Avaliação macroscópica, microscópica e histomorfométrica do tecido cicatricial pós-cirúrgico de eqüinos submetidos a duas técnicas de neurectomia digital

Avaliou-se macro e microscopicamente o tecido cicatricial pós-operatório de eqüinos submetidos a duas técnicas de neurectomia digital: guilhotina (TG) e stripping (TS). Decorridos 14 meses das cirurgias, foram colhidas 32 amostras de tecido cicatricial em quatro éguas, que tiveram os membros submetidos a ambas as técnicas. À macroscopia, verificaram-se as dimensões da cicatriz do coto proximal e a distância entre os cotos proximal e distal. À microscopia, foi quantificada a proporção de tecido nervoso regenerado por meio de histomorfometria. Não houve diferença nas dimensões do tecido cicatricial, contudo a distância entre cotos foi 5,6 vezes maior na TS (P<0,001). Histologicamente, observou-se a presença de tecido conjuntivo frouxo e denso, macrófagos e fibras nervosas delgadas em ambas as técnicas cirúrgicas. Estruturas nodulares, compostas por fascículos nervosos, foram visualizadas em 56,2% (9/16) das amostras colhidas em nervos submetidos à TS. As porcentagens médias de tecido nervoso no tecido cicatricial foram de 0,31% na TG e 2,6% na TS (P<0,001). Concluiu-se que o retorno à sensibilidade nervosa deve demorar mais a ocorrer após a TS, devido à maior distância entre cotos. A maior proporção de tecido nervoso sugere que essa técnica favorece a regeneração nervosa.

Alternative Intrabladder Manometry Technique for the Indirect Measurement of Intra-abdominal Pressure in Horses

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

Educação sexual na escola a partir da psicologia histórico-cultural

Este artigo relata um projeto na área da Psicologia da Educação com referencial histórico-cultural. O projeto foi desenvolvido em uma escola de ensino fundamental que teve como objetivo oferecer educação sexual para adolescentes auxiliando-os para viverem com autonomia e responsabilidade sua sexualidade. A intervenção ocorreu em 15 encontros semanais, com o uso de diferentes estratégias metodológicas abrangendo os seguintes temas: 1) Identidade Grupal e levantamento de expectativas, 2) regras de convívio grupal, 3) Conceito de Sexualidade; 4) Conceito social de adolescência, 5) Fisiologia e saúde, 6) Saúde Sexual e reprodutiva, 7) Iniciação Sexual, 8) Gravidez na Adolescência, 9) Violência Sexual, 10) Padrões de Beleza e atitudes de discriminação e 11) Gênero e diversidade sexual. Alunos e professores avaliaram a proposta de intervenção como satisfatória e necessária na escola. Almeja-se a continuidade do projeto com outros alunos e oferecer formação aos professores.

Características eletrocardiográficas em eqüinos clinicamente normais da raça Puro Sangue Inglês

Determinaram-se as características eletrocardiográficas de amplitude, duração, ritmo e eixo cardíaco no plano frontal de potros, sobreanos e éguas prenhes clinicamente normais, da raça Puro Sangue Inglês. Estudaram-se 50 potros e 50 sobreanos, machos e fêmeas, e 11 éguas prenhes. Concluiu-se que a freqüência cardíaca diminui com a idade e que nos potros e sobreanos as características apresentaram valores intermediários entre os valores padrão de neonatos e adultos. Nos sobreanos eles estão mais próximos dos de referência para adultos. Nas éguas em gestação a única diferença observada com o padrão foi o leve desvio para a direita do eixo cardíaco.

Haematic Mummification in a Mare With Twin Pregnancy

Mummification occurs when the fetus dies during the second or third trimester of gestation and remains in the uterine cavity because of the persistence of the corpus luteum or existence of another live fetus. Generally, the mummified fetus and fetal membranes undergo desiccation. The hematic process is similar, but the fetus appears like melted chocolate and becomes lodged between the uterus and chorion. This report describes the treatment of dystocia in a mare with twin pregnancy, with one fetus having undergone hematic mummification. Although difficult to diagnose, the possibility of a second fetus should be investigated in mares with dystocia. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecção imunoistoquímica de receptores de estrógeno e progesterona no endométrio de vacas Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) durante o anestro pós-parto

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

Expressão de MMP-2 e MMP-9 no endométrio de éguas saudáveis e portadoras de endometrite crônica

Avaliaram-se, por método imunoistoquímico, a expressão e distribuição das metaloproteinases (MMP) 2 e 9 em amostras de endométrio hígido e de éguas portadoras de endometrite crônica. Foram utilizadas 60 biópsias endometriais. A MMP-2 foi observada na parede vascular, nas células estromais e no epitélio glandular, e a imunorreatividade mais intensa foi obtida nas células do epitélio glandular nas endometrites da categoria III e na parede vascular nos endométrios da categoria I. A marcação imunoistoquímica para MMP-9 mostrou-se difusa pelo endométrio e foi observada no epitélio luminal e glandular, na região da parede vascular, nas células estromais, endoteliais e do infiltrado inflamatório. Houve diminuição da marcação imunoistoquímica na região da parede vascular conforme aumentou o grau das lesões endometriais concomitante à diminuição da intensidade da reação. Não houve relação na expressão imunoistoquímica das metaloproteinases estudadas com o tipo de endometrite

Estudo dos métodos de rotina diagnóstica de mastite no leite de éguas

Routine diagnosis methods used in bovine mastitis were studied in 55 mares in lactation. The findings of strip cup test, California Mastitis Test-CMT, electronic somatic cell count-CCS, microbiological culture, and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile of isolates were discussed. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp, and enterobacteria were the most common microorganisms isolated in health and CMT-positive mammary glands. Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were identified in two mares presenting clinical mastitis. Mean somatic cell count of eight mares without presence of microorganisms in milk was 247.57x10³/mL and 1.621,86x10³/mL in 47 mares with positive microbiological culture. Moderate concordance (63.8%) between positive reactions in CMT (1 to 3+) and microbiological culture was observed. Amicacin (78.9%), ceftiofur (74.7%), sulpha-trimetoprim (69,0%) and norfloxacin (69.0%), were the most effective drugs, while resistance of isolates was mainly observed against penicillin (64.8%), gentamycin (35.2%), azithromycin (35.2%), enrofloxacin (28.2%), and florfenicol (28.2%).

Replacing egg yolk with soybean lecithin in the cryopreservation of stallion semen

The objective of this study was to determine whether replacing the egg yolk with soybean lecithin in the Botu-Crio (R) cryodiluent would maintain the fertility of cryopreserved stallion sperm. Two experiments were performed to evaluate cell freezability. In experiment 1, sperm from 15 stallions were frozen in Botu-Crio (R) (BC) or Botu-Crio (R) which contained 45 g/L soybean lecithin (BCLS45) in place of the egg yolk. In experiment 2, we compared different concentrations of soybean lecithin: 0, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 and 20.0 g/L (BC, BCLS10, BCLS12.5, BCLS17.5 and BCLS20, respectively). In experiment 1, sperm frozen in BC and BCLS45 exhibited similar (P > 0.05) percentages of total motile sperm (61% and 61%, respectively); progressively motile sperm (27% and 27%, respectively) and sperm with intact plasma membranes (IMP; 53% and 57%, respectively). Similarly, sperm frozen in BC or BC containing any concentration of soybean lecithin maintained similar (P > 0.05) percentages of total motile sperm (61-68%) and progressively motile sperm (27-31%). In the first fertility trial, we used cryopreserved semen from a single stallion was inseminated into mares. The semen from the sperm that were frozen in BC diluent resulted in a higher fertility rate (66%, 16/24) compared to the sperm that were frozen in BCLS45 diluent (17%, 5/29; P < 0.01). Similarly, in a second fertility trial, the mares that were inseminated with the sperm that were frozen in BC diluent exhibited a higher fertility rate (66%, 16/24) compared to the mares that were inseminated with the sperm that were frozen in BCLS20 (40%, 10/25; Pc 0.05). Finally, in a third trial, the sperm that were frozen in BC resulted in a higher fertility rate in mares (75%, 18/24) compared to the sperm that were frozen in BCLS10 (41%, 10/24; P < 0.05). Although replacing the egg yolk in the BC cryodiluent with soybean lecithin provided similar laboratory results for stallion sperm, after cryopreservation, the sperm that was frozen with soybean lecithin in the diluent correlated with lower fertility rates. Based on these results, we concluded that the use of BCLS can be used as an alternative diluent for cryopreserving stallion sperm. However, the resulting reduced fertility rate is a matter of concern. Further studies are necessary to clarify the reasons for this decrease in fertility and to determine the optimal lecithin concentration for diluents to freeze stallion sperm. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fixed-time artificial insemination with estradiol and progesterone for Bos indicus cows I: Basis for development of protocols

Five experiments were conducted on commercial farms in Brazil aiming to develop a fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocol that achieved pregnancy rates between 40% and 55% in Bos indicus cows. These studies resulted in the development of the following protocol: insertion of all intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR) plus 2.0 mg im estradiol benzoate on Day 0; 12.5 mg im dinoprost tromethamine on Day 7 in cycling cows or oil Day 9 in anestrous cows; CIDR withdrawal plus 0.5 mg im estradiol cypionate plus temporary calf removal on Day 9; TAI (48 h after CIDR withdrawal) plus reuniting of calves with their dams on Day 11. Reduced dose of prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha): 12.5 mg im dinoprost tromethamine) effectively caused luteolysis. In cycling cows, fertility was greater when the treatment with PGF(2 alpha) was administered on Day 7 than oil Day 9, but in anestrous cows, no effects of time of the PGF(2 alpha) treatment were found. Estradiol cypionate effectively replaced estradiol benzoate or gonadotropin-releasing hormone as the ovulatory stimulus, reducing labor and cost. In this protocol, CIDR inserts were successfully used four times (9 d each use) with no detrimental effects on fertility. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strategies to improve fertility in postpartum multiparous Bos indicus cows submitted to a fixed-time insemination protocol with gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F-2 alpha

In Exp. 1, we evaluated the effects of 2 lengths of progesterone exposure [CIDR (controlled intravaginal drug release); 7 vs. 14 d] before a modified CO-Synch protocol [50.0-mu g injection of GnRH 6.5 d before a 25.0-mg injection of PGF(2 alpha) followed by another injection of GnRH and fixed-time AI (TAI) 2 d after PGF(2 alpha)], with or without temporary weaning (TW) before GnRH treatments, on fertility of suckled multiparous Bos indicus cows (n = 283) and on calf performance. Timed AI pregnancy rates for cows receiving 7 d CIDR + TW, 7 d CIDR, 14 d CIDR + TW, and 14 d CIDR were 53, 47, 46, and 41%, respectively (P > 0.10). Calves submitted to two 48-h TW 6 d apart had decreased mean BW at 240 d (187.9 +/- 2.7 vs. 195.5 +/- 2.7 kg; P < 0.05), but BW at 420 d was not affected by TW (240.1 +/- 5.1 kg). In Exp. 2, we evaluated the effect of no treatment and treatment with or without a CIDR insert between GnRH and PGF(2 alpha) treatments of a modified CO-Synch protocol on pregnancy rate to TAI, and throughout a 90-d breeding season in suckled multiparous Bos indicus cows (n = 453). The inclusion of a CIDR between first GnRH and PGF(2 alpha) treatments of a modified CO-Synch protocol did not improve pregnancy rate (29 and 33% for cows receiving CO-Synch + CIDR and CO-Synch protocol, respectively), and cycling cows had poorer TAI pregnancy rates than anestrous cows treated with either synchronization protocol (21.7 vs. 40.7%; P < 0.05). However, regardless of treatment with CIDR, cows submitted to TAI protocol had greater (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates at 30 (54.8 vs. 11.2%), 60 (72.1 vs. 38.8%), and 90 d (82.0 vs. 57.9%) of breeding season than untreated cows.

Development of estrous synchronization protocols using melengestrol acetate in Bos indicus cattle

Five experiments were conducted on commercial farms in Brazil designed to develop the basis for an estrus synchronization protocol using melengestrol acetate (MGA) in Bos indicus cattle. These studies resulted in the development of the following protocol: 0.5 mg.d(-1) of MGA between d -14 and -1; 2.0 mg i.m. injection of estradiol cypionate on d -9; 48 h temporary weaning between d 0 and 2; and natural service beginning on d 0. The basis of this protocol was to induce estrous cyclicity before postpartum loss of body condition, prevent premature luteolysis, eliminate the need for labor required to detect estrus, and consequently increase the likelihood of pregnancy early during the postpartum period. This treatment effectively induced estrous cyclicity among anestrous cows, synchronized estrus activity, and prevented premature luteolysis with no negative effect on pregnancy.

Efeito da frequência de amamentação sobre a taxa de ovulação após tratamento com desmame temporário + GnRH, sobre a incidência de luteólise prematura no primeiro ciclo estral pós-parto e sobre o desempenho da progênie de vacas Nelore

Avaliou-se o efeito da restrição na frequência de amamentação sobre o diâmetro folicular no dia 0 (DFOL), sobre a taxa de ovulação (TO), e sobre a incidência de luteólise prematura no primeiro ciclo estral pós-parto (ILP) de vacas Nelore multíparas, em anestro, submetidas à amamentação ad libitum (controle; n= 115) ou amamentação uma vez ao dia (restrito; n= 109), entre os dias -14 e 9 do experimento, e estudou-se o efeito desses tratamentos sobre o peso à desmama da progênie dessas vacas. Induziu-se ovulação com remoção de bezerros entre os dias -2 e 0 e aplicação de 100μg de GnRH no dia 0. Somente animais que ovularam foram mantidos no experimento (n= 125). A ocorrência de luteólise prematura foi avaliada por meio da dosagem da concentração sérica de progesterona nos dias 5 e 9. A TO não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos (55,8%; P>0,1), e as vacas do tratamento restrito apresentaram maior DFOL (10,90±0,26 vs. 10,18±0,21mm; P<0,05) e menor ILP (21,4% vs. 43,5%; P<0,05). Os bezerros do tratamento controle foram mais pesados (162,32±2,08 vs. 155,91±4,12kg; P<0,05). Conclui-se que a restrição na frequência de amamentação em vacas Nelore reduz a ILP, porém com possível efeito negativo no desenvolvimento dos bezerros.

Ovarian activity and plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol during pregnancy in jennies

The objectives of this study were to determine ovarian activity (with ultrasound) and plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol during pregnancy in jennies. There was considerable ovarian activity during the second month of pregnancy. Secondary corpora lutea (total of 2 to 7 per jenny) were formed (mainly by luteinization) starting on Day 41.8 +/- 1.0 (range Days 38 to 46; ovulation = Day 0). The echogenicity of the primary and secondary corpora lutea gradually decreased during pregnancy. Plasma progesterone concentrations increased between Days 0 and 10 (0.9 and 19.9 ng/mL, respectively), gradually decreased to Day 30 (12.1 ng/mL), increased between Days 30 and 40 (plateau, at approximately 17 ng/mL), gradually declined from Days 110 to 160 (nadir of approximately 6 ng/mL), and remained nearly constant until increasing again just before parturition. Plasma estradiol concentrations increased gradually from Day 65, peaked (1.2 ng/mL) on Day 165 (greater than or equal to 1 ng/mL on Days 150 to 210), and decreased thereafter, with very low concentrations during the last 20 d before parturition. Ovarian function and hormone profiles were generally similar to those previously reported during pregnancy in mares. (C) 1998 by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of semen storage and cryoprotectant on post-thaw viability and fertility of stallion spermatozoa

The aim of the current study was to verify that stallion, spermatoza could be cooled for 24 hours and then frozen. In experiment I, one ejaculate from each of 13 stallions was used. Semen was collected and split into two parts; one part immediately frozen using standard cryo-preservation techniques and the other diluted, stored in an Equitainer for 24 hours, and then frozen. In experiment II, one ejaculate from each of 12 stallions was collected, diluted with Botu-Semen, and split into two parts: one cooled in an Equitainer and the other in Max-Semen Express without prior centrifugation. After 24 hours of cooling, the samples were centrifuged to remove seminal plasma and concentrate the sperm, and resuspended in Botu-Crio (R) extender containing on e of three cryoprotectant treatments (1% glycerol + 4% dimethylformamide, 1% glycerol + 4% dimethylacetamide and 1% glycerol + 4% methylformamide), maintained at 5 degrees C for 20 minutes, then frozen in nitrogen vapour. No difference was observed between the two cooling systems. The association of 1% glycerol and 4% methylformamide provided the best post-thaw progressive motility. For experiment III, two stallions were used for a fertility trial. Forty three inseminations were performed using 22 mares. No differences were seen in semen parameters and pregnancy rates when comparing the two freezing protocols (conventional and cooled/frozen). Pregnancy rates for conventional and cooled/frozen semen were, respectively, 72.7% and 82.3% (stallion A), and 40.0% and 50.0% (stallion B). We concluded that cooling equine-semen for 24 hours before freezing while maintaining sperm viability and fertility is possible.