Pre-Slaughter Stunning Methods Influence the Meat Quality of Arapaima gigas Fillets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different stunning methods on the meat quality of Arapaima gigas fillets from fish farming. A total of 48 specimens of A. gigas in the weight class 11.1 to 14.0 kg were investigated; these fish were subjected to different stunning methods for slaughter: ice asphyxia (IA), air asphyxia (AA), electronarcosis (EE) and hypothermia followed by bleeding (HB). Then, data were obtained from the analysis of pH, rigor mortis index (RI), water activity (Aw), instrumental texture (compression strength, firmness and adhesiveness) and blood glucose and via instrumental colourimetry. During the study, for up to 15 days of refrigerated storage, the methods provided pH values below 6.0. A. gigas submitted to EE and HB remained longer in the pre-rigor status. In addition, they expressed lower percentages of Aw. The EE method resulted in better texture assignments in the fillets. The blood glucose values indicated that the fish subjected to EE were less stressed. Concerning instrumental colourimetry, the fillets submitted to EE and HB showed greater luminosity; the fillets subjected to AA showed greater red-green colour intensity, while the fillets subjected to EE showed greater yellow-blue colour intensity. Therefore, the fish did not suffer stress with electronarcosis, and the fillets showed better preservation, juiciness, and tenderness.

Morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic analysis of Henneguya archosargus n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) infecting the sparid fish Archosargus probatocephalus in Brazilian waters.

The introduction of new fish species to the aquaculture industry is essential to halt the progressive decline of natural fish stocks. The sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus is a commercially valuable sparid fish with potential for breeding in captivity, but with limited information regarding parasitic infections that could pose a significant threat for its sustainable production. Thus, the present study aimed to study the myxozoan diversity infecting A. probatocephalus. A novel Henneguya sp. was detected forming plasmodia in the gill lamellae of specimens inhabiting the Brazilian coast, and is characterized based on morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and phylogenetic data. Myxospore total length was 21.3 ± 0.8 µm, with myxospore body 10.0 ± 0.5 µm long, 6.2 ± 0.3 µm wide, and 4.8 ± 0.5 µm thick. Caudal appendages were 10.3 ± 0.5 µm long and did not present any type of coating. Two pyriform polar capsules, 3.4 ± 0.3 µm long and 1.5 ± 0.2 µm wide, each containing an isofilar polar tubule with 4-5 coils. Histopathological analyses showed large intralamellar polysporic plasmodia associated with vascular congestion of the gill filament and gill lamellae, as well as epithelial hyperplasia causing partial or total fusion of gill lamellae. Maximum likelihood and Baysesian inference SSU rDNA-based phylogenetic analyses showed the novel sequence grouped within the marine clade of Henneguya spp. that mostly parasitize fishes belonging to Eupercaria incertae sedis.

Hemagglutination in gill capillaries of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Perciformes: Sparidae), infected by a myxosporidean.

During a survey Myxozoa, four specimens of the sheepshead (18 ± 1.5 cm and 59 ± 2.5 g) (Archosargus probatocephalus) were collected in the Ipioquinha river (Maceió/AL). Transmission electron microscopy observations revealed erythrocyte agglutinations in gill capillaries located near spherical cysts containing myxospores of the genus Henneguya. This hemagglutination partially or totally obstructed the gill capillaries. Erythrocytes occurred in close adherence to each other, with a closed intercellular space. A few lysed erythrocytes were observed among agglutinated cells. The reduced lumen of the capillaries was partially filled with amorphous dense homogenous material adhering to the erythrocytes. In addition, heterogeneous masses of irregular lower electron density were observed in the reduced channel of the capillary. The agglutinated erythrocytes appeared dense and homogenous, lacking cytoplasmic organelles. The nuclei had the appearance of normal condensed chromatin masses, generally without visible nucleoli. This occurrence of hemagglutination only in the capillaries located in close proximity to the developing myxozoan cysts suggests that parasite development may be a factor triggering erythrocyte agglutination. This is supported by previous experimental studies that showed a probable correlation between parasitic infections and hemagglutination. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary in order to better understand the physicochemical processes involved in this phenomenon.

Hemagglutination in gill capillaries of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Perciformes: Sparidae), infected by a myxosporidean / Hemaglutinação em capilares branquiais de sargo-de-dente, Archosargus probatocephalus (Perciformes: Sparidae) infectado por um mixosporídeo

Abstract During a survey Myxozoa, four specimens of the sheepshead (18 ± 1.5 cm and 59 ± 2.5 g) (Archosargus probatocephalus) were collected in the Ipioquinha river (Maceió/AL). Transmission electron microscopy observations revealed erythrocyte agglutinations in gill capillaries located near spherical cysts containing myxospores of the genus Henneguya. This hemagglutination partially or totally obstructed the gill capillaries. Erythrocytes occurred in close adherence to each other, with a closed intercellular space. A few lysed erythrocytes were observed among agglutinated cells. The reduced lumen of the capillaries was partially filled with amorphous dense homogenous material adhering to the erythrocytes. In addition, heterogeneous masses of irregular lower electron density were observed in the reduced channel of the capillary. The agglutinated erythrocytes appeared dense and homogenous, lacking cytoplasmic organelles. The nuclei had the appearance of normal condensed chromatin masses, generally without visible nucleoli. This occurrence of hemagglutination only in the capillaries located in close proximity to the developing myxozoan cysts suggests that parasite development may be a factor triggering erythrocyte agglutination. This is supported by previous experimental studies that showed a probable correlation between parasitic infections and hemagglutination. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary in order to better understand the physicochemical processes involved in this phenomenon.

Resumo Durante pesquisa de mixozoários foram coletados quatro espécimes do peixes sargo-de-dente (18 ± 1.5 cm e 59 ± 2.5 g) (Archosargus probatocephalus), no rio Ipioquinha (Maceió/AL). Observações por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão revelaram aglutinação de eritrócitos em capilares branquiais localizados próximos a cistos esféricos, contendo mixosporos do gênero Henneguya. Essa hemaglutinação obstruiu parcial ou totalmente os capilares branquiais. Os eritrócitos apareceram em forte aderência entre si, com espaço intercelular fechado. Foram observados poucos eritrócitos lisados entre as células aglutinadas. O lúmen reduzido dos capilares foi parcialmente preenchido com material homogêneo denso amorfo aderido aos eritrócitos, além de massas livres heterogêneas de densidade eletrônica baixa e irregular observadas no canal reduzido dos capilares. Os eritrócitos aglutinados pareciam densos e homogêneos, sem organelas citoplasmáticas. Os núcleos apareceram como massas normais de cromatina condensada, geralmente sem nucléolos visíveis. A ocorrência de hemaglutinação apenas nos capilares, localizados nas proximidades dos cistos mixozoários, sugere que o desenvolvimento parasitário pode ser um fator desencadeante da aglutinação eritrocitária. Isso é corroborado por estudos experimentais anteriores que mostraram uma provável correlação entre infecções parasitárias e hemaglutinação. No entanto, novos estudos são necessários para melhor compreender os processos físico-químicos envolvidos neste fenômeno.

Oil impact on the environment and aquatic organisms on the coasts of the states of Alagoas and Sergipe, Brazil - A preliminary evaluation.

The oil spill off the coast of the Brazilian Northeast region is one of the most significant global events regarding contamination and environmental impact in recent years. This work evaluates the effects of oil spills on the Northeast coasts between Alagoas and Sergipe states from October 2019 to January 2020. Analysis of some sampling points of seawater revealed the presence of Hg, Cd, Pb, and Cu in levels above the maximum concentration limits established by the Brazilian legislation. For water quality parameters, phosphorus, nitrite, and turbidity showed statistically different values. However, the chromatographic profiles of oil obtained from different beaches were quite similar. Seawater, fishes, and massunins (bivalve) presented the main polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, fluorene, and acenaphthalene. Therefore, the concentration of organic and inorganic contaminants determined in different environmental locations served as a subsidy to assess the effect of the preliminary oil spill on the Brazilian coast.

Timing and Duration of Observation Periods of Foraging Behavior in Natural Grasslands.

The goals of this study were to evaluate the length of time grazing which should be monitored over a 24-h period to predict the grazing behavior of beef heifers within a season and determine the patterns of foraging activity over 24 h. A database was constructed between 2010 and 2012 for beef heifers managed under rotational grazing in a natural grassland. Grazing, rumination, and other activity times were assessed visually during 24 h on 15 occasions. Data were classified according to climatic seasons, generating 12 replicates in summer, 18 in spring, 24 in autumn, and 36 in winter. Treatments were the evaluation of four distinct periods: from sunrise to sunset (DAY-SUN), daylight duration from dawn to nightfall (DAYLIGHT), DAYLIGHT plus 2 h (DAYLIGHT+2), DAYLIGHT to midnight (DAYLIGHT to 0), and the entire 24 h period (CONTROL). Differences for grazing, rumination, and other activities were found in all seasons for the evaluation periods. Sampling sufficiency was reached only with the DAYLIGHT to 0 and CONTROL for all four climatic seasons. The DAYLIGHT to 0 treatment covered 75% of a 24-h period and 95% of the mean foraging time took place during this time interval. Considering grazing distribution during a day, in the warm seasons, the major grazing period during mornings occurred earlier than in the cool seasons, and in cool seasons, the grazing peak was observed during the afternoon. Visual observations from dawn until midnight represented the total grazing time and natural behavior of heifers and could be used to represent grazing activities for the entire day.

Frequency of the TP53 R337H variant in sporadic breast cancer and its impact on genomic instability.

The R337H is a TP53 germline pathogenic variant that has been associated with several types of cancers, including breast cancer. Our main objective was to determine the frequency of the R337H variant in sporadic breast cancer patients from Paraná state, South Brazil, its association with prognosis and its impact in genomic instability. The genotyping of 805 breast cancer tissues revealed a genotypic and allelic frequency of the R337H variant of 2.36% and 1.18%, respectively. In these R337H+ cases a lower mean age at diagnosis was observed when compared to the R337H-cases. Array-CGH analysis showed that R337H+ patients presented a higher number of copy number alterations (CNAs), compared to the R337H-. These CNAs affected genes and miRNAs that regulate critical cancer signaling pathways; a number of these genes were associated with survival after querying the KMplot database. Furthermore, homozygous (R337H+/R337H+) fibroblasts presented increased levels of copy number variants when compared to heterozygous or R337H- cells. In conclusion, the R337H variant may contribute to 2.36% of the breast cancer cases without family cancer history in Paraná. Among other mechanisms, R337H increases the level of genomic instability, as evidenced by a higher number of CNAs in the R337H+ cases compared to the R337H-.

Ultrastructure of intracytoplasmic Rickettsia-like infection of the gills of the teleost Archosargus probatocephalus (Sparidae) in northeastern Brazil.

A histopathological survey was conducted to investigate the presence of microparasites in fish Archosargus probatocephalus in a river near Maceió, Brazil. Light microscope observations of fragments of gill showed the presence of small cysts containing numerous myxospores that were morphologically identified as Henneguya. Transmission electron microscopy observations further revealed several gill cells containing groups of prokaryotic cells within large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Each infected host cell displayed a single vacuole containing a variable number of Rickettsia-like cells (up to 11), some of which presented the dumbbell shape characteristic of binary fission. The Rickettsia-like cells were pleomorphic, without a nucleus and with chromatin dispersed in the cytoplasm. They had a thin electron-dense wall of Gram-negative type. The morphology of these prokaryotic was similar to those of the order Rickettsiales and was described as a Rickettsia-like organism. Histopathological evaluation showed that several vacuole membranes had a lysed appearance. Some had ruptured, thus allowing direct contact between the Rickettsia-like organism and the cytoplasm of the host cell. The rupturing of the branchial epithelium may have contributed towards reduction of the surface area of the gills, but it is not possible to say that this was the cause of the host's death.

XAF1 as a modifier of p53 function and cancer susceptibility.

Cancer risk is highly variable in carriers of the common TP53-R337H founder allele, possibly due to the influence of modifier genes. Whole-genome sequencing identified a variant in the tumor suppressor XAF1 (E134*/Glu134Ter/rs146752602) in a subset of R337H carriers. Haplotype-defining variants were verified in 203 patients with cancer, 582 relatives, and 42,438 newborns. The compound mutant haplotype was enriched in patients with cancer, conferring risk for sarcoma (P = 0.003) and subsequent malignancies (P = 0.006). Functional analyses demonstrated that wild-type XAF1 enhances transactivation of wild-type and hypomorphic TP53 variants, whereas XAF1-E134* is markedly attenuated in this activity. We propose that cosegregation of XAF1-E134* and TP53-R337H mutations leads to a more aggressive cancer phenotype than TP53-R337H alone, with implications for genetic counseling and clinical management of hypomorphic TP53 mutant carriers.

Heifers rearing on natural grassland under rotational grazing during warm season / Recria de novilhas em pastagem natural sob pastoreio rotativo na primavera-verão

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two rest intervals between grazing on the structural characteristics of pasture and performance of beef heifers in Campos grassland under rotational grazing. The treatments were two intervals between 375 and 750 DD (degree-days) grazing, based on the cumulative thermal sum for leaf expansion of native grasses belonging to capture and conservation groups of resources dominant in a natural grassland. The experiment was conducted during 151 days from October 2015 to March 2016, and twenty-four Braford heifers tests mean age = 12 months; mean body weight = 220kg (± 27.8) were used. The pre-grazing total forage mass (FMt) was on average 3791 kgMSha-1 and did not differ between treatments and season, the same occurred with the non-tussock FM. The average stocking rate was 469 kg ha-1 in both treatments. The average daily gain varied only between seasons, 0.102 kg animal-1 day-1 during spring and 0.372 kg animal-1 day-1 during summer. During the 151 evaluation days, the gain per area was a 103 kgha-1. The use of rest intervals between grazing based on the leaf elongation of dominant grasses, when applied to the areas of Campos grasslands, provided nutritional conditions to reach the target body weight for breeding 24 months old beef heifers.

RESUMO: O estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de dois intervalos de descanso entre pastoreios nas características estruturais do pasto e desempenho de novilhas de corte em pastagens naturais manejadas em pastejo rotativo. Os tratamentos foram dois intervalos entre pastejos de 375 e 750 GD (graus dia), baseados na soma térmica da duração de elongação foliar média de gramíneas de grupos de captura e conservação dos recursos dominantes de uma pastagem natural. O experimento foi conduzido no período de outubro de 2015 a março de 2016, com duração de 151 dias e os períodos experimentais divididos em primavera e verão. Foram utilizadas 24 novilhas teste da raça Braford, com idade inicial na média de 12 meses, e de peso corporal médio de 220 kg (± 27,8). A Massa de forragem total (FMt) pré-pastejo foi em média de 3791 kgMSha-1 e não diferiu entre tratamentos e estação, o mesmo ocorreu com a FM de estrato não touceira. A taxa de lotação média foi de 469 kgha-1 em ambos os tratamentos. O ganho médio diário variou apenas entre estações, com médias de 0,102 kganimal-1dia-1 na primavera e 0,372 kganimal-1dia-1 no verão. O ganho por área durante os 151 dias de avaliação foi em média de 103 kgha-1. As pastagens naturais submetidas a intervalos de descanso entre pastoreios baseados na elongação foliar de gramíneas dominantes, independente do tratamento utilizado, proporcionam ritmos de ganhos médios diários compatíveis com a meta de peso corporal, a ser atingida aos 24 meses, para que as novilhas possam ser acasaladas.

Brangus cows have ovarian reserve parameters more like Brahman than Angus cows.

Bos indicus females have more surface antral follicles than Bos taurus females; however, histological studies demonstrated no difference in total number of primordial follicles between these two biological types of cattle. Primordial follicle density in the ovary was less in Nelore ovaries compared to Angus ovaries, but no studies have examined the primordial follicle density in Bos indicus cross-bred females. It, therefore, was hypothesized that primordial follicle density in the ovary would decrease as percentage Bos indicus increased. Ovaries were collected from cross-bred Angus (n = 32, no Bos indicus influence), Brangus (n = 15), or Brahman (n = 9) cows and prepared for histological evaluation. There was no difference in total number of primordial follicles per ovary between breeds (P > 0.10). When numbers of primordial follicles were expressed on a per gram of ovarian tissue basis, there were fewer primordial follicles per gram of ovarian tissue in Brangus and Brahman cows than in Angus cows (P < 0.05). Brangus cows did not differ from Brahman cows in primordial follicle density (P > 0.10). Differences in primordial follicle density could indicate differences in capacity of ovarian stroma to produce factors necessary for oogonial proliferation and primordial follicle formation among breeds. Identifying these factors could improve the aprroach for culturing pre-antral follicles of cattle. Furthermore, these results explain why ultrasonographic antral follicle counts may need to be adjusted to a greater threshold to predict size of the ovarian reserve and determine ovarian reserve related reproductive traits in Bos indicus females.

Description of a new myxozoan Kudoa eugerres n. sp. and reclassification of two Sphaerospora sensu lato species.

Ultrastructural and phylogenetic description of a fish-infecting myxosporean found infecting the gallbladder wall of the teleostean Eugerres brasilianus Cuvier, 1830, collected from the Atlantic coast near the city of Maceió (Alagoas State), Brazil. Groups of mature pseudo-conical myxospores, agglutinated forming pseudocyst structures, occurring in the mucosa of gallbladder were 5.2 ± 0.8 µm (4.5-6.0) (n = 30) long, 4.3 ± 0.6 µm (3.8-4.7) (n = 25) thick, and 2.9 ± 0.2 µm (2.7-3.2) (n = 25) wide. The two ellipsoidal polar capsules, 1.8 ± 0.4 × 1.2 ± 0.4 µm (n = 25), opened close to the sutural line, each containing an isofilar polar tubule. The latter consisted of a single coil with five to six turns, arranged obliquely to the axis of the polar capsule. This myxosporean parasite, while being morphologically similar to Sphaerospora spp., displays tissue tropism and phylogenetic relationships distinct from the latter. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses showed the parasite and two other related species clustering within the marine clade, more specifically within a subclade of the larger Kudoa (Multivalvulida) clade. Consequently, this atypical new myxozoan species was classified as Kudoa eugerres n. sp. and two other histozoic Sphaerospora spp. sensu lato were transferred to the genus Kudoa.

Ultrastructure of phagocytes and oocysts of Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa, Porosporidae) infecting Crassostrea rhizophorae in Northeastern Brazil.

This work describes the detailed ultrastructural morphology of the phagocyte imprisoning an oyster of Nematopsis (Apicomplexa) found in Crassostrea rhizophorae, in the city of Maceió (AL), Brazil. The highly infected hosts had half-open leaflets with weak, slow retraction of the adductor muscles. Variable number of ellipsoid oocytes, either isolated and or clustered, was found between myofibrils of the adductor muscle. Each oocyst was incarcerated in a parasitophorous vacuole of host uninucleated phagocyte. The oocysts were composed of a dense wall containing a uninucleate vermiform sporozoite. The wall of the fine oocysts was composed of homogeneous electron-lucent material formed by three layers of equal thickness, having a circular orifice-micropyle obstructed by the operculum. The oocysts presented ellipsoid morphology with their wall was surrounded by a complex network of numerous microfibrils. Important details of the taxonomic value were visualized such as the ultrastructural organization of the oocyst wall and the organization of the micropyle and operculum, beyond the microfibrils that protrude from the oocyst wall only observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and that may aid in the identification of the species. However, in order to clarify the systematic position of the species reported of the genus Nematopsis, it is important to proceed with genetic analyses.

Ultrastructure of phagocytes and oocysts of Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa, Porosporidae) infecting Crassostrea rhizophorae in Northeastern Brazil / Ultraestrutura de fagócitos e oocistos de Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa, Porosporidae) infectando Crassostrea rhizophorae no Nordeste brasileiro

Abstract This work describes the detailed ultrastructural morphology of the phagocyte imprisoning an oyster of Nematopsis (Apicomplexa) found in Crassostrea rhizophorae, in the city of Maceió (AL), Brazil. The highly infected hosts had half-open leaflets with weak, slow retraction of the adductor muscles. Variable number of ellipsoid oocytes, either isolated and or clustered, was found between myofibrils of the adductor muscle. Each oocyst was incarcerated in a parasitophorous vacuole of host uninucleated phagocyte. The oocysts were composed of a dense wall containing a uninucleate vermiform sporozoite. The wall of the fine oocysts was composed of homogeneous electron-lucent material formed by three layers of equal thickness, having a circular orifice-micropyle obstructed by the operculum. The oocysts presented ellipsoid morphology with their wall was surrounded by a complex network of numerous microfibrils. Important details of the taxonomic value were visualized such as the ultrastructural organization of the oocyst wall and the organization of the micropyle and operculum, beyond the microfibrils that protrude from the oocyst wall only observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and that may aid in the identification of the species. However, in order to clarify the systematic position of the species reported of the genus Nematopsis, it is important to proceed with genetic analyses.

Resumo Este trabalho descreve a morfologia ultraestrutural detalhada do fagócito encarcerando um oocisto de Nematopsis (Apicomplexa) encontrado em Crassostrea rhizophorae, na cidade de Maceió (AL), Brasil. Os hospedeiros muito infectados apresentavam valvas entreabertas com retração fraca e lenta dos músculos abdutores. Número variável de oócitos de forma elipsoide, isolados e ou agrupados foi encontrado entre as miofibrilas do músculo abdutor. Cada oocisto estava encarcerado num vacúolo parasitóforo do fagócito uninucleado do hospedeiro. Os oocistos eram compostos por uma parede densa contendo um esporozoíto vermiforme uninucleado. A parede dos oocistos finos era composta de material electron-lucente homogêneo formado por três camadas de espessura igual, possuindo um orifício circular - micrópila, obstruída pelo opérculo. Os oocistos apresentavam morfologia elipsoide, sua parede era circundada por uma complexa rede de numerosas microfibrilas. Detalhes de valor taxonômico importantes foram visualizados tais como: a organização ultraestrutural da parede do oocisto e a organização da micrópila e do opérculo, além das microfibrilas que se projetam da parede do oocisto, estrutura apenas observada em microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e que pode auxiliar na identificação da espécie. Contudo, para esclarecer a posição sistemática da maioria das espécies relatadas do gênero Nematopsis é importante prosseguir com as análises genéticas.

Effects of preovulatory estradiol on uterine environment and conceptus survival from fertilization to maternal recognition of pregnancy.

Preovulatory estradiol is known to impact embryo quality and survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of preovulatory estradiol on the uterine environment and conceptus survival through maternal recognition of pregnancy. Beef cows/heifers were AIed following induced ovulation. Cows were grouped into high and low preovulatory estradiol. Conceptuses were collected on day 16 nonsurgically (Rep 1; n = 20), or following slaughter (Rep 2; n = 29). Blood was collected to determine plasma glucose concentrations, and uterine luminal fluid (ULF) was analyzed for protein, glucose, and interferon tau (IFNT) concentrations. Total cellular RNA was extracted from caruncular (CAR) and intercaruncular (INCAR) endometrial tissue. There was no effect of preovulatory estradiol on conceptus recovery rate (P = 0.38) or on apoptosis rate in the trophectoderm (P = 0.64). Cows in which a conceptus was recovered had greater concentrations of protein in the ULF (P = 0.04). Animals with elevated preovulatory estradiol had greater endometrial abundance of SLC2A1 (P = 0.05) and SLC5A1 (P = 0.04) in both INCAR and CAR tissue. Presence of a conceptus also tended to increase (P = 0.10) abundance of SLC5A1 in INCAR. In CAR tissue, cows with a conceptus had decreased SLC2A4 abundance (P = 0.05). In summary, conceptus recovery rates, apoptosis in the trophectoderm, IFNT, glucose, and protein concentration in ULF did not differ between cows that did or did not have an increase in preovulatory estradiol concentrations. Thus, there is no indication of increased conceptus survival to day 16 of pregnancy based on estradiol concentrations.

Beef heifers with diminished numbers of antral follicles have decreased uterine protein concentrations.

Previous research demonstrated a favorable relationship between the number of follicles detectable in the bovine ovary by ultrasonography and fertility, and bovine females with diminished numbers of antral follicles had smaller reproductive tracts. Therefore, we hypothesized that uterine function would be compromised in beef heifers with diminished numbers of antral follilcles. Angus heifers (n=480) were submitted for ultrasonographic evaluation of antral follicle number at 325 and 355d of age. After the second ultrasonographic examination, 40 pubertal heifers with the greatest average number of antral follicles (30.9±0.7) and 40 pubertal heifers with the lowest average number of antral follicles (14.2±0.7) were synchronized with two i.m. injections of prostaglandin F2α (25mg) administered 11d apart, and heifers were slaughtered on d6 (n=26 heifers/group) or d16 (n=14 heifers/group) of the resultant estrous cycle. The uterus was weighed, flushed for determination of protein content, and representative samples were fixed for determination of endometrial gland morphometry. Heifers in the Low group had fewer surface antral follicles and smaller reproductive tracts than heifers in the High group (P<0.01). Protein content of the uterine flushes was decreased in heifers in the Low group (P<0.01); however, there was no difference in the percent area of the endometrium occupied by endometrial glands. From these results, we conclude that the uterine environment of beef heifers with diminished numbers of antral follicles is less conducive to supporting early embryonic survival.

Beef heifers performance in natural grassland under continuous and rotational grazing in the autumn-winter / Desempenho de novilhas de corte em pastagem natural sob pastoreio contínuo e rotativo no outono-inverno

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef heifers in natural grassland under continuous and rotational grazing during the autumn-winter period. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design and conducted using the forage mass above eight cm and 50% of the leaf blades mass of tussocks. The animals were Brangus beef heifers with initial body weight of 258kg. The variables evaluated were available forage mass (FMa), leaf blades mass of tussocks (LBMt), real forage allowance (FAr), sward height of the lower stratum (HLS), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter digestibility (OMD), total digestible nutrients (TDN), average daily gain (ADG), body condition score (BCS), reproductive tract score (RTS) and stocking rate (SR). FMa, HLS, OMD and TDN decreased while FAr, CP and NDF were similar during the experimental period. The ADG was positive only at third experimental period while BCS, RTS and SR decreased over time. The natural grassland management under continuous and rotational grazing during the autumn-winter period, using the forage mass above 8cm and 50% of the leaf blades mass of tussocks, does not allow the adequate corporal development for breeding the beef heifers at 24 months old.

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho de novilhas de corte em pastagem natural sob pastoreio contínuo e rotativo no outono-inverno. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, conduzidos utilizando a massa de forragem acima de oito cm e 50% da massa de lâminas foliares das touceiras. Os animais foram novilhas Brangus com peso médio inicial de 258kg. As variáveis avaliadas foram massa de forragem disponibilizada (MFd), massa de lâminas foliares das touceiras (MLFt) oferta de forragem disponibilizada (OFd), altura do estrato inferior (Hinf), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), digestibilidade da matéria orgânica (DISMO), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), ganho médio diário (GMD), escore de condição corporal (CC), escore do trato reprodutivo (ETR) e taxa de lotação (TL). MFd, Hinf, DISMO e NDT foram decrescentes e OFd, PB e FDN semelhantes ao longo do período experimental. O GMD foi positivo apenas no terceiro período, enquanto que CC, ETR e TL decresceram. O manejo da pastagem natural sob pastoreio contínuo ou rotativo, no outono-inverno, utilizando a massa de forragem acima de oito cm e 50% da massa de lâminas foliares das touceiras, não possibilita o desenvolvimento corporal adequado para acasalamento de novilhas de corte aos 24 meses.

Anatomical variations of the axilla.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) at the site of the surgical incision for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and to record potential anatomical variations in the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm (MCNA), the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN), the lateral thoracic vein (LTV), the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) and the pectoral muscle pedicle (PMP), considering that some details of the anatomy of these structures within the axilla are still unclear. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 100 consecutive patients with breast cancer who underwent ALND as part of surgical treatment. The anatomy of the dissected axilla was video recorded. RESULTS: The SAT thickness ranged from 8 mm to 60 mm, with an average thickness of 25.9 mm. A positive correlation was observed between the SAT thickness and the body mass index (BMI) of the evaluated patients (r = 0.68; p < 0.0001). The MCNA was the anatomical structure that was least commonly observed in the axilla (22% of cases), while the PMP was the most constant element, identified in 100% of cases. All of the studied anatomical structures observed within the axilla showed variation in at least one of the aspects analyzed, i.e., the point of entry and exit, path, number and location of divisions or branches. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated wide variation in thickness of the SAT overlying the axilla and identified the existence of broad normative anatomical variation of the axilla.

Eficiência do aguapé sobre variáveis limnológicas em canais de abastecimento utilizados no cultivo de tambaqui / Biofilter efficiency of water hyacinth on limnological variables in irrigation channels used for tambaqui farming

The use of biofilter of aquatics plants can be an alternative for the treatment and minimization of effluents generated in fish farming. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the improvement of the limnological variables of water of supply channels used for fish farming. The experiment was conducted in supply channels over a period of 60-days at sampling intervals of fifteen days. The channels were sectioned with screens. A density of 120 fish m-³was used. The sections were divided into stages, alternating with presence or absence of water hyacinth. It was not observed significant differences in the level of ammonia (p >0.05), alkalinity and hardness of the effluent in both treatment systems. However it was observed that water hyacinth was efficient in the removal of nutrients such as, phosphorus (first weeks of cultivation). The use of water hyacinth can be recommended in fish farming systems.

O uso de macrófitas aquáticas pode ser uma alternativa para o tratamento e minimização dos efluentes gerados na piscicultura. Objetivou-se com este trabalho verificar a eficiência do aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes) na melhora de variáveis limnológicas (fósforo e amônia) com cultivo de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) em canais com fluxo contínuo de água. O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 60 dias com amostragens quinzenais em canais de abastecimento, seccionados com telas e utilizando uma densidade de 120 peixes m-³. As seções foram divididas em etapas, alternando com presença e/ou ausência de aguapé. Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas nos teores de amônia, alcalinidade e dureza do efluente, nos tratamentos com ou sem a presença dos aguapés, contudo foi comprovada a eficiência do aguapé na remoção de nutrientes como o fósforo nas primeiras semanas de cultivo, sendo recomendado, o seu uso em sistemas de criação de peixes.

Morbidity after conventional dissection of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has recently become less radical. The treatment morbidity effects of reduced ALND aggressiveness are unknown. This article investigates the prevalence of the main complications of ALND: lymphedema, range-of-motion restriction, and arm paresthesia and pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 200 women with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery (82.5%, n = 165) or mastectomy (17.5%, n = 35) with ALND from 2007 to 2011. Arm perimetry was used to assess lymphedema, defined as a difference >2 cm in the upper arm circumference between the nonsurgical and surgical arms. Range-of-motion restriction was assessed by evaluating the degree of arm abduction. Paresthesia was measured in the inner and proximal arm regions. Arm pain was assessed by directly questioning the patients and defined as either present or absent. RESULTS: The average (±SD) time between ALND and morbidity evaluation was 35 ± 18 months (range, 7-60 months). The average dissected lymph node number per patient was 14 ± 4 (range, 6-30 lymph nodes). Only 3.5% (n = 7) of the patients presented with lymphedema. Single-incision approaches to breast tumor and ALND (P = 0.04) and the presence of a postoperative seroma (P = 0.02) were associated with lymphedema in univariate analysis. Paresthesia was the most frequent side effect observed (53% of patients, n = 106). This complication was associated with increased age (P < 0.0001) and a larger dissected lymph node number (P = 0.01) in univariate and multivariate analysis. Additionally, 24% (n = 48) of patients had noticeable limited arm abduction. Among the patients, 27.5% (n = 55) experienced sporadic arm pain corresponding to the surgically treated armpit. In multivariate analysis, the pain risk was 1.9-fold higher in patients who underwent ALND corresponding to their dominant arm (95% CI, 1.0-3.7, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Conventional ALND in breast cancer patients can result in unwanted complications. However, the current lymphedema prevalence is lower than that of the other analyzed side effects.