Symmetric dimethylarginine correlates with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and clinical scores in feline urethral obstructions.

BACKGROUND: A urethral obstruction (UO) is an emergency commonly observed in male cats, which can result in significant clinical and laboratory alterations, leading to complications and death. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to correlate symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and bicarbonate levels in cats with UO. In addition, the correlation between clinical score and time of obstruction was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty male cats were selected and allocated into a control group (CG, n = 13) and an obstruction group (OG, n = 17). The laboratory analyses were conducted before treatment (M0) and at different times after treatment (12 h [M12], 24 h [M24], and 48 h [M48]). Correlations were established between SDMA and creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, potassium, time of obstruction, and the clinical score. RESULTS: A strong correlation (r > 0.6) was observed between SDMA and creatinine, urea, and potassium in the OG. Furthermore, there was substantial agreement (kappa value) between SDMA and creatinine at M24. A higher clinical score was associated with a longer time of obstruction. In the OG, at M48, the SDMA and creatinine levels were 50% and 41.2% higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was observed between SDMA and creatinine in obstructed cats, and significant agreement between these values was observed 24 h after the unblocking treatment. A correlation among SDMA, urea, and potassium was observed. Approximately 9% more cats continued to have elevated SDMA levels after 48 h of treatment compared to creatinine. This suggests a slightly lower sensitivity of the latter biomarker but does not exclude the possibility of congruent and normalized values after a longer evaluation period.

Sperm subpopulations influence the pregnancy rates in cattle.

This study aimed to study the characteristics and subpopulations of spermatozoa from bulls with low and high reproductive performance based on pregnancy rates. Based on historical records of pregnancy rate from four farms, 24 bulls were selected. Two groups were established, with low pregnancy rates (n = 12; LOW), including bulls that presented pregnancy rates <52.27% (33.33% to 51.81%); and a group with high pregnancy rates (n = 12; HIGH), with pregnancy rates >52.27% (52.27% to 69.64%), after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The thawed sperm straws were analysed to sperm kinetics, morphology, plasma membrane integrity and sperm subpopulations. The LOW group exhibited a higher proportion of static cells (p < .05). In contrast, the HIGH group showed greater percentages for membrane integrity and total and progressive motility, and cells with fast and medium velocity (p < .05). In the cluster procedures, four sperm subpopulations were established. The low-fertility bulls presented the highest percentage of subpopulation 2 (41.46%), characterized by slow and progressive spermatozoa. The high-fertility bulls exhibited the highest percentage of subpopulation 3 (37.17%), characterized by fast and nonlinear spermatozoa. Results from this study indicated that bulls with greater percentages of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa seem to have greater fertilization capacity and the subpopulations analysis can be considered a tool to identify ejaculates with high fertility.

Semen collection, sperm characteristics and ultrasonographic features of reproductive tissues in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

Our objective was to condition adult male crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) to allow semen collection by digital manipulation of the penis, assess sperm characteristics, and use ultrasonography to assess and measure testes and prostate and determine echotexture, as well as hemodynamics of testicular and spermatic cord arteries. Five captive C. thous (2-5 y, ∼7 kg) were used. After conditioning for digital sperm collection, 13 ejaculates were obtained from two males. Ejaculate characteristics (mean ± SD) were volume (393.2 ± 178.0 µL), concentration (463.7 ± 594.4 × 106 sperm/mL), total sperm number (217.4 ± 304.0 × 106 sperm), total motility (68.0 ± 6.1%), progressive motility (48.8 ± 5.1%) and rapid sperm (57.2 ± 6.8%). The most prevalent sperm morphological defects were abnormal acrosome, small abnormal head, and diadem defect. Under chemical restraint, testes and prostate were evaluated with B-mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Based on ultrasonography, testicular volumes were (2.2 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.7 cm3 for left and right testes, respectively), whereas prostate dimensions were 2.3 ± 0.4 cm long and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm thick. Lastly, using triplex Doppler, peak systolic velocity (PSV) was higher in testicular versus intratesticular arteries. In conclusion, adult male C. thous were conditioned to allow sperm collection by digital manipulation without urine contamination, enabling evaluation of sperm characteristics. Furthermore, B-mode ultrasound facilitated evaluation of testes and prostate morphometry and echotexture, whereas Doppler was used to characterize testicular blood flow. This was proof of concept for semen collection and baseline data for future male reproductive soundness examinations and development of assisted reproductive techniques in this species.

Quantitative proteomic profiling of bovine follicular fluid during follicle development.

Bovine follicular fluid (FF) constitutes the microenvironment of follicles and includes various biologically active proteins. We performed a study involving 18 healthy nonlactating Holstein cows to determine the protein expression profile of FF at key stages of follicular development. Follicles were individually aspirated in vivo at predeviation (F1 ∼ 7.0 mm), deviation (F1 ∼ 8.5 mm), postdeviation (F1 ∼ 12.0 mm), and preovulatory stages of follicle development, which were confirmed by measurement of follicular estradiol and progesterone concentrations. The FFs from nine cows were selected for proteomic analysis. After albumin depletion, triplicates of pooled FF were reduced, alkylated, and digested with trypsin. The resulting peptides were labeled with TMTsixplex and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. A total of 143 proteins were identified and assigned to a variety of biological processes, including response to stimulus and metabolic processes. Twenty-two differentially (P < 0.05) expressed proteins were found between stages indicating intrafollicular changes over development, with expected deviation time critical to modulate the protein expression. For instance, high concentrations of follistatin, inhibin, serglycin, spondin-1, fibrinogen, and anti-testosterone antibody were found during early stages of follicular development. In contrast, apolipoprotein H, alpha-2-macroglobulin, plasminogen, antithrombin-III, and immunoglobulins were increased after deviation. Among the differentially abundant proteins, 19 were found to be associated with steroidogenesis. Pathway analysis identified proteins that were mainly associated with the acute phase response signaling, coagulation system, complement system, liver/retinoid X receptor activation, and biosynthesis of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen. The differentially expressed proteins provide insights into the size-dependent protein changes in the ovarian follicle microenvironment that could influence follicular function.

Viabilidade dos espermatozoides criopreservados de touros, colhidos do epidídimo após 12 horas a 4ºC / Viability of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa collected from the epididymis stored for 12 hours at 4ºC

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da refrigeração do epidídimo, sobre a viabilidade dos espermatozoides congelados. Foram colhidos dez pares de testículos/epidídimos de um abatedouro comercial. Um dos epidídimos foi refrigerado a 4°C durante 12 horas e o contralateral foi imediatamente processado. O epidídimo foi isolado, as células espermáticas extraídas e analisadas quanto à motilidade, vigor, concentração, morfologia e integridade da membrana. Após a análise, os espermatozoides foram congelados em diluente Botubov® (Botupharma Biotecnologia Animal, Botucatu, SP, Brasil) e descongelados para análise. O mesmo procedimento foi realizado com o testículo/epidídimo refrigerado. Os resultados evidenciaram maior viabilidade (p≤0,05) das células pré-congelação para os parâmetros, número total de espermatozides (1,9 ± 1,2 versus 0,9 ± 0,9 x 109 espermatozoides), motilidade (74,0 ± 15,1 versus 20,5 ± 13,8%) e vigor (3,7 ± 0,5 versus 1,7 ± 0,8), e pós-congelação, motilidade (23,5 ± 16,7 versus 8,0 ± 7,9%) e vigor (2,0 ± 0,8 versus 0,8 ± 0,8) quando os espermatozoides foram colhidos a partir de epidídimos processados imediatamente após o abate quando comparados aos mantidos 12 horas sob refrigeração, respectivamente. Conclui-se que 12 horas de refrigeração do epidídimo após o abate, prejudica a qualidade das células espermáticas, impossibilitando a congelação do sêmen

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of epididymis cooling on bovine frozen sperm viability. Ten pairs of testes/epididymes were collected of a commercial slaughterhouse; one epididymis from each pair was refrigerated at 4ºC for 12 hours and the other immediately proceeded. Epididymis was isolated, sperm cells collected after epididymal slicing and then analyzed regarding to motility, vigor, total number of sperm, morphology and membrane integrity. Sperm cells were frozen in Botubov® extender (Botupharma Biotecnologia Animal, Botucatu, SP, Brazil) and thawed for semen analysis. The same procedure was performed with cooled testis/epididymis. Results demonstrated higher viability (p≤0,05) of fresh cells to the total number of spermatozoa (1,9 ± 1,2 versus 0,9 ± 0,9 x 109 spermatozoa), sperm motility (74,0 ± 15,1 versus 20,5 ± 13,8%) and vigor (3,7 ± 0,5 versus 1,7 ± 0,8), and for pos-thawing motility (23,5 ± 16,7 versus 8,0 ± 7,9%) and vigor (2,0 ± 0,8 versus 0,8 ± 0,8) when spermatozoa were collected immediately post-slaughter than maintained cooling 12 hours, respectively. We conclude that 12 hours of epididymis cooling after slaughter decreases sperm cells quality.

Video-assisted ovariohysterectomy in domestic cats (Felis catus, Linnaeus, 1758) using two access portals

PURPOSE : To describe video-assisted ovariohysterectomy (OHE) with two portals access in adult intact queens. METHODS Fifty-two females cats were used. A 4 mm cannula was positioned in the abdomen through an incision close to the umbilicus (first portal), and a pneumoperitoneum was established. A second portal was positioned in the midline of the pre-pubic region. Females were positioned in right lateral recumbency to locate the left ovarian pedicle, and the uterine horn was held by a transcutaneous suture. The pedicle was cauterized and incised. The procedure was then performed on the contralateral ovary. The ovaries were exteriorized from the abdomen, along with the uterus, through the second access point. The uterine body was exposed, fixed and sectioned, and the abdominal incisions were sutured. RESULTS Surgeries were performed in an average of 41.4±14.2 minutes. The main complications included hypotension (7.7%) and subcutaneous emphysema (7.7%), and 13.5% of the surgeries were converted to laparotomy. CONCLUSION Ovariohysterectomy using a video-assisted technique and two access portals is safe, has minimal risks and is effective for the spaying of queens.

Endodontics pastes formulated with copaiba oil: action on oral microbiota and dentin bridge formation in dogs / Pastas endodônticas formuladas com óleo de copaíba: ação na microbiota bucal e formação de ponte dentinária em cães

This study analysed the effect of pastes formulated with calcium hydroxide P.A. and different vehicles (saline solution - paste A and Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon oil - paste B) on oral microorganisms and dentin bridge formation in dogs. The antimicrobial action of the pastes and their components was analysed by the minimum inhibitory concentration in agar gel technique. The components were diluted and tested on fifteen standard strains of microorganisms associated with endodontic diseases. The microorganisms were cultivated and after incubation data was analysed using One-Way ANOVA and Turkey's test (P≤0.05). Four superior incisors of ten animals were used to evaluate dentin bridge formation. Two incisors were capped with paste A (GA) and two with paste B (GB). After 90 days, the teeth were extracted for histological analysis and the degree of dentin bridge formation evaluated. Data was analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). The pastes and their components were classified in the following decreasing order of antimicrobial action: calcium hydroxide P.A., paste A, paste B and Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon oil. Calcium hydroxide P.A. showed significantly higher antimicrobial action than the pastes or their vehicles. No significant difference was observed between the two pastes in dentin bridge formation. Based on the microorganisms studied, it can be concluded that the pastes analysed showed similar antimicrobial potential but differed significantly from their individual components. No significant difference was observed in dentin bridge formation between the different pastes tested.

Foi avaliada a ação de pastas formuladas com hidróxido de cálcio P.A. e diferentes veículos (solução fisiológica - pasta A e óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon - pasta B) sobre microrganismos bucais e formação de ponte dentinária em cães. A ação antimicrobiana das pastas e de seus componentes individuais foi avaliada pela técnica da concentração inibitória mínima pela diluição em ágar. Os materiais foram diluídos e avaliados contra quinze cepas padrão de microrganismos relacionados a doenças endodônticas. Os microrganismos foram cultivados e, após a incubação, os dados foram analisados (Anova One-Way, Tukey, P≤0,05). Para a avaliação da formação de ponte dentinária, quatro incisivos superiores de dez animais foram tratados, sendo dois capeados com pasta A (GA) e dois com a pasta B (GB). Após 90 dias, os dentes foram extraídos para obtenção de cortes histológicos, com o objetivo de se avaliar o grau de formação de ponte dentinária. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística (Kruskal-Wallis, P<0,05). Segundo a ação antimicrobiana, os materiais foram classificados em ordem decrescente: hidróxido de cálcio P.A., pasta A, pasta B e óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre o hidróxido de cálcio P.A., as pastas e os veículos. Ao final do estudo, observou-se que as duas pastas avaliadas foram semelhantes quanto à formação de ponte dentinária. Considerando-se os microrganismos selecionados, conclui-se que as pastas avaliadas foram semelhantes entre si em termos de potencial antimicrobiano, diferindo dos componentes individuais. Em relação à formação de ponte dentinária, não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os dentes tratados com as diferentes pastas.

Semen parameters and seminal plasma protein and biochemical profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia after botulinum toxin type A intraprostatic injection / Parâmetros seminais e perfis bioquímicos e proteicos do plasma seminal de cães com hyperplasia prostática benigna após a administração intra-prostática de toxina botulínica tipo A

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) on semen parameters, and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eighteen sexually intact male dogs with BPH were randomly divided in three groups, and received an intraprostatic injection of saline solution (control group - CG), 250UI (GI) or 500UI (GII) of BT-A under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. Semen was collected at baseline, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Semen parameters were determined and seminal plasma pH, total protein (TP), total chlorides (TC), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) concentrations were assessed. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrilamide gel eletrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) was performed to determine seminal plasma protein profile. Sperm parameters and seminal plasma pH, TP, TC, Ca and K mean values did not change significantly at any time point and among treated groups (P>0.05). The SDS-PAGE analysis of the pooled fractions identified 31 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 3.9 to 106.2kDA in all treatment groups during the entire evaluation period. Regardless the used dose, intraprostatic BT-A injection do not alter semen parameters and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with BPH.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a ação de diferentes concentrações de toxina botulínica tipo A (TB-A) sobre os parâmetros seminais, perfis bioquímicos e proteicos do plasma seminal de cães com hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Dezoito cães hígidos, não orquiectomizados com HPB foram divididos em três grupos, os quais foram submetidos à injeção intra-prostática de solução salina (grupo controle - GC), 250UI (GI) ou 500UI (GII) de TB-A. Amostras seminais foram coletadas previamente aos tratamentos e após 2, 4 e 8 semanas. Os parâmetros seminais assim como os valores de pH e concentrações de proteínas totais (TP), cloretos totais (CT), cálcio (Ca), potássio (K), sódio (Na) do plasma seminal foram mensurados após as coletas. O perfil proteico do fluido prostático foi estabelecido por meio de eletroforese SDS-PAGE. Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas quanto aos parâmetros espermáticos e perfil bioquímico do plasma seminal intragrupos e intergrupos (P>0,05). À SDS-PAGE foram identificadas 31 bandas proteicas com pesos moleculares de 3,9 a 106,2kDA, em todos os tratamentos e durante todo o período de avaliação. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que, independentemente da dose utilizada, a injeção intra-prostática de TB-A não altera os parâmetros seminais, assim como os perfis bioquímico e proteico do plasma seminal de cães com HPB.

Viabilidad de espermatozoides ovinos mantenidos a 5º y 15ºC en diferentes sistemas de refrigeración / Viability of ram sperm chilled at 5º and 15ºC in different cooling systems

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la cualidad espermática del semen refrigerado de carneros, en cajas térmicas con diferentes temperaturas. Fueron utilizados 6 eyaculados, de 2 carneros colectado con vagina artificial. En el semen se analizó volumen, movimiento en masa, motilidad, vigor, concentración espermática, test hipo-osmótico y coloración supra-vital. Las muestras fueron divididas en 2 alícuotas y diluidas en solución NaCl 0,9% o en un medio (Botubov®, Botupharma, Botucatu, SP, Brasil); después, la dilución fue mantenida a temperatura ambiente, nevera (5ºC), caja Botubox® (15ºC, Botupharma, Botucatu, SP, Brasil), caja Botutainer® (5ºC, Botupharma, Botucatu, SP, Brasil) y caja MaxSemen® (15ºC, EHG Agrofarma, Campinas, SP, Brasil). Todas las muestras fueron analizadas cada 24 horas, siguiendo los mismos parámetros. De acuerdo con los resultados, las muestras mantenidas en el diluyente presentaron viabilidad hasta 48 horas de refrigeración en las cajas térmicas y en la nevera, y la motilidad se mantuvo entorno de 30% hasta las 72 horas. Las muestras diluidas en solución NaCl 0,9% conservaron la motilidad en 30% hasta las 24 horas de refrigeración. Basado en los resultados se concluye que las tres cajas pueden ser utilizadas para transporte de semen ovino, diluido y refrigerado por un período de 24 a 48 horas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovine sperm quality colled in thermal boxs. Six ejaculates from 2 rams were collectedusing artificial vagina. Samples were analyzed to volume, mass movement, motility, vigor, sperm cell concentration, hypo-osmoticswelling test and supravital stain. Ejaculates were divided into 2 aliquots and diluted in 0.9% NaCl or in the extender (Botubov®,Botupharma, Botucatu, SP, Brazil), and was kept at room temperature, refrigerator (5°C), Botubox® (15°C, Botupharma, Botucatu,SP, Brazil), Botutainer® (5ºC, Botupharma, Botucatu, SP, Brazil) and MaxSemen® (15°C, EHG Agrofarma, Campinas, SP, Brazil).All samples were analyzed each 24 hours to the same parameters. According to the results the samples diluted and cooled inextender preserved sperm viability until 48 hours in thermal boxes and in refrigerator; and the samples extended preserved inenvironment maintained motility 30% up to 72 hours. Samples diluted in 0.9% saline retained motility around 30% until 24 hours ofcooling. Based on the results it is concluded that the three boxes may be used for transport of ram semen, diluted and refrigeratedfor a period of 24 to 48 hours.

Ovarian blood vessel occlusion as a surgical sterilization method in rats

To evaluate the female sterilization by occlusion of the ovarian blood flow, using the rat as experimental model. Fifty-five females rats were divided into four groups: I (n=10), bilateral ovariectomy, euthanized at 60 or 90 days; II (n=5), opening the abdominal cavity, euthanized at 90 days; III (n=20), bilateral occlusion of the ovarian blood supply using titanium clips, euthanized at 60 or 90 days; and IV (n=20), bilateral occlusion of the ovarian blood supply using nylon thread, euthanized at 60 or 90 days. The estrous cycle was monitored by vaginal cytology. After euthanasia, the reproductive tissues were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: Ovarian atresia was identified macroscopically at 60 days after surgery in the rats in groups III and IV; however, most of the rats in group III maintained cyclicity. Histology of the tissues from group IV revealed that the ovarian tissue was replaced by dense fibrous connective tissue that was slightly vascularized and that intact follicles were absent by 90 days. OOvarian blood vessels occluded caused ischemia, leading to progressive tissue necrosis, and bilateral occlusion using a nylon ligature is a viable method for surgical sterilization.

Heparin-binding proteins of seminal plasma in Nellore bulls / Proteínas ligadoras à heparina do plasma seminal em touros Nelore

The aim of this study was to identify heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) in seminal plasma of Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) bulls. Bulls (n=4), 30-36 months old, 500-550kg with satisfactory seminal quality were selected. After the centrifugation, samples of the seminal plasma were pooled and the HBPs were isolated by heparin-affinity chromatography. The recovered HBPs fractions were pooled. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE) 12.5 percent was performed in vertical minigels. Eight bands with molecular weights ranging from 15 to 63kDa were observed. Two proteins were identified (22 and 25kDa), similar to those previously described in Bos taurus taurus bulls. Other bands identified in this study (39, 53, 58 and 63kDa) have not been previously observed and possibly they are specific to Nellore semen.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar proteínas ligadoras à heparina no plasma seminal de touros Nelore (Bos taurus indicus). Para tanto, foram selecionados quatro touros entre 30 e 36 meses de idade e peso aproximado de 500-550kg. Após centrifugação, amostras do plasma seminal foram misturadas e as proteínas ligadoras à heparina foram isoladas por meio da cromatografia por afinidade. As frações após a eluição foram agrupadas para caracterização das bandas protéicas (SDSPAGE, 12,5 por cento). Foram identificadas oito bandas protéicas variando entre 15 e 63kDa. Duas proteínas com 22 e 25kDa foram similares às descritas em touros Bos taurus taurus. Outras proteínas identificadas com 39, 53, 58 e 63kDa ainda não foram descritas e possivelmente sejam específicas para Bos taurus indicus.

Qualidade de vida e severidade da doença em idosos renais crônicos / Quality of life and measure of disease in elderly people with end-stage renal disease

O objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar, em uma população de idosos com Insuficiência Renal Crônica Terminal (IRCT) em hemodiálise ambulatorial, a relação entre uma medida genérica de qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-breve) e a medida de severidade da IRCT (ESRD-SI - Índice de Severidade da IRCT). Trata-se de um estudo correlacional de corte transversal, realizado em duas clínicas de terapia renal substitutiva, com 100 idosos portadores de IRCT, em tratamento hemodialítico há pelo menos seis meses. A análise mostrou que os domínios do WHOQOL-breve correlacionaram-se negativamente com a severidade da ICRT, exceto os domínios psicológico e meio ambiente. Além disso, todos os domínios do WHOQOL-breve mostraram poder de discriminar os sujeitos em relação à severidade da doença.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida do idoso em hemodiálise: comparação de dois instrumentos genéricos

A Insuficiência Renal Crônica Terminal (IRCT) afeta diretamente a qualidade de vida do paciente renal, em especial do idoso. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar, numa população de idosos com IRCT em hemodiálise ambulatorial, o desempenho de dois instrumentos genéricos de qualidade de vida (SF-36 e WHOQOL-breve). Para isto, foram verificadas a praticabilidade, a confiabilidade, a validade discriminante e divergente e as correlações existentes entre os dois instrumentos. Trata-se se um estudo correlacional de corte transversal, realizado em duas clínicas de terapia renal substitutiva, com 100 idosos com IRCT em tratamento hemodialítico há pelo menos seis meses. A praticabilidade foi avaliada pelo tempo de aplicação dos instrumentos e o número de itens não respondidos, em que se observou melhor desempenho do WHOQOL-breve, que despendeu menor tempo de entrevista e foi integralmente preenchido por todos os sujeitos. A confiabilidade foi avaliada pela consistência interna, com determinação do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Em sua totalidade, ambos os instrumentos (SF-36 e WHOQOL-breve), apresentaram elevado nível de confiabilidade. Na análise de cada dimensão/domínio, o SF-36 exibiu maior consistência interna. Para avaliar a validade discriminante e divergente, utilizou-se como variáveis de critério, o impacto e a severidade da IRCT, mensurados pelo Questionário de Conseqüências da Doença (IEQ) e pelo Índice de Severidade da IRCT (ESRD-IS), respectivamente. A validade discriminante foi avaliada comparando os escores das dimensões/domínios do SF-36 e WHOQOL-breve com o impacto (categorias maior e menor impacto) e severidade (categorias suave e não-suave) da IRCT....

Evaluation testicular fine needle aspiration cytology and serum testosterone levels in dogs

Com o objetivo de avaliar a função reprodutiva de 4 cães machos, adultos, a citologia aspirativa com agulha fina (FNAC) e as concentrações de testosterona sérica foram usadas em associação a determinação do volume testicular e análise do sêmen. FNAC foi realizada em ambos os testículos e as concentrações de testosterona foram determinadas durante 24 horas, em intervalos regulares. Os resultados da análise do semen se encontraram dentro do padrão para a espécie nos cães 1 e 3. O cão 2 apresentou testículos pequenos, baixa qualidade seminal, alta porcentagem de células de Sertoli e espermátides iniciais sugerindo uma degeneração testicular. No cão 4 observou-se uma degeneração testicular do lado direito conseqüência de um processo obstrutivo mostrada pela diminuição do testículo, baixa qualidade do sêmen evidenciada pela baixa concentração espermática e incontável número de espermatozóides na FNAC; uma diminuição do trânsito espermático foi observada no testículo esquerdo, com espessamento do epidídimo, alta porcentagem de gotas distais na análise seminal, porém resultados normais na FNAC. O ritmo circadiano da testosteronafoi claro nos cães 3 e 4, entretanto as concentrações encontraram-se próximas ao limite inferior. O volume testicular, a análise do sêmen e a FNAC testicular podem fornecer informações valiosas sobre a espermatogênese. Entretanto, as concentrações séricas de testosterona não são claramente correlacionadas as características reprodutivas nesses cães.