Morphological and Morphometric Description of Female Reproductive Tract of Sapajus apella (Capuchin monkey)

Forest destruction has progressively hampered the survival of many species, and this is why it is so important to study of the lives of primates in captivity. This study aimed to describe the morphological aspects of the female reproductive tract of Sapajus apella. We used five animals obtained from the National Primate Center, Ananindeua – PA. The ovaries were paired, compact and symmetrical and had a smooth surface. The uterine tubes were bilateral and convoluted in adult animals and straight in young individuals. The uterus was simple and located in the pelvic region. The vagina was a long structure due to the position of the uterus. The external genitalia were located in the urogenital perineum and consisted of dark pigmented labia majora and labia minora, a vaginal vestibule as long as the vagina and a well‐developed clitoris. The results showed that the genitals of S. apella resemble those of other Neotropical primates.     

Ultrasound‐assisted periconal ocular blockade in rabbits

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the benefit and specifically the feasibility of using ultrasound in ophthalmologic periconal block, and the occurrence of complications.Study designProspective experimental study.AnimalsTen healthy New Zealand White rabbits (6–8 months of age), weighing 2.0–3.5 kg.MethodsRabbits were anesthetized by intramuscular injection of acepromazine (1 mg kg⁻¹), ketamine (30 mg kg⁻¹) and xylazine (3 mg kg⁻¹). Ultrasound-assisted periconal block with lidocaine was performed on 18 eyes. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry whereas corneal sensitivity was assessed using an esthesiometer, before and after each periconal anesthesia.ResultsIn all 18 eyes, it was possible to adequately visualize the needle shaft within the periconal space, as well as muscular cone, optic nerve and local anesthetic solution spread. Lidocaine 2% without epinephrine (0.79 ± 0.19 mL) was injected into the periconal space. There was no statistical difference between the intraocular pressure (mean ± SD) measured before (10.9 ± 2.9 mmHg) and after (11.9 ± 3.8 mmHg) the periconal anesthesia (p = 0.38). The effectiveness of the ultrasound-assisted technique was shown according to the values for corneal sensitivity, assessed before and after periconal anesthesia (p < 0.0001). Complications were not observed in this study.ConclusionsEye ultrasonography allowed visualization of all anatomic structures necessary to perform a periconal block, as well as the needle insertion and anesthetic spread in real time. Further studies are required to prove the real potential of ultrasound for reducing the incidence of complications associated with ophthalmic blocks, especially when anatomic disorders of the eye could potentially increase the risk.Clinical relevanceUltrasonography is a painless, noninvasive tool that may improve safety of ophthalmic regional blocks, potentially by reducing the prevalence of globe perforation or penetration of the optic nerve associated with the needle-based techniques.     

Soil tillage systems and forms of lime application on soil attribute enhancements in ratoon sugarcane

Combining deep tillage (DT) with lime application at greater depths may improve sugarcane yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of conventional tillage (CT) and DT systems and liming on sugarcane productivity and soil physical attributes. The experiment was conducted in a clayey-textured Rhodic Hapludox soil cultivated with sugarcane for two growing seasons (first and third ratoons) using a randomized block design with four treatments and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of DT without liming (DT0), DT with liming (DT2), CT without liming (CT0) and CT with liming (CT2). In addition to sugarcane stalk and sugar yields, macroporosity (MA), microporosity (MI), total soil porosity (TP), weighted average diameter (WAD), aggregate stability index (ASI), soil penetration resistance (SPR), pH, potential acidity (H + Al), total soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were analysed. DT2 promoted the best soil conservation effect on sugarcane. In general, DT, regardless of lime application, reduced SOC and POC in soil surface layer. Nevertheless, in the long term, localized lime addition resulted in significant reductions in compaction, reaching values below 2 MPa. The soil fertility improvement provided by DT2 promoted increased sucrose concentrations and stalks yield. Considering that there was an improvement in the physical quality and fertility of soil for better plant development, the deep tillage with localized lime addition can be considered an effective alternative for sugarcane cultivation.     

Iron Toxicity in Lowland Rice

Lowland rice is a staple food for more than 50% world population. Iron toxicity is one of the main nutritional disorders, which limits yield of lowland rice in various parts of the world. The toxicity of iron is associated with reduced soil condition of submerged or flooded soils, which increases concentration and uptake of iron (Fe^{2 +}). Higher concentration of Fe^{2 +} in the rhizosphere also has antagonistic effects on the uptake of many essential nutrients and consequently yields reduction. In addition to reduced condition, increase in concentration of Fe^{2 +} in submerged soils of lowland rice is associated with iron content of parent material, oxidation-reduction potential, soil pH, ionic concentration, fertility level, and lowland rice genotypes. Oxidation-reduction potential of highly reduced soil is in the range of –100 to –300 mV. Iron toxicity has been observed in flooded soils with a pH below 5.8 when aerobic and pH below 6.5 when anaerobic. Visual toxicity symptoms on plants, soil and plant tissue test are major diagnostic techniques for identifying iron toxicity. Appropriate management practices like liming acid soils, improving soil fertility, soil drainage at certain growth stage of crop, use of manganese as antagonistic element in the uptake of Fe^{2 +} and planting Fe^{2 +} resistant rice cultivars can reduce problem of iron toxicity.     

Colletotrichum siamense is the main aetiological agent of anthracnose of avocado in south-eastern Brazil

Anthracnose caused by species of Colletotrichum is considered one of the main postharvest diseases for avocado. In this study, Colletotrichum isolates associated with avocado anthracnose, collected in different states of Brazil, were evaluated through phylogenetic analysis, morphological characterization, and pathogenicity assays. Moreover, the events during pathogen infection of avocados were examined by scanning electron microscopy. To assess the genetic diversity of 54 Colletotrichum isolates, partial sequence analysis of the gene gapdh was performed. According to the generated groupings and the geographical origins of isolates, a subset of 14 strains was selected for performing multilocus phylogeny analysis (using sequences of gapdh, act, tub2, and ApMat). Two species previously described were identified: C. siamense belonging to the C. gloeosporioides species complex and Colletotrichum karstii belonging to the C. boninense species complex. All Colletotrichum strains evaluated caused typical symptoms of anthracnose in avocado fruits. Conidia of the most virulent strain germinated between 6 and 12 hr after inoculation (hai). Penetration through wounds occurred 48 hai, tissue colonization occurred between 144 and 240 hai, and sporulation took place at 240 hai via the production of an acervulus, conidiophores, and conidia. The findings shed light on the aetiology of avocado anthracnose in Brazil and provide a better understanding of the infection process of this pathogen, which may assist in the development of disease management strategies.     

Validation and use of a qPCR protocol to quantify the spread of Ralstonia solanacearum in susceptible and resistant eucalypt plants

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious disease of eucalypt in humid and high temperature areas worldwide. Spreading of the bacterium in the field or to other nurseries occurs mainly by symptomless infected plant material. The use of pathogen-free propagating material as well as planting of resistant genotypes are currently the only strategies used for disease control. Therefore, a reliable and sensitive method for detection of low titres of R. solanacearum in infected plant tissue is essential for the success of management programmes. In this work, we adapted an efficient intercalating dye-based real-time PCR protocol to detect the bacterium in symptomless eucalypt plants as well as to investigate its movement in eucalypt clones CLR172 and CLR371, which exhibit resistant and susceptible phenotypes, respectively. We found that the bacterium translocates acropetally and basipetally in inoculated but symptomless cuttings of the resistant clone, as in cuttings of the susceptible clone displaying symptoms. Nevertheless, a smaller concentration of bacterial DNA was detected in tissues of the resistant clone. Mature biofilms occluding the xylem vessels were present in the susceptible clone whereas only single cells or small aggregates were observed in the resistant clone. This work contributes to improve our knowledge of the colonization process of R. solanacearum in eucalypt clones with different levels of susceptibility and to understand how the defence mechanisms against bacterial wilt in Eucalyptus work. Our findings could aid in the selection of the most resistant eucalypt clones to be used in wilt disease management programmes.     

Interaction of common beans cultivars of the black group with years, locations and sowing seasons

The objectives of this study were to assess which environmental factors (local, season or years) are the most important to contribute for the interactions with genotypes of common black beans and to verify the existence of genotypes with broad and/or specific adaptation to the diverse planting seasons in Central Brazil. Data of grain yields for 13 genotypes in 18 field trials used for cultivar registration were utilized, across 2?years (2003 and 2004). Analyses of variance were carried out with decomposition of the genotype x environment interactions. Firstly, data of 18 trials were used, allowing a partial isolation of factors and, subsequently, eight trials were used to allow a complete isolation of the factors. The genotype x sowing seasons (R²?=?4.2?%) and genotype x year (R²?=?4.1?%) interactions were of the greatest important, while genotype x location was less important (R²?=?3.0?%). It was concluded that is more important to conduct evaluations of genotypes in different seasons and years rather than in different locations. The majority of the genotypes tested presented specific adaptation, although it was possible to identify superior lines with wide adaptation.     

Factors associated with seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in southeastern Brazil

Neosporosis is an infectious disease caused by Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular cyst-forming protozoan considered a major cause of miscarriage in dairy cattle in many parts of the world. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between reproductive abnormalities and seropositivity to N. caninum in 1,204 dairy cows from 40 farms located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Producers were interviewed, and blood samples were collected to perform indirect immunofluorescence tests (IFAT 1:200). Association between reproductive abnormalities and seropositivity in cattle was evaluated with generalized estimating equations. The true herd-level seroprevalence of N. caninum was 95 % (83.3–99.1), while the individual-level true seroprevalence was 21.6 % (19.2–24.2). Several reproductive abnormalities were significantly associated with seropositivity to N. caninum: occurrence of repeated estrus (p?=?0.02; OR?=?3.84; 95 % CI?=?1.239–11.893), repeated miscarriages (p?=?0.001; OR?=?2.54; 95 % CI?=?1.423–5.402), and temporary anestrus (p?=?0.001; OR?=?3.44; 95 % CI?=?1.976–5.994). Furthermore, loose dogs (p?=?0.041; OR?=?2.20; 95 % CI?=?1.033–4.672) when fed raw meat (p?=?0.001; OR?=?1.91; 95 % CI?=?1.443–2.519) are risk factors for N. caninum infection. We observed that seropositivity to N. caninum in cattle increases risk of miscarriage by almost twice throughout the reproductive life of cows (p?=?0.004; OR?=?1.978; 95 % CI?=?1.249–3.131). Serologic evidence in this study indicates that N. caninum infection is widely distributed among dairy herds and significantly associated with reproductive disorders, especially miscarriage, repeated estrus, and temporary anestrus.     

Effects of tramadol alone,in combination with meloxicam or dipyrone,on postoperative pain and the analgesic requirement in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of tramadol alone, or in combination with dipyrone or meloxicam, on postoperative pain and analgesia requirement after unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy in dogs.Study designProspective, randomized, clinical study.AnimalsTwenty seven bitches undergoing unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy.MethodsAnesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of morphine. Before the end of surgery, dogs were randomly assigned to receive intravenous tramadol alone (3 mg kg^?1, group T), combined with dipyrone (30 mg kg^?1, group TD) or meloxicam (0.2 mg kg^?1, group TM). Dogs received additional doses of tramadol (groups T and TM) or tramadol with dipyrone (group TD) at 8 and 16 hours after extubation. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer before anesthesia (baseline) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 hours after extubation using a visual analog scale (VAS) and a modified Glasgow scale. Rescue analgesia (morphine, 0.5 mg kg^?1) was administered if the Glasgow pain score was >3.5.ResultsThere were no significant differences among groups in pain scores evaluated by the VAS or the Glasgow scale. In groups T, TD and TM, pain scores were significantly higher than at baseline for 6, 8 and 2 hours, respectively. Rescue analgesia was administered to 3/9, 2/9 and 1/9 dogs in groups T, TD and TM, respectively (p > 0.05) [Correction added on 15 August 2013, after first online publication: ‘T, TM and TD’ was changed to ‘T, TD and TM’.].Conclusions and clinical relevanceUnder the conditions of this study, tramadol alone or in combination with dypyrone or meloxicam provided effective analgesia for 24 hours in most dogs after unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy. Further evaluation of combination therapies is needed in larger groups of dogs.     

The influence of captive breeding on the fatty acid profiles of Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae) eggs and larvae

In addition to the strong influence of the broodstock diet on the development and survival of offspring, domestication may also interfere with the larval life success. We obtained eggs from wild and domesticated Salminus hilarii females and domesticated males. Wild females were caught in the Tiete River and tributaries, and the domesticated females were born three years before the beginning of the experiment in the Ponte Nova Fish Farm. Animals from both groups were fed with the same feed to exclude feed variables. The eggs and larvae were sampled at 0, 8, 16, and 28?h after spawning (HAS), with the last sampling (28 HAS) coinciding with hatching time. After hatching, samplings proceeded at 32, 48, 66, and 96 HAS, with the last sampling (96 HAS) corresponding to the end of yolk sac consumption. Finally, the last experimental period was during the larvae exogenous feeding phase, at 102, 118, 166, and 214 HAS. Our data revealed that domestication of S. hilarii females influenced fatty acid (FA) metabolism during embryo and larva development. However, the structure of membrane phospholipid FA remained mostly stable, with changes principally in the neutral fraction. When the external conditions, mainly water and feed quality, remained constant, domestication of S. hilarii females did not significantly affect the structural FA composition but influenced the selectivity of consumption and/or storage of specific FA.