Relação entre a capacitação espermática e a fertilidade de sêmen criopreservado de bovinos / Relationship between sperm capacitation and fertility in bovine cryopreserved semen

A qualidade do sêmen criopreservado, utilizado na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em bovinos, é um dos principais fatores que impactam sobre a fertilidade, e está relacionada à capacidade de produção espermática dos touros, à criotolerância dos espermatozoides e aos critérios técnicos do processo de criopreservação adotados. Neste sentido, devemos destacar a importância do controle de qualidade das partidas de sêmen antes de serem liberadas para uso na IATF. Nos últimos anos várias técnicas vêm sendo desenvolvidas para avaliar com mais acurácia as partidas de sêmen e evitar o uso daquelas que possam resultar em prejuízos na fertilidade, mas mesmo assim, tem se notado alta variabilidade na taxa de prenhez entre touros e entre partidas de sêmen. Esta divergência se deve ao fato da habilidade fértil do espermatozoide ser multifatorial, ou seja, dependente de diversas características estruturais, morfofuncionais e moleculares. Ademais, os eventos que permitem os espermatozoides passarem por capacitação espermática, um pré-requisito para a fertilidade, têm intrigado os pesquisadores em vista da complexidade dos processos envolvidos e dos efeitos deletérios da criopreservação espermática. Esta revisão tem por objetivo compilar estudos que mostrem a relação entre a capacitação espermática e a fertilidade do sêmen bovino criopreservado, levando em consideração as técnicas de avaliação e os resultados até o momento.(AU)

The quality of cryopreserved semen, used in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in cattle, is one of the main factors that impact fertility and is related to the sperm production capacity of bulls, sperm cryotolerance, and the technical criteria for cryopreservation. In this sense, we must highlight the importance of quality control of semen batches before commercialization for the FTAI. In recent years, several techniques have progressed to more accurately evaluate semen batches and avoid using those that may result in impaired fertility. However, we still notice a high variability in the pregnancy rate between bulls and between semen batches. This divergence is due to the multifactorial sperm-fertilizing ability, i.e., it depends on several structural, morphofunctional, and molecular characteristics. In addition, the events that allow sperm to undergo sperm capacitation, a prerequisite for fertility, have intrigued researchers due to the complexity of the processes involved and the adverse effects of sperm cryopreservation. This review aims to compile studies that show the relationship between sperm capacitation and fertility in cryopreserved bovine semen, considering the evaluation techniques and results to date.(AU)

Técnica de dilatación con balón mediante procedimiento de endoscopia en un perro con estenosis esofágica: reporte de caso / Balloon dilatation technique via endoscopy procedure in a dog with esophageal stenosis: case report / Técnica de dilatação por balão via procedimento endoscópico em cão com estenose esofágica: relato de caso

La estenosis esofágica es una alteración morfofuncional que provoca una lesión inflamatoria en las capas submucosas y musculares del esófago, induciéndolas a la fibrosis y alterando el diámetro esofágico. El presente informe aborda el uso de un dilatador de balón como vía auxiliar para corregir la estenosis esofágica en un paciente canino, hembra, Pug, con antecedentes de vómitos recurrentes como principal síntoma. Mediante endoscopia se observó que el esófago torácico estaba inflamado, con mucosa engrosada y fibrótica, además de anillos fibrosos de color blanquecino, lo que dificultaba el paso de la sonda, lo que permitía determinar el diagnóstico de estenosis esofágica. En este informe se optó por el uso de balón dilatador, realizándose tres procedimientos con una semana de diferencia, para mejorar la condición sintomática. Tras el procedimiento dilatador, fue posible el desarrollo favorable del cuadro clínico presentado por el paciente.

Esophageal stenosis is a morphofunctional alteration that causes inflammatory lesion in the submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus, inducing them to fibrosis and altering the esophageal diameter. The present report addresses the use of a balloon dilator as an auxiliary way to correct esophageal stenosis in a canine, female, Pug patient, with a history of recurrent vomiting as the main complaint. Through endoscopy, it was observed that the thoracic esophagus was inflamed, with thickened and fibrotic mucosa, in addition to whitish colored fibrous rings, which hindered the passage of the probe, enabling the determination of the diagnosis of esophageal stenosis. In this report, we opted for the use of a dilator balloon, with three procedures being performed one week apart, to improve the symptomatic condition. After the dilator procedure, the favorable development of the clinical condition presented by the patient was possible.

A estenose esofágica é uma alteração morfofuncional que ocasiona em lesão inflamatória das camadas submucosa e muscular do esôfago, induzindo-as a fibrose e que altera o diâmetro esofágico. O presente relato aborda a utilização de balão dilatador, como forma auxiliar de correção de estenose esofágica em paciente canino, fêmea, da raça Pug, apresentando histórico de vômitos recorrentes como queixa principal. Por meio da endoscopia, observou-se que o esôfago torácico estava inflamado, com a mucosa espessada e fibrótica, além de anéis fibrosos de coloração esbranquiçada, o que dificultava a passagem da sonda, possibilitando a determinação do diagnóstico de estenose esofágica. Nesse relato, optou-se pelo uso do balão dilatador, sendo feitos três procedimentos intervalados de uma semana entre eles, para a melhora da condição sintomática. Após o procedimento dilatador, foi possível o desenvolvimento favorável do quadro clínico apresentado pela paciente.

Use of balloon dilatation technique via endoscopy procedure in a canine patient with esophageal stenosis: case report / Uso da técnica de dilatação por balão via procedimento endoscópico em um paciente canino com estenose esofágica: relato de caso / Uso de la técnica de dilatación con balón mediante procedimiento de endoscopia en un paciente canino con estenosis esofágica: reporte de caso

Esophageal stenosis is a morphofunctional alteration that causes inflammatory lesion in the submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus, inducing them to fibrosis and altering the esophageal diameter. The present report addresses the use of a balloon dilator as an auxiliary way to correct esophageal stenosis in a canine, female, Pug patient, with a history of recurrent vomiting as the main complaint. Through endoscopy, it was observed that the thoracic esophagus was inflamed, with thickened and fibrotic mucosa, in addition to whitish colored fibrous rings, which hindered the passage of the probe, enabling the determination of the diagnosis of esophageal stenosis. In this report, we opted for the use of a dilator balloon, with three procedures being performed one week apart, to improve the symptomatic condition. After the dilator procedure, the favorable development of the clinical condition presented by the patient was possible.

A estenose esofágica é uma alteração morfofuncional que ocasiona em lesão inflamatória das camadas submucosa e muscular do esôfago, induzindo-as a fibrose e que altera o diâmetro esofágico. O presente relato aborda a utilização de balão dilatador, como forma auxiliar de correção de estenose esofágica em paciente canino, fêmea, da raça Pug, apresentando histórico de vômitos recorrentes como queixa principal. Por meio da endoscopia, observou-se que o esôfago torácico estava inflamado, com a mucosa espessada e fibrótica, além de anéis fibrosos de coloração esbranquiçada, o que dificultava a passagem da sonda, possibilitando a determinação do diagnóstico de estenose esofágica. Nesse relato, optou-se pelo uso do balão dilatador, sendo feitos três procedimentos intervalados de uma semana entre eles, para a melhora da condição sintomática. Após o procedimento dilatador, foi possível o desenvolvimento favorável do quadro clínico apresentado pela paciente.

La estenosis esofágica es una alteración morfofuncional que provoca una lesión inflamatoria en las capas submucosas y musculares del esófago, induciéndolas a la fibrosis y alterando el diámetro esofágico. El presente informe aborda el uso de un dilatador de balón como vía auxiliar para corregir la estenosis esofágica en un paciente canino, hembra, Pug, con antecedentes de vómitos recurrentes como principal síntoma. Mediante endoscopia se observó que el esófago torácico estaba inflamado, con mucosa engrosada y fibrótica, además de anillos fibrosos de color blanquecino, lo que dificultaba el paso de la sonda, lo que permitía determinar el diagnóstico de estenosis esofágica. En este informe se optó por el uso de balón dilatador, realizándose tres procedimientos con una semana de diferencia, para mejorar la condición sintomática. Tras el procedimiento dilatador, fue posible el desarrollo favorable del cuadro clínico presentado por el paciente.

Níveis de progesterona e os parâmetros reprodutivos no período periovulatório de vacas Nelore submetidas ao protocolo de IATF / Progesterone levels and reproductive parameters in the periovulatory period of Nellore cows under FTAI protocol

Background: Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) has achieved a significant evolution in the last 18 years, however, despite the progress achieved by modern FTAI programs, the conception rates obtained are still low. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the interrelation between progesterone levels in the periovulatory period and reproductive parameters of Nellore cows submitted to an FTAI protocol. Materials, Methods & Results: On a random day, called day 0 (D0), 57 cows received a P4 device associated with the intramuscular (IM) application of 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate. On D9, the P4 devices were removed and then were administered 500 µg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 IUI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin IM. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum P4 concentrations on D9 and D11 of the protocol. The evaluations of follicular diameter (DFOL), follicular wall area (AFOL) and the vascularization area of the follicle wall (VFOL) were carried out on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography examination and colour Doppler, and then the artificial inseminations were performed. The evaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), of the total corpus luteum area (CLA), of the area of corpus luteum vascularization (CLV) and blood sampling for determination of postovulatory P4 levels (Post-P4) were performed on D24. For the analysis of the P4 concentration the chemiluminescence method was used, with a sensitivity of 0.1 ng/mL. According to the P4 concentrations on D11, cows were divided into 2 groups, LOW LEVELS OF P4 and HIGH LEVELS OF P4. The diagnosis of pregnancy was performed using transrectal ultrasonography on D45, at this point the cows were divided into 2 groups, PREGNANT and NON-PREGNANT. The correlation between DFOL and P4 dosage on D11 was moderate, negative and significant and between the AFOL and the serum P4 levels on D9, was moderate, negative and significant. As for the other correlations between follicular and luteal parameters and serum P4 levels, these were low to moderate, negative and not significant. Cows in the LOW LEVELS OF P4 group had significantly larger diameter and follicular areas than the cows in the HIGH LEVELS OF P4 group, the other follicular and luteal parameters showed no statistical difference. Of the total 57 cows that were inseminated, 30 cows became pregnant. Cows in the PREGNANT group had serum P4 levels on D9 equivalent to that obtained by the NON-PREGNANT group. However, at D11 the cows that became pregnant presented significantly lower serum P4 levels than cows that did not become pregnant. Discussion: The results of the interrelation between follicular parameters and P4 levels obtained in the present study, pointed out that the lower the levels of P4, the higher the follicular parameters, corroborating with other authors. Thus, larger preovulatory follicles provided high ovulation rates. Periovulatory serum P4 levels did not significantly affect the morphofunctional parameters of the CL. Such findings may be justified by high periovulatory P4 levels resulting from less efficient luteolysis, exert a negative effect on the results of FTAI protocols, because progesterone inhibits the release of LH pulses. It is concluded that lower periovulatory P4 levels established a favourable condition for follicular development and fertility, however, morphofunctional parameters of the corpus luteum were not affected.

Effects of ZooBioR2 product as feed supplement in laying hens on the morphofunctional state of intestinal mucosa / Efeitos do produto ZooBioR2 como suplemento alimentar em galinhas poedeiras sobre o estado funcional da mucosa intestinal

Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity used to produce nutritional supplements rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The current study aims to prove the impact of the product ZooBioR2 (obtained from Spirulina platensis) on health, and on the histology of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in laying hens. The experiment was performed in duplicate on 5 groups of hens (14 birds/group), one control and four experimental, in which the feed was supplemented with ZooBioR2 in different doses (5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0mg active substance/kg of fodder). Inclusion of the supplement in the diet have determined a significant decrease of height of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts and the thickness of muscular layer of mucosa in the experimental groups receiving 15.0 and 20.0mg/kg. The decrease of crypts depth is an indicator of a higher rate of turn-over of epithelial tissue. The morphological changes of intestinal mucosa could be involved in a better digestibility of the fodder.

Spirulina platensis é uma microalga com atividade biológica utilizada para produzir suplementos nutricionais ricos em proteínas, ácidos graxos essenciais, vitaminas e minerais. O estudo atual visa provar o impacto do produto ZooBioR2 (obtido da Spirulina platensis) na saúde e na histologia do duodeno, jejuno, íleo e ceco em galinhas poedeiras. O experimento foi realizado em duplicata em cinco grupos de galinhas (14 aves/grupo), um controle e quatro experimentais, nos quais a ração foi suplementada com ZooBioR2 em diferentes doses (5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0mg de substância ativa/kg de forragem). A inclusão do suplemento na ração determinou uma diminuição significativa da altura das vilosidades intestinais, da profundidade dos crypts e da espessura da camada muscular da mucosa nos grupos experimentais que receberam15,0 e 20,0mg/kg. A diminuição da profundidade das criptas é um indicador de maior taxa de rotação do tecido epitelial. As alterações morfológicas da mucosa intestinal podem estar envolvidas em uma melhor digestibilidade da forragem.

Parâmetros morfofuncionais dos espermatozoides de catetos criopreservados com diferentes antimicrobianos / Morphofunctional parameters of collared peccary sperm frozen with different antimicrobials

The aim was to evaluate the effects of the addition of antimicrobials to the diluent for the cryopreservation of the semen of collectors, especially on the morphofunctional parameters. Ten ejaculates from adult males were obtained by electroejaculation. The samples were evaluated for volume, concentration, motility, morphology, membrane functionality, sperm viability, mitochondrial activity and binding capacity. Subsequently, they were cryopreserved in Tris with egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (3%) added or not (control) with gentamicin (70µg/mL), or with the penicillin (1000 IU/mL) + streptomycin (1mgE/mL). After one week, the samples were thawed and evaluated according to the fresh semen. As for the results, no significant differences were observed between the control treatment and those added with antimicrobials, emphasizing that these do not damage the sperm morphofunctional parameters during cryopreservation. In this sense, it is suggested that both gentamicin and the penicillin/streptomycin combination could be added to the extender for the cryopreservation of the collared peccary semen.

Canine pancreatitis: the development of the pancreatic inflammatory condition and the clinical-therapeutic approach / Pancreatite canina: o desenvolvimento da condição inflamatória pancreática e a abordagem clínico-terapêutica / Pancreatitis canina: el desarrollo de la condición inflamatoria pancreática y el enfoque clínico-terapéutico

La pancreatitis, aguda o crónica, es una enfermedad grave para los perros, debido a su potencial nocivo y a la existencia de infradiagnóstico. La enfermedad sigue siendo objeto de estudios en cuanto a su fisiopatología y mecanismos terapéuticos, debido a que los signos que presentan los animales son inespecíficos y van desde presentaciones leves a severas. Puede provocar cambios morfofuncionales en el páncreas y órganos adyacentes. El diagnóstico puede ser una tarea muy difícil, ya sea por los síntomas variables y la gravedad de la enfermedad, o por los callejones sin salida experimentados en el momento de los exámenes complementarios. El manejo terapéutico se define en base a los síntomas que presentan los animales, que van desde la infusión de líquidos para reposición de volumen, analgésicos, antieméticos, antibióticos, alimentos especiales, entre otros.

Pancreatitis, acute or chronic, is a serious disease for dogs, due to its harmful potential and the existence of underdiagnosis. The disease is still the target of studies regarding its pathophysiology and therapeutic mechanisms, because the signs presented by the animals are nonspecific, ranging from mild to severe presentations. It can cause morphofunctional changes in the pancreas and adjacent organs. The diagnosis can be a very difficult task, either due to the variable symptoms and severity of the disease, or the impasses experienced at the time of the complementary exams. Therapeutic management is defined based on the symptoms presented by the animals, ranging from fluid infusion for volume replacement, analgesics, antiemetics, antibiotics, special food, among others.

A pancreatite é uma doença grave para os cães, tanto pelo seu potencial deletério quanto pela existência de subdiagnósticos, e pode ser classificada em aguda ou crônica. A doença ainda é alvo de estudos no que diz respeito a sua patofisiologia e mecanismos terapêuticos, uma vez que os sinais apresentados pelos animais são inespecíficos, variando desde apresentações brandas a graves. Pode causar alteração morfofuncional do pâncreas e órgãos adjacentes. O diagnóstico pode ser uma tarefa bastante difícil, seja pela sintomatologia variável e gravidade da doença como também pelos impasses vivenciados no momento da realização dos exames complementares. O manejo terapêutico é definido com base na sintomatologia apresentada pelos animais, variando desde a infusão de fluidos para reposição volêmica, analgésicos, antieméticos, antibióticos, alimentação especial, entre outros.

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.

Efeito da expressão do estro sobre características morfofuncionais foliculares, luteais e fertilidade em fêmeas Bos indicus sincronizadas para IATF / Effect of the estrus expression on follicular and luteal morphofunctional characteristics and fertility in Bos indicus females synchronized for FTAI

Background: Recent studies have been conducted with the aim of improving the fertility rates in the FTAI programsin beef females. The observation of the estrus expression constitutes an important indicator of fertility in zebu females.Therefore, this work has as an objective to evaluate the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular, luteal and fertilitymorphofunctional characteristics of Nelore females synchronized for FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty five lactating female Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) were used. On a random day, denominatedday 0 (D0), the 65 Nelore females received a progesterone-releasing device associated to the application of 2.0 mg of estradiolbenzoate intramuscularly (IM). On D9, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices were removed and was administered500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin IM. At thispoint, the animals were marked with a marking stick for the determination of the estrus expression. On D11 of the synchronization protocol, the animals were characterized in two groups: without estrus expression WITHOUT ESTRUS and with estrusexpression WITH ESTRUS. The evaluation of the follicle diameter (FOLD), of the follicle wall area (FOLA), of the folliclewall vascularization (FOLV) and the percentage of vascularization in the area of the preovulatory follicle wall (%FOLV) wereconducted on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler and then the artificial inseminations were performed. Theevaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), the total area of the corpus luteum (CLA), of the area of vascularization of thecorpus luteum (CLV), of the percentage of vascularization of the in the area of the corpus luteum (% CLV) and the collectionof blood for the evaluation of the serum...

Efeito da expressão do estro sobre características morfofuncionais foliculares, luteais e fertilidade em fêmeas Bos indicus sincronizadas para IATF / Effect of the estrus expression on follicular and luteal morphofunctional characteristics and fertility in Bos indicus females synchronized for FTAI

Background: Recent studies have been conducted with the aim of improving the fertility rates in the FTAI programsin beef females. The observation of the estrus expression constitutes an important indicator of fertility in zebu females.Therefore, this work has as an objective to evaluate the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular, luteal and fertilitymorphofunctional characteristics of Nelore females synchronized for FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty five lactating female Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) were used. On a random day, denominatedday 0 (D0), the 65 Nelore females received a progesterone-releasing device associated to the application of 2.0 mg of estradiolbenzoate intramuscularly (IM). On D9, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices were removed and was administered500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin IM. At thispoint, the animals were marked with a marking stick for the determination of the estrus expression. On D11 of the synchronization protocol, the animals were characterized in two groups: without estrus expression WITHOUT ESTRUS and with estrusexpression WITH ESTRUS. The evaluation of the follicle diameter (FOLD), of the follicle wall area (FOLA), of the folliclewall vascularization (FOLV) and the percentage of vascularization in the area of the preovulatory follicle wall (%FOLV) wereconducted on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler and then the artificial inseminations were performed. Theevaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), the total area of the corpus luteum (CLA), of the area of vascularization of thecorpus luteum (CLV), of the percentage of vascularization of the in the area of the corpus luteum (% CLV) and the collectionof blood for the evaluation of the serum...(AU)

Canine pancreatitis: the development of the pancreatic inflammatory condition and the clinical-therapeutic approach / Pancreatite canina: o desenvolvimento da condição inflamatória pancreática e a abordagem clínico-terapêutica / Pancreatitis canina: el desarrollo de la condición inflamatoria pancreática y el enfoque clínico-terapéutico

La pancreatitis, aguda o crónica, es una enfermedad grave para los perros, debido a su potencial nocivo y a la existencia de infradiagnóstico. La enfermedad sigue siendo objeto de estudios en cuanto a su fisiopatología y mecanismos terapéuticos, debido a que los signos que presentan los animales son inespecíficos y van desde presentaciones leves a severas. Puede provocar cambios morfofuncionales en el páncreas y órganos adyacentes. El diagnóstico puede ser una tarea muy difícil, ya sea por los síntomas variables y la gravedad de la enfermedad, o por los callejones sin salida experimentados en el momento de los exámenes complementarios. El manejo terapéutico se define en base a los síntomas que presentan los animales, que van desde la infusión de líquidos para reposición de volumen, analgésicos, antieméticos, antibióticos, alimentos especiales, entre otros.(AU)

Pancreatitis, acute or chronic, is a serious disease for dogs, due to its harmful potential and the existence of underdiagnosis. The disease is still the target of studies regarding its pathophysiology and therapeutic mechanisms, because the signs presented by the animals are nonspecific, ranging from mild to severe presentations. It can cause morphofunctional changes in the pancreas and adjacent organs. The diagnosis can be a very difficult task, either due to the variable symptoms and severity of the disease, or the impasses experienced at the time of the complementary exams. Therapeutic management is defined based on the symptoms presented by the animals, ranging from fluid infusion for volume replacement, analgesics, antiemetics, antibiotics, special food, among others.(AU)

A pancreatite é uma doença grave para os cães, tanto pelo seu potencial deletério quanto pela existência de subdiagnósticos, e pode ser classificada em aguda ou crônica. A doença ainda é alvo de estudos no que diz respeito a sua patofisiologia e mecanismos terapêuticos, uma vez que os sinais apresentados pelos animais são inespecíficos, variando desde apresentações brandas a graves. Pode causar alteração morfofuncional do pâncreas e órgãos adjacentes. O diagnóstico pode ser uma tarefa bastante difícil, seja pela sintomatologia variável e gravidade da doença como também pelos impasses vivenciados no momento da realização dos exames complementares. O manejo terapêutico é definido com base na sintomatologia apresentada pelos animais, variando desde a infusão de fluidos para reposição volêmica, analgésicos, antieméticos, antibióticos, alimentação especial, entre outros.(AU)

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.(AU)

Influence of the functional traits of seeds on germination dynamics and morphofunctional pattern of the seedlings

Aiming to compare morphofunctional features related to dispersion and establishment of plants, this study evaluated seed biometry and biomass, as well as germination and emergence potential in eight plant species native to the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Biometric measurements and biomass of seeds were obtained with a caliper and a precision scale.Afterwards, they were subjected to a germination test in BOD chambers under constanttemperature and 12hoursphotoperiod, and sown in styrofoam trays containing organic substrate and sand, kept in full sunlight.Data from germination and emergence was subjected to cluster analysis, according to the functional morphotype of the seedling.Most species presented seeds with a rounded shape, uniform staining at the mature stage, varied coat consistency, two types of dispersal syndromes (anemochory and zoochory) and four morphofunctional patterns in developing seedlings (crypto-hypogeal-storers, crypto-epigeal-storers, phanero-epigeal-storers and phanero-epigeal-foliaceous). The species belonging to group I (Albizia niopoides, Cedrela fissilis, Pterogyne nitensand Randia ferox) have foliaceous photosynthetic cotyledons and group II (Cabralea canjerana, Eugenia pyriformis, Inga laurinaand Poecilantheparviflora) have a reserve cotyledon. Species of group I had higher means in the percentage and rate of germination, less variability and amplitude of days for seedlings emergence. On the other hand, species of group II showed higher mean values in seed biometry and biomass. Thus, seeds with foliaceous cotyledons have an optimized development because of luminosity, whereas seeds with reserve tend to have slower development, remaining at the seedling stage for a longer time.

Morphofunctional characteristics of working mules in mountain areas of the Colombian Central Andes

The application of morphofunctional measurements allows the selection of suitable animals to perform working activities and ensure that animal maximum capacities are not exceeded. Mules are commonly used by small farmers for agricultural work in mountain areas where the access is extremely difficult. We aimed to estimate the functionality indexes of working mules in mountain areas of the Colombian Central Andes. A total of 94 adult mules were evaluated for withers height, thoracic perimeter, body length, neck length, and body weight, which were used to determine the body index (BI), proportionality index (PI), and load carriage index (LCI). Descriptive statistics, analysis of correlations, and principal component analysis were performed. Males presented higher morphometric measurements than females. There was a negative correlation between BI with PI and LCI. The principal component analysis was able to merge characteristics in two components explaining 81.78% of the variance in the indexes. These results demonstrated that working mules in the studied area have morphometric characteristics that define them as mesolinear animals with a low frame and broad chest, and these characteristics can function as a guide to identify desirable conformation indices for working mules, determining values of adequate load, respecting animal welfare.(AU)

Morphofunctional characteristics of working mules in mountain areas of the Colombian Central Andes

The application of morphofunctional measurements allows the selection of suitable animals to perform working activities and ensure that animal maximum capacities are not exceeded. Mules are commonly used by small farmers for agricultural work in mountain areas where the access is extremely difficult. We aimed to estimate the functionality indexes of working mules in mountain areas of the Colombian Central Andes. A total of 94 adult mules were evaluated for withers height, thoracic perimeter, body length, neck length, and body weight, which were used to determine the body index (BI), proportionality index (PI), and load carriage index (LCI). Descriptive statistics, analysis of correlations, and principal component analysis were performed. Males presented higher morphometric measurements than females. There was a negative correlation between BI with PI and LCI. The principal component analysis was able to merge characteristics in two components explaining 81.78% of the variance in the indexes. These results demonstrated that working mules in the studied area have morphometric characteristics that define them as mesolinear animals with a low frame and broad chest, and these characteristics can function as a guide to identify desirable conformation indices for working mules, determining values of adequate load, respecting animal welfare.

3D printing as a diagnostic tool for congenital malformation in a brachycephalic dog / Impressão 3D como ferramenta de diagnóstico para malformação congênita em cão braquicefálico

Congenital anomalies are hereditary or acquired, and their location and intensity are determining factors for the survival of animals. Some cases are rare, often unidentified, poorly reported and of unknown etiology. This paper reports a congenital malformation in a French bulldog, demonstrating the importance of accurate diagnosis for surgical decisions. The use of new technologies such as computed tomography and rapid prototyping enables the analysis of morphofunctional changes, resulting in excellent results for clinical cases in which it is difficult to identify and scale the anatomical deformities. Through this feature, it is possible to accurately recreate anatomical structures of interest, enabling greater assertiveness in deciding the treatment to be established, whether surgical or not. Castration of animals that survive this condition due to hereditary etiology is recommended.(AU)

Anomalias congênitas possuem caráter hereditário ou adquirido, sendo que sua localização e intensidade são fatores determinantes para a sobrevivência do animal. Algumas são raras, muitas vezes não identificadas, pouco relatadas e com etiologia desconhecida. O presente trabalho registra um caso de malformação congênita em um bulldog francês, demonstrando a importância do diagnóstico preciso para a decisão cirúrgica. A utilização de novas tecnologias como tomografia computadorizada e prototipagem rápida possibilitam a análise de alterações morfofuncionais, tendo ótimo resultado para casos clínicos em que há dificuldade em identificar e dimensionar deformidades anatômicas. Através desse recurso é possível recriar com precisão estruturas anatômicas de interesse, possibilitando maior assertiva na decisão do tratamento a ser estabelecido, sendo ele cirúrgico ou não. É recomendada a castração dos animais que sobreviveram a essa condição, devido a etiologia hereditária.(AU)

Optimal fishing samplers to reveal the morphological structure of a fish assemblage in a subtropical tidal flat

Morphological characters of species are essential for assessing the functional structure of a fish assemblage, since differences between them, for example in body shape, are related to many functional and ecological traits (e.g., swimming, search for food, striking and capturing prey, evading predators, spawning). Globally, tidal flats are relevant to fish assemblages by offering feeding, refuge, and reproduction grounds. To analyze the morphofunctional structure of the fish assemblage from a tidal flat on the Brazilian coast, we conducted standardized sampling using nine different fishing gears. The geometric morphometric method was applied to describe the fish shapes and verify the morphological structure of the assemblage. Here, we present the influence/susceptibility of each gear type on the morphological diversity of the fish assemblage. The results indicated that beach seine, otter trawl, marginal encircling gillnet, and fish traps, together, were the most effective gears to represent the maximum morphological variability of fish inhabiting that tidal flat. Moreover, the assemblage showed high morphological redundancy considered as a resistance of the ecosystem for avoiding functional diversity loss, emphasizing the importance of complementary gear use when determining fish assemblages in a conservation context.(AU)

Os caracteres morfológicos das espécies são essenciais para avaliar a estrutura funcional de uma assembleia de peixes, uma vez que as diferenças entre elas são indicativas de distintas características ecológicas. De forma geral, as planícies de maré são importantes para assembleias de peixes por oferecerem áreas para alimentação, refúgio e reprodução. Para analisar a estrutura morfofuncional da assembleia de peixes de uma planície de maré na costa brasileira, realizamos amostragens utilizando nove diferentes artes de pesca. Para descrever as formas dos peixes e verificar a diversidade morfológica da assembleia foi aplicado o método de morfometria geométrica. Aqui, apresentamos a influência/suscetibilidade de cada arte de pesca na composição morfológica da assembleia de peixes, uma vez que a forma do corpo está relacionada a diversos aspectos funcionais e ecológicos (como por exemplo nadar, procurar ativamente por comida, atacar e capturar presas, evadir de predadores, se reproduzir). Os resultados indicaram que o arrasto de praia, o arrasto de fundo, a rede de emalhar marginal e as armadilhas, em conjunto, foram os apetrechos mais efetivos para representar a máxima diversidade morfológica dos peixes que habitam esta planície de maré. Além disso, a assembleia apresentou elevada redundância morfológica, fato que indica resistência deste ecossistema para evitar a perda de diversidade funcional.(AU)

Optimal fishing samplers to reveal the morphological structure of a fish assemblage in a subtropical tidal flat

Morphological characters of species are essential for assessing the functional structure of a fish assemblage, since differences between them, for example in body shape, are related to many functional and ecological traits (e.g., swimming, search for food, striking and capturing prey, evading predators, spawning). Globally, tidal flats are relevant to fish assemblages by offering feeding, refuge, and reproduction grounds. To analyze the morphofunctional structure of the fish assemblage from a tidal flat on the Brazilian coast, we conducted standardized sampling using nine different fishing gears. The geometric morphometric method was applied to describe the fish shapes and verify the morphological structure of the assemblage. Here, we present the influence/susceptibility of each gear type on the morphological diversity of the fish assemblage. The results indicated that beach seine, otter trawl, marginal encircling gillnet, and fish traps, together, were the most effective gears to represent the maximum morphological variability of fish inhabiting that tidal flat. Moreover, the assemblage showed high morphological redundancy considered as a resistance of the ecosystem for avoiding functional diversity loss, emphasizing the importance of complementary gear use when determining fish assemblages in a conservation context.(AU)

Os caracteres morfológicos das espécies são essenciais para avaliar a estrutura funcional de uma assembleia de peixes, uma vez que as diferenças entre elas são indicativas de distintas características ecológicas. De forma geral, as planícies de maré são importantes para assembleias de peixes por oferecerem áreas para alimentação, refúgio e reprodução. Para analisar a estrutura morfofuncional da assembleia de peixes de uma planície de maré na costa brasileira, realizamos amostragens utilizando nove diferentes artes de pesca. Para descrever as formas dos peixes e verificar a diversidade morfológica da assembleia foi aplicado o método de morfometria geométrica. Aqui, apresentamos a influência/suscetibilidade de cada arte de pesca na composição morfológica da assembleia de peixes, uma vez que a forma do corpo está relacionada a diversos aspectos funcionais e ecológicos (como por exemplo nadar, procurar ativamente por comida, atacar e capturar presas, evadir de predadores, se reproduzir). Os resultados indicaram que o arrasto de praia, o arrasto de fundo, a rede de emalhar marginal e as armadilhas, em conjunto, foram os apetrechos mais efetivos para representar a máxima diversidade morfológica dos peixes que habitam esta planície de maré. Além disso, a assembleia apresentou elevada redundância morfológica, fato que indica resistência deste ecossistema para evitar a perda de diversidade funcional.(AU)

Estudo descritivo e morfométrico do crânio do Ramphastos toco (Aves: Piciformes) / A descriptive and morphometric study of the skull of the Ramphastos toco (Aves: Piciformes)

O estudo de caracteres morfológicos e suas funções biomecânicas na estrutura craniana das aves levanta debates de cunho filogenético, taxonômico e morfofuncional. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos do esqueleto do Ramphastos toco e confrontá-los com a bibliografia disponível. Foram analisados 13 crânios de indivíduos adultos e de um espécime dissecado fixado em formol (4%). As carcaças foram submetidas à técnica de maceração para o preparo dos esqueletos, com a retirada dos tecidos moles, desengorduramento e clareamento em água oxigenada (50%) e hipoclorito de sódio (50%). O formato e amplitude da sutura naso-frontal e zona flexora craniofacial, a presença dos sesamóides intracapsulares rostral e caudal na articulação quadrática e a presença do ligamento pós-orbital foram fatores que desafiaram a bibliografia existente e os modelos de transferência de força propostos durante estudos da cinética craniana da espécie. A discussão que emerge é a possibilidade dessas características limitadoras da cinética craniana descritas nos espécimes possuírem, em conjunto, a função de promover estabilidade funcional para uma estrutura cuja natureza dimensional, em si, gera instabilidade. Os resultados morfométricos também apresentaram divergências significativas quando comparados à bibliografia disponível, o que pode estar relacionado a variáveis como especiação alopátrica, hibridização e amostragem.

The study of morphological traits and their biomechanical roles in the cranial structure of birds raises phylogenetic, taxonomic and morphofunctional debates. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze morphological and morphometric data of the skull of Ramphastos toco and to compare the results with the available bibliography. Thirteen adult skulls and one folmaldehyde-fixed dissected specimen were analyzed. For skeletal preparation, the carcasses were submitted to maceration with the removal of soft tissues, degreasing and bleaching in hydrogen peroxide (50%) and sodium hypochlorite (50%). The shape and size of the naso-frontal suture, the presence of the rostral and caudal intracapsular sesamoids in the quadratic joint and the presence of the orbital ligament were altogether elements that challenged the available data. It also challenges the strength transferring models proposed in kinetic studies for the species. The discussion that emerges is the possibility of these limiting characteristics of the cranial kinetics described on the specimens have, together, a single role promoting functional stability to a structure that has a dimensional nature that generates instability. The morphometric results also presented significant divergences when compared to the available bibliography, which may be related to variables such as allopatric speciation, hybridization and sampling.

Estudo descritivo e morfométrico do crânio do Ramphastos toco (Aves: Piciformes) / A descriptive and morphometric study of the skull of the Ramphastos toco (Aves: Piciformes)

O estudo de caracteres morfológicos e suas funções biomecânicas na estrutura craniana das aves levanta debates de cunho filogenético, taxonômico e morfofuncional. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos do esqueleto do Ramphastos toco e confrontá-los com a bibliografia disponível. Foram analisados 13 crânios de indivíduos adultos e de um espécime dissecado fixado em formol (4%). As carcaças foram submetidas à técnica de maceração para o preparo dos esqueletos, com a retirada dos tecidos moles, desengorduramento e clareamento em água oxigenada (50%) e hipoclorito de sódio (50%). O formato e amplitude da sutura naso-frontal e zona flexora craniofacial, a presença dos sesamóides intracapsulares rostral e caudal na articulação quadrática e a presença do ligamento pós-orbital foram fatores que desafiaram a bibliografia existente e os modelos de transferência de força propostos durante estudos da cinética craniana da espécie. A discussão que emerge é a possibilidade dessas características limitadoras da cinética craniana descritas nos espécimes possuírem, em conjunto, a função de promover estabilidade funcional para uma estrutura cuja natureza dimensional, em si, gera instabilidade. Os resultados morfométricos também apresentaram divergências significativas quando comparados à bibliografia disponível, o que pode estar relacionado a variáveis como especiação alopátrica, hibridização e amostragem.(AU)

The study of morphological traits and their biomechanical roles in the cranial structure of birds raises phylogenetic, taxonomic and morphofunctional debates. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze morphological and morphometric data of the skull of Ramphastos toco and to compare the results with the available bibliography. Thirteen adult skulls and one folmaldehyde-fixed dissected specimen were analyzed. For skeletal preparation, the carcasses were submitted to maceration with the removal of soft tissues, degreasing and bleaching in hydrogen peroxide (50%) and sodium hypochlorite (50%). The shape and size of the naso-frontal suture, the presence of the rostral and caudal intracapsular sesamoids in the quadratic joint and the presence of the orbital ligament were altogether elements that challenged the available data. It also challenges the strength transferring models proposed in kinetic studies for the species. The discussion that emerges is the possibility of these limiting characteristics of the cranial kinetics described on the specimens have, together, a single role promoting functional stability to a structure that has a dimensional nature that generates instability. The morphometric results also presented significant divergences when compared to the available bibliography, which may be related to variables such as allopatric speciation, hybridization and sampling.(AU)