Horse ooplasm supports in vitro preimplantation development of zebra ICSI and SCNT embryos without compromising YAP1 and SOX2 expression pattern.

Several equids have gone extinct and many extant equids are currently considered vulnerable to critically endangered. This work aimed to evaluate whether domestic horse oocytes support preimplantation development of zebra embryos obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, zebroid) and cloning, and to study the Hippo signaling pathway during the lineage specification of trophectoderm cells and inner cell mass cells. We first showed that zebra and horse sperm cells induce porcine oocyte activation and recruit maternal SMARCA4 during pronuclear formation. SMARCA4 recruitment showed to be independent of the genetic background of the injected sperm. No differences were found in blastocyst rate of ICSI hybrid (zebra spermatozoon into horse egg) embryos relative to the homospecific horse control group. Interestingly, zebra cloned blastocyst rate was significantly higher at day 8. Moreover, most ICSI and cloned horse and zebra blastocysts showed a similar expression pattern of SOX2 and nuclear YAP1 with the majority of the nuclei positive for YAP1, and most SOX2+ nuclei negative for YAP1. Here we demonstrated that horse oocytes support zebra preimplantation development of both, ICSI and cloned embryos, without compromising development to blastocyst, blastocyst cell number neither the expression of SOX2 and YAP1. Our results support the use of domestic horse oocytes as a model to study in vitro zebra embryos on behalf of preservation of valuable genetic.

Characterization of the ovarian preantral follicle populations and its correlation with age and nutritional status in Brazilian Northeastern donkeys (Equus assinus).

This study aimed to characterize the ovarian follicular population and to determine its correlations with the age and nutritional status of donkeys of the Northeastern Brazilian breed. A total of 10 females with a mean age of 5.1±3.2years were submitted to ovariectomy by videolaparoscopy to obtain the ovaries. In the laboratory, the ovaries were sectioned into 6-12 fragments of approximately 7mm in diameter, which were fixed in Carnoy, dehydrated in increasing concentrations of alcohol (85%, 95% and absolute), clarified using xylol and embedded in blocks of histological paraffin. The blocks were cut in sections of 7µm and each 120th section was mounted on a slide for observation using optical microscopy. The follicle counting and identification allowed the characterization of the population of the preantral follicles. A total of 21.135±10.821 preantral follicles was counted, of which, 91.3% were primordial, 8.3% were primary follicles and 0.4% were secondary follicles. There were no differences between the two ovaries of each animal regarding the follicular population (P>0.05). There was a rate of 9.77% degenerated follicles. Values of 0.99% follicles containing two oocytes were also identified and classified as multi-oocyte follicles, always of the primordial category. The thickness of the granulosa cell layer was 1.85µm±1.39, 3.56µm±2.08 and 21.85µm±17.27, for primordial, primary and secondary follicles, respectively. There was a significant inverse correlation (r=-0.66; P<0.001) between the age of the animals and the population of ovarian follicles. A negative influence of the weight and body score on the ovarian follicular population was also observed, when donkeys had very little or a great amount of body condition. This is the first study to describe the morphometric characteristics and estimation of the population of preantral ovarian follicles in Northeastern Brazilian donkey, showing that number of preantral follicles decreased with increasing age of the animals and this finding may be affected by nutritional status of the animals.

Blood, metabolic and endocrine biomarkers in donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) supplemented with different energy sources / Biomarcadores sanguíneos, metabólicos e endócrinos de jumentos (Equus africanus asinus) suplementados com diferentes fontes de energia

Blood and endocrine biomarkers have rarely been described in donkeys. This study aimed to analyze the effects of isoenergetic supplementation with three energy sources for 8wk on blood and endocrine biomarkers in donkeys. Fifteen donkeys were used and divided into 3 groups (extruded feed (ExF), extruded feed plus corn (C+ExF), and corn (C) and were supplemented isocalorically. Blood samples were collected at three times (pre-test, 4 and 8 weeks after supplementation). After 8wk, there were not significant difference between the treatment but detected between the phase, where results showed decreased values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, other cells, total plasma protein, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, GGT, AF and NEFA (P 0.05) and increased values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, urea, AST and ALT (P 0.05). Analyzing postprandial glucose and insulin results, it was not observed differences among the treatments for [glucose] (P > 0.05), however, differences were significant for [insulin] (P 0.05). ExF group exhibiting the highest insulin concentration (P 0.05). As for the experimental phases, there were differences for glucose (P 0.05), with the highest mean concentration observed at the end of blood collection (+ 4 h). It was concluded that supplementation with three different combination of energy source in adult donkeys improve homeostasis of the energetic biomarker, reducing NEFA concentration without changes in post-prandial glucose but modifying post-prandial insulin, and increase immunological capacityassociated with an increase in the lymphocyte number.

Biomarcadores sanguíneos e endócrinos são pouco descritos para os jumentos. Esse estudo objetivou analisar os efeitos da suplementação isoenergética com três diferentes fontes de energia durante 8 semanas sobre os biomarcadores sanguíneos e endócrinos em jumentos. Foram utilizados 15 jumentos, divididos em três grupos (alimento extrusado (ExF), alimento extrusado e milho (ExF+C), e milho (C), suplementados isocaloricamente. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas em fases (pré-teste, e com 4 e 8 semanas após suplementação). Após 8 semanas os resultados demonstraram não haver diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos mas ocorrendo entre as fases, com redução nas hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito, outros células, proteínas plasmáticas totais, albumina, creatinina, ácido úrico, GGT, FA, AGNE (P 0,05) e elevação do VCM, CHCM, linfócitos, ureia, AST e ALT (P 0,05). Analisando-se as concentrações da glicose e insulina pósprandial, não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos para a glicose (P 0,05), mas diferenças significativas para a insulina (P > 0,05). O grupo ExF apresentou maior concentração de insulina (P 05). Analisando-se o fase experimental, foram observas diferenças na glicose (P 0,05), com a maior concentração observada ao final da colheita de sangue (+ 4h). Conclui-se que a suplementação com diferentes fontes de energia melhora a homeostasis dos parâmetros energéticos, com a redução da AGNE mas sem modificar a concentração pós-prandial da glicose mas modificando a da insulina, e da melhora da capacidade imunológica,com elevação da concentração do linfócitos.

Dendrophysiological plant strategies of Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz after wood herbivory in semiarid region of Paraíba Brazil / Estratégias dendrofisiológicas em Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz depois da herbivoria no tronco em regiões semiáridas na Paraíba Brasil

The increase in Equus africanus asinus Linnaeus population in semiarid areas of Northeast Brazil had significant impacts on wild and rural areas. The objective of this work was to analyze the herbivory of E. africanus asinus on Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul). L.P. Queiroz and determine the dendrophysiological strategies P. pyramidalis used during and after damage caused by E. africanus asinus. The selected areas have significant populations of P. pyramidalis with amplified importance value higher than 50%. Two areas were established: one control and another experimental, with presence of E. africanus asinus. The study was carried out from 2001 to 2015. The evaluated variables of P. pyramidalis were: sap flow, basic density, diameter, volume, biomass and leaf area index. The increase of abandoned E. africanus asinus in semiarid areas resulted in impact and responses from P. pyramidalis. This plant species compensates for biomass losses and physiological activities reduction with two strategies: i) increase in the belowground biomass stock, and ii) increase in sap flow in undisturbed branches.(AU)

O aumento da população de Equus africanus asinus Linnaeus em áreas do Semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro teve um impacto significativo sobre as áreas silvestres e rurais. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar a herbivoria de E. africanus asinus sobre a espécie vegetal Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul). L.P. Queiroz e quais as estratégias dendrofisiológicas que essa espécie (P. pyramidalis) utilizou no momento e depois do dano causado pelo E. africanus asinus. As áreas selecionadas possuem significante presença populacional de P. pyramidalis, com valor de importância ampliada maior do que 50%. Duas áreas foram estabelecidas: uma controle e outra experimental com a presença de E. africanus asinus. O estudo foi realizado de 2001 a 2015. As variáveis avaliadas de P. pyramidalis foram: fluxo da seiva, densidade básica, diâmetro, volume, biomassa e índice de área foliar. O aumento da população de E. africanus asinus abandonados em áreas do Semiárido resultou em impacto e respostas na espécie P. pyramidalis. Essa espécie vegetal compensou suas perdas dendrométricas e redução nas atividades fisiológicas com duas estratégias: i) aumento no estoque de biomassa abaixo da superfície do solo; e ii) aumento do fluxo de seiva nos ramos não impactados.(AU)

Blood, metabolic and endocrine biomarkers in donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) supplemented with different energy sources / Biomarcadores sanguíneos, metabólicos e endócrinos de jumentos (Equus africanus asinus) suplementados com diferentes fontes de energia

Blood and endocrine biomarkers have rarely been described in donkeys. This study aimed to analyze the effects of isoenergetic supplementation with three energy sources for 8wk on blood and endocrine biomarkers in donkeys. Fifteen donkeys were used and divided into 3 groups (extruded feed (ExF), extruded feed plus corn (C+ExF), and corn (C) and were supplemented isocalorically. Blood samples were collected at three times (pre-test, 4 and 8 weeks after supplementation). After 8wk, there were not significant difference between the treatment but detected between the phase, where results showed decreased values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, other cells, total plasma protein, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, GGT, AF and NEFA (P 0.05) and increased values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, urea, AST and ALT (P 0.05). Analyzing postprandial glucose and insulin results, it was not observed differences among the treatments for [glucose] (P > 0.05), however, differences were significant for [insulin] (P 0.05). ExF group exhibiting the highest insulin concentration (P 0.05). As for the experimental phases, there were differences for glucose (P 0.05), with the highest mean concentration observed at the end of blood collection (+ 4 h). It was concluded that supplementation with three different combination of energy source in adult donkeys improve homeostasis of the energetic biomarker, reducing NEFA concentration without changes in post-prandial glucose but modifying post-prandial insulin, and increase immunological capacityassociated with an increase in the lymphocyte number.(AU)

Biomarcadores sanguíneos e endócrinos são pouco descritos para os jumentos. Esse estudo objetivou analisar os efeitos da suplementação isoenergética com três diferentes fontes de energia durante 8 semanas sobre os biomarcadores sanguíneos e endócrinos em jumentos. Foram utilizados 15 jumentos, divididos em três grupos (alimento extrusado (ExF), alimento extrusado e milho (ExF+C), e milho (C), suplementados isocaloricamente. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas em fases (pré-teste, e com 4 e 8 semanas após suplementação). Após 8 semanas os resultados demonstraram não haver diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos mas ocorrendo entre as fases, com redução nas hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito, outros células, proteínas plasmáticas totais, albumina, creatinina, ácido úrico, GGT, FA, AGNE (P 0,05) e elevação do VCM, CHCM, linfócitos, ureia, AST e ALT (P 0,05). Analisando-se as concentrações da glicose e insulina pósprandial, não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos para a glicose (P 0,05), mas diferenças significativas para a insulina (P > 0,05). O grupo ExF apresentou maior concentração de insulina (P 05). Analisando-se o fase experimental, foram observas diferenças na glicose (P 0,05), com a maior concentração observada ao final da colheita de sangue (+ 4h). Conclui-se que a suplementação com diferentes fontes de energia melhora a homeostasis dos parâmetros energéticos, com a redução da AGNE mas sem modificar a concentração pós-prandial da glicose mas modificando a da insulina, e da melhora da capacidade imunológica,com elevação da concentração do linfócitos.(AU)

Virtual screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors using the Lipinski's rule of five and ZINC databank.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative pathology that can affect people over 65 years of age. It causes several complications, such as behavioral changes, language deficits, depression, and memory impairments. One of the methods used to treat AD is the increase of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain by using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). In this study, we used the ZINC databank and the Lipinski's rule of five to perform a virtual screening and a molecular docking (using Auto Dock Vina 1.1.1) aiming to select possible compounds that have quaternary ammonium atom able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The molecules were obtained by screening and further in vitro assays were performed to analyze the most potent inhibitors through the IC50 value and also to describe the interaction models between inhibitors and enzyme by molecular docking. The results showed that compound D inhibited AChE activity from different vertebrate sources and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from Equus ferus (EfBChE), with IC50 ranging from 1.69 ± 0.46 to 5.64 ± 2.47 µM. Compound D interacted with the peripheral anionic subsite in both enzymes, blocking substrate entrance to the active site. In contrast, compound C had higher specificity as inhibitor of EfBChE. In conclusion, the screening was effective in finding inhibitors of AChE and BuChE from different organisms.

tros sépticos / Metabolic disorders in septic foals / Transtornos metabólicos en potros sépticos

O estudo dos distúrbios metabólicos em potros sépticos é de extrema importância para adequado tratamento de suporte, melhorando a resposta ao tratamento e, consequentemente, o prognóstico dos pacientes. Neste trabalho descrevemos as disfunções metabólicas observadas em potros com septicemia,as quais estão incluídas os distúrbios do metabolismo energético os quais incluem a glicose, triglicerídeos e seus hormônios reguladores, insulina e glucagon; distúrbios eletrolíticos identificados na regulação do cálcio pelo paratormônio e hormonal como hormônios tireoidianos, hormônio do crescimento e cortisol.Disfunções de metabolismo evidenciam a importância de um monitoramento através de exames complementares hematológicos, inclusive para embasamento de prognóstico no paciente neonato crítico.

The study of metabolic disorders in septic foals is extremely important to adjust the supporttreatment, improving the response to treatment and therefore patient prognosis. Here we describe the metabolic dysfunctions observed in foals with septicemia, are included the energy metabolism disorders which include glucose, triglycerides and their regulatory hormones, insulin and glucagon; electrolyte abnormalities identifiedin the regulation of calcium by parathyroid hormone and hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormone andcortisol. Metabolic dysfunctions highlight the importance of monitoring through hematological laboratorytests, including prognostic basis in critical neonate patient.

El estudio de los trastornos metabólicos en los potros sépticos es de extrema importancia parael tratamiento de soporte, mejorando Ia respuesta ai tratamiento y, por tanto, el pronóstico dei paciente. Aquí se describen Ias disfunciones metabólicas observadas en los potros con septicemia, que se incluyen los trastornos dei metabolismo de Ia energía, que incluyen glucosa, triglicéridos y sus hormonas reguladoras,insulina y glucagón; alteraciones electrolíticas identificadas en Ia regulación dei calcio por Ia hormonaparatiroidea y Ia hormonas, con Ias hormonas tiroideas, hormona dei crecimiento y cortisol. Disfuncionesmetabólicas muestran Ia importancia de un monitoreo através de pruebas de laboratorio hematológicas,incluyendo bases pronóstica en paciente crítico recién nacido.

tros sépticos / Metabolic disorders in septic foals / Transtornos metabólicos en potros sépticos

O estudo dos distúrbios metabólicos em potros sépticos é de extrema importância para adequado tratamento de suporte, melhorando a resposta ao tratamento e, consequentemente, o prognóstico dos pacientes. Neste trabalho descrevemos as disfunções metabólicas observadas em potros com septicemia,as quais estão incluídas os distúrbios do metabolismo energético os quais incluem a glicose, triglicerídeos e seus hormônios reguladores, insulina e glucagon; distúrbios eletrolíticos identificados na regulação do cálcio pelo paratormônio e hormonal como hormônios tireoidianos, hormônio do crescimento e cortisol.Disfunções de metabolismo evidenciam a importância de um monitoramento através de exames complementares hematológicos, inclusive para embasamento de prognóstico no paciente neonato crítico.(AU)

The study of metabolic disorders in septic foals is extremely important to adjust the supporttreatment, improving the response to treatment and therefore patient prognosis. Here we describe the metabolic dysfunctions observed in foals with septicemia, are included the energy metabolism disorders which include glucose, triglycerides and their regulatory hormones, insulin and glucagon; electrolyte abnormalities identifiedin the regulation of calcium by parathyroid hormone and hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormone andcortisol. Metabolic dysfunctions highlight the importance of monitoring through hematological laboratorytests, including prognostic basis in critical neonate patient.(AU)

El estudio de los trastornos metabólicos en los potros sépticos es de extrema importancia parael tratamiento de soporte, mejorando Ia respuesta ai tratamiento y, por tanto, el pronóstico dei paciente. Aquí se describen Ias disfunciones metabólicas observadas en los potros con septicemia, que se incluyen los trastornos dei metabolismo de Ia energía, que incluyen glucosa, triglicéridos y sus hormonas reguladoras,insulina y glucagón; alteraciones electrolíticas identificadas en Ia regulación dei calcio por Ia hormonaparatiroidea y Ia hormonas, con Ias hormonas tiroideas, hormona dei crecimiento y cortisol. Disfuncionesmetabólicas muestran Ia importancia de un monitoreo através de pruebas de laboratorio hematológicas,incluyendo bases pronóstica en paciente crítico recién nacido.(AU)

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de algaroba recuperadas de excrementos de muares / Physiological quality of algaroba seeds recovered from faeces of mules

A prevenção da expansão para áreas ainda não infestadas constitui uma medida prioritária no controle da algaroba. A contaminação de outras áreas ocorre basicamente através dos rebanhos (endozoocoria), que ao consumirem seus frutos dispersam as sementes em áreas distintas, facilitando o surgimento de novos povoamentos da planta invasora. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar o tempo de passagem pelo trato gastrintestinal (TGI), a viabilidade e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.), recuperadas em fezes de muares. Três muares adultos ficaram confinados em baias, sendo fornecido diariamente para cada um deles, como parte de sua dieta, um quilograma de frutos da referida espécie invasora. Seus excrementos foram coletados, colocados sobre peneiras e lavados em água corrente para retenção das sementes. As variáveis avaliadas foram: porcentagem de sementes excretadas, porcentagem de sementes com emissão da radícula e a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Os muares, ao consumirem os frutos de P. juliflora, contribuem efetivamente para o avanço do processo de invasão biológica, sendo necessário receber um manejo adequado para que não atuem como dispersores da referida invasora. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes de P. juliflora não diminuiu com o tempo de permanência no TGI. Para limpeza do trato digestivo de muares após o consumo de frutos da referida invasora são necessários no mínimo 10 dias. No campo, cerca de 20% das sementes excretadas podem ser preservadas viáveis nas fezes por mais de seis meses.

Preventing expansion into areas not yet infested is a priority standard for controlling mesquite. The contamination of other areas occurs through the flocks (endozoochory), which disperse the seeds in different areas to consume fruits, facilitating the emergence of new stands of invasive plant. This research was carried out with the objective to determine the transit time through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), viability and vigor of mesquite seeds (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.), recovered in the faeces of mules. Three adult mules were confined in stalls, being daily supplied to each of them as part of their diet, a kilogram of fruits of this invasive specie. The excrements were collected, placed on sieves and washed with running water to hold the seeds. The following variables were evaluated: percentage of seeds excreted, percentage of seeds with radicle emission and physiological quality of seeds. The mules, to consume the fruits of P. juliflora, effectively contribute to the advancement of biological invasion, being necessary to receive appropriate management not to act as dispersers of that invasion. The physiological quality of seeds of P. juliflora has not diminished with time spent in GIT. To clean the digestive tract of mules after consumption of fruits of that invasion are required at least 10 days. In the field, about 20% of the excreted seeds can be preserved viable in the faeces for longer than six months.

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de algaroba recuperadas de excrementos de muares / Physiological quality of algaroba seeds recovered from faeces of mules

A prevenção da expansão para áreas ainda não infestadas constitui uma medida prioritária no controle da algaroba. A contaminação de outras áreas ocorre basicamente através dos rebanhos (endozoocoria), que ao consumirem seus frutos dispersam as sementes em áreas distintas, facilitando o surgimento de novos povoamentos da planta invasora. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar o tempo de passagem pelo trato gastrintestinal (TGI), a viabilidade e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.), recuperadas em fezes de muares. Três muares adultos ficaram confinados em baias, sendo fornecido diariamente para cada um deles, como parte de sua dieta, um quilograma de frutos da referida espécie invasora. Seus excrementos foram coletados, colocados sobre peneiras e lavados em água corrente para retenção das sementes. As variáveis avaliadas foram: porcentagem de sementes excretadas, porcentagem de sementes com emissão da radícula e a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Os muares, ao consumirem os frutos de P. juliflora, contribuem efetivamente para o avanço do processo de invasão biológica, sendo necessário receber um manejo adequado para que não atuem como dispersores da referida invasora. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes de P. juliflora não diminuiu com o tempo de permanência no TGI. Para limpeza do trato digestivo de muares após o consumo de frutos da referida invasora são necessários no mínimo 10 dias. No campo, cerca de 20% das sementes excretadas podem ser preservadas viáveis nas fezes por mais de seis meses.(AU)

Preventing expansion into areas not yet infested is a priority standard for controlling mesquite. The contamination of other areas occurs through the flocks (endozoochory), which disperse the seeds in different areas to consume fruits, facilitating the emergence of new stands of invasive plant. This research was carried out with the objective to determine the transit time through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), viability and vigor of mesquite seeds (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.), recovered in the faeces of mules. Three adult mules were confined in stalls, being daily supplied to each of them as part of their diet, a kilogram of fruits of this invasive specie. The excrements were collected, placed on sieves and washed with running water to hold the seeds. The following variables were evaluated: percentage of seeds excreted, percentage of seeds with radicle emission and physiological quality of seeds. The mules, to consume the fruits of P. juliflora, effectively contribute to the advancement of biological invasion, being necessary to receive appropriate management not to act as dispersers of that invasion. The physiological quality of seeds of P. juliflora has not diminished with time spent in GIT. To clean the digestive tract of mules after consumption of fruits of that invasion are required at least 10 days. In the field, about 20% of the excreted seeds can be preserved viable in the faeces for longer than six months.(AU)

Resposta clínica e metabólica de potros neonatos em relação aos achados histopatológicos da placenta na égua / Clinical and metabolic response of neonatal foals related to histopathology finds in mare placenta

Avaliaram-se as respostas clínica e metabólica de potros neonatos em relação aos achados histopatológicos da placenta na égua. Foram avaliados dois grupos de éguas da raça Puro Sangue Inglês - um grupo-problema (n=25) e um grupo-controle (n=25), de acordo com os achados da placenta. O exame dos potros constou de avaliação clínica geral, hematologia e bioquímica sérica. O exame histopatológico da placenta apresentou resultado compatível com a apresentação clínica do potro, sendo que a presença de lesões inflamatórias resultou na produção de potros debilitados. A presença de lesões degenerativas não comprometeu o estado clínico do neonato, mas pode ser responsável pela manifestação de distúrbios subclínicos, evidenciados pelo aumento das taxas de AST e GGT. A ureia pareceu ser um indicador de dano renal decorrente de insuficiência placentária em potros neonatos.

The placenta represents the major communication between the mare and the fetus during the gestational period, and this suggests that any disturbance in the placenta can be an indicator of gestational damage with risk to the fetus. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical and metabolic responses of the newborn foals related with the findings from the histopathological examination of the placenta. This study was conducted in a farm located in Bagé-RS, Brazil, where were evaluated two groups of Throughbred mares for this case-control study: One Problem Group (N=25) and the Control Group (n=25), based on the placental findings. The foal's evaluation was based on general clinical examination, hematology and serum biochemistry. Results from the placenta histopathological exams were compatible with clinical presentation of the foals, with the presence of inflammatory lesions resulting in the production of debilitated foals. The presence of degenerative lesions in the placenta does not compromise the clinical features of the newborn, but they can be responsible for the manifestation of sub-clinical disturbances, evidenced by increased levels of AST and GGT. Urea seems to be an indicator of renal damage due to placental insufficiency in neonatal foals.

Sequencing and expression analysis of hepcidin mRNA in donkey (Equus asinus) liver / Sequenciamento e expressão do RNA mensageiro da hepcidina no fígado de jumentos (Equus asinus)

The hypoferremia that is observed during systemic inflammatory processes is mediated by hepcidin, which is a peptide that is mainly synthesized in the livers of several mammalian species. Hepcidin plays a key role in iron metabolism and in the innate immune system. It's up-regulation is particularly useful during acute inflammation, and it restricts the iron availability that is necessary for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the hepcidin mRNA of Equus asinus has been characterized, and the expression of donkey hepcidin in the liver has been determined. The donkey hepcidin sequence has an open reading frame (ORF) of 261 nucleotides, and the deduced corresponding protein sequence has 86 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of donkey hepcidin was most homologous to Equus caballus (98%). The mature donkey hepcidin sequence (25 amino acids) was 100% homologous to the equine mature hepcidin and has eight conserved cysteine residues that are found in all of the investigated hepcidin sequences. The expression profile of donkey hepcidin in the liver was high and was similar to the reference gene expression. The donkey hepcidin sequence was deposited in GenBankTM (HQ902884) and may be useful for additional studies on iron metabolism and the inflammatory process in this species.

A hipoferremia observada durante os processos inflamatórios sistêmicos é mediada pela hepcidina, um peptídeo que é sintetizado predominantemente no fígado de mamíferos. A hepcidina desempenha um papel chave no metabolismo do ferro e no sistema imune. O aumento da expressão da hepcidina é particularmente útil durante a inflamação aguda, pois restringe a disponibilidade de ferro, necessária para o crescimento de microorganismos patogênicos. Neste estudo, o RNA mensageiro da hepcidina asinina foi caracterizado e sua expressão foi determinada em fígado de jumentos (Equus asinus). A sequência da hepcidina asinina tem uma janela de leitura de 261 nucleotídeos e a proteína correspondente é formada por 86 aminoácidos. A sequência de aminoácidos da hepcidina asinina foi mais homóloga à sequência da hepcidina equina (98%). A hepcidina madura (25 aminoácidos) foi 100% idêntica à hepcidina madura equina e possuía as oito cisteínas conservadas nas demais sequências de hepcidinas analisadas. O perfil de expressão da hepcidina no fígado de jumentos saudáveis foi alto e similar ao perfil de expressão do gene de referência. A sequência da hepcidina asinina foi depositada no GenBankTM (HQ902884) e será útil para o desenvolvimento de estudos adicionais sobre o metabolismo de ferro e inflamação nesta espécie.

Sequencing and expression analysis of hepcidin mRNA in donkey (Equus asinus) liver / Sequenciamento e expressão do RNA mensageiro da hepcidina no fígado de jumentos (Equus asinus)

The hypoferremia that is observed during systemic inflammatory processes is mediated by hepcidin, which is a peptide that is mainly synthesized in the livers of several mammalian species. Hepcidin plays a key role in iron metabolism and in the innate immune system. It's up-regulation is particularly useful during acute inflammation, and it restricts the iron availability that is necessary for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the hepcidin mRNA of Equus asinus has been characterized, and the expression of donkey hepcidin in the liver has been determined. The donkey hepcidin sequence has an open reading frame (ORF) of 261 nucleotides, and the deduced corresponding protein sequence has 86 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of donkey hepcidin was most homologous to Equus caballus (98%). The mature donkey hepcidin sequence (25 amino acids) was 100% homologous to the equine mature hepcidin and has eight conserved cysteine residues that are found in all of the investigated hepcidin sequences. The expression profile of donkey hepcidin in the liver was high and was similar to the reference gene expression. The donkey hepcidin sequence was deposited in GenBankTM (HQ902884) and may be useful for additional studies on iron metabolism and the inflammatory process in this species.(AU)

A hipoferremia observada durante os processos inflamatórios sistêmicos é mediada pela hepcidina, um peptídeo que é sintetizado predominantemente no fígado de mamíferos. A hepcidina desempenha um papel chave no metabolismo do ferro e no sistema imune. O aumento da expressão da hepcidina é particularmente útil durante a inflamação aguda, pois restringe a disponibilidade de ferro, necessária para o crescimento de microorganismos patogênicos. Neste estudo, o RNA mensageiro da hepcidina asinina foi caracterizado e sua expressão foi determinada em fígado de jumentos (Equus asinus). A sequência da hepcidina asinina tem uma janela de leitura de 261 nucleotídeos e a proteína correspondente é formada por 86 aminoácidos. A sequência de aminoácidos da hepcidina asinina foi mais homóloga à sequência da hepcidina equina (98%). A hepcidina madura (25 aminoácidos) foi 100% idêntica à hepcidina madura equina e possuía as oito cisteínas conservadas nas demais sequências de hepcidinas analisadas. O perfil de expressão da hepcidina no fígado de jumentos saudáveis foi alto e similar ao perfil de expressão do gene de referência. A sequência da hepcidina asinina foi depositada no GenBankTM (HQ902884) e será útil para o desenvolvimento de estudos adicionais sobre o metabolismo de ferro e inflamação nesta espécie.(AU)

Resposta clínica e metabólica de potros neonatos em relação aos achados histopatológicos da placenta na égua / Clinical and metabolic response of neonatal foals related to histopathology finds in mare placenta

Avaliaram-se as respostas clínica e metabólica de potros neonatos em relação aos achados histopatológicos da placenta na égua. Foram avaliados dois grupos de éguas da raça Puro Sangue Inglês - um grupo-problema (n=25) e um grupo-controle (n=25), de acordo com os achados da placenta. O exame dos potros constou de avaliação clínica geral, hematologia e bioquímica sérica. O exame histopatológico da placenta apresentou resultado compatível com a apresentação clínica do potro, sendo que a presença de lesões inflamatórias resultou na produção de potros debilitados. A presença de lesões degenerativas não comprometeu o estado clínico do neonato, mas pode ser responsável pela manifestação de distúrbios subclínicos, evidenciados pelo aumento das taxas de AST e GGT. A ureia pareceu ser um indicador de dano renal decorrente de insuficiência placentária em potros neonatos.(AU)

The placenta represents the major communication between the mare and the fetus during the gestational period, and this suggests that any disturbance in the placenta can be an indicator of gestational damage with risk to the fetus. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical and metabolic responses of the newborn foals related with the findings from the histopathological examination of the placenta. This study was conducted in a farm located in Bagé-RS, Brazil, where were evaluated two groups of Throughbred mares for this case-control study: One Problem Group (N=25) and the Control Group (n=25), based on the placental findings. The foal's evaluation was based on general clinical examination, hematology and serum biochemistry. Results from the placenta histopathological exams were compatible with clinical presentation of the foals, with the presence of inflammatory lesions resulting in the production of debilitated foals. The presence of degenerative lesions in the placenta does not compromise the clinical features of the newborn, but they can be responsible for the manifestation of sub-clinical disturbances, evidenced by increased levels of AST and GGT. Urea seems to be an indicator of renal damage due to placental insufficiency in neonatal foals.(AU)

Análise interactômica da VDAC (voltage-dependent anion selective channel) nos cérebros aviar, bovino e murino / Interactomic analysis of VDAC (voltage-dependent anion selective channel) in rat, bovine and chicken brain

A VDAC é a proteína mais abundante na membrana mitocondrial externa. Exerce o controle da atividade desta organela através da regulação da troca de metabólitos e tem função crucial no mecanismo de apoptose. Em nosso caso, os estudos dos complexos protéicos, das interações entre a VDAC e outras proteínas presentes no interior do neurônio que auxiliam na manutenção das funções das organelas e da célula, fazem parte da chamada interactômica. O presente estudo determinou o interactoma do complexo protéico He-xoquinase-VDAC-ANT presente em cérebros murino, bovino e aviar. Nosso objetivo foi identificar se as expressões diferenciadas da VDAC1 e VDAC2 verificadas nos cérebros murino, aviar e bovino, estão associadas a diferenças nos interactomas dessas proteínas. Este estudo revelou que as espécies aviar e bovina apresentaram o maior número de complexos protéicos contendo VDACs (5) quando comparadas com os neurônios de rato (1), o que é indicativo de uma cinética diferencial de montagem ou desmontagem do complexo. Além disso, a VDAC mitocondrial neuronal aviar também interage com mais proteínas em relação à VDAC mitocondrial neuronal bovina, o que é resultado de uma composição de subunidades diferenciada. Tais resultados indicam diferenças significativas quanto ao metabolismo energético e apoptótico no cérebro aviar, bovino e murino, existindo interações diferenciais da VDAC no cérebro aviar.(AU)

The voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the most abundant protein of outer mitochondrial membrane. VDAC controls metabolite exchange through this membrane and the apoptosis machinery. Interactomics is the study of protein complexes, their interactions and the consequences of these interactions. In our case we studied the interactome of the hexokinase-VDAC-ANT (adenine nucleotide transporter) complex in mitochondria of neuronal cells from rat, bovine and chicken brain. We wished to understand if the differential expression of VDAC1 and VDAC2 verified in these cells was linked to differences in the interactions between proteins in these complexes. Our results showed that avian and bovine neurons had more protein complexes (5) containing VDAC than rat cells (1), which indicates a differential kinetics of assembly or disassembly. Moreover, mitochondrial neuronal chicken VDAC interacts with more proteins in comparison with bovine neuronal VDAC, which is indicative of a differential subunit composition. These results supported evidences of differential apoptotic and energetic mechanisms between these brains.(AU)

Pharmacokinetics of a single intravenous dose of marbofloxacin in adult donkeys.

Six donkeys each received 2 mg/kg marbofloxacin as a 10 per cent aqueous solution administered intravenously. Principal pharmacokinetic parameters were determined and two efficacy indices were computed by using pharmacokinetic parameters and selected mic90 values of marbofloxacin against pathogenic equine strains to predict the efficacy of the drug at this dose. The pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in donkeys was characterised by a large mean volume of distribution at a steady state (1.15 [0.09] l/kg) and a long mean (sd) elimination half-life of 9.24 (1.96) hours. It was also characterised by a relatively slow total body clearance of 0.10 (0.02) l/kg/hour, slower than in horses. Using mic90 values of marbofloxacin against pathogenic equine strains with a daily dose of 2 mg/kg, appropriate values of efficacy indicators were obtained only for Enterobacteriaceae. Daily intravenous doses of 0.33, 2.62 and 20 mg/kg were calculated for evaluation in clinical trials of infections due to Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci, respectively.

Digestible energy requirements of Mexican donkeys fed oat straw and maize stover.

The limited availability of food, together with the constraints that traditional management systems impose on the natural foraging behaviour of donkeys, often results in severe under-nutrition. Few studies have been conducted into the digestibility of different forages and little information exists on nutritional requirements of donkeys. In order to measure digestible energy requirements of donkeys under tropical conditions, an experiment was carried out at the Centre for Research in Agricultural Science (CICA) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Universidad Aut6noma del Estado de México located in the Toluca valley, Central Mexico. Thirty-two donkeys of a body condition typical for Central Mexico were divided into four groups of 8 animals each according to their sex and live weight: group 1 (G1) comprised male donkeys below the average body weight (102+/-5 kg); group 2 (G2) comprised male donkeys of average body weight (121.5+/-4 kg); group 3 (G3) comprised female donkeys below average weight (111.8 +/- 5 kg); and group 4 (G4) comprised female donkeys of average weight (127.6 +/- 5 kg). A diet of oat straw or maize stover and 15% alfalfa hay was offered to meet exact maintenance requirements. The donkeys were monitored for 13 months. The live weight of all animals was recorded daily in order to monitor whether maintenance requirements were being met. Mean daily digestible energy (DE) requirements were measured during the winter, spring, summer and autumn of 2003-2004. Digestible energy requirements of all four sex and liveweight groups were significantly (p > 0.05) higher during the spring than during the other seasons of the year (13.5, 18.0, 10.4 and 14.3 MJ DE per day during winter, spring, summer and autumn, respectively). Predicted DE requirements of donkeys with a live weight range betweenn 90 and 150 kg using the data from the present study were less than those predicted using scaled-down horse feeding standards.

Participatory study on feeding strategies for working donkeys used by Campesino farmers in the highlands of central Mexico.

The aim of this work was to describe the feeding strategies for donkeys used by peasant farmers in central Mexico. Feeding strategies for the dry and wet seasons are described, as well as the nutritional characteristics of the main forages and supplements used by the farmers. The extent to which the feeding practices used by farmers matched the digestible energy and crude protein requirements of donkeys for maintenance and work was determined. It was concluded that grazing on native grassland could provide enough energy and protein for donkeys at maintenance level and for those performing only a moderate amount of work. More research in required in order to have better estimates of intake and plant species preferred by donkeys under prevailing grazing conditions.