Pelvic fracture in a cat - precontouring of the plate based on allogenic 3D model and its application

Background: Pelvic fractures are commonly ecountered in cats. The ilium is included in approximately 50% of pelvic fractures in cats. Although conservative management of the pelvic fracture is known to have good prognosis, surgical fixation is recommended for the pelvic fracture with ilial fractures. 3D printing is an accurate digital modeling method by converting two-dimensional (2D) images into 3D model. 3D printing in veterinary medicine has been described in the various orthopedic diseases such angular limb deformities or fractures. The use of 3D model for presurgical planning is helpful to improve the results of complex surgical interventions. The objective of this study is to identify the usefulness of fabricating 3D models based on allogenic 2D data with aid of 3D printer program. Case: A 4-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with hindlimb lameness. Radiography revealed left ilial body fracture with multiple fractures including left tuber ischium, pubic symphysis, and bilateral cranial ramuses of pubis. Digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) files of the complete ilium were extracted from a computed tomography (CT) scan of a healthy and castrated male cat of same breed. Volume rendering images were prepared by Slicer program based on DICOM files. After acquired 3D data were converted to STL (Standard Triangulation Language) file for the 3D printing machine, non-fracture involved area was removed except the left ilium using the Meshmixer® software and then data was stored as STL files again. The length of 3D model was adjusted to actual size using 3D printer firmware based on actual size of the ilial length. Subsequently, 3D modelling was performed using 3D printer. The plate was precontoured to conform to the lateral surface of the 3D model. Internal fixation using precontoured plate resulted in accurate bone alignment. The alignment of the ilium remained appropriate throughtout the follow-up period. Complete union was identified 6 months after surgery. Discussion: Although the most common method for the ilial fractures is the application of bone plates to the lateral side of the ilium, bone plate fixation is more challenging in cats owing to the small bone size and small surface area of the fracture sites compared to dogs. Therefore, it is important to make accurate presurgical planning for successful result of a surgery. 3D printing based on actual patient have several limitations including time for complete printing process and additional anesthetic episode to acquire CT images. However, in simple cases, a presurgical CT scan may not be necessary if the plate can be precisely precontured based on the data from the other patient. In this way, the additional financial burden for CT examination also might be reduced. On the other hand, technical difficulty of utilizing hardware and software, and financial availability were another drawback. However, in this current study, most of limitations regarding conventional 3D printing based on actual patient were overcome by the application of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology with allogenic data. In the current study, total time for fabrication of 3D model based on FDM technology, was less than 3 h, which are much shorter than the time for conventional 3D printing. The difference of the ilial length between the actual patient and the 3D model was adjusted through the firmware program. Thus, differences of the conformation or size between the 3D model and the ilium of the patient was negligible during the surgery, although 2D images were not acquired from actual patient. Intraoperative contouring of the plate was not required. In conclusion, through presurgical plate contouring by the 3D bone template based on non-patient specific data, successful treatment of the ilial fracture was possible.

Equipamentos automatizados na criação e crescimento do zebrafish / Automated equipment in the breeding and growth of zebrafish

Roedores, primatas não humanos e coelhos são os animais mais importantes para as pesquisas cientificas, principalmente pela sua semelhança genética e facilidade no manuseio em uma instituição de pesquisa. Outros modelos animais não convencionais podem apresentar vantagens, como menor custo, maior facilidade no manuseio e maior reprodutibilidade da pesquisa. Por isso, cada vez mais se tem utilizado e trabalhado com modelos animais experimentais não experimentais na pesquisa cientifica. O Zebrafish (Danio rerio) também chamado no Brasil de “paulistinha” é um peixe nativo do Himalaia que possui vantagens que o tornam um ótimo modelo experimental, como: tamanho pequeno, baixo custo, alta taxa de fecundidade, genoma completamente sequenciado, desenvolvimento comportamental e embriológico bem conhecido, apresenta respostas à testes de toxicidade similar à modelos humanos e sistema imune relativamente conservado entre o Zebrafish e humanos (o que leva à diferentes modelos específicos de Zebrafish para algumas doenças infecciosas bacterianas, parasitarias e virais que afetam os humanos, como, por exemplo Tuberculose e Zika). Porém o seu uso depende do uso de sistemas mais modernos de monitoramento especializados nesses animais e começaram a aparecer cada vez mais racks automatizados. Desta forma, equipamentos automatizados que facilitam o trabalho do manipulador e diminui a possibilidade de erro no cuidado com os animais são extremamente importantes para que o animal não se infecte ou transmite doenças entre os aquários em um sistema de monitoramento conectado.

Rodents, non-human primates and rabbits are the most important animals for scientific research, mainly for their genetic similarity and ease of handling in a research institution. Other unconventional animal models may have advantages, such as lower cost, easier handling and greater reproducibility of the research. Therefore, more and more experimental and non-experimental animal models have been used and worked in scientific research. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) also called “paulistinha” in Brazil is a fish native to the Himalayas that has advantages that make it a great experimental model, such as: small size, low cost, high fertility rate, completely sequenced genome, behavioral development and well-known embryological, it presents responses to toxicity tests similar to human models and relatively conserved immune system between Zebrafish and humans (which leads to different specific models of Zebrafish for some bacterial, parasitic and viral infectious diseases that affect humans, such as , for example Tuberculosis and Zika). However, its use depends on the use of more modern monitoring systems specialized in these animals and more and more automated racks have started to appear. Thus, automated equipment that facilitates the manipulator’s work and reduces the possibility of error in caring for animals is extremely important so that the animal does not become infected or transmit diseases between aquariums in a connected monitoring system.

Equipamentos automatizados na criação e crescimento do zebrafish / Automated equipment in the breeding and growth of zebrafish

Roedores, primatas não humanos e coelhos são os animais mais importantes para as pesquisas cientificas, principalmente pela sua semelhança genética e facilidade no manuseio em uma instituição de pesquisa. Outros modelos animais não convencionais podem apresentar vantagens, como menor custo, maior facilidade no manuseio e maior reprodutibilidade da pesquisa. Por isso, cada vez mais se tem utilizado e trabalhado com modelos animais experimentais não experimentais na pesquisa cientifica. O Zebrafish (Danio rerio) também chamado no Brasil de “paulistinha” é um peixe nativo do Himalaia que possui vantagens que o tornam um ótimo modelo experimental, como: tamanho pequeno, baixo custo, alta taxa de fecundidade, genoma completamente sequenciado, desenvolvimento comportamental e embriológico bem conhecido, apresenta respostas à testes de toxicidade similar à modelos humanos e sistema imune relativamente conservado entre o Zebrafish e humanos (o que leva à diferentes modelos específicos de Zebrafish para algumas doenças infecciosas bacterianas, parasitarias e virais que afetam os humanos, como, por exemplo Tuberculose e Zika). Porém o seu uso depende do uso de sistemas mais modernos de monitoramento especializados nesses animais e começaram a aparecer cada vez mais racks automatizados. Desta forma, equipamentos automatizados que facilitam o trabalho do manipulador e diminui a possibilidade de erro no cuidado com os animais são extremamente importantes para que o animal não se infecte ou transmite doenças entre os aquários em um sistema de monitoramento conectado.(AU)

Rodents, non-human primates and rabbits are the most important animals for scientific research, mainly for their genetic similarity and ease of handling in a research institution. Other unconventional animal models may have advantages, such as lower cost, easier handling and greater reproducibility of the research. Therefore, more and more experimental and non-experimental animal models have been used and worked in scientific research. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) also called “paulistinha” in Brazil is a fish native to the Himalayas that has advantages that make it a great experimental model, such as: small size, low cost, high fertility rate, completely sequenced genome, behavioral development and well-known embryological, it presents responses to toxicity tests similar to human models and relatively conserved immune system between Zebrafish and humans (which leads to different specific models of Zebrafish for some bacterial, parasitic and viral infectious diseases that affect humans, such as , for example Tuberculosis and Zika). However, its use depends on the use of more modern monitoring systems specialized in these animals and more and more automated racks have started to appear. Thus, automated equipment that facilitates the manipulators work and reduces the possibility of error in caring for animals is extremely important so that the animal does not become infected or transmit diseases between aquariums in a connected monitoring system.(AU)

Duplicidad de la vena renal derecha en Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae): reporte de un caso / Double right renal vein in Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae): case report

El Didelphis aurita, conocido como comadreja de orejas negras, es un marsupial con amplia distribución en la América del Sur, frecuente tanto en los ambientes silvestres como antrópicos debido a su gran plasticidad ecológica. Animales de esta especie son comúnmente atendidos en la medicina de animales silvestres y vienen siendo empleados como modelos experimentales alternativos a especies tradicionales. El objetivo de ese trabajo fue relatar la ocurrencia de un caso de vena renal doble en un espécimen adulto, macho, de D. aurita. Para eso, se ha disecado un cadáver fijado y conservado en solución de formaldehído 10%, previamente inyectado con látex de color azul por la porción torácica de la arteria aorta para facilitar la disección. El espécimen poseía dos venas renales derechas, una vena craneal (11,3 mm) y otra caudal (10,0 mm) que drenaban distintamente para una vena cava caudal. La vena renal izquierda y las arterias renales eran únicas. Aunque la duplicidad de la vena renal es reportada en otras especies como perros, gatos y felideos silvestres, este es el primer relato en el género Didelphis. El conocimiento de las variaciones anatómicas vasculares es relevante para la correcta ejecución de procedimientos veterinarios y en la interpretación de hallazgos experimentales en relación con el sistema urogenital.(AU)

Didelphis aurita, known as black eared oposum, is a marsupial widely distributed in South America, frequently seen in both wild and anthropogenic environments due to its great ecological plasticity. This species is commonly treated in wildlife veterinary services and has been used as alternative experimental models instead of conventional species. The aim of this report was to describe a case of double renal vein in a male, adult, specimen of D. aurita. In order to make the dissection easier, the cadaver was fixed and preserved in 10 % formaldehyde solution, and previously injected with latex in blue color by the thoracic aorta to facilitate dissection. The specimen had two right renal veins, one cranial (11.3 mm) and other caudal (10.0 mm) that drained distinctly for caudal vena cava. The left renal vein and the renal arteries were single. Although double renal vein has been reported in other species, such as dogs, cats and wild felids, this is the first mention in the genus Didelphis. The knowledge of the vascular anatomical variations is relevant for the correct execution of veterinary procedures and the interpretation of experimental findings in urogenital system research.(AU)

Technical innovation: Intragastric Single Port Sleeve Gastrectomy (IGSG). A feasibility survival study on porcine model

Purpose: To perform technically the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) using a unique Intragastric Single Port (IGSG) in animal swine model, evidencing an effective and safe procedure, optimizing the conventional technique.Methods: IGSG was performed in 4 minipigs, using a percutaneous intragastric single port located in the pre-pyloric region. The gastric stapling of the greater curvature started from the pre-pyloric region towards the angle of His by Endo GIA system and the specimen was removed through the single port. In the postoperative day 30, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to autopsy.Results: All procedures were performed without conversion, and all survived 30 days. The mean operative time was 42 min. During the perioperative period no complications were observed during invagination and stapling. No postoperative complications occurred. Post-mortem examination showed no leaks or infectious complications.Conclusion: Intragastric Single Port is a feasible procedure that may be a suitable alternative technique of sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of morbid obesity.(AU)

Growth curves in meat-type and laying quail: a Bayesian perspective / Curvas de crescimento em codornas de corte e postura: uma perspectiva Bayesiana

The aim of this study was to assess the goodness of fit for nonlinear models, using the best model to describe body growth curves, comparing the parameters obtained for gender and one meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail strains, as well as nesting via MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo processes) methods under a Bayesian approach. A total of 1,350 one-day-old mixed quail were used: 400 of meat-type, 450 of yellow laying, and 500 of red laying strains distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (each treatment corresponded to one strain) and five replications. The experimental period consisted of 1 to 42 days of age. At 21 days of age, quail sexing was performed by means of sexual dimorphism, being individually identified at one day of age with numbered rings, allowing determining growth curves by gender. Birds were reared in a conventional system, fed ad libitum with diets formulated to meet nutritional requirements. Body weight was determined weekly and assessed using nonlinear models: Logistic, Brody, Von Bertalanffy, and Gompertz, whose parameters were estimated under a Bayesian approach via MCMC algorithm by means of BRugs package from the software R. DIC (Deviance Information Criterion) criterion was used to select the best nonlinear model, i.e. the lower the DIC value is, the better the model goodness of fit to thedata. Gompertz model was better adjusted to the data regardless the gender or strain. Meat-type quailhad the highest asymptotic weights and the highest age at which growth rate was maximum, followedby red and yellow strains. All nestings presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between gender forcontrasted parameters. Meat-type, yellow, and red females presented values significantly (p < 0.05)higher for asymptotic weight (370, 203, and 215 g, respectively) when compared to males (274, 131,and 143 g, respectively), which were earlier in body growth.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos não lineares aos dados, utilizando o melhor modelo para descrever as curvas de crescimento corporal, comparando os parâmetros obtidos para gênero e uma linhagem de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) e duas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica), bem como o aninhamento, via método MCMC (Cadeias de Markov em processos de Monte Carlo), sob o enfoque Bayesiano. Foram utilizadas 1.350 codornas mistas, com um dia de idade, sendo: 400 da linhagem de corte, 450 de postura amarela e 500 de postura vermelha, distribuídas por um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (cada tratamento corresponde a uma linhagem) e cinco repetições. O período experimental foi de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Aos 21 dias de idade foi realizada a sexagem por dimorfismo sexual, sendo que elas foram identificadas individualmente com um dia com anilhas numeradas, possibilitando a determinação das curvas de crescimento por gênero. As aves foram criadas em um sistema convencional, alimentadas ad libitum com rações formuladas para atender às exigências nutricionais. O peso corporal foi determinado semanalmente e avaliados por meio dos modelos não lineares: Logístico, Brody, Von Bertalanffy e Gompertz. Para a seleção domelhor modelo não linear utilizou-se o critério DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), em que quantomenor o valor de DIC, melhor é a qualidade do ajuste do modelo aos dados. Gompertz melhor se ajustouaos dados, independentemente do gênero ou linhagem. As codornas de corte tiveram os maiores pesosassintóticos e a maior idade em que a taxa de crescimento é máxima, seguido pela vermelha e amarela.Todos aninhamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre gênero para os parâmetroscontrastados. As fêmeas de corte, amarela e vermelha apresentaram valores significativamente (p <0,05) maiores para o peso assintótico (370, 203 e 215 g, respectivamente), comparados aos...

Growth curves in meat-type and laying quail: a Bayesian perspective / Curvas de crescimento em codornas de corte e postura: uma perspectiva Bayesiana

The aim of this study was to assess the goodness of fit for nonlinear models, using the best model to describe body growth curves, comparing the parameters obtained for gender and one meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail strains, as well as nesting via MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo processes) methods under a Bayesian approach. A total of 1,350 one-day-old mixed quail were used: 400 of meat-type, 450 of yellow laying, and 500 of red laying strains distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (each treatment corresponded to one strain) and five replications. The experimental period consisted of 1 to 42 days of age. At 21 days of age, quail sexing was performed by means of sexual dimorphism, being individually identified at one day of age with numbered rings, allowing determining growth curves by gender. Birds were reared in a conventional system, fed ad libitum with diets formulated to meet nutritional requirements. Body weight was determined weekly and assessed using nonlinear models: Logistic, Brody, Von Bertalanffy, and Gompertz, whose parameters were estimated under a Bayesian approach via MCMC algorithm by means of BRugs package from the software R. DIC (Deviance Information Criterion) criterion was used to select the best nonlinear model, i.e. the lower the DIC value is, the better the model goodness of fit to thedata. Gompertz model was better adjusted to the data regardless the gender or strain. Meat-type quailhad the highest asymptotic weights and the highest age at which growth rate was maximum, followedby red and yellow strains. All nestings presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between gender forcontrasted parameters. Meat-type, yellow, and red females presented values significantly (p < 0.05)higher for asymptotic weight (370, 203, and 215 g, respectively) when compared to males (274, 131,and 143 g, respectively), which were earlier in body growth.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos não lineares aos dados, utilizando o melhor modelo para descrever as curvas de crescimento corporal, comparando os parâmetros obtidos para gênero e uma linhagem de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) e duas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica), bem como o aninhamento, via método MCMC (Cadeias de Markov em processos de Monte Carlo), sob o enfoque Bayesiano. Foram utilizadas 1.350 codornas mistas, com um dia de idade, sendo: 400 da linhagem de corte, 450 de postura amarela e 500 de postura vermelha, distribuídas por um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (cada tratamento corresponde a uma linhagem) e cinco repetições. O período experimental foi de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Aos 21 dias de idade foi realizada a sexagem por dimorfismo sexual, sendo que elas foram identificadas individualmente com um dia com anilhas numeradas, possibilitando a determinação das curvas de crescimento por gênero. As aves foram criadas em um sistema convencional, alimentadas ad libitum com rações formuladas para atender às exigências nutricionais. O peso corporal foi determinado semanalmente e avaliados por meio dos modelos não lineares: Logístico, Brody, Von Bertalanffy e Gompertz. Para a seleção domelhor modelo não linear utilizou-se o critério DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), em que quantomenor o valor de DIC, melhor é a qualidade do ajuste do modelo aos dados. Gompertz melhor se ajustouaos dados, independentemente do gênero ou linhagem. As codornas de corte tiveram os maiores pesosassintóticos e a maior idade em que a taxa de crescimento é máxima, seguido pela vermelha e amarela.Todos aninhamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre gênero para os parâmetroscontrastados. As fêmeas de corte, amarela e vermelha apresentaram valores significativamente (p <0,05) maiores para o peso assintótico (370, 203 e 215 g, respectivamente), comparados aos...(AU)

Alpha-type phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood

Abstract It is of popular and scientific knowledge that toxins from snake venom (among them the PLA2 and myotoxins) are neutralized by various compounds, such as antibodies and proteins purified from animal blood. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes have PLA2 inhibitory proteins, called PLIs, in their blood serum. One hypothesis that could explain the presence of these PLIs in the serum of venomous snakes would be self-protection against the enzymes of their own venom, which eventually could reach the circulatory system. However, the presence of PLIs in non-venomous snakes suggests that their physiological role might not be restricted to protection against PLA2 toxins, but could be extended to other functions, as in the innate immune system and local regulation of PLA2s. The present study aimed to review the currently available literature on PLA2 and myotoxin alpha inhibitors present in snake plasma, thus helping to improve the research on these molecules. Furthermore, this review includes current information regarding the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in an attempt to better understand their application, and proposes the use of these molecules as new models in snakebite therapy. These molecules may help in the neutralization of different types of phospholipases A2 and myotoxins, complementing the conventional serum therapy.

Artificial neural network for prediction of the area under the disease progress curve of tomato late blight

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are computational models inspired by the neural systems of living beings capable of learning from examples and using them to solve problems such as non-linear prediction, and pattern recognition, in addition to several other applications. In this study, ANN were used to predict the value of the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) for the tomato late blight pathosystem. The AUDPC is widely used by epidemiologic studies of polycyclic diseases, especially those regarding quantitative resistance of genotypes. However, a series of six evaluations over time is necessary to obtain the final area value for this pathosystem. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of ANN to construct an AUDPC in the tomato late blight pathosystem, using a reduced number of severity evaluations. For this, four independent experiments were performed giving a total of 1836 plants infected with Phytophthora infestans pathogen. They were assessed every three days, comprised six opportunities and AUDPC calculations were performed by the conventional method. After the ANN were created it was possible to predict the AUDPC with correlations of 0.97 and 0.84 when compared to conventional methods, using 50 % and 67 % of the genotype evaluations, respectively. When using the ANN created in an experiment to predict the AUDPC of the other experiments the average correlation was 0.94, with two evaluations, 0.96, with three evaluations, between the predicted values of the ANN and they were observed in six evaluations. We present in this study a new paradigm for the use of AUDPC information in tomato experiments faced with P. infestans. This new proposed paradigm might be adapted to different pathosystems.

Artificial neural network for prediction of the area under the disease progress curve of tomato late blight

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are computational models inspired by the neural systems of living beings capable of learning from examples and using them to solve problems such as non-linear prediction, and pattern recognition, in addition to several other applications. In this study, ANN were used to predict the value of the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) for the tomato late blight pathosystem. The AUDPC is widely used by epidemiologic studies of polycyclic diseases, especially those regarding quantitative resistance of genotypes. However, a series of six evaluations over time is necessary to obtain the final area value for this pathosystem. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of ANN to construct an AUDPC in the tomato late blight pathosystem, using a reduced number of severity evaluations. For this, four independent experiments were performed giving a total of 1836 plants infected with Phytophthora infestans pathogen. They were assessed every three days, comprised six opportunities and AUDPC calculations were performed by the conventional method. After the ANN were created it was possible to predict the AUDPC with correlations of 0.97 and 0.84 when compared to conventional methods, using 50 % and 67 % of the genotype evaluations, respectively. When using the ANN created in an experiment to predict the AUDPC of the other experiments the average correlation was 0.94, with two evaluations, 0.96, with three evaluations, between the predicted values of the ANN and they were observed in six evaluations. We present in this study a new paradigm for the use of AUDPC information in tomato experiments faced with P. infestans. This new proposed paradigm might be adapted to different pathosystems.(AU)

Alpha-type phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood

It is of popular and scientific knowledge that toxins from snake venom (among them the PLA2 and myotoxins) are neutralized by various compounds, such as antibodies and proteins purified from animal blood. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes have PLA2 inhibitory proteins, called PLIs, in their blood serum. One hypothesis that could explain the presence of these PLIs in the serum of venomous snakes would be self-protection against the enzymes of their own venom, which eventually could reach the circulatory system. However, the presence of PLIs in non-venomous snakes suggests that their physiological role might not be restricted to protection against PLA2 toxins, but could be extended to other functions, as in the innate immune system and local regulation of PLA2s. The present study aimed to review the currently available literature on PLA2 and myotoxin alpha inhibitors present in snake plasma, thus helping to improve the research on these molecules. Furthermore, this review includes current information regarding the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in an attempt to better understand their application, and proposes the use of these molecules as new models in snakebite therapy. These molecules may help in the neutralization of different types of phospholipases A2 and myotoxins, complementing the conventional serum therapy.(AU)

Alpha-type phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood

It is of popular and scientific knowledge that toxins from snake venom (among them the PLA2 and myotoxins) are neutralized by various compounds, such as antibodies and proteins purified from animal blood. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes have PLA2 inhibitory proteins, called PLIs, in their blood serum. One hypothesis that could explain the presence of these PLIs in the serum of venomous snakes would be self-protection against the enzymes of their own venom, which eventually could reach the circulatory system. However, the presence of PLIs in non-venomous snakes suggests that their physiological role might not be restricted to protection against PLA2 toxins, but could be extended to other functions, as in the innate immune system and local regulation of PLA2s. The present study aimed to review the currently available literature on PLA2 and myotoxin alpha inhibitors present in snake plasma, thus helping to improve the research on these molecules. Furthermore, this review includes current information regarding the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in an attempt to better understand their application, and proposes the use of these molecules as new models in snakebite therapy. These molecules may help in the neutralization of different types of phospholipases A2 and myotoxins, complementing the conventional serum therapy.(AU)

Mixed effect models for predicting breast height diameter from stump diameter of Oriental beech in Göldag

Diameter at breast height (DBH) is the simplest, most common and most important tree dimension in forest inventory and is closely correlated with wood volume, height and biomass. In this study, a number of linear and nonlinear models predicting diameter at breast height from stump diameter were developed and evaluated for Oriental beech (Fagus orientalisLipsky) stands located in the forest region of Ayanck, in the northeast of Turkey. A set of 1,501 pairs of diameter at breast height-stump measurements, originating from 70 sample plots of even-aged Oriental beech stands, were used in this study. About 80 % of the otal data (1,160 trees in 55 sample plots) was used to fit a number of linear and nonlinear model parameters; the remaining 341 trees in 15 sample plots were randomly reserved for model validation and calibration response. The power model data set was found to produce the most satisfactory fits with the Adjusted Coefficient of Determination, R2adj (0.990), Root Mean Square Error, RMSE (1.25), Akaikes Information Criterion, AIC (3820.5), Schwarzs Bayesian Information Criterion, BIC (3837.2), and Absolute Bias (1.25). The nonlinear mixed-effect modeling approach for power model with R2adj(0.993), AIC (3598), BIC (3610.1), Absolute Bias (0.73) and RMSE (1.04) provided much better fitting and precise predictions for DBH from stump diameter than the conventional nonlinear fixed effect model structures for this model. The calibration response including tree DBH and stump diameter measurements of the four largest trees in a calibrated sample plot in calibration produced the highest Bias, -5.31 %, and RMSE, -6.30 %, the greatest reduction percentage.

Mixed effect models for predicting breast height diameter from stump diameter of Oriental beech in Göldag

Diameter at breast height (DBH) is the simplest, most common and most important tree dimension in forest inventory and is closely correlated with wood volume, height and biomass. In this study, a number of linear and nonlinear models predicting diameter at breast height from stump diameter were developed and evaluated for Oriental beech (Fagus orientalisLipsky) stands located in the forest region of Ayanck, in the northeast of Turkey. A set of 1,501 pairs of diameter at breast height-stump measurements, originating from 70 sample plots of even-aged Oriental beech stands, were used in this study. About 80 % of the otal data (1,160 trees in 55 sample plots) was used to fit a number of linear and nonlinear model parameters; the remaining 341 trees in 15 sample plots were randomly reserved for model validation and calibration response. The power model data set was found to produce the most satisfactory fits with the Adjusted Coefficient of Determination, R2adj (0.990), Root Mean Square Error, RMSE (1.25), Akaikes Information Criterion, AIC (3820.5), Schwarzs Bayesian Information Criterion, BIC (3837.2), and Absolute Bias (1.25). The nonlinear mixed-effect modeling approach for power model with R2adj(0.993), AIC (3598), BIC (3610.1), Absolute Bias (0.73) and RMSE (1.04) provided much better fitting and precise predictions for DBH from stump diameter than the conventional nonlinear fixed effect model structures for this model. The calibration response including tree DBH and stump diameter measurements of the four largest trees in a calibrated sample plot in calibration produced the highest Bias, -5.31 %, and RMSE, -6.30 %, the greatest reduction percentage.(AU)

MODELOS PARA AVALIAÇÃO GENÉTICA DE POPULAÇÕES MULTIRRACIAIS

O objetivo da tese foi comparar diferentes modelos estatísticos para estimar acuradamente valores genéticos de um rebanho de bovinos compostos. No Capítulo I foi apresentada a revisão sobre a formação da raça Purunã; a influência dos efeitos maternos que podem exercer impacto sobre a estimação de parâmetros genéticos das características de crescimento pré e pós-desmama; a obtenção da retenção de heterose em populações cruzadas e por fim, os modelos utilizados para a avaliação genética de rebanhos obtidos por cruzamento. No Capítulo II o objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de idade da vaca (IDV) e dos grupos genéticos sobre as características de crescimento pré e pós-desmama de bovinos cruzados. Foram utilizados dados de 9345 animais, nascidos entre 1981 e 2017, resultando em 3 arquivos: 1) Canchim x Angus com 391 animais puros e bimestiços; 2) Charolês x Caracu com 502 animais puros e bimestiços e o 3) de animais quadrimestiços filhos dos animais bimestiços dos bancos anteriores com 1098 animais. As características avaliadas foram pesos ao nascer (PN), à desmama (P210), ao ano (P365) e ao sobreano (P420). Os grupos genéticos causaram grande variação nos pesos tomados em várias idades, bem como a origem daquele grupamento racial. A IDV teve forte influência sobre os pesos (P<0,01) exceto no P365 de animais Canchim x Angus. Os efeitos de idade da vaca e grupamento genético devem ser considerados na avaliação. No Capítulo III objetivou-se estudar a inclusão dos efeitos maternos na população quadrimestiça utilizada no capítulo anterior. Foram usados dados de 1098 bovinos, como grupo genético (GG) ou considerando a origem identificada (GGI), filhos de 93 touros e 392 vacas. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados por um modelo animal usando AIREML, BLUPF90. Foram testados 3 modelos para análise: 1) efeito genético direto como aleatório, 2) além do efeito direto, o efeito de ambiente permanente materno foi considerado, e 3) além dos efeitos inclusos nos modelos anteriores, contemplou-se o efeito genético materno. Além dos efeitos aleatórios, os efeitos fixos de grupo genético (GG) ou grupo genético de origem identificada (GGI) foram considerados nas análises. Para todas as características, o modelo 3 foi indicado como mais adequado. Os efeitos maternos devem ser considerados nos modelos para estimação de parâmetros genéticos de animais quadrimestiços, independente da forma de considerar o grupo genético. No Capítulo IV foram comparados 4 modelos para estimar os valores genéticos da população de quadrimestiços dos capítulos anteriores. As análises foram realizadas por meio do procedimento GLM do software SAS. As comparações entre os modelos foram realizadas por meio do cálculo de redução na soma de quadrados dos resíduos e pelo critério de convergência AIC. Os valores genéticos foram estimados por meio do AIREML - BLUPF90. Os touros foram utilizados para estimar a correlação de Spearman e, posteriormente, foram ranqueados. O teste da redução na soma de quadrados dos resíduos indicou para todas as características o modelo 1, de grupo genético de origem identificada, como mais indicado, sendo que para o PN poderia também ser utilizado o modelo 2, grupo genético convencional, e para o P210 também o modelo que inclui todos os efeitos não aditivos (Modelo 4). Pelo AIC o modelo indicado foi o modelo mais parametrizado (modelo 4), que continha os efeitos epistáticos. A correlação de Spearman entre os modelos foram altas tanto para PN, quanto para P420. Para o P210 e P365 as correlações entre os modelos 2, 3 e 4 foram altas, ou seja, o ranqueamento dos touros foi semelhante. Apesar das altas correlações, observou-se mudanças importantes na classificação dos touros quadrimestiços pelos diferentes modelos.

The objective of the thesis was to compare different statistical models to accurately estimate genetic values of a herd of crossbreeding cattle. In Chapter I was presented the revision on the formation of the Purunã breed; the influence of maternal effects that may have an impact on the estimation of genetic parameters of pre and post-weaning growth characteristics; obtaining retention of heterosis in cross populations and, finally, the models used for the genetic evaluation of crossbred herds. In Chapter II the objective was to evaluate the effects of age of dam (IDV) and genetic groups on pre and post-weaning growth characteristics of crossbred cattle. Data were used of 9345 animals, born between 1981 and 2017, resulting in 3 files: 1) Canchim x Angus with 391 pure and 2 cross breed; 2) Charolais x Caracu with 502 pure and 2 cross breed and 3) 4 cross breed children of the 2 cross breed of the previous data with 1098 animals. The evaluated characteristics were weights at birth (PN), weaning (P210), yearling (P365) and days at 420 (P420). Genetic groups caused great variation in the weights taken at various ages, as well as the origin of that racial grouping. IDV had a strong influence on weights (P <0.01) except for P365 from Canchim x Angus animals. The effects of age of the cow and genetic grouping should be considered in the evaluation. Chapter III aimed to study the inclusion of maternal effects in the 4 cross breed population used in the previous chapter. Data from 1098 cattle, as a genetic group (GG) or considering the identified origin (GGI), were used, of 93 sires and 392 dams. The genetic parameters were estimated by an animal model using AIREML, BLUPF90. Three models were tested for analysis: 1) direct genetic effect as random; 2) besides the direct effect, the effect of maternal permanent environment was considered, and 3) besides the effects included in the previous models, maternal genetic effect was considered. In addition to the random effects, the fixed effects of genetic group (GG) or genetic group of identified origin (GGI) were considered in the analyzes. For all the characteristics, model 3 was indicated as more suitable. Maternal effects should be considered in the models for estimation of genetic parameters of 4 cross breed, regardless of how the genetic group is considered. In Chapter IV, four models were compared to estimate the genetic values of 4 cross breed population of previous chapters. The analyzes were performed using the GLM procedure of the SAS software. The comparisons between the models were performed by calculating the reduction in the sum of squares of the residues and by the AIC convergence criterion. Genetic values were estimated using AIREML - BLUPF90. Sires were used to estimate the Spearman correlation and were subsequently ranked. The test of the reduction in the sum of squares of residues indicated for all the characteristics the model 1, of identified genetic group of origin, as more indicated, being that for the PN could also be used the model 2, conventional genetic group, and for the P210 also the model that includes all non-additive effects (Model 4). The AIC model was the most parameterized model (model 4), which contained the epistatic effects. The Spearman correlation between the models was high for both PN and P420. For P210 and P365 the correlations between models 2, 3 and 4 were high, that is, sires rankings were similar. Despite the high correlations, we observed important changes in the classification of 4 cross breed sires by the different models.

HORÁRIO DE CORTE DO CAPIM TIFTON 85 PARA FENAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MODELOS DE PREDIÇÃO PELA ESPECTROSCOPIA DE INFRAVERMELHO PRÓXIMO

Na produção animal, deve-se sempre buscar otimização de técnicas de manejo e avaliação dos alimentos fornecidos aos animais. Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar o horário de corte do capim tifton 85 que resulta em feno de melhor qualidade nutricional, avaliar a composição química do capim e do feno produzido em cada horário de corte, bem como desenvolver modelos de predição da composição nutricional do tifton 85, pela espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo (NIRS). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com três blocos, no qual foram avaliados três horários de corte do capim para produção de feno: 11, 14 e 17 horas. Para cada horário, haviam sete repetições e foram utilizados 21 canteiros de 4 m² cada. O corte para fenação ocorreu em junho de 2017 e foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria mineral (MM), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e ácido (FDA), proteína bruta (PB) em todas as amostras de capim (planta inteira e separação morfológica) e de feno, além dos teores de extrato etéreo, proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro (PIDN) e ácido, lignina para planta inteira do capim e feno. Os valores de celulose, hemicelulose (HEMI), carboidratos não fibrosos e totais, e nutrientes digestíveis totais foram calculados para planta inteira do capim e para o feno. O desenvolvimento de modelos de predição pela espectroscopia NIRS para avaliação da composição química da forragem foi realizado por meio do software computacional WinISI III. Foi aplicada a análise de componentes principais (PCA) no conjunto de dados e para correlacionar os valores de referência obtidos aos dados espectrais do conjunto de calibração, utilizou-se a regressão por mínimos quadrados parciais modificada (mPLS). Para a avaliação dos modelos de predição foram utilizados parâmetros estatísticos como coeficiente de determinação (R2 ), erro padrão da calibração (SEC), taxa de desvio da performance (RPD), razão de intervalo de erro (RER) e erro padrão da predição (SEP). O horário de corte do capim influenciou no teor de PIDN, sendo que o capim cortado às 11 horas apresentou valor de 4,17%. A composição química do feno foi influenciada pelos diferentes horários de corte, principalmente em relação à parede celular. Menores teores de FDA (39,58%) e PIDN (3,34%) e maior teor de HEMI (39,98%) foram encontrados no feno produzido com o capim cortado às 17 11 horas. Os fenos produzidos apresentaram teores médios de 9,9% de PB, 78,8% de FDN e 40,3% de FDA. Em relação ao desenvolvimento dos modelos de predição pela espectroscopia NIRS, foram de excelente qualidade para predição de ASE, MM, PB e FDA, com valores de coeficiente de determinação (R2 ) da validação de 0,81; 0,94; 0,99 e 0,93, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o horário de corte do capim às 17 horas altera a composição nutricional do feno produzido, principalmente quanto à parede celular, sendo assim considerado como melhor horário de manejo. A determinação da composição química do tifton 85 pode ser realizada pela espectroscopia NIRS, em substituição a análise convencional, por apresentar acurácia na construção dos modelos de predição. Cynodon spp., feno, modelagem, NIRS.

In animal production, it is always required to seek optimization of management techniques and evaluation of food provided to animals. The aim of this study was to determine the cut time of tifton 85 grass that results in hay of better nutritional quality, to evaluate the chemical composition of the grass and hay produced at each cut time, and develop models of prediction of the nutritional composition for tifton 85, by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with three blocks, in which three cut times of grass for hay production were evaluated: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For each cut time, there were seven repetitions and 21 plots of 4 m² each were used. The cut for haymaking occurred in June 2017 and the contents of dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid (ADF), crude protein (PB) were determined for all grass samples (whole plant and morphological separation) and hay, in addition to the contents of ether extract, neutral detergent insoluble protein (NIDP) and acid and lignin for whole plant of the grass and for the hay. The values of cellulose, hemicellulose, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients were calculated for the whole plant of the grass and for the hay. Tp development of prediction models by the NIRS spectroscopy for evaluation of the forage chemical composition was performed using the software WinISI III. The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data set and to correlate the reference values obtained from the spectral data of the calibration set, the partial least squares regression modified (mPLS) was used. For the evaluation of prediction models, statistical parameters were used as coefficient of determination (R2 ), standard error of calibration (SEC), performance deviation rate (RPD), error interval ratio (RER) and standard error of prediction (SEP). The cut time of the grass influenced the content of NIDP, and the grass cut at 11 a.m. presented value of 4.17%. The chemical composition of hay was influenced by the different cut times, mainly in relation to the cell wall. Lower levels of ADF (39.58%) and NIDP (3.34%) and higher hemicellulose content (39.98%) were found in hay produced with the grass cut at 5 p.m. The hay produced presented contents of 9.9% of CP, 78.8% of NDF and 40.3% of ADF. Regarding the development of prediction 13 models by the NIRS spectroscopy, they were of excellent quality for prediction of ODS, MM, CP and ADF, with values of determination coefficient (R2 ) of validation of 0.81; 0.94; 0.99 and 0.93, respectively. It was concluded that the cut time of the grass at 5:00 p.m. alters the nutritional composition of the hay produced, mainly as the cell wall, thus being considered as the best time of management. The determination of the chemical composition of tifton 85 can be performed by the NIRS spectroscopy, replacing the conventional analysis, because it presents accuracy in the construction of prediction models.

DESENVOLVIMENTO TESTICULAR, PONDERAL E USO DE MODELOS NÃO-LINEARES PARA DESCREVER A CURVA DE CRESCIMENTO DO PERÍMETRO ESCROTAL EM BOVINOS

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento testicular e biometria testicular in vivo e postmorten em bovinos de raça Nelore e mestiços Nelore x Aberdeen Angus, alimentados com diferentes dietas (Silagem de cana de açúcar/bagaço de cana, cana de açúcar in natura e silagem de milho) criados em confinamento imediatamente após a desmama (oito meses de idade) até o término da fase de terminação (15 meses). Foram utilizados 112 tourinhos da raça Nelore e mestiços Nelore x Aberdeen Angus (nos três experimentos) com idade média entre oito a nove meses e peso corporal de 230 a 270 kg. Este estudo foi conduzido em três fases. Nos experimentos 1 e 2, o manejo dos animais foi conduzido em seis baias coletivas, e no experimento 3 o manejo dos animais foi conduzido em baias individuais. Nas duas primeiras fases experimentais o manejo foi em baias equipadas com sistema de porteiras eletrônicas (tipo Calan Gate) que permitiam acesso ao cocho individualmente. Em todas as baias a água foi fornecida ad libitum. Foram r

The objective of this study was to evaluate testicular growth and testicular biometry in vivo and postmortem in Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bovine fed with different diets (Sugarcane silage / sugarcane bagasse, sugar cane in natura and corn silage) created in feedlot immediately after weaning (eight months old) until the end of the finishing period (15 months). A total of 112 Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbreds bulls were used (in the three experiments) with mean ages between eight and nine months and with body weights between 230 to 270 kg. This study was conducted in three phases. In experiments 1 and 2, the management of the animals was conducted in six collective pens, and in experiment 3 the management of the animals was conducted in individual pens. In the first two experimental phases, the management was in pens equipped with electronic gate system (Calan Gate type) that allowed access to the trough individually. The water was supplied ad libitum in all the pens. Measurements of testicular biometrics, scrotal circumference (SC), left testicular length (LTL) and right (RTL), left testicle width (LTW) and right width (RTW) of all the animals were performed at 28-day intervals during the experimental period and after slaughter. After obtaining the gonads, two testicular fragments were collected per animal and stored in Bouin fixative solution for 18 hours; the fragments were transferred and conditioned in 70% alcohol. Subsequently, the testicular fragments were submitted to the dehydration process in alcoholic solutions in increasing and successive concentrations each 60 minutes. After dehydration, the fragments were soaked in xylol and embedded in paraffin. Then, with a microtome, the sections were cut with 4 m thickness and mounted on histological slides and stained with hematoxylin / eosin and coverslips assembled with Entellan. In Experiment I, during the growth period of bulls fed with sugarcane silage, there were differences in the body weight mean values of the animals with high performance treatment in the growth period in relation to the values obtained in the treatment with low performance in the same period (p <0.05), and in the finishing period using sugar cane bagasse, the body weight and postmortem testicular biometrics mean values of the animals did not show any difference between the treatments (p> 0.05). Analyzing the tubular diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium in the growth period there was no difference between the mean values of the animals in the different treatments (p> 0.05). However, when comparing the growth and finishing period, there was a difference between the mean values of the seminiferous tubule diameters (p <0.05), being higher in the finishing period. The seminiferous epithelium height mean values of the animals in the treatment with low performance in the growth period and high performance in the finishing period (BA) were higher than the values presented by the bulls in the growth period (p <0.05 ). There was a difference in the body weight of the high performance treatment in the growth period in relation to the other treatments (p <0.05). There was no difference in mean values for scrotal circumference at the age of 10 - 11 months old for Nellore bulls in high performance treatment during the growth period and high performance in the finishing period (AA) and average performance in the growing period and high performance in the finishing period (MA). The BA treatment differed from the AA treatment at the same age (p <0.05). There was a difference in the finishing period at 16 - 17 months of age in relation to the other treatments (p <0.05). In experiment II, there was no difference between body weight and postmortem testicular biometries (p> 0.05). Regarding the tubule diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium, there was no difference between the means obtained in the different treatments (p> 0.05). There was a difference in body weight in treatment B compared to treatment C for 11-12 and over 13 months of animals age (p <0.05). There was a difference in the scrotal circumference of Nellore bulls above 13 months of age in relation to the 9 - 10 and 11 - 12 months of conventional diet treatment, 100% supply of Ca, P and micromineral requirements (A), conventional diet to supply 100% of the requirements of microminerals, and without the addition of limestone and dicalcium phosphate (C) and conventional diet without the addition of limestone, dicalcium phosphate and premix micromineral (D). In experiment III, the animals of the treatment with 14% CP presented higher body weight means values compared to those with 10% of CP and the means obtained from the animals submitted to the maintenance diet with 12% of CP did not differ from the animals submitted to diets with 10 and 14% CP (p> 0.05). The postmortem testicular biometry mean values in the animals treated with 10, 12 and 14% CP were higher than the values obtained for the maintenance treatment animals with 12% CP (p <0.05). There was a significant interaction between ages with body weight. The body weight of the 10, 12 and 14% crude protein treatments for Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus bulls was higher when compared to the maintenance treatment. The body weight mean values of 12 and 14% crude protein treatments for Nellore bulls did not differ among them (p> 0.05), but the mean values obtained for the treatments with maintenance diet differed from the other means obtained in the other evaluated treatments (p <0.05). The interaction between age and race for body weight differed for Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus bulls at 14 and 16 months of age, when compared to the other age treatments (p <0.05). The scrotal circumference of 10, 12, 14% and maintenance treatments did not differ when evaluated by age treatment (p> 0.05). The age range of 14 - 16 months treatments with 12, 14% and maintenance diets differed when compared to the other age treatment (p <0.05). However, there was no difference in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) obtained for the animals in the different diets (p> 0.05). Analyzing the effect of genetic groups, the values obtained for body weight, left testicle length, left testicle width, left testicle volume, right testicle length, right testicle width and testicular volume were higher for Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bulls compared to Nellore bulls (p <0.05). Other postmortem characteristics such as, right testicular volume, testicular weight with and without epididymis were not shown to be different among genetic groups (p> 0.05). There was a difference in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and height of seminiferous epithelium in animals fed with 14% CP (p <0.05). However, there was no difference (p> 0.05) in the mean values obtained in 10, 14% CP and the maintenance (12% CP) treatments. There was an interaction of genetic groups with body weight (p <0.05). The body weight mean values of the animals with 10 and 12% CP treatments were higher in Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred animals than those obtained for Nellore bulls (p <0.05). When compared the crude protein concentration in relation to the body weight of the Nellore and Nellore crossbreds bulls, the mean values obtained were higher for the animals treated with 10, 12 and 14 % CP when compared to the treatment animals with maintenance diet 12% CP (p <0.05). The gonadosomatic index for the maintenance treatment 12% CP was higher for Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bulls than the Nellore bulls (p <0.05). In the second chapter: The objective of this study was to compare eight nonlinear models to describe the growth curve of the scrotal circumference (SC) as a function of age in Nellore bulls in extensive management. In the analysis, 32,635 scrotal circumference measurements were performed from 12,974 Nellore bulls with a mean age of 18 months up to 170 months of age. The nonlinear models Logistic, Brody, Gompertz, Richards, Von Bertalanffy, Tanaka, Negative Exponential and Janoschek and their parameters obtained by the Gauss-Newton interactive method were used to estimate the parameters for each nonlinear model, and were evaluated using Proc NLIN from the Statistical Analysis System. The Brody model was chosen to analyze the effects of the origin place and the birth year of the animals on the parameters A and k. The Richards and Janoschek models did not converge. The A parameter (asymptote) was similar for Logistic (39.87), Brody (39.95), Gompertz (39.91), Von Bertalanffy (39.92) and Negative Exponential (39.65) models. The logistic model estimated the highest value for B parameter (1,25), followed by the Gompertz (1,00), Brody (0,80), Von Bertalanffy (0,31) and Tanaka (0,20) models. The k parameter (maturity rate) presented the highest estimate for the logistic model (0.00264), followed by the Gompertz (0.00245), Von Bertalanffy (0.00238) and Brody (0.00226) models. The Tanaka model estimated the inflection point at 596 days of age with 31.03 cm of scrotal circumference. The Tanaka model had the best fit estimates among the evaluated models. The highest R2 was observed by the Tanaka model (0.432). The asymptotic models presented similar R2 mean values. All nonlinear models presented similar values of error sum of squares (ESS), average prediction error (APE) and mean absolute deviation (MAD). The place and year of birth showed a significant effect on the parameters A and k. In general, all the models presented some tendency to sub or overestimate the scrotal perimeter. The results obtained allowed the conclusion that the Brody model was the most adequate to describe the scrotal circumference according to the age of Nellore bulls raised in extensive management

Postoperative kidney injury does not decrease survival after liver transplantation / Insuficiência renal pós-operatória não diminui a sobrevivência após transplante hepático

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term survival after conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) without venovenous bypass (VVB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 153 patients with end-stage liver diseases transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the University of Pernambuco, from August, 1999 to December, 2009. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were applied to explore the association between AKI and long-term patient survival, and multivariate analyses were applied to control the effect of other variables. RESULTS: Over the 12.8-year follow-up, 58.8% patients were alive with a median follow-up of 4.5-year. Patient 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival were 74.5%, 70.6%, 67.9% and 60.1%; respectively. Early postoperative mortality was poorer amongst patients who developed AKI (5.4% vs. 20%, p=0.010), but long-term 5-year survival did not significantly differed between groups (51.4% vs. 65.3%; p=0.077). After multivariate analyses, AKI was not significantly related to long-term survival and only the intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was significantly related to this outcome (non-adjusted Exp[b]=1.072; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury did not independently decrease patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation without venovenous bypass in this data from northeast Brazil.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito da insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) na sobrevivência de longo prazo após o transplante hepático convencional ortotópico (THC) sem desvio venovenoso (DVV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo envolvendo153 pacientes portadores de doença hepática terminal transplantados pelo Departamento de Cirurgia Geral e Transplante Hepático da Universidade de Pernambuco, no período de agosto de 1999 a dezembro de 2009. O método de Kaplan-Meier e o teste log-rank foram aplicados para explorar a associação entre o IRA com a sobrevivência de longo prazo dos pacientes, aplicando-se o modelo multivariado de riscos proporcionais de Cox para controlar o efeito de outras variáveis. RESULTADOS: A proservação atingiu 12,8 anos, durante a qual 58,8% dos pacientes permaneceram vivos com mediana de acompanhamento de 4,5 anos. As taxas de sobrevivência cumulativa de 1 -, 2 -, 3 - e 5 anos foram de 74,5%, 70,6%, 67,9% e 60,1%; respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade pós-operatória precoce foi maior entre os pacientes que desenvolveram IRA (5,4% vs. 20%, p = 0,010), mas a sobrevivência de longoprazoem5 anos não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos (51,4% vs. 65,3%, p = 0,077). Após análise multivariada, a IRA nãofoisignificativamenterelacionado à sobrevivência a longo prazo e apenas transfusão intra-operatório de hemácias foi significativamente relacionado com este desfecho (Exp [b] não-ajustado = 1,072, p = 0,045). CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda pós-operatória não diminuiu de forma independente a sobrevivência dos pacientes após transplante hepático convencional sem desvio venovenoso nesta casuística do nordeste do Brasileiro.(AU)

APLICAÇÃO DO ENSAIO DE SEQUENCIAMENTO GENÉTICO "NEMABIOMA" COMO TESTE DE DIAGNÓSTICO PARA NEMATÓDEOS PARASITOS DE BOVINOS

As perdas potenciais pelas infecções por nematódeos em bovinos no Brasil foram estimadas em $7,1 bilhões por ano. Indiscutivelmente, deve-se fazer o uso criterioso das drogas disponíveis, assim como o desenvolvimento de novas formulações, para enfrentar a problemática da resistência anti-helmíntica. O método atualmente empregado para o teste de medicamentos é invasivo e, portanto, enfrenta dificuldades em se adequar aos novos modelos em bem-estar animal. Outras técnicas utilizadas são as contagens de ovos de nematódeos por grama de fezes (OPGs) pré e pós-tratamento, que apresentam resultados não confiáveis para este propósito. Com fins científicos, emprega-se a PCR convencional ou a PCR em tempo real, técnicasquali e semi-quantitativa, respectivamente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre a comunidade parasitária das larvas em terceiro estádio após coproculturas e a composição do bioma de nematódeos adultos presentes no trato gastrointestinal. As proporções das larvas foram avaliadas por meio da tradicional morfologia e o novo método de sequenciamento Nemabioma, enquanto as contagens e classificações dos vermes adultos foram realizadas pelos clássicos métodos morfológicos. Neste experimento, utilizaram-se sete bovinos mestiços, naturalmente infectados, entre oito e 12 meses de idade. Contagens de OPG foram realizadas a cada dois dias, do 14 ao 28 dia do estudo. As culturas de larvas foram realizadas utilizando-se as amostras de fezes colhidas nos dias 14, 16, 20, 24 e 28 do estudo. As larvas L3 foram sempre extraídas após 10 dias de cultura. Os animais foram experimentalmente eutanasiados no dia 28 para a subsequente colheita e classificação de helmintos adultos. Este é o primeiro estudo que relaciona as comunidades parasitárias de nematódeos em amostras de larvas e helmintos adultos utilizando o Nemabioma. Os resultados deste estudo indicam queas espécies Haemonchus placei e Oesophagostomum radiatum são superestimados na comunidade das L3 avaliadas pelo Nemabioma. Por outro lado, Cooperia punctata e Trichostrongylus axei aparecem sub-representados.Tal fato explica-se, principalmente, pela diferença de fecundidade entre as fêmeas das várias espécies de nematódeos adultos que parasitam um mesmo animal.

The potential detrimental effects of cattle nematode infections in Brazil have been estimated at USD7.1 billion a year. It is undeniable, the necessity of appropriate drug use and the development of new formulations, to face the problematic of anthelmintic drug resistance. The current method for testing new drugs is both invasive and represents threats against recent animal welfare models. Other approaches currently used are Fecal Egg Counts (FECs) pre and post treatment, which are not reliable. Occasionally, conventional and real-time PCR are employed, which are non-quantitative and semi-quantitative techniques respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the parasite community present in cultured fecal samples, and the composition of adult worms present in the gastrointestinal tract. Species proportions in larvae were assessed with the traditional morphological analysis and a recently developed Nemabiome sequencing assay, while the adult species proportions were assessed with classical morphological approaches. To this end, an experiment using natural infected bovines was designed. Seven crossbred calves were selected from eight to 12 months of age. FECs were done every 2 days, from the 14thto the 28th day of the study. Cultures of larvae were performed using fecal samples extracted on days +14, +16, +20, +24 and +28. The L3s were always extracted after 10 days of culture. The animals were necropsied on day +28 for collection and subsequent classification and counting of adult worms. This was the first time the comparison among the community of nematodes species present in larvae samples, and adult worms, has been described in the literature using these techniques. Differences in fecundity between nematode species can influence the apparent composition of larvae in the feces, how this relates to the actual adult worm burden is crucial to understanding the actual nematode infection, and the resulting implications.

CENSORED AND MULTI-TRAIT BAYESIAN MODELS FOR GENETIC EVALUATION OF MILK, WEIGHT AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN GUZERÁ CATTLE IN TROPICAL CONDITIONS

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar parâmetros genéticos para características de produção de leite (produção de leite em até 305 dias PL305), peso (peso aos 120 P120, aos 365 P365 e aos 550 dias P550) e reprodutiva (idade ao primeiro parto - IPP) em bovinos da raça Guzerá utilizando modelos multicaracterísticos e comparar metodologias que se baseiam na utilização de dados censurados de idade ao primeiro parto. Os dados foram cedidos pela Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu (ABCZ) e Embrapa Gado de Leite em parceria com o Centro Brasileiro de Melhoramento do Guzerá (CBMG2). O arquivo de pedigree (120.599 animais) incluiu animais com registros fenotípicos e todos os ancestrais conhecidos. Registros censurados foram definidos como dados de IPP que extrapolaram os limites de 740 e 1860 dias. Os registros de IPP (69.157 informações) foram analisados por meio de sete diferentes metodologias: método linear convencional (LM); de simulação (SM); de penalidade (PM); modelos bicaracterística limiar-linear em que se considerou (TLcens) ou não (TLmiss) informações prévias sobre os registros censurados; e a metodologia de análise de sobrevivência por meio do modelo de riscos proporcionais de Weibull segmentado em que se considerou (PWPHcens) ou não (PWPH) os registros censurados. Para as análises de sobrevivência, os valores para o critério de informação da deviance (DIC) sugerem o uso de 0 e 2 nós na função base para os métodos PWPH e PWPHcens, respectivamente. Os componentes de variância genética aditiva estimados para os métodos LM, PM e TLmiss foram similares. As estimativas de herdabilidade para IPP variaram de 0,19 (TLcens) à 0,28 (SM) e 0,40 (PWPH) e 0,46 (PWPHcens). De forma geral, as correlações entre os valores genéticos obtidos por meio das diferentes metodologias e a porcentagem de touros selecionados em comum variaram de -0,28 (SM x PWPH) à 0,99 (TLmiss x LM), indicando reordenamento moderado entre os animais. As comparações baseadas na metodologia de validação cruzada, indicam a metodologia TLmiss como a melhor opção para predição dos valores genéticos dos animais para a característica IPP na população Guzerá. Para estimação dos parâmetros genéticos utilizando modelos multicaracterísticos, foram considerados os efeitos sistemáticos de sexo e idade ao parto. Os efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo e de grupo de contemporâneo (rebanho, ano e estação de parto) foram considerados. Adicionalmente, os efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo materno e de ambiente permanente materno foram considerados para a característica peso à desmama. As estimativas de herdabilidade foram 0,29 (PL305), 0,42 (P120), 0,49 (P365), 0,56 (P550) e 0,25 (IPP). As correlações genéticas entre as características de peso foram maiores que 0,83 e entre PL305 e as demais foram de 0,25 (PL305 x P205), 0,32 (PL305 x P365) e 0,36 (PL305 x P550). A característica IPP foi negativamente correlacionada com as características de leite e de peso. Os resultados sugerem que a seleção para a produção de leite não compromete a seleção para características de peso e reprodutivas, bem como é passível a inclusão de dados censurados de IPP na avaliação genética por meio do uso de um modelo de limiar-linear em bovinos da raça Guzerá.

We aimed to estimate genetic parameters for 305-d milk yield (MY305), growth (weaning WW, yearling YW and long yearling weights - LYW) and reproductive (age at first calving - AFC) traits in Guzerá cattle by using Bayesian multi-trait models and compare methodologies for handling censored data of age at first calving by Bayesian models. Data were provided by Brazilian Association of Zebu Cattle (ABCZ) and Embrapa Dairy Cattle Research Unit in partnership with the Brazilian Center of Guzerá Genetic Improvement (CBMG2). The pedigree file (120,599 animals) included animals with phenotypic records and their known ancestors. Censored records were defined as AFC records out of range of 740 and 1860 days. Data including 69,157 AFC records were analyzed using seven different methods: conventional linear method (LM), simulation method (SM), penalty method (PM), a bitrait threshold-linear model considering (TLcens) or not (TLmiss) any prior information about censored records; and piecewise Weibull proportional hazards methodology considering (PWPHcens) or not (PWPH) censored records. For survival analyses, deviance information criterion (DIC) values suggested 0 and 2 piecewise change points in the baseline function of PWPH and PWPHcens methods, respectively. The additive genetic variance components estimated from LM, PM and TLmiss were similar. Heritability estimates for AFC ranged from 0.19 (TLcens) to 0.28 (SM) in non-survival approaches, and 0.40 and 0.46 to PWPH and PWPHcens methods, respectively. In general, genetic breeding values correlations from different methods and the percentage of selected bulss in common indicated moderate reranking, ranging from -0.28 (SM x PWPH) to 0.99 (TLmiss and LM). Comparisons based on cross-validation analyses, indicated TLmiss as a suitable alternative for predicting breeding values for AFC in this Guzerá population. In second chapter, systematic effects included sex and age at calving. The additive genetic and contemporary group (herd, year and season of birth) were included as random effects. Additionally, maternal genetic and permanent effects were included as random effects for weaning weight trait. Heritability estimates were 0.29 (MY305), 0.42 (WW), 0.49 (YW), 0.56 (LYW) and 0.25 (AFC). Genetic correlations between weight measures were higher than 0.83 and 0.25 (MY305 x WW), 0.32 (MY305 x YW) and 0.36 (MY305 x LYW) for other traits. AFC trait was negatively genetically correlated with milk and weight measures. These results suggest that selection for milk yield do not jeopardize selection for beef and reproductive efficiency and AFC censored data could be included in genetic evaluation considering a threshold-linear model in Guzerá cattle.