Effect of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones, and on sperm production and semen quality in AI bulls in Brazil

The objectives were to determine the effects of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones (TVC), and on sperm production and semen quality in 107 Bos indicus, B, taurus and cross-bred bulls at three artificial insemination (AI) centers in Brazil. In addition, predictors of sperm production and semen quality were identified. In general, scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal shape score, scrotal neck perimeter, and testicular size (length, width and volume) increased (P < 0.05) with age. Although there were no significant differences among genetic groups for SC or testicular size, B. indicus bulls had the least pendulous scrotal shape, the shortest scrotal neck length, and the greatest scrotal neck perimeter (P < 0.05). Fat covering the TVC was thinner (P < 0.05) in bulls <= 36 months of age and in B. taunts bulls than in older bulls and B. indicus bulls, respectively. Age and genetic group did not affect testicular ultrasonic echotexture. B. indicus bulls tended (P < 0.1) to have the lowest average scrotal surface temperature (SST). In general, ejaculate volume, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa increased (P < 0.05) with age. However, there was no significant effect of age on sperm concentration, motility, major and total defects. The proportion of spermatozoa with minor defects was highest (P < 0.05) in bulls 37-60 months of age. B. indicus bulls had higher (P < 0.01) sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa than B. taunts bulls, with intermediate values for cross-bred bulls. Increased sperm production was associated with increased testicular volume, SC, TVC fat cover, and SST top-to-bottom gradient. Decreased semen quality was associated with increased SC and bottom SST, and decreased scrotal shape, scrotal neck perimeter and vascular cone diameter. In summary, age and genetic group affected the characteristics of the scrotum, testes, and TVC, sperm production and semen quality. In addition, characteristics of the scrotum, testes and TVC were associated with sperm production and semen quality in bulls and could be assessed for breeding soundness evaluation. (c) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeitos da progesterona exógena sobre o desenvolvimento folicular em ovelhas

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da progesterona (P4) sobre o crescimento folicular e na endocrinologia reprodutiva em ovelhas Bergamácia. Quatorze ovelhas sincronizadas com prostaglandinas (PGF2alfa ) foram distribuídas em dois grupos (n=7/grupo): grupo-controle e grupo tratado com progesterona (CIDR) depois da ovulação (dia zero). Desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10, realizaram-se monitoramentos ultra-sonográficos para estabelecer o crescimento folicular. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para a determinação de P4 desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10 depois da ovulação. Para o perfil dos pulsos de hormônio luteinizante (LH), as colheitas de sangue ocorreram em intervalos de 30 minutos por um período de oito horas, nos dias um e seis. As taxas de crescimento diferiram (P<0,001) entre os grupos, 0,91±0,15 e 0,70±0,16mm/dia para os grupos controle e tratado, respectivamente. Os dias do platô dos animais controle e tratados foram de 1,9±0,72 e 2,9±0,45 (P<0,05), respectivamente. As concentrações médias de progesterona (P<0,001) foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. A freqüência dos pulsos diferiu no primeiro dia do ciclo (P<0,01), com valores de 2,55±0,09 pulsos/8 horas no grupo-controle e de 1,49±0,11 pulsos/8 horas no grupo tratado. No sexto dia, o grupo-controle 2,20±0,09 pulsos/8 horas apresentou maior número de pulsos (P<0,05) que o grupo tratado, 1,22±0,11 pulsos/8 horas. Os efeitos inibitórios da progesterona exógena no diâmetro do folículo dominante foram mediados pela redução na freqüência dos pulsos de LH.

Histologic evaluation of the use of membrane, bone graft, and MTA in apical surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the periapical healing after the use of membrane, bone graft, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in apical surgery of dogs' teeth. Apical lesions were induced in 48 roots of 6 dogs after coronal access and pulpal removal. Apical surgery consisted of osteotomy with trephine bur for the standardization of the critical surgical cavities, followed by apicoectomy, curettage, preparation of the root-end cavities with the aid of the ultrasonic device, and retrofilling with MTA. The surgical sites were divided into: group 1-filled with blood; group 2-filled with blood and recovered with membrane; group 3-filled with bone graft; and group 4-filled with bone graft and recovered with membrane. The results showed that the inflammatory infiltrate, the periapical healing process, and the behavior of MTA was the same in all groups, including the mineralization stimulation. It was concluded that the use of membranes and bone graft materials isolated or associated in apical surgery did not alter the periapical healing process after the root-end filling with MTA. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 309-314)

Evaluation of the Smear Layer and Hybrid Layer in Noncarious and Carious Dentin Prepared by Air Abrasion System and Diamond Tips

Purpose: To analyze the smear layer and the hybrid layer in noncarious and carious dentin prepared by different cutting instruments and restored with composite resin. Study design: Cavities were randomly prepared in 160 specimens (noncarious and artificial carious dentin) by high-speed diamond tips (KG Sorensen 1013), air abrasion system (Prepstart, Danville Engineering), ultrasonic tip (CVDentus 8.3231-1), and ultrasonic tip associated with ultrasonic cavitation by water for 10 s. Half of the cavities in each group were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s. The amount of smear layer and dentinal tubules present were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and graded from 0 to 3. Cavities were prepared in another 20 noncarious specimens and 20 carious specimens and restored with adhesive composite resin system. The restorations were hemisected longitudinally and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the hybrid layer and resinous prolongation characteristics, using scores ranging from 1 to 6. Results: The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at 5% of significance level. There was evidence that the most efficient smear layer removal was the acid etching in the noncarious dentin and the water ultrasonic cavitation in the carious dentin. The hybrid layer formed on the noncarious and carious dentin prepared by the ultrasonic tip was more regular than in the specimens prepared by high-speed diamond tip, with many resinous prolongations. Conclusion: The ultrasonic tip seems to be a promising tool for carious dentin cavity preparation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:597-605, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

An in vitro evaluation of apicoectomies and retropreparations using different methods

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A scanning electron microscopy study of diseased root surfaces conditioned with EDTA gel plus Cetavlon after scaling and root planing

In the present investigation, a scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of the topical application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) gel associated with Cetavlon (EDTAC) in removing the smear layer and exposing collagen fibers following root surface instrumentation. Twenty-eight teeth from adult humans, single rooted and scheduled for extraction due to periodontal reasons, were selected. Each tooth was submitted to manual (scaling and root planing) instrumentation alone or combined with ultrasonic instruments, with or without etching using a 24% EDTAC gel. Following extraction, specimens were processed and examined under a scanning electron microscope. A comparative morphological semi-quantitative analysis was performed; the intensity of the smear layer and the decalcification of cementum and dentinal surfaces were graded in 12 sets using an arbitrary scale ranging from 1 (area covered by a smear layer) to 4 (no smear layer). Root debridement with hand instruments alone or combined with ultrasonic instruments resulted in a similar smear layer covering the root surfaces. The smear layer was successfully removed from the surfaces treated with EDTAC, which exhibited numerous exposed dentinal tubules and collagen fibers. This study supports the hypothesis that manual instrumentation alone or instrumentation combined with ultrasonic instrumentation is unable to remove the smear layer, whereas the subsequent topical application of EDTAC gel effectively removes the smear layer, uncovers dentinal openings and exposes collagen fibers.

Anteroventral third ventricle lesions impair cardiovascular responses to intravenous hypertonic saline infusion

The anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region is a critical area of the forebrain, acting on fluid and electrolyte balance and maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lesions to the anteroventral third ventricle region on cardiovascular responses to intravenous hypertonic saline (HS) infusion, Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane. The femoral artery and jugular vein were cannulated to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and infuse hypertonic saline (3M NaCl, 0.18 mL/100 g bw, over 1 min), respectively. Renal blood flow (RBF) was recorded by ultrasonic transit-time flow probes. Renal vascular conductance (RVC) was calculated as renal blood flow to mean arterial pressure ratio and expressed as percentage of baseline. After hypertonic saline infusion in sham animals, renal blood flow and renal vascular conductance increased to 137+10% and 125+7% (10 min), and 141 +/- 10% and 133 +/- 10% (60 min), respectively. Increases in mean arterial pressure (20-min peak: 12 +/- 3 mm Hg) were also observed. An acute lesion in the AV3V region (DC, 2 mA 25s) 30 min before infusion abrogated the effects of hypertonic saline. Mean arterial pressure was unchanged and renal blood flow and renal vascular conductance were 107 +/- 7% and 103 +/- 6% (10 min), and 107 +/- 4 and 106 +/- 4% (60 min), respectively. Marked tachycardia was observed immediately after lesion. Responses of chronic sham or lesioned rats were similar to those of acute animals. However, in chronic lesioned rats, hypertonic saline induced sustained hypertension. These results demonstrate that integrity of the AV3V region is essential for the renal vasodilation that follows acute changes in extracellular fluid compartment composition. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modifications on PVC films by ultrasound

PVC films submitted to ultrasonic irradiation presented structural changes as probed by infrared measurements. These measurements showed some infrared bands alterations attributed to the increase concentration of some conformational isomers of PVC and the presence of some new species in the macromolecular matrix. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Análise qualitativa dos efeitos da sonoforese com Arnica montana sobre o processo inflamatório agudo do músculo esquelético de ratos

Este estudo visou verificar o efeito da sonoforese com Arnica montana sobre a fase inflamatória aguda de uma lesão muscular. Para isso, 40 ratos Wistar machos, lesados cirurgicamente, foram divididos em 4 grupos: controle (C), 10 ratos lesados e não tratados; grupo ultra-som (US), 10 lesados, tratados com US; grupo ultra-som com arnica (US+A), 10 ratos lesados, tratados com sonoforese de gel de arnica; grupo arnica (A), 10 ratos lesados, tratados com massagem de gel de arnica. O tratamento dos três grupos foi iniciado 24h após a lesão, sendo aplicado uma vez ao dia durante 3 minutos, por três dias. Quatro dias após a lesão, os animais foram sacrificados e o terço médio do músculo tibial anterior lesado foi removido e tratado histologicamente. Os resultados da análise qualitativa mostram que, no grupo C, formou-se um intenso infiltrado de células inflamatórias no espaço intersticial e um processo de regeneração apenas iniciado. Nos grupos US e US+A foi detectado um avançado processo inflamatório, com tecido conjuntivo mais organizado e consistente. No grupo A foi detectada diminuição no número de células inflamatórias e uma desorganização em sua disposição, o que poderia levar a um atraso no processo de regeneração. Conclui-se que os grupos que receberam a aplicação do ultra-som e ultra-som com arnica apresentaram semelhante aceleração do processo inflamatório agudo, sugerindo ineficácia da sonoforese quando comparada à aplicação de apenas ultra-som.

A new species of torrent frog genus Hylodes (Anura : Leptodactylidae) from southeastern Brazil

We describe a new species of Hylodes from Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, Conceicao do Ibitipoca, Municipality of Lima Duarte, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The new species is a member of the Hylodes lateristrigatus group, and it is characterized by small size, snout rounded in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view, presence of vocal slits and sacs, upper surface of finger discs without well developed scutes, dorsum light brown to gray with dark blotches, and details of the advertisement call. Descriptions of the tadpole, vocalizations, and information on natural history are provided. The tadpole has a ventral depression anterior to the coiled intestine, as in other species of the genus. Hylodes meridionalis (Mertens), previously considered a member of the H. nasus species group, is transferred to the H. lateristrigatus species group.

The specialized reproductive mode of the treefrog Aplastodiscus perviridis (Anura : Hylidae)

Males of the South American treefrog Aplastodiscus perviridis construct concealed subterranean nests. Using a complex courtship behavior that involves tactile stimuli and vocalizations, males guide the females to the subterranean nests where eggs are laid. Embryos and facultatively oophagous tadpoles (at least in stage 25) stay in subterranean nests until flooding transports them to ponds or streams. This is a rare reproductive mode previously known for few species in the Hyla albosignata and H. albofrenata complexes. Based on similarities of reproductive mode we suggest a monophyletic origin for Aplastodiscus and these complexes of Hyla.

A new frog of the genus Hylodes (Amphibia : Leptodactylidae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

A new species of leptodactylid frog is described from Parque das Mangabeiras, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil. The new species is a member of the Hylodes lateristrigatus group, and is characterized by medium size, snout rounded in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view, presence of vocal slits and sacs, upper surface of finger and toe discs with well-developed scutes, a weakly developed stripe on the upper lip, dorsum, arm, leg, and foot dark brown with small irregular brown and black dots, and absence of red and yellow spots in live specimens. The descriptions of the tadpoles and vocalizations, and information on natural history are provided. Hylodes perplicatus (Miranda-Ribeiro), previously considered a member of the H. nasus species group, is transferred to the H. lateristrigatus species group.

Social interactions in Hypsiboas albomarginatus (Anura : Hylidae) and the significance of acoustic and visual signals

Social behavior of Hypsiboas albomarginatus was studied in the Atlantic rain forest, Municipality of Ubatuba, in the north coast of the State of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Vocalizations of H. albomarginatus are described, including contexts in which they were emitted and temporal and spectral parameters differentiating advertisement from aggressive calls. Dominant call frequency was inversely correlated with male length and body mass but not with environmental temperature. Number of pulses per note was not correlated with any variable, and advertisement call amplitude was influenced by temperature and time. During chorus aggregation, males interacted acoustically by emitting advertisement calls in antiphony, or by emitting aggressive calls. Some disputes among males culminated in physical combat; males performed kicks and slaps on rivals' heads, in an apparent attempt to dislodge rivals from perches. Visual signals were also displayed during conflicts between males, contributing to an escalation of aggressive behavior. Visual signals were not recorded during courtship between males and females but may help in the accurate localization of the signaling male during aggressive interactions.

Ocorrência e conservação de Touit melanonotus (Aves, Psittacidae) no sul do Brasil

O apuim-de-costas-pretas [Touit melanonotus (Wied, 1820)] é uma espécie florestal endêmica da Mata Atlântica Brasileira e de relevante interesse conservacionista. Trata-se de uma ave com poucas informações disponíveis acerca de sua história natural e distribuição geográfica e novas observações são importantes fontes de informação para auxiliar na conservação da espécie. Aqui reavaliamos o primeiro registro da espécie e apresentamos novas observações no estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. As vocalizações atribuídas a T. melanonotus e que consubstanciaram sua ocorrência no estado foram examinadas com auxílio de espectrogramas e identificadas como vozes de Pionopsitta pileata (Scopoli, 1769). Não obstante, T. melanonotus ocorre com certa regularidade no Paraná, como indicado por novos registros da espécie em sete localidades distribuídas por todo o litoral do estado. Esta ave foi registrada principalmente em florestas de terras baixas e, uma vez que esta fisionomia sofre intensas pressões antrópicas, sugerimos que esforços de conservação da espécie devem priorizar a preservação desses hábitats.

Microshear Bond Strength of Self-etching Bonding Systems to Ultrasound Diamond Bur-prepared Dentin

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dentin abrasion on the microshear bond strength of two self-etching adhesive systems, using either an ultrasound diamond bur or a high-speed diamond bur.Materials and Methods: Twenty noncarious human third molars were sectioned mesiodistally into halves. The enamel was ground to expose a flat dentin surface on both sections. The dentinal surfaces were randomly assigned to two groups, depending on the method of smear layer preparation: ultrasound diamond bur (UB) or conventional diamond bur (CB). The prepared dentin surfaces received one of two self-etching systems: Clearfil SE Bond (CF) and One-Up Bond F (OB). A composite cylinder with a 0.95-mm diameter was bonded to each specimen and the microshear bond test was performed. The results were expressed in MPa and were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05).Results: There was no significant difference in dentin bond strength when comparing the conventional and ultrasonic abrasion methods. When the adhesive systems were compared, Clearfil SE Bond achieved higher bond strength means than did One-Up Bond F.Conclusion: The dentin surface preparation method did not influence the microshear bond strength and the Clearfil SE Bond adhesive system, independent of bur type used, Clearfil SE Bond showed higher bond strengths than did the One-Up Bond F adhesive system.