Yeast Beta-Glucans Ingestion Does Not Influence Body Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Clinical Studies.

Dietary fiber supplementation has been studied as a promising strategy in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to verify whether the consumption of yeast beta-glucan (BG) favors weight loss in obese and non-obese rodents. The PICO strategy was employed, investigating rodents (Population), subjected to the oral administration of yeast BG (Intervention) compared to animals receiving placebo (Comparison), evaluating body weight changes (Outcome), and based on preclinical studies (Study design). Two reviewers searched six databases and the grey literature. We followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021267788). The search returned 2467 articles. Thirty articles were selected for full-text evaluation, and seven studies remained based on the eligibility criteria. The effects of BG intake on body weight were analyzed based on obese (n = 4 studies) and non-obese animals (n = 4 studies). Even though most studies on obese rodents (75%) indicated a reduction in body weight (qualitative analysis), the meta-analysis showed this was not significant (mean difference -1.35 g-95% CI -5.14:2.45). No effects were also observed for non-obese animals. We concluded that the ingestion of yeast BG barely affects the body weight of obese and non-obese animals.

Relationship between beta-adrenergic agonists, calpain system activity and beef texture: A systematic review.

The objective was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with beta-adrenergic agonists on calpains and calpastatin activity in bovine muscle and changes in meat tenderness. A survey was conducted in June 2019 on Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Capes Periodicals, using four keyword combinations: agonist and calpain and cattle; agonist and calpain and bovine; agonist and calpain and heifers; agonist and calpain and steers. Thirteen studies were selected, 54% concluded that supplementation with beta-adrenergic agonists increases calpastatin activity, 23% observed increase in their gene expression and 23% reported no effect on activity or expression of this enzyme. Nine studies evaluated the influence of beta-adrenergic agonists supplementation on meat texture and all found an increase in shear force values. There is strong evidence that beta-adrenergic agonists may increase calpastatin activity in the muscle, causing damage to meat tenderness.

Histone acetylation during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes with different levels of competence.

We aimed to analyse the histone acetylation status and expression profile of genes involved in histone acetylation (histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1), lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), histone deacetylase 1(HDAC1), HDAC2 and HDAC3) in bovine oocytes of different competences during invitro maturation (IVM). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered from two groups of follicles: minor follicles (1.0-3.0mm in diameter), classified as low competence (LC) and large follicles (6.0-8.0mm in diameter) classified as high competence (HC). Oocytes were submitted to IVM for 0, 8 and 24h and stored for analysis. Acetylation status of histone H4 on lysine K5, K6, K12 and K16 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. For gene expression, mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All oocytes, regardless of their competence, showed a gradual decrease (P<0.05) in acetylation signals during IVM. From 0 to 8h of maturation, an increase (P<0.05) in the relative abundance of HAT1 mRNA was observed only in the HC oocytes. In this group, higher (P<0.05) mRNA levels of HDAC1 at 8h of maturation were also observed. In conclusion, in the present study, LC oocytes were shown to have adequate acetylation levels for the resumption and progression of meiosis; however, these oocytes do not have the capacity to synthesise RNA during IVM as the HC oocytes do.

Inclusion of Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the diet of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity: Influences on offspring development.

The use of unconventional food for animals is becoming more common. The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the diet of cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) chicks in captivity. Twenty-eight cockatiel chicks were used during 90 days of experiment. The animals were divided into two groups: a control group (receiving commercial feed + seed mixture) and a test group (receiving a control diet supplemented with Madagascar cockroach meal). The cockroach meal was mixed into commercial feed at a ratio of 14:1 (commercial feed: cockroach meal; 6.6% inclusion). Parents of the chicks were fed the experimental diets 30 days before egg laying to evaluate the influence of the cockroach meal on offspring development in the nest (1 to 30 days of age). Body development of the birds was evaluated every three days from the first to the 30th day of age and then every 15 days from the 31st to the 90th day of age. The cockroach meal did not influence (P > .05) the growth characteristics, body weight, total length or length of the animal's beaks, wings or tails, but increased seed consumption from the 31st to the 90th day of age. It is concluded that the cockroach meal can be used in the diet of growing cockatiels at an addition level of 6.6%.

Effectiveness of citrulline and N-carbamoyl glutamate as arginine precursors on reproductive performance in mammals: A systematic review.

The use of functional nutrients has been proposed to reduce the occurrence of intrauterine growth retardation in animals at birth in several mammalian species. The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of citrulline and N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) dietary supplementation as arginine precursors for mammalian species, and the effects on fetal development through a systematic review. The search for studies was performed during August 2018 in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The literature search was conducted using "arginine precursor", "citrulline", or "N-carbamylglutamate" as keywords, combined with "gestation", "pregnancy", "fetus", "newborn", or "reproduction". Studies in which arginine precursors were evaluated in gestating mammals and their effects on parameters related to the intrauterine development of the conceptus were selected. Of 1,379 articles, 18 were selected, primarily based on the title and the abstract. Supplementation with NCG (0.5 g to 2 g/kg of feed) increased maternal plasma arginine concentrations in all studies that evaluated this variable. Fetal number increased in 55.56% of the studies that evaluated it, and fetal weight increased in the majority (62.5%) of the studies evaluating this variable. By supplementing citrulline, only fetal weight was improved, with an increase in maternal plasma arginine in 40% of the studies. In conclusion, N-carbamoyl glutamate seems to be an arginine precursor more effective than L-citrulline during gestation; however, both precursors, beside L-Arginine, should be evaluated in similar conditions to confirm the existence of specific particularities such as periods and levels of supplementation, which need to be considered for different species of animals. The supplementation of NCG increases arginine concentrations in maternal plasma, thus improving mammalian reproductive efficiency and fetal development, mainly by promoting higher birth weight.

Effects of ß-Glucans Ingestion on Alveolar Bone Loss, Intestinal Morphology, Systemic Inflammatory Profile, and Pancreatic ß-Cell Function in Rats with Periodontitis and Diabetes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ß-glucan ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the plasmatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), alveolar bone loss, and pancreatic ß-cell function (HOMA-BF) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease (PD). Besides, intestinal morphology was determined by the villus/crypt ratio. A total of 48 Wistar rats weighing 203 ± 18 g were used. Diabetes was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) and periodontal inflammation, by ligature. The design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 2 (diabetic or not, with or without periodontitis, and ingesting ß-glucan or not). The animals received ß-glucan by gavage for 28 days. Alveolar bone loss was determined by scanning electron microscopy (distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest) and histometric analysis (bone area between tooth roots). ß-glucan reduced plasmatic levels of TNF-α in diabetic animals with PD and of IL-10 in animals with PD (p < 0.05). ß-glucan reduced bone loss in animals with PD (p < 0.05). In diabetic animals, ß-glucan improved ß-cell function (p < 0.05). Diabetic animals had a higher villus/crypt ratio (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ß-glucan ingestion reduced the systemic inflammatory profile, prevented alveolar bone loss, and improved ß-cell function in diabetic animals with PD.

Protective effect of ß-glucan and glutamine on intestinal and immunological damage in mice induced by cytarabine (Ara-C) / Efeito protetor do ß-glucano e glutamina em lesões intestinais e imunológicas induzidas por ciratabina (Ara-C) em camundongos

Recently, glutamine and ß-glucan have been demonstrated to play an important role in modulation of the immune system and in promoting intestinal health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this intervention on inflammatory responses and intestinal health in mice orally pretreated with soluble Saccharomyces cerevisiae derived 1,3/1,6-ß-glucan (80mg/kg) with or without glutamine (150mg/kg) and then challenged with cytarabine (Ara-C) (15mg/kg). Improvements in villi and crypts were not observed in the ß-glucan group. The intestinal morphometry in the glutamine group showed the best results. ß-glucan in combination with glutamine presented the highest values of IL-1ß and IL-10 and lowest values for leukocytes and INF-γ. Based on these results, combined ß-glucan and glutamine pretreatment reduced intestinal inflammation and improved the immune response after Ara-C challenge.(AU)

Recentemente, glutamina e ß-glucano têm demonstrado desempenhar um papel importante na modulação do sistema imune e na promoção de benefícios para a saúde intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito dessa intervenção sobre as respostas inflamatórias e saúde intestinal de camundongos pré- tratados por via oral com 1,3/1,6-ß-glucano (80mg/kg) derivado de Saccharomyces cerevisiae com ou sem glutamina (150mg/kg) e posteriormente desafiados com citarabina (Ara-C) (15mg/kg). Melhoras em vilosidades e criptas não foram observadas no grupo de tratamento com ß-glucano. A morfometria intestinal no grupo de tratamento com glutamina apresentou os melhores resultados. O grupo em que foi utilizado ß-glucano em combinação com glutamina apresentou os maiores valores de IL-1ß e IL -10 e valores mais baixos para os leucócitos e INF-γ. Com base nestes resultados, o pré-tratamento de ß-glucano combinado com glutamina reduziu a inflamação intestinal e melhorou a resposta imune após o desafio com Ara-C.(AU)

Influence of different types of lamps on the reproductive development of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Reproductive tract development during puberty is critical to reproductive performance, and the light is crucial in this process in birds. However, in male quail, there is little information on the effects of types of lamps, more specifically the wavelength emitted. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effects of types of lamps on the reproductive performance of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Two hundred and forty male quail were exposed to six different types of lamp (incandescent, white fluorescent, or blue, white, red or green LED). The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and five replicates of one quail. Quail were slaughtered on days 35, 47, 57, 71 and 123 to evaluate the development of testes. On day 117, semen samples were analyzed and fertilized eggs were incubated. Body weight of the quails was influenced (P < 0.01) by lamps only until the 47 days of age. Higher body weight until this age were observed with incandescent, blue and green LED bulbs. Fluorescent and red LED bulbs propitiated (P < 0.05) early testicular development of quails but, at 57 days of age, higher testicular development was obtained (P < 0.01) whit white LED bulbs. Lower testicular development was observed (P < 0.01) at 123 days of age with the red LED. No influence of different types of lamps was observed (P > 0.05) on the quality of semen nor on the fertility rates of quail. It is concluded that lamps can influence the histological reproductive characteristics of male quails, but without influencing the semen quality. Fluorescent bulbs and red LED seem to anticipate the sexual maturity, but the white LED results in higher testicular development at 57 days of age.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and factor VIII in the gilt placenta and its relation to fetal development.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and von Willebrand factor (Factor VIII) are important components involved in the regulation of vascular development and identification of endothelial cells in many tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of these substances in the placenta of pig fetuses located in different uterine regions and at different gestational ages and correlate them with fetal development. One hundred seventy-five pig fetuses from fifteen gilts slaughtered at 50, 80 and 106 days of pregnancy were used. Each uterine horn was divided into three segments, the apex, base and middle region, and also into left and right sides. The fetuses were sexed before determining their weight and anatomical measurements. The weights of the placentas were obtained for the calculation of placental efficiency, and VEGF and factor VIII were determined by immunohistochemistry. There was no significant interaction between gestational age, uterine segment or side and fetal sex in any of the variables studied. Higher VEGF and factor VIII concentrations were found at 80 and 105 days of pregnancy, and there was no significant difference between the right and left sides of the uterus, uterine segments or fetal sex. Positive correlations between VEGF and fetal weights were observed at 80 and 105 days of pregnancy, whereas factor VIII showed positive correlations with the weight and length of fetuses and placental weight and efficiency throughout pregnancy. It was concluded that VEGF and factor VIII are important growth factors associated with fetal development in pigs and are identified in all uterine segments. The concentration of these substances increases until the middle third of pregnancy which suggests that most of the uterine vascular development occurs before this stage.

Morfologia e histoquímica das glândulas sexuais acessórias de Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia / Morphology and histochemistry of accessory sex glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia

São descritas a morfologia e a distribuição de glicogênio e mucossubstâncias na próstata e nas glândulas bulbouretrais de Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), única espécie do gênero. A próstata é envolvida pelas túnicas adventícia e muscular, e o estroma é formado pelo conjuntivo da mucosa uretral. O parênquima é constituído pelos túbulos secretores, disseminados na mucosa uretral, e que diferem histológica e histoquimicamente nos segmentos cranial, médio e caudal. Essas diferenças morfo-histoquímicas também são observadas nas partes externa, média e interna de cada túbulo. De um modo geral, os três segmentos prostáticos secretam mucossubstâncias neutras, porém o segmento caudal produz também glicogênio. Os três pares de glândulas bulbouretrais (laterais, intermédias e mediais) do Metachirus são envolvidas por uma cápsula conjuntiva e músculo estriado esquelético. O maior par é a bulbouretral lateral que é constituída por longos túbulos secretores de mucossubstâncias neutras. As bulbouretrais intermédias são formadas por túbulos ramificados, que produzem mucossubstâncias neutras, ácidas carboxiladas e ácidas sulfatadas. Os túbulo-ácinos ramificados das bulbouretrais mediais secretam mucossubstâncias neutras. O Metachirus não possui glândulas ampulares, vesículas seminais nem glândulas de coagulação.(AU)

This paper describes the morphology and distribution of glycogen and mucous substances in the prostate and the bulbourethral glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), the only species of the genus. The prostate is surrounded by the tunica adventitia, and muscle and stroma is formed by connective urethral mucosa. The glandular parenchyma consists of secretory tubules, scattered throughout the connective tissue of the urethral mucosa which differs histologically and histochemically in cranial, middle, and caudal segments of the prostate. These morpho-histochemical differences are also observed in the outer, middle and inner parts of the tubular epithelium of each prostatic segment. In general, prostatic segments secrete neutral mucous substances, and the caudal segment also produces glycogen. The three pairs of bulbourethral glands (lateral, intermediate and medial) are surrounded by a capsule of dense connective tissue and skeletal striated muscle. The glandular parenchyma is formed by tubules or branched tubuloacinar, covered by simple epithelium which is characteristic for each pair of glands. The lateral bulbourethral glands and the medial bulbourethral glands produce neutral mucous substances and the secretion of the intermediate bulbourethral glands consists of neutral mucous substances, carboxylated acids, and sulfated acids. The M. nudicaudatus does not have ampullary glands, seminal vesicles or coagulating glands.(AU)

In vitro fertilization of porcine oocytes is affected by spermatic coincubation time / A fertilização in vitro de ovócitos suínos é afetada pelo tempo de coincubação espermático

The aim was to study the effects of different gamete coincubation times on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to verify whether efficiency could be improved by reducing oocyte exposure time to spermatozoa during IVF. In groups of 50, a total of 508 immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in NCSU-37 medium. The COCs were cultured for 44 hours and then inseminated with in natura semen (2,000 spermatozoa/oocyte). The sperm and oocytes were coincubated according to the following treatments (T): T1 = oocytes exposed to spermatozoa for one hour (173 oocytes), T2 = oocytes exposed to spermatozoa for two hours (170 oocytes), and T3 = oocytes exposed to spermatozoa for three hours (165 oocytes). After these coincubation periods, the oocytes were washed in fertilization medium (TALP medium) to remove spermatozoa not bound to the zona pellucida and cultured in another similar medium (containing no sperm). Eighteen to twenty hours after fertilization, the putative zygotes were stained in Hoechst-33342 to evaluate the IVF results. The penetration rate was higher (P<0.05) after two hours of coincubation time than it was for one or three hours. Furthermore, 68.60% of the ova coincubated with the spermatozoa for two hours were monospermic. The oocytes exposed to spermatozoa for one hour (T1) presented a higher (P<0.01) rate of polyspermy than those in T2 and T3. Fertilization performance (%) did not differ (P>0.05) between oocytes exposed to spermatozoa for one (T1) and three hours (T3). However, optimum (P=0.048) results were obtained after two hours of coincubation, when the rate of fertilization performance was 50.16±8.52%. The number of penetrated sperm per oocyte, as well as male pronucleus formation, did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatments evaluated. Under these assay conditions, especially in relation to the sperm concentration used, gamete coincubation for a period of two hours appears to be optimal for monospermy and fertilization performance. Thus, it is the optimal time period for obtaining a large number of pig embryos capable of normal development.(AU)

Esse estudo foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tempos de coincubação dos gametas sobre a fertilização in vitro (FIV) de suínos e se a eficiência dessa técnica poderia ser melhorada pela redução no período que os ovócitos são expostos aos espermatozoides durante a FIV. Um total de 508 (em grupos de 50) complexos cumulus-ovócito (COCs) imaturos foram maturados no meio NCSU-37. Os COCs foram cultivados por 40-44 horas e então inseminados com sêmen in natura (2.000 espermatozoides/ovócito). Os espermatozoides e ovócitos foram coincubados de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos (T): T1 = ovócitos expostos aos espermatozoides por uma hora (173 ovócitos); T2 = ovócitos expostos aos espermatozoides por duas horas (170 ovócitos) e T3 = ovócitos expostos aos espermatozoides por três horas (165 ovócitos). Após esses períodos de coincubação, os ovócitos foram lavados em meio de fertilização (meio TALP) para remoção dos espermazoides não ligados a zona pelúcida e cultivados em outro mesmo meio (não contendo espermatozoides). Após 18-20 horas de fertilização, os prováveis zigotos foram corados com Hoechst-33342 para avaliação dos resultados da FIV. A taxa de penetração foi maior (P<0,05) após o tempo de coincubação de duas horas em comparação a uma e três horas. Além disso, 68,60% dos ovócitos coincubados com os espermatozoides por duas horas foram monospérmicos. Os ovócitos expostos aos espermatozoides por uma hora (T1) apresentaram elevada (P<0,01) taxa de polispermia em comparação com o T2 e T3. A eficiência da fertilização (%) não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os ovócitos expostos aos espermatozoides por uma (T1) e três horas (T3). Entretanto, ótimos (P=0,048) resultados foram obtidos após duas horas de coincubação, quando a taxa da eficiência da fertilização foi 50,16 ± 8,52%. O número de espermatozoides penetrados por ovócito e a formação de pro-núcleo masculino não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos avaliados. Sob as condições de ensaio realizadas, especialmente em relação à concentração espermática utilizada, a coincubação dos gametas por um período de duas horas parece ser ótima para as taxas de monospermia e eficiência da fertilização. Portanto, um tempo provavelmente ótimo para obter um elevado número de embriões suínos capazes de ter um desenvolvimento normal.(AU)

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract in diets with different protein levels for dogs.

This study evaluated the effects of inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in two diets with different levels of crude protein (CP) for dogs on facal odour, nutrient digestibility, ammonia concentration in feces and hematological and serum biochemical profiles. Twenty adults Beagles were used, distributed in a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial design (two diets, 25% and 34% CP, and four YSE levels: 0, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) with five replicates, obtained during two experimental periods. The fecal odour reduced (P < 0.05) when 500 mg/kg of YSE was used in diets with higher CP. The inclusion of YSE reduced (P < 0.05) fecal ammonia, and the inclusion of 250 and 500 mg/kg YSE reduced intestinal gas. The inclusion of 750 mg/kg YSE increased the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and tended to increase the serum cholesterol concentration, regardless of the protein level of the diets. There was no effect on the digestibility of nutrients, fecal consistency, nitrogen balance and thickness of the intestinal wall. The inclusion of 500 mg/kg YSE is effective in reducing fecal odour in dogs receiving diets with 34% of CP. Regardless of the protein content, YSE reduces fecal ammonia, but may cause adverse effects if included at higher doses.

Morfologia do escroto, do testículo e das vias espermáticas de Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), Didelphidae-Marsupialia / Morphology of scrotum and testicle, and spermatic pathways of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), Didelphidae-Marsupialia

Foram utilizadas as gônadas e vias espermáticas de cinco animais machos, adultos em fase reprodutiva, da espécie Metachirus nudicaudatus Geoffroy 1803, única espécie do gênero, para descrever a morfologia do escroto, do testículo e das vias espermáticas. O Metachirus possui escroto pré-peniano e que contém os testículos permanentemente. A pele escrotal é não pigmentada e com poucos pelos e glândulas. A lâmina parietal da túnica vaginal apresenta-se pouco pigmentada. Os testículos são ovais e ligados ao epidídimo através do pedículo testículo-epididimário. Eles são envolvidos, externamente, pela cápsula testicular e sustentados por um estroma de natureza conjuntiva. As células intersticiais são os elementos predominantes no abundante tecido intertubular. Os túbulos seminíferos são largos, enovelados e envolvidos por uma túnica própria fibroelástica, contendo células mióides. O epitélio seminífero é formado pelas células espermatogênicas e de Sertoli intercaladas. Os túbulos seminíferos convergem em direção à extremidade capitata do testículo, ficando revestidos por apenas células de sustentação, caracterizando uma região de transição entre túbulos seminíferos e túbulos retos, ocupada por uma estrutura tipo "válvula" que obstrui parcialmente o lume tubular. Os túbulos retos reúnem-se para formar um único dúctulo eferente, que percorre uma pequena extensão intratesticular, atravessa a albugínea e penetra no pedículo testículo-epididimário. A parte flexuosa do dúctulo eferente forma um lóbulo separado na parte medial do corpo do epidídimo. O epidídimo é envolvido pela cápsula epididimária e constituído pelo ducto epididimário, que se encontra bastante enovelado. O ducto epididimário é revestido por epitélio simples colunar pseudoestratificado apresentando células principais, basais, apicais e de "halo claro". As células principais são predominantes e apresentam características morfológicas e histoquímicas que diferem ao longo do ducto, possibilitando a caracterização de nove diferentes zonas epididimárias. É no lume da zona sete (início da cauda) que começa o pareamento de espermatozoides. Esse fenômeno coincide com alterações morfológicas bem evidentes e uma maior quantidade de mucossubstâncias neutras é secretada nessa zona.O ducto deferente apresenta-se dividido em três partes: justa-epididimária, funicular e abdominal, baseando nas variações histológicas e histoquímicas de seu epitélio e componentes envolventes. O ducto deferente não apresenta ampola e nem cruza o ureter antes de desembocar na uretra. O funículo espermático contém o ducto deferente, artéria e veias testiculares, vasos linfáticos, nervos e um desenvolvido músculo cremáster. Seus componentes apresentam modificações estruturais nas regiões proximal, média e distal, sendo notável a peculiar rede admirável.(AU)

Gonads and sperm pathways of five adult male Metachirus nudicaudatus in the reproductive phase were used to describe the morphology of scrotum, testicle, and spermatic tract. M. nudicaudatus has a scrotum pre-penis which contains the testicles permanently. The scrotal skin is not pigmented and has few hairs and glands. The parietal vaginal tunic is slightly pigmented. The testicles are oval and connected to the epididymis by testicular-epididymal pedicle; they are surrounded externally by the testicular capsule and supported by a stroma of connective nature. Interstitial cells are the predominant elements in abundant intertubular tissue. The seminiferous tubules are wide, meandering and surrounded by a fibro-elastic coat, containing myoid cells. The seminiferous epithelium is composed of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells interspersed. The seminiferous tubules converge toward the end of the testis capitata, getting coated only support cells, featuring a transition region between the seminiferous tubules and straight tubules, occupied by a type "valve" structure that partially blocks the tubular lumen. Straight tubules together to form a single efferent ductule, which runs a small intra-testicular extent, penetrates through the tunica and the pedicle testis-epididymis. The flexuosa part of the efferent ductule forms a separate lobe in the medial part of the body of the epididymis. The epididymis is enveloped by a capsule and epididymal comprising the epididymal duct, which is quite entangled. The epididymal duct is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with simple principal, basal, apical and "clear halo" cells. The main cells are prevalent and have morphological and histochemical differing characteristics along the duct, enabling to characterize nine different epididymal areas. In the lumen of the seventh area (top of tail) that starts the pairing of sperm. This phenomenon coincides well with morphological change and a larger amount of neutral muco-substances is secreted in that area. Vas deferens has three parts: fair-epididymal, abdominal and funicular part, based on histological and histochemical changes of the epithelium and surrounding components. The vas deferens has no bulb and even crosses the ureter before flowing into the urethra. The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, testicular artery and veins, lymphatic vessels, nerves and developed cremaster muscle. Its components have structural changes in the proximal, middle and distal region, with a peculiar admirable network.(AU)

Toxicity of cryoprotectants on Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) (curimba) embryos in an experimental incubator (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae)

This paper investigated the effect of cryoprotectant substances on Prochilodus lineatus embryos in an experimental incubator. The prospective study applied combinations of polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, gelatin and fetal bovine serum with dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol in a new experimental incubator. The morphology of embryos, larval viability and the efficiency of experimental incubators in maintaining the quality of embryos were evaluated. This study demonstrates the efficient association between hydroxyethylcellulose and dimethyl sulfoxide as greater viability (p<0.05) was found for embryos (72.9 ± 23.9%). It should also be noted the permeation of cryoprotectants in embryos through the changes found in chorion diameter, embryo diameter and embryo volume comparing the treatments versus control group (water) (p<0.05), this results can help in future cryopreservation protocols. Although the temperature and oxygenation differed between the usual and experimental incubators (p<0.05), the results showed a high fertilization rate (79.6 ± 13.2%) for experimental incubators (p<0.05) which is sufficient for the maintenance of embryos in a cryoprotective environment and effectively allows experimentation for long periods with cryoprotectant substances. Cryopreservation of fish embryos has not been accomplished yet and new approaches are required for understanding the permeability of teleost embryos, especially in Brazilian native species.

Este trabalho avaliou o efeito de substâncias crioprotetoras sobre embriões de Prochilodus lineatus em uma incubadora experimental. O estudo aplicou combinações de álcool polivinílico, hidroxietilcelulose, gelatina e soro fetal bovino com dimetilosulfóxido e etilenoglicol em uma nova incubadora experimental. Foram avaliadas a morfologia dos embriões, a viabilidade larval e a eficiência das incubadoras experimentais na manutenção da qualidade dos embriões. Este estudo demonstra a associação eficiente entre hidroxietilcelulose e dimetilsulfóxido pela maior viabilidade (p<0,05) encontrada para os embriões (72,9 ± 23,9%). Deve-se notar também a permeação dos crioprotetores nos embriões através das alterações encontradas no diâmetro córion, diâmetro do embrião e no volume do embrião comparando os tratamentos ao grupo controle (água) (p<0,05), estes resultados podem ajudar em futuros protocolos de criopreservação. Embora a temperatura e a oxigenação diferiram entre as incubadoras comuns e as experimentais (p<0,05), os resultados mostraram elevada taxa de fertilização (79,6 ± 13,2%) para incubadoras experimentais (p<0,05), o que é suficiente para a manutenção de embriões em ambiente crioprotetor e permite efetivamente a experimentação por longos períodos com substâncias crioprotetoras. A criopreservação de embriões de peixes ainda não foi realizada e novas abordagens são necessárias para a compreensão da permeabilidade dos embriões de teleósteos, especialmente em espécies nativas brasileiras.

Vascularization of broad ligament of uterus and its relationship with fetal and placental development in gilts.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vascular architecture of broad ligament of the uterus on fetal and placental development in gilts. Fifteen gilts DB-90 (DanBred) were divided into three groups according to gestational age at slaughter (50, 80, and 106 days). After slaughter, fetuses and placentas were collected, weighed, and measured. The uterine arterial system was detached by latex repletion for quantification of the number and diameter of the terminal vessels in different regions of the uterine horns (apex, middle region, and base). Fetal and placental measurements were statistically analyzed and correlated with the number and diameter of arteries in each uterine segment. No correlation was observed (P > 0.10) between the number and diameter of arteries destined to the uterus with the number or weight of fetuses or placental weight in any gestational group. It was observed (P < 0.05) that more vessels destined to the medium region of the uterine horns, independent of the gestational age or uterus side. At the 80th day of gestation, fetuses located at the base of the uterus have (P < 0.05) smaller cephalic and thoracic perimeters. It was concluded that there were differences in vascularization of broad ligament that irrigates the different uterine segments, but this was not sufficient to influence the development of fetuses in gilts. The middle region of the uterine horns was the segment with a greater number of vessels, regardless of gestational age.

Effect of the type of farrowing room on the welfare and productive performance of lactating sows and of piglets during tropical winter.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and performance of sows and piglets kept in different types of farrowing rooms: conventional farrowing room with jugglers and cages (CFR), CFR with a heated floor for the piglets alongside the sows (CFR+HF) and semi-outdoor farrowing room without a cage or heating floor but with access to a fenced field (SFR) during the tropical winter. Twenty-seven multiparous sows were allocated in three treatments and nine repetitions during 21 days. The relative humidity was higher at CFR and CFR+HF. The temperature of thigh and chest in contact with the floor and the neck were higher (P<0.01) in conventional systems. Sows maintained in the CFR spent (P<0.01) more time feeding and drinking. The heating floor increased (P<0.01) the nursing behavior but did not affect (P>0.09) the sows' and piglets' performances. SFR decreased the backfat thickness (P=0.03) and lactation efficiency, but did not affect milk production (P>0.12) or piglet performance (P>0.09). It is concluded that during tropical winter, conventional farrowing systems ensure better piglet performance compared to SFR but this last seems to improve the behavior of sows. The heating floor favors nursing and does not affect the welfare of sows.

Acidifying and yeast extract in diets for adults cats.

This study evaluated the effects of adding an acidifying agent based on phosphoric acid (A), a yeast extract from a specific strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (Y) and the combination of these two additives in food for adult cats. A test was conducted with 24 animals (mean 3.5 years old), mixed breed, weighing 3.72 ± 0.74 kg, kept in individual metabolic cages and distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial design (with or without A 0.6% of dry matter, with or without Y 1.5% of dry matter) totalling four treatments and six replicates of each condition. The experimental period was 15 days. The A or the Y reduced (P< 0.01) the dry matter intake, but the effect was not observed when they were associated. The association improved (P<0.05) the digestibility of dry matter and ashes. The A reduced urine pH (P=0.05) regardless of the presence of the Y. There was no effect (P>0.09) on other parameters evaluated. Results of this study show that the isolated use of 0.6% A or 1.5% Y in diets for cats is not recommended. However, the association of these two additives was beneficial in increasing nutrient digestibility.

Avaliação morfológica e morfométrica de ovários, tubas uterinas e útero de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes em diferentes fases do ciclo estral / Morphological and morphometric evaluation of prepubertal gilt ovaries, uterine tubes and uterus at different oestrus cycle stages

Studies are performed in developing techniques/procedures that provide greater reproductive performance in farm animals, including pigs. In this sense, the study of gilts reproductive organs at different oestrus cycle stages for assessing the presence of abnormalities and/or other parameters that may affect the future animal fertility is important. In order to evaluate the morphological, morphometric and histomorphometric features of ovaries, uterus and uterine tubes (UTs) characteristics of prepubertal gilts at different oestrus cycle stages, reproductive tracts from 48 animals immediately after slaughter were obtained. After, the structures were dissected and removed, and the ovaries were used for classification of oestrus cycle stage of each gilt in follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (FL). Then, morphometric evaluations of ovaries, UTs, uterine horns and uterine body were performed. Besides that, medial segments of UTs and uterus were fixed in Bouin solution, processed and included in paraffin, when histological sections of 5.0 micrometers (µm) were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Histomorphometric analyzes using image capture system and specific software were performed. Afterwards, data were submitted to Student's t test for assessment the statistical differences (P<0.05) between the two different oestrus cycle stages (FP × LP) and between the placement of reproductive structures (right × left antimer). Among the gilts evaluated, 35 were in the FP and 13 in LP. There was no difference (P>0.05) between morphometric parameters of ovaries, UTs and uterus of gilts in FP and LP. Likewise, in respect to the placement of reproductive structures, both in the oestrus cycle stages, as in the general average, there was no difference (P>0.05). Regarding the histomorphometric variables, gilts classified in FP presented a higher (P<0.05) height of glandular and UT epithelium compared to animals in LP...

Pesquisas são realizadas no desenvolvimento de técnicas/procedimentos que propiciem maior eficiência reprodutiva em animais de produção, dentre esses, os suínos. Nesse sentido, o estudo dos órgãos reprodutivos das fêmeas suínas em diferentes fases do ciclo estral é importante para avaliação da presença de anomalias e/ou demais parâmetros que possam afetar a fertilidade futura do animal. Objetivando-se avaliar as características morfológicas, morfométricas e histomorfométricas dos ovários, útero e tubas uterinas (TUs) de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes em diferentes fases do ciclo estral, tratos reprodutivos foram obtidos de 48 animais imediatamente após o abate. Posteriormente, as estruturas foram dissecadas e retiradas, sendo os ovários utilizados para a classificação da fase do ciclo estral de cada fêmea em fase folicular (FF) e fase luteínica (FL). Em seguida, foram realizadas avaliações morfométricas dos ovários, TUs, cornos uterinos e corpo uterino. Após, segmentos mediais das TUs e útero foram fixados em solução de Bouin, processados e incluídos rotineiramente em parafina, quando cortes histológicos de 5,0 micrômetros (µm) foram obtidos e corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina. Análises histomorfométricas foram realizadas utilizando sistema de captura de imagens e software específico. Posteriormente, os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student para a avaliação de diferenças estatísticas (P<0,05) entre as diferentes fases do ciclo estral (FF × FL) e entre a localização das estruturas reprodutivas (antímero direito × esquerdo). Dentre as fêmeas avaliadas, 35 encontravam-se na FF e 13 na FL. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros morfométricos dos ovários, TUs e útero das fêmeas nas FF e FL. Da mesma forma, em relação à localização das estruturas reprodutivas, tanto nas duas fases do ciclo estral, como na média geral, não houve diferença (P>0,05)...

Porcine follicular fluid concentration of free insulin-like growth factor-I collected from different diameter ovarian follicles / Concentração do fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo I no fluido folicular suíno coletado a partir de folículos ovarianos de diferentes diâmetros

The study aimed to quantify the concentrations of free IGF-I in serum and fluid of ovarian follicles in pre-pubertal gilts and describe the ovarian morphology by measuring the size of the ovaries and counting the number of surface follicles. Ovaries (n=1,000) from pre-pubertal gilts were obtained immediately after slaughter. A total of 10 samplings were performed, with ovaries obtained from 50 females for each collection. The follicles situated on the surface of each ovary were classified as small (SFs, 2 to 5mm in diameter) or large (LFs 6 to 10mm in diameter) and the follicular fluid was obtained by follicle aspiration. The collection of serum samples was performed after the gilts exsanguination using sterile tubes. From the pool of serum and follicular fluid obtained from 50 females, the concentration of free IGF-I was determined in each sample using an enzyme immunoassay kit (ELISA). The description of ovarian morphometry was performed in 100 ovaries from randomly selected gilts. The larger and smaller lengths of ovaries were measured, and the total number of SFs and LFs present on the surface of each ovary were also counted. The IGF-I concentration was greater (P<0.05) in LFs (170.92±88.29 ng/mL) compared with SFs (67.39±49.90ng/mL) and serum (73.48±34.63ng/mL). The largest and smallest length of the ovaries was 26.0±3.0 and 19.0mm ±2.0mm, respectively. The number of SFs (70.86±25.76) was greater (P<0.01) than LFs (6.54±5.26). The study concluded that LFs present greater levels of IGF-I when compared with SFs and blood, which is related to increased activity of the LFs and its differentiation to ovulation. In addition, ovaries of pre-pubertal gilts have a higher number of SFs compared to LFs. Therefore, our study demonstrated unique data regarding the physiological concentration of free IGF-I in ovarian follicles, that can be used in future research to evaluate the addition of this hormone in the in vitro production media of porcine embryos with the...

Objetivou-se quantificar as concentrações do IGF-I livre no soro e no fluido de folículos ovarianos de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes e descrever a morfologia ovariana, por meio da mensuração das dimensões dos ovários e da contagem do número de folículos superficiais. Ovários (n=1.000) foram obtidos de fêmeas pré-púberes imediatamente após o abate. Foi realizado um total de 10 coletas, sendo em cada, obtidos ovários de 50 fêmeas. Os folículos localizados na superfície de cada ovário foram classificados em pequenos (FPs, 2-5mm de diâmetro) ou grandes (FGs, 6-10mm de diâmetro) e o fluido folicular foi obtido por aspiração dos folículos. A coleta do soro foi realizada após a exsanguinação das fêmeas com o uso de tubos estéreis. A partir do pool de fluido folicular e do soro obtido das 50 fêmeas, determinou-se a concentração de IGF-I livre em cada amostra por meio de kit de ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). A descrição da morfometria ovariana foi realizada em 100 ovários provenientes de fêmeas escolhidas aleatoriamente. Foi mensurado o comprimento maior e menor dos ovários e, também, contabilizado o número total de FPs e FGs presentes na superfície de cada ovário. A concentração de IGF-I foi superior (P<0,05) nos FGs (170,92±88,29ng/mL) em comparação com os FPs (67,39±49,90ng/mL) e o sérico (73,48±34,63ng/mL). O comprimento maior e menor dos ovários foi de 26,0±3,0mm e 19,0±2,0 mm, respectivamente. O número de FPs (70,86±25,76) foi maior (P<0,01) em comparação com os FGs (6,54±5,26). Conclui-se que FGs apresentam níveis de IGF-I superiores aos FPs, e ao sangue, sendo isso relacionado a maior atividade dos FGs e à diferenciação que os mesmos sofrem para a ovulação. Além disso, ovários de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes apresentam elevado número de FPs em comparação aos FGs. Portanto, nosso estudo demonstrou dados originais a respeito da concentração fisiológica de IGF-I livre em folículos ovarianos, que podem ser utilizados em futuras pesquisas para avaliar a adição de...

Effect of decaffeination of green and roasted coffees on the in vivo antioxidant activity and prevention of liver injury in rats

Decaffeination and roasting affects the composition of the chlorogenic acids in coffee, which have antioxidant potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of coffee decaffeination on the in vivo antioxidant activity and the prevention of liver damage. The Wistar rats received intraperitoneal doses of carbon tetrachloride and daily doses of Arabica coffee brews (whole and decaffeinated, both green and roasted) by gavage for fifteen days. The activity of liver marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and serum albumin were measured as well as the quantification of the thiobarbituric acid reactive species and the content of liver total lipids. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase are good indicators of liver damage: the results showed that all studied coffee brews decreased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and liver levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species and total lipids. The compounds presents in coffee brews are able to decrease the hepatic lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, making a significant hepatoprotective effect, in accordance with the liver function tests. The coffee brews are hepatoprotective regardless of the decaffeination process and our results suggest a better protection against liver damage for the roasted coffee brews compared with green coffee brews.