Effect of cationic surfactant on the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of colloidal systems (emulsions and microemulsions).

Colloidal systems have been used to encapsulate, protect and release essential oils in mouthwashes. In this study, we investigated the effect of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of oil-in-water colloidal systems containing tea tree oil (TTO) and the nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80. Our main aim was to evaluate whether CPC could improve the antimicrobial activity of TTO, since this activity is impaired when this essential oil is encapsulated with polysorbate 80. These systems were prepared with different amounts of TTO (0-0.5% w/w) and CPC (0-0.5% w/w), at a final concentration of 2% (w/w) polysorbate 80. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results revealed the formation of oil-swollen micelles and oil droplets as a function of TTO concentration. Increases in CPC concentrations led to a reduction of around 88% in the mean diameter of oil-swollen micelles. Although this variation was of only 20% for the oil droplets, the samples appearance changed from turbid to transparent. The surface charge of colloidal structures was also markedly affected by the CPC as demonstrated by the transition in zeta potential from slightly negative to highly positive values. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies showed that this transition is followed by significant increases in the fluidity of surfactant monolayer of both colloidal structures. The antimicrobial activity of colloidal systems was tested against a Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureaus) bacteria. Our results revealed that the inhibition of bacterial growth is observed for the same CPC concentration (0.05% w/w for E. coli and 0.3% w/w for S. aureus) regardless of TTO content. These findings suggest that TTO may not act as an active ingredient in polysorbate 80 containing mouthwashes.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and hippocampal inflammation in Goto-Kakizaki rats.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic manifestations in neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation may also disrupt leptin signaling, an adipokine that centrally regulates appetite and energy balance by acting on the hypothalamus and exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampus. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model used to investigate diabetes-associated molecular mechanisms without obesity jeopardizing effects. Wistar and GK rats received the maintenance adult rodent diet. Also, an additional control group of Wistar rats received a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHS) provided by free consumption of condensed milk. All diets and water were provided ad libitum for eight weeks. Brain glucose uptake was evaluated by 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose under basal (saline administration) or stimulated (CL316,243, a selective ß3-AR agonist) conditions. The animals were fasted for 10-12 h, anesthetized, and euthanized. The brain was quickly dissected, and the hippocampal area was sectioned and stored at -80°C in different tubes for protein and RNA analyses on the same animal. GK rats exhibited attenuated brain glucose uptake compared to Wistar animals and the HFHS group under basal conditions. Also, the hippocampus of GK rats displayed upregulated leptin receptor, IL-1ß, and IL-6 gene expression and IL-1ß and the subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65) protein expression. No significant alterations were detected in the hippocampus of HFHS rats. Our data indicated that a genetic predisposition to T2DM has significant brain deteriorating features, including brain glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, and leptin signaling disruption in the hippocampal area.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and hippocampal inflammation in Goto-Kakizaki rats

Brain glucose hypometabolism and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic manifestations in neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation may also disrupt leptin signaling, an adipokine that centrally regulates appetite and energy balance by acting on the hypothalamus and exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampus. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model used to investigate diabetes-associated molecular mechanisms without obesity jeopardizing effects. Wistar and GK rats received the maintenance adult rodent diet. Also, an additional control group of Wistar rats received a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHS) provided by free consumption of condensed milk. All diets and water were provided ad libitum for eight weeks. Brain glucose uptake was evaluated by 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose under basal (saline administration) or stimulated (CL316,243, a selective β3-AR agonist) conditions. The animals were fasted for 10-12 h, anesthetized, and euthanized. The brain was quickly dissected, and the hippocampal area was sectioned and stored at -80°C in different tubes for protein and RNA analyses on the same animal. GK rats exhibited attenuated brain glucose uptake compared to Wistar animals and the HFHS group under basal conditions. Also, the hippocampus of GK rats displayed upregulated leptin receptor, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and IL-1β and the subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65) protein expression. No significant alterations were detected in the hippocampus of HFHS rats. Our data indicated that a genetic predisposition to T2DM has significant brain deteriorating features, including brain glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, and leptin signaling disruption in the hippocampal area.

Electrochemical dewatering for the removal of hazardous species from sludge.

This work focuses on the evaluation of the electrochemical dewatering of sludge polluted with model hazardous species. To do this, two sludge samples taken from the outlet of the anaerobic digesters of the municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility of Ciudad Real were polluted with herbicide clopyralid (CP) and with antibiotics amoxicillin (AMX) and ampicillin (AMP), respectively. These sludge samples underwent first dewatering by press filtration and then, the dewatering continued by the application of an electrochemically assisted driven process with increasing electric fields (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 V cm-1). Results demonstrate that the electrochemically-assisted process can help to exhaust the pollutant adsorbed onto the sludge and attain a supplemental removal (up to 15%) of water in both cases. This is a highly important result, because it can help to develop technologies for sludge treatment that avoid the diffusion of hazardous pollution during the land application of the sludge. No reactivity of the pollutants was observed during the tests.

Strategy for selection of soybean genotypes tolerant to drought during germination.

Water deficit is the main reason for instability in the context of soybean culture. The development of strategies for the selection of more tolerant genotypes is necessary. These strategies include the use of polyethylene glycol 6000 solutions (PEG-6000) for conducting the germination test under conditions of water restriction. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the osmotic potential and the main characteristics that promote the discrimination of soybean genotypes with regard to water stress tolerance during germination and the vigor test. Thirteen soybean cultivars were used. The seeds were allowed to germinate on sheets of germitest paper moistened in solution with PEG-6000, simulating different levels of water availability, which is expressed as osmotic potential (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, and -0.6 MPa). We assessed germination, length, and dry mass for seedlings and seeds, as well as reserve dynamics. Germination and variables related to the dynamics of reservation have great influence on the expression of variability in environments under stress. Among the different osmotic potentials, the -0.2 MPa was the most efficient for the expression of genetic variability among the cultivars. Conducting the germination test with PEG-6000 solution to -0.2 MPa was efficient for selecting soybean cultivars tolerant to water stress. This was accomplished by evaluating the percentage of germination, along with variables related to the dynamics of reservation.

Utilização da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases na avaliação da fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos / Use of the semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique for the evaluation of swine cecal microbial fermentation

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o os padrões de fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos, utilizando-se um modelo aplicado na técnica in vitro de produção de gases para ruminantes. Três tipos de inóculo foram utilizados: ceco de suínos criados ao ar livre (CSF), ceco de suínos criados confinados (CSC) e líquido ruminal de bovino (LRB). Os substratos utilizados derivaram de uma dieta de suínos à base de farelo de soja e de grãos de milho, atendendo as exigências nutricionais dos suínos. Para composição dos substratos, foram estabelecidos diferentes níveis de substituição da dieta basal pela torta da amêndoa da Acrocomia aculeata (AA), coproduto da produção do biodiesel, sendo: BAS - 100% de dieta basal; M10 - 90% de dieta basal e 10% AA; M20 - 80% de dieta basal e 20% AA e o TF - feno de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). A produção de gases foi avaliada nos tempos zero, três, seis, nove, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas após a incubação. Foram analisados o potencial máximo de produção de gás (A) e o tempo de colonização (L). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 3. Os dados de A e L foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Comparando os inóculos para A (mL/gMS), LRB e CSF apresentaram valores similares, diferindo apenas para TF. O tempo de colonização (L) entre inóculos, o CSC e o CSF apresentaram os menores tempos de colonização quando a ração foi BAS. Com os substratos M10 e M20, o inóculo LRB apresentou o menor tempo, CSF o maior tempo e CSC não diferiu de ambos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os inóculos para o substrato TF. A técnica de produção de gases utilizada para o ceco de suínos apresentou resultados semelhantes aos encontrados para ruminantes. O modelo matemático usado foi adequado para descrever a curva de fermentação no ceco de suínos, mostrando semelhanças entre as microbiotas do ceco e do rúmen.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the microbial fermentation patterns of the pig ceca using the technique of in vitro gas production for ruminants. Three types of inoculums were used: swine ceca raised in a free range system (CSF), swine ceca raised in a conventional confined system (CSC) and bovine rumen fluid (LRB). The substrates used were derived from pig's diet with soybean meal and corn grits, according to the nutritional requirements of swine. The substrates were composed by different set levels of substitution of basal diet by meal almond Acrocomia aculeata (AA), as: BAS - 100% of basal diet; M10 - 90% of basal diet and 10% AA (M10); M20 - 80% of basal diet and 20% AA (M20) and TF - Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.).The gas production was evaluated at times 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after incubation. The study analyzed the maximum potential of gas production (A) and lag time (L). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement. The A and L data were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages compared by Tukey 5% test. Comparing the inoculum for A (ml / gDM), LRB, and CS, they showed similar values, differing only for TF. The lag time (L) between inoculum, the CSC and CSF had the lowest colonization times when the meal was BAS. With M10 and M20 substrates, the LRB inoculum showed the lowest time, CSF had the longest time and CSC did not differ from both. There was no significant difference between the inoculum for TF substrate. The gas production technique used for the ceca of pigs showed similar results to those for ruminants. The mathematical model used was adequate to describe the fermentation curve in the ceca of pigs, showing similarities between the microbiota of the ceca and the rumen.(AU)

Utilização da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases na avaliação da fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos / Use of the semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique for the evaluation of swine cecal microbial fermentation

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o os padrões de fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos, utilizando-se um modelo aplicado na técnica in vitro de produção de gases para ruminantes. Três tipos de inóculo foram utilizados: ceco de suínos criados ao ar livre (CSF), ceco de suínos criados confinados (CSC) e líquido ruminal de bovino (LRB). Os substratos utilizados derivaram de uma dieta de suínos à base de farelo de soja e de grãos de milho, atendendo as exigências nutricionais dos suínos. Para composição dos substratos, foram estabelecidos diferentes níveis de substituição da dieta basal pela torta da amêndoa da Acrocomia aculeata (AA), coproduto da produção do biodiesel, sendo: BAS - 100% de dieta basal; M10 - 90% de dieta basal e 10% AA; M20 - 80% de dieta basal e 20% AA e o TF - feno de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). A produção de gases foi avaliada nos tempos zero, três, seis, nove, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas após a incubação. Foram analisados o potencial máximo de produção de gás (A) e o tempo de colonização (L). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 3. Os dados de A e L foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Comparando os inóculos para A (mL/gMS), LRB e CSF apresentaram valores similares, diferindo apenas para TF. O tempo de colonização (L) entre inóculos, o CSC e o CSF apresentaram os menores tempos de colonização quando a ração foi BAS. Com os substratos M10 e M20, o inóculo LRB apresentou o menor tempo, CSF o maior tempo e CSC não diferiu de ambos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os inóculos para o substrato TF. A técnica de produção de gases utilizada para o ceco de suínos apresentou resultados semelhantes aos encontrados para ruminantes. O modelo matemático usado foi adequado para descrever a curva de fermentação no ceco de suínos, mostrando semelhanças entre as microbiotas do ceco e do rúmen.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the microbial fermentation patterns of the pig ceca using the technique of in vitro gas production for ruminants. Three types of inoculums were used: swine ceca raised in a free range system (CSF), swine ceca raised in a conventional confined system (CSC) and bovine rumen fluid (LRB). The substrates used were derived from pig's diet with soybean meal and corn grits, according to the nutritional requirements of swine. The substrates were composed by different set levels of substitution of basal diet by meal almond Acrocomia aculeata (AA), as: BAS - 100% of basal diet; M10 - 90% of basal diet and 10% AA (M10); M20 - 80% of basal diet and 20% AA (M20) and TF - Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.).The gas production was evaluated at times 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after incubation. The study analyzed the maximum potential of gas production (A) and lag time (L). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement. The A and L data were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages compared by Tukey 5% test. Comparing the inoculum for A (ml / gDM), LRB, and CS, they showed similar values, differing only for TF. The lag time (L) between inoculum, the CSC and CSF had the lowest colonization times when the meal was BAS. With M10 and M20 substrates, the LRB inoculum showed the lowest time, CSF had the longest time and CSC did not differ from both. There was no significant difference between the inoculum for TF substrate. The gas production technique used for the ceca of pigs showed similar results to those for ruminants. The mathematical model used was adequate to describe the fermentation curve in the ceca of pigs, showing similarities between the microbiota of the ceca and the rumen.(AU)

Canine hepatozoonosis in southeastern Bahia, Brazil.

In Brazil, canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne subclinical hemoparasitosis caused by a protozoa Hepatozoon canis and is highly prevalent in dogs in rural areas. An epizootiological study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of H. canis in the canine population of Ituberá, Bahia, and to analyze any associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 380 dogs and determined the presence of the protozoan by performing capillary blood smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Epizootiological data were collected by asking dog owners to answer a structured questionnaire. H. canis gamonts were not detected in the blood smears. However, PCR detected H. canis in 163/380 (42.9%) dogs examined. Physical examination and anamnesis indicated 105 (64.4%) positive asymptomatic dogs. Hematological alterations were observed in 115 (70.5%) infected dogs. No clinical, hematological, or epizootiological variable was found to be significantly associated to the infection. In conclusion, the high prevalence of H. canis infection in local dogs may be because of the peri-urban features of this municipality. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this study the first study to report H. canis infection in the State of Bahia.

Diagnosis and epidemiology of canine leishmaniasis in southeastern Bahia, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Two distinct forms are recognized: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In the Americas, the causative agent of VL is L. infantum chagasi, whereas L. braziliensis is principally responsible for CL. Domestic dogs constitute the main source of VL in urban environments, and have also been implicated in CL epidemiology. We carried out molecular and serological surveys to detect Leishmania infection in dogs from the municipality of Ituberá in Bahia, Brazil. Furthermore, we identified risk factors associated with illness in dogs from this locality. Blood samples were collected from 399 dogs and tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Leishmania spp antibodies and L. infantum chagasi and L. braziliensis DNA, respectively. Dogs were clinically evaluated and tissue samples from those exhibiting skin lesions were examined for parasites. In addition, the dog owners completed an epidemiological questionnaire to identify factors associated with infection. Skin lesions consistent with CL were found on 37 (9.3%) of the evaluated animals, but parasitological examination was negative for all samples. The IFA returned positive results for 60 (15%) dogs. PCR identified DNA from L. braziliensis in 86 (21.6%) animals, where as all samples proved negative for L. infantum chagasi. The 134 dogs (33.6%) testing positive using IFA and/ or PCR were considered infected, and of these, only 13 demonstrated skin lesions. Animals from rural areas were 3.39-times more likely to be infected compared to those in urban environments.

Effect of generations and environments in the analysis of a partial diallel to improve bean earliness.

The objective of this study was to select genitors based on F1 and F2 generations, evaluated in different environments, to obtain segregating populations for the identification of strains showing improved earliness, yield, and carioca-type grains. Nine bean strains were crossed in a partial diallel scheme (4 x 5), in which group 1 included 4 strains with early cycles and group 2 included 5 elite strains. The F1 and F2 generations and the genitors were assessed in Coimbra and Viçosa in randomized blocks with 3 replications. The following characteristics were evaluated: days between sowing and emergence, and grain yield. We observed an interaction between the effects of general combining ability and specific combining ability with the environments (crop, location, and generation) for both grain earliness and yield. Genetic analysis of earliness revealed a predominance of additive effects and grain yield dominance effects. The strain Goiano Precoce may be used as a genitor in breeding programs to improve earliness, while strains RP1 and VC33 can be used to increase grain yield. We observed genetic complementation between strains Goiano Precoce and RP1, BRSMG Madrepérola and BRS Estilo for earliness and between RP1 and Rosinha Precoce for grain yield.

Increasing estradiol benzoate, pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and impediments for successful estradiol-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocols in dairy cattle.

With the objective to optimize fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols based on estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P4), we performed 2 experiments (Exp.) in dairy cows. In Exp. 1 (n=44), we hypothesized that increased EB (EB3=3 mg vs. EB2=2 mg) on d 0 would improve synchronization of ovarian follicle wave emergence. Likewise, in Exp. 2 (n=82), we hypothesized that a GnRH treatment on d -3 (early in a follicular wave on d 0) versus d -7 (presence of a dominant follicle on d 0) would better synchronize wave emergence. Moreover, results from both experiments were combined to identify reasons for the lack of synchronization. All cows were treated with EB at the time of introduction of a P4 implant (d 0). On d 7, cows were given 25 mg of prostaglandin F2α; on d 8, the implant was removed and cows were given 1mg of estradiol cypionate. All cows received FTAI on d 10. In both experiments, daily ultrasound evaluations were performed and, in Exp. 2, circulating P4 was evaluated during the protocol. Pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) was determined on d 31 and 59 after FTAI. In Exp. 1, EB dose did not change time to wave emergence, but EB3 compared with EB2 decreased the percentage of cows with a corpus luteum on d 7 (19.8 vs. 55.3%) and time to ovulation (10.4 vs. 10.9 d). In Exp. 2, although we detected a tendency for delayed follicle wave emergence after the start of the FTAI protocol in cows ovulating to GnRH given on d -7, there was no difference in percentage of cows with a synchronized wave emergence (~80%). Regardless of treatment, more cows with P4<0.1 ng/mL, compared with P4≥0.1 and <0.22 ng/mL at the time of AI, ovulated to the protocol (81.2 vs. 58.0%) and had increased P/AI (47.4 vs. 21.4%). An analysis of data from both experiments showed that only 73.8% (93/126) of cows had synchronized wave emergence, and only 77.8% (98/126) of cows ovulated at the end of the protocol. Fertility was much greater in cows that had emergence of a new wave synchronized and ovulated to end of the protocol [P/AI 61.3% (46/75)] compared with cows that failed to present one or both of the outcomes above [15.7% (8/51)]. Thus, although current FTAI protocols using EB and P4 produce P/AI between 30 and 40% for lactating dairy cows, there remains room for improvement because less than 60% (75/126) of the cows were correctly synchronized. Starting the FTAI protocol without the dominant follicle or increasing the dose of EB to 3mg was not effective in increasing synchronization rate.

Effect of leptin on in vivo goat embryo production.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin administration during superovulation on in vivo goat embryo production. Ten mature does were superovulated with 133 mg follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) i.m. in six descending doses at 12-h intervals. The goats received 4.8 µg/kg human recombinant leptin s.c. (leptin group, n = 5) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (control group, n = 5) with the first and second FSH doses. The does were mated and subjected to embryo collection by transcervical technique 6 days later. The total number of cells per embryo and the number of cells with fragmented DNA were assessed in selected blastocysts by combining Hoechst 33342 and terminal dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E2 ) and progesterone (P4 ) were determined by electrochemiluminescence from the day of FSH treatment, on the day of superovulatory oestrus and on the day before embryo collection. Compared with the control group, the does that received leptin had a higher number of transferable embryos (p < 0.005), fewer embryos classified as degenerated (p < 0.001) and fewer TUNEL-positive cells/blastocyst (p < 0.001). The number of transferable embryos was positively correlated with E2 concentrations on day of oestrus (r = 0.562; p < 0.01) and P4 concentrations on the day of embryo collection (r = 0.912; p < 0.001). We concluded that in vivo leptin administration during FSH treatment improved embryo quality and affected ovarian steroidogenesis in superovulated goats.

Integrating DNA barcodes and morphology for species delimitation in the Corynoneura group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae).

In this study, we use DNA barcodes for species delimitation to solve taxonomic conflicts in 86 specimens of 14 species belonging to the Corynoneura group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Molecular analysis of cytochrome c-oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences supported 14 cohesive species groups, of which two similar groups were subsequently associated with morphological variation at the pupal stage. Eleven species previously described based on morphological criteria were linked to DNA markers. Furthermore, there is the possibility that there may be cryptic species within the Corynoneura group, since one group of species presented internal grouping, although no morphological divergence was observed. Our results support DNA-barcoding as an excellent tool for species delimitation in groups where taxonomy by means of morphology is difficult or even impossible.

Action of two phospholipases A2 purified from Bothrops alternatus snake venom on macrophages.

The in vitro effects of BaltTX-I, a catalytically inactive Lys49 variant of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and BaltTX-II, an Asp49 catalytically active PLA2 isolated from Bothrops alternatus snake venom, on thioglycollate-elicited macrophages (TG-macrophages) were investigated. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the secretory PLA2 BaltTX-I but not BaltTX-II stimulated complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Pharmacological treatment of TG-macrophages with staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, showed that this kinase is involved in the increase of serum-opsonized zymosan phagocytosis induced by BaltTX-I but not BaltTX-II secretory PLA2, suggesting that PKC may be involved in the stimulatory effect of this toxin in serum-opsonized zymosan phagocytosis. Moreover, BaltTX-I and -II induced superoxide production by TG-macrophages. This superoxide production stimulated by both PLA2s was abolished after treatment of cells with staurosporine, indicating that PKC is an important signaling pathway for the production of this radical. Our experiments showed that, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, BaltTX-I may upregulate phagocytosis via complement receptors, and that both toxins upregulated the respiratory burst in TG-macrophages.

Castração química de caninos e felinos por meio de injeção intratesticular de gluconato de zinco - Quebrando paradigmas / Chemical sterilization of dogs and cats using an intratesticular injection of a zinc gluconate solution - Changing paradigms

Muitas pesquisas têm sido realizadas na tentativa de tornar os métodos de esterilização mais acessíveis para a população, a fim de reduzir o número de cães e gatos que sofrem eutanásia todos os anos. Observa-se que a preocupação principal está relacionada ao controle da fêmea, e pouco se tem estudado quanto à esterilização do macho. A castração do macho é importante não apenas para o controle de coberturas indesejadas, mas também para a diminuição do comportamento característico, como monta, demarcação pela urina e agressividade. O bloqueio reprodutivo no macho pode ser obtido por meio de intervenção cirúrgica (orquiectomia, vasectomia), terapia medicamentosa ou da utilização de agentes esclerosantes no testículo ou epidídimo. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo abordar a técnica da esterilização química por meio da injeção intratesticular de gluconato de zinco no controle da fertilidade do macho das espécies canina e felina.(AU)

Many researches have been accomplished in the attempt of turning the methods of sterilization more accessible for population in order to reduce the number of dogs and cats that suffer euthanasia every year. The main concern is related to the control of the female and little one has been studying about contraceptive treatments for males. Sterilization of male dogs is ideal not only for pet population control, but it decreases objectionable behavior including mounting, urine marking and aggressiveness. Reproductive control of male dogs includes surgical procedures (orchiectomy and vasectomy), continuous administration of medication and injections of sclerosing agents into the testis and/or epididymides. The purpose of this work is to review the technique of chemical castration using an intratesticular injection of zinc gluconato for fertility control of the male dog and cat.(AU)

Castração química de caninos e felinos por meio de injeção intratesticular de gluconato de zinco - Quebrando paradigmas / Chemical sterilization of dogs and cats using an intratesticular injection of a zinc gluconate solution - Changing paradigms

Muitas pesquisas têm sido realizadas na tentativa de tornar os métodos de esterilização mais acessíveis para a população, a fim de reduzir o número de cães e gatos que sofrem eutanásia todos os anos. Observa-se que a preocupação principal está relacionada ao controle da fêmea, e pouco se tem estudado quanto à esterilização do macho. A castração do macho é importante não apenas para o controle de coberturas indesejadas, mas também para a diminuição do comportamento característico, como monta, demarcação pela urina e agressividade. O bloqueio reprodutivo no macho pode ser obtido por meio de intervenção cirúrgica (orquiectomia, vasectomia), terapia medicamentosa ou da utilização de agentes esclerosantes no testículo ou epidídimo. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo abordar a técnica da esterilização química por meio da injeção intratesticular de gluconato de zinco no controle da fertilidade do macho das espécies canina e felina.

Many researches have been accomplished in the attempt of turning the methods of sterilization more accessible for population in order to reduce the number of dogs and cats that suffer euthanasia every year. The main concern is related to the control of the female and little one has been studying about contraceptive treatments for males. Sterilization of male dogs is ideal not only for pet population control, but it decreases objectionable behavior including mounting, urine marking and aggressiveness. Reproductive control of male dogs includes surgical procedures (orchiectomy and vasectomy), continuous administration of medication and injections of sclerosing agents into the testis and/or epididymides. The purpose of this work is to review the technique of chemical castration using an intratesticular injection of zinc gluconato for fertility control of the male dog and cat.

Graves' orbitopathy: frequency of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between ocular hypertension and glaucoma in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: A total of 107 patients with a diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy, followed at the Oculoplasty sector of the University Hospital, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, were evaluated by applanation tonometry, computed visual campimetry (Humphrey 30-2, Full Threshold) and analysis and photographic documentation of the optic nerve. The patients considered to have the suspicion of glaucoma were re-evaluated 1 year later for diagnostic confirmation or exclusion. RESULTS: A 3.74% prevalence of ocular hypertension (four patients) and a 2.8% prevalence of glaucoma (three patients) was observed. When considering only patients older than 40 years, the prevalence of ocular hypertension was 5.4% (four patients) and the prevalence of glaucoma was 4.76% (three patients). CONCLUSION: The present study did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of ocular hypertension or glaucoma between patients with Graves' orbitopathy and the general population.

Cetacean diversity on the Parnaiba Delta, Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil.

The increase in the research of cetacean surveys on the Brazilian coast has brought new data on the distribution of species never reported before. The present work reviews the current knowledge on cetaceans species and extends this knowledge with an analysis of cetaceans stranded in the Parnaiba Delta, on the coast of Maranhão State, Brazil. The studies on cetacean diversity on the coast of the Parnaíba Delta were made from August 2004 to August 2006. Fourteen strandings were reported, representing six distinct species, such as the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pigmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and two specimens which have not yet been identified. The significant degree of cetacean diversity in the region shows that the Parnaíba Delta is, possibly, of an important area for cetacean studies in Brasil.

Cetacean diversity on the Parnaiba Delta, Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil / Diversidade de cetáceos no Delta do Parnaíba, estado do Maranhão, nordeste do Brasil

The increase in the research of cetacean surveys on the Brazilian coast has brought new data on the distribution of species never reported before. The present work reviews the current knowledge on cetaceans species and extends this knowledge with an analysis of cetaceans stranded in the Parnaiba Delta, on the coast of Maranhão State, Brazil. The studies on cetacean diversity on the coast of the Parnaíba Delta were made from August 2004 to August 2006. Fourteen strandings were reported, representing six distinct species, such as the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pigmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and two specimens which have not yet been identified. The significant degree of cetacean diversity in the region shows that the Parnaíba Delta is, possibly, of an important area for cetacean studies in Brasil.

Com o aumento das pesquisas voltadas para o monitoramento de cetáceos no litoral brasileiro, registros inéditos sobre a distribuição de espécies têm sido realizados, ampliando o conhecimento sobre áreas de ocorrência dos cetáceos no Brasil. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento das espécies de cetáceos encalhadas no Delta do Parnaíba, MA. Os estudos foram realizados através de entrevistas com comunidades locais e por meio de coleta direta, entre agosto de 2004 e agosto de 2006. Foram registrados 14 encalhes de cetáceos, com representantes de 6 espécies distintas, até então desconhecidas para a região do Delta do Parnaíba com um exemplar não identificado. Dentre as espécies registradas foram encontrados cinco exemplares do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis), um exemplar de baleia-jubarte (Megaptera novaeangliae), três exemplares de baleia-de-bryde (Balaenoptera edeni), um exemplar de baleia-minke-anã (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), um exemplar de orca-pigméia (Feresa attenuata), dois exemplares de cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus) e dois exemplares não identificados que correspondem a um crânio de misticeto e uma escápula de um possível filhote de odontoceto. A significativa diversidade na região do Delta do Parnaíba indica sua relevância para os estudos de cetáceos no Brasil. As análises de idade, baseadas em análises de suturas ósseas dos exemplares encalhados mostram que a região deltaica pode ser utilizada como área de reprodução por algumas espécies como Sotalia guianensis e Balaenoptera edeni.