Effect of the racial group and body condition score at calving on production performance and metabolic profile of buffaloes during the transition period.

This study evaluated the body condition score (BCS) at calving and breed (B) effects on milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites in the transition and early lactation periods of Mediterranean (MED) and Murrah (MUR) buffaloes. Twenty MED and fifteen MUR buffaloes were distributed into four experimental treatments, in a completely randomized design, considering their racial groups and BCS (LBCS = low; HBCS = high): LBCS MED (N = 9); HBCS MED (N = 11); LBCS MUR (N = 8); HBCS MUR (N = 7). Animals were monitored during the last 21 days of gestation and first 56 days postpartum and kept under the same management and feeding conditions. During data collection, milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites were evaluated. Higher milk production and fat-corrected milk were observed in MED than MUR buffaloes. Breed effects were observed on body weight, rectal temperature, glucose, urea, calcium (Ca) concentrations, and BCS effects on total protein, albumin, urea, and Ca. There were BCS effects on hematocrit, neutrophils, eosinophils, and interactions between B × BCS for lymphocytes and platelets. There were breed effects on urinary concentrations of chlorine, uric acid, and interactions between weight (W) × B on chlorine and urea. The MED buffaloes can be considered the most prepared to undergo physiological changes, including the BCS value at calving, indicating higher physiological health. Besides, this study demonstrates more considerable preparation for the calving, regardless of the body condition score at calving.

Feeding behavior of feedlot lambs fed diets with different energy and protein sources.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the replacement of ground corn by crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on feedlot lambs' feeding behavior. Thirty-two non-castrated crossbred ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês lambs, with an average body weight of 18.52 ± 3.24 kg (mean ± standard deviation), were distributed in a completely randomized design, into four treatments and eight replicates per treatment, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients in the concentrate, respectively: (1) ground corn + soybean meal; (2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; (3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; and (4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. The glycerin decreased dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < 0.001) intakes, whereas it increased times spent in feeding (P = 0.009; from 21.8 to 28.6), rumination (P = 0.006; from 56.2 to 67.2), and chewing (P < 0.001; from 79.4 to 97.2), in minutes/100 g of DM. Feeding efficiencies of DM (P = 0.003) and NDF (P = 0.008) were decreased by the diets. Protein sources increased (P = 0.018) the times spent in chewing and per period in rumination (P = 0.014). Cottonseed cake, as a protein source, up to a 112 g/kg DM level, can totally replace soybean meal in diets for feedlot lambs without effects on the intake, behavioral activities, and feeding efficiencies. In contrast, the crude glycerin energy source is not adequate to replace ground corn in lambs' diets.

Diferentes momentos de aplicação de gonadotrofina coriônica equina em protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo para vacas de leite / Different times of application of equine chorionic gonadotropin in fixed-time artificial insemination protocols for dairy cows

Avaliaram-se diferentes momentos de aplicação da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) para vacas de leite. Foram utilizadas 76 fêmeas, as quais receberam, no dia zero (D0) do protocolo, dispositivos intravaginais de progesterona, sendo esses retirados no D9, e os animais foram, então, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1 - aplicação de eCG no momento da retirada dos dispositivos; T2 e T3 - aplicação de eCG 48h e 24h antes da retirada dos dispositivos, respectivamente. No D10 os animais receberam 1mg de GnRH, e a IATF foi realizada 52 horas após a retirada do implante. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para intervalo entre a retirada do implante à ovulação (72,56±3,92h), o diâmetro do maior folículo no D9 (10,88±1,49mm), o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório (15,15±1,16mm) e do segundo maior folículo (7,49±0,52mm), a taxa de crescimento folicular (1,38±0,04mm/dia), a taxa de ovulação (96,67%), o intervalo entre diâmetro final e inicial do folículo dominante (73,49±3,84h), a área de corpo lúteo (2,27±0,43cm²), a porcentagem de CL no ovário direito (53,00%) e no esquerdo (26,33%) e a taxa de gestação (33,33%). O momento da aplicação da eCG não influenciou na eficiência do protocolo. Recomenda-se a utilização da eCG no momento da retirada do implante por otimização do manejo.(AU)

Different times of application of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocols for dairy cows were evaluated. A total of 76 females were used, which received intravaginal progesterone devices on day zero (D0) of the protocol, which were withdrawn on D9, and the animals were then randomly distributed in three treatments: T1- application of eCG at the time of device withdrawal; T2 and T3 - application of eCG 48h and 24h before withdrawal of the devices, respectively. On D10 the animals received 1mg of GnRH and the FTAI was carried out 52 hours after the removal of the implant. There was no difference (P>0.05) for interval from implant removal to ovulation (72.56±3.92h), diameter of the largest follicle of D9 (10.88±1.49mm), diameters of ovulatory follicle (15.15±1.16mm) and of the second largest follicle (7.49±0.52mm), follicle growth rate (1.38±0.04mm/day), ovulation rate (96.67%), interval between final diameter and initial diameter of dominant follicle (73.49±3.84h), corpus luteum area (2.27±0.43cm²), percentage of CL in right ovary (53.00%) and in left ovary (26.33%) and pregnancy rate (33.33%). The time of the application of eCG did not influence the efficiency of the protocol. We recommend the use of eCG at the time of the removal of the implant for management optimization.(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)

Ecophysiological interactions and water-related physicochemical parameters among freshwater stingrays / Interações ecofisiológicas e dos parâmetros físico-químico da água em arraias de água doce

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare and correlate the ecology of neonates and young individuals of Potamotrygon wallacei, Potamotrygon motoro and Paratrygon aiereba with regard to their hematological profile and the physicochemical parameters of the water that they inhabit. Principal component analysis (PCA) on the complete blood count revealed total variation of 72.92%, thus demonstrating a differentiation system for oxygen demand. On the other hand, P. motoro was considered to be an intermediate species, given that its complete blood count characteristics interacted with both P. wallacei and with P. aiereba. The interaction among the biochemical variables was shown to total 64.67% of the factors. This allowed differentiation of P. wallacei from P. aiereba, while P. motoro maintained an intermediate position. These characteristics of differentiation within the preferred environment corroborate the PCA of the present study and confirm that these species can be differentiated through considering the complete blood count and biochemical parameters. The PCA on water properties showed 68.57% differentiation, mainly comprising the x axis (49.44%). It can be affirmed that P. motoro has the capacity to inhabit the preferential areas of P. wallacei and P. aiereba, as well as occupying localities in which other stingrays are not found. In conclusion, P. wallacei presents patterns differentiating it from P. aiereba, while P. motoro is a species that presents intermediate characteristics. The latter can be considered to be a more broadly distributed species regarding its ecophysiological characteristics.

Resumo Este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar o perfil hematológico e os parâmetros físico-químicos da água, comparando e correlacionando ecologicamente entre neonatos e jovens de Potamotrygon wallacei (arraia cururu), Potamotrygon motoro e Paratrygon aiereba. A análise de componentes principais (PCA) do hemograma revelou um total 72,92% de variação, constituindo-se em um sistema de diferenciação na demanda por oxigênio. P. wallacei apresenta diferenciação no eixo X quando comparada a P. aiereba, por outro lado P. motoro constitui-se como uma espécie intermediária que apresenta as características do hemograma interagindo tanto com P. wallacei quanto com P. aiereba. A interação entre as variáveis bioquímica demonstram um total de 64,67% dos fatores, no qual foi possível diferenciar, a arraia P. wallacei de P. aiereba, tendo P. motoro uma aspecto de espécie intermediária entre as demais. Esses aspectos de diferenciação de ambiente de preferência corroboraram a PCA obtida no presente estudo e confirmam que essas espécies podem ser diferenciadas quando se considerar as variáveis referentes ao hemograma e a bioquímica. Nos íons, no trombograma e no leucograma, não foi possível diferenciar as espécies. O PCA das propriedades da água foi constituído por 68,57% de diferenciação que se constituiu principalmente no eixo x (49,44%). É possível confirmar que P. motoro tem a capacidade de habitar as áreas preferências de P. wallacei e P. aiereba, além do mais esta possui uma localidade que as demais arraias não são encontradas. Conclui-se que P. wallacei, apresenta padrões diferenciados de P. aiereba, além do mais P. motoro é uma espécie que apresenta características intermediárias entre as descritas, o qual pode ser considerado uma espécie com distribuição mais ampla em seus aspectos ecofisiológicos.

Cyrilia sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) in the Amazonian freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (cururu stingray) in different hydrological phases of the Rio Negro / Cyrilia sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) na arraia de água doce Amazônica Potamotrygon wallacei (arraia cururu) em diferentes fases do ciclo hidrológico do Rio Negro

Abstract Intraerythrocytic parasites are frequently found in fish, including elasmobranchs. The Amazonian rivers present well defined annual hydrological cycles that results in drastic modifications of the environmental conditions with deep implications in the life cycle of the whole associated biota in those fluvial systems. The freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (stingray cururu) is a new species restricted to the Middle Rio Negro basin and it is subject to strong alterations in their natural habitats (igapós) a result of the constant variations in the water level of Rio Negro. This work demonstrates the occurrence of intraerythrocytic parasite Cyrilia sp. in this stingray species. Additionally, the prevalence and quantification of hemoparasites in different phases of Rio Negro were also established. Field sampling was carried in the Archipelago of Mariuá, Middle Rio Negro, involving different stages of the water cycle. The intraerythrocytic parasites were quantified by direct counting in blood smears using a total counting of 2000 erythrocytes in each blood smear. The presence of parasites intraerythrocytic generates changes in the morphology of blood cell. The largest amount of the hemoparasites was recorded in the drought period. We observed a decreasing tendency in the number of parasites in the blood between the drought periods and inundation. We concluded that the level of Negro River influences the incidence of intraerythrocytic parasites in the cururu stingray and the drought represents the period of larger susceptibility to the infestation.

Resumo Parasitas intraeritrocitários são frequentemente encontrados em peixes, incluindo elasmobrânquios. Os rios Amazônicos possuem ciclos hidrológicos anuais que resultam em modificações drásticas nas condições ambientais, com implicação profunda no ciclo de vida associada a biota dos sistemas fluviais. A arraia de água doce Potamotrygon wallacei (arraia cururu) é uma nova espécie restrita a bacia do médio Rio Negro e sujeita a fortes alterações em seus habitats naturais (igapós) resultantes das constantes variações do nível de água do Rio Negro. Este trabalho demonstra a ocorrência de parasita intraeritrocitário Cyrilia sp. em espécimes de arraias de água doce. Além disso, a prevalência e quantificação de hemoparasitas em diferentes fases do Rio Negro foi estabelecida. Coletas de campo foram realizadas no Arquipélago de Mariuá, médio Rio Negro, envolvendo diferentes fases do ciclo hidrológico. Os parasitas intraeritrocitários foram quantificados por contagem direta em esfregaços de sangue usando a contagem total de 2000 eritrócitos em cada esfregaço sanguíneo. A presença de parasitas intraeritrocitários gera alterações na morfologia da célula sanguínea. A maior quantidade dos hemoparasitas foi registrado no período de seca. Observou-se a tendência de diminuição no número de parasitas no sangue entre o período de seca e de cheia. Concluiu-se que o nível de Rio Negro influencia a incidência de parasitas intraeritrocitários na arraia cururu, e a seca representa o período de maior susceptibilidade à infestação.

Influence of diets with silage from forage plants adapted to the semi-arid conditions on lamb quality and sensory attributes.

Quality and sensory attributes of meat from 32 mixed-breed Santa Inês lambs fed diets composed of four silages with old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind), buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium), and Pornunça (Manihot sp.) were evaluated. Meat from lambs fed diet containing old man saltbush silage (P<0.05) showed greater values for cooking loss. Of the sensory attributes evaluated in the Longissimus lumborum muscle of the lambs, color and juiciness did not differ (P>0.05). However, the silages led to differences (P<0.05) in aroma, tenderness, and flavor values. The meat from animals fed the pornunça and Gliricidia silages was tenderer. Flavor scores were higher in meat from lambs that consumed old man saltbush silage and lower in the meat from those fed buffelgrass silage. Diets formulated with buffelgrass silage for sheep reduce meat production. Based on the results for carcass weight and meat quality, old man saltbush and pornunça are better silages for finishing sheep.

Cyrilia sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) in the Amazonian freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (cururu stingray) in different hydrological phases of the Rio Negro.

Intraerythrocytic parasites are frequently found in fish, including elasmobranchs. The Amazonian rivers present well defined annual hydrological cycles that results in drastic modifications of the environmental conditions with deep implications in the life cycle of the whole associated biota in those fluvial systems. The freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (stingray cururu) is a new species restricted to the Middle Rio Negro basin and it is subject to strong alterations in their natural habitats (igapós) a result of the constant variations in the water level of Rio Negro. This work demonstrates the occurrence of intraerythrocytic parasite Cyrilia sp. in this stingray species. Additionally, the prevalence and quantification of hemoparasites in different phases of Rio Negro were also established. Field sampling was carried in the Archipelago of Mariuá, Middle Rio Negro, involving different stages of the water cycle. The intraerythrocytic parasites were quantified by direct counting in blood smears using a total counting of 2000 erythrocytes in each blood smear. The presence of parasites intraerythrocytic generates changes in the morphology of blood cell. The largest amount of the hemoparasites was recorded in the drought period. We observed a decreasing tendency in the number of parasites in the blood between the drought periods and inundation. We concluded that the level of Negro River influences the incidence of intraerythrocytic parasites in the cururu stingray and the drought represents the period of larger susceptibility to the infestation.

Ecophysiological interactions and water-related physicochemical parameters among freshwater stingrays.

The objective of this study was to compare and correlate the ecology of neonates and young individuals of Potamotrygon wallacei, Potamotrygon motoro and Paratrygon aiereba with regard to their hematological profile and the physicochemical parameters of the water that they inhabit. Principal component analysis (PCA) on the complete blood count revealed total variation of 72.92%, thus demonstrating a differentiation system for oxygen demand. On the other hand, P. motoro was considered to be an intermediate species, given that its complete blood count characteristics interacted with both P. wallacei and with P. aiereba. The interaction among the biochemical variables was shown to total 64.67% of the factors. This allowed differentiation of P. wallacei from P. aiereba, while P. motoro maintained an intermediate position. These characteristics of differentiation within the preferred environment corroborate the PCA of the present study and confirm that these species can be differentiated through considering the complete blood count and biochemical parameters. The PCA on water properties showed 68.57% differentiation, mainly comprising the x axis (49.44%). It can be affirmed that P. motoro has the capacity to inhabit the preferential areas of P. wallacei and P. aiereba, as well as occupying localities in which other stingrays are not found. In conclusion, P. wallacei presents patterns differentiating it from P. aiereba, while P. motoro is a species that presents intermediate characteristics. The latter can be considered to be a more broadly distributed species regarding its ecophysiological characteristics.

Excessive gain in body mass index-for-age Z-score and associated factors: a cohort study in female adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of excessive gain in body mass index-for-age Z-score (BMI/AZ) and its associated factors in adolescent girls. METHODOLOGY: This is a cohort study conducted between 2007 and 2012 with 382 girls between 10 and 18 years of age attending public schools in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Excessive gain in BMI/AZ (EGBMI/AZ) at follow-up was considered if the adolescent had a BMI/AZ >0.63 between follow-up and baseline. RESULTS: In 2007, 33.5% of girls were overweight, and at the end of the study this prevalence was 26.2%, with no statistically significant differences. Of the 382 girls evaluated in the cohort, 33% showed EGBMI/AZ. In 2007, 95% of these girls were normal weight or underweight, and in 2012, 60% were classified as overweight. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, three variables remained independently associated with EGBMI/AZ: underweight, normal weight and maternal overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Both underweight and normal weight were associated with EGBMI/AZ, and this could be due to a physiological protection for the occurrence of menarche. In fact, maternal overweight has considerable influence on adolescents' nutritional status because of exposure to an obesogenic environment.

Early menarche in normal-weight girls and its association with excess weight, abdominal obesity and metabolic changes at the end of sexual maturation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess whether early menarche in normal-weight girls is associated with excess weight, abdominal obesity and metabolic changes at the end of sexual maturation. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a cohort study of 255 normal-weight girls aged 10-18 years attending public schools in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Northeast of Brazil. The following data were collected in 2007 and 2012: anthropometric; lifestyle, socioeconomic and demographic data; lipid profile; and self-assessed sexual maturation. RESULTS: Eighty-four girls (32.9%) had early menarche. The socioeconomic level and time spent using a computer increased during this 5-year period, whereas the time spent watching television decreased. The prevalences of excess weight and abdominal obesity were 19.2% and 9.8%, respectively. The anthropometric and laboratory variables of girls with and without early menarche did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that early menarche did not influence weight, abdominal obesity and serum lipids in the final stage of sexual maturation.

Meat quality of lambs fed diets with peanut cake.

Replacement of soybean meal by peanut cake was evaluated on the meat quality of 45 Dorper × Santa Inês crossbred lambs. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and nine repetitions, and fed Tifton-85 hay and a concentrate mixed with 0.0%, 25.0%, 50.0%, 75.0% or 100.0% peanut cake based on the dry mass of the complete diet. The longissimus lumborum muscle was used to determine the proximate composition, physical-chemical characteristics and fatty acid profile. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found for the crude protein and ether extract levels, with average values of 23.38% and 2.15% in the sheep meat, respectively. The physical-chemical characteristics of the loin were not affected (P>0.05) by the diets. The fatty acid profile was affected by peanut cake supplementation for myristic, myristoleic, palmitoleic, linolenic and arachidonic fatty acids. Peanut cake can be added in the diet of lambs no effect on physical-chemical characteristics. However, the total replacement of the soybean meal altered the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the meat.

Reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae) from north-eastern Brazil, tropical west Atlantic Ocean.

The reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum was studied based on specimens caught as by-catch in shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Farfantepenaeus subtilis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis) fishing operations between March 2010 and March 2012 on the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. Females reached a larger total length (LT ) and total body mass (MT ) (298 mm and 148 g) than males (250 mm and 90 g). Length at maturity was estimated to be 188 and 199 mm LT for males and females. Uterine fecundity ranged from one to four embryos (mean ± s.d.: 1·85 ± 0·45). Size at birth was estimated to be 105 mm LT . Gestation lasted between 4 and 5 months. The reproductive cycle of U. microphthalmum is hypothesized to be asynchronous and biannual.

Morfometria do aparelho genital e resposta superovulatória de coelhas suplementadas com geleia real / Morphometry of the genital tract and superovulatory response in rabbits supplemented with royal jelly

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com geleia real sobre a morfometria do aparelho genital, resposta superovulatória e qualidade embrionária de coelhas. Trinta e seis fêmeas foram distribuídas em quatro grupos (G), sendo: G1 (n=9) formado por animais não suplementados com geleia real, e G2, G3 e G4 (n=9 em cada grupo) por animais suplementados com 10, 20 e 40mg/dia de geleia real. A superovulação consistiu na aplicação de 40UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina, seguida por 40UI de gonadotrofina coriônica humana, via intramuscular, 48 horas após, e submetidas à cobrição natural. Os animais foram sacrificados, e os embriões coletados 72 horas após a cópula. Não houve diferença estatística entre tratamentos para as variáveis analisadas. O peso médio do aparelho genital foi de 10,88±0,38g; dos ovários - direito e esquerdo -, 0,28±0,02g; e o índice gonadossomático, 0,02±0,0g. O número médio de estruturas totais recuperadas foi de 9,2±1,4; de embriões viáveis, 8,7±1,4; e de degenerados, 0,5±0,2. Dos embriões viáveis, 5,6±0,8 foram classificados como grau I; 2,3±0,5, como grau II; e 0,8±0,2, como grau III. A suplementação com geleia real na dose de até 40mg/dia não apresentou efeito estimulador sobre o aparelho genital e a qualidade embrionária de coelhas.

The purpose of this paper was to assess the effect of supplementation of royal jelly on the morphometry of the genital tract, superovulatory response and embryonic quality in adult rabbits. 36 rabbits were distributed in four groups (G), as follows: G1 (n=9): no supplementation with royal jelly, G2, 3 and 4 (n=9): supplementation with 10, 20 and 40mg/day of royal jelly. The superovulatory protocol consisted in the application of a dose of 40UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin, followed by a dose of UI of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, intramuscularly, 48 hours later, and submitted to natural cover. The animals were euthanasiated and the embryos collected 72 hours after copulation. There was no statistical difference for the analyzed variables (P>0.05). The average weight for the female genital tract was 10.89±0.38g; the average weight of right and left ovaries was 0.28±0.02g and the average gonadosomatic index rate was 0.02±0.0g. The number of total recovered structures was 9.2±1.4. The average number of viable embryos was 8.7±1.4 and of degenerated embryos was 0.5±0.2. Viable embryos were morphologically classified as degree I: 5.6±0.8; degree II: 2.3±0.5; degree III: 0.8±0.2. Royal jelly did not present stimulatory effect on organs related to the reproduction of rabbits, nor was it effective to improve their embryonic quality at dosages of up to 40mg of in natura royal jelly.

Evaluation of waterborne exposure to oil spill 5 years after an accident in Southern Brazil.

Fish (Astyanax sp.) were exposed to water samples from the Arroio Saldanha, locality of an oil spill, and the Barigui River (upstream and downstream of the confluence of the river and Arroio Saldanha), Brazil. Histopathological and biochemical biomarkers, as acetylcholinesterase (AchE), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and amounts of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon residues (PAHs) in bile were evaluated. PAHs, metals, and surfactants were investigated in the water samples. CAT and GST activities increased in the Arroio Saldanha sample, whereas CAT activity and LPO levels were increased in the upstream and downstream sites. The results suggested a toxic action of the free radicals and disturbance of the antioxidant defense mechanisms. However, the EROD and AchE activities were not affected. Histopathology studies showed severe lesions. The oil is still bioavailable to biota, moreover, other pollution sources continue to affect the water in the Barigui River.

Ionic regulation and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in gills and kidney of the freshwater stingray Paratrygon aiereba living in white and blackwaters in the Amazon Basin.

During low-water period, freshwater stingray Paratrygon aiereba collected in the whitewater (WW) of the River Amazon showed higher urea content, osmolality, Na(+) and Cl(-) concentrations in plasma and perivisceral fluid than those caught in blackwater (BW) of the River Negro. Gills and kidney Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activities were significantly lower in WW than in BW fish. The high level of kidney Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in P. aiereba may minimize ion loss and generate diluted solute-free urine in ion-poor BW environment.

First report of vancomycin-resistant staphylococci isolated from healthy carriers in Brazil.

Reduced susceptibility or resistance to vancomycin has been reported among clinical isolates of staphylococci in previous studies. In the present study we report on the isolation of four vancomycin-resistant staphylococcal strains from healthy carriers inside and outside the hospital environment. These carriers did not receive treatment with any antibiotic. All coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains showed variable levels of resistance to several antimicrobial agents, including oxacillin, and unstable resistance to vancomycin, with decreased vancomycin MICs (<4 mg/liter) after 10 days of passage in a nonselective medium. However, exposure of these revertants to vancomycin selected staphylococcal strains resistant to vancomycin at very high frequencies (10(-2) and 10(-3)). The vancomycin resistance in these staphylococcal strains was not mediated by the van gene. The cell wall of the staphylococcal strains studied became thickest after culture in medium containing vancomycin, and the differences in cell wall thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Thus, the thickening of the cell wall in these staphylococcal strains may be an important contributor to vancomycin resistance.

Leishmanial antigens in the diagnosis of active lesions and ancient scars of American tegumentary leishmaniasis patients.

Cutaneous biopsies (n = 94) obtained from 88 patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis were studied by conventional and immunohistochemical techniques. Specimens were distributed as active lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 53) (Group I), cicatricial lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 35) (Group II) and suggestive scars of healed mucosal leishmaniasis patients (n = 6) (Group III). In addition, active cutaneous lesions of other etiology (n = 24) (Group C1) and cutaneous scars not related to leishmaniasis (n = 10) (Group C2) were also included in the protocol. Amastigotes in Group I biopsies were detected by routine histopathological exam (30.2%), imprint (28.2%), culture (43.4%), immunofluorescence (41.4%) and immunoperoxidase (58.5%) techniques; and by the five methods together (79.3%). In Group II, 5.7% of cultures were positive. Leishmanial antigen was also seen in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells (cellular pattern), vessel walls (vascular pattern) and dermal nerves (neural pattern). Positive reaction was detected in 49 (92.5%), 20 (57%) and 4 (67%) biopsies of Groups I, II and III, respectively. Antigen persistency in cicatricial tissue may be related to immunoprotection or, on the contrary, to the development of late lesions. We suggest that the cellular, vascular and neural patterns could be applied in the immunodiagnosis of active and cicatricial lesions in which leishmaniasis is suspected.

Modeling and simulation of cephalosporin C production in a fed-batch tower-type bioreactor.

Immobilized cell utilization in tower-type bioreactor is one of the main alternatives being studied to improve the industrial bioprocess. Other alternatives for the production of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as a cephalosporin C fed-batch process in an aerated stirred-tankbioreactor with free cells of Cephalosporium acremonium, or a tower-type bioreactor with immobilized cells of this fungus, have proven to be more efficient than the batch process. In the fed-batch process, it is possible to minimize the catabolite repression exerted by the rapidly utilization of carbon sources (such as glucose) in the synthesis of antibiotics by utilizing a suitable flow rate of supplementary medium. In this study, several runs for cephalosporin C production, each lasting 200 h, were conducted in a fed-batch tower-type bioreactor using different hydrolyzed sucrose concentrations. For this study's model, modifications were introduced to take into account the influence of supplementary medium flow rate. The balance equations considered the effect of oxygen limitation inside the bioparticles. In the Monod-type rate equations, cell concentrations, substrate concentrations, and dissolved oxygen were included as reactants affecting the bioreaction rate. The set of differential equations was solved by the numerical method, and the values of the parameters were estimated by the classic nonlinear regression method following Marquardt's procedure with a 95% confidence interval. The simulation results showed that the proposed model fit well with the experimental data, and based on the