Neuroplasticity changes in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) indexed by event-related desynchronization/synchronization during a motor inhibition task.

PURPOSE: Event-related desynchronisation (ERD) and event-related synchronisation (ERS) reflect pain perception and integration of the nociceptive sensory inputs. This may contribute to the understanding of how neurophysiological markers of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) patients can differ from control individuals, which would improve aspects such as prediction and prognosis. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of our cohort study (DEFINE cohort), KOA arm, with 71 patients, compared with 65 control participants. The study aimed to examine possible differences between ERD and ERS in control participants compared to Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) patients when adjusting for important covariates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed independent multivariate regression models considering as dependent variables the power value related to ERD and ERS for four different sensorimotor tasks (Motor Execution, Motor Imagery, Active Observation and Passive Observation) and four sensorimotor oscillations (Alpha, Beta, Low Beta, and High Beta), each model, controlled by age and sex. RESULTS: We demonstrate that the differences between KOA and healthy subjects are frequency specific, as most differences are in the beta bandwidth range. Also, we observed that subjects in the KOA group had significantly higher ERD and ERS. This may be correlated to the amount of lack of brain organisation and a subsequent attempt at compensation induced by KOA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strengthen the notion that subjects with KOA have a higher degree of brain plasticity changes that are also likely correlated to the degree of compensation and behavioural dysfunction.

Emergence of Neuronal Synchronisation in Coupled Areas.

One of the most fundamental questions in the field of neuroscience is the emergence of synchronous behaviour in the brain, such as phase, anti-phase, and shift-phase synchronisation. In this work, we investigate how the connectivity between brain areas can influence the phase angle and the neuronal synchronisation. To do this, we consider brain areas connected by means of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, in which the neuron dynamics is given by the adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire model. Our simulations suggest that excitatory and inhibitory connections from one area to another play a crucial role in the emergence of these types of synchronisation. Thus, in the case of unidirectional interaction, we observe that the phase angles of the neurons in the receiver area depend on the excitatory and inhibitory synapses which arrive from the sender area. Moreover, when the neurons in the sender area are synchronised, the phase angle variability of the receiver area can be reduced for some conductance values between the areas. For bidirectional interactions, we find that phase and anti-phase synchronisation can emerge due to excitatory and inhibitory connections. We also verify, for a strong inhibitory-to-excitatory interaction, the existence of silent neuronal activities, namely a large number of excitatory neurons that remain in silence for a long time.

Disruption of neocortical synchronisation during slow-wave sleep in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease motor dysfunctions are associated with improperly organised neural oscillatory activity. The presence of such disruption at the early stages of the disease in which altered sleep is one of the main features could be a relevant predictive feature. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the neocortical synchronisation dynamics during slow-wave sleep (SWS) in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease. After rotenone administration within the substantia nigra pars compacta, one group of male Wistar rats underwent sleep-wake recording. Considering the association between SWS oscillatory activity and memory consolidation, another group of rats underwent a memory test. The fine temporal structure of synchronisation dynamics was evaluated by a recently developed technique called first return map. We observed that rotenone administration decreased the time spent in SWS and altered the power spectrum within different frequency bands, whilst it increased the transition rate from a synchronised to desynchronised state. This neurotoxin also increased the probability of longer and decreased the probability of shorter desynchronisation events. At the same time, we observed impairment in object recognition memory. These findings depict an electrophysiological fingerprint represented by a disruption in the typical oscillatory activity within the neocortex at the early stages of Parkinson's disease, concomitant with a decrease in the time spent in SWS and impairment in recognition memory.

Climatic signal in a radial growth of Canadian and Maximovich poplars in south-western Poland

The main goal set by researchers in this article was to gather knowledge on the structure of the basic biometric features of tree-rings of two species of poplars, belonging to different sections of Aegeiros Populus xcanadensis and Tacamahaca Populus maximowiczii, and to define and understand the correlation between weather and annual increment. A supplementary objective of the article was to determine pointer years of species found in individual populations. Our research used the standard methodology applied in dendroclimatology. In the analysis of correlation of the tree species studied, stronger statistically significant relationships were obtained in terms of precipitation-increment compared to temperature-increment. The annual increment in the Canadian poplar was enhanced by wet autumns and winters, especially by the rainfall in Oct and Dec in the previous year, as well as in Apr of this year. The tested Maximovich's poplars tested preferred rainfall during spring going into summer, especially in June of this year. Seven specific pointer years were determined for the Canadian poplar, comprising 4 positive (1987, 2008, 2010, 2012) and 3 negative years (2000, 2011, 2014). For P. maximowiczii, 11 pointer years were determined, i.e. 5 positive years (1987, 1991, 1999, 2009, 2012) and 6 negative (1984, 2000, 2002, 2010, 2013, 2015). In the pointer years, monthly sums of atmospheric precipitation and the average monthly air temperatures differed from the multi-year period. In the process of forming the secondary growth of the wood of the studied poplar species, the predominant role was played by atmospheric precipitation.

Climatic signal in a radial growth of Canadian and Maximovich poplars in south-western Poland

The main goal set by researchers in this article was to gather knowledge on the structure of the basic biometric features of tree-rings of two species of poplars, belonging to different sections of Aegeiros Populus xcanadensis and Tacamahaca Populus maximowiczii, and to define and understand the correlation between weather and annual increment. A supplementary objective of the article was to determine pointer years of species found in individual populations. Our research used the standard methodology applied in dendroclimatology. In the analysis of correlation of the tree species studied, stronger statistically significant relationships were obtained in terms of precipitation-increment compared to temperature-increment. The annual increment in the Canadian poplar was enhanced by wet autumns and winters, especially by the rainfall in Oct and Dec in the previous year, as well as in Apr of this year. The tested Maximovich's poplars tested preferred rainfall during spring going into summer, especially in June of this year. Seven specific pointer years were determined for the Canadian poplar, comprising 4 positive (1987, 2008, 2010, 2012) and 3 negative years (2000, 2011, 2014). For P. maximowiczii, 11 pointer years were determined, i.e. 5 positive years (1987, 1991, 1999, 2009, 2012) and 6 negative (1984, 2000, 2002, 2010, 2013, 2015). In the pointer years, monthly sums of atmospheric precipitation and the average monthly air temperatures differed from the multi-year period. In the process of forming the secondary growth of the wood of the studied poplar species, the predominant role was played by atmospheric precipitation.(AU)

[Permanent septal pacing in patients suffering secondary heart failure compared to right ventricular apical pacing]. / Estimulación eléctrica permanente en región septal en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a estimulación en ápex de ventrículo derecho.

INTRODUCTION: Regardless of the type of electrical stimulation (VVI or DDD) the highest percentage of right ventricular apical pacing can cause left ventricular failure. For this reason, studies have been performed in different sites on right ventricle pacing. OBJECTIVE: To describe differences between electrocardiography and echocardiography variables during right ventricular apical pacing and septal pacing. METHODS: A total of 24 patients were studied, 2 women and 22 men, with heart failure due to conventional pacing on right ventricular (ejection fraction ≤ 35%). An electrocardiogram as well as an echocardiogram, was performed during right ventricular apical pacing and when patients were paced on septal area. RESULTS: The ejection fraction increased from 31 ± 3.1% to 45 ± 12% (P=.0041) on septal pacing, showing higher degree of mechanic synchronisation. CONCLUSIONS: Pacing on septal area could be a good site for those patients that suffer heart failure due to right ventricular apical pacing. These must show narrow QRS on their intrinsic electrocardiographic conduction. This kind of pacing can produce an improvement in electromechanical synchronisation, as well as show an increased left ventricular ejection fraction.

Estimulación eléctrica permanente en región septal en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a estimulación en ápex de ventrículo derecho / Permanent septal pacing in patients suffering secondary heart failure compared to right ventricular apical pacing

Resumen Introducción: Independientemente de la modalidad de estimulación (VVI o DDD), el mayor porcentaje de estimulación ventricular derecha deteriora la función contráctil izquierda. Por ello se han estudiado diferentes sitios de estimulación. Objetivo: Describir las diferencias electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas entre la estimulación en la región apical y la región septal del ventrículo derecho (VD)0. Métodos: Se estudió a 24 pacientes, 2 mujeres y 22 hombres, con fracción de eyección deprimida (≤ 35%) secundaria a estimulación en punta de VD. Se realizó electrocardiograma durante estimulación en ápex de VD y en seguimiento de estimulación septal. También ecocardiografía en ambos momentos. Resultados: La fracción de eyección se incrementó desde 31 ± 3.1% hasta 45 ± 12% (p = 0.0041) con estimulación septal; esta mostró mejor grado de sincronía mecánica. Conclusiones: La estimulación septal puede constituir un sitio de elección en pacientes con disfunción sistólica de ventrículo izquierdo secundaria a estimulación en ápex de VD, los cuales presenten QRS estrecho en su conducción intrínseca, pues en la muestra estudiada produce una mejoría en la sincronía electromecánica, demostrándose incrementos significativos en la fracción de eyección.

Abstract Introduction: Regardless of the type of electrical stimulation (VVI or DDD) the highest percentage of right ventricular apical pacing can cause left ventricular failure. For this reason, studies have been performed in different sites on right ventricle pacing. Objective: To describe differences between electrocardiography and echocardiography variables during right ventricular apical pacing and septal pacing. Methods: A total of 24 patients were studied, 2 women and 22 men, with heart failure due to conventional pacing on right ventricular (ejection fraction ≤ 35%). An electrocardiogram as well as an echocardiogram, was performed during right ventricular apical pacing and when patients were paced on septal area. Results: The ejection fraction increased from 31 ± 3.1% to 45 ± 12% (P=.0041) on septal pacing, showing higher degree of mechanic synchronisation. Conclusions: Pacing on septal area could be a good site for those patients that suffer heart failure due to right ventricular apical pacing. These must show narrow QRS on their intrinsic electrocardiographic conduction. This kind of pacing can produce an improvement in electro- mechanical synchronisation, as well as show an increased left ventricular ejection fraction.

Evaluación de la respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardíaca en un grupo de pacientes que asisten a un programa de falla cardíaca / Evaluation of the response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy in a group of patients taking part in a heart failure program

Resumen Introducción: la terapia de resincronización cardiaca es una de las estrategias de tratamiento actuales para pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y función sistólica deprimida, que ha demostrado producir un alivio significativo en los síntomas, así como mejoría en la función ventricular izquierda y en la supervivencia a largo plazo. Objetivo: evaluar la respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardíaca después de seis meses de seguimiento. Metodología: estudio observacional analítico de cohorte retrospectivo, con análisis anidado de casos y controles, en el que se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años pertenecientes a una clínica de falla cardíaca y que fueran portadores de un dispositivo de resincronización cardíaca. Se realizó análisis univariado de las características clínicas y ecocardiográficas y posteriormente un análisis bivariado a las variables relacionadas con la respuesta a la terapia. Resultados: se incluyeron 92 pacientes con historia de falla cardíaca e indicación de terapia de resincronización; el 32,6% de los pacientes tenían cardiopatía isquémica y el 67,4% no isquémica, con una fracción de eyección promedio de 18,9%. Durante el seguimiento a los 6 primeros meses no se presentó ningún caso de muerte ni de trasplante cardíaco. Se definieron como respondedores el 47,8% de los pacientes, en tanto que el 52,2% restante fue clasificado como no respondedores. El porcentaje de pacientes que no requirieron hospitalizaciones luego de la terapia fue del 51,1%, y el 65,2% mejoró la clase funcional y 68,5% la fracción de eyección. Conclusión: en el 47,8% de la población estudiada se observó una respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardiaca adecuada evaluada de forma combinada con parámetros clínicos y ecocardiográficos, hecho que se tradujo en una mejoría relevante en términos de fracción de eyección y clase funcional, además de menor número de hospitalizaciones por falla cardíaca, al igual que ausencia de requerimiento de trasplante cardíaco y de muertes por causa cardiovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is one of the current strategies for patients with heart failure and depressed systolic dysfunction. It has shown to produce a significant reduction in the symptoms, as well as an improvement in left ventricular function and long-term survival. Objective: To evaluate the response to CRT after 6 months of follow-up. Materials and method: A retrospective, observational, analytical cohort study, with nested case-control analysis, was conducted, which included patients over 18 years of age attending a heart failure clinic, and were carriers of a CRT device. A univariate analysis was performed on the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. A bivariate analysis was subsequently performed on the variables associated to the treatment response. Results: The study included 92 patients with a history of heart failure and an indication of CRT, of whom 32.6% had ischaemic heart disease, and with a mean ejection fraction of 18.9%. There no deaths or heart transplants during the first 6 months of follow-up. Just under half (47.8%) of the patients were considered responders to the therapy, with the remaining 52.2% classified as non-responders. The percentage of patients that did not require hospital admission after the therapy was 51.1%, 65.2% improved functional class, and 68.5% their ejection fraction. Conclusion: Just under half (47.8%) of the population studied had an adequate response to CRT, when evaluated combined with the clinical and echocardiographic parameters. This led to a significant improvement in terms of ejection fraction and functional class, including a lower number of hospital admissions due to heart failure, as well as the absence of heart transplants and deaths by cardiovascular cause.

The morphology of the coronary sinus in patients with congenitally corrected transposition: implications for cardiac catheterisation and re-synchronisation therapy.

Patients with congenitally corrected transposition frequently benefit from re-synchronisation therapy or ablation procedures. This is likely to require catheterisation of the coronary sinus. Its anatomy, however, is not always appreciated, despite being well-described. With this caveat in mind, we have evaluated its location and structure in hearts with congenitally corrected transposition in order to reinforce the guidance needed by the cardiac interventionist. We dissected and inspected the coronary sinus, the oblique vein of the left atrium, and the left-sided-circumflex venous channel in eight heart specimens with corrected transposition and eight controls, measuring the orifice and length of the sinus and the atrioventricular valves. In two-thirds of the malformed hearts, the sinus deviated from its anticipated course in the atrioventricular groove, ascending obliquely on the left atrial inferior wall to meet the left oblique vein. The maximal deviation coincided in all hearts with the point where the left oblique vein joined the left-sided-circumflex vein to form the coronary sinus. We describe a circumflex vein, rather than the great cardiac vein, as the latter venous channel is right-sided in the setting of corrected transposition. The length of the sinus correlated positively with the diameter of the tricuspid valve (p=0.02). Compared with controls, the left oblique vein in the malformed hearts joined the circumflex venous channel significantly closer to the mouth of the sinus. The unexpected course of the coronary sinus in corrected transposition and the naming of the cardiac veins have important implications for venous cannulation and interpretation of images.

The role of interpersonal movement synchronisation in empathic functions: Insights from Tango Argentino and Capoeira.

Although evidence points to a role for kinesthetic empathy (i.e. spontaneous interpersonal movement imitation and synchronisation) in social interaction, its relationship with emotional and cognitive aspects of empathy is unknown. We compared empathy in Tango and Capoeira experts, which crucially depend on ongoing, mutual interpersonal synchronisation, with empathy in practitioners of Salsa and Breakdance, respectively, which demand less interpersonal synchronisation but are comparable concerning movements and setting. Kinesthetic empathy was increased in the Tango and Capoeira groups. Although no group differences in other aspects of empathy were detected, kinesthetic empathy correlated with emotional and cognitive empathy. Taken together, trait kinesthetic empathy varies in the general population, and appears increased in synchronisation experts.

Administration of GnRH on the day of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) and melengestrol acetate (MGA) administration after ftai in non-suckling nelore cattle / Aplicação de GnRH no dia da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e administração de acetato de melengestrol (MGA) após iatf em vacas nelore solteiras

The present study evaluated the effect of administering buserelin acetate (GnRH) at the time of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), along with the effect of oral administration of melengestrol acetate (MGA) after FTAI on conception rates in non-suckling Nelore cattle. In Experiment I, the effect of GnRH application at the time of FTAI was evaluated, as was administration of MGA from the 13th through the 18th day following FTAI (D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol). Experiment I was performed in 215 non-suckling cattle of the Nelore breed, divided into four experimental groups: Control group: 56 cows subjected to FTAI without GnRH injection; GnRH group: 51 cows subjected to GnRH at the time of FTAI; MGA Group: 57 cows subjected to FTAI without the application of GnRH with mineral supplementation and the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol; MGA and GnRH group: 51 cows subjected to GnRH injection at the time of FTAI, with mineral supplementation and the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol. In Experiment II, the effect of providing MGA five to ten days after FTAI was evaluated in 196 non-suckling pluriparous Nelore cows, divided into two groups: Control group: 104 cows subjected to FTAI, not supplemented with MGA; treated group: 92 cows supplemented with the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D15 to D20 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol. Diagnosis of gestation was carried out 45 days after FTAI. Both experiments were conducted using a completely randomised design and analysed via the SAS MIXED procedure.[...](AU)

Avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de Acetato de Buserelina (GnRH) no momento da IATF e o efeito do fornecimento, via oral, de Acetato de Melengestrol (MGA) após IATF, sobre a taxa de concepção em vacas solteiras da raça Nelore. No Experimento I, avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de GnRH no momento da IATF e do fornecimento de MGA do décimo terceiro ao décimo oitavo dia após a IATF (D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF), em 215 vacas solteiras da raça Nelore divididas em quatro grupos experimentais; grupo Controle: 56 vacas submetidas à IATF sem aplicação de GnRH; Grupo GnRH: 51 vacas submetidas à aplicação de GnRH no ato da IATF; Grupo MGA: 57 vacas submetidas à IATF sem aplicação de GnRH e suplementação mineral, com adição de 2,28g de MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF; Grupo MGA e GnRH: 51 vacas submetidas à aplicação de GnRH no momento da IATF e suplementação mineral com adição de 2,28g MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF. No Experimento II, avaliou-se o efeito do fornecimento de MGA cinco a dez dias após a IATF em 196 vacas pluríparas solteiras da raça Nelore, divididas em dois grupos experimentais; grupo Controle: 104 vacas submetidas à IATF sem fornecimento de MGA, e grupo Tratado: 92 vacas suplementadas, com adição de 2,28g de MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D15 ao D20 após o início do protocolo de IATF. Realizou-se diagnóstico de gestação 45 dias após a IATF. Ambos os Experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, analisados através do procedimento MIXED do SAS. No Experimento I, o grupo controle obteve menor taxa de concepção (32,1%) comparado com os demais grupos avaliados quando fornecido MGA após a IATF (45,6%), GnRH no momento da IATF (50,9%), bem como a associação dos dois tratamentos (50,9%) (P<0,05). No experimento II, o grupo controle obteve maior taxa de concepção (40,38%) quando comparado com o grupo que recebeu MGA pós-IATF (18,48%) (P<0,05).[...](AU)

Administration of GnRH on the day of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) and melengestrol acetate (MGA) administration after ftai in non-suckling nelore cattle / Aplicação de GnRH no dia da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e administração de acetato de melengestrol (MGA) após iatf em vacas nelore solteiras

The present study evaluated the effect of administering buserelin acetate (GnRH) at the time of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), along with the effect of oral administration of melengestrol acetate (MGA) after FTAI on conception rates in non-suckling Nelore cattle. In Experiment I, the effect of GnRH application at the time of FTAI was evaluated, as was administration of MGA from the 13th through the 18th day following FTAI (D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol). Experiment I was performed in 215 non-suckling cattle of the Nelore breed, divided into four experimental groups: Control group: 56 cows subjected to FTAI without GnRH injection; GnRH group: 51 cows subjected to GnRH at the time of FTAI; MGA Group: 57 cows subjected to FTAI without the application of GnRH with mineral supplementation and the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol; MGA and GnRH group: 51 cows subjected to GnRH injection at the time of FTAI, with mineral supplementation and the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D24 to D29 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol. In Experiment II, the effect of providing MGA five to ten days after FTAI was evaluated in 196 non-suckling pluriparous Nelore cows, divided into two groups: Control group: 104 cows subjected to FTAI, not supplemented with MGA; treated group: 92 cows supplemented with the addition of 2.28 g of MGA® Premix per cow per day from D15 to D20 after the initiation of the FTAI protocol. Diagnosis of gestation was carried out 45 days after FTAI. Both experiments were conducted using a completely randomised design and analysed via the SAS MIXED procedure.[...]

Avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de Acetato de Buserelina (GnRH) no momento da IATF e o efeito do fornecimento, via oral, de Acetato de Melengestrol (MGA) após IATF, sobre a taxa de concepção em vacas solteiras da raça Nelore. No Experimento I, avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de GnRH no momento da IATF e do fornecimento de MGA do décimo terceiro ao décimo oitavo dia após a IATF (D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF), em 215 vacas solteiras da raça Nelore divididas em quatro grupos experimentais; grupo Controle: 56 vacas submetidas à IATF sem aplicação de GnRH; Grupo GnRH: 51 vacas submetidas à aplicação de GnRH no ato da IATF; Grupo MGA: 57 vacas submetidas à IATF sem aplicação de GnRH e suplementação mineral, com adição de 2,28g de MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF; Grupo MGA e GnRH: 51 vacas submetidas à aplicação de GnRH no momento da IATF e suplementação mineral com adição de 2,28g MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D24 ao D29 após o início do protocolo de IATF. No Experimento II, avaliou-se o efeito do fornecimento de MGA cinco a dez dias após a IATF em 196 vacas pluríparas solteiras da raça Nelore, divididas em dois grupos experimentais; grupo Controle: 104 vacas submetidas à IATF sem fornecimento de MGA, e grupo Tratado: 92 vacas suplementadas, com adição de 2,28g de MGA® Premix/vaca/dia do D15 ao D20 após o início do protocolo de IATF. Realizou-se diagnóstico de gestação 45 dias após a IATF. Ambos os Experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, analisados através do procedimento MIXED do SAS. No Experimento I, o grupo controle obteve menor taxa de concepção (32,1%) comparado com os demais grupos avaliados quando fornecido MGA após a IATF (45,6%), GnRH no momento da IATF (50,9%), bem como a associação dos dois tratamentos (50,9%) (P<0,05). No experimento II, o grupo controle obteve maior taxa de concepção (40,38%) quando comparado com o grupo que recebeu MGA pós-IATF (18,48%) (P<0,05).[...]

Syncronisation of oestrus cycle in cattle with prostaglandin F2alfa. I . Effects according to the site of injection on the genitals / Utilização da prostaglandina F2 alfa (PGF2 alfa) na sincronização do ciclo estral em bovinos. I . Efeitos segundo o local de deposição nos órgãos genitais

Fifty-three randomly cycling Holstein-Zebu or Jersey-Zebu nuliparous cows were allotted in treatments with 6 mg of PGF2alfa-THAM salt, as follows: A into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the active corpus luteum of 16 animals; B into the body of uterus of 16 animals; C into the middle portion of the cervix of 15 animals and D 6 control animals, showing signs of oestrus, and that were inseminated at about 12 and 20 hr after onset of oestrus. A second injection of 6 mg of PGF2alfa was made, 10 days later, into the body of uterus of 10 animals, among those 22 that failed to show oestrus. So, there were made 26 injections into the body of uterus. In 35 cows standing oestrus occurred at 2.9 ± 0.1 days, with a synchronisation index of 81.2%, 69.2% and 26.6% for groups A, B and C. All animals showing standing oestrus were inseminated with frozen semen 12 and 20 hr after the first signs of oestrus. Pregnancy rates were 1/6.1%, 22.2% and 0.0% for treated groups and 66.6% for the control. Examination of the reproductive tracts of 10 animals slaughtered lfi days after the first treatment revealed, no clinical, signs of infection.

Após o controle de 2 ciclos estrais consecutivos, 53 vacas nulíparas, mestiças de Holandês x azebuado ou Jersey x azebuado, foram agrupadas em 4 lotes, tratados com 6 mg de PGF2alfa: lote A 16 animais injetados no corno uterino correspondente ao ovário portador de corpo lúteo funcional; lote B 16 animais injetados no corpo uterino; lote C - 15 animais injetados na porção média da cerviz uterina e lote D 6 animais com sintomas de cio, figurando como testemunhas e que foram submetidos a duas inseminações artificiais, com intervalo de S horas. Dez dias após, nova injeção foi praticada no corpo uterino de 10 animais, dentre os 22 que não responderam ao primeiro tratamento, totalizando, assim, 57 injeções, sendo 16 no corno uterino, 26 no corpo uterino e 15 na porção média do colo uterino. Os sintomas de cio consequentes aos tratamentos revelaram-se em 35 animais, em média, aos 2,9 ± 0,1 dias, obtendo-se índices de sincronização de 81,2%, 69,2% e 26,6%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C . Todos os animais que responderam aos tratamentos foram inseminados artificialmente, cerca de 12 e 20 horas após os primeiros sintomas de cio, com sêmen congelado, proveniente de touros de fertilidade comprovada. Os índices de fecundação obtidos foram de lf6,l%, 22,2% e 0,0%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C e de 66,6% para o lote D. Por outro lado, 1/0 dias após o primeiro trata

Syncronisation of oestrus cycle in cattle with prostaglandin F2alfa. I . Effects according to the site of injection on the genitals. / Utilização da prostaglandina F2 alfa (PGF2 alfa) na sincronização do ciclo estral em bovinos. I . Efeitos segundo o local de deposição nos órgãos genitais

Fifty-three randomly cycling Holstein-Zebu or Jersey-Zebu nuliparous cows were allotted in treatments with 6 mg of PGF2alfa-THAM salt, as follows: A into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the active corpus luteum of 16 animals; B into the body of uterus of 16 animals; C into the middle portion of the cervix of 15 animals and D 6 control animals, showing signs of oestrus, and that were inseminated at about 12 and 20 hr after onset of oestrus. A second injection of 6 mg of PGF2alfa was made, 10 days later, into the body of uterus of 10 animals, among those 22 that failed to show oestrus. So, there were made 26 injections into the body of uterus. In 35 cows standing oestrus occurred at 2.9 ± 0.1 days, with a synchronisation index of 81.2%, 69.2% and 26.6% for groups A, B and C. All animals showing standing oestrus were inseminated with frozen semen 12 and 20 hr after the first signs of oestrus. Pregnancy rates were 1/6.1%, 22.2% and 0.0% for treated groups and 66.6% for the control. Examination of the reproductive tracts of 10 animals slaughtered lfi days after the first treatment revealed, no clinical, signs of infection.

Após o controle de 2 ciclos estrais consecutivos, 53 vacas nulíparas, mestiças de Holandês x azebuado ou Jersey x azebuado, foram agrupadas em 4 lotes, tratados com 6 mg de PGF2alfa: lote A 16 animais injetados no corno uterino correspondente ao ovário portador de corpo lúteo funcional; lote B 16 animais injetados no corpo uterino; lote C - 15 animais injetados na porção média da cerviz uterina e lote D 6 animais com sintomas de cio, figurando como testemunhas e que foram submetidos a duas inseminações artificiais, com intervalo de S horas. Dez dias após, nova injeção foi praticada no corpo uterino de 10 animais, dentre os 22 que não responderam ao primeiro tratamento, totalizando, assim, 57 injeções, sendo 16 no corno uterino, 26 no corpo uterino e 15 na porção média do colo uterino. Os sintomas de cio consequentes aos tratamentos revelaram-se em 35 animais, em média, aos 2,9 ± 0,1 dias, obtendo-se índices de sincronização de 81,2%, 69,2% e 26,6%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C . Todos os animais que responderam aos tratamentos foram inseminados artificialmente, cerca de 12 e 20 horas após os primeiros sintomas de cio, com sêmen congelado, proveniente de touros de fertilidade comprovada. Os índices de fecundação obtidos foram de lf6,l%, 22,2% e 0,0%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C e de 66,6% para o lote D. Por outro lado, 1/0 dias após o primeiro trata