Use of Equine Sperm Cryopreservation Techniques as a Conservation Method of Donkey Germplasm.

The aim of this study was to test equine semen cryopreservation techniques for the conservation of donkey germplasm. Ejaculates of three male donkeys were used (n = 18; six ejaculates per donkey; six repetitions), collected by the artificial vagina method. To remove the seminal plasma, the ejaculates were split and submitted to filtration or centrifugation methods. To assess the freezing method, each fraction was submitted to the automated system or the conventional system, and groups were formed: automated centrifuge, automated filtrate, conventional centrifuge and conventional filtrate. After thawing (37°C/30 seconds), were analyzed the sperm kinetic parameters, integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential. Highest sperm concentration (P < .05) was observed in the filtrate groups; the conventional filtrate group presented lower (P < .05) progressive motility and curvilinear velocity compared to the other groups; no difference was observed (P > .05) among the groups for the membrane integrity and functionality, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, centrifugation is the most indicated technique to remove donkey seminal plasma and the automated and conventional freezing methods can be used in donkey semen conservation.

Evaluation of bond strength of self-adhesive resin composite repairs / Avaliação da resistência de união de reparos com resina composta auto-adesiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the bond strength of repairs with the self-adhering flowable composite Vertise Flow (Kerr) and a conventional composite resin Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) subjected to different surface treatments. Methods: Forty specimens were divided into four groups: ZV (Filtek Z350 + Vertise Flow, without prior treatment); ZAV (Z350 + Vertise Flow with prior treatment with Single Bond Universal Adhesive System (3M ESPE)); ZAZ (Filtek Z350 + Filtek Z350 with prior treatment with Single Bond Universal Adhesive System (3M ESPE)); VV (Vertise Flow + Vertise Flow, without prior treatment). After 15 days of storage, the specimens were subjected to microtensile tests (Kratos IKCL3-USB, SP, Brazil), with speed of 0.5 mm/min and 20kg load. For statistical analysis, ANOVA with Tukey tests were used (p < 5%). Results: The mean values of the bond strength were highest respectively in the groups: ZV (36.07 ± 37.63); ZAZ (24.04 ± 28.51); VV (19.39 ± 28.24) and ZAV (16.06 ± 15.66). The bond strength of the repairs between the groups presented satisfactory results. Conclusion: The self-adhesive composite resin Vertise Flow seems to be a viable and fast alternative for composite resins repairs.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a resistência de união dos reparos com resina composta auto-adesiva Vertise Flow (Kerr) e uma resina composta convencional Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) submetida à diferentes tratamentos de superfície. Métodos: Quarenta amostras foram divididas em quatro grupos: ZV (Filtek Z350 + Vertise Flow, sem tratamento prévio); ZAV (Z350 + Vertise Flow com tratamento prévio com Sistema Adesivo Universal Single Bond (3M ESPE)); ZAZ (Filtek Z350 + Filtek Z350 com tratamento prévio com Sistema Adesivo Universal Single Bond (3M ESPE)); VV (Vertise Flow + Vertise Flow, sem tratamento prévio). Após 15 dias de armazenamento, as amostras foram submetidas ao teste de microtração (Kratos IKCL3-USB, SP, Brasil), com velocidade de 0,5 mm / min e carga de 20kg.Para análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes ANOVA com Tukey (p <5%). Resultados: Os valores médios da resistência de união foram maiores, respectivamente, nos grupos: ZV (36,07 ± 37,63); ZAZ (24,04 ± 28,51); VV (19,39 ± 28,24) e ZAV (16,06 ± 15,66). A resistência de união dos reparos entre os grupos apresentou resultados satisfatórios. Conclusão: A resina composta auto-adesiva Vertise Flow parece ser uma alternativa viável e rápida para reparos em restaurações com resinas compostas.

Behavioral response of Biomphalaria glabrataexposed to a sublethal concentration of Euphorbia miliivar. hislopii latex.

The Euphobia milii var. hislopii latex has been tested in the control of schistosomiasis but its action in the locomotor activity of Biomphalaria glabrata is unknown. The objective of this work was to study the locomotor and reproductive behaviors of B. glabrata exposed to E. milii var. hislopii latex. For this, 96 snails were individually exposed to the latex (LC50 - 0.53 mg / L) for 24 hours. The specimens were submitted to biomonitoring for image analysis to record the locomotor parameters at different times: before exposure (control), one day post exposure (group 1 d-p-e) and 30 days post exposure (group 30 d-p-e). The reproductive parameters were recorded weekly for 10 weeks. All locomotor activities of group 1 d-p-e decreased significantly. The egg/egg mass ratio decreased the week after exposure while there was an increase in the hatching rate. After 30 days, these reproductive parameters were similar to those observed in these same snails before exposure. However, the number of hatched snails declined after exposure until the end of the experiment. The influence of the latex in the parameters of B. glabrata added further evidence that this natural water-soluble product can be an important tool for the control of schistosomiasis.

Correlação entre os níveis de independência, nutrição, provas de forças de músculos ventilatórios e equilíbrio em idosos / Correlation amongdegrees of independence, mutrition, ventilatory muscles streng tests and equilibrium in olde adults

Introdução: O processo de envelhecimento proporciona alterações funcionais, psicossociais e biológicas de caráter progressivo e irreversível, diminuindo a capacidade funcional e pulmonar dos idosos. A fraqueza muscular presente nos idosos pode reduzir o nível de atividades funcionais e do sistema respiratório, favorecendo a inatividade e dependência. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre a capacidade funcional e pulmonar em idosos. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo transversal, no qual foi realizada uma avaliação por meio do Índice de Barthel Modificado, da PI máx, PE máx com a utilização de manuvacuometro, da circunferência da panturrilha (CP) e do teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). A amostra foi de 40 idosos. Resultados: a associação significativa entre achados de força da musculatura inspiratória, CP, teste TUG, Índice de Barthel, PI máx, PE máx e idade, correlaciona a redução da força muscular com menor nível de capacidade funcional em idosos, ainda mais significativa no sexo masculino, com menor tempo para a realização do teste TUG, comparado ao sexo feminino. Conclusão: Houve correlação entre o nível de capacidade funcional e pulmonar de idosos, demonstrando a importância da associação do treinamento da função respiratória associado ao exercício físico.(AU)

Introduction: The aging process provides functional, psychosocial and biological changes of a progressive and irreversible character, reducing the functional and pulmonary capacity of older adults. The muscular weakness present in older persons reduces the level of functional activities and the respiratory system, favoring inactivity and dependence. Objective: Evaluate the correlation between functional and pulmonary capacity in older people. Methodology: A physical therapy evaluation was performed through an evaluation form deve loped by the authors and the Modified Barthel Index. The rating consisted of identification, pulmonary evaluation, calf circumference (CP) and performance the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The data was collected at a long permanence institution for older adults, located in the interior of Goiás, with a sample of 40 older individuals. Results: The association between inspiratory muscle strength, CP, TUG test, Barthel index, PI max, PE max and age, correlate the reduction of muscle strength with lower level of functional capacity in older adults, even more significant in sex male, with less time to perform the TUG test, compared to the female. Conclusion: Is suggested a correlation between the level of functional and pulmonary capacity of older people, demonstrating the importance of the association of respiratory function training associated to physical exercise.(AU)

Two new species of the genus Geckobia Mégnin, 1878 (Acariformes, Prostigmata, Pterygosomatidae) from Peru.

Two new species of Geckobia Mégnin, 1878, Geckobia andina n. sp. and Geckobia circumdata n. sp., ectoparasites commonly reported on geckos, are described from the host species Phyllodactylus gerrhopygus (Wiegmann). The specimens were collected in the subtropical region of the Andean Pacific of Peru. The geographic distribution of species of Geckobia in South America and the Caribbean are mapped. Furthermore, a dichotomous key for the species of New World Geckobia is provided.

Sala de aula invertida para o ensino do conteúdo abertura coronária em Endodontia / Flipped classroom for the teaching of access cavity preparation in Endodontics

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sala de aula invertida como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem para o conteúdo abertura coronária. O material didático para estudo prévio individual pelos estudantes foi disponibilizado online por meio de um software/aplicativo para desktop e dispositivos móveis contendo textos, imagens e vídeos demonstrativos. Nas aulas presenciais, o estudo prévio foi avaliado por um teste individual e em grupos houve discussão das respostas individuais monitorada pelo professor. Em seguida, foi apresentado um caso-problema, acompanhado de questões a serem resolvidas. Houve discussão das respostas até o entendimento e solução do problema apresentado. Vídeos com a sequência dos procedimentos para abertura coronária de elementos dentários simulados foram projetados antes e durante a execução da prática laboratorial. Por meio das respostas dos questionários de expectativa e de avaliação do método, 92,8% concordaram ser um método adequado para o aprendizado do tema proposto, apesar da maioria (64,2%) reconhecer que teriam dificuldades para o domínio do conteúdo. Após a atividade laboratorial, 100% dos estudantes estavam satisfeitos e confirmaram que o método contribuiu para o seu aprendizado. Além disso, 92,8% concordaram que a estratégia de ensino superou as expectativas e que estavam motivados para outras experiências. Os dados da autoavaliação de aquisição de competências pré e pós sala de aula invertida comprovaram que houve aprendizado significativo pelos estudantes e todos foram considerados habilitados baseados nos dados após a observação das habilidades pelo professor. Concluiu-se que a estratégia da sala de aula invertida foi adequada para o estudo do conteúdo abertura coronária (AU).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the flipped classroom as a teaching-learning strategy for endodontic cavity access. Individualized study material for students was made available online through desktop and mobile application software with demonstrative texts, images and videos. In the face-to-face classes, the knowledge acquired in the previous study was evaluated by an individual test and individual responses were discussed in groups monitored by the teacher who conducted the conference and critical reflection of the answers. Next, a problem case was presented accompanied by questions to be solved by the students in a group. There was discussion of the answers until the understanding and solution of the presented problem. Videos with the sequence of procedures for "endodontic access cavity preparation" in simulated teeth were watched before and during the execution of the laboratory practice. Among the students, 92.8% agreed that the flipped classroom is a good teaching-learning method, and all believed that it was adequate for learning "endodontic access cavity", even though the majority (64.2%) recognized that they would have difficulties in mastering the content. After the laboratory activity, all the students were satisfied and confirmed that the method contributed to their learning. In addition, 92.8% agreed that the teaching strategy exceeded expectations and were motivated for other experiences. The data of the retrospective pre­post self-assessment skills showed that there was significant learning by the students and all were considered qualified after the DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) by the teacher. It was concluded that the flipped classroom was adequate for "endodontic access cavity" study (AU).

Effects of crude extracts of a saxitoxin-producer strain of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii on the swimming behavior of wild and laboratory reared guppy Poecilia vivipara.

The cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is an invasive species in water supply reservoirs worldwide, which can produces cylindrospermopsins and saxitoxins. In the wild, guppy (Poecilia vivipara) can be exposed to cyanotoxins, but those born and reared in laboratory are free of this contact. The aim of this paper was to comparatively measure the locomotor activity of 'wild' and 'lab' P. vivipara before and after exposure to crude extracts of two different cultures of C. raciborskii (CYRF-01), a saxitoxin-procucer strain. The movement of each fish was recorded using an image monitoring system (Videomex V®) before and after 48 h exposure to cyanobacterial extracts. Each experiment was performed during 4 h, with 1 h acclimation and 3 h recording period of the parameters Distance performed (DP), Swimming time (SwT), Stereotypic time (StT), Resting time (RT) and Average speed (AS). The quantification of saxitoxin in the solutions was performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The weight or the total length did not influence the locomotor activity of fish in any of the experiments. The saxitoxin value was similar for both cultures (Culture 1: 7.3 µg L-1 and Culture 2: 8.6 µg L-1). However, in experiments with Culture 1 an increased activity in most parameters was observed, while in Culture 2, a decreased activity was observed only in 'lab' fish. Wild fish was less affected, showing higher resistance to both cyanobacterial crude extracts. This study showed that different cultures of the same strain of C. raciborskii and with similar contents of saxitoxin are able to change the locomotor activity of P. vivipara, contributing to the validation of the use of behavioral parameters to the evaluation of sublethal effects of toxic cyanobacteria on fish.

Analysis of individual versus group behavior of zebrafish: a model using pH sublethal effects.

An image analysis biomonitoring system was used to evaluate sublethal effects of pH on the mean swimming velocity of zebrafish. Responses to stress were tested comparing individual and group responses. Group analysis indicated no effect for all acid pH and for pH 9.0-9.5. Individual analysis indicated behavioral differences for most acid pH and higher than 9.5. Sensitivity to sublethal pH was best assessed when using individual analysis. Zebrafish decreased hyperactivity and increased hypoactivity with more acid or alkaline pH. Individual approach allowed to determine hyperactivity or hypoactivity and the species' thresholds of exposure, which is critical for the management of impairments.

A new species of Heterocotyle Scott, 1904 (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) from the gills of Dasyatis guttata (Dasyatidae) in southwestern Atlantic waters off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Heterocotyle sulamericana n. sp. is described from the gills of Dasyatis guttata (Bloch & Schneider) caught off the coast of Brazil near Rio de Janeiro. This species can be distinguished from all other members of Heterocotyle Scott, 1904 by a combination of the morphology of the male copulatory organ, which is a short, slightly curved, sclerotised tube with no accessory piece, and the haptor, which has a single ridge surmounting all septa. This is the first Heterocotyle species to be described from the southwestern Atlantic.

Behavioral responses of Poecilia vivipara (Osteichthyies: Cyprinodontiformes) to experimental infections of Acanthocollaritrema umbilicatum (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae).

The swimming behavior of Poecilia vivipara was evaluated using an image analysis system comparing laboratory-reared uninfected fish before and after experimental infection with different intensities of cercariae of the trematode Acanthocollaritrema umbilicatum. Two experiments were performed, each with 30 fish which were individually exposed to 30 and 50 cercariae, respectively, shed from experimentally infected molluscs, Heleobia australis. Before and after (17-27 days) infection, the behavior of each fish was monitored in terms of Distance travelled, Ambulatory time, Stereotypic time, Resting time and Average speed. At the end of the experiments, the fish were dissected to count the number of metacercariae recovered. In the experiment with 30 cercariae, fish with 2-10 metacercariae did not exhibit any significant differences in their swimming activity, but those with 11-22 metacercariae had a significantly enhanced Stereotypic time and a reduced Time Resting. In the experiment with 50 cercariae, fish with 5-22 metacercariae had an enhanced Distance travelled and a reduced Average speed; highly significant differences occurred with regard to all behavioral parameters when considering the subgroup 23-36 metacercariae: Distance travelled, Stereotypic time, Resting time, Ambulatory time and Average speed. The swimming behavior of P. vivipara changed influenced by an intensity-dependence on metacercariae of A. umbilicatum, supporting the prediction that parasites are able to alter the behavior of their hosts.

Behavioral response of zebrafish Danio rerio Hamilton 1822 to sublethal stress by sodium hypochlorite: ecotoxicological assay using an image analysis biomonitoring system.

We evaluated behavioral responses of zebrafish Danio rerio exposed to sublethal concentrations of sodium hypochlorite using an image analysis biomonitoring system (IABS). First, the limits of normal variation in swimming activity of zebrafish were determined by monitoring traveled distance of 40 control fishes using the IABS. An acute toxicity test was performed to determine the LC(50(24 h)) for D. rerio to NaOCl. To evaluate the toxic effects in swimming activity, 32 fishes were exposed to 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% of the LC(50 )and 32 were used as control using the IABS. We considered toxic concentrations where more than 10% intervals of the treated group were below the limits of normal variation and were significantly different from the control group. Two main responses were observed: an escape response (increased swimming activity) at 10% treated group, a gradual decrease in swimming activity from the 20% of the LC(50) on, and an avoidance response at higher concentrations. The response of the 20% treated group were considered as a NOAEL and responses of the 30% and 40% treated groups indicated significant hypoactivity (adverse effect). This behavioral biomonitoring system has proven to be a useful tool to detect sublethal toxicity that could be incorporated in biomonitoring protocols in Brazil.

Feeding patterns of Triatoma vitticeps in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objetivo: O estudo do hábito alimentar dos triatomíneos tem contribuído para o conhecimento da sua biologia no habitat natural. Triatoma vitticeps, especie que vem invadindo freqüentemente o domicílio apresentando-se infectado por T. cruzi, foi analisado sob esse aspecto, possibilitando conhecer a situaçäo epidemiológica da área. Métodos: De fevereiro de 1989 a abril de 1993, 122 espécimes de T. vitticeps foram capturados em duas áreas da localidade de Triunfo, 2§ Distrito do Município de Santa Maria Madalena (RJ). Os insetos foram dissecados para a retirada do conteúdo estomacal. Os anti-soros utilizados foram: homem, vaca, cavalo, cäo, porco, tatu, gambá, roedor e ave. Resultados: Do total analisado, 79 estavam positivos e 43 negativos para os anti-soros testados: tatu (30,3 por cento) > homem e porco (13,1 por cento) > ave e cäo (11,5 por cento) > cavalo (5,7 por cento) > gambá (4,9 por cento) > roedor (4,1 por cento) > boi (3,3 por cento). As fontes alimentares identificadas variaram de 1 a 4 e 6: 0 - 25,4 por cento; 1 - 45,08; 2 -10,66 por cento; 3 - 6,56 por cento; 4 - 1,64 por cento e 6-0,82 por cento. Quanto à infecçäo por T. cruzi, 74 espécimes (65,54 por cento) estavam positivos, 39 (34,51 por cento) negativos e 9 näo foram examinados. Conclusöes: Os resultados caracterizam o hábito silvestre de T. vitticeps e a tripanosomíase como uma enzootia. A vigilância epidemiológica se faz necessária para o acompanhamento do comportamento dessa espécie

Behavior of Biomphalaria glabrata Say 1818 (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) - I. Morphophysiology of the mantle cavity

Using longitudinal and transverse anatomical sections, we observed that the three cristae of the mantle of Biomphalaria glabrata (renal, rectal and dorsolateral cristae) divide the mantle cavity into three chambers which we designated air or pulmonary chamber, water inflow chamber and water outflow chamber. Using videotape filming, we observed the inflow and outflow of air and water into and from the mantle cavity and we related their probable functions such as flotation, oxygen reservoir and transport, excreta circulation and elimination, water skeleton, and modification of specific weight. To determine whether the air bubble may function as a physical gill in this species we submitted three groups of snails to different systems in which water contained the same level of dissolved oxygen whereas the gas phases were atmospheric air, pure nitrogen or pure oxygen. We observed the following parameters: time of permanence on the surface, time of immersion, and frequency at which the snails reached the surface. These results did not demonstrate a physical gill function; morphological analysis of the mantle cavity indicates this possibility.

Determinaçäo das fontes alimentares de Anopheles aquasalis (Diptera: Culicidae) no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, pelo teste de precipitina / Blood-meal sources of Anopheles aquasalis (Diptera: Culicidae) in a South-eastern State of Brazil

Anopheles aquasalis é um mosquito ora encarado como antropofílico, ora como zoofílico ou eclético. Realizou-se estudo em Guapimirim, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, de maio à novembro de 1992, com o intuito de se verificar a fonte alimentar preferida desse anofelino através de teste imunológico de precipitina. De 1.366 fêmeas capturadas em abrigos naturais, 725 estavam ingurgitadas. O conteúdo digestivo de apenas 473 delas reagiu ao teste de precipitina, sendo que em 75,3 por cento dos casos foi identificada apenas uma fonte alimentar. Mais da metade dessas fêmeas havia se alimentado em boi (52,2 por cento), enquanto poucas tinham sugado homem (1,1 por cento). Por outro lado, 24,7 por cento dos espécimes haviam se alimentado em mais de uma fonte sanguínea, principalmente boi e cavalo. Conclui-se que An. aquasalis é zoófilo nessa regiäo do país, utilizando grande variedade de hospedeiros, porém preferindo se alimentar em animais de grande porte, especialmente o boi e cavalo