Spatio-temporal GAMLSS modeling of the incidence of schistosomiasis in the central region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. / Modelagem GAMLSS espaçotemporal da incidência de esquistossomose na região central do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

In Brazil, millions of people live in areas with risk of schistosomiasis, a neglected chronic disease with high morbidity. The Schistosoma mansoni helminth is present in all macroregions of Brazil, including the State of Minas Gerais, one of the most endemic states. For this reason, the identification of potential foci is essential to support educational and prophylactic public policies to control this disease. This study aims to model schistosomiasis data based on spatial and temporal aspects and assess the importance of some exogenous socioeconomic variables and the presence of the main Biomphalaria species. Considering that, when working with incident cases, a discrete count variable requires an appropriate modeling, the GAMLSS modeling was chosen since it jointly considers a more appropriate distribution for the response variable due to zero inflation and spatial heteroscedasticity. Several municipalities presented high incidence values from 2010 to 2012, and a downward trend was observed until 2020. We also noticed that the distribution of incidence behaves differently in space and time. Municipalities with dams presented risk 2.25 times higher than municipalities without dams. The presence of B. glabrata was associated with the risk of schistosomiasis. On the other hand, the presence of B. straminea represented a lower risk of the disease. Thus, the control and monitoring of B. glabrata snails is essential to control and eliminate schistosomiasis; and the GAMLSS model was effective in the treatment and modeling of spatio-temporal data.

No Brasil, milhões de pessoas vivem em áreas de risco para a esquistossomose, uma doença negligenciada, de caráter crônico e com elevada morbidade. O helminto Schistosoma mansoni está presente em todas as macrorregiões, incluindo o Estado de Minas Gerais, um dos mais endêmicos. Por essa razão, a identificação de potenciais focos é fundamental para subsidiar políticas públicas de cunho educativo e profilático no controle desse desfecho. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do trabalho consiste em modelar dados de esquistossomose em relação aos aspectos espaciais e temporais, além de avaliar a importância de algumas variáveis exógenas socioeconômicas e a presença das principais espécies de Biomphalaria. Como trabalhar com casos incidentes, uma variável discreta de contagem, exige uma modelagem apropriada, foi escolhida a modelagem GAMLSS por considerar conjuntamente uma distribuição mais adequada à variável resposta devido à inflação de zeros e à heterocedasticidade espacial. Verificaram-se valores elevados de incidência em diversos municípios de 2010 a 2012 e uma tendência de queda até 2020. Também foi identificado que a distribuição da incidência se comporta de maneira diferente no espaço e no tempo. Municípios com barragem apresentaram risco 2,25 vezes maior do que os que não a continham. A presença de B. glabrata foi relacionada ao risco de ocorrência da doença. Por outro lado, a presença de B. straminea refletiu em menor risco de ocorrência da esquistossomose. Conclui-se que o controle e o acompanhamento dos caramujos da B. glabrata podem ser fundamentais para a contenção e a eliminação da esquistossomose e o modelo GAMLSS foi eficaz para tratamento e modelagem de dados espaçotemporais.

En Brasil, millones de personas viven en áreas de riesgo de esquistosomiasis, una enfermedad crónica desatendida y con alta morbilidad. El helminto Schistosoma mansoni está presente en todas las macrorregiones, incluido el Estado de Minas Gerais, uno de los más endémicos del país. Por ello, la identificación de potenciales brotes es fundamental para promover políticas públicas de carácter educativo y profiláctico en el control de este desenlace. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo es modelar datos sobre esquistosomiasis con respecto a aspectos espaciotemporales, además de evaluar la importancia de algunas variables socioeconómicas exógenas y la presencia de las principales especies de Biomphalaria. Dado que en el trabajo con casos incidentes una variable de conteo discreta requiere un adecuado modelado, se eligió el modelo GAMLSS, ya que en conjunto considera una distribución más adecuada para la variable de respuesta debido a la inflación de ceros y la heterocedasticidad espacial. Se encontraron valores de alta incidencia en varios municipios en el periodo evaluado de 2010 a 2012 y una tendencia a descenso hasta 2020. También se verificó que existe una distribución de incidencia de manera diferente en el espacio y el tiempo. Los municipios con represas presentaban 2,25 veces más riesgo que los que no las tenían. La presencia de B. glabrata estuvo relacionada con el riesgo de la enfermedad. Por otro lado, la presencia de B. straminea ocasionaba un menor riesgo de padecer la enfermedad. Se concluye que el control y seguimiento de caracoles B. glabrata puede ser fundamental para el control y eliminación de la esquistosomiasis y que el modelo GAMLSS resultó ser efectivo para el tratamiento y modelado de datos espaciotemporales.

Modelagem GAMLSS espaçotemporal da incidência de esquistossomose na região central do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Modelado espaciotemporal GAMLSS para la incidencia de esquistosomiasis en la región central del estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Spatio-temporal GAMLSS modeling of the incidence of schistosomiasis in the central region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo: No Brasil, milhões de pessoas vivem em áreas de risco para a esquistossomose, uma doença negligenciada, de caráter crônico e com elevada morbidade. O helminto Schistosoma mansoni está presente em todas as macrorregiões, incluindo o Estado de Minas Gerais, um dos mais endêmicos. Por essa razão, a identificação de potenciais focos é fundamental para subsidiar políticas públicas de cunho educativo e profilático no controle desse desfecho. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do trabalho consiste em modelar dados de esquistossomose em relação aos aspectos espaciais e temporais, além de avaliar a importância de algumas variáveis exógenas socioeconômicas e a presença das principais espécies de Biomphalaria. Como trabalhar com casos incidentes, uma variável discreta de contagem, exige uma modelagem apropriada, foi escolhida a modelagem GAMLSS por considerar conjuntamente uma distribuição mais adequada à variável resposta devido à inflação de zeros e à heterocedasticidade espacial. Verificaram-se valores elevados de incidência em diversos municípios de 2010 a 2012 e uma tendência de queda até 2020. Também foi identificado que a distribuição da incidência se comporta de maneira diferente no espaço e no tempo. Municípios com barragem apresentaram risco 2,25 vezes maior do que os que não a continham. A presença de B. glabrata foi relacionada ao risco de ocorrência da doença. Por outro lado, a presença de B. straminea refletiu em menor risco de ocorrência da esquistossomose. Conclui-se que o controle e o acompanhamento dos caramujos da B. glabrata podem ser fundamentais para a contenção e a eliminação da esquistossomose e o modelo GAMLSS foi eficaz para tratamento e modelagem de dados espaçotemporais.

Resumen: En Brasil, millones de personas viven en áreas de riesgo de esquistosomiasis, una enfermedad crónica desatendida y con alta morbilidad. El helminto Schistosoma mansoni está presente en todas las macrorregiones, incluido el Estado de Minas Gerais, uno de los más endémicos del país. Por ello, la identificación de potenciales brotes es fundamental para promover políticas públicas de carácter educativo y profiláctico en el control de este desenlace. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo es modelar datos sobre esquistosomiasis con respecto a aspectos espaciotemporales, además de evaluar la importancia de algunas variables socioeconómicas exógenas y la presencia de las principales especies de Biomphalaria. Dado que en el trabajo con casos incidentes una variable de conteo discreta requiere un adecuado modelado, se eligió el modelo GAMLSS, ya que en conjunto considera una distribución más adecuada para la variable de respuesta debido a la inflación de ceros y la heterocedasticidad espacial. Se encontraron valores de alta incidencia en varios municipios en el periodo evaluado de 2010 a 2012 y una tendencia a descenso hasta 2020. También se verificó que existe una distribución de incidencia de manera diferente en el espacio y el tiempo. Los municipios con represas presentaban 2,25 veces más riesgo que los que no las tenían. La presencia de B. glabrata estuvo relacionada con el riesgo de la enfermedad. Por otro lado, la presencia de B. straminea ocasionaba un menor riesgo de padecer la enfermedad. Se concluye que el control y seguimiento de caracoles B. glabrata puede ser fundamental para el control y eliminación de la esquistosomiasis y que el modelo GAMLSS resultó ser efectivo para el tratamiento y modelado de datos espaciotemporales.

Abstract: In Brazil, millions of people live in areas with risk of schistosomiasis, a neglected chronic disease with high morbidity. The Schistosoma mansoni helminth is present in all macroregions of Brazil, including the State of Minas Gerais, one of the most endemic states. For this reason, the identification of potential foci is essential to support educational and prophylactic public policies to control this disease. This study aims to model schistosomiasis data based on spatial and temporal aspects and assess the importance of some exogenous socioeconomic variables and the presence of the main Biomphalaria species. Considering that, when working with incident cases, a discrete count variable requires an appropriate modeling, the GAMLSS modeling was chosen since it jointly considers a more appropriate distribution for the response variable due to zero inflation and spatial heteroscedasticity. Several municipalities presented high incidence values from 2010 to 2012, and a downward trend was observed until 2020. We also noticed that the distribution of incidence behaves differently in space and time. Municipalities with dams presented risk 2.25 times higher than municipalities without dams. The presence of B. glabrata was associated with the risk of schistosomiasis. On the other hand, the presence of B. straminea represented a lower risk of the disease. Thus, the control and monitoring of B. glabrata snails is essential to control and eliminate schistosomiasis; and the GAMLSS model was effective in the treatment and modeling of spatio-temporal data.

Multigenic regulation in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway during coffee flowering.

Ethylene regulates different aspects of the plant's life cycle, such as flowering, and acts as a defense signal in response to environmental stresses. Changes induced by water deficit (WD) in gene expression of the main enzymes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and oxidase (ACO), are frequently reported in plants. In this study, coffee (Coffea arabica) ACS and ACO family genes were characterized and their expression profiles were analyzed in leaves, roots, flower buds, and open flowers from plants under well-watered (WW) and water deficit (WD) conditions. Three new ACS genes were identified. Water deficit did not affect ACS expression in roots, however soil drying strongly downregulated ACO expression, indicating a transcriptional constraint in the biosynthesis pathway during the drought that can suppress ethylene production in roots. In floral buds, ACO expression is water-independent, suggesting a higher mechanism of control in reproductive organs during the final flowering stages. Leaves may be the main sites for ethylene precursor (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, ACC) production in the shoot under well-watered conditions, contributing to an increase in the ethylene levels required for anthesis. Given these results, we suggest a possible regulatory mechanism for the ethylene biosynthesis pathway associated with coffee flowering with gene regulation in leaves being a key point in ethylene production and ACO genes play a major regulatory role in roots and the shoots. This mechanism may constitute a regulatory model for flowering in other woody species. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01235-y.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta-PPARδ agonist (L-165041) enhances bovine embryo survival and post vitrification viability.

The effect of L-165041 (PPARδ-agonist) on decreasing apoptosis and intracellular lipid content was assessed in fresh and vitrified-warmed in vitro -produced bovine embryos. It was hypothesised that the addition of L-165041 to the culture medium enhances development and cryopreservation. Oocytes were allocated to one of two treatments: control-standard culture medium, or L-165041 added to the medium on day1 with no media change. Ultrastructure, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were evaluated in fresh, and in post-vitrification cultured embryos by optical and electronic microscopy. A subset of fresh embryos were fixed for TUNEL assay and for Sudan-Black-B histochemical staining. Vitrified-warmed embryos were assessed using MALDI-MS technique. Cleavage and blastocyst rates (control 49.4±5.2, L-165041 51.8±4.3) were not influenced by L-165041. The proportion of inner cell mass cells (ICM) was higher in fresh embryos, and the rate of total and ICM apoptosis was lower in L-165041. In warmed-embryos, total and ICM apoptosis was lower in L-165041. The overall hatching rate was higher in L-165041 (66.62±2.83% vs 53.19±2.90%). There was less lipid accumulation in fresh L-165041-embryos. In conclusion, the use of L-165041 is recommended to improve the viability of in vitro -derived bovine embryos.

Irisin effects on bone: systematic review with meta-analysis of preclinical studies and prospects for oral health.

Bone quality is an important issue in dentistry. Low bone density may be associated with more severe periodontitis, and may influence implant therapy success. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity can improve alveolar bone quality. Irisin is an exercise-mediated peptide that might be involved in this process. We assessed the effect of exercise and that of intra-peritoneal irisin administration on bone quality in healthy and osteoporosis-induced rodents. This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020184140), and followed PRISMA guidelines. A search by two independent examiners was conducted in five databases and gray literature up to July 2021, without restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Initially, they analyzed retrieved titles and abstracts (n=3,844) based on eligibility criteria. Of this total, 19 studies remained for full-text reading, and 16 proceeded to the data extraction and quality assessment phases. Meta-analyses were conducted (n= 6 studies) to establish the effects of irisin administration on cancellous bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise or irisin administration enhanced bone quality, but the meta-analysis showed that BMD increased only slightly in osteoporotic rodents (BMD: mean difference 0.03 mg/cm3 - 95% CI 0.01-0.05). This indicates that they had no significant benefits on the bones of healthy animals. Implications of key findings evidence the potential of irisin as an agent able to mitigate bone loss caused by osteoporosis, an outcome that could favor dental rehabilitation. More studies investigating the effect of irisin on alveolar bone are needed to elucidate its therapeutic viability and implications.

Irisin effects on bone: systematic review with meta-analysis of preclinical studies and prospects for oral health

Abstract: Bone quality is an important issue in dentistry. Low bone density may be associated with more severe periodontitis, and may influence implant therapy success. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity can improve alveolar bone quality. Irisin is an exercise-mediated peptide that might be involved in this process. We assessed the effect of exercise and that of intra-peritoneal irisin administration on bone quality in healthy and osteoporosis-induced rodents. This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020184140), and followed PRISMA guidelines. A search by two independent examiners was conducted in five databases and gray literature up to July 2021, without restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Initially, they analyzed retrieved titles and abstracts (n=3,844) based on eligibility criteria. Of this total, 19 studies remained for full-text reading, and 16 proceeded to the data extraction and quality assessment phases. Meta-analyses were conducted (n= 6 studies) to establish the effects of irisin administration on cancellous bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise or irisin administration enhanced bone quality, but the meta-analysis showed that BMD increased only slightly in osteoporotic rodents (BMD: mean difference 0.03 mg/cm3 - 95% CI 0.01-0.05). This indicates that they had no significant benefits on the bones of healthy animals. Implications of key findings evidence the potential of irisin as an agent able to mitigate bone loss caused by osteoporosis, an outcome that could favor dental rehabilitation. More studies investigating the effect of irisin on alveolar bone are needed to elucidate its therapeutic viability and implications.

Impacts of quaker beans over sensory characteristics and volatile composition of specialty natural coffees.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the volatile composition and the sensory effect of the presence of Quaker beans in natural specialty coffee beverage and, consequently, to confront the requirement of the Specialty Coffee Association regarding the total absence of Quaker beans in a natural specialty coffee batch. Sensory analysis and volatile composition were performed for three different colorations of Quaker beans, added separately to natural specialty coffee samples at seven different concentrations. Beans with color equal to or above Agtron 82.8 negatively affected the sensory characteristics of natural specialty coffee only from the presence of 7 Quaker beans in one cup (65 beans). Through the analysis of volatile composition, volatile compounds formed during roasting were identified in Quaker beans from precursors present in raw immature beans. Therefore, the color and sensory characteristics of Quaker are a consequence of the chemical composition of an immature bean.

In vivo embryo production and recovery in lacaune ewes after imposing a superovulation treatment regimen is related to pFSH dose.

This study was conducted to assess effects of different doses of pFSH on follicular recruitment, superovulatory response, ova/embryo recovery, and embryo yield in lactating ewes. Ewes (n = 24) had a superovulation treatment regimen imposed. All ewes were implanted with a progesterone intravaginal device for 9 d, and administered either 100 (G-100) or 200 (G-200) mg pFSH, proportioned into six doses administered at 12-h intervals, starting 60 h before device removal. At 7 days subsequent to progesterone device removal, there were non-surgical embryo recoveries (NSER) from ewes having three or more corpora lutea. At the time of the first pFSH injection, number of antral follicles were similar (P < 0.05) between ewes in the G-100 and G-200 group, however, there were more 3.1-4.0 mm follicles in ewes of the G-200 than G-100 group at the time of the second pFSH administration. Estrous response and CL number were less (P < 0.05) in ewes of the G-100 (66.7 % and 2.6 ±â€¯0.7) than G-200 (91.7 % and 11.6 ±â€¯1.2) group. There were embryo collections from 100 % and 90.9 % of ewes in the G-100 and G-200 groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Viable embryo numbers and ova/embryo recovery rate were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes of the G-200 (6.9 ±â€¯1.1 and 67.8 %) than G-100 (1.0 ±â€¯0.5 and 27.6 %) group. A dose of 200 mg pFSH was more effective in inducing a superovulatory response and embryo yield after NSER in ewes, however, the 100 mg dose was insufficient for these purposes.

Ultrasonographic cervical evaluation: A tool to select ewes for non-surgical embryo recovery.

This study assessed the cervical ultrasonography mapping as a tool to select donor ewes for non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER). Lacaune ewes had their cervix evaluated by ultrasonography 12 hr after induced oestrus onset (Trial 1, n = 24) or 30 min before NSER (Trial 2, n = 17). Cervical rings were longitudinally evaluated and classified by their degree of misalignment on ultrasonography (DMUS) into: DMUS-1-cervix rectilinear, DMUS-2-intermediate and DMUS-3-highly asymmetrical. For predicting cervical transposing, only DMUS-1 and DMUS-2 were considered suitable. Similar ranking was attributed to degree of misalignment on the cervical map (DMCM 1-3), established immediately before NSER, which was performed at days 6 to 7 after oestrus. In Trial 1, cervical retraction for NSER was not possible only in three ewes classified as DMUS-3 (3/14, 21.4%). No difference (p > .05) was observed in the cervical transposing rates between ewes with different DMUS (ranged from 80% to 100%). In Trial 2, DMUS-1 and DMUS-2 reached 100% of transposing, and the only DMUS-3 ewe has not been transposed. In Trial 1, the prediction performance for successful cervical transposing showed low sensitivity (45%) and no specificity due to a high incidence of false negatives (52%). However, in Trial 2, sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. The DMCM and DMUS were uncorrelated, probably due to cervical stretching required to perform NSER. In conclusion, cervical ultrasound assessment immediately before NSER was more efficient to predict the cervical transposing than at induced oestrus, allowing the classification and selection of ewes eligible for NSER.

Embryo yield and quality are associated with progestogen treatment during superovulation protocol in lactating Lacaune ewes.

This study assessed the effect of progestogen treatment length on ovarian parameters and embryo yield in superovulated Lacaune ewes collected by nonsurgical embryo recovery. Twenty-three lactating ewes were superovulated 30 d apart using a cross-over design. All ewes received 60 mg of MAP intravaginal sponges for 6 (G-6 group) or 9 (G-9 group) d. A total dose of 133 mg pFSH was given in six decreasing doses (twice a day) starting at 60 h before device removal. Ultrasound examination of the ovaries was performed at the first pFSH injection and one day before embryo recovery, which was performed 6-7 d after the onset of estrus. Embryo recovery was conducted only in ewes that expressed estrus and were mated. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the total number of follicles between G-6 (15.7 ± 1.0) and G-9 (15.6 ± 0.8) at the time of the first pFSH treatment. The percentage of responding donors with ≥3 corpora lutea (CL; 78.2% [18/23] vs 69.5% [16/23]), mean (±SEM) CL number (7.0 ± 1.2 vs 8.1 ± 1.6), transcervical passage rate (94.4% [17/18] vs 83.3% [15/18], and ova/embryo recovery rate (54.5% [60/110] vs 68.0% [83/122]) were not different (P > 0.05) between the G-6 and G-9 groups. However, the mean number of viable embryos was lower (P < 0.05) in the G-6 group (1.8 ± 0.7) than in the G-9 group. (3.5 ± 1.1). In conclusion, treatment with an intravaginal MAP sponge for 9 d during a superovulation protocol is beneficial for viable embryo yield in Lacaune ewes out of the breeding season.

Preovulatory follicular dynamics, ovulatory response and embryo yield in Lacaune ewes subjected to synchronous estrus induction protocols and non-surgical embryo recovery.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the duration of progesterone-based estrus induction protocols on preovulatory follicular dynamics, ovulatory response, and embryo yield after non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) in Lacaune ewes. Females received acetate medroxyprogesterone intravaginal sponges for six (G-6; n = 14) or nine (G-9; n = 14) days plus d-cloprostenol and eCG 24 h before sponge removal (Day 0). Preovulatory follicular dynamics and the luteal characteristics are evaluated by B-mode and Color-Doppler ultrasonography. NSER was performed five to six days after ovulation. The estrous behavior rate was 85.7% for both groups, and the percentage of ewes that ovulated was 92.9% in G-6 and 100% in G-9. The day of wave emergence (relative to Day 0) did not differ (P > 0.05) between G-6 (-3.0 ±â€¯0.5) and G-9 (-4.2 ±â€¯0.5). The number of follicles of size 4.1-5.0 mm was higher (P < 0.05) in G-9 (1.4 ±â€¯0.2) compared to G-6 (0.8 ±â€¯0.2) during the Days -4 to 0. At NSER, the transcervical penetration rate was 95.2% (20/21) and its duration time was lower (P < 0.05) in G-9 (3.4 ±â€¯0.6 min) than in G-6 (7.2 ±â€¯1.3 min). The number of ovulations and viable embryos was higher (P < 0.05) in G-9 (2.9 ±â€¯0.3 and 1.3 ±â€¯0.4, respectively) than in G-6 (1.9 ±â€¯0.3 and 0.4 ±â€¯0.2, respectively). In conclusion, the 9-day protocol promoted higher ovulation rate and embryo yield; moreover, the cervical dilation treatment allowed NSER in a high percentage of Lacaune ewes.

Bayesian factor analytic model: An approach in multiple environment trials.

One of the main challenges in plant breeding programs is the efficient quantification of the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI). The presence of significant GEI may create difficulties for breeders in the selection and recommendation of superior genotypes for a wide environmental network. Among the diverse statistical procedures developed for this purpose, we highlight those based on mixed models and factor analysis that are called factor analytic (FA) models. However, some inferential issues are related to the factor analytic model, such as Heywood cases that make the model non-identifiable. Moreover, the representation of the loads and factors in the conventional biplot does not involve any measurement of uncertainty. In this work, we propose dealing with the FA model using the Bayesian framework with direct sampling of factor loadings via spectral decomposition; this guarantees identifiability in the estimation process and eliminates the need for the rotationality of factor loadings or imposition of any ad hoc constraints. We used simulated and real data to illustrate the method's application in multi-environment trials (MET) and to compare it with traditional FA mixed models on controlled unbalancing. In general, the Bayesian FA model was robust under different simulated unbalanced levels, presenting the superior predictive ability of missing data when compared to competing models, such as those based on FA mixed models. In addition, for some scenarios, the classical FA mixed model failed in estimating the full FA model, illustrating the parametric problems of convergence in these models. Our results suggest that Bayesian factorial models might be successfully used in plant breeding for MET analysis.

Pregnancy rate after fixed-time transfer of cryopreserved embryos collected by non-surgical route in Lacaune sheep.

This study investigated the feasibility of applying fixed-time (cryopreserved) embryo transfer in ewes. Embryos (n = 106) were non-surgically recovered from superovulated donors (n = 39) on day 6-7 after oestrus. Straws containing one or two embryos (morulae and/or blastocysts) subjected to either slow freezing (SF, n = 62) or vitrification (VT, n = 44) were randomly used within fixed-time embryo transfer on Day 8.5. Recipient ewes were nulliparous (n = 58) bearing corpora lutea after synchronous oestrous induction protocol. The pregnancy rate was higher (p = .03) in SF (39.4%) than VT (16.9%) and survival rate tended (p = .08) to be higher in SF than in VT (25.8% vs. 15.9%). Lambing rates were similar (p = .13) between SF (20.9%) and VT (15.9%). Embryos recovered by non-surgical route after cervical dilation treatment and later cryopreserved by either slow freezing or vitrification produced reasonable pregnancy rates after FTET.

Can Resveratrol Treatment Control the Progression of Induced Periodontal Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies.

Resveratrol is an anti-inflammatory compound found in several foods. Periodontal disease (PD) is associated to other systemic diseases, and inflammation may be responsible for the association. Consequently, controlling inflammation not only may benefit oral health but also may assist with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions. We aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol administration on PD control in preclinical studies. A systematic search was performed for scientific articles using both electronic databases and a manual search using combinations of the following keywords: "resveratrol" OR "3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene" AND "periodontal disease" OR "periodontitis" OR "gingivitis". Only in vivo original studies investigating resveratrol treatment on experimental animal models of PD were selected. A quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiment (ARRIVE) guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Syrcle tool. The search returned 570 articles, and 11 matched the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis showed that resveratrol treatment attenuated alveolar bone loss (τ2 = 0.0041; 95% CI: -0.14; -0.04). The ARRIVE criteria reported a good quality of studies in general (mean score 28.5 ± 2.5). However, five Syrcle domains indicated a high risk of bias or did not present information clearly. We concluded that, in preclinical studies, resveratrol treatment prevented PD progression.

Ovarian follicular development, hormonal and metabolic profile in prepubertal ewe lambs with moderate dietary restriction and lipid supplementation.

To evaluate the effects of moderate dietary restriction and lipid supplementation on ovarian follicular development, hormonal and metabolic profile, thirty-five prepuberal ewe lambs were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to treatments: ALUS (control) - unsupplemented-diet ad libitum (3.5% ether extract, n = 9); R-US - intake restricted to 85% of the ALUS diet (n = 9); AL-LS - lipid-supplemented-diet ad libitum (9.8% ether extract, n = 8); R-LS - intake restricted to 85% of the ALLS diet (n = 9), from 95 ± 8 days of age until estrus or 7 months of age. Lipid supplementation did not reduce dry matter intake. Daily weight gain was greater in lambs fed ad libitum. Plasma glucose was greater in the RLS treatment group, while serum insulin was less with lipid supplementation. There was a treatment by age interaction on total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride serum concentrations. Estrus was detected in 43% of the animals and the overall ovulation rate was 60%. The number of follicles, diameter of the largest follicle, body weight, age and serum progesterone at puberty did not differ among treatment groups. The mean diameter of the largest follicle was greater in lambs having than in those not having ovulations and increased with age in both groups. There was an interaction between the effects of occurrence of ovulation and age on the number of follicles between 3 and 5 mm and > 5 mm. Lipid supplementation and dietary restriction altered the metabolic profile in ewe lambs with no concomitant changes in values for reproductive variables.

Tds of cheese: Implications of analyzing texture and taste simultaneously.

This study aimed to evaluate the implications of analyzing texture and taste simultaneously on Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) descriptions of Prato cheese. TDS tests were performed in two ways: I-panelists performed TDS tests of cheeses evaluating an attribute list with taste and texture sensations in a same session; II-TDS sessions were performed for each sensory modality. The difficulty and reliability degrees on performing the tests were assessed by the panelists; and some physico-chemical parameters were determined to compare the sensory and instrumental results. During TDS tests, simultaneous evaluations provided a higher number of significant sensations (considering both taste and texture sensations), but at lower dominance rates. Moreover, it was noted that one of the main implications of the simultaneous analysis on TDS results was the temporality differences (the time to reach the significance level, the sensation duration and the sensations sequence). However, regarding only the attributes that most characterized the samples, the results suggested a great similarity between the descriptions obtained from both TDS modalities. The simultaneous analysis implied greater difficulty in performing the tests and less reliable results according to the panelist's opinions. Moreover, the panel considered the texture evaluation more difficult than the taste evaluation. Regarding the instrumental analysis, the physico-chemical parameter intensity (amplitude) was not strongly linked to the maximum dominance rate.

Economic evaluation and efficacy of strategic-selective treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy calves.

In the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (EF-UFLA), state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, on their day of birth, female Holstein calves were randomly selected and placed into two groups containing fifteen animals each: Strategic-Selective Treatment (S-ST) or Conventional Treatment (CT). In the S-ST, calves were treated after coproparasitological examinations according to criteria established previously by the researchers. Calves in the CT were treated according to the opinion of the veterinarian of EF-UFLA. For statistical analysis, the frequency (%) of fecal samples with count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) ≥300, count of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥500 and fecal samples with count of cysts of Giardia spp. ≥1 were conducted. The overall average frequency of fecal samples with EPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 and Giardia spp. cysts ≥1, respectively, was similar (p >0.05) between S-ST (20.3%; 17.3%; and 31.5%) and CT (26.4%; 23.9%; and 37.3%). The effective operational cost, per animal, in 12 months, was of R$ 784.58 (US$ 241.41) and R$ 83.90 (US$ 25.81) in S-ST and CT, respectively. The S-ST requires adjustments to be used as a technically efficient and economically viable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasitosis in female Holstein calves.

Economic evaluation and efficacy of strategic-selective treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy calves / Avaliação econômica e eficácia do tratamento estratégico-seletivo de parasitos gastrointestinais em bezerras leiteiras

Abstract In the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (EF-UFLA), state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, on their day of birth, female Holstein calves were randomly selected and placed into two groups containing fifteen animals each: Strategic-Selective Treatment (S-ST) or Conventional Treatment (CT). In the S-ST, calves were treated after coproparasitological examinations according to criteria established previously by the researchers. Calves in the CT were treated according to the opinion of the veterinarian of EF-UFLA. For statistical analysis, the frequency (%) of fecal samples with count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) ≥300, count of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥500 and fecal samples with count of cysts of Giardia spp. ≥1 were conducted. The overall average frequency of fecal samples with EPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 and Giardia spp. cysts ≥1, respectively, was similar (p >0.05) between S-ST (20.3%; 17.3%; and 31.5%) and CT (26.4%; 23.9%; and 37.3%). The effective operational cost, per animal, in 12 months, was of R$ 784.58 (US$ 241.41) and R$ 83.90 (US$ 25.81) in S-ST and CT, respectively. The S-ST requires adjustments to be used as a technically efficient and economically viable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasitosis in female Holstein calves.

Resumo Na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Federal de Lavras (FE-UFLA), Minas Gerais, Brasil, no dia do nascimento, bezerras da raça holandesa foram sorteadas de forma aleatória para compor um dos dois grupos, formados por 15 animais cada: Tratamento Estratégico-Seletivo (TE-S) ou Tratamento Convencional (TC). No TE-S, as bezerras foram tratadas após exames coproparasitológicos de acordo com critérios previamente estabelecidos pelos pesquisadores. No TC, as bezerras foram tratadas conforme orientação do veterinário da FE-UFLA. Em ambos grupos, as bezerras foram monitoradas a cada 14 dias, do nascimento até os 12 meses de idade, por meio de exames coproparasitológicos. Para análise estatística, considerou-se a frequência (%) de amostras fecais com contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) ≥300, contagem de oocistos por grama de fezes (OoPG) ≥500, e amostras fecais com contagem de cistos de Giardia spp. ≥1. A frequência média global de amostras fecais com contagem de OPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 e cistos de Giardia spp. ≥1, respectivamente, foi similar (p >0,05) entre TE-S (20,3%; 17,3%; e 31,5%) e TC (26,4%; 23,9%; e 37,3%). O custo operacional efetivo, por animal, em 12 meses, foi R$ 784,58 (US$ 241.40) e R$ 83,90 (US$ 25.81) para TE-S e TC, respectivamente. O TE-S necessita de ajustes para que possa ser indicado como uma alternativa, tecnicamente eficiente e economicamente viável, no controle das parasitoses gastrointestinais em bezerras leiteiras.

Metabolic and behavioral effects of ractopamine at continuous low levels in rats under stress

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of ractopamine (RAC) on metabolism, zootechnical performance, body composition, and behavior in Wistar rats submitted to acute and chronic restrain stress. The oral dose of 5 mg/kg of RAC was administered in periods of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The elevated plus-maze test (EPMT) was used for behavioral assessment. Blood, carcass and viscera characteristics were evaluated. Insulin-dependent glucose transporters (GLUT-4) were semi-quantified by Western Blot in epididymal adipocytes. RAC periods associated with chronic stress increased the GLUT-4 protein expression in adipose tissue in a time-dependent manner (P=0.01), i.e., the longer the RAC addition period, the higher the GLUT-4 concentration in chronically stressed animals (0=1.42; 7=1.19; 14=2.03; 21=1.59; 28=2.35). The stress periods combined with RAC increased the time spent in the opened arms of the maze (Chronic stress: 0=10.6; 7=8.7; 14=5.9; 21=12.3; 28=4.0; Acute stress 0=3.1; 7= 4.7; 14=7.5; 21=0.0; 28=2.8) (P=0.04). Chronic (entries on the closed arms [ECA]=3.60) and acute (ECA=3.80) stress reduced locomotive activity in the maze (P=0.03). The results suggested that stress could negatively affect the possible benefits offered by the RAC, mainly impairing the adipose tissue metabolism and behavior in the animals.

Níveis da bacitracina de zinco como melhorador do desempenho de frangos de corte / Levels of zinc bacitracin used to improve the performance of broilers

A utilização de antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática comum na indústria avícola e, no Brasil, seu uso deve ser feito de acordo com os limites determinados pelo Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA).Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho determinar o efeito da utilização da bacitracina de zinco, dentro dos níveis recomendados pelo Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), em dietas para frangos de corte sobre o desempenho de aves e criadas de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos, distribuídos em 10 repetições de 25 pintos machos de corte da linhagem Cobb 500®, totalizando 1250 aves. Os tratamentos experimentais foram constituídos de cinco níveis de inclusão de bacitracina de zinco (0, 10, 25, 40 e 55ppm). As variáveis analisadas foram consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e avaliação econômica das dietas. Para o período total de criação, avaliou-se também a viabilidade dos frangos de corte. A bacitracina de zinco foi eficiente como beneficiador do desempenho de frangos de corte criados no período de 1 a 21, 1 a 35 e 1 a 42 dias. Para o período de 1 a 21 dias, o uso de 55 e 29,3ppm de bacitracina de zinco resultou em menor consumo de ração e maior ganho de peso, respectivamente. No geral, a melhor conversão alimentar foi obtida quando se adicionou 55ppm de bacitracina de zinco na ração de frangos de corte.

The use of growth promoters in the broilers production is a common practice in the poultry industry and its use must be made accordance with limits in Brazil set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA).The main objective of this study was to verify the effect of the use of zinc bacitracin, within the levels recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), in broiler diets for the performance of birds from 1 to 42 days old. We used a randomized design with five treatments in 10 replications of 25 male chicks from Cobb cut 500®, totaling 1250 birds. The treatments consisted of five inclusion levels of zinc bacitracin (0, 10, 25, 40 and 55ppm). The variables studied were feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and economic evaluation of feed. For the breeding period as a whole, this study also evaluated the viability of broilers. Zinc bacitracin was effective as growth promoter of broilers reared during 1 to 21, 1 to 35 and 1 to 42 days. For the period 1-21 days, using 55 and 29.3ppm of zinc bacitracin resulted in a lower feed intake and increased weight gain, respectively. In general, the best feed conversion was obtained when 55ppm of zinc bacitracin was added to the feed of broilers.