Morphologic study of the liver of lambari (Astyanax altiparanae) with emphasis on the distribution of cytokeratin

Studies on the morphology of the liver of teleosts reflect some controversy in the interpretation of the data, but also provide confirmation of variations in the structure of the organ in several species. Thus, we intend to understand the specific structural organization of the liver of Astyanax altiparanae. Specimens were collected in the city of Andirá, Paraná, Brazil. The livers were processed according to histological routine for inclusion in Paraplast, and the sections were stained with HE and Mallory’s trichrome or followed the protocol for fluorescence immunohistochemistry, anti-cytokeratin. The liver of A. altiparanae was covered by a capsule of connective tissue, without delimiting lobes. The hepatocytes had an arrangement in cords around sinusoids. Melanomacrophage centers were observed. The vascular components and intrahepatic pancreatic acini were distributed between hepatocytes. Presence of cytokeratin was detected in tissues that lined the liver and endothelial cells of sinusoids. The comparison of the liver of A. altiparanae to other characids corroborates with the fact that there is variation in the morphology of the liver even between closely related species. Moreover, it appears that in this species, endothelial cells of sinusoids can synthesize the cytokeratin filaments required for the regulation of blood flow in capillaries in adults.     

Leather quality of beefalo‐Nellore cattle in different production systems

The aim was to compare the effects of two production systems on performance, carcass traits and physical‐mechanical characteristics of leather from Beefalo‐Nellore steers and heifers and to determine if the response to the production system was similar for both genders. A total of 40 Beefalo‐Nellore cattle, 20 steers and 20 heifers, were evaluated. Animals were divided into two production systems: slaughtered at 15 (intensive system) or 26 (extensive system) months of age. In the intensive system, all animals received a ration containing 600 g/kg corn silage and 400 g/kg concentrate. In the extensive system, animals were kept on a pasture predominantly based on Brachiaria sp. and supplemented with 2 kg/day concentrate. In the intensive system, there was no difference in slaughter weight (470 kg body weight) between steers and heifers but steers in the extensive system had greater slaughter weight than heifers (463 and 428 kg body weight, respectively). Leather weight was higher for animals in the intensive than extensive system but there was no difference in leather weight once excess fat was removed. Leather quality from Beefalo‐Nellore cattle slaughtered at 15 or 26 months of age is similar although carcass yield is higher for cattle slaughtered at a younger age.     

Preliminary study of a teaching model for ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blockade and effects on the learning curve in veterinary anesthesia residents

Objective

To evaluate the use of an experimental colloid model for teaching veterinary anesthesia residents ultrasound-guided technique for nerve blockade.

New Insights on the Terpenome of the Red Seaweed Laurencia dendroidea (Florideophyceae,Rhodophyta)

The red seaweeds belonging to the genus Laurencia are well known as halogenated secondary metabolites producers, mainly terpenoids and acetogennins. Several of these chemicals exhibit important ecological roles and biotechnological applications. However, knowledge regarding the genes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds is still very limited. We detected 20 different genes involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoid precursors, and 21 different genes coding for terpene synthases that are responsible for the chemical modifications of the terpenoid precursors, resulting in a high diversity of carbon chemical skeletons. In addition, we demonstrate through molecular and cytochemical approaches the occurrence of the mevalonate pathway involved in the biosynthesis of terpenes in L. dendroidea. This is the first report on terpene synthase genes in seaweeds, enabling further studies on possible heterologous biosynthesis of terpenes from L. dendroidea exhibiting ecological or biotechnological interest.     

CASE REPORT: Bilateral phacoemulsification in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

A 14‐year‐old, female, captive‐born orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) developed bilateral cataracts. Ultrasonography, electroretinography and cataract correction using phacoemulsification were performed bilaterally. This case report aims to describe the ophthalmic procedures performed in this animal critically endangered of extinction. The surgery successfully restored vision and normal activity to the patient.     

Impact of new measured Mediterranean mineralization rates on the fate of simulated aquaculture wastes

In order to provide values of key parameters in aquaculture waste degradation modelling specifically for the Mediterranean, sampling campaigns were carried out in 2006. Accurate measurements of particulate carbon input and benthic respiration rates were performed using sediment traps and intact core incubations. The in situ measurements, compared with data from Atlantic salmon production, showed lower carbon flux and oxygen consumption, while a greater degradation capability was observed. Moreover, a temperature dependence of the benthic parameters was highlighted. Successively, the model Finite Organic Accumulation Module was used for an accurate comparison between different parameterizations. Finite Organic Accumulation Module simulates the organic carbon degradation and the net carbon accumulation on the sediment, yielding a benthic state index. In comparison with previous results, there was a decrease in benthic impacts due to minor inputs of carbon and higher mineralization rates. Moreover, a seasonal variation could be observed in the organic carbon concentration. Nevertheless, the new results remain consistent with the old ones on two points: (a) the negligible benthic impact of faeces with respect to uneaten feed and (b) the dependence of that impact on the different feed release conditions.     

Localization and genotyping of canine papillomavirus in canine inverted papillomas

Numerous canine papillomaviruses (CPVs) have been identified (CPV1–23). CPV1, 2, and 6 have been associated with inverted papillomas (IPs). We retrieved 19 IPs from 3 histopathology archives, and evaluated and scored koilocytes, inclusion bodies, giant keratohyalin granules, cytoplasmic pallor, ballooning degeneration, and parakeratosis. IHC targeting major capsid proteins of PV was performed, and CPV genotyping was achieved by PCR testing. Tissue localization of CPV DNA and RNA was studied by chromogenic and RNAscope in situ hybridization (DNA-CISH, RNA-ISH, respectively). IPs were localized to the limbs (50%), trunk (30%), and head (20%), mainly as single nodules (16 of 19). In 15 of 19 cases, immunopositivity was detected within the nuclei in corneal and subcorneal epidermal layers. PCR revealed CPV1 in 11 IPs and CPV2 DNA in 3 IPs. Overall, 14 of 17 cases were positive by both DNA-CISH and RNA-ISH, in accord with PCR results. A histologic score >5 was always obtained in cases in which the viral etiology was demonstrated by IHC, DNA-CISH, and RNA-ISH. IHC and molecular approaches were useful to ascertain the viral etiology of IPs. Although IHC is the first choice for diagnostic purposes, ISH testing allows identification of PV type and the infection phase. RNA-ISH seems a promising tool to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of different PV types in animal species.