure and in endocrine-metabolic disorders. However, some adaptive mechanisms can occur in the initial stages of hypertension, such as increased NO production by eNOS. The present review focuses on the role of NO bioavailability, eNOS uncoupling, cyclooxygenase-derived products and pro-inflammatory factors on the endothelial dysfunction that occurs in hypertension, sympathetic hyperactivity, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. These are cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic diseases of high incidence and mortality around the world, especially in developing countries and endothelial dysfunction contributes to triggering, maintenance and worsening of these pathological situations.44920-3

Endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic diseases: an update

The endothelium plays a vital role in maintaining circulatory homeostasis by the release of relaxing and contracting factors. Any change in this balance may result in a process known as endothelial dysfunction that leads to impaired control of vascular tone and contributes to the pathogenesis of some cardiovascular and endocrine/metabolic diseases. Reduced endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased production of thromboxane A2, prostaglandin H2 and superoxide anion in conductance and resistance arteries are commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive, diabetic and obese animals, resulting in reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and in increased vasoconstrictor responses. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the role of enhanced overactivation of β-adrenergic receptors inducing vascular cytokine production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling that seem to be the mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, heart failure and in endocrine-metabolic disorders. However, some adaptive mechanisms can occur in the initial stages of hypertension, such as increased NO production by eNOS. The present review focuses on the role of NO bioavailability, eNOS uncoupling, cyclooxygenase-derived products and pro-inflammatory factors on the endothelial dysfunction that occurs in hypertension, sympathetic hyperactivity, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. These are cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic diseases of high incidence and mortality around the world, especially in developing countries and endothelial dysfunction contributes to triggering, maintenance and worsening of these pathological situations449920932CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informaçã

HISTÓRIA, “ENSINANTES-APRENDENTES”: FORMAÇÃO VS PRÁTICA

O presente artigo busca refletir projeção e prática articuladora de integralização da graduação, da pesquisa e da extensão, tendo por referencial a experiência da atuação de graduandos do Curso de História como estagiários em museu. Este artigo, baseado em estudo de caso em espaço não-formal, contextualiza e analisa os limites e as possibilidades da formação docente, centrando na discussão a aprendizagem dos próprios métodos das diferentes disciplinas, áreas de estudo e de conteúdos como aspectos mutuamente inclusivos de uma mesma formação docente - professor-pesquisador de história: teoria vs prática. O objeto em tela foi possível pelo desenvolvimento de pesquisas enfocando a formação docente, estratégias de pesquisa e redes de conhecimento, através da mediação dos métodos da etnografia eformação, da investigação-ação e investigação-formação, que, porsua vez, aqui será situada como forma de reforçar a importância ea necessidade de introduzirmos mecanismos de integração da pesquisa com o ensino, na formação docente reflexiva

Impactos econômicos das formas jurídicas e das alternativas tributárias na bovinocultura de corte.

A bovinocultura de corte brasileira tem se destacado pelas altas taxas de crescimento e conquista de novos mercados. Apesar desse desempenho setorial, em muitas fazendas os resultados econômicos são insatisfatórios, pois os custos de produção vem subindo desde 2004, em um ritmo não acompanhado pelas receitas (CNA/Cepea-Usp, 2008). Dado que os pecuaristas de corte são normalmente "tomadores de preços", a principal alternativa para aumentar o lucro é minimizar custos, sendo comuns as intervenções no processo produtivo. Há no entanto outros fatores, que podem contribuir para aumentar o lucro, como a forma jurídica da fazenda e o regime tributário da pessoa jurídica. As formas jurídicas são pessoa física, pessoa jurídica e condomínio de pessoas físicas. Pessoa física é a pessoa natural, isto é, todo indivíduo do nascimento até a morte; pessoa jurídica é um ente constituído para determinado fim, com patrimônio e vida próprios, podendo ser individual ou societário; condomínio é o bem com mais de um proprietário. Os regimes tributários, aplicáveis à pessoa jurídica, são o "simples", o "lucro presumido" e o "lucro real". Este estudo visou avaliar as implicações das formas jurídicas e dos regimes tributários nos resultados econômicos da bovinocultura de corte, considerados diferentes níveis tecnológicos.SOBER. Resumo expandido 994

Nova perspectiva de custo de produção na agropecuária: proposta de avaliação para sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (iLPF)

O Brasil está entre os maiores produtores e exportadores de grãos do mundo. Entretanto, apesar de seu sucesso, o setor agropecuário está passando por mudanças em sua estrutura e modelos alternativos de organização da estrutura produtiva agropecuária baseados no pilar: aumento da produção/produtividade e preservação ambiental passaram a ter grande destaque. É nesse contexto que se encontram os sistemas produtivos baseados no modelo de sistemas integrados de produção, como a integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta (iLPF), sistemas que têm como princípios básicos a produção sustentável por meio da interação de atividades agrícolas, pecuárias e florestais, realizados em uma mesma área. A literatura fornece poucos exemplos de métodos e ferramentas desenvolvidas para a avaliação destes sistemas. Este trabalho traz contribuições importantes para compreender uma das partes mais críticas destes sistemas, que é o custo de produção. Apresentamos uma nova proposta de visualização dos custos de produção para o setor agropecuário que se baseia no sistema de custeio por atividades (Activity Based Costing) e apresentamos os benefícios que esta metodologia trouxe ao processo de gestão da propriedade e à tomada de decisão do produtor rural