Prospection of putative genes for digestive enzymes based on functional genome of the hepatopancreas of Amazon river prawn

Over recent years, Macrobrachium amazonicum has become a popular species for shrimp farming due to their fast growth, high survival rates, and marketability. Several studies have focused on the development of new technology for the culture of this species, but many aspects of their nutrition and physiology remain unknown. Thus, the goal of the present study was to obtain transcripts of putative genes encoding digestive enzymes, based on a library of the cDNA from the hepatopancreas of M. amazonicum, sequenced in the Ion TorrentTM platform. We identified fragments of nine genes related to digestive enzymes, acting over proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Endo and exoproteases were also recorded in the hepatopancreas, indicating adaptation to the digestion of protein-richfoods. Nonetheless, the enzymes involved in the carbohydrate metabolism formed the largest functional group in M. amazonicum, including enzymes related to the digestion of starch, chitin, and cellulose. These findings indicate that the species has a genetic apparatus of a well-adapted omnivorous animal. This information may provide important insights for the selection of ingredients for the formulation of a more appropriate diet to the enzymatic repertoire of M. amazonicum.(AU)

Benefits of pentoxifylline for skin flap tissue repair in rats

Purpose To assess the action of pentoxifylline, administered by subcutaneous route, on skin flap tissue repair in rats, and to verify the histological aspects and biomarkers. Methods Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (CT) and treated with pentoxifylline (P1, P3 and P5). Modified McFarlane technique flap was used. Ten days later, the animals were euthanized and the areas of viable and necrotic tissue were evaluated. Hematoxylin/eosin staining was used to assess the morphometric characteristics of the number of vessels and epithelial thickness. Picrosirius red was used to assess collagen density. VEGF and TGF-beta1 levels on the skin flap and serum of the animals were measured by the ELISA method. Results The macroscopic evaluation of the skin flap dimensions showed reduced necrotic tissue in the pentoxifylline (p < 0.05) treated groups. There was an increase in angiogenesis and reepithelization, demonstrated by analyses with an increased number of vessels (p 0.05), VEGF and epithelial thickness. Fibrogenic effect showed decreased collagen density and TGF-1 in the skin flap and serum. Conclusion The benefits of pentoxifylline administered by subcutaneous route, at dose 100 mg/kg, which was effective to improve the survival of skin flap by acting on tissue repair components, stimulating angiogenesis and reepithelization, in addition to reducing fibrogenesis.(AU)

Remote setting of Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus 1758) larvae / Assentamento remoto de larvas Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus 1758)

The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and survival of Nodipecten nodosus larvae grown in a remote settlement system. Two forms of transport were tested, one in a humid/wet, environment and one submerged in seawater, with a control treatment maintained at the Laboratory of Marine Mollusks (LMM). After transport treatments, individuals were populated simultaneously inside floating boxes directly at sea and in containers under controlled conditions in the Laboratory of the Experimental Center for Mariculture (CEMAR). No statistical differences were observed in larval survival relative to the method of transport in the different experiments. However, statistical differences were observed in Evaluation 1 (EVA1) for the survival and growth of larvae transported in submerged seawater and settled in the laboratory. No statistical difference was observed between the control and either wet/humid or submerged treatments in EVA2. The survival values in the control treatment in EVA3 were higher (p<0.05) in relation to the wet and submerged treatments cultivated in the laboratory. It was not possible to observe the presence of pre-seeds in treatments grown at sea. Is possible to transport larvae for 6 hours of travel to be settled in controlled conditions far from their place of origin.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e a sobrevivência de larvas de vieiras Nodipecten nodosus cultivadas em sistema remoto de assentamento. Foram testadas duas formas de transporte, úmido e submerso em água do mar com um tratamento controle mantido no Laboratório de Moluscos Marinhos (LMM). Após serem expostos aos tratamentos de transporte os animais foram povoados dentro de caixas flutuantes, diretamente no mar e em recipientes em condições controladas no Laboratório do Centro Experimental de Maricultura (CEMAR). Não houve diferença estatística na sobrevivência das larvas em relação ao método de transporte nos diferentes experimentos. Observou-se diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05), na avaliação 1 (EVA1), para a sobrevivência e crescimento de larvas transportadas em meio submerso e assentadas no laboratório. Entretanto, não foi observada diferença estatística entre o tratamento controle, úmido e submerso na EVA2. Os valores de sobrevivência no tratamento controle na EVA3 foram superiores (p<0,05) em relação aos tratamentos úmido e submersos cultivados em laboratório. Não foi possível observar presença de pré-sementes nos tratamentos cultivados no mar. Conclui-se que é possível transportar larvas por seis horas de viagem para serem assentadas em condições controladas distante do seu local de origem.

The influence of catch-and-release on mortality of Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816) / A influência do pesque e solte na mortalidade de Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816)

Catch-and-release (CR) angling has been used to assist management programs seeking to promote the conservation and recovery of some recreational fish stocks by decreasing mortality from fishing. However, without appropriate fish handling, this activity may cause damage and injuries to individual fish, causing mortality. Therefore, CR should be allowed under some circumstances that ensure higher rates of survival to achieve the goals of the conservation measures. Thus, we experimentally tested the CR effects on dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) by comparing caught-and-released fish (CR fish) with uncaught fish (control fish) in a pond and estimating individual mortality rates related to seven air exposure times (AET: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s and 840 s). We also determined a safe limit for fish handling and investigated the length and weight gain variations. We found that an increase in AET affects fish survival and that the limit of handling time for this species was 546 s; after this threshold, the individual probability of death exceeds 5%. The length and weight gain of CR fish did not differ significantly from the control fish. We believe that CR is efficient for S. brasiliensis because it does not significantly impair their organic growth and causes little or no mortality if handling is performed properly; thus, it could be employed to assist conservation programs.(AU)

O pesque e solte (PS) tem sido utilizado para auxiliar programas de manejo que buscam promover a conservação e recuperação de estoques de peixes esportivos, através da redução da mortalidade pela pesca. Entretanto, sem a manipulação adequada dos peixes, essa atividade pode causar injúrias nos indivíduos, causando mortalidade. Dessa maneira, o PS deve ser permitido sob circunstâncias que possam garantir altas taxas de sobrevivência, de modo que as metas das medidas de conservação sejam atingidas. Assim, testamos experimentalmente os efeitos do PS sobre o dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), através da comparação de peixes capturados e liberados (peixes de PS) com peixes não capturados (peixes de controle) em um tanque de cultivo. Estimamos as taxas de mortalidades individuais relacionadas a sete tempos de exposição ao ar (TEA: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s e 840 s). Determinamos um limite seguro para a manipulação do peixe e investigamos as variações no ganho de comprimento e peso. Foi encontrado que o aumento no TEA afetou a sobrevivência do peixe e que o limite de tempo para a manipulação da espécie foi de 546 s; depois desse limite, a probabilidade individual de morte excede 5%. O ganho de comprimento e peso dos peixes de PS não diferiu significativamente dos peixes de controle. Acreditamos que o PS é eficiente para o S. brasiliensis porque não afeta significativamente seu crescimento orgânico e causa pouca ou nenhuma mortalidade se a manipulação for realizada corretamente. Concluímos que a atividade pode ser empregada para auxiliar programas de conservação.(AU)

Remote setting of Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus 1758) larvae / Assentamento remoto de larvas Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus 1758)

The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and survival of Nodipecten nodosus larvae grown in a remote settlement system. Two forms of transport were tested, one in a humid/wet, environment and one submerged in seawater, with a control treatment maintained at the Laboratory of Marine Mollusks (LMM). After transport treatments, individuals were populated simultaneously inside floating boxes directly at sea and in containers under controlled conditions in the Laboratory of the Experimental Center for Mariculture (CEMAR). No statistical differences were observed in larval survival relative to the method of transport in the different experiments. However, statistical differences were observed in Evaluation 1 (EVA1) for the survival and growth of larvae transported in submerged seawater and settled in the laboratory. No statistical difference was observed between the control and either wet/humid or submerged treatments in EVA2. The survival values in the control treatment in EVA3 were higher (p<0.05) in relation to the wet and submerged treatments cultivated in the laboratory. It was not possible to observe the presence of pre-seeds in treatments grown at sea. Is possible to transport larvae for 6 hours of travel to be settled in controlled conditions far from their place of origin.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e a sobrevivência de larvas de vieiras Nodipecten nodosus cultivadas em sistema remoto de assentamento. Foram testadas duas formas de transporte, úmido e submerso em água do mar com um tratamento controle mantido no Laboratório de Moluscos Marinhos (LMM). Após serem expostos aos tratamentos de transporte os animais foram povoados dentro de caixas flutuantes, diretamente no mar e em recipientes em condições controladas no Laboratório do Centro Experimental de Maricultura (CEMAR). Não houve diferença estatística na sobrevivência das larvas em relação ao método de transporte nos diferentes experimentos. Observou-se diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05), na avaliação 1 (EVA1), para a sobrevivência e crescimento de larvas transportadas em meio submerso e assentadas no laboratório. Entretanto, não foi observada diferença estatística entre o tratamento controle, úmido e submerso na EVA2. Os valores de sobrevivência no tratamento controle na EVA3 foram superiores (p<0,05) em relação aos tratamentos úmido e submersos cultivados em laboratório. Não foi possível observar presença de pré-sementes nos tratamentos cultivados no mar. Conclui-se que é possível transportar larvas por seis horas de viagem para serem assentadas em condições controladas distante do seu local de origem.(AU)

The influence of splenic tissue on the survival and TCD4 and TCD8 lymphocyte rates in rats subjected to fecal peritonitis induction

Purpose: Comparing survival rates of rats subjected to spleen procedures after fecal peritonitis induction. Assessing changes in TCD4 and CD8 lymphocyte rates before and after the procedures. Correlating animal survival with CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed into 3 groups of ten: spleen manipulation (SM); total splenectomy (TS); subtotal splenectomy with preservation of the inferior pole (IP). Rats were subjected to surgical procedure depending on the group. Seven days after surgery they underwent induction of peritonitis and survival time was recorded. All animals were subjected to two blood collections: before surgery and 70 days after it for TCD4/TCD8 lymphocyte counting. Results: Mean survival time was longer in the IP and SM groups and shorter in the TS group; there was significant difference between them. The comparison of the median number of CD4 did not present changes, whereas the comparison of the median number of CD8 decreased in the SM and IP groups. The correlation between the median number of TCD4 and TCD8 lymphocytes and the animals survival was not significant. Conclusion: The maintenance of splenic tissue contributed to increase the survival of rats and there was a change in the number of TCD8 lymphocytes.(AU)

A Lipid-walled microcapsule diet as co-feed for early feeding the Osphronemus gourami (Lacepede) larvae / Dieta micro encapsulada com lipídeos (lipid-walled) como co-alimentação na alimentação precoce da larva de Osphronemus gourami Lacepede

The effects of microcapsule diet as co-feeding for early weaning phase of gourami larvae where evaluated in terms of ingestion rate of microcapsule, growth, and survival rate. The availability of tubifex worms as natural food is uncertain and can introduce pathogens to fish culture from outsideenvironment. Therefore, the attempt to replace or substitute this natural food continues in order to reducethe level of dependence. This research used Complete Randomized Designed (CRD) with four treatmentsbased on a different protocol feeding management. Gourami larvae should be started with the co-feeding onday 12 until day 17 and they are more receptive to microcapsule diets after day 17. The ingestion rate of microcapsule which consumed by the larvae during the period of rearing was 48.33, 68.33, and 88.33%.This study indicated that larvae started co-feeding day 22 showed highest of ingestion rate of the microcapsule, survival rate, specific growth rate and weight gain.(AU)

Os efeitos da dieta de microcápsula como uma alimentação na etapa precoce de transição dasdietas do gourami larvae foram avaliados sobre a taxa de ingestão da microcápsula, crescimento e taxa desobrevivência. A disponibilidade das minhocas tubifex como um alimento natural é incerta e pode introduzirpatógenos externos para na alimentação dos peixes. Assim sendo, a tentativa de trocar ou substituir essealimento natural continua com a finalidade de reduzir os níveis de dependência. Esta pesquisa usou ométodo de Complete Randomized Designed (CRD) com quatro tratamentos baseados em protocolodiferentes manejos de alimentação. Gourami larvae foram introduzidas na co-aliementação entre os dias 12até 17, quando as larvas são mais receptivas à dieta de microcápsula. A taxa de ingestão da microcápsulaconsumida pela larva durante o período de criação foi de 48.33, 68.33, e 88.33%. Este estudo indicou que alarva que começou a ser co-alimentada no dia 22 mostrou uma maior taxa de ingestão de microcápsulas,taxa de sobrevivência, crescimento especifico e ganho de peso.(AU)

A Lipid-walled microcapsule diet as co-feed for early feeding the Osphronemus gourami (Lacepede) larvae / Dieta micro encapsulada com lipídeos (lipid-walled) como co-alimentação na alimentação precoce da larva de Osphronemus gourami Lacepede

The effects of microcapsule diet as co-feeding for early weaning phase of gourami larvae where evaluated in terms of ingestion rate of microcapsule, growth, and survival rate. The availability of tubifex worms as natural food is uncertain and can introduce pathogens to fish culture from outsideenvironment. Therefore, the attempt to replace or substitute this natural food continues in order to reducethe level of dependence. This research used Complete Randomized Designed (CRD) with four treatmentsbased on a different protocol feeding management. Gourami larvae should be started with the co-feeding onday 12 until day 17 and they are more receptive to microcapsule diets after day 17. The ingestion rate of microcapsule which consumed by the larvae during the period of rearing was 48.33, 68.33, and 88.33%.This study indicated that larvae started co-feeding day 22 showed highest of ingestion rate of the microcapsule, survival rate, specific growth rate and weight gain.

Os efeitos da dieta de microcápsula como uma alimentação na etapa precoce de transição dasdietas do gourami larvae foram avaliados sobre a taxa de ingestão da microcápsula, crescimento e taxa desobrevivência. A disponibilidade das minhocas tubifex como um alimento natural é incerta e pode introduzirpatógenos externos para na alimentação dos peixes. Assim sendo, a tentativa de trocar ou substituir essealimento natural continua com a finalidade de reduzir os níveis de dependência. Esta pesquisa usou ométodo de Complete Randomized Designed (CRD) com quatro tratamentos baseados em protocolodiferentes manejos de alimentação. Gourami larvae foram introduzidas na co-aliementação entre os dias 12até 17, quando as larvas são mais receptivas à dieta de microcápsula. A taxa de ingestão da microcápsulaconsumida pela larva durante o período de criação foi de 48.33, 68.33, e 88.33%. Este estudo indicou que alarva que começou a ser co-alimentada no dia 22 mostrou uma maior taxa de ingestão de microcápsulas,taxa de sobrevivência, crescimento especifico e ganho de peso.

Avaliação da imobilidade tônica em codornas de corte via análise de sobrevivência' / Tonic immobility evaluation in meat quail via survival analysis

Tonic immobility (TI) is a way to measure fear, as characterized by the reduced capacity to respond to external stimuli. The time spent in TI indicates the level of fear. Since TI is measured as the time until event occurrence, survival analysis stands out as a suitable statistical method to treat these data. We aimed to investigate the influence of possible factors (lines, sex and age) on fear behavior in meat quail (Coturnix coturnix) measured through TI by using survival analysis (non parametric Kaplan-Meyer method via logrank test). The dataset was composed by TI information provided by 50 animals from each line (UFV1 and UFV2) in each age (14 and 28 days of age), totalizing 200 records. Despite the slight difference between the two evaluated ages, there was no significance for this factor between each studied line, UFV1 (P= 0.1493) and UFV2 (P= 0.2583). The logrank test indicated significant difference (P= 0.0407) between levels of line/sex groups at 14 days of age. We noted that males from UFV2 line presented higher fear behavior in relation to males from UFV1 line. No significant differences were observed for this factor when considering 28 days of age.(AU)

Avaliação da imobilidade tônica em codornas de corte via análise de sobrevivência' / Tonic immobility evaluation in meat quail via survival analysis

Tonic immobility (TI) is a way to measure fear, as characterized by the reduced capacity to respond to external stimuli. The time spent in TI indicates the level of fear. Since TI is measured as the time until event occurrence, survival analysis stands out as a suitable statistical method to treat these data. We aimed to investigate the influence of possible factors (lines, sex and age) on fear behavior in meat quail (Coturnix coturnix) measured through TI by using survival analysis (non parametric Kaplan-Meyer method via logrank test). The dataset was composed by TI information provided by 50 animals from each line (UFV1 and UFV2) in each age (14 and 28 days of age), totalizing 200 records. Despite the slight difference between the two evaluated ages, there was no significance for this factor between each studied line, UFV1 (P= 0.1493) and UFV2 (P= 0.2583). The logrank test indicated significant difference (P= 0.0407) between levels of line/sex groups at 14 days of age. We noted that males from UFV2 line presented higher fear behavior in relation to males from UFV1 line. No significant differences were observed for this factor when considering 28 days of age.(AU)

Estimation of peacock bass (Cichla spp. ) mortality rate during catch-release fishing employing different post-capture procedures / Estimativa da taxa de mortalidade do tucunaré (Cichla spp.) durante a prática do pesque-solte

The effect of catch-and-release fishing on the survival of peacock bass (Cichla spp.) was evaluated by comparing two types of artificial bait (jig and shallow-diver plugs) and two types of post-catch confinement. Two experiments were conducted during the periods January-February and October-November 2012 in the Unini River, a right-bank tributary of the Negro River. In total, 191 peacock bass were captured. Both groups of fish were subjected to experimental confinement (collective and individual) for three days. Additionally, 11 fish were tagged with radio transmitters for telemetry monitoring. Mortality rate was estimated as the percentage of dead individuals for each type of bait and confinement. For peacock bass caught with jig baits, mortality was zero. The corresponding figure for shallow-diver bait was 1.66% for fish in collective containment, 18.18% for fish monitored by telemetry and 0% for individuals confined individually. Our results show low post-release mortality rates for peacock bass. Furthermore, neither the type of confinement nor the type of bait had a statistically significant influence on mortality rates. While future studies could include other factors in the analysis, our results show that catch-and-release fishing results in low mortality rates.(AU)

O efeito do pesque-solte na sobrevivência do tucunaré (Cichla spp.) foi avaliado comparando dois tipos de iscas artificiais, jig e de meia-água, e dois tipos de confinamento pós-captura. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos durante os períodos de janeiro-fevereiro e outubro-novembro de 2012, no Rio Unini, afluente da margem direita do Rio Negro. No total, 191 tucunarés foram capturados. Os peixes foram submetidos a um confinamento experimental (coletivo e individual) com duração de três dias. Além disso, 11 peixes foram marcados com radiotransmissores e liberados imediatamente após a captura, sendo monitorados por telemetria. A taxa de mortalidade foi calculada como a porcentagem de indivíduos mortos para cada tipo de isca e tratamento (confinamento individual, coletivo e sem confinamento). Não houve mortalidade para o grupo de tucunarés capturados com isca jig. A isca de meia-água mostrou uma taxa de mortalidade de 1,66% para o confinamento coletivo e 18,18% para os peixes monitorados por telemetria. Nossos resultados mostraram baixas taxas de mortalidade pós-soltura para tucunaré. Além disso, nem o tipo de confinamento, nem o tipo de isca tiveram influência significativa nas taxas de mortalidade. Ainda que estudos futuros possam incluir novos fatores na análise, os nossos resultados mostram que a prática do pesque-solte resulta em baixas taxas de mortalidade.(AU)

Population ecology of Chaetophractus vellerosus: the first report for an armadillo in South America

The aim of this work was to obtain the first estimates of survival rates (S), capture probability (p) and life expectancy for armadillos in South America by analyzing capture-mark-recapture data obtained from a population of Chaetophractus vellerosus (Gray, 1865) located in Magdalena, Buenos Aires, Argentina. From June 2006 to June 2011, we conducted 16 field surveys that resulted in 365 capture events of 152 adult C. vellerosus. For the survival analysis we used a Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) modelling framework. Interannual variation in S made an important contribution to overall variation in the survival rate of C. vellerosus. The average life expectancy for females and males after attaining sexual maturity was estimated at 1.70 and 1.65 years respectively. The period of lowest survival probability was associated with dry seasons that might have affected the availability of food. This study provides the first estimates of demographic parameters for xenarthrans in South America.

Population ecology of Chaetophractus vellerosus: the first report for an armadillo in South America

The aim of this work was to obtain the first estimates of survival rates (S), capture probability (p) and life expectancy for armadillos in South America by analyzing capture-mark-recapture data obtained from a population of Chaetophractus vellerosus (Gray, 1865) located in Magdalena, Buenos Aires, Argentina. From June 2006 to June 2011, we conducted 16 field surveys that resulted in 365 capture events of 152 adult C. vellerosus. For the survival analysis we used a Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) modelling framework. Interannual variation in S made an important contribution to overall variation in the survival rate of C. vellerosus. The average life expectancy for females and males after attaining sexual maturity was estimated at 1.70 and 1.65 years respectively. The period of lowest survival probability was associated with dry seasons that might have affected the availability of food. This study provides the first estimates of demographic parameters for xenarthrans in South America.(AU)

Efeito do tamanho da leitegada sobre a variação dos pesos ao nascer e ao desmame em leitões da raça Landrace / Effect of litter size on the variation in birth and weaning weights of Landrace piglets

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da classe de tamanho de leitegada ao nascer sobre a variação do peso ao nascer e ao desmame e sobre a taxa de sobrevivência dos leitões do nascimento ao desmame. Para isso usou-se informações de peso individual ao nascer e ao desmame de leitões de um banco de dados de 295 leitegadas de suínos da raça Landrace, nascidos entre 2000 e 2010, em uma granja de suínos do oeste do estado do Paraná. As leitegadas foram classificadas pelo número total de leitões nascidos em pequenas (até 7 leitões), médias (8 a 13 leitões) e grandes (14 e mais leitões). Os dados foram analisados considerando-se os efeitos de ano de acasalamento das porcas e classe de tamanho de leitegada ao nascer. Correlações entre as características de peso médio e variância do peso e tamanho da leitegada foram maiores nas leitegadas médias e grandes. Classe de tamanho da leitegada influenciou significativamente peso médio ao nascer e ao desmame dos leitões e variância do peso ao nascer. Leitões de leitegadas médias e grandes pesaram menos, apresentaram maior variação do peso ao nascer e menor taxa de sobrevivência até o desmame do que leitões de leitegadas pequenas...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size class of the litter at birth on the variation in birth and weaning weights and on the survival rate of piglets from birth to weaning. For this purpose, records of individual weight at birth and weaning of piglets obtained from a database of 295 Landrace litters born between 2000 and 2010 on a pig farm in the western region of the State of Paraná were used. The litters were classified as small (up to 7 piglets), medium (8 to 13 piglets), and large (> 14 piglets) according to the total number of piglets born. The data were analyzed considering the effects of the year of sow mating and size class of the litter at birth. The correlations between mean weight and variance in litter weight and size were higher for medium and large litters. The size class of the litter significantly influenced the mean weight of piglets at birth and weaning and the variance in birth weight. Piglets born in medium and large litters weighed less and exhibited greater birth weight variation and a lower survival rate until weaning than piglets born in small litters...

Efeito do tamanho da leitegada sobre a variação dos pesos ao nascer e ao desmame em leitões da raça Landrace / Effect of litter size on the variation in birth and weaning weights of Landrace piglets

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da classe de tamanho de leitegada ao nascer sobre a variação do peso ao nascer e ao desmame e sobre a taxa de sobrevivência dos leitões do nascimento ao desmame. Para isso usou-se informações de peso individual ao nascer e ao desmame de leitões de um banco de dados de 295 leitegadas de suínos da raça Landrace, nascidos entre 2000 e 2010, em uma granja de suínos do oeste do estado do Paraná. As leitegadas foram classificadas pelo número total de leitões nascidos em pequenas (até 7 leitões), médias (8 a 13 leitões) e grandes (14 e mais leitões). Os dados foram analisados considerando-se os efeitos de ano de acasalamento das porcas e classe de tamanho de leitegada ao nascer. Correlações entre as características de peso médio e variância do peso e tamanho da leitegada foram maiores nas leitegadas médias e grandes. Classe de tamanho da leitegada influenciou significativamente peso médio ao nascer e ao desmame dos leitões e variância do peso ao nascer. Leitões de leitegadas médias e grandes pesaram menos, apresentaram maior variação do peso ao nascer e menor taxa de sobrevivência até o desmame do que leitões de leitegadas pequenas...(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size class of the litter at birth on the variation in birth and weaning weights and on the survival rate of piglets from birth to weaning. For this purpose, records of individual weight at birth and weaning of piglets obtained from a database of 295 Landrace litters born between 2000 and 2010 on a pig farm in the western region of the State of Paraná were used. The litters were classified as small (up to 7 piglets), medium (8 to 13 piglets), and large (> 14 piglets) according to the total number of piglets born. The data were analyzed considering the effects of the year of sow mating and size class of the litter at birth. The correlations between mean weight and variance in litter weight and size were higher for medium and large litters. The size class of the litter significantly influenced the mean weight of piglets at birth and weaning and the variance in birth weight. Piglets born in medium and large litters weighed less and exhibited greater birth weight variation and a lower survival rate until weaning than piglets born in small litters...(AU)

Impact of the birth weight of landrace x large white dam line gilts on mortality, culling and growth performance until selection for breeding herd

Background: Piglets weighing less than 1 kg have become a common occurrence in pig farms due to selection for increasing litter size. Large litters imply a decrease in the mean piglet birth weight and an increase in the within-litter variability of birth weight with a greater risk of mortality and lower growth performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of birth weight of female piglets on growth performance and on removal rates until selection for entry into the breeding herd (170 days) of Landrace x Large White crossbred gilts.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 1495 Landrace x Large White (DB 25® - DanBred) crossbred female piglets were individually weighed after birth (BiW) and housed on the same farm from birth onwards. During the following developmental stages, gilts were again individually weighed: at 10 days, at weaning, nursery, rearing and selection (170 days). A phenotypic evaluation was performed to select the gilts that would be included in the breeding herd. Predicted probabilities for mortality, according to BiW, were estimated using logistic regression models. Female piglets were also retrospectively classified into eight classes of BiW based on percentiles, i.e., approximately 12.5% in each group. Cumulative losses by death or removal until weaning, nursery and selection phase were analysed using logistic regression models. The ability of pigs to compensate for low BiW was estimated using the percentages of gilts that changed at least one body weight (BW) category from birth to 170 days of age. For this purpose, eight classes of BW at 170 days were also created. BW and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were analysed as repeated measures. Overall, the mean BiW of the female piglets was 1387.8 ± 8.8 g, with a coefficient of variation of 24.4%. The removal rate until 170 days was 27.0% (403/1495) and locomotion problems were the major cause of culling (16.4%).[...](AU)

Impact of the birth weight of landrace x large white dam line gilts on mortality, culling and growth performance until selection for breeding herd

Background: Piglets weighing less than 1 kg have become a common occurrence in pig farms due to selection for increasing litter size. Large litters imply a decrease in the mean piglet birth weight and an increase in the within-litter variability of birth weight with a greater risk of mortality and lower growth performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of birth weight of female piglets on growth performance and on removal rates until selection for entry into the breeding herd (170 days) of Landrace x Large White crossbred gilts.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 1495 Landrace x Large White (DB 25® - DanBred) crossbred female piglets were individually weighed after birth (BiW) and housed on the same farm from birth onwards. During the following developmental stages, gilts were again individually weighed: at 10 days, at weaning, nursery, rearing and selection (170 days). A phenotypic evaluation was performed to select the gilts that would be included in the breeding herd. Predicted probabilities for mortality, according to BiW, were estimated using logistic regression models. Female piglets were also retrospectively classified into eight classes of BiW based on percentiles, i.e., approximately 12.5% in each group. Cumulative losses by death or removal until weaning, nursery and selection phase were analysed using logistic regression models. The ability of pigs to compensate for low BiW was estimated using the percentages of gilts that changed at least one body weight (BW) category from birth to 170 days of age. For this purpose, eight classes of BW at 170 days were also created. BW and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were analysed as repeated measures. Overall, the mean BiW of the female piglets was 1387.8 ± 8.8 g, with a coefficient of variation of 24.4%. The removal rate until 170 days was 27.0% (403/1495) and locomotion problems were the major cause of culling (16.4%).[...]

Damage of urinary/respiratory system and survival rate is affected by gender in EAE model of Lewis rat

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model for MS based on autoimmune and histopathological similarities. Women are more susceptible to multiple sclerosis than men. This susceptibility has been attributedto sex hormones, sex-linked gene, and more robust immune responses in females. The aim of this study was to comparesurvival rate and severity of disease in terms of clinic-pathological signs including nasal bleeding, urinary incontinenceand bleeding from urinary tract rate between males and females affected by EAE.Materials, Methods & Results: Lewis rats aged 7-8 weeks were immunized subcutaneously with a homogenate ofguinea pig spinal cord and complete Freunds adjuvant (CFA). Each rat received 50 μg guinea pig spinal cord and 400 μgMycobacterium tuberculosis. Animals were daily weighed and clinical signs of disease were evaluated until day 36 postimmunization. Incidence, survival rate, clinic-pathological signs including nasal bleeding, urinary tract bleeding, and urinaryincontinence were evaluated. To assess the degree of inflammation at the peak of the disease, kidney and lung were dissected,fixed, and examined. The susceptibility to EAE in male and female rats was 100%. The day that the first clinical signs wereobserved was 7 days for both males and females after the immunization. Weight curve of EAE-affected male and femaleanimals were significantly different from their corresponding healthy animals (P < 0.001). The course of clinical scoreshowed a significant difference between males and females (P < 0.04). There was no significance association between sexand incidence. Survival analysis indicated a significant high mortality in male group (P = 0.001). The coagulopathy signin females, including nasal bleeding and urinary incontinence, decreases as disease progresses...(AU)

Damage of urinary/respiratory system and survival rate is affected by gender in EAE model of Lewis rat

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model for MS based on autoimmune and histopathological similarities. Women are more susceptible to multiple sclerosis than men. This susceptibility has been attributedto sex hormones, sex-linked gene, and more robust immune responses in females. The aim of this study was to comparesurvival rate and severity of disease in terms of clinic-pathological signs including nasal bleeding, urinary incontinenceand bleeding from urinary tract rate between males and females affected by EAE.Materials, Methods & Results: Lewis rats aged 7-8 weeks were immunized subcutaneously with a homogenate ofguinea pig spinal cord and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Each rat received 50 μg guinea pig spinal cord and 400 μgMycobacterium tuberculosis. Animals were daily weighed and clinical signs of disease were evaluated until day 36 postimmunization. Incidence, survival rate, clinic-pathological signs including nasal bleeding, urinary tract bleeding, and urinaryincontinence were evaluated. To assess the degree of inflammation at the peak of the disease, kidney and lung were dissected,fixed, and examined. The susceptibility to EAE in male and female rats was 100%. The day that the first clinical signs wereobserved was 7 days for both males and females after the immunization. Weight curve of EAE-affected male and femaleanimals were significantly different from their corresponding healthy animals (P < 0.001). The course of clinical scoreshowed a significant difference between males and females (P < 0.04). There was no significance association between sexand incidence. Survival analysis indicated a significant high mortality in male group (P = 0.001). The coagulopathy signin females, including nasal bleeding and urinary incontinence, decreases as disease progresses...

Human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) and thyroxine (T4) in survival maintenance and in vitro growth promotion of caprine preantral follicles / Hormônio folículo estimulante humano (hFSH) e tiroxina (T4) na manutenção da sobrevivência e promoção do crescimento in vitro de folículos pré-antrais caprinos

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of human FSH (10ng/ml) with T4 (20ng/mL) on survival, activation and growth of preantral follicles cultured in vitro for 28 days. Fragments of non-cultured and cultured ovarian tissue were processed for classic histology and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed a reduction in the survival rate in all the media tested (one to 28 days) when compared to the fresh control. However the treatment with T4/hFSH for seven days of culture maintained the rate similar to the control. The media tested by one and 28 days reduced the percentage of primordial follicles in all periods of culture. However, T4/hFSH on day one of culture remained similar to the fresh control. None of the media were able to keep the percentage of the developing follicles. It was observed that the follicular diameter in the medium with T4/hFSH remained similar to the fresh control. The ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured for seven days in a medium supplemented with T4/hFSH. In conclusion, the medium with T4/hFSH is able to maintain the survival, promote the activation, and the ultrastructural integrity of caprine preantral follicles for until seven days.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a interação do FSH humano (10 ng/mL) com T4 (20 ng/mL) na sobrevivência, ativação e crescimento de folículos pré-antrais cultivados in vitro, por um período de longa duração (28 dias). Fragmentos de tecido ovariano não cultivado e cultivados foram processados para histologia clássica e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Os resultados mostraram uma redução na taxa de sobrevivência em todos os meios testados (um a 28 dias) quando comparado ao controle fresco. Entretanto, o tratamento com T4/hFSH por sete dias de cultivo resultou em taxa semelhante ao controle. Os meios testados por 28 dias reduziram o percentual de folículos primordiais em todos os períodos de cultivo. Contudo, T4/hFSH no dia um de cultivo manteve-se semelhante ao controle fresco. Nenhum dos meios foi capaz de manter o percentual dos folículos em desenvolvimento. Observou-se que o diâmetro folicular cultivado no meio com T4/hFSH manteve-se semelhante ao controle fresco. As análises ultraestruturais confirmaram a integridade de folículos cultivados por sete dias em meio suplementado com T4/hFSH.  Em conclusão, o meio com T4/hFSH é capaz de manter a sobrevivência, promover a ativação e a integridade ultraestrutural de folículos pré-antrais caprinos, por até sete dias.