Does silver diammine fluoride concentration influence on bonding to carious dentinal lesions in primary teeth?

PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of a universal adhesive after silver diammine fluoride (SDF) application at different concentrations on carious dentinal lesions in primary teeth. METHODS: Flat dentin carious-induced surfaces from 40 primary molars were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: without SDF treatment (control), 12% SDF, 30% SDF, or 38% SDF application. After 14 days of storage in artificial saliva at 37 °C, a universal adhesive system (Scotchbond Universal, 3 M ESPE) was applied in the etch-and-rinse mode and resin composite cylinders were built (0.72 mm2). After 24 h of water storage, the µSBS test was performed and the failure mode was determined. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The application of 38% SDF resulted in higher µSBS mean than control and use of 12% SDF (p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed among control, 12% SDF, and 30% SDF. All specimens tested showed adhesive/mixed failure. CONCLUSION: The use of SDF does not jeopardise the bonding of a universal adhesive applied in the etch-and-rinse mode to carious dentinal lesions in primary teeth, irrespective of the product concentration.

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the incubation performance and fertility of European quail breeders.

This study assessed the effects of combined supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on incubation performance, fertility, and chick quality in European quail breeders. A total of 240 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates. The animals were fed a basal diet containing 50 µg of vitamin D3 or the basal diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 µg 25-OH-D3, 6 ppm Cx, and 69 µg 25-OH-D3, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 µg 25-OH-D3, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 µg 25-OH-D3. Incubation performance was analyzed in 2 periods (32 and 38 wk). Breeders aged 32 wk produced eggs with higher hatchability (P = 0.024), hatchability of fertile eggs (P = 0.026) and lower initial plus mid embryonic mortality (P = 0.021), whereas 38-week-old breeders generated chicks with a higher length at hatching (P < 0.001) and lower final plus pipped embryonic mortality (P = 0.021). In both age groups, Cx + 25-OH-D3 levels had a quadratic effect on egg fertility (P < 0.001), hatchability of total (P < 0.001), and fertile eggs (P < 0.001). The fertility and the number of sperm cells in the perivitelline membrane was analyzed in two periods (26 and 40 wk). A quadratic effect of diet and days after mating on both parameters (P < 0.05) was observed. Eggs from supplementing breeders showed a high fertility (P < 0.001) and sperm cell counts (P < 0.001) for up to 7 and 3 d after mating, respectively, then the control group. Moreover, the supplementation of quail breeder diets with 6 ppm Cx + 69 µg 25-OH-D3 enhances sperm cell longevity in sperm storage tubules, hatchability of total and fertile eggs, fertility, and chick quality, especially in older quail's breeders and reduces embryonic mortality.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety / Curva de crescimento de tilápia-do-Nilo de diferentes famílias da variedade AquaAmérica

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P <0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P <0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety

Abstract Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P 0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P 0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

Resumo A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P 0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P 0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety / Curva de crescimento de tilápia-do-Nilo de diferentes famílias da variedade AquaAmérica

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P <0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P <0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety.

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

Reproductive traits in different Nile tilapia genetic groups / [Características reprodutivas em diferentes grupos genéticos de tilápia do Nilo]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits of the non-inbred and inbred AquaAmérica, GIFT and AquaAmérica × GIFTgenetic groups. Six fish from each genetic group were used (2 females:1 male). Females were examined for the presence of eggs in their mouth at every four days, for 12 weeks. Reproduction occurred in all genetic groups (GIFT: 100%; non-inbred AquaAmérica and AquaAmérica ×GIFT: 75%; inbred AquaAmérica: 50%). Female weight, female standard length, total spawning weight, absolute fecundity, relative fecundity, spawn index and hatching rate did not differ significantly between the genetic groups. However, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety showed lower values (P<0.05) for egg diameter (2.4mm) and egg weight (4.2mg) and higher values (P<0.05) for relative number of eggs (247.6 eggs/g of egg) than GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.7mg; relative number of eggs: 175.4 eggs/g of egg) and AquaAmérica ×GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.9mg; relative number of eggs: 168.8 eggs/g of egg). In conclusion, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety produces smaller, lighter eggs but a higher relative number of eggs than the GIFT variety and the AquaAmérica ×GIFT cross; and inbreeding negatively affects spawning rate.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características reprodutivas dos grupos genéticos AquaAmérica não endogâmicos e endogâmicos, GIFT e AquaAmérica × GIFT. Foram utilizados seis peixes de cada grupo genético (duas fêmeas:um macho). As fêmeas foram examinadas quanto à presença de ovos na boca a cada quatro dias, durante 12 semanas. A reprodução ocorreu em todos os grupos genéticos (GIFT: 100%; AquaAmérica não endogâmica e AquaAmérica × GIFT: 75%; AquaAmérica endogâmica: 50%). Peso e comprimento padrão de fêmea, peso total de desova, fecundidade absoluta, fecundidade relativa, índice de desova e taxa de eclosão não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos genéticos. Entretanto, a variedade não endogâmica da AquaAmérica apresentou valores mais baixos (P<0,05) para diâmetro do ovo (2,4mm) e peso do ovo (4,2mg) e maiores valores (P<0,05) para número relativo de ovos (247,6 ovos/g de ovo ) que GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,7mg; número relativo de ovos: 175,4 ovos/g de ovo) e AquaAmérica × GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,9mg; número relativo de ovos: 168,8 ovos/g de ovo). Em conclusão, a variedade AquaAmérica não endogâmica produz ovos menores e mais leves, mas um número relativo maior de ovos que a variedade GIFT e o cruzamento AquaAmérica × GIFT; a consanguinidade afeta negativamente a taxa de desova.(AU)

Genetic parameters and response to selection for growth in tambaqui.

Although the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the most cultivated native fish species in Brazil, estimated breeding values for growth traits are rarely used for selection of superior individuals in commercial fingerling production. This study aimed to estimate the (co)variance components of growth traits. Body weight, length and width of 2500 tambaqui were determined at tagging and at 6 and 12 months after tagging in a commercial breeding programme in Brazil. Heritability estimates were low for traits measured at tagging (0.10 to 0.19) and moderate to high for traits measured at 6 and 12 months (0.23 to 0.81). Common full-sib effects were high at tagging (>73%), low at 6 months and negligible at 12 months. Positive genetic correlations were found among growth traits at 12 months (0.84 to 0.99) and between growth traits at 6 and 12 months (0.80 to 0.92). These results show that animal selection can be performed at 6 months after tagging. Expected genetic gains for growth traits ranged from 8% to 31%. A simulation of the sex ratio was performed, as individuals did not reach sexual maturity during the experimental period. Because of the sexual dimorphism, more accurate heritability estimates were obtained when considering the female proportion to be 90% in the high-weight group. The findings indicate that it is possible to obtain considerable genetic gains in growth by selecting for growth traits. The development of a tool to determine the sex of animals at early stages can improve the response to selection in tambaqui.

Supplemental progesterone during early pregnancy exerts divergent responses on embryonic characteristics in sows and gilts.

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance; during early pregnancy, P4 stimulates the production and release of uterine secretions necessary for conceptus growth prior to implantation; therefore, exogenous P4 supplementation may improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation during early pregnancy with long-acting injectable progesterone or altrenogest on embryonic characteristics of sows and gilts. Thus, a total of 32 sows and 16 gilts were used. On day 6 of pregnancy sows and gilts were allocated to one of the following groups: non-supplemented; supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from days 6 to 12 of pregnancy; supplemented with 2.15 mg/kg of long-acting injectable progesterone on day 6 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 28 of pregnancy, and ovulation rate, embryo survival, embryo weight, crown-to-rump length, uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial vascularization were assessed. Treatments had no effect on pregnancy rate, embryo survival or endometrial vascular density (P > 0.05). Non-supplemented gilts presented larger and heavier embryos compared to gilts from supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Sows in the altrenogest group presented larger and heavier embryos compared to non-supplemented sows and sows supplemented with long-acting injectable progesterone. In conclusion, supplementation of sows and gilts with progestagen from day 6 of pregnancy can be used as a means to improve embryo survival without deleterious effects.

Determination of serum aflatoxin B1-lysine and biochemical parameters in broiler chicks fed an aflatoxin B1-contaminated diet.

In the present trial, the levels of serum aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-lysine and their relationship with biochemical parameters in broiler chicks fed an AFB1-contaminated diet were determined. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (control and 222.17 µg/kg AFB1) and 20 bird per treatment. Feeds were offered to broiler chicks for 14 days, from 28 to 42 days of age. Animals were vaccinated against Newcastle's and Marek's diseases on the 14th day of life, and were killed at 42 days of age. Broilers receiving AFB1 did not demonstrate any sign of toxicity. Compared with controls, aspartate aminotransferase and globulin levels were not affected in the AFB1-treated group. However, higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and lower concentrations of total protein and albumin were observed in the group receiving AFB1 on days 35 and 42. AFB1-lysine were detected in the serum of all broilers fed the AFB1-contaminated diet, at mean levels of 56.52-77.83 ng/mg albumin on days 35 and 42 of age, respectively. These values indicated the internal dose of AFB1 in birds, which negatively correlated with total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. Data indicated that AFB1-lysine shows the potential to be a sensitive and specific biomarker for the evaluation of broiler exposure to dietary aflatoxin, as well as for diagnostic purposes. Further studies are necessary to determine physiologically-based toxicokinetics of serum AFB1-lysine in broilers.

Dengue infection in mice inoculated by the intracerebral route: neuropathological effects and identification of target cells for virus replication.

Dengue is an important arboviral infection, causing a broad range symptom that varies from life-threatening mild illness to severe clinical manifestations. Recent studies reported the impairment of the central nervous system (CNS) after dengue infection, a characteristic previously considered as atypical and underreported. However, little is known about the neuropathology associated to dengue. Since animal models are important tools for helping to understand the dengue pathogenesis, including neurological damages, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of intracerebral inoculation of a neuroadapted dengue serotype 2 virus (DENV2) in immunocompetent BALB/c mice, mimicking some aspects of the viral encephalitis. Mice presented neurological morbidity after the 7th day post infection. At the same time, histopathological analysis revealed that DENV2 led to damages in the CNS, such as hemorrhage, reactive gliosis, hyperplastic and hypertrophied microglia, astrocyte proliferation, Purkinje neurons retraction and cellular infiltration around vessels in the pia mater and in neuropil. Viral tropism and replication were detected in resident cells of the brain and cerebellum, such as neurons, astrocyte, microglia and oligodendrocytes. Results suggest that this classical mice model might be useful for analyzing the neurotropic effect of DENV with similarities to what occurs in human.

Quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen and their influence on the rates of fertilization, hatching and quality of the larvae of Piaractus mesopotamicus / Qualidade do semen fresco e criopreservado e sua influência nas taxas de fertilização, eclosão e qualidade das larvas de Piaractus mesopotamicus

Abstract In this work, the seminal parameters of P. mesopotamicus were evaluated fresh and after cryopreservation, focusing on the sperm variables that affect the rates of fertilization, hatching and post-hatching parameters such as larval survival and morphology. The semen and oocytes from the animals were collected after extrusion, and seminal quality and oocyte fertilization were analyzed. Subsequently, a portion of each semen sample was cryopreserved and, after two days, the oocytes from three new females were fertilized with cryopreserved semen from the males. The analyzes showed that progressive motility, spermatic vigor, motility duration, number of normal sperm and secondary abnormalities were higher in fresh semen than in semen after thawing (P <0.0001). Similarly, fertilization and hatching rates and the percentage of normal and abnormal larvae in fertilized oocytes were higher when fresh semen was used (P <0.0001). The cryopreservation process affected the qualitative parameters of the semen of Piaractus mesopotamicus. The primary abnormality of spermatozoa was the main variable that influenced both fertilization and hatching rates, both in fresh and thawed semen. The second most important variable that influenced, particularly, thawed semen, was the spermatic vigor.

Resumo Neste trabalho, os parâmetros seminais de P. mesopotamicus foram avaliados fresco e após criopreservação, com foco nas variáveis espermáticas ​​que afetam as taxas de fertilização, eclosão e os parâmetros pós-eclosão como a sobrevivência e a morfologia das larvas. Os espermatozoides e os ovócitos dos animais foram coletados após a extrusão, e a qualidade seminal e a fertilização dos ovócitos foram analisados. Posteriormente, uma porção de cada amostra de semen foi criopreservada e, após dois dias, os ovócitos de três novas fêmeas foram fertilizados com semen criopreservado dos machos. As análises mostraram que a motilidade progressiva, o vigor espermático, a duração da motilidade, o número de espermatozoides normais e anormalidades secundárias foram maiores no semen fresco do que no semen após descongelamento (P <0,0001). Da mesma forma, as taxas de fertilização e eclosão e a porcentagem de larvas normais e anormais em ovócitos fertilizados foram maiores quando o semen fresco foi utilizado (P <0,0001). O processo de criopreservação afetou os parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen de Piaractus mesopotamicus . A anormalidade primária dos espermatozoides foi a principal variável que influenciou tanto a taxa de fertilização como a de eclosão, tanto no semen fresco como no semen descongelado. A segunda variável mais importante que influenciou, particularmente, o semen descongelado, foi o vigor espermático.

Effect of dietary crude protein degradability and corn processing on lactation performance and milk protein composition and stability.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of crude protein degradability and corn processing on lactation performance, milk protein composition, milk ethanol stability (MES), heat coagulation time (HCT) at 140°C, and the efficiency of N utilization for dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows with an average of 162 ± 70 d in milk, 666 ± 7 kg of body weight, and 36 ± 7.8 kg/d of milk yield (MY) were distributed in a Latin square design with 5 contemporaneous balanced squares, 4 periods of 21 d, and 4 treatments (factorial arrangement 2 × 2). Treatment factor 1 was corn processing [ground (GC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC)] and factor 2 was crude protein (CP) degradability (high = 10.7% rumen-degradable protein and 5.1% rumen-undegradable protein; low = 9.5% rumen-degradable protein and 6.3% rumen-undegradable protein; dry matter basis). A significant interaction was observed between CP degradability and corn processing on dry matter intake (DMI). When cows were fed GC with low CP degradability, DMI increased by 1.24 kg/d compared with cows fed GC with high CP degradability; however, CP degradability did not change DMI when cows were fed SFC. Similar interactions were observed for MY, HCT, and lactose content. When cows were fed GC diets, high CP degradability reduced MY by 2.3 kg/d, as well as HCT and lactose content, compared with low CP degradability. However, no effect of CP degradability was observed on those variables when cows were fed SFC diets. The SFC diets increased dry matter and starch total-tract digestibility and reduced ß-casein (CN) content (% total milk protein) compared with GC diets. Cows fed low-CP degradability diets had higher glycosylated κ-CN content (% total κ-CN) and MES, as well as milk protein content, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and efficiency of N for milk production, than cows fed high-CP degradability diets. Therefore, GC and high-CP degradability diets reduced milk production and protein stability. Overall, low CP degradability increased the efficiency of dietary N utilization and MES, probably due to changes in casein micelle composition, as CP degradability or corn processing did not change the milk concentration of ionic calcium. The GC diets increased ß-CN content, which could contribute to reducing HTC when cows were fed GC and high-CP degradability diets.

Quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen and their influence on the rates of fertilization, hatching and quality of the larvae of Piaractus mesopotamicus.

In this work, the seminal parameters of P. mesopotamicus were evaluated fresh and after cryopreservation, focusing on the sperm variables that affect the rates of fertilization, hatching and post-hatching parameters such as larval survival and morphology. The semen and oocytes from the animals were collected after extrusion, and seminal quality and oocyte fertilization were analyzed. Subsequently, a portion of each semen sample was cryopreserved and, after two days, the oocytes from three new females were fertilized with cryopreserved semen from the males. The analyzes showed that progressive motility, spermatic vigor, motility duration, number of normal sperm and secondary abnormalities were higher in fresh semen than in semen after thawing (P <0.0001). Similarly, fertilization and hatching rates and the percentage of normal and abnormal larvae in fertilized oocytes were higher when fresh semen was used (P <0.0001). The cryopreservation process affected the qualitative parameters of the semen of Piaractus mesopotamicus. The primary abnormality of spermatozoa was the main variable that influenced both fertilization and hatching rates, both in fresh and thawed semen. The second most important variable that influenced, particularly, thawed semen, was the spermatic vigor.

Immune response mediated by Th1 / IL-17 / caspase-9 promotes evolution of periodontal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is characterized by inflammatory mediators beyond T lymphocyte function and phenotype (Th1/Th2/Th17). The clinical diversity in periodontitis makes it difficult to characterize the immune response in patients. This study evaluated the profile of the adaptive immune response in the periodontal disease model. METHODS: 72 rats (Wistar) were divided into a control group (CTL/day 0) and periodontitis (PD15/15 days and PD60/60 days). In the PD15 and PD60 groups, periodontal disease was induced by ligature with a silk thread placed in the cervical region of the upper first molar. After euthanasia, the periodontal tissue was analyzed by flow cytometry (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD44), semi-quantitative RT-PCR (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt), semi-quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA IFN-γ, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17) and by Western blotting (Caspase-9, PCNA). RESULTS: The number of CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD44+, CD8+CD25+ and CD8+CD44+ cells and expression levels of T-bet and GATA-3 are increased in the PD60 group compared to PD15 and CTL. The RORγ-t gene transcript increased in the PD15 group in relation to PD60 and CTL. The cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 increased in the PD60 group in relation to PD15. The expression of Caspase-9 was higher in the PD60 group than in PD15. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the evolution of gingivitis to periodontitis is related to the accumulation of activated Th1 cells (IFN-γ and TNF-α) associated with the presence of increased IL-17. Studies with inhibitors of these cytokines in periodontal disease may lead to therapy directed at blocking the inflammatory process in this pathology, interrupting bone loss.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and the testicular function are modulated after silver nanoparticle exposure.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industrial and medical applications and humans may be exposed through different routes, increasing the risk of toxicity. We investigated the transcript expression of genes involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and the parameters associated with sperm functionality after prepubertal exposure. AgNPs modulated the transcript expression of genes involved in the control of the HPT axis and spermatogenesis in the groups treated with lower doses, while the functional parameters related to sperm and puberty were affected in the groups administered higher doses. These results suggest that the HPT axis is disrupted by AgNPs during the prepubertal and pubertal periods, which are highly susceptible windows for the endocrine-disrupting chemical activity.

Evaluating internal and external markers versus fecal sampling procedure interactions when estimating intake in dairy cows consuming a corn silage-based diet.

Feed intake assessment is a valuable tool for herd management decisions. The use of markers, either internal or external, is currently the most used technique for estimating feed intake in production animals. The experiment used 10 multiparous Holstein cows fed a corn silage-based diet, with 55:45 forage-to-concentrate ratio, the average fecal recovery (FR) of TiO2 was higher than FR of Cr2O3, and both FR were more than unity. With internal markers, acetyl bromide lignin and cutin FR were lower than unity, and average FR for indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) was 1.5. The FR was unaffected by the fecal sampling procedure and appears to be an intrinsic property of each molecule and how it interacts with digesta. Of the 2 external markers, only Cr2O3 produced accurate fecal output (FO) estimates and the same happened to dry matter digestibility (DMD) when iNDF and iADF were used. Estimates for DMD and FO were affected by sampling procedure; 72-h bulk [sub-sample from total feces collection (TFC)] sampling consistently produced accurate results. The grab (sub-samples taken at specific times during the day) sampling procedures were accurate when using either of the indigestible fibers (iNDF or iADF) to estimate DMD. However, grab sampling procedures can only be recommended when concomitant TFC is performed on at least one animal per treatment to determine FR. Under these conditions, Cr2O3 is a suitable marker for estimating FO, and iNDF and iADF are adequate for estimating DMD. Moreover, the Cr2O3+iADF marker pair produces accurate dry matter intake estimates and deserves further attention in ruminant nutrition studies. The method of dosing the external markers is extremely important and greatly affects and determines results. Whichever the method, it must allow the animals to display normal feeding behavior and not affect performance. The grab sampling procedures can replace TFC (once FR is established), which may open new possibilities for pasture-based or collectively housed animals.

Although it induces synchronized ovulation, hCG reduces the fertility of Santa Ines ewes submitted to TAI / Embora induza a ovulação sincronizada, hCG reduz a fertilidade de ovelhas Santa Inês submetidas à IATF

The aim of this study was to evaluate hCG treatment on ovarian response and on pregnancy rate using a 9-day oestrus synchronization protocol in Santa Ines ewes. On a random oestrus cycle day, ewes received an intravaginal progesterone device (Primer-PR®, Tecnopec, Brazil). Nine days later (Day 9), 30µg of d-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Syntex, Argentina) and 250IU of eCG (Folligon®, Intervet, Brazil) were administered and the progesterone device was removed. This moment, the ewes were randomly assigned on two groups: Control Group and hCG Group. In the hCG Group, the ewes received 500IU of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape-Calier, Spain) 24h after device removal. In the Control Group, the ewes did not receive any ovulation inductor. Control and hCG Groups ewes were inseminated 60h and 48h after device removal, respectively. There was no difference between the groups regarding the first ovulatory follicle diameter and the second ovulatory follicle. hCG Group ewes had shorter interval between device removal and ovulation (Control: 79.9±15.4h and hCG: 54.7±4.9h; P=0.001) and more synchronized ovulations. However, the treatment with hCG decreased the pregnancy rate after TAI (P=0,009). In conclusion, hCG administration improves ovulatory synchronisation, but causes a decrease in the pregnancy rate.(AU)

Avaliou-se o tratamento com hCG na resposta ovariana e na taxa de prenhez utilizando protocolo de sincronização do estro de nove dias em ovelhas Santa Inês. As ovelhas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona em fase aleatória do ciclo (dia zero= D0). No momento da remoção do dispositivo (D9), as fêmeas receberam 30µg de d-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Syntex, Argentina) e 250UI de eCG (Folligon®, Intervet, Brasil). Nesse momento, as ovelhas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos de tratamento: controle sem indução de ovulação e tratamento com 500UI hCG para indução de ovulação. As ovelhas dos grupos controle e hCG foram inseminadas 60h e 48h após a remoção do dispositivo, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para o diâmetro do primeiro e do segundo folículo pré-ovulatório. As avelhas do grupo hCG apresentaram menor intervalo entre a remoção do dispositivo e a ovulação (grupo controle: 79.9±15.4h e grupo hCG: 54.7±4.9h; P=0.001) e maior sincronização das ovulações. No entanto, o tratamento com hCG diminuiu a taxa de prenhez após a IATF (P=0,009). Conclui-se que, apesar de a administração de hCG aumentar a sincronização da ovulação, reduz a taxa de prenhez.(AU)

Erosion of the long process of the incus with incomplete ossicular discontinuity in simple chronic otitis media: Should we reconstruct or leave it be?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with simple chronic otitis media and incomplete ossicular discontinuity should undergo ossicular reconstruction. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised surgical trial comparing no intervention with incus interposition over a 5-year period. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six participants with simple chronic otitis media and erosion of the long process of the incus but apparent good transmission throughout the ossicular chain as tested intra-operatively. Forty-four patients had partial erosion of the incus but still bony contact with the stapes head (Group A-Type I), and 32 had mainly connective tissue binding the incus and stapes (Group B-Type II). Each of these groups was randomised to either leaving the ossicular chain as it was (A1 and B1) or performing an incus interposition (A2 and B2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Average postoperative air-bone gap and the degree of ABG closure. A postoperative air-bone gap under 20 dB was considered a successful result. RESULTS: In group A, there was no significant difference between no intervention and incus interposition. In group B, patients in the no reconstruction subgroup had a significantly worse hearing result than the incus interposition subgroup (postoperative air-bone gap of 27.5 dB and 31% closure within 20 dB vs 15 dB and 75% closure). CONCLUSIONS: For Type I patients, the postoperative hearing results were similar for the reconstruction and no reconstruction groups. For Type II patients, the results clearly favour reconstruction.

Characterization and phylogenetic affiliation of Actinobacteria from tropical soils with potential uses for agro-industrial processes.

Secondary metabolites produced by Actinobacteria of tropical soils represent a largely understudied source of novel molecules with relevant application in medicine, pharmaceutical and food industries, agriculture, and environmental bioremediation. The present study aimed to characterize sixty-nine Actinobacteria isolated from compost and tropical soils using morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. All the isolates showed high variation for morphological traits considering the color of pigments of the aerial and vegetative mycelium and spore chain morphology. The enzymatic activity of amylase, cellulase, and lipase was highly variable. The amylase activity was detected in 53 (76.81%) isolates. Eighteen isolates showed enzymatic index (EI) > 4.0, and the isolates ACJ 45 (Streptomyces curacoi) and ACSL 6 (S. hygroscopicus) showed the highest EI values (6.44 and 6.42, respectively). The cellulase activity varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) among the isolates. Twenty-nine isolates (42.02%) showed high cellulase activity, and the isolates ACJ 48 (S. chiangmaiensis) and ACJ 53 (S. cyslabdanicus) showed the highest EI values (6.56 for both isolates). The lipase activity varied statistically (P ≤ 0.05) with fourteen isolates (20.29%) considered good lipase producers (EI > 2.0). The isolate ACSL 6 (S. hygroscopicus) showed the highest EI value of 2.60. Molecular analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the existence of 49 species, being 38 species with only one representative member and 11 species represented by one or more strains. All species belonged to three genera, namely Streptomyces (82.61%), Amycolatopsis (7.25%), and Kitasatospora (10.14%). The present results showed the high biotechnological potential of different Actinobacteria from tropical soils.