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This study has evaluated the effect of EVOO (Extra-Virgin olive oil), OA (oleic acid) and HT (hydroxytyrosol) in an induced model of MS through experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Dark Agouti 2-month old rats (25 males) were divided into five groups: (i) control group, (ii) EAE group, (iii) EAE+EVOO, (iv) EAE+HT, and (v) EAE+OA. At 65 days, the animals were sacrificed and the glutathione redox system and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP) products of the microbiota in brain, spinal cord, and blood were evaluated.Gastric administration of EVOO, OA, and HT reduced the degree of lipid and protein oxidation, and increased glutathione peroxidase, making it a diet-based mechanism for enhancing protection against oxidative damage. In addition, it reduced the levels of LPS and LBP, which appeared as being increased in the EAE correlated with the oxidative stress produced by the disease.

La optimización de la producción y la calidad de carne son los principales objetivos de los productores y del sector comercial de la carne. Actualmente la producción de animales de engorde a corral presenta una buena eficiencia productiva. Asimismo, en la Argentina una nueva categoría de animales ha sido recientemente implementada, machos enteros jóvenes, lo que ha presentado interés e inquietud por parte de los productores y la industria de la carne. Desde el punto de vista de la tecnología de los alimentos, es interesante estudiar e investigar los parámetros fisicoquímicos y reológicos que ayuden a explicar la presencia/ausencia de cambios sobre la calidad de la carne. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de la carne y las características térmicas del tejido conectivo en animales alimentados a corral, castrados versus no castrados. La ausencia de testosterona, esperable en machos castrados, no produjo diferencias significativas en la calidad de carne respecto al grupo no castrado. El color, las pérdidas por cocción y la terneza resultaron equivalentes entre ambos grupos de animales. Sin embargo, la respuesta de la contracción máxima generada por el tejido conectivo perimisio del músculo LD durante el tratamiento térmico mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Además, la fuerza de contracción máxima también varió entre los perimisios musculares LD, ST y PP de animales castrados, aunque no así la temperatura de inicio de la contracción (Tonset). Los resultados indicarían la posibilidad de que la ausencia de testosterona afecte de manera diferente la síntesis de tejido conectivo intramuscular in vivo en los diferentes músculos. Al respecto, se requerirán nuevas investigaciones que profundicen estos hallazgos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, the second cycle of the CONCORD programme established global surveillance of cancer survival as a metric of the effectiveness of health systems and to inform global policy on cancer control. CONCORD-3 updates the worldwide surveillance of cancer survival to 2014.

Background: Listeria monocytogenesis a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans. This pathogen activates multiple regulatory mechanisms in response to stress, and cobalamin biosynthesis might have a potential role in bacterial protection. Low temperature is a strategy used in the food industry to control bacteria proliferation; however, L. monocytogenescan grow in cold temperatures and overcome different stress conditions. In this study we selected L. monocytogenesList2-2, a strain with high tolerance to the combination of low temperature + copper, to understand whether the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway is part of the tolerance mechanism to this stress condition. For this, we characterized the transcription level of three cobalamin biosynthesis-related genes (cbiP, cbiB,and cysG) and the eutVgene, a transcriptional regulator encoding gene involved in ethanolamine metabolism, in L. monocytogenesstrain List2-2 growing simultaneously under two environmental stressors: low temperature (8 °C) + copper (0.5 mM of CuSO4× 5H2O). In addition, the gene cbiP, which encodes an essential cobyric acid synthase required in the cobalamin pathway, was deleted by homologous recombination to evaluate the impact of this gene in L. monocytogenestolerance to a low temperature (8 °C) + different copper concentrations. Results: By analyzing the KEGG pathway database, twenty-two genes were involved in the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway in L. monocytogenesList2-2. The expression of genes cbiP, cbiB,and cysG,and eutVincreased 6 h after the exposure to low temperature + copper. The cobalamin cbiPmutant strain List2-2ΔcbiPshowed less tolerance to low temperature + copper (3 mM) than the wild-type L. monocytogenesList2-2. The addition of cyanocobalamin (5 nM) to the medium reverted the phenotype observed in List2-2ΔcbiP. Conclusion: These results indicate that cobalamin biosynthesis is necessary for L. monocytogenesgrowth under stress and that the cbiPgene may play a role in the survival and growth of L. monocytogenesList2-2 at low temperature + copper.

Background/Objectives:: Breast cancer is a disease characterised by both oxidative reactions and inflammation. However, few studies have focused on the oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress markers and adiposity and clinical staging, as well as the association between the oxidative and the antioxidant biomarkers of women with breast cancer. Subjects/Methods:: A total of 135 cases of breast cancer occurring in 2011 and 2012 were assessed. After exclusions, 101 pre- and post-menopausal women with clinical staging I to IV were eligible to participate in the study. The anthropometric evaluation was performed by collecting data on waist circumference, body mass index and body composition. The socioeconomic and clinical profiles were determined using a standard questionnaire. For the oxidative biomarkers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), low-density lipoprotein(−) (LDL(−)), autoantibody anti-LDL(−) and liposoluble antioxidants (α-tocopherol, retinol and β-carotene) were analysed. The data were analysed using differences in the mean values, correlation tests and multiple linear regression. Results:: The antioxidant levels were higher in postmenopausal women with clinical staging I and II and negative lymph nodes. The TBARS level was associated with clinical staging. Adiposity was associated with levels of retinol and 8-OHdG, whereas LDL(−), 8-OHdG and TBARS were correlated with liposoluble antioxidants after adjusting for the confounders. Conclusions:: The adiposity and clinical staging of patients were associated with oxidative stress. The oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers showed a negative correlation in patients with breast cancer.

The aim of this research was to determine to what extent a psychopath screening device (the APSD) is useful in forensic assessments to predict general and violent offending. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was done and 238 young people serving a sentence were assessed. The gold standard instrument used to measure psychopathy was the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth, Kosson & Hare, 2003). The results indicate that the association found between the screening device scores and several indicators of risk is low if compared with those obtained with the PCL:YV, suggesting that it is less useful as a tool in order to predict offending or violent offences. However, an Area Under the Curve of .784 and a validity index of 62.5 support its use as a screening device or as a preliminary approach to assess psychopathy in this population. The usefulness of this instrument to make assessments with young people in the forensic setting is discussed.

A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Large White); initial average BW: 100.3 ± 2.5 kg] were used to investigate the effects of sex (barrows and gilts) and dietary total Lys restriction (7.0, 6.5, and 6.0 g·kg−1) on growth performance and carcass, meat, and fat characteristics. Pigs were intended for high-quality dry-cured ham from Spain (called Teruel ham), and a minimum fat thickness at the gluteus medius muscle (GM) is required (16 mm) for carcasses to be acceptable. Animals were slaughtered when they reached 129.0 ± 3.6 kg of BW. There were 6 treatments arranged factorially (2 sexes × 3 dietary Lys concentrations) and 4 replicates of 5 pigs per treatment. Barrows consumed more feed (P= 0.001) and tended to have less G:F (P= 0.06) than gilts. Carcasses from barrows were fatter (P= 0.001) and had heavier main trimmed lean cuts (P= 0.008) than gilts. A greater proportion of final acceptable carcasses for Teruel ham (P= 0.001) was observed in barrows than in gilts because of the greater percentage of carcasses that fulfill the minimum fat depth at GM required (P= 0.001). Meat from barrows had greater content of intramuscular fat (P= 0.02) than meat from gilts. Also, subcutaneous fat from barrows had less proportion of PUFA than fat from gilts (P= 0.02). A reduction in dietary Lys concentration decreased ADG (P= 0.004) and ADFI (P= 0.001) in pigs. In addition, backfat depth (P= 0.007) and fat at GM (P= 0.07) increased as dietary Lys decreased. The proportion of carcasses that fulfilled the minimum fat depth at GM required for Teruel ham increased as dietary Lys decreased in feed, but this effect was greater in gilts than in barrows (sex × Lys, P= 0.02). Meat and fat quality was not influenced by dietary treatment. We conclude that different feeding programs with different dietary Lys concentrations may be needed for barrows and gilts intended for production of dry-cured hams where a minimum carcass fat depth is required.

Crossbred pigs (n = 120) from Duroc sires mated to Landrace × Large White dams, with a mean BW of 110.5 ± 2.3 kg, were used to investigate the effect of increasing the slaughter weight of gilts with regard to that of the barrows on the production of high quality dry-cured hams from Spain (Teruel ham). There were 3 treatments: barrows slaughtered at 130 kg of BW (B), gilts slaughtered at 130 kg of BW (G1), and gilts slaughtered at 134 kg of BW (G2). Growth performance was similar for G1 and G2, and both consumed less feed (P< 0.001) and had less BW gain (P< 0.05) and better G:F (P< 0.01) than B. Also, the B treatment showed thicker backfat (P< 0.001) and covering fat over the gluteus medius (GM) muscle (P< 0.05) than G1 or G2, but no differences in carcass fat were detected between G1 and G2. Loin and ham yields were similar for B and G2, and both were less than those for G1 (P< 0.01). Treatment did not affect the proportion of carcasses with a minimum weight of 84 kg, but the percentage of carcasses with a minimum fat depth over the GM muscle of 18 mm and the percentage of carcasses that fulfill both requirements (as required for the Teruel ham trademark) were less for G1 than for B or G2 (P< 0.001). Meat from B had greater (P< 0.05) intramuscular fat content than meat from G1 with loin from G2 being intermediate. Thawing losses of the loins were greater (P< 0.05) for B than for G2 with loins from G1 being intermediate. Shear force value was greater for meat from G1 than for that from G2 with meat from B being intermediate (P< 0.05). Fat over the GM muscle from the B treatment was more saturated and had decreased PUFA/SFA ratio than that from G1 with fat from G2 being intermediate (P< 0.001). Also, backfat from the B treatment showed decreased (P< 0.01) PUFA proportion than backfat from G1 or G2. We conclude that increasing the slaughter weight of gilts by 4 kg with respect to that of barrows optimized the 2 criteria used for the selection of carcasses destined for the production of Teruel ham.

Crossbred pigs (n = 200) from Duroc sires mated to Landrace × Large White dams, with a mean BW of 107.0 ± 2.4 kg and intended for highquality dry-cured hams (Teruel ham) from Spain, were used to investigate the effects of sex (barrows and gilts) and slaughter weight (SW; 120, 125, 130, 135, and 140 kg of BW) on growth performance and carcass characteristics. For productive performance, there were 5 treatments based on 5 SW; each treatment was replicated 4 times and the replicate was a pen made up of 5 barrows and 5 gilts allotted together. For carcass traits, there were 10 treatments based on 2 sexes and 5 SW; each treatment was replicated 20 times and the replicate was a carcass. Barrows had fatter carcasses (P< 0.001) and wider hams (P< 0.01) but a lower yield of trimmed shoulder (P< 0.05), loin (P< 0.001), and ham (P< 0.001) than gilts. Also, castrates tended to show a greater proportion of final suitable carcasses for Teruel ham (P< 0.10) than females because more barrows than gilts fulfilled the minimum requirement of carcass weight and fat thickness in the gluteus medius (GM) muscle (P< 0.01). An increase in SW tended to decrease ADG and G:F (P< 0.10). In addition, dressing percentage, fat, and dimensions of carcass and ham increased as SW increased (P< 0.001). Although the weight of trimmed primal cuts (shoulder, loin, and ham) increased with SW, the yield of trimmed loin or ham decreased (P< 0.01). The proportion of final suitable carcasses for Teruel ham improved as SW increased up to 130 kg of BW but not thereafter (P< 0.001) because of an increase in percentage carcasses that fulfilled the minimum carcass and ham weight (P< 0.001) and fat in GM (P< 0.05). We can conclude that barrows were better than gilts when intended for Teruel ham. Furthermore, an increase in SW up to 130 kg in pigs impaired growth performance but improved some aspects of carcass quality that are required by the Teruel ham industry.

To test whether a turnlike arrangement is involved in the bioactive conformation of CCK4 analogues upon CCK1 receptor recognition, we describe the preparation of two series of CCK4 derivatives, in which the central dipeptide Met-Asp has been replaced by recognized β-turn mimetics {(2S,5S,11bR)- and (2R,5R,11bS)-2-amino-5-carboxy-3-oxo-2,3,5,6,11,11b-hexahydro-1H-indolizino[8,7-b]indole (IBTM) and β-turn dipeptide, 2-oxo-7-thio-1-azabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane (BTD)}. The incorporation of the indolizinoindole IBTM type II β-turn mimetic is preferred over its type II‘ counterpart for efficient CCK1 receptor recognition, while BTD derivatives were completely inactive. The structure−conformation−activity relationship study in the IBTM series has shown some essential requirement of these CCK4 derivatives to favorably interact with CCK1 receptors:  (a) the adoption of turnlike conformations, (b) the presence of an l-Phe residue and a C-terminal carboxamide moiety, and (c) the indole ring of the IBTM skeleton. Moreover, the existence of π−π interactions between the phenyl ring of d-Phe residues and the indole ring of IBTM framework is detrimental for binding affinity. A series of potent and selective CCK1 receptor antagonists, exemplified by compounds 8a and 8b, emerges among these IBTM-containing derivatives.

Crossbred pigs (n = 192) from Piétrain × Large White sires mated to Landrace × Large White dams, with a mean BW of 75 ± 1.3 kg, were used to investigate the effects of gender and slaughter weight (SW) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Pens of pigs (eight pigs/pen) were assigned randomly to one of six treatments arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design with two genders (barrows or gilts) and three SW (116, 124, or 133 kg). Each treatment was replicated four times. Over the entire trial, barrows had higher (P< 0.001) ADFI (as-fed basis) and ADG than gilts; however, gilts had higher (P< 0.05) gain-to-feed ratios (G:F) than barrows. Barrows had lower (P< 0.01) dressing percents than gilts and produced fatter (P< 0.001) carcasses that had lower trimmed shoulder (P< 0.10) and ham (P< 0.001) yields than gilts. There was a trend for the semimembranosus muscle (SM) from barrows to have a higher (P< 0.10) 45-min pH than that of gilts, but 24-h pH was 0.11 pH unit higher (P< 0.01) in the SM of barrows than gilts. Gender had no (P> 0.10) effect on the moisture and lipid content of the longissimus muscle (LM), nor did gender affect (P> 0.10) LM color, myoglobin content, or thaw loss percentage. However, the LM from barrows had lower (P< 0.05) cooking loss percentages and tended to have lower (P< 0.10) shear force values than the LM from gilts. Pigs slaughtered at 116 kg had higher (P< 0.05) ADG than pigs slaughtered at 124 and 133 kg. Daily feed intake (as-fed basis) was not (P> 0.10) different among SW; however, pigs slaughtered at 116 and 124 kg had higher (P< 0.001) G:F than those slaughtered at 133 kg. Dressing percent, backfat depth, carcass length, and ham and shoulder weights increased (P< 0.001) as SW increased from 116 to 133 kg. The initial (45-min) pH of the SM from pigs slaughtered at 133 kg was higher (P< 0.05) than from pigs slaughtered at 116 or 124 kg; however, 24-h pH was not (P> 0.10) affected by SW. The LM from pigs slaughtered at 133 kg was darker (lower L* values; P< 0.001), redder (higher a* value; P< 0.01), and had more (P< 0.001) myoglobin than the LM of pigs slaughtered at 116 and 124 kg. Barrows and gilts of this particular crossbreed can be used to produce acceptable quality fresh pork when slaughtered at 116 kg; however, increasing SW to 124 kg, or more, decreased live pig performance and carcass leanness without any additional benefits to pork quality attributes.

To further define the pharmacophore of the potent and selective 5-(tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based CCK1 receptor antagonists the electronic and topographic properties of the central 1,3-dioxoperhydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine scaffold have been modified. With this aim, the 1- and 3-oxo groups have been replaced by the thioxo- and deoxi-analogues, and the fused piperidine ring has been contracted to the corresponding pyrrolidine moiety. The results of the evaluation of the new analogues as CCK receptor ligands, in rat pancreas and cerebral cortex preparations, showed that, whereas replacement of oxygen with sulfur is allowed, reduction of the 1- or 3-oxo groups or the contraction of the fused piperidine ring lead to the complete loss of binding affinity at CCK1 receptors. The thioxo-analogues 5a, 8a, 12a, and 12b showed functional CCK1 antagonist activity, inhibiting the CCK-8-stimulated amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells. The 1-thioxo analogue 5a, with subnanomolar affinity (IC50 = 0.09 × 10^-9 M), was found to be the most potent and selective compound within the family of 5-(tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based CCK1 antagonists.

To establish structure−activity relationships a new series of analogues of the highly potent and selective CCK1 receptor antagonist (4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-(N-Boc-tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]-pyrimidine (1a) modified at N2-position of the central scaffold has been prepared and evaluated as CCK receptor ligands. With this aim the N2-benzyl group has been replaced by methyl, cyclohexyl, aromatic groups, 1-phenylethyl, and 1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl group. Then, substituents with different electronic and steric properties were introduced into different positions of the phenyl group of analogues 19a and 19b. The results of the CCK receptor binding and in vitro functional activity evaluation suggest the importance of the lipophilic character and an appropriate spatial orientation of the moiety linked at the N2-position of the 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine template for potent and selective binding and antagonist activity at CCK1 receptor subtype. The 2-cyclohexyl and (2S)-1-naphthyl derivatives 18a and (2S)-20a have emerged as more potent and selective CCK1 receptor antagonists than the lead compound 1a. Additionally, the results confirm the (4aS,5R)-stereochemistry at the central bicyclic skeleton as an essential structural requirement for potent binding to this receptor subtype.

To improve our knowledge of the bioactive conformation of CCK1 antagonists, we previously described that replacement of the α-MeTrp residue of dipeptoids with the (2S,5S,11bR)-2-amino-3-oxohexahydroindolizino[8,7-b]indole-5-carboxylate (IBTM) skeleton, a probed type II‘ β-turn mimetic, led to restricted analogues (2S,5S,11bR,1‘S)- and (2S,5S,11bR,1‘R)-2-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-5-[1‘-benzyl-2‘-(carboxy)ethyl]carbamoyl-3-oxo-2,3,5,6,11,11b-hexahydro-1H-indolizino[8,7-b]indole, 1a,b, showing high binding affinity and selectivity for CCK1 receptors. In this report, we describe the synthesis and binding profile of new analogues of compounds 1 designed to explore the importance of the C-terminal residue and of the type of β-turn on the receptor binding affinity and selectivity. Structure−affinity relationship studies show that a C-terminal free carboxylic acid and an S configuration of the Phe and βHph residues are favorable for CCK1 receptor recognition. Moreover, selectivity for this receptor subtype is critically affected by the β-turn type. Thus, while compounds 15a and 16a, containing the (2S,5S,11bR)- and (2R,5R,11bS)-IBTM frameworks, respectively, are both endowed with nanomolar affinity for CCK1 receptors, restricted dipeptoid derivative 15a, incorporating the type II‘ IBTM mimetic, shows approximately 6-fold higher CCK1 selectivity than analogue 16a, with the type II mimetic. From these results, we propose that the presence of a β-turn-like conformation within the peptide backbone of dipeptoids could contribute to their bioactive conformation at the CCK1 receptor subtype. Concerning functional activity, compounds 15a and 16a behave as CCK1 receptor antagonists.

Authenticity is an important food quality criterion. Rapid methods for confirming authenticity and detecting adulteration are widely demanded by food producers, processors, consumers and regulatory bodies. The objective of this work was to develop a model that would confirm the authenticity of Galician-labelled honeys as Galician-produced honeys. Nine metals were determined in 42 honey samples which were divided into two categories: Galician and non-Galician honeys. Multivariate chemometric techniques such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis, Bayesian methodology, partial least-squares regression and neural networks were applied to modelling classes on the basis of the chemical data. The results obtained indicated good performance in terms of classification and prediction for both the neural networks and partial least-squares approaches. The metal profiles provided sufficient information to enable classification rules to be developed for identifying honeys according to their geographical origin.

Analogues of the previously reported potent and highly selective CCK1 receptor antagonist (4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-(N-Boc-tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido-[1,2-c]pyrimidine (2a) were prepared to explore the structural requirements at the Boc-tryptophan domain for CCK1 receptor affinity. Structural modifications of 2a involved the Trp side chain, its conformational freedom, the Boc group, and the carboxamide bond. Results of the CCK binding and in vitro functional activity evaluation showed three highly strict structural requirements:  the type and orientation of the Trp side chain, the H-bonding acceptor carbonyl group of the carboxamide bond, and the presence of the Trp amino protection Boc. Replacement of this acid-labile group with 3,3-dimethylbutyryl or tert-butylaminocarbonyl conferred acid stability to analogues 14a and 15a, which retained a high potency and selectivity in binding to CCK1 receptors, as well as an in vivo antagonist activity against the acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein in rats. Oral administration of compounds 14a and 15a also produced a lasting antagonism to the hypomotility induced by CCK-8 in mice, suggesting a good bioavailability and metabolic stability.

There have been few reports about the frequency of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Spain. We undertook a prevalence study in the province of Teruel, which is served by two hospitals as referral centres for a population of 143,680. We found a total of 46 patients who fulfilled Poser’s criteria for clinically definite or probable MS with a prevalence rate of 32/100,000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.8–41.3]. The prevalence rates for males and females were 23.5 (95% CI: 12.3– 34.7) and 40.6 (95% CI: 25.8–55.4) respectively. We found an incidence rate of 2.2/year per 100,000 in the last 5 years. The sex ratio (females/ males) was 1.7. The mean age on prevalence day was 40.6 years (range: 15–76). The clinical course was relapsing-remitting in 82% of patients, progressive in 9% and secondary progressive in the other 9%. The mean EDSS score was 3.73 (range: 1–8.5). Our results confirm the hypothesis that Spain is an area at high risk for MS.

AbstractPsychological contract (PC) describes the labor relationships through the different promises made by the employer towards the employees and the promises made by employees to their employer. PC mutuality is defined as the agreement about whether these promises were actually made. Mutuality is a key element in PC theory. The aim of this study is to test a mediation model of relationships between PC mutuality and work related outcomes, through PC fulfillment. We analyze whether PC mutuality regarding promises made by the employer are significantly related to employees’ affective, attitudinal, and behavioral work-related outcomes, and whether fulfillment of PC promises mediates these relationships. The sample was composed of 942 employees and their HR managers from 47 organizations in three sectors (food, education, and sales). Mediation model is tested, using the bootstrapping technique developed by Hayes (2009). The study provides support for the hypothesized mediation model. Results show that PC mutuality predicts work-related outcomes such as job satisfaction, well-being, organizational commitment, intention to quit, in-role perceived performance, and perceptions of PC violation, and that PC fulfillment partially mediates these relationships. These findings provide theoretical insights into PC theory, highlighting the relevance of PC mutuality. They offer practical suggestions for companies about the importance of achieving mutuality in their relationships with employees in order to increase positive work-related outcomes.

Variations in the amount and maturity of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) have long been recognised as a source of variations in tenderness between different muscles, animal ages and breeds. Meat becomes tougher as cooking temperatures are increased, and the heat-driven denaturation and shrinkage of IMCT has previously been correlated to these changes. It is often assumed that shrinkage of the collagen in IMCT occurs at temperatures in the range of 62–67°C and that this shrinkage drives cooking losses from meat, so contributing to the increased toughness seen in meat cooked above 70°C. This presentation reviews recent evidence contradicting these common assumptions. The IMCT component dominates the shear strength of lightly cooked muscle, but its contribution diminishes above 60°C and the toughness of meat cooked to 70–80°C is dominated by myofibrillar components. Most differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of the heat-denaturation of collagen in the literature using fast heating rates (5–10°C/min) report peak denaturation rates at temperatures between 62–67°C. However, recent DSC data and analysis of the non-equilibrium, multi-step process of collagen unfolding and denaturation based on a Lumry-Eyring model reveals that the process is highly dependent on heating rate and can be completed at temperatures as low as 55–60°C in slow heating regimes, such as found in low-temperature long-time (LTLT) cooking, or sus-vide cooking. Measurements of the denatured but insoluble collagen in perimysium in meat cooked for extended times at 60°C demonstrate the thermal destabiliisation of IMCT in LTLT cooking. Although IMCT can generate large forces if heated isometrically, careful examination of currently available information suggests that there is no evidence to support the idea that collagen shrinkage drives cooking loss from meat.

Previous studies revealed an elevated risk of cancer in children and adolescents with AIDS. However, there is limited population-based data from developing countries. The objective of the present study was to describe the cancer spectrum in children and adolescents with AIDS in the City of São Paulo from 1997 to 2012.

Venous aneurysms unrelated to arteriovenous fistulas are uncom mon. This case report describes clini cal findings and data obtained by echo Doppler examination in a young girl with a venous aneurysm of the right internal jugular vein and a tho racic outlet syndrome. An etiologic correlation between the aneurysm and the thoracic outlet might be sus pected.

Following previous research studies of the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgN) on digestive microbiota in pigs, we aimed to study the microbial changes induced by the addition of AgN on the digestive tract site (ileum or caecum) in weaning piglets and its influence on fermentation. Sixteen piglets weaned at 28 days (7.08 kg average weight) were given a prestarter diet, without (CT, n=6) or with 20 ppm metallic AgN (SIL, n=10) for 14 days. Then, piglets were slaughtered and their ileal and caecal contents sampled for their 16s rRNA sequencing using llumina MiSeq. Taxonomic assignment was performed using BLASTN against a RDP database data and analysed using R and JMP statistical packages. Ileal (6.60 vs. 6.65) and caecal (5.57 vs. 5.58) pH did not differ between CT and SIL. Volatile fatty acid concentration at the ileum was low, but in the caecum molar proportion of acetate was higher (0.577 vs. 0.461), and propionate lower (0.236 vs. 0.318), in CT than SIL. Addition of AgN decreased the ileal richness (P=0.002) but increased Lactobacillus sp. (P=0.07) in the ileum and reductions in Clostridium sp.(P=0.09 in ileum and P=0.03 in caecum) were observed when AgN were added. Taxa most influenced by addition of AgN included Treponema porcinum and Acitenobacter sp.at ileum and Desulfovibrio sp.and Ruminococcus albusat caecum. Spearman correlations between fermentation parameters and relevant taxa in both ileum and caecum also differed when AgN was added. Silver nanoparticles exert a differential effect on the microbial population depending on the digestive site (research supported by the project POCTEFA EFA-183/16).

In heavy gilts, avoiding puberty is desirable because an impairment of growth performances have been observed during the estrus days. The immunocastration could solve it. A total of thirty Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) gilts, of 54.2 ± 4.14 kg of body weight (BW), were used to assess the effects of immunization against GnRH on genital organs development and serum sex hormones. There were two experimental groups (n=15): intact gilts (IG) or immunocastrated gilts (IMG). Immunization was carried out by two injections of Vacsincel® (Zoetis) at approximately 54 and 71 kg BW (102 and 122 days of age, respectively). The same management was provided for both groups through the trial. Pigs were slaughtered when achieved approximately 135 kg BW because were intended for dry-cured ham elaboration. The experimental unit was the animal and data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS. The IG had heavier genital tract than IMG (186.7 vs 116.3 g; P=0.01) mainly due to the cervix (P=0.0003) and uterine horns and vagina (P=0.06). Also, IG had bigger ovaries size (P=0.04) and larger uterine horns (P=0.03), cervix (P=0.01) and vulva (P=0.06). Although total number of follicles was similar in both groups (43 follicles as average; P>0.05), IG showed mainly big ones (14, 50, 26 and 10% of 6 mm, respectively) whereas in IMG prevailed the small ones (28, 50, 17 and 5%, respectively). Scarce effects were found on progesterone and estradiol levels. It is concluded that immunocastration had an important impact on the development of the genital tract and on the follicular dynamic of heavy gilts. This work (Project AGL-201-78532-R) was funded by MINECO.Key Words:

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