Photosynthetic pigments and quantum yield of West Indian cherry under salt stress and NPK combinations.

West Indian cherry cultivation has proved to be an important economic activity in northeastern Brazil. However, irrigation with brackish waters limits cultivation, requiring new strategies to minimize the effect of salt stress. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) combinations on the photosynthetic pigments and quantum yield of West Indian cherry cultivated under salt stress, in the second year of production. The assay was conducted in a protected environment by adopting an experimental design in randomized blocks, with treatments distributed in a 2×10 factorial arrangement referring to two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 and 4.0 dS m-1) and 10 NPK fertilization combinations - FC (80-100-100; 100-100-100; 120-100-100; 140-100-100; 100-80-100; 100-120-100; 100-140-100; 100-100-80; 100-100-120, and 100-100-140% of the recommendation, in the second year of production), with three replications, each consisting of one plant. Irrigation with the electrical conductivity of 4.0 dS m-1 negatively affected the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and the photochemical efficiency of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca. The NPK combinations did not attenuate the effects of salt stress on the analyzed variables. However, the combinations referring to 120-100-100%, 140-100-100%, and 100-120-100% of NPK recommendation improved the quantum yield of photosystem II by reducing the initial fluorescence and increasing the maximum fluorescence of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca.

Morphophysiology and production of bell pepper grown under salt stress and salicylic acid foliar application.

Considering the relevance of bell pepper and the limitations imposed by the deleterious effects of salt stress, especially in semi-arid regions, it is extremely important to establish strategies that can facilitate the use of saline water in vegetable production. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the frequency of foliar application of salicylic acid on the morphophysiology and production of the bell pepper cv. "All Big" irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted at a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design and set up in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications, corresponding to four application frequencies of salicylic acid (F1- No application of salicylic acid, F2 - Weekly application, F3- fortnightly application, and F4- monthly application) and four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-1). The fortnightly application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production components of bell pepper cv. All Big cultivated with ECw of up to 2.4 dS m-1, which reinforces the hypothesis that salicylic acid can act as a signaling molecule and reduce the effects of saline stress in bell pepper, enabling the use of brackish water in agricultural activity, mainly in semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil, which have a shortage of fresh water.

Morphophysiology and production of bell pepper grown under salt stress and salicylic acid foliar application / Morfofisiologia e produção de pimentão cultivado sob estresse salino e aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico

Considering the relevance of bell pepper and the limitations imposed by the deleterious effects of salt stress, especially in semi-arid regions, it is extremely important to establish strategies that can facilitate the use of saline water in vegetable production. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the frequency of foliar application of salicylic acid on the morphophysiology and production of the bell pepper cv. "All Big" irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted at a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design and set up in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications, corresponding to four application frequencies of salicylic acid (F1- No application of salicylic acid, F2 - Weekly application, F3- fortnightly application, and F4- monthly application) and four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-1). The fortnightly application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production components of bell pepper cv. All Big cultivated with ECw of up to 2.4 dS m-1, which reinforces the hypothesis that salicylic acid can act as a signaling molecule and reduce the effects of saline stress in bell pepper, enabling the use of brackish water in agricultural activity, mainly in semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil, which have a shortage of fresh water.

Considerando a relevância da cultura do pimentão e as limitações impostas pelos efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, principalmente em regiões semiáridas, é de suma importância o estabelecimento de estratégias que possam viabilizar o uso de águas salinas na produção de olerícolas. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com o presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da frequência de aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico sobre a morfofisiologia e a produção de pimentão cv. All Big irrigado com águas salinas. O estudo foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande - PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial de 4 × 4, com 3 repetições, sendo quatro frequências de aplicação de ácido salicílico (F1- Sem aplicação de ácido salicílico, F2 - Aplicação semanal, F3- quinzenal e F4- mensal) e quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8, 1,6, 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-1). A aplicação quinzenal de ácido salicílico na concentração de 1,0 mM amenizou os efeitos do estresse salino sobre a morfofisiologia e os componentes de produção do pimentão cv. All Big cultivado com CEa de até 2,4 dS m-1, o que reforça a hipótese que o ácido salicílico pode atuar como uma molécula sinalizadora e reduzir os efeitos do estresse salino no pimentão, viabilizando o uso de água salobra na atividade agrícola, principalmente em regiões semiáridas do nordeste brasileiro, que possui escassez de água doce.

Children's behavioral problems, screen time, and sleep problems' association with negative and positive parenting strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil.

Families' health, safety, and economic stability were jeopardized during the pandemic. Parental stress is a risk factor for hostile and less supportive parenting. Parenting styles are a set of attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to parenting that modulate the child's psychosocial functioning and might impact on the adaptability to a stressful time. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the group differences among children raised by negative and positive parenting families during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We have done an online survey with 329 parents. Parents answer about parenting strategies and styles, children's behavior, Covid related questions, socio-economic information, sleep and gaming disorders. RESULTS: Parents' frequent use of negative strategies were a risk factor to have a negative outcome related to mental health, games, sleep, and children behavior. DISCUSSION: Parenting strategies are some targets pointed in this study for intervention. Parents' styles and strategies training to better manage children might be even more important to avoid negative consequences for children in stressful times.

Methods of aril removal and lightness conditions on seeds physiological quality of sour passion fruits / Métodos de remoção do arilo e condições de luminosidade sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de maracujá azedo

Abstract Passion fruits species presents a larger economic importance for in natura consumption and industry. The main way to propagate these species is by seeds; however, the aril presence and environmental conditions may inhibit the seeds germination. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aril removal methods and light conditions on P. edulis var. flavicarpa seeds quality and germination. There were used five methods to remove the seeds aril: (1) friction on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (2) friction with coarse sand on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (3) immersion in lime solution at 10% (w/v), for 30 minutes; (4) fermentation in sugar solution at 10% (w/v), during 48 hours; and (5) natural pulp fermentation, during five days. The seeds were submitted to germination test at darkness and lightness, as well as, to length seedlings and emergence test. Regardless the aril removal method, the germination percentage was lower at lightness than darkness highlighting the natural pulp fermentation treatment, which presented 86% of seeds germinated. On the other hand, the aril removal methods did not affect the seedlings emergence, with emergence percentages ranged from 88 to 94%.

Resumo As espécies de maracujá apresentam grande importância econômica, tanto para o consumo in natura, quanto para a indústria. A principal maneira de propagar essas espécies é por sementes; contudo, a presença de arilo e condições ambientais pode inibir a germinação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de métodos de remoção do arilo e luminosidade na qualidade e germinação das sementes de Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa. Cinco métodos foram empregados para a remoção do arilo: (1) fricção em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (2) fricção com areia grossa em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (3) imersão em solução de cal a 10% (m/v), por 30 minutos; (4) fermentação da polpa em solução de açúcar a 10% (m/v), por 48 horas; e (5) fermentação natural da polpa, por cinco dias. As sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação no escuro e no claro, teste de comprimento de plântulas e teste de emergência. Independente do método de remoção do arilo, a porcentagem de germinação no claro apresentou-se menor em comparação ao escuro, com destaque para o tratamento de fermentação natural da polpa, o qual apresentou 86% de sementes germinadas. Por outro lado, os métodos de remoção do arilo não afetaram a emergência das plântulas, com porcentagem de emergência variando entre 88 a 94%.

Methods of aril removal and lightness conditions on seeds physiological quality of sour passion fruits.

Passion fruits species presents a larger economic importance for in natura consumption and industry. The main way to propagate these species is by seeds; however, the aril presence and environmental conditions may inhibit the seeds germination. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aril removal methods and light conditions on P. edulis var. flavicarpa seeds quality and germination. There were used five methods to remove the seeds aril: (1) friction on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (2) friction with coarse sand on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (3) immersion in lime solution at 10% (w/v), for 30 minutes; (4) fermentation in sugar solution at 10% (w/v), during 48 hours; and (5) natural pulp fermentation, during five days. The seeds were submitted to germination test at darkness and lightness, as well as, to length seedlings and emergence test. Regardless the aril removal method, the germination percentage was lower at lightness than darkness highlighting the natural pulp fermentation treatment, which presented 86% of seeds germinated. On the other hand, the aril removal methods did not affect the seedlings emergence, with emergence percentages ranged from 88 to 94%.

Methods of aril removal and lightness conditions on seeds physiological quality of sour passion fruits / Métodos de remoção do arilo e condições de luminosidade sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de maracujá azedo

Passion fruits species presents a larger economic importance for in natura consumption and industry. The main way to propagate these species is by seeds; however, the aril presence and environmental conditions may inhibit the seeds germination. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aril removal methods and light conditions on P. edulis var. flavicarpa seeds quality and germination. There were used five methods to remove the seeds aril: (1) friction on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (2) friction with coarse sand on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (3) immersion in lime solution at 10% (w/v), for 30 minutes; (4) fermentation in sugar solution at 10% (w/v), during 48 hours; and (5) natural pulp fermentation, during five days. The seeds were submitted to germination test at darkness and lightness, as well as, to length seedlings and emergence test. Regardless the aril removal method, the germination percentage was lower at lightness than darkness highlighting the natural pulp fermentation treatment, which presented 86% of seeds germinated. On the other hand, the aril removal methods did not affect the seedlings emergence, with emergence percentages ranged from 88 to 94%.(AU)

As espécies de maracujá apresentam grande importância econômica, tanto para o consumo in natura, quanto para a indústria. A principal maneira de propagar essas espécies é por sementes; contudo, a presença de arilo e condições ambientais pode inibir a germinação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de métodos de remoção do arilo e luminosidade na qualidade e germinação das sementes de Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa. Cinco métodos foram empregados para a remoção do arilo: (1) fricção em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (2) fricção com areia grossa em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (3) imersão em solução de cal a 10% (m/v), por 30 minutos; (4) fermentação da polpa em solução de açúcar a 10% (m/v), por 48 horas; e (5) fermentação natural da polpa, por cinco dias. As sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação no escuro e no claro, teste de comprimento de plântulas e teste de emergência. Independente do método de remoção do arilo, a porcentagem de germinação no claro apresentou-se menor em comparação ao escuro, com destaque para o tratamento de fermentação natural da polpa, o qual apresentou 86% de sementes germinadas. Por outro lado, os métodos de remoção do arilo não afetaram a emergência das plântulas, com porcentagem de emergência variando entre 88 a 94%.(AU)

Changes in cardiovascular performance, biochemistry, gastric motility and muscle temperature induced by acute exercise on a treadmill in healthy military dogs.

Changes in physiological parameters that are induced by acute exercise on a treadmill in healthy military dogs have not been thoroughly investigated, especially with regard to age. This study investigated the effects of acute exercise on a treadmill on cardiovascular function, biochemical parameters and gastric antral motility in military dogs. Thermography was used to assess variations in superficial hindlimb muscle temperature. Nine healthy dogs were distributed into three groups according to their age (Group I: 25 ± 7 months; Group II: 51 ± 12 months; Group III: 95 ± 10 months) and sequentially subjected to running exercise on a treadmill for 12 min (3.2 km/h at 0° incline for 4 min, 6.4 km/h at 0° incline for 4 min and 6.4 km/h at 10° incline for 4 min). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), gastric motility, haematocrit and biochemical analyses were performed at rest and after each session of treadmill exercise. Infrared thermographic images of muscles in the pelvic member were taken. Exercise decreased DAP in Group I, increased systolic arterial pressure in Groups II and III and increased mean arterial pressure in Group III (all p < 0.05). After the exercise protocol, plasma creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased only in Group I (p < 0.05). Exercise increased heart rate and decreased the gastric motility of a solid meal at 180 min in all groups (all p < 0.05). Exercise also elevated temperature in the femoral biceps muscles in Group I compared with the older dogs. The results indicate that acute exercise decreased gastric motility in dogs, regardless of age, and caused more pronounced cardiovascular changes in older dogs than in younger dogs. Acute exercise also altered biochemical parameters and superficial hindlimb muscle temperature in younger military dogs.

Comportamento alimentar de vacas Nelore e de seus bezerros puros ou mestiços / Feeding behavior of Nellore cows and their pure or crossbred calves

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do grupo genético do bezerro no comportamento alimentar diurno de mães e suas crias. Foram utilizadas 24 vacas Nelores paridas e seus bezerros, oito Nelores (puros), oito 1/2 Simental 1/2 Nelore e oito 1/2 Red Angus 1/2 Nelore. Avaliaram-se as medidas de frequência e duração das mamadas, tempo de pastejo e ruminação dos bezerros e das vacas. Os bezerros puros mamaram mais frequentemente que os mestiços (3,51 vs. 3,17 vezes/dia), porém com menor duração de mamada (7,37 vs. 7,80 minutos). A frequência de mamadas, a duração de cada mamada e o tempo total de mamadas diminuíram com o aumento da idade do bezerro. Nos bezerros, pastejo e ruminação aumentaram com a idade; entretanto, nas vacas, aumentou o tempo de pastejo e diminuiu o de ruminação com o passar dos dias. Os bezerros mestiços pastaram, em média, 18 minutos a mais que os puros, e os machos 16 minutos a mais que as fêmeas. Os bezerros machos ruminaram, aos 40 dias de idade, 25 minutos a mais que as fêmeas, mas essa diferença diminuiu com a idade e desapareceu por volta dos 220 dias. O comportamento da mãe e de sua cria é influenciado pelo grupo genético desta última.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calf's genetic group on the behavior of dam and calf. We used 24 Nellore dams and their calves, of which eight were Nellore, eight were 1/2Simmental 1/2Nelore and eight 1/2Red Angus 1/2Nellore. Grazing and rumination times, as well as suckling frequency and time, were measured. The straight bred calves suckled more often than the crossbreds (3.51 vs. 3.17 times/day), but their suckling lasted less time (7.37 vs 7.80 minutes). Suckling frequency, suckling length and total time spent suckling decreased as calf age increased. Calf grazing and rumination time increased with age; however, the cows' grazing time increased and rumination time decreased as the days postpartum went by. The crossbred calves grazed, on average, 18 minutes longer than the crossbreds, and the males grazed 16 minutes longer than the females. The male calves grazed, at 40 days of age, 25 minutes longer than the females, but this difference decreased as they grew and disappeared around 220 days. In conclusion, dam and calf behavior are influenced by the calf's genetic group.(AU)

Comportamento alimentar de vacas Nelore e de seus bezerros puros ou mestiços / Feeding behavior of Nellore cows and their pure or crossbred calves

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do grupo genético do bezerro no comportamento alimentar diurno de mães e suas crias. Foram utilizadas 24 vacas Nelores paridas e seus bezerros, oito Nelores (puros), oito 1/2 Simental 1/2 Nelore e oito 1/2 Red Angus 1/2 Nelore. Avaliaram-se as medidas de frequência e duração das mamadas, tempo de pastejo e ruminação dos bezerros e das vacas. Os bezerros puros mamaram mais frequentemente que os mestiços (3,51 vs. 3,17 vezes/dia), porém com menor duração de mamada (7,37 vs. 7,80 minutos). A frequência de mamadas, a duração de cada mamada e o tempo total de mamadas diminuíram com o aumento da idade do bezerro. Nos bezerros, pastejo e ruminação aumentaram com a idade; entretanto, nas vacas, aumentou o tempo de pastejo e diminuiu o de ruminação com o passar dos dias. Os bezerros mestiços pastaram, em média, 18 minutos a mais que os puros, e os machos 16 minutos a mais que as fêmeas. Os bezerros machos ruminaram, aos 40 dias de idade, 25 minutos a mais que as fêmeas, mas essa diferença diminuiu com a idade e desapareceu por volta dos 220 dias. O comportamento da mãe e de sua cria é influenciado pelo grupo genético desta última.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calf's genetic group on the behavior of dam and calf. We used 24 Nellore dams and their calves, of which eight were Nellore, eight were 1/2Simmental 1/2Nelore and eight 1/2Red Angus 1/2Nellore. Grazing and rumination times, as well as suckling frequency and time, were measured. The straight bred calves suckled more often than the crossbreds (3.51 vs. 3.17 times/day), but their suckling lasted less time (7.37 vs 7.80 minutes). Suckling frequency, suckling length and total time spent suckling decreased as calf age increased. Calf grazing and rumination time increased with age; however, the cows' grazing time increased and rumination time decreased as the days postpartum went by. The crossbred calves grazed, on average, 18 minutes longer than the crossbreds, and the males grazed 16 minutes longer than the females. The male calves grazed, at 40 days of age, 25 minutes longer than the females, but this difference decreased as they grew and disappeared around 220 days. In conclusion, dam and calf behavior are influenced by the calf's genetic group.(AU)

Endogenous Progesterone Concentrations Affect Progesterone Release from Intravaginal Devices Used for Oestrous Synchronization in Cattle.

Intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices are largely used both as contraceptives in humans and as a component of oestrous synchronization protocols in cattle. To reduce costs in large-scale timed artificial insemination, the reuse of these releasing devices is common. Passive hormone diffusion, however, depends on the concentration gradient, which could affect the amount of residual progesterone present in these devices after a first use. To evaluate the effect of the presence of a corpus luteum in the release of progesterone from intravaginal devices, three synchronization protocols were designed to simulate the effects of inserting the device in the early dioestrus, late dioestrus or anoestrus. Holstein-Zebu cross-bred heifers were randomly allocated into one of these three treatments, and a series of blood samples was taken to evaluate the plasma progesterone concentrations. After 8 days, the intravaginal devices were removed and underwent a previously validated alcoholic extraction technique to measure the residual progesterone. Non-used devices were used as controls. As expected, the simultaneous presence of the intravaginal device and a corpus luteum resulted in increased plasma progesterone concentrations. Conversely, the amount of residual progesterone in the devices after use was inversely proportional to the plasma progesterone concentration. These results demonstrate that the release rate of progesterone from intravaginal devices is affected by the endogenous concentration of this hormone; consequently, the strategy for reuse should account for the category and expected luteal cyclic activity of the animals undergoing synchronization protocols.

Efficiency of the spermatogenesis in zebu bulls (Bos taurus indicus).

The objective of the research was to evaluate the efficiency of the spermatogenesis through the morphology of the testicular parenchyma in bulls of different zebu breeds. We used testicular fragments from bull of the breeds Nelore (n = 10), Polled Nelore (n = 6), Gyr (n = 5), Guzerat (n = 5) and Tabapuã (n = 5). The tissue was perfused with Karnovsky solution, included in glycol methacrylate and stained with toluidine blue-sodium borate 1%. Animals of the Nelore breed presented higher population of primary spermatocyte in pre-leptotene/leptotene (38.30) and in pachytene (38.14) and round spermatids (113.30), higher yield of spermatogonia mitosis (21.2) and higher daily spermatic production per gram of testicular parenchyma (32.8 × 10(6) ) than those from breeds Gyr, Guzerat and Tabapuã and higher general yield of spermatogenesis (62.4) than breeds Gyr and Tabapuã. There was no significant difference in any of the evaluated parameters between breeds Nelore and Polled Nelore. The rate of Sertoli cells did not vary between the studied breeds. Apparently, the genetic selection applied to the breeds has been improving the yield in the spermatogenic process by decreasing cellular loss, although it did not increase the support capacity of the Sertoli cells.

Qualidade seminal, morfologia dos testículos e epidídimos de touros submetidos à dieta contendo gossipol / Seminal quality, testicle and epididymis morphology of bulls fed a diet containing gossypol

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da ingestão de gossipol livre sobre a qualidade espermática e a morfologia dos testículos e dos epidídimos de touros da raça Nelore. Doze touros receberam dieta contendo 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (caroço de algodão) (Grupo 1, n=6) e dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2, n=6), respectivamente. Foram realizadas coletas de sêmen no início e no final do experimento, que teve duração de 73 dias. Ao final do estudo, foram retirados os testículos e os epidídimos dos touros para se estudar o efeito do gossipol livre sobre as características histológicas. O consumo médio de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (média 7,1mg de gossipol livre/kg/dia) reduziu a motilidade e a concentração espermática e aumentou a porcentagem de defeitos espermáticos maiores e totais. Além disso, os animais apresentaram testículos com túbulos seminíferos de menor espessura de parede, menor número de camadas de células espermatogênicas, menor espessura do epitélio epididimário e menor número de espermatozoide no interior dos ductos epidídimários, em relação aos animais com dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2). O consumo de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia acarretou alterações na morfologia e na morfometria dos testículos e dos epidídimos e reduziu a qualidade espermática dos touros.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the effect of intake of free gossypol on sperm quality and morphology of the testicles and epididymis of Nelore bulls. Twelve bulls were fed diets containing 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (cottonseed) (Group 1, n = 6) and a diet free of gossypol (Group 2, n = 6), respectively. Semen samples were collected in the beginning and end of the experiment which lasted 73 days. In the end of the study the testes and epididymis of bulls were removed to study the effect of free gossypol on histological characteristics. The average consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (mean 7.1mg of free gossypol/kg/day) reduced motility and sperm concentration and increased the percentage of major and total sperm defects, as well as the animals showing testes with seminiferous tubules of smaller thickness, fewer layers of spermatogenic lineage cells, smaller epididymal epithelium thickness and smaller number of sperm within the epididymal ducts, compared to animals with a diet free of gossypol (Group 2). The consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day led to changes in morphology and morphometry of the testes and epididymis and reduced sperm quality of bulls.(AU)

Qualidade seminal, morfologia dos testículos e epidídimos de touros submetidos à dieta contendo gossipol / Seminal quality, testicle and epididymis morphology of bulls fed a diet containing gossypol

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da ingestão de gossipol livre sobre a qualidade espermática e a morfologia dos testículos e dos epidídimos de touros da raça Nelore. Doze touros receberam dieta contendo 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (caroço de algodão) (Grupo 1, n=6) e dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2, n=6), respectivamente. Foram realizadas coletas de sêmen no início e no final do experimento, que teve duração de 73 dias. Ao final do estudo, foram retirados os testículos e os epidídimos dos touros para se estudar o efeito do gossipol livre sobre as características histológicas. O consumo médio de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (média 7,1mg de gossipol livre/kg/dia) reduziu a motilidade e a concentração espermática e aumentou a porcentagem de defeitos espermáticos maiores e totais. Além disso, os animais apresentaram testículos com túbulos seminíferos de menor espessura de parede, menor número de camadas de células espermatogênicas, menor espessura do epitélio epididimário e menor número de espermatozoide no interior dos ductos epidídimários, em relação aos animais com dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2). O consumo de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia acarretou alterações na morfologia e na morfometria dos testículos e dos epidídimos e reduziu a qualidade espermática dos touros.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of intake of free gossypol on sperm quality and morphology of the testicles and epididymis of Nelore bulls. Twelve bulls were fed diets containing 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (cottonseed) (Group 1, n = 6) and a diet free of gossypol (Group 2, n = 6), respectively. Semen samples were collected in the beginning and end of the experiment which lasted 73 days. In the end of the study the testes and epididymis of bulls were removed to study the effect of free gossypol on histological characteristics. The average consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (mean 7.1mg of free gossypol/kg/day) reduced motility and sperm concentration and increased the percentage of major and total sperm defects, as well as the animals showing testes with seminiferous tubules of smaller thickness, fewer layers of spermatogenic lineage cells, smaller epididymal epithelium thickness and smaller number of sperm within the epididymal ducts, compared to animals with a diet free of gossypol (Group 2). The consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day led to changes in morphology and morphometry of the testes and epididymis and reduced sperm quality of bulls.

The use of a self-expandable aortic stent to incarcerate microcoils and to create a favourable infrarenal neck in an unusual case of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of an emergency high-risk patient with a pararenal aortic aneurysm. REPORT: Our patient had a pararenal aneurysm with two components: a wide-neck saccular aneurysm below the left renal artery and a fusiform aneurysm. A self-expandable aortic stent was deployed covering both renal arteries, the saccular aneurysm was embolised with microcoils and a bifurcated aortic endograft was anchored inside the aortic stent. The aortic stent imprisoned the microcoils and avoided proximal type I endoleak. The tomography done 15 months after the procedure showed no endoleaks. DISCUSSION: A self-expandable aortic stent can provide an alternative for emergency high-risk patients with pararenal aortic aneurysms.

Hypoosmotic swelling test in young Nelore bulls classified as sound and unsound for breeding

This work aimed to study the correlations between the physical characteristics of semen, sperm morphology and the biochemical integrity of the plasmatic membrane of raw sperm in young Nelore bulls (Bos taurus indicus). A total of 420 bulls between 18 and 22 months of age were examined for breeding soundness according to the criteria established by the Brazilian College of Animal Reproduction. After physical and morphological evaluation, semen was tested with a hypoosmotic test. To accomplish this, 10 µl of fresh semen was incubated in 1 ml of hypoosmotic solution (150 mOsm/kg) for 60 min at 37°C. After the breeding soundness evaluation, 83% (350/420) of the bulls were classified as sound for breeding. There were no significant differences between the mean testicular biometry, scrotal circumference and the percentage of spermatozoa reactive to the hypoosmotic test (43.9 ± 21.1% vs. 43.6 ± 19.3%) in bulls classified as sound and unsound for breeding (P > 0.05), although there were significant differences between the averages for all physical and morphological aspects of the sperm between the two groups (P 0.05). In this study, the hypoosmotic test was not an efficient predictor of the reproductive potential of young Nelore bulls.

Hypoosmotic swelling test in young Nelore bulls classified as sound and unsound for breeding

This work aimed to study the correlations between the physical characteristics of semen, sperm morphology and the biochemical integrity of the plasmatic membrane of raw sperm in young Nelore bulls (Bos taurus indicus). A total of 420 bulls between 18 and 22 months of age were examined for breeding soundness according to the criteria established by the Brazilian College of Animal Reproduction. After physical and morphological evaluation, semen was tested with a hypoosmotic test. To accomplish this, 10 µl of fresh semen was incubated in 1 ml of hypoosmotic solution (150 mOsm/kg) for 60 min at 37°C. After the breeding soundness evaluation, 83% (350/420) of the bulls were classified as sound for breeding. There were no significant differences between the mean testicular biometry, scrotal circumference and the percentage of spermatozoa reactive to the hypoosmotic test (43.9 ± 21.1% vs. 43.6 ± 19.3%) in bulls classified as sound and unsound for breeding (P > 0.05), although there were significant differences between the averages for all physical and morphological aspects of the sperm between the two groups (P < 0.05). The hypoosmotic test did not correlate with the main characteristics of semen quality (P > 0.05). In this study, the hypoosmotic test was not an efficient predictor of the reproductive potential of young Nelore bulls.(AU)

Comparative in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the indole alkaloids ellipticine, olivacine, cryptolepine and a synthetic cryptolepine analog.

Indole alkaloids ellipticine (1), cryptolepine triflate (2a), rationally designed 11-(4-piperidinamino)cryptolepine hydrogen dichloride (2b) and olivacine (3) (an isomer of 1) were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. 1-3 inhibited P. falciparum (IC50≤1.4 µM, order of activity: 2b>1>2a>3). In vitro toxicity to murine macrophages was evaluated and revealed selectivity indices (SI) of 10-12 for 2a and SI>2.8×10² for 1, 2b and 3. 1 administered orally at 50mg/kg/day was highly active against P. berghei (in vivo inhibition compared to untreated control (IVI)=100%, mean survival time (MST)>40 days, comparable activity to chloroquine control). 1 administered orally and subcutaneously was active at 10 mg/kg/day (IVI=70-77%; MST=27-29 days). 3 exhibited high oral activity at ≥50 mg/kg/day (IVI=90-97%, MST=23-27 days). Cryptolepine (2a) administered orally and subcutaneously exhibited moderate activity at 50mg/kg/day (IVI=43-63%, MST=24-25 days). At 50 mg/kg/day, 2b administered subcutaneously was lethal to infected mice (MST=3 days) and moderately active when administered orally (IVI=45-55%, MST=25 days). 1 and 3 are promising compounds for development of antimalarials.

Novel insights into the development of atherosclerosis in hemophilia A mouse models.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases in aging people with hemophilia (PWH) represent a growing concern. The underlying hypocoagulability probably provides a protective effect against acute thrombus formation, but the limited data available show no preventive effect against the development of atherogenesis in PWH. Atherosclerosis-prone mice are attractive tools for the study of atherosclerosis development, and may provide insights into disease progression in PWH. METHODS: Severe hemophilia A (factor VIII-deficient [FVIII(o)]) mice were crossed with mice lacking apolipoprotein E (ApoE(-/-)) or mice lacking the LDL receptor (LDLR(-/-)), and then compared to hemostatically normal littermate controls. After mice had received atherogenic diets for 8, 22 or 37 weeks, atherosclerotic lesion size and phenotypic characterization were analyzed in the aortic sinus and whole aortas. RESULTS: ApoE(-/-)/FVIII(o) mice showed a time-dependent protective effect against the development of atherosclerosis, beginning after 22 diet-weeks and persisting to 37 diet-weeks in both the aorta sinus and whole aorta as compared with ApoE(-/-) mice. Notably, the FVIII deficiency did not influence the progression of atherosclerosis in the FVIII(o)/LDLR(-/-) model as compared with controls at early or late time points. CONCLUSIONS: Hypocoagulability ameliorates vascular disease in the ApoE-deficient model in a lipid-independent manner. Interestingly, FVIII deficiency did not affect the development of atherosclerosis in LDLR(-/-) mice. In contrast to the ApoE model, the LDLR model resembles the lipid profile that is commonly observed in humans with atherosclerosis. These findings, to a certain extent, support the notion of atherosclerosis development in the complete absence of FVIII.

Evaluation of the host response to endotoxemia of FVIII and FIX deficient mice.

For several years, coagulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, results from clinical trials with natural anticoagulants, as well as studies with knock-out mice for specific coagulation factors yielded conflicting results on the role of coagulation in the pathogenesis of sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of severe The factor VIII:C (FVIII:C) and factor IX:C (FIX:C) deficiency on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine model of sepsis. FVIII:C and FIX:C deficient mice, and their haemostatic normal littermate controls were challenged with LPS, and several parameters of the host response were evaluated: seven-day survival experiments were performed using two dose levels of LPS; biochemical and histological markers of tissue damage, coagulation parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated at baseline and after 3 h and 6 h after an injection of LPS. Severe FVIII and FIX deficiency were compatible with normal survival in experimental sepsis. In addition, LPS-induced tissue damage and coagulation activation were similar in FVIII or FIX deficient mice compared to their respective controls. A lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in FIX but not in FVIII deficient mice. Severe FIX or FVIII deficiency does not protect mice from mortality or from tissue damage in the endotoxemia model, supporting the hypothesis that FVIII and FIX are not critical to the pathogenesis of experimental sepsis.