Long-term stability studies on protection against Newcastle disease by commercial live vaccine used in Brazil

The thermostability (TS) and efficacy offered by live vaccines against Newcastle disease strains B 1, La Sota, VG-GA and Ulster, produced or imported by four Brazilian laboratories, were evaluated during their validity period. Kinetic profiles were obtained from samples conserved in refrigerators during 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months after their manufacturing. The statistical analysis of the vaccine titre effect obtained by the fresh air (FA) method showed that the vaccine profiles were parallel and coincident, presenting a significant descending trend. The vaccine titres and efficiency proofs at the end of the validity period were above the level of legislation requirements and showed an average loss in titre of 0.40 and 0.66 log(10), within the first and second validity years, respectively. The titre obtained by TS, within the month after manufacturing, had no significant difference from the titre obtained by FA within 24 months after manufacturing, being their pairs of observations positively correlated (r = 0,49, p = 0.0003), showing that the TS method, which anticipates the vaccines' performance at the end of the validity period, can substitute the FA method 24 months after manufacturing. (C) 2009 The International Association for Biologicals. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Live and formulated diet evaluation through initial growth and survival of jundiá larvae, Rhamdia quelen

A larvicultura da maioria das espécies de peixes enfrenta o desafio da dependência do alimento vivo (AL) e da falta de dietas formuladas (DF) que atendam plenamente às necessidades das larvas. A baixa digestibilidade e a qualidade nutricional das DFs são alguns dos fatores que explicam o insucesso quando as larvas recebem apenas FD. Para avaliar o efeito da combinação da DF com o AL no crescimento e na sobrevivência de larvas de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen), comparando com o uso separado da DF ou do AL, larvas recém eclodidas (5,57 mm; 1,41 mg) foram estocadas inicialmente em 12 aquários de 10 L (100 larvas por aquário). Quatro réplicas foram alimentadas ad libitum com uma das três dietas por 20 (para DF) ou 48 dias (para AL ou a combinação DF + AL). As larvas alimentadas com apenas DF apresentaram crescimento e sobrevivência reduzidos quando comparadas àquelas alimentadas com AL ou a combinação DF + AL. Adicionalmente, as larvas do tratamento DF + AL apresentaram maior crescimento em peso (170 mg) que aquelas alimentadas apenas com AL (110 mg). O melhor desempenho das larvas alimentadas com DF + AL mostra que a maioria dos nutrientes exigidos pelas larvas é fornecida mais adequadamente quando ambas as dietas são fornecidas juntamente. Contudo, trabalhos sobre nutrição larval poderão contribuir ainda mais sobre a elucidação deste tema quando feitas comparações com o uso combinado de DF + AL, do que apenas testando isoladamente novos ingredientes e fontes protéicas normalmente utilizadas na elaboração de dietas para juvenis e adultos.

Control of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Gallinarum in birds by using live vaccine candidate containing attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum mutant strain

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

Composição centesimal da carne de cordeiros submetidos a dietas com diferentes teores de concentrado

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

Relative development of tissues, commercial meat cuts and live weight components in Saanen goats

Objetivando avaliar o desenvolvimento relativo dos componentes do peso vivo (PV), dos cortes comerciais e dos tecidos da carcaça, utilizaram-se 40 cabritos Saanen. Os animais foram abatidos ao atingir 5,0; 12,5; 20,0; 27,5 e 35,0 kg de PV e a carcaça foi seccionada em paleta, pescoço, 1ª a 5ª costelas, 6ª a 13ª costelas, peito/fralda, lombo e perna. A perna foi dissecada em ossos, músculos e gordura. Utilizou-se a equação alométrica Y=aXb para estimar o desenvolvimento relativo. O crescimento do tecido ósseo foi precoce, o do tecido muscular intermediário e o da gordura crescimento tardio, uma vez que a gordura subcutânea é depositada mais tardiamente. Os cortes comerciais apresentaram coeficiente de alometria isogônico, com exceção do corte da 6ª a 13ª costelas e do peito/fralda. O desenvolvimento da carcaça e dos não-componentes da carcaça acompanhou o peso de corpo vazio. Cabritos com 35 kg de PV possuem proporção de músculos e relação músculo:osso adequadas, mas apresentam proporção de gordura maior que a observada nos animais abatidos com 20 kg de PV.

Genetic parameter estimates for live weight and daily live weight gain obtained for Nellore bulls in a test station using different models

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

Sono e síndrome da fragilidade em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência

Introduction: The aging process causes quantitative and qualitative changes in sleeping. Such changes affects more than half of the adults above 65 years old, that live in the community and 70% of the institutionalized, a great negative impact in their quality of life. One of the pathological displays of aging, that share some characteristics with sleeping disorders and predict similar results, is the Frailty Syndrome, that characterize the most weakened and vulnerable elderly. The way sleeping disorders play a role in the frailty pathogeneses remains uncertain. Objective: Evaluate the relation between the sleeping and the frailty syndrome on institutionalized elderly. Methodology: A transversal study was performed with 69 elderly in institutions in the city of João Pessoa PB. Were used the Pittsburgh Sleeping Quality Index and actigraphy to subjective and objective variables, respectively, and questionnaires and specific tests to frailty phenotype variant (Fried Frailty Criteria). In the statistic analysis were used the Pearson correlation test, Chi Square and One-way ANOVA test, with Tukey-Krammer posttest. Subsequently, a Simple Linear Regression model was built. On every statistical analysis were considered a confidence interval of 95% and a p < 0,05. Results: The sample was characterized by the prevalence of the frail (49,3%), women (62,3%), single (50,7%) and 77,52 (±7,82).The frail elderly obtained the worst sleeping quality 10,37 (±4,31) (f = 4,15, p = 0,02), when compared with the non-frail. The sleep latency influenced more the frailty (R2 = 0,13, β standard = 1,76, β = 0,41, p = 0,001). Weren t found differences between the standard resting-activity variable and the frailty phenotype categories. Conclusion: Sleeping alterations, including bad sleeping quality, prolonged sleep latency, low sleep efficiency and day drowsiness, influenced the frailty in institutionalized elderly

Best site for embryo transfer: the upper or lower half of endometrial cavity?

BACKGROUND: the objective of the present study was to determine the importance of the site of embryo transfer (upper or lower half endometrial cavity) on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. METHODS: A total of 400 transfers guided by ultrasound were randomly assigned to two groups according to the distance between the uterine fundus and the catheter tip at the time of embryo placement. Group I (n=200) consisted of transfers corresponding to a distance of <50% of the endometrial cavity length (ECL), i.e. transfer in upper half of the cavity; and group II (n=200) consisted of transfers corresponding to a distance of greater than or equal to50%, of the ECL, i.e. transfer in lower half of cavity. The Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were used where appropriate. RESULTS: the general characteristics of the study population and the main transfer cycle characteristics had an equal distribution (P>0.05) between groups I and II. No significant difference in implantation or pregnancy rates was observed between groups I and II. CONCLUSION: the implantation or pregnancy rates were similar whether the embryos were deposited in the upper or lower half of the endometrial cavity.

Single-embryo transfer reduces clinical pregnancy rates and live births in fresh IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles: a meta-analysis

Background: It has become an accepted procedure to transfer more than one embryo to the patient to achieve acceptable ongoing pregnancy rates. However, transfers of more than a single embryo increase the probability of establishing a multiple gestation. Single-embryo transfer can minimize twin pregnancies but may also lower live birth rates. This meta-analysis aimed to compare current data on single-embryo versus double-embryo transfer in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with respect to implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1995 to 2008. Data management and analysis were conducted using the Stats Direct statistical software. The fixed-effect model was used for odds ratio (OR). Fixed-effect effectiveness was evaluated by the Mantel Haenszel method. Seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: When pooling results under the fixed-effect model, the implantation rate was not significantly different between double-embryo transfer (34.5%) and single-embryo transfer group (34.7%) (P = 0.96; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.78, 1.25). on the other hand, double-embryo transfer produced a statistically significantly higher ongoing clinical pregnancy rate (44.5%) than single-embryo transfer (28.3%) (P < 0.0001; OR: 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64,2.60). At the same time, pooling results presented a significantly higher live birth rate when double-embryo transfer (42.5%) (P < 0.001; OR: 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44,2.42) was compared with single-embryo transfer (28.4%).Conclusion: Meta-analysis with 95% confidence showed that, despite similar implantation rates, fresh double-embryo transfer had a 1.64 to 2.60 times greater ongoing pregnancy rate and 1.44 to 2.42 times greater live birth rate than single-embryo transfer in a population suitable for ART treatment.

Prolonged interval between parturition of normal live pups in a bitch

On day 64 after artificial insemination, a six-year-old primiparous briard bitch whelped three live pups between 05.00 and 08.00. It was presented at 11.00 on the same day with failure to complete parturition. on ultrasound examination, a normal live fetus was observed and the bitch was treated with oxytocin three times during the day (1(.)0, 2(.)0 and 2(.)0 iu intramuscularly), with no effect. The following day, a higher dose of oxytocin (5(.)0 iu) was administered intramuscularly at 11.00, after a uterine ultrasound examination confirmed viability of the fetus. At 18.00 of the same day, the bitch whelped the fourth normal live pup, 37 hours after initiation of parturition and 34 hours after expulsion of the last fetus. Effectiveness of oxytocin and normal versus prolonged parturition due to uterine inertia are discussed.

Stable carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotopes as natural indicators of live and dry food in Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) larval tissue

This study proposed the use of the stable isotope technique to track the type of food utilized by pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus larvae during their development, and to identify the moment when the larvae start using nutrients from the dry diet by retaining its carbon and nitrogen atoms in their body tissues. Five-day-old pacu larvae at the onset of exogenous feeding were fed Artemia nauplii or formulated diet exclusively; nauplii+formulated diet during the entire period; or were weaned from nauplii to a dry diet after 3, 6 or 12 days after the first feeding. delta(13)C and delta(15)N values for Artemia nauplii were -15.1 parts per thousand and 4.7 parts per thousand, respectively, and -25.0 parts per thousand and 7.4 parts per thousand for the dry diet. The initial isotopic composition of the larval tissue was -20.2 parts per thousand and 9.5 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and delta(15)N respectively. Later, at the end of a 42-day feeding period, larvae fed Artemia nauplii alone reached values of -12.7 parts per thousand and 7.0 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and delta(15)N respectively. Larvae that received the formulated diet alone showed values of -22.7 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and 9.6 parts per thousand for delta(15)N. The stable isotope technique was precise, and the time at which the larvae utilized Artemia nauplii, and later dry diet as a food source could be clearly defined.

Giardia survey in live-trapped small domestic and wild mammals in four regions in the southwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

For the first time, a survey on Giardia in the live-trapped small domestic and wild mammals was perfomed in four regions of state of the São Paulo, Brazil, with special attention to the parasitism of Rattus rattus rattus by Giardia. This species was found infected in all studied sites: Botucatu (15.4%), Conchas (28.5%), Itaporanga (38.7%) and São Roque (100 %). Two new hosts and their frequency of infection were described for Giardia in Nectomys squamipes, an aquatic rodent and in Bolomys lasiurus, a forest rodent (100 % and 14.3 %, respectively). Both G. muris and G. duodenalis groups were found in scrapings of intestinal mucosa of those rodents. Mixed infection was observed in some animals. It is important to emphasize the infection by G. duodenalis in the black rat as this species lives as a comensal with man and in N. squamipes as it may contaminate small streams used for domestic consumption. Therefore, further investigation will be necessary to elucidate the potential of these rodents to act as reservoirs of Giardia for man.

Genetics of anthracnose panel canker disease resistance and its relationship with yield and growth characters in half-sib progenies of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)

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

Desenvolvimento relativo dos tecidos ósseo, muscular e adiposo dos cortes da carcaça de cordeiros Santa Inês

O trabalho foi conduzido no Setor de Ovinocultura do Departamento de Zootecnia da UFLA, em Lavras, com o objetivo de estudar o crescimento alométrico dos tecidos ósseo, muscular e adiposo dos cortes comerciais em cordeiros. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos inteiros da raça Santa Inês. Os animais foram submetidos a regime de confinamento e receberam alimentação ad libitum. O abate ocorreu quando os animais atingiram os pesos vivos de 15, 25, 35 e 45 kg. Após a carcaça ter sido limpa e resfriada, foram obtidos os cortes comerciais a partir da meia carcaça esquerda. A quantidade dos diferentes tecidos foram obtidos por intermédio da dissecação de perna, lombo, costeleta, costela/ fralda e paleta. O estudo do desenvolvimento relativo da composição tecidual foi feito por meio do modelo de HUXLEY (1932). Constatou-se crescimento heterogônico negativo (b < 1) para o tecido ósseo e heterogônico positivo (b > 1) para o tecido adiposo de todos os cortes. Quanto ao tipo de crescimento do tecido muscular da costela/fralda e paleta, foi verificado crescimento isogônico (b=1) deste tecido em relação aos cortes.

Crescimento alométrico dos tecidos ósseo, muscular e adiposo na carcaça de cordeiros Santa Inês e Bergamácia

O trabalho foi realizado com objetivo de realizar um estudo alométrico dos tecidos ósseo, muscular e adiposo na meia carcaça esquerda de cordeiros em crescimento. Foram utilizados 36 cordeiros machos inteiros, sendo 24 Santa Inês e 12 Bergamácia. Os animais foram confinados em gaiolas individuais e alimentados ad libitum. O abate ocorreu quando os animais atingiram os pesos vivos de 15, 25, 35 e 45 kg. Após a carcaça ter sido limpa e resfriada, foram obtidos os cortes comerciais a partir da meia carcaça esquerda. A quantidade dos diferentes tecidos foi obtida a partir da dissecação da perna, do lombo, da costeleta, costela/fralda e paleta. A quantidade total dos tecidos ósseo, muscular e adiposo foi obtida pela adição das quantidades de cada corte comercial. O estudo do desenvolvimento relativo da composição tecidual foi feito por meio do modelo de HUXLEY (1932). Constatou-se crescimento heterogônico negativo (b < 1) para o tecido ósseo, crescimento isogônico (b =1) para o tecido muscular e heterogônico positivo (b > 1) para a gordura, em relação ao peso da ½ carcaça.