Efeitos do substrato e da densidade populacional sobre as atividades comportamentais e níveis de homócitos em relação à densidade em Litopenaeus vannamei (BOONE, 1931)

Carciniculture in Brazil occupies world-wide prominence due to shrimp culture, and the state of Rio Grande do Norte has presented the best results in the culture of the Litopenaeus vannamei in the last decade. This species has been shown to adapt easily to different environments and is between the five most cultivated penaeids of the world. The ponds are usually constructed in areas close to water courses and estuaries. Stock density and substrate ponds can pollute environment, causing losses in the growth and survival of the shrimps, being considered stress factors. Shrimps in inadequate densities and substrates can result reduced productivity of the farm; and favor diseases. So, it is important to verify how these variables influence the development of the animals in the culture farms. Our objective was to study the influence of the type of substrate and the stock density on the behavior and haemocyte count of the L. vannamei. Individually marked juvenile shrimps were kept in aquaria with 30 L of seawater and continuous aeration, in 12L-12D photoperiod. They were observed through Ad libitum and focal sampling instantaneous methods during thirty days, five times per week, six times per day (8:00 to 18:00) in windows of 15 minutes every two hours. The marking of carapace permitted quantifying molting and the feeding was supplied three times a day. Two experiments were carried out: the first one tested animals in the three different substrates (fine sand, smaller rocks-SPP and biggest rocks-SGR) with 33 shrimp/m2. In the second one, the animals were tested in three stock densities (26, 52 and 66 shrimp/m2) in fine sand substrate. At the end of experiment, biometry (first and second ones) and haemocyte count (second one) were made. The behavior of the L. vannamei seems to have been influenced by substrate and stocking density. In low granulometry of the substrate; the exploratory behavior became more frequent and inactivity of the shrimps was reduced. Burrowing was registered in sand substrate, specially in the initial period of the day. Cleaning was gradually higher along the day, presenting the biggest levels as the dark phase approached. The ingestion of feeding was more frequent in low density, and the animals were bigger and heavier at the end of the experiment. In the fine sand condition, the animals presented better growth, probably associated with the burrowing. The molting was equivalent in all types of substrate, but it was more frequent in high densities. Mortality of the shrimps was more frequent in high densities, and cannibalism and diseases were also registered in that condition. The clinical signals were similar to the ones of infectious mionecrosis (IMNV), generally associated with environment and physical stress. The haemocyte count was low for the hematologic standards of the penaeid, which we attributed for greater dilution of haemolymph in the postmolting phase. Smaller shrimps presented lower levels of haemocytes in relation to the bigger animals, count was also low in 26 shrimp/m2 density. The study demonstrates that stocking density and the granulometry of the substrate can affect the welfare, the health and the behavior of the L. vannamei. The sand substrate and low stocking density can be important tools in the management systems of shrimp production

Correlato hormonal do comportamento reprodutivo de machos de sagüi comum (Callithrix jacchus) em ambiente natural

Contrary to what is recorded for Callithrix jacchus females, the social interactions and hormonal profiles of males are less studied, and mainly in wild groups. The goal of this study was to investigate the behavioral and endocrine profiles of reproductive (RMs) and non-reproductive (NRs) common marmoset adult free-ranging males living in two natural groups (GC1 and GR2). The groups inhabited the area of the Escola Agrícola de Jundiaí/UFRN, located in Macaíba, Brazil. Fecal collection for cortisol and androgen measurement and behavioral monitoring was carried out during the active phase from April to September, 2005. For behavioral data collection the focal instantaneous method was used every 5 min, for a total of 11.563 records. Statistical analysis was performed using non parametric tests and p < 0.05. Besides showing diurnal variation, the frequency of affiliative behaviors was significantly higher for RMs toward reproductive females than for NRs. Affiliative interactions of RMs with both reproductive females and NRs were similar, probably related to pair bond formation and helper recruitment, respectively. Parental care was also similar for both RMs and NRs. Both androgen and cortisol levels increased after the birth of the infants, mainly in RMs. The longitudinal profile of androgens fluctuates more in response to agonistic encounters and sexual behavior than that of cortisol. The mean basal excretion of both hormones was significantly higher in RMs and seems to reflect their higher participation in territorial vigilance and mate guarding behaviors. Significant positive correlations were found between agonism and cortisol and androgen hormones. These results describe, for the first time, the behavioral and hormonal profiles of common marmosets living in free-ranging groups and suggest that reproductive males are more responsive both behaviorally and hormonally to social group dynamics

Indicadores da resposta ao estresse agudo associados com a familiaridade ao ambiente e aos procedimentos de banho e tosa em cães (Canis familiaris) da raça poodle

The stress responses can be parameters used in order to identify the welfare of animals. Behavior parameters can also be regarded as means to identify their relation to stressing situations. In this study, adult male and female poodle dogs, accustomed (group 1) or not (group 2) to the environment of a bath and grooming salon were analyzed through the plasmatic concentration of cortisol, cell counting of the immune system (total leukocytes and percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes) and through observation of changes in behavior before and after the bath and grooming service. After arriving at the kennel, the dogs were taken to the bath and grooming facility, where they had their blood samples taken and were observed for ten minutes. The subsequent procedures consisted of the bath and grooming services and the collection of another blood samples. The research results were analyzed through non-parametric statistic tests and p < 0.05. Accustomed and non-accustomed dogs presented different hormonal and behavior responses: accustomed dogs presented an increasing of the cortisol level at the second blood samples collection, thus indicating stress towards the aforementioned procedures and presenting behavior responses which can be described as moderated stress. Non-accustomed dogs presented the same cortisol levels in both first and second samples suggesting that they were already reacting to the new environment. Dogs also shown behavioral responses which can be described as acute stress. Both male and female dogs showed similar immunological changes as well as different endocrine and behavioral profiles. Concerning aggression, this study demonstrates that biting the owner can be a predicting behavior of aggression during the bath and grooming service, male dogs were more aggressive than the female, and that males were more reactive to unknown caretaker. The results of this research propose that the familiarization of the animal with the bath and grooming environment and caretaker is important to the welfare of poodle dogs, especially to that of male dogs

Structural analysis of the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacépède, 1803) embryogenesis (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

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

Composição da artropodofauna entomófoga associada a diferentes genótipos de sorgo granífero no cerrado do Sudeste do Brasil

Espécies de artrópodos entomófagos foram coletadas e identificadas nos genótipos sorgo AF-28, IAC-83/75-5-1-6, TX-2536, BR-300, IPA-201 e SAR, no Município de Selvíria, MS. Foram conduzidos três experimentos em campo, com os genótipos sendo semeados em 03/1988, 10/1988 e 02/1989, respectivamente. Para contagem dos artrópodos entomófagos, no início do florescimento foram marcadas 560 panículas por genótipo. Após esse momento, diariamente e durante 14 dias seguidos, foram coletadas 40 panículas por genótipo (10 por parcela). Nas coletas foram utilizados sacos plásticos com 10 litros de capacidade para envolver as panículas e capturar os artrópodos presentes. As panículas coletadas foram levadas para o Laboratório de Entomologia da Faculdade de Engenharia/UNESP, Campus de Ilha Solteira, SP, para separação, contagem e identificação dos artrópodos. Nas panículas provenientes da semeadura da seca coletou-se, em média, maior número de artrópodos entomófagos em relação à semeadura das águas. Dos artrópodos entomófagos coletados, as aranhas apresentaram maior número de espécies e, desses, a tecelã Alpaida veniliae (Keys.), a aranha corredora noturna Cheiracanthium inclusum (Blackwall), e a caçadora de emboscada, Misumenops pallidus (Keys.), foram as mais abundantes. O genótipo de sorgo IPA-201 comportou-se como o mais atrativo ao percevejo Orius sp. e à tesourinha Doru lineare (Eschs.), enquanto que o IAC-83/75-5-1-6 foi medianamente atrativo a D. lineare. As aranhas foram coletadas em maior número nos genótipos BR-300 e SART.

Estudo da descelularização tecidual na produção de arcabouços biológicos para enxertos

The regeneration of bone defects with loss of substance remains as a therapeutic challenge in the medical field. There are basically four types of grafts: autologous, allogenic, xenogenic and isogenic. It is a consensus that autologous bone is the most suitable material for this purpose, but there are limitations to its use, especially the insufficient amount in the donor. Surveys show that the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are generally conserved between different species and are well tolerated even in xenogenic recipient. Thus, several studies have been conducted in the search for a replacement for autogenous bone scaffold using the technique of decellularization. To obtain these scaffolds, tissue must undergo a process of cell removal that causes minimal adverse effects on the composition, biological activity and mechanical integrity of the remaining extracellular matrix. There is not, however, a conformity among researchers about the best protocol for decellularization, since each of these treatments interfere differently in biochemical composition, ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, affecting the type of immune response to the material. Further down the arsenal of research involving decellularization bone tissue represents another obstacle to the arrival of a consensus protocol. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of decellularization methods in the production of biological scaffolds from skeletal organs of mice, for their use for grafting. This was a laboratory study, sequenced in two distinct stages. In the first phase 12 mice hemi-calvariae were evaluated, divided into three groups (n = 4) and submitted to three different decellularization protocols (SDS [group I], trypsin [Group II], Triton X-100 [Group III]). We tried to identify the one that promotes most efficient cell removal, simultaneously to the best structural preservation of the bone extracellular matrix. Therefore, we performed quantitative analysis of the number of remaining cells and descriptive analysis of the scaffolds, made possible by microscopy. In the second stage, a study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro adhesion of mice bone marrow mesenchymal cells, cultured on these scaffolds, previously decellularized. Through manual counting of cells on scaffolds there was a complete cell removal in Group II, Group I showed a practically complete cell removal, and Group III displayed cell remains. The findings allowed us to observe a significant difference only between Groups II and III (p = 0.042). Better maintenance of the collagen structure was obtained with Triton X-100, whereas the decellularization with Trypsin was responsible for the major structural changes in the scaffolds. After culture, the adhesion of mesenchymal cells was only observed in specimens deccelularized with Trypsin. Due to the potential for total removal of cells and the ability to allow adherence of these, the protocol based on the use of Trypsin (Group II) was considered the most suitable for use in future experiments involving bone grafting decellularized scaffolds

Atividade do acaricida etoxazol sobre a mortalidade e reprodução do ácaro-da-leprose Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), em citros

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Eosinófilos sanguíneos e fecais em crianças infectadas por helmintos e protozoários

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Influência da laserterapia na proliferação de células-tronco do ligamento periodontal humano

Low level laser irradiation (LLLI) has been used in Dentistry to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. The literature shows a positive effect of LLLI on cell proliferation, but little is known about their effectiveness in promoting stem cells proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LLLI on the proliferative rate of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Extracts of periodontal ligament were isolated from two third molars removed by surgical and/or orthodontic indication. After enzymatic digestion, the cells were grown in α-MEM culture medium supplemented with antibiotics and 15% fetal bovine serum. On the third subculture, the cells were irradiated with a InGaAlP-diode laser, using two different energy densities (0,5J/cm 2 - 16 seconds and 1,0J/cm² - 33 seconds), with wavelength of 660nm and output power of 30mW. A new irradiation, using the same parameters, was performed 48h after the first. A control group (non irradiated) was kept under the same experimental culture conditions. The Trypan blue exclusion test and the mitochondrial activity of the cells measured by MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] essay were performed to assess the cell proliferation in the intervals of 0, 24, 48 e 72 h after irradiation. The data of cell counts were submitted to nonparametrical statistical tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney), considering a confidence interval of 95%. DAPI (4 -6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining of the cells was performed at 72h interval to evaluate possible nuclear morphological changes induced by LLLI. The results of this study show that the energy density of 1,0 J/cm² promoted greater cell proliferation compared to the other groups (control and 0,5 J/cm²) at intervals of 48 and 72h. The mitochondrial activity measured by MTT essay showed similar results to the Trypan blue cell counting test. The group irradiated with 1,0J/cm² exhibited a significantly higher MTT activity in the intervals of 48 and 72h, when compared to the group irradiated with 0,5J/cm². No nuclear morphological change was observed in the cells from the three groups studied. It is concluded that LLLI has stimulatory effects on the proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Therefore, the use of laser irradiation in this cell type may be important to promote future advances in periodontal regeneration

Adequação da metodologia para o teste de germinação de sementes de pitaia vermelha

Hylocereus undatus (Haw.), popularmente conhecida como pitaia vermelha é uma cactácea para a qual se tem registrado um aumento de consumo nos últimos anos e, por ser ainda pouco explorada, vários aspectos referentes à sua propagação ainda são desconhecidos. Até o momento, não existem critérios para a execução de testes de germinação para sementes dessa espécie, publicados nas Regras para Análise de Sementes. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho adequar a metodologia quanto ao substrato, temperatura e tempo de contagem inicial e final para o teste de germinação. Foram testados quatro substratos (rolo de papel, areia, vermiculita e solo) e quatro temperaturas (20, 25, 30 e 20-30°C). O efeito dos substratos no desempenho germinativo das sementes foi avaliado pelo teste de germinação e de primeira contagem instalado com quatro subamostras de 50 sementes. Foram feitas contagens diárias do número de plântulas emergidas até atingirem a estabilidade e, no final do experimento, foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação das sementes, considerando as plântulas normais, anormais e sementes mortas. Concluiu-se que o teste de germinação de sementes de pitaia vermelha deve ser realizado à temperatura constante de 25°C em rolo de papel, com contagens inicial e final aos cinco e dez dias após a semeadura, respectivamente.