Coleta de sêmen em Leopardus guttulus pelo método do cateterismo uretral / Leopardus guttulus semen collection using urethral catheter method

Considerando a realidade conservacionista dos animais mantidos em cativeiro, em especial os pequenos felídeos silvestres, objetivou-se, com este estudo, descrever o método de coleta de sêmen por cateterismo uretral em Leopardus guttulus cativos, anestesiados com cetamina-dexmedetomidina. Inicialmente foram utilizados 13 animais para coleta de sêmen por cateterismo mediante o uso de diferentes doses de cetamina-dexmedetomidina. Após determinação da dose anestésica ideal para coleta de sêmen nessa espécie, cinco L. guttulus machos foram submetidos a coletas seriadas de sêmen pelo método do cateterismo. A dose ideal para coleta de sêmen foi de 0,008mg/kg de dexmedetomidina e 10mg/kg de cetamina. Os valores médios para volume e concentração foram de 35,9µL e 552,8x106sptz/mL. Com média de 71% de motilidade e 3,1 de vigor, 68% dos espermatozoides apresentaram vitalidade (integridade de membrana) e 77% integridade acrossomal. Sobre as patologias espermáticas, obteve-se uma média de 28% de espermatozoides com defeitos maiores, 6% com defeitos menores e 67% normais. As vantagens do método, como a facilidade e o baixo custo, fazem recomendar sua utilização em L. guttulus, pois foram apresentados bons resultados quanto à concentração espermática, à motilidade, ao vigor, à viabilidade espermática e à integridade acrossomal, sendo uma técnica promissora para utilização em felinos selvagens.(AU)

Considering the conservationist reality of animals kept in captivity, especially the small wild felids, this study aimed to describe the semen collection method using urethral catheterization in captive Leopardus guttulus, anesthetized with ketamine-dexmedetomidine. Initially, 13 animals were used for semen collection using catheterization with different ketamine-dexmedetomidine doses. After determination of the best anesthetic dose for semen collection in this species, five male L. guttulus were submitted to serial semen collections using the catheter method. The dose for semen collection was 0.008mg/kg dexmedetomidine and 10mg/kg ketamine. The mean values for volume and concentration were 35.9µL and 552.8x106sptz/mL, with a mean of 71% motility, 3.1 vigor, and 68% of spermatozoa presented vitality and 77% presented acrosomal integrity. Sperm pathologies obtained an average of 28% of spermatozoa with major defects, 6% of spermatozoa with minor defects and 67% of normal spermatozoa. The method advantages such as ease and low cost lead us to recommend the use in L. guttulus, since it presented good results regarding sperm concentration, motility, vigor, sperm viability and acrosomal integrity, being a promising technique for use in wild cats.(AU)

Leiomioma vulvar em lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - relato de caso / Leiomyoma vulvar in maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - case report

Descrição de leiomioma vulvar em lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), fêmea, castrada, apresentando 10 anos de idade e mantida em cativeiro. Com base na avaliação clínica, no monitoramento de formação nodular de crescimento lento e progressivo e no diagnóstico preliminar sugestivo de neoplasia, procedeu-se à exérese da massa tumoral e à identificação anatomopatológica do leiomioma. Exames complementares radiográficos e ultrassonográficos não apontaram presença de metástases. A ressecção cirúrgica se mostrou satisfatória como conduta clínica, não havendo recidiva.(AU)

Description of leiomyoma vulvar in a female castrated Chrysocyon brachyurus, , ten years of age, and maintained in captivity. Based on the clinical evaluation, monitoring of nodular formation of slow and progressive growth, and preliminary diagnosis suggestive of neoplasia, the tumor mass was excised and anatomopathological identification of the leiomyoma was done. Complementary radiographic and ultrasound examinations did not indicate the presence of metastases. Surgical resection proved to be satisfactory as a clinical practice, and there was no relapse.(AU)

Detecção molecular de Neospora caninum em macaco-da-noite (Aotus azarae) de vida livre no estado do Mato Grosso: relato de caso / Molecular detection of Neospora caninum in azara's night monkey (Aotus azarae) of wildlife in the state of Mato Grosso: Case report

Estudos indicam, por meio de infecção experimental, que primatas não humanos são susceptíveis à infecção por Neospora caninum. Relata-se um caso de um macaco-da-noite (Aotus azarae infulatus), que apresentou sinais inespecíficos e não respondeu à terapêutica clínica de suporte, evoluindo a óbito, encaminhado em seguida para exame anatomopatológico. Amostras de tecidos foram coletadas e processadas rotineiramente para confecção de lâminas histológicas. Microscopicamente, a principal lesão foi observada no coração e consistia em miocardite necrótica multifocal por protozoário, com a presença de estruturas compatíveis com o estágio de taquizoítos de protozoários dos gêneros Neospora sp. ou Toxoplasma sp. No sistema nervoso central, predominantemente no tronco encefálico, havia estruturas semelhantes às descritas no coração. Os resultados da reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) foram positivos para N. caninum e negativos para Toxoplasma gondii, usando DNA extraído do sangue e dos tecidos. Este relato de caso fornece evidências histológicas e moleculares de que o primata em questão foi susceptível a uma infecção natural, porém estudos devem ser realizados para investigar o real papel dos primatas no ciclo de vida de N. caninum.(AU)

Studies indicate through experimental infection that non-human primates are susceptible to infection by Neospora caninum. This report is of a case of a night monkey (Aotus azarae infulatus) that presented nonspecific signs and did not respond to supportive clinical therapy evolving to death, followed by a pathology examination. Tissue specimens were routinely collected and processed for the preparation of histological slides. Microscopically, the main lesion was observed in the heart and consisted of multifocal necrotic myocarditis by protozoa, with the presence of structures compatible with the stage of protozoan tachyzoites of the genus Neospora sp. or Toxoplasma sp. In the central nervous system, predominantly in the brainstem there were structures similar to those described in the heart. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were positive for N. caninum and was negative for Toxoplasma gondii using DNA extracted from blood and tissues. This case report provides histological and molecular evidence that the primate in question was susceptible to a natural infection, but studies should be conducted to investigate the real role of primates in the life cycle of N. caninum.(AU)

Diagnóstico ecocardiográfico e tratamento de cardiomiopatia dilatada em tamanduá- bandeira ( Myrmecophaga trydactila ) mantido em cativeiro: relato de caso / Echocardiographic diagnosis and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in captive giant anteater (Myrmecophaga trydactila): case report

A cardiomiopatia dilatada é uma doença de caráter crônico, que compromete a função cardíaca, resultando em desequilíbrio da circulação sanguínea e da homeostase corporal do animal. Este relato apresenta a evolução do quadro clínico e o tratamento de cardiomiopatia dilatada em um exemplar cativo de tamanduá-bandeira. O animal apresentou quadro clínico de insuficiência cardíaca e foi submetido a duas baterias de exames laboratoriais e de imagem em um período de três meses. Posteriormente, foi iniciado o tratamento com pimobendan e suplementação de taurina, resultando em resposta positiva e melhora dos sinais clínicos do paciente. Os achados ecocardiográficos do caso foram compatíveis com cardiomiopatia dilatada com sinais evidentes de diminuição progressiva das frações de ejeção, bem como encurtamento e aumento expressivo das câmaras cardíacas, quando se comparou este caso ao de cães de grande porte e animais saudáveis da mesma espécie. O tratamento com inotrópico positivo, suplementação dietética de taurina e diuréticos se mostrou eficiente em controlar os sinais clínicos do animal.(AU)

The dilated cardiomyopathy it is a chronic disease that leads to a cardiac dysfunction, resulting in unstable blood circulation and specimen body homeostasis. This description shows the dilated cardiomyopathy evolution and treatment in a giant anteater captive model. The patient presented cardiac insufficient clinical condition and was submitted to two sets of laboratorial and image exams in three months. Furthermore, the treatment started with pimobendam and taurine supplementation, leading to satisfactory response to treatment and clinical improvement. The echocardiographic findings were compatible with dilated cardiomyopathy, moreover clear evidence of progressive reduction at the ejection portions and shortening and expressive increase of the cardiac chamber when compared to large dogs and healthy animals of the same species. Treatment with positive inotropic and taurine dietary supplement revealed as effective in clinical managementr.(AU)

Hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus (Labridae) confirmed in the south-western Atlantic Ocean.

Based on material deposited in collections, photographic records and other reports from fishermen and divers, the occurrence of the hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus (Labridae) is confirmed in the south-western Atlantic Ocean, near the Brazilian coast as far south as southern Brazil. The recognized range of this species should therefore be extended c. 3000 km further south.

Population characteristics, habitat and diet of a recently discovered stingray Dasyatis marianae: implications for conservation.

This study examined population density, habitat and diet of Dasyatis marianae, a recently discovered species, in the reef complex of Maracajaú in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. The highest concentration of D. marianae occurred in seagrass beds. Habitat use differed significantly between sex and age classes, with females and juveniles using areas other than reefs. Females utilized primarily seagrass beds and juveniles occurred mainly along the sandy bottom near the beach, highlighting the importance of protecting these areas. Dasyatis marianae diet was characterized primarily by crustaceans (91·9% index of relative importance, IRI ), including shrimp, crabs and lobsters. The availability of prey in different habitat types influences occupation by D. marianae, but the prey selectivity of D. marianae, among other factors, may affect this relationship. Intense shrimp and lobster fishing in the region probably has an effect on preferred prey resources of this ray. Information on feeding habits of this species contributes to a better understanding of trophic dynamics and food webs, which is critical if ecosystem principles are to be integrated into fisheries management.

Calcium metabolism, vitamin D and bone mineral density after bariatric surgery.

SUMMARY: Lower bone mineral density, vitamin D deficiency, lower lean body mass, greater loss of excess weight, and increased bone turnover are complications found after bariatric surgery correlated in the literature with increased risk of fractures. The prevention and treatment of such complications should begin immediately after surgery. INTRODUCTION: The aims of the study were to evaluate bone mass in patients undergoing bariatric surgery by the Wittgrove technique after 1 year of the procedure and correlate it with body composition, weight loss, 25OH vitamin D levels, and markers of bone metabolism. METHODS: The operated group (OG) participated in a clinical consultation; a blood sample taken and a body composition; and bone mineral density assessment by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The results were compared with a control group (CG). RESULTS: Fifty-six subjects in the OG and 27 in the CG were included. The bone mineral density (BMD), after the surgery, at the lumbar spine (LS) was lower in the OG than in the CG. There was a positive correlation between total body (TB) BMD with 25OHD, body mass index (BMI), and lean mass and an inverse correlation with percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 60.41% (OG) and in 16.6% (CG). PTH was higher in the OG, with secondary hyperparathyroidism in 41.7%. In 26.5% and 14.2% of the OG, ALP and OC levels were above the reference values. In <50 years, elevated values of carboxy-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were found in 66.7% of patients. A difference was observed in the variation of CTX between 12 and 18 months when compared to over 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Lower BMD was observed, correlated with lower lean body mass and greater loss of excess weight. Vitamin D deficiency with high prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism and high bone turnover was detected. The prevention of bone loss should be initiated in the first months after surgery, which is a period associated with severe muscle loss and increased bone turnover.

Differential effects of aging on spatial contrast sensitivity to linear and polar sine-wave gratings.

Changes in visual function beyond high-contrast acuity are known to take place during normal aging. We determined whether sensitivity to linear sine-wave gratings and to an elementary stimulus preferentially processed in extrastriate areas could be distinctively affected by aging. We measured spatial contrast sensitivity twice for concentric polar (Bessel) and vertical linear gratings of 0.6, 2.5, 5, and 20 cycles per degree (cpd) in two age groups (20-30 and 60-70 years). All participants were free of identifiable ocular disease and had normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. Participants were more sensitive to Cartesian than to polar gratings in all frequencies tested, and the younger adult group was more sensitive to all stimuli tested. Significant differences between sensitivities of the two groups were found for linear (only 20 cpd; P<0.01) and polar gratings (all frequencies tested; P<0.01). The young adult group was significantly more sensitive to linear than to circular gratings in the 20 cpd frequency. The older adult group was significantly more sensitive to linear than to circular gratings in all spatial frequencies, except in the 20 cpd frequency. The results suggest that sensitivity to the two kinds of stimuli is affected differently by aging. We suggest that neural changes in the aging brain are important determinants of this difference and discuss the results according to current models of human aging.

Differential effects of aging on spatial contrast sensitivity to linear and polar sine-wave gratings

Changes in visual function beyond high-contrast acuity are known to take place during normal aging. We determined whether sensitivity to linear sine-wave gratings and to an elementary stimulus preferentially processed in extrastriate areas could be distinctively affected by aging. We measured spatial contrast sensitivity twice for concentric polar (Bessel) and vertical linear gratings of 0.6, 2.5, 5, and 20 cycles per degree (cpd) in two age groups (20-30 and 60-70 years). All participants were free of identifiable ocular disease and had normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. Participants were more sensitive to Cartesian than to polar gratings in all frequencies tested, and the younger adult group was more sensitive to all stimuli tested. Significant differences between sensitivities of the two groups were found for linear (only 20 cpd; P<0.01) and polar gratings (all frequencies tested; P<0.01). The young adult group was significantly more sensitive to linear than to circular gratings in the 20 cpd frequency. The older adult group was significantly more sensitive to linear than to circular gratings in all spatial frequencies, except in the 20 cpd frequency. The results suggest that sensitivity to the two kinds of stimuli is affected differently by aging. We suggest that neural changes in the aging brain are important determinants of this difference and discuss the results according to current models of human aging.