Rebalancing the seed proteome following deletion of vicilin-related genes in pea (Pisum sativum L.).

Null mutations for genes encoding a major seed storage protein in pea, vicilin, were sought through screening a fast-neutron mutant population. Deletion mutations at four or five vicilin loci, where all vicilin genes within each locus were deleted, were combined to address the question of how removal or reduction of a major storage protein and potential allergen might impact the final concentration of protein per unit mature seed weight, seed yield and viability. While the concentration of seed protein was not reduced in mature seeds of mutant lines, indicative of a re-balancing of the proteome, notable differences were apparent in the metabolite, proteomic and amino acid profiles of the seeds, as well as in some functional properties.

Nasal telangiectatic osteosarcoma with direct extension to the brain in a domestic shorthair cat.

Case Summary: This case report describes the clinical and pathological features of telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) with brain invasion in a 4-year-old female domestic shorthair cat. The cat presented with respiratory distress, epistaxis, anorexia and significant nasal obstruction. A rhinoscopy revealed an amorphous white neoformation in the left nasal cavity.

Ovarian stimulation of Nelore calves and prepubertal heifers with a long-acting recombinant human FSH (corifollitropin-alpha) and subsequent ovum pick-up and in vitro embryo production outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a long-acting recombinant human FSH (rhFSH, corifollitropin-alpha) to induce ovarian stimulation in Nelore breed (Bos indicus) calves and prepubertal heifers prior to ovum pick-up (OPU) for in vitro embryo production (IVEP). In Experiment 1, a dose-response trial was performed to determine the optimal dose of rhFSH, which was determined to be 10 μg. In Experiment 2, 6-7 mo old calves were randomly allocated to receive rhFSH either via sc (n = 5) or im (n = 5).

HBM4EU chromates study: the Portuguese integrated and harmonized study on exposure to hexavalent chromium and related early effects.

In the scope of the European Union (EU) human biomonitoring initiative, a multicentric study on different occupational settings from several European countries was performed, to provide information on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a known lung carcinogen. Biomonitoring approaches were used to obtain exposure data to support the implementation of new risk management measures and policy actions at the national and European levels. This work describes the Portuguese contribution to the study, which aimed to assess workers' exposure to Cr, by using exposure biomarkers (urinary chromium [U-Cr]), and industrial hygiene samples (air and hand wipes) and to link exposure to potential long-term health effects by using effect biomarkers.