The SNP rs13147758 in the HHIP Gene Is Associated With COPD Susceptibility, Serum, and Sputum Protein Levels in Smokers.

BACKGROUND: Genetic association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) susceptibility. The aim of this study was to identify HHIP genetic variants associated with COPD, pulmonary function, and serum and sputum HHIP protein levels in Mexican mestizo smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Association analysis was performed by carrying out a case-control study in Mexican mestizo smokers comprised of two groups: tobacco-smoking subjects with COPD (COPD-TS, n = 222) and smokers without COPD (SWOC, n = 333). We evaluated three SNPs (rs13147758, rs1828591, and rs13118928) in the HHIP gene. Allele discrimination was accomplished by qPCR using TaqMan probes, and determination of protein levels in the serum and sputum supernatants (SS) was performed using ELISA. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in the rs13147758 GG genotype (adjusted p = 0.014, OR = 1.95) and the rs13147758-rs1828591 GA haplotype (p = 6.6E-06, OR = 2.65) in the case-control comparison. HHIP protein levels were elevated in SS samples from the COPD-TS group compared to those from the SWOC group (p = 0.03). Based on genotype analysis, HHIP protein levels were lower in the serum samples of rs13147758 GG genotype carriers in the COPD-TS group than in the serum samples of rs13147758 GG genotype carriers from the SWOC group (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in the sputum samples. CONCLUSION: The rs13147758 GG genotype and the rs13147758-rs1828591 GA haplotype are associated with susceptibility to COPD. Furthermore, an association in protein levels was observed between the HHIP rs13147758 genotype and COPD in Mexican mestizo smokers.

Transcriptional Activity and Protein Levels of Horizontally Acquired Genes in Yeast Reveal Hallmarks of Adaptation to Fermentative Environments.

In the past decade, the sequencing of large cohorts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains has revealed a landscape of genomic regions acquired by Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT). The genes acquired by HGT play important roles in yeast adaptation to the fermentation process, improving nitrogen and carbon source utilization. However, the functional characterization of these genes at the molecular level has been poorly attended. In this work, we carried out a systematic analysis of the promoter activity and protein level of 30 genes contained in three horizontally acquired regions commonly known as regions A, B, and C. In three strains (one for each region), we used the luciferase reporter gene and the mCherry fluorescent protein to quantify the transcriptional and translational activity of these genes, respectively. We assayed the strains generated in four different culture conditions; all showed low levels of transcriptional and translational activity across these environments. However, we observed an increase in protein levels under low nitrogen culture conditions, suggesting a possible role of the horizontally acquired genes in the adaptation to nitrogen-limited environments. Furthermore, since the strains carrying the luciferase reporter gene are null mutants for the horizontally acquired genes, we assayed growth parameters (latency time, growth rate, and efficiency) and the fermentation kinetics in this set of deletion strains. The results showed that single deletion of 20 horizontally acquired genes modified the growth parameters, whereas the deletion of five of them altered the maximal CO2 production rate (Vmax). Interestingly, we observed a correlation between growth parameters and Vmax for an ORF within region A, encoding an ortholog to a thiamine (vitamin B1) transporter whose deletion decreased the growth rate, growth efficiency, and CO2 production. Altogether, our results provided molecular and phenotypic evidence highlighting the importance of horizontally acquired genes in yeast adaptation to fermentative environments.

Protein and mRNA detection of classic cytokines in corresponding samples of serum, gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid from subjects with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the correspondence of cytokines detected among the different biological matrices used in periodontal research and whether locally-detected cytokine mRNA can also be identified at the translated protein level. The aims of this study were to compare: (a) the detection of classic cytokines at protein level in corresponding samples of serum, gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in subjects with periodontitis and (b) the detection of cytokines at protein level in GCF and tissue with their detection at mRNA level in tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Protein concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in corresponding samples of GCF, gingival tissue and serum from 125 subjects with chronic periodontitis by multiplex immunoassay. The mRNA levels of these cytokines were evaluated in the same gingival tissue by qPCR. RESULTS: The mean protein concentrations of IL-1ß and TNF-α were higher in tissue and GCF than in serum (P < 0.05). The mean protein concentration of IL-6 was higher in tissue, followed by serum and GCF, respectively (P < 0.05). Using serum as the gold standard, detection of IL-1ß in GCF and IL-6 in tissue had the highest sensitivity (100%), while detection of IL-6 in the GCF had the lowest sensitivity (77.9%). Using tissue as the gold standard, the detection sensitivities of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were 93.6%, 78.4% and 94.2%, respectively, in GCF. Using mRNA as the gold standard, the detection of IL-1ß and IL-6 at the protein level in tissue (100.0%) had the highest sensitivity, while the detection of IL-6 in GCF (77.9%) had the lowest sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Tissue and GCF exhibited overall higher protein concentrations of cytokines than serum. GCF presented good reliability for identifying the target cytokines at protein level, when compared with detecting tissue cytokines at protein level. GCF and tissue presented high sensitivities for detecting cytokines at the protein level, when compared with detecting tissue cytokines at the mRNA level. The sensitivity for the identification of cytokines in the GCF depended on the target cytokine, where IL-6 was the least likely cytokine to be detected in this matrix.

Effects of Protein in Diet and Sex Ratio on Egg Production, Egg and Hatching Chick Weight, Fertility, Hatchability and Embryonal Mortality in Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

This study was performed to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) in diet and sex ratio on egg production, egg and hatching chick weight and hatchability traits in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus). In this study, the treatment groups were constructed as 15% CP-5:1; 15% CP-7:1; 18% CP-5:1; 18% CP-7:1 for CP and sex (male:female) ratio respectively. The eggs were obtained from 48 weeks old pheasant. In this study, it was determined that there was positive effective on egg production, egg and hatching weight and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) for 18% CP. In contrast, fertility (FR) (p 0.05) and hatchability rate of total eggs (HR) (p>0.05), EPEM (p>0.05) and MPEM (p>0.05) tended to decrease with increasing CP. It was found that there was egg production, egg (p>0.05) and hatching weight (p>0.05), FR (p>0.05), HR (p>0.05) and HFE (p>0.05) increased with increasing female for sex ratio. In terms of embryonic mortality, the EPEM (p>0.05) and LPEM (p>0.05) rate decreased with increasing female. For protein levels × sex ratio, it was found that hatchability traits were adversely affected for 15% CP-1:7. Also, it was determined that the lowest EPEM, MPEM and LPEM were determined for 7:1 in 18% CP group. Based on these results, to improve hatchability traits and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial to use 15% CP-5:1 or 18% CP-7:1 for pheasant breeding.

Effects of Protein in Diet and Sex Ratio on Egg Production, Egg and Hatching Chick Weight, Fertility, Hatchability and Embryonal Mortality in Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

This study was performed to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) in diet and sex ratio on egg production, egg and hatching chick weight and hatchability traits in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus). In this study, the treatment groups were constructed as 15% CP-5:1; 15% CP-7:1; 18% CP-5:1; 18% CP-7:1 for CP and sex (male:female) ratio respectively. The eggs were obtained from 48 weeks old pheasant. In this study, it was determined that there was positive effective on egg production, egg and hatching weight and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) for 18% CP. In contrast, fertility (FR) (p 0.05) and hatchability rate of total eggs (HR) (p>0.05), EPEM (p>0.05) and MPEM (p>0.05) tended to decrease with increasing CP. It was found that there was egg production, egg (p>0.05) and hatching weight (p>0.05), FR (p>0.05), HR (p>0.05) and HFE (p>0.05) increased with increasing female for sex ratio. In terms of embryonic mortality, the EPEM (p>0.05) and LPEM (p>0.05) rate decreased with increasing female. For protein levels × sex ratio, it was found that hatchability traits were adversely affected for 15% CP-1:7. Also, it was determined that the lowest EPEM, MPEM and LPEM were determined for 7:1 in 18% CP group. Based on these results, to improve hatchability traits and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial to use 15% CP-5:1 or 18% CP-7:1 for pheasant breeding.(AU)

Effect of supplementation of beef cattle with different protein levels and degradation rates during transition from the dry to rainy season.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing the supply of protein with different degradation rates on the performance and metabolism of growing Nellore cattle reared on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the transition period from the dry to rainy season. The experiment was installed on an area of 34 ha, divided into 12 paddocks with an average area of 2.85 ha. In the performance evaluation were utilized 72 recently weaned, non-castrated Nellore cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 199 kg (SEM = 16). The following supplements were used: energy protein supplement containing 25% crude protein (CP) (C-25) and energy protein supplements containing 40% CP with one third highly degradable CP and two thirds poorly degradable CP (40-1/3NPN), one half highly degradable CP and one half poorly degradable CP (40-1/2NPN), and two thirds highly degradable CP and one third poorly degradable CP (40-2/3NPN). Higher protein degradation rates reduced supplement intake (P < 0.01). In the first period, animals consuming supplement 40-1/3NPN exhibited higher average daily gain (ADG) (0.30 kg/day), similar to that of animals receiving supplement 40-1/2NPN (P = 0.04). In the second period, supplement 40-2/3NPN resulted in lower ADG (0.19 kg/day less than the other supplements). There was no effect of supplement on animal performance in the third period (P > 0.10), when ADG was 0.56 kg/day. In conclusion, the response to supplementation is associated with interactions with characteristics of the forage canopy. Supplementation with a true protein source will be beneficial only during the early stage of the dry-rainy season transition period.

Gpn1 and Gpn3 associate tightly and their protein levels are mutually dependent in mammalian cells.

Gpn1 and Gpn3 are GTPases individually required for nuclear targeting of RNA polymerase II. Here we show that whereas Gpn3-EYFP distributed between the cytoplasm and cell nucleus, it was mainly cytoplasmic when coexpressed with Gpn1-Flag. Gpn3-Flag retained Gpn1-EYFP in the cytoplasm. However, Gpn3-EYFP/Gpn1-Flag nucleocytoplasmic shuttling was revealed after inhibiting nuclear export with leptomycin B. All Gpn3-EYFP coimmunoprecipitated with Gpn1-Flag, and all Gpn1-EYFP with Gpn3-Flag. Importantly, most endogenous Gpn1 and Gpn3 also associate. Gpn1-Gpn3 interaction was essential to maintain steady-state protein levels of both GTPases. We propose that most Gpn1 and Gpn3 associate, are mobilized, and function as a protein complex.

Utilização do conceito de proteína ideal para perus de corte fêmea: desempenho, retenção de nitrogênio corporal e excreção de nitrogênio / Using the concepto of ideal protein for turkeys cutting female: performance, nitrogen retention and excretion of body nitrogen

Avaliaram-se diferentes níveis de proteína bruta para perus de corte fêmeas, utilizando-se 576 aves de zero a 84 dias (Experimento I), 550 aves de 28 a 56 dias (Experimento II) e 550 aves dos 57 aos 84 dias de idade (Experimento III). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e seis repetições. Nos três experimentos, as dietas dos tratamentos eram isoenergéticas, sendo à base de milho e farelo de soja, a suplementação dos aminoácidos foram realizadas, quando necessário. No Experimento I, a fase inicial recebeu tratamentos correspondentes aos níveis 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 e 28% de PB, em dietas com 3020 kcal de EM/kg. Nas duas fases seguintes (fase de ganho compensatório) as dietas foram de 26 e 23% de PB e com 3100 e 3250 de EM/kg para as fases de crescimento e final, respectivamente. No Experimento II, os tratamentos corresponderam aos níveis de 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 e 26% de PB, em dietas com 3100 de EM/kg. No Experimento III, os níveis para os tratamentos foram: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 e 22% de PB, com 3250 de EM/kg. As variáveis avaliadas foram ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, composição e deposição de nutrientes corporais, e na fase final (do primeiro e terceiro experimento) as características e rendimento de cortes na carcaça. Na fase inicial, do Experimento I, os níveis de PB dietéticos influenciaram o consumo de ração, consumo de PB e excreção de nitrogênio, constatando-se resposta (P0,05), o nível de 26% foi estabelecido como melhor nível para desempenho e deposição de nutrientes nesta fase. Foram encontradas respostas no desempenho, excreção de nitrogênio e composição química, no experimento III, apenas a viabilidade não foi influenciada pelo nível de PB, todas as outras variáveis obtiveram resposta linear decrescente (P<0,05). Para as variáveis de rendimento de abate, houve resposta linear para o rendimento de carcaça (P<0,01) e quadrática para rendimento de peito e peito sem pele e osso, permitindo uma redução para 17% de PB na fase final. Essas informações obtidas nos três experimentos confirmam que a redução de PB pode ser feita sem prejudicar o desempenho e a deposição protéica, reduzindo a excreção de nitrogênio

Was evaluated at different levels of crude protein for female turkeys, using 576 birds from zero to 84 days (Experiment I), 550 birds 28-56 days (Experiment II) and from 57 to 550 birds 84 days (Experiment III). The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and six repetitions. In three experiments, the diets were isocaloric treatments, being based on corn and soybean meal supplementation of amino acids were supplemented when necessary. In Experiment I, the initial treatment received corresponding to levels 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28% CP in diets with 3020 kcal / kg. In the next two phases (phase of compensatory growth) diets were 26 and 23% CP and 3100 and 3250 / kg for the grower and finisher phases, respectively. In Experiment II, the treatments were to levels 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26% CP in diets with 3,100 / kg. In Experiment III, levels for the treatments were: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22% CP with 3,250 / kg. The parameters evaluated were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, composition and body nutrient deposition, and the final stage (the first and third experiment) the characteristics and yield of the carcass. In the initial phase of Experiment I, the levels of dietary CP influenced feed intake, CP intake and nitrogen excretion, we noted the response (P 0.05), the level of 26% was established as a better standard for performance and nutrient deposition at this stage. Responses were found in performance, nitrogen excretion and composition in experiment III, only the viability was not affected by CP level, all other variables had decreased linearly (P <0.05). Variables of income for the slaughter, linear response to the carcass (P <0.01) and quadratic for breast meat yield and breast without skin and bone, allowing a reduction to 17% CP in the finals. This information obtained from the three experiments confirm that the reduction of CP can be done without sacrificing performance and protein deposition, reducing nitrogen excretion

Desempenho produtivo de três linhagens de tilápia-do-Nilo(Oreochromis niloticus) alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína / Productive performance of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) lines feed with two protein levels

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o desempenho produtivo de três linhagens de tilápia-do-Nilo Oreochromis niloticus, alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína bruta (25 e 30%). As linhagens estudadas foram Bouaké (BOU), Chitralada (CHI) e GIFT. Os peixes foram marcados individualmente e alojados em dois viveiros de terra de 140 m2 cada, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, utilizando três linhagens e dois níveis de proteína bruta, sendo cada indivíduo uma repetição. A qualidade da água manteve-se adequada para a espécie. Das linhagens estudadas, GIFT apresentou melhor desempenho para ganho de peso e comprimento total, altura, largura e peso final, rendimento e peso de filé, independente das condições de cultivo. Esta superioridade às linhagens não melhoradas pode ser conferida ao melhoramento genético da linhagem. As tilápias alimentadas com 25% PB superaram em 51,0% (BOU), 47,0% (CHI) e 58,0% (GIF) o peso daquelas alimentados com 30% PB. Os resultados obtidos sugerem menor necessidade de PB para tilápias na fase de terminação e alerta para o valor biológico dos ingredientes das rações.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) lines, fed with two crude protein levels (25 and 30%). The lines studied were Bouaké (BOU), Chitralada (CHI) and GIFT. The fish were individually marked and housed in two land nurseries with 140 m2 each, in a completely randomized design using three lineages and two levels of crude protein, with each individual counting as one replication. The water quality remained appropriate for the species. With regard to the lines studied, GIFT had the best performance for weight gain and total length, height, final width and weight, fillet yield and weight, regardless of culture conditions. This superiority to nonimproved lines can be attributed to the breeding line. The tilapia fed with 25% CP exceeded in 51.0% (BOU), 47.0% (CHI) and 58.0% (GIF) the weight of those fed with 30% CP. The results suggest less need of CP for tilapia in the finishing phase and alert to the biological value of feed ingredients.(AU)

Desempenho produtivo de três linhagens de tilápia-do-Nilo(Oreochromis niloticus) alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína / Productive performance of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) lines feed with two protein levels

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o desempenho produtivo de três linhagens de tilápia-do-Nilo Oreochromis niloticus, alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína bruta (25 e 30%). As linhagens estudadas foram Bouaké (BOU), Chitralada (CHI) e GIFT. Os peixes foram marcados individualmente e alojados em dois viveiros de terra de 140 m2 cada, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, utilizando três linhagens e dois níveis de proteína bruta, sendo cada indivíduo uma repetição. A qualidade da água manteve-se adequada para a espécie. Das linhagens estudadas, GIFT apresentou melhor desempenho para ganho de peso e comprimento total, altura, largura e peso final, rendimento e peso de filé, independente das condições de cultivo. Esta superioridade às linhagens não melhoradas pode ser conferida ao melhoramento genético da linhagem. As tilápias alimentadas com 25% PB superaram em 51,0% (BOU), 47,0% (CHI) e 58,0% (GIF) o peso daquelas alimentados com 30% PB. Os resultados obtidos sugerem menor necessidade de PB para tilápias na fase de terminação e alerta para o valor biológico dos ingredientes das rações.

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) lines, fed with two crude protein levels (25 and 30%). The lines studied were Bouaké (BOU), Chitralada (CHI) and GIFT. The fish were individually marked and housed in two land nurseries with 140 m2 each, in a completely randomized design using three lineages and two levels of crude protein, with each individual counting as one replication. The water quality remained appropriate for the species. With regard to the lines studied, GIFT had the best performance for weight gain and total length, height, final width and weight, fillet yield and weight, regardless of culture conditions. This superiority to nonimproved lines can be attributed to the breeding line. The tilapia fed with 25% CP exceeded in 51.0% (BOU), 47.0% (CHI) and 58.0% (GIF) the weight of those fed with 30% CP. The results suggest less need of CP for tilapia in the finishing phase and alert to the biological value of feed ingredients.

Importância do exame do liquor de controle em meningite bacteriana como critério de alta / Importance of cerebrospinal fluid control tests in bacterial meningitis cases as a discharge criterion

Há controvérsias sobre indicação do exame do liquor de controle em pacientes recuperados clinicamente de meningite bacteriana como critério de cura. Alguns autores defendem alta hospitalar após normalização clínica e liqüórica, outros que a análise do liquor não se justifica em todos os pacientes. Esta série de casos com comparação de grupos investiga alterações no exame liqüórico de controle e avalia a importância do exame na decisão da alta. De 297 pacientes estudados, em 89,9 por cento, o liquor de controle não mudou a intenção de alta (liquor resolutivo), já em 10,1 por cento a alta foi suspensa (liquor não-resolutivo). Destes, o esquema antibiótico foi trocado em 30 por cento. Entre as variáveis que pudessem ser preditivas de liquor não-resolutivo, à admissão, proteinorraquia maior que 100mg/dL (p=0,04) e glicorraquia menor ou igual a 20mg/dL (p=0,03) associaram-se a chance 2,5 vezes maior, podendo ser úteis como critérios para indicar exame do liquor como controle de cura para alta.

There is controversy regarding indications for cerebrospinal fluid control tests on patients who have clinically recovered from bacterial meningitis, as a cure criterion. Some authors advocate discharge after confirmation of clinical and cerebrospinal fluid normalization, while others maintain that cerebrospinal fluid analysis is not justified in all cases. This case series with group comparisons investigated changes seen in cerebrospinal fluid control tests and evaluated the importance of this for the discharge decision. Out of 297 patients studied, the cerebrospinal fluid control test did not change the discharge intention in 89.9 percent of the cases (healed cerebrospinal fluid), while in 10.1 percent, the discharge was suspended (non-healed cerebrospinal fluid). Of these, the antibiotic scheme was changed in 30 percent. Among the variables that might predict the presence of non-healed cerebrospinal fluid on admission, cerebrospinal fluid protein levels higher than 100mg/dl (p = 0.04) and glycorrhachia lower than or equal to 20 mg/dl (p = 0.03) were associated with a 2.5-times greater chance. These may be useful as criteria for indicating cerebrospinal fluid control tests before discharge.

Avaliação Macroscópica e Morfométrica do Oviduto de Codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Quando Alimentadas com Diferentes Níveis de Proteína

The twelve domestic quail used in this study were divided into three groups, each with four birds. The groups received each a different treatment using standard feed containing three different levels of protein (16%, 20% and 24%). The treatments were continued for a period of fifteen weeks, after which the quails were immediately weighed and then killed. After opening the abdominal cavity and eviscerating the gastrointestinal tract, the ovaries and oviducts were dissected and weighed. Using a packymeter, the different parts of the oviducts were measured: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina. The number of folds present in the magnum and the isthmus were evaluated. Histologic sections of the magnum, isthmus and uterus were used to measure the thickness of their epithelial and glandular layers. The data obtained was statistically analysed using a Variance analysis (entirely casual distribution). It was concluded that there were no significative differences on body weight, ovary weigth, oviduct weigth and between the lengths of the different parts of the oviduct as well as regarding the number of folds in the magnum and the isthmus. It was concluded that there was significative differences were also found regarding the thickness of the epithelial layer of the isthmus in the birds treated with the feed containing 20% protein. Moreover there was a significative difference between the thickness of the glandular layer of the magnum, the isthmus and that of the uterus in the birds treated with 24% protein feed when compared to the quails that were given a 16% and 20% protein feed. Diet with 24% protein increased the glandular layer thickness of the magnum, isthmus and uterus that it could result in improvement in the weight of the eggs and in the shell quality.

Foram utilizadas doze codornas domésticas, divididas em três grupos de quatro aves cada. As aves receberam rações padronizadas contendo 16%, 20% e 24% de proteína, sendo alimentadas por um período de quinze semanas, quando foram pesadas e sacrificadas imediatamente. Após a abertura da cavidade abdominal e evisceração do trato gastrointestinal, os ovários e ovidutos foram dissecados e pesados. Com o auxílio de um paquímetro mediu-se o comprimento das partes do oviduto: infundíbulo, magno, istmo, útero e vagina e avaliou-se o número de pregas do magno e do istmo. Foram realizados cortes histológicos do magno, istmo e útero onde se obteve medidas das espessuras das camadas epitelial e glandular. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) e observou-se que não houve diferenças significativas no peso corporal, peso do ovário, do oviduto e nos comprimentos das partes do oviduto bem como no número de pregas do magno e ístmo. Verificou-se diferenças significavas na espessura da camada epitelial do istmo de aves alimentadas com 20% de proteína na ração. Além disso, houve diferenças significativas na espessura da camada glandular do magno, istmo e útero das aves alimentadas com 24% de proteína na ração em relação às aves que receberam 16% e 20% de proteína. O nível de 24% de proteína aumentou a espessura da camada glandular do magno, ístmo e útero o que poderia resultar em melhoria no peso dos ovos e na espessura da casca.

Avaliação Macroscópica e Morfométrica do Oviduto de Codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Quando Alimentadas com Diferentes Níveis de Proteína

The twelve domestic quail used in this study were divided into three groups, each with four birds. The groups received each a different treatment using standard feed containing three different levels of protein (16%, 20% and 24%). The treatments were continued for a period of fifteen weeks, after which the quails were immediately weighed and then killed. After opening the abdominal cavity and eviscerating the gastrointestinal tract, the ovaries and oviducts were dissected and weighed. Using a packymeter, the different parts of the oviducts were measured: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina. The number of folds present in the magnum and the isthmus were evaluated. Histologic sections of the magnum, isthmus and uterus were used to measure the thickness of their epithelial and glandular layers. The data obtained was statistically analysed using a Variance analysis (entirely casual distribution). It was concluded that there were no significative differences on body weight, ovary weigth, oviduct weigth and between the lengths of the different parts of the oviduct as well as regarding the number of folds in the magnum and the isthmus. It was concluded that there was significative differences were also found regarding the thickness of the epithelial layer of the isthmus in the birds treated with the feed containing 20% protein. Moreover there was a significative difference between the thickness of the glandular layer of the magnum, the isthmus and that of the uterus in the birds treated with 24% protein feed when compared to the quails that were given a 16% and 20% protein feed. Diet with 24% protein increased the glandular layer thickness of the magnum, isthmus and uterus that it could result in improvement in the weight of the eggs and in the shell quality.

Foram utilizadas doze codornas domésticas, divididas em três grupos de quatro aves cada. As aves receberam rações padronizadas contendo 16%, 20% e 24% de proteína, sendo alimentadas por um período de quinze semanas, quando foram pesadas e sacrificadas imediatamente. Após a abertura da cavidade abdominal e evisceração do trato gastrointestinal, os ovários e ovidutos foram dissecados e pesados. Com o auxílio de um paquímetro mediu-se o comprimento das partes do oviduto: infundíbulo, magno, istmo, útero e vagina e avaliou-se o número de pregas do magno e do istmo. Foram realizados cortes histológicos do magno, istmo e útero onde se obteve medidas das espessuras das camadas epitelial e glandular. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) e observou-se que não houve diferenças significativas no peso corporal, peso do ovário, do oviduto e nos comprimentos das partes do oviduto bem como no número de pregas do magno e ístmo. Verificou-se diferenças significavas na espessura da camada epitelial do istmo de aves alimentadas com 20% de proteína na ração. Além disso, houve diferenças significativas na espessura da camada glandular do magno, istmo e útero das aves alimentadas com 24% de proteína na ração em relação às aves que receberam 16% e 20% de proteína. O nível de 24% de proteína aumentou a espessura da camada glandular do magno, ístmo e útero o que poderia resultar em melhoria no peso dos ovos e na espessura da casca.