Scrotal thermographic profile and seminal characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador stallions bred in the Atlantic Rainforest biome / [Perfil termográfico escrotal e características seminais de garanhões Mangalarga Marchador criados no bioma Mata Atlântica]

The objective of this study was to determine the scrotal thermographic profile and to verify the influence of temperature and humidity of the humid tropical climate on testicular temperature and seminal quality of Mangalarga Marchador stallions. The thermal profiles of the proximal, middle, and distal zones of the testicles and total surface temperature (TSTT) were recorded using an FLIR E60bx thermal imager. The average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were obtained 1, 5, 9, 33, and 66 days before semen collection and showed a mean value of 26.5±2.4 and 80.4±6.0 respectively. The scrotal surface temperature was close to 34°C and there was no variation with the age of the stallion, reproductive activity, and characteristics of the ejaculate (P>0.05). The only significant correlations obtained were between TSTT and minor defects (R = 0.41; P<0.05), between TSTT and total defects (R = 0.46; P<0.01), and between TSTT and percentage of morphologically normal sperm (R = -0.46; P<0.05). It was concluded that the Mangalarga Marchador stallions maintained the testicular temperature within favorable conditions for spermatogenesis, demonstrating the efficiency of testicular thermoregulation mechanisms in the Atlantic Forest biome.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o perfil termográfico escrotal e verificar a influência da temperatura e da umidade do clima tropical úmido na temperatura testicular e na qualidade seminal de garanhões Mangalarga Marchador. Os perfis térmicos das zonas proximal, média e distal dos testículos e a temperatura da superfície total (TSTT) foram registrados usando-se um termovisor FLIR E60bx. A temperatura média do ar (° C) e a umidade relativa (%) foram obtidas um, cinco, nove, 33 e 66 dias antes da coleta de sêmen e apresentaram valor médio de 26,5 ± 2,4 e 80,4 ± 6,0, respectivamente. A temperatura da superfície escrotal foi próxima a 34°C, e não houve variação com a idade do garanhão, a atividade reprodutiva e as características do ejaculado (P>0,05). As únicas correlações significativas obtidas foram entre TSTT e defeitos menores (R=0,41; P<0,05), entre TSTT e defeitos totais (R=0,46; P<0,01), e entre TSTT e porcentagem de espermatozoides morfologicamente normais (R=-0,46; P<0,05). Concluiu-se que os garanhões Mangalarga Marchador mantiveram a temperatura testicular dentro de condições favoráveis para a espermatogênese, demonstrando a eficiência dos mecanismos de termorregulação testicular no bioma Mata Atlântica.

Efeito do ácido docosa-hexaenoico e do Trolox® no diluidor de refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador / Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and Trolox® in extenders for cooling semen from Mangalarga Marchador stallion

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do ácido docosa-hexaenoico (DHA), associado ou não ao Trolox®, na refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Foram refrigerados 10 ejaculados nos diluidores: D1) BotuSêmen® (BS; controle); D2) BS + 30ngmL-1 de DHA (BS30DHA); D3) BS30DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS30DHA40T); D4) BS + 50ngmL-1 de DHA (BS50DHA); D5) BS50DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS50DHA40T). Após 48 horas de refrigeração, foram avaliados os parâmetros de movimento espermático, a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana plasmática e a longevidade espermática. Todos os diluidores testados preservaram, de forma semelhante, a motilidade, a linearidade, a retilinearidade, a amplitude do deslocamento lateral da cabeça, a frequência do batimento flagelar cruzado, o percentual de hiperativos e a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana espermática (P>0,05). O diluidor BS50DHA foi superior ao BS30DHA40T em preservar a VCL e a VSL e foi superior ao BS30DHA40T e ao BS50DHA40T em preservar a VAP e o índice de oscilação (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso do Trolox® em diluidores utilizados para refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões contendo ácido docosa-hexaenoico, nas concentrações propostas, não é indicado por alterar parâmetros de movimento espermático considerados importantes para a fertilidade.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), associated or not with Trolox®, in extenders for cooling semen from Mangalarga Marchador stallions. Ten ejaculates were cooled in the following diluents: D1) BotuSemen® (BS; control); D2) BS + 30ngmL-1 DHA (BS30DHA); D3) BS30DHA + 40µM Trolox® (BS30DHA40T); D4) BS + 50ngmL-1 DHA (BS50DHA); D5) BS50DHA + 40µM Trolox® (BS50DHA40T). After 48 hours of refrigeration, the sperm movement, structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane and sperm longevity were evaluated. All extenders tested similarly preserved motility, linearity, straightness of trajectory, amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat cross frequency, hyperactive, the structural and functional integrity of the sperm membrane (P> 0.05). The BS50DHA extender was superior to BS30DHA40T in preserving VCL and VSL and was superior to BS30DHA40T and BS50DHA40T in preserving VAP and oscillation index (P< 0.05). It is concluded that the use of Trolox® in extenders for cooling stallion sperm containing docosahexaenoic acid at the proposed concentrations is not indicated because it alters sperm movement parameters considered important for fertility.(AU)

Análise da integridade funcional dos espermatozoides de Tayassu pecari por diferentes soluções hiposmóticas e osmolaridades / Analysis of the functional integrity of Tayassu pecari sperm by different hyposmotic solutions and osmolarities

Queixada (Tayassu pecari) é um mamífero neotropical, classificado como vulnerável devido à caça e à destruição de seu habitat. Em razão das dificuldades na reprodução em cativeiro, técnicas de reprodução assistida podem ser aplicadas em programas de repovoamento da espécie. Dessa forma, objetivou-se identificar o melhor protocolo de teste hiposmótico (HOST) para avaliar a integridade funcional dos espermatozoides de queixada. O sêmen de quatro machos adultos foi coletado com auxílio de eletroejaculador após contenção física e protocolo de sedação e anestesia. O sêmen foi avaliado quanto às características macro e microscópicas e diluído nas seguintes soluções hiposmóticas: água destilada (0mOsmol/L), sacarose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L) e frutose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L). Cada amostra foi incubada em duplicata, e uma sofreu fixação em solução de citrato de sódio formolizado a 4%. Duzentos espermatozoides foram avaliados por amostra e classificados em reativos ou não ao HOST. Todas as soluções testadas foram semelhantes em identificar o percentual de espermatozoides reativos, independentemente de a amostra ser ou não fixada (P>0,05). Dessa forma, pode-se usar água destilada como HOST por este apresentar resultados similares e por ser um teste mais barato.(AU)

White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is a neotropical mammal classified as vulnerable due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Due to the low reproduction success in captivity, assisted reproduction techniques can be used in re-stocking programs. Therefore, we aimed to identify the best hyposmotic swelling test (HOST) to evaluate the functional integrity of peccary sperm. Semen samples of four adult males were collected with the aid of an electroejaculator after physical contention, sedation and anesthesia protocols. The semen was evaluated for macro and microscopic characteristics and diluted in the following hyposmotic solutions: distilled water (0mOsmol/L), sucrose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L) and fructose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L). Each sample was incubated in duplicate and one was fixed in 4% formalized sodium citrate solution. Two hundred spermatozoa were evaluated from each sample and classified as reactive or not- reactive to HOST. There were similar proportions of reactive and functional sperm regardless of whether the sample was fixed or not fixed (P> 0.05). Therefore, distilled water can be used as HOST to evaluate the functional integrity of white-lipped peccary sperm because it shows similar results and it is a cheaper test.(AU)

Qualidade seminal e perfil metabólico de caprinos alimentados com semente de linhaça na dieta / Semen quality and metabolic profile of goats fed flaxseed in the diet

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta sobre a qualidade seminal e o perfil metabólico de machos caprinos. Foram utilizados 16 machos da raça Saanen, distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, recebendo níveis de inclusão de semente de linhaça (0, 4, 8 e 12%) na dieta, durante um período de 60 dias. As coletas e as avaliações seminais foram realizadas duas vezes por semana. Os animais foram submetidos a coletas quinzenais de sangue, durante todo o período experimental. Os dados foram avaliados por ANOVA e pela análise de regressão a 5% de significância. Houve comportamento cúbico para motilidade espermática progressiva, que apresentou o maior valor (82,30%) com a adição de 9,92% de semente de linhaça na dieta (P<0,05). Houve comportamento cúbico para concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos, e o nível de 8% de semente de linhaça na dieta apresentou média de 43,32mg dL-1, acima dos valores normais para a espécie caprina (P<0,05). A inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta de machos caprinos proporcionou melhora na produção espermática e na qualidade seminal. No entanto, devem-se considerar os possíveis efeitos dos níveis superiores a 4% de semente de linhaça sobre o perfil metabólico dos animais.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flaxseed inclusion in the diet of male goats through the semen quality and metabolic profile. Randomly allocated 16 Saanen males were placed into four groups receiving flaxseed inclusion levels (0, 4, 8 and 12%) in the diet over a period of 60 days. The collections and seminal evaluations were performed twice a week. The animals were subjected to biweekly blood collections from the beginning to the end of the trial period. The data were evaluated by ANOVA and regression analysis at 5% significance. A cubic behavior for motility, with the highest value (82.30%) with the addition of 9.92% of flaxseed in the diet (P< 0.05) was detected. A cubic behavior for plasma triglyceride concentration and the level of 8% of flaxseed in the diet averaged 43.32mg dL -1 above normal values for goats (P< 0.05) was detected. The inclusion of flaxseed in the diet of male goats improved sperm production and quality. However, one should consider the possible effects of the levels above 4% of flaxseed on the metabolic profile of the animals.(AU)

Farmacopuntura utilizando os acupontos Hou Hai e Bai Hui em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras / Pharmacopuncture using acupoints Hou Hai and Bai Hui in estrous synchronization protocols in goats

Avaliou-se a eficiência da administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras. Na primeira etapa, 57 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG intramuscular (IM); T2- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Hou Hai; T3- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T4- 60UI de eCG IM; e na segunda etapa, 28 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG IM; T2- 30UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T3- 30UI de eCG IM. Ao final do tratamento hormonal, as cabras foram monitoradas para detecção do estro, realização das coberturas e avaliação do comportamento reprodutivo. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade, seguida dos testes estatísticos adequados para cada variável. Na primeira etapa experimental, obteve-se maior duração de estro nas cabras do T1 (P=0,009). Na segunda etapa experimental, obteve-se maior número de animais em estros no T1 (P=0,03). As demais variáveis para ambas as etapas não sofreram influência dos tratamentos (P>0,05), demonstrando que a administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai foi eficiente para sincronizar o estro.(AU)

The efficiency of administration of subdoses of eCG in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints in oestrus synchronization protocols in goats was evaluated. In the first stage, 57 goats were randomly assigned to four treatments: T1- 300UI of intramuscular eCG (IM); T2- 60UI of eCG in acupoint Hou Hai; T3- 60UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T4- 60UI of eCG IM; and in the second stage, 28 goats were randomly assigned to three treatments: T1-300UI of eCG IM; T2-30UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T3- 30UI of eCG IM. At the end of the hormonal treatment the goats were monitored for estrus detection, and evaluation of reproductive behavior. The data were submitted to normality analysis, followed by appropriate statistical tests for each variable. In the first experimental stage, a longer duration of estrus in the T1 goats (P= 0.009) was obtained. In the second experimental stage, a greater number of animals were obtained in estrus at T1 (P= 0.03). The other variables for both experiments were not influenced by the treatments (P> 0.05), demonstrating that administration of eCG subdoses in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints was efficient to synchronize the estrus.(AU)

Óleo de peixe associado ao ácido ascórbico no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino / Fish oil associated to ascorbic acid in diluter for cryopreservation goat semen

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da inclusão de óleo de peixe associado ao ácido ascórbico no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Dois machos da raça Boer foram submetidos à coleta de sêmen pelo método de vagina artificial, sendo os ejaculados avaliados quanto aos aspectos físicos e morfológicos. Após avaliação, formou-se um pool, seguido do fracionamento em cinco grupos: G1 - diluidor citrato-gema e G2, G3, G4 e G5 - diluidor citrato-gema acrescido de 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0% de óleo de peixe e 0,05% de ácido ascórbico, respectivamente. Após descongelamento, foram realizadas avaliações físicas do sêmen e os testes complementares de termorresistência lento (TTR), hiposmótico (HO), integridade acrossomal e compactação da cromatina espermática. Houve comportamento linear crescente (P<0,05) para motilidade pós-descongelamento. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para vigor pós-descongelamento (2,00±0,24). No TTR não houve diferença (P>0,05) para motilidade e vigor espermáticos entre os tempos cinco e 180min, com médias inicial e final de 62,17±12,13 e 14,29±10,55 para motilidade e de 2,00±0,52 e 0,49±0,44 para vigor. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para o HO, com porcentagem média de espermatozoides reativos de 23,5±5,96%. Houve comportamento linear crescente para acrossoma íntegro e decrescente para acrossoma irregular (P<0,05). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) na compactação da cromatina, com 97,06±1,17% de cromatina íntegra. A inclusão até 4% de óleo de peixe acrescido de ácido ascórbico no diluidor melhorou motilidade e integridade de acrossoma após a criopreservação.(AU)

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish oil inclusion associated with ascorbic acid in the thinner for goat semen cryopreservation. Two male Boers underwent semen collection through the artificial vagina method, ejaculates being then assessed for physical and morphological aspects. After evaluation, a pool was formed, followed by the split into five groups: G1 - yolk-citrate extender and G2, G3, G4 and G5 - yolk-citrate extender plus 1.0; 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0% fish oil and 0.05% ascorbic acid, respectively. After thawing, physical evaluations of semen were assessed and additional testing slow heat resistance (TTR), hiposmotic (HO), acrosome integrity and compression of sperm chromatin. There was linear increase (P<0.05) post-thaw motility. No difference was obtained for post-thaw vigor and there was no influence of the association of fish oil and ascorbic acid in TTR. Plasma membrane integrity, by hyposmotic test (HO), presented a mean of reactive spermatozoa of 23.5±5.96% (P>0.05). There was linear increase for intact acrosome and decreasing acrosome irregular (P<0.05). In the analysis of the chromatin compaction, approximately 3% of damages (P>0.05) were observed. The inclusion of 4% fish oil plus ascorbic acid in diluter improved motility and acrosome integrity after cryopreservation.(AU)

Periodontitis increases vascular cyclooxygenase-2: potential effect on vascular tone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces a systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme in the inflammatory process and is responsible for prostacyclin production. We hypothesised that in periodontitis, an increase in vascular COX-2 expression may occur, which in turn may have a role in vascular homeostasis. Thus, we evaluated the vascular effects of COX-2 inhibition in an experimental rat model of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced in rats by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of the mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars. Sham-operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure. Mesenteric vessels were obtained for the study of COX-2 expression, and blood samples were collected for nitric oxide quantification. In another set of experiments, animals received etoricoxib (10 mg/kg/d, v.o.) or vehicle, and alveolar bone loss and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed an increase in COX-2 expression in mesenteric vessels harvested from animals with periodontitis, which was accompanied by a reduction in nitric oxide content. Etoricoxib treatment impaired the endothelium-dependent reduction in blood pressure in rats with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis increases vascular COX-2 expression, which is important in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis in this model. Despite the limitations of an animal study, these findings may have important implications regarding the safety of using selective COX-2 inhibitors in patients with periodontitis.

The effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function leading to increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. Eight days after the procedure, the ligature and sham groups were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin or vehicle once a day until the 14th day, when the effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on blood pressure were evaluated. Blood samples were collected and evaluated for plasma interleukin-6C, -reactive protein and lipids. The maxilla and mandible were removed for bone loss analysis. RESULTS: Simvastatin treatment reduced systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. Furthermore, simvastatin improved the blood lipid profile and reduced alveolar bone loss. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin treatment, in addition to the improvement on serum lipid profile, may reduce other predictors of cardiovascular events associated with periodontitis.

Curso: Tópicos de Medicina Interna: Hemorragia digestiva alta não-varicosa: avaliação da gravidade e conduta terapêutica / Course: Internal Medicine topics: Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Gravity evaluation and therapeutical approach

A hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) continua sendo uma das principais causas de atendimento hospitalar emergencial

[Small intestine flora in chagasic patients with megaesophagus and/or megacolon: study using the H2 breath test]. / Flora do delgado em megas chagásicos: estudo pelo teste do H2 respiratório.

The author use the H2 breath test to study the small bowel microflora of chagasic patients with megaesophagus and/or megacolon. Compare this group with a control one. Find a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the small bowel flora of chagasic group. It is concluded that H2 breath is a simple and useful test to detect alteration in intestinal flora.

Jejunal flora of patients with megaoesophagus secondary to Chagas disease.

The jejunal flora of 15 patients with megaoesophagus secondary to Chagas disease was studied and compared with that of 15 control individuals. In addition to the serological reactions for Chagas disease (immunofluorescence and complement fixation reaction), all subjects were submitted to endoscopy and X-ray of the oesophagus, gastric secretory study and investigation of the jejunal flora. The mean bacterial counts (log10) of Chagas disease patients (4.14 +/- 2.15 c.f.u./ml) was significantly higher than those of the control group (2.83 +/- 1.34 c.f.u./ml). Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 14 Chagasic patients (maximum count 10(10) c.f.u./ml) and 7 controls (maximum count 10(5) c.f.u./ml). Anaerobes were isolated from 7 patients (maximum count 10(7) c.f.u./ml) and 1 control (10 c.f.u./ml). Controls and Chagas disease patients differed significantly in the maximum acid output, but there was no statistically significant relation between bacterial counts and maximum output.

Ma absorcao e ma digestao: fisiopatologia, diagnostico, tratamento. / Malabsorption and maldigestion: physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment

Sao revistos o conceito, fisiopatologia, classificacao, diagnostico e tratamento da sindrome de ma absorcao, apresentados de forma a interessar o clinico geral e procurando, em diversos aspectos, traduzir a experiencia dos autores