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Background : Veterinary Ophthalmology provides complementary information for the diagnosis of ocular pathologies. Studies in wild species are essential. Among the diagnostic techniques in ophthalmology, two-dimensional ultrasonography stands out. The agouti is a rodent belonging to the Dasyproctidae family that has been widely used as an experimental model. For these animals, sight is one of the crucial senses for their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the two-dimensional ocular ultrasound technique to obtain anatomical measurements and the external ophthalmic artery resistivity index, presumably normal in the species Dasyprocta prymnolopha . Materials, Methods & Results: Forty eye bulbs of 20 adult rodents of the species were evaluated by ultrasonography. In these animals, B-mode echobiometry was performed using the transpalpebral approach and the hemodynamic study of the external ophthalmic artery using the color Doppler technique. All examinations were initiated by the left eye bulb and all measurements were performed by only one examiner. The collected data related to echobiometry were analyzed using Bioest 5.0 for Windows. Initially, normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test for each parameter, then the paired t -test was performed, comparing right and left eyes, and a significance level of 5% ( P < 0.05) was adopted. Based on the methodology used, the following values were obtained for the right and left eyeballs, respectively: anterior chamber thickness - mean of 1.28 ± 0.3 mm and 1.22 ± 0.1 mm; lens thickness - 8.27 ± 0.9 mm and 8.11 ± 0.9 mm; vitreous chamber thickness - 5.35 ± 0.48 mm and 5.30 ± 0.47 mm and axial length - 12.7 ± 0.9 mm and 13 ± 0.68 mm. The mean external ophthalmic artery resistivity values were 0.4305 ± 0.0390 and 0.4258 ± 0.0387 (right and left eye, respectively), characterizing a low resistance. There was no statistical difference between the right and left eyeballs in any of the studied parameters. Discussion : The use of the convex transducer was feasible, promoting adequate contact with the ocular surface and images of satisfactory quality for obtaining measurements, similar to what was observed in studies evaluating the ocular biometry of primates and dogs. The anterior chamber thickness values in this experiment did not differ statistically between the antimers, as well as observed for dogs. The data obtained for lens thickness did not differ statistically for antimers, like those obtained for other rodent species evaluated with the same methodology. The mean values of vitreous chamber thickness were like those observed in chinchillas but correspond to about half of that obtained for capybaras. In this study, the external ophthalmic artery was characterized in all animals, but obtaining the spectral tracing was difficult due to its fine caliber. In wild animals, and especially in wild rodents, there are few data reporting the resistivity of the ophthalmic artery, and there is a lack of studies, which can be explained by the behavioral characteristics of defense and by the high susceptibility to stress in capture, since the performing the technique requires, as in other procedures, the use of chemical containment. Keywords: Doppler flow, ultrasound, eye, agouti.

The black-rumped agouti ( Dasyprocta prymnolopha , Wagler 1831) is currently under intense ecologic pressure, which has resulted in its disappearance from some regions of Brazil. Echocardiography is widely used in veterinary medicine but it is not yet part of the clinical routine for wild animals. The objective of the present study was to assess the applicability of the echocardiographic exam in nonanesthetized agouti and to establish normal reference values for echocardiographic measurements in bidimensional mode (2D), M-mode, and Doppler for this species, and a lead II electrocardiogram was simultaneously recorded. Twenty agouti were used in this study. All the echocardiographic measurements were positively correlated with weight (P0.05), and there were no significant differences between sexes (P0.05). Blood flow velocities in the pulmonary and aortic artery ranged from 67.32-71.28 cm/sec and 79.22-101.84 cm/sec, respectively. The isovolumic relaxation time was assessed in all the animals and ranged from 38.5 to 56.6 ms. The maximum value for the nonfused E and A waves and the Et and At waves was 158 beats/min for both. The results obtained for the morphologic and heart hemodynamic measurements can guide future studies and help in the clinical management of these animals in captivity.

In the scientific literature, works related to the morphology and histology of agoutis, Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831, approach several organs and systems. However, none referenced the lymph nodes of this animal. The objectives of the present study were to perform morphological and histological analyses, under optical microscopy, of the cranial and cervical lymph nodes of agoutis, comparing them with the typical lymph nodes of already documented animal species. In the present work, four animals were used, respecting all the ethical and legal aspects, followed by the development of methodologies related to the morphology and histology in question. The results obtained did not show significant morphological and histological differences between the cranial and cervical lymph nodes of agoutis when compared with typical lymph nodes of the animal kingdom.

Contents The objective of this study was to define the patterns of organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) kept in captivity. Thirty pregnant agoutis that ranged in size from small to medium and weighed between 2.5 and 3 kg underwent B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography for the biometric evaluation of the foetal organs. The foetal aortic blood flow proved to be predominantly systolic, and the measured flow velocity was 78.89 ± 2.95 cm/s, with a maximum pressure gradient of 2.12 ± 0.27 mmHg. The liver was characterized by its large volume, occupying the entire cranial aspect of the abdominal cavity, and it was associated cranially with the diaphragm and caudally with the stomach. The flow velocity in the portal vein was estimated to equal 12.17 ± 2.37 cm/s, with a resistivity index of 0.82 ± 0.05. The gallbladder was centrally located and protruded cranially towards the diaphragm. The spleen was visualized as an elongated structure with tapered cranial and caudal extremities, and the foetal kidneys were visualized bilaterally in the retroperitoneal region, with the right kidney positioned slightly more cranially than the left. The morphological characterization and hemodynamic analysis of the foetal organs of black-rumped agoutis via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography allow determination of the vascular network and of reference values for the blood flow required for perfusing the anatomical elements essential for maintaining the viability of foetuses at different gestational ages.

Resumo: As biotécnicas da reprodução são importantes ferramentas para conservação de espécies domésticas e silvestres, pois permitem a recuperação e uso futuro de material reprodutivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar parâmetros morfológicos de CCOs de cutias, obtidos pela técnica de fatiamento do ovário para utilização em protocolos de maturação e fecundação na produção in vitro de embriões. Foram utilizadas dezessete cutias fêmeas do NEPAS, CCA- UFPI, com idade e peso médios de 3,9 anos e 2,16Kg, respectivamente, que foram submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia. Os ovários após dissecados e pesados em balança de precisão, foram fatiados individualmente. Procedeu-se a busca e seleção dos CCOs em estereomicroscópio, os quais foram identificados e quantificados por cada ovário, além de classificados quanto a sua morfologia segundo a quantidade de camadas de células do cumulus e ao citoplasma em quatro graus. Verificou-se que a técnica de fatiamento do ovário possibilitou a obtenção de CCOs de cutias, com recuperação de grande quantidade e de variados graus de qualidade. Não houve correlações entre a idade dos animais e o peso dos ovários; a idade e o número de CCOs obtidos; entre o peso das cutias e o peso dos ovários e o número de CCOs obtidos. Abstract: The reproductive biotechnologies are important tools for conservation of domestic and wild animal species, because they allow the recovery and future use of reproductive material. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological parameters of COCs of agoutis obtained by slicing the ovary for using them in maturation and fertilization protocols in vitro production of embryos. Seventeen female agoutis NEPAS, CCA-UFPI, age and weight average of 3.9 years and 2.16 kg, respectively, were underwent ovariossalpingohisterectomy. The ovaries after dissected and weighed on a precision balance were sliced individually. We proceeded the search and selection of COCs in stereomicroscope, which were identified and quantified by each ovary, and classified as to their morphology, by the quantity of layers of cumulus cells and the cytoplasm into four degrees. It has been found that the technique of slicing ovarian possible to obtain agouti COCs with recovery of loads and varying degrees of quality. There was no correlation between age and weight of animal ovaries, age and the number of COCs obtained; between the weight of agoutis and weight of ovaries and the number of COCs obtained.

Agoutis are small-sized wild animals whose body weight can reach up to 4kg, and are found throughout Brazil. They are considered important seed dispersers, especially for big trees and there are species that rely almost exclusively on these animals for their territorial distribution. The objective of the present study was B scan and Doppler ultrasound characterization of the abdominal organs of healthy agoutis reared in captivity. Fifteen agoutis, chemically restrained, were used from the Nucleus for Wild Animal Studies and Conservation (Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres - NEPAS), CCA-UFPI, submitted to B scan and Doppler ultrasound examination. The urinary bladder wall was hyperechogenic, thin, smooth and regular throughout its anatomic path, with 0.09±0.03cm mean thickness. The kidneys showed fine and homogeneous echotexture, preserved global echogenicity, hyperechogenic in relation to the spleen and isoechogenic or discreetly hyperechogenic in relation to the liver. The spectral Doppler trace showed systolic and diastolic peaks, wide and thread-like, with low flow resistance and a continuous and full diastolic portion that decreased gradually during the diastole (75.83±1.42cm/s, for the right kidney and 80.43±1.22cm/s, for the left kidney). The right adrenal gland was 0.61-1.18cm long and 0.17-0.32cm in diameter, while the left adrenal gland was 0.62-1.16 long with 0.14-0.25cm diameter. The agouti spleen was filiform in shape, with pointed poles and 1.02±0.18cm in diameter. The agouti liver occupied all the abdominal cavity cranial space in direct contact with the diaphragm. The intrahepatic vascular flow allowed individualization of the portal vein (PV) and hepatic vein (HV). The portal veins were distinguished from the hepatic veins mainly by their wall echogenic pattern. The pancreas was 0.51±0.1 cm thick and the pancreatic duct measured 0.12±0.02cm. The stomach was placed to the left the spleen and to the right of the proximal intestine and the transversal colon and the walls were 0.16±0.05cm thick. The abdominal aorta was 0.43±0.04cm in diameter and showed 95.2±2.16cm/s vascular flow. This study characterized agouti organs and abdominal blood vessels by B scan and Doppler ultrasound, that permitted definition of the size, shape, position, echogenicity and echotexture of the anatomic constituents and established reference values for the vascular network and blood flow in the species. RESUMO: As cutias são animais silvestres de pequeno porte, cujo peso corpóreo pode chegar até 4kg, e existem em todo território brasileiro. São considerados importantes dispersores de sementes, especialmente para árvores de grande porte, existindo espécies que dependem quase que exclusivamente destas para sua distribuição territorial. Este trabalho teve por objetivo a caracterização ultrassonográfica modo B e Doppler dos órgãos abdominais de cutias hígidas criadas em cativeiro. Foram utilizadas 15 cutias, contidas quimicamente, oriundas do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres - NEPAS, CCA-UFPI, submetidas a exame ultrassonográfico em modo B e Doppler. A parede da vesícula urinária presentou-se hiperecogênica, fina, lisa e regular em todo seu trajeto anatômico, com espessura média de 0,09±0,03cm. Os rins demonstraram ecotextura fina e homogênea, ecogenicidade global preservada, hipoecogênico em relação ao baço e isoecogênico ou discretamente hipoecogênico em relação ao fígado. O traçado em Doppler espectral mostrou pico sistólico e diastólico, amplo e afilado, exibindo baixa resistência de fluxo, com uma porção diastólica contínua e cheia, que diminui gradativamente no decorrer da diástole (75,83±1,42cm/s para o rim direito e 80,43±1,22 cm/s para o esquerdo. A adrenal direita apresentou uma variação de comprimento entre 0,61 a 1,18cm e diâmetro variando entre 0,17 a 0,32cm, enquanto a adrenal esquerda evidenciou comprimento de 0,62 a 1,16 e diâmetro de 0,14 a 0,25cm. O baço das cutias mostrou formato filiforme, com polos pontiagudos e diâmetro de 1,02±0,18cm. O fígado da cutia ocupa todo o espaço cranial da cavidade abdominal, em contato direto com o diafragma. O fluxo vascular intrahepático permitiu individualizar as veias porta (VP) e veias hepáticas (VH). As veias porta foram distinguidas, particularmente pelo padrão ecogênico de suas paredes, quando comparadas com as veias hepáticas. A espessura do pâncreas foi de 0,51±0,1cm e o ducto pancreático mediu 0,12±0,02cm. O estômago relaciona-se à esquerda com o baço e a direita com o duodeno proximal e colón transverso. Sua espessura de parede mensurada foi de 0,16±0,05cm. A aorta abdominal possui diâmetro de 0,43±0,04cm e fluxo vascular de 95,2±2,16cm/s. Este estudo caracterizou os órgãos e vasos sanguíneos abdominais de cutias, por meio de ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler, o que permitiu definir o tamanho, formato, posição, ecogenicidade, ecotextura dos constituintes anatômicos, além de estabelecer valores de referência para a rede vascular e fluxo sanguíneo na espécie.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de cutias, a digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e a viabilidade econômica de dietas, contendo os produtos do babaçu: farelo, mesocarpo e óleo. Foram desenvolvidos dois experimentos de forma contínua, um ensaio de digestibilidade de nutrientes e o outro de desempenho, utilizando-se os mesmos animais para os dois ensaios. Os animais foram alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo e distribuídos aleatoriamente nos tratamentos. O delineamento experimental para os dois ensaios foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos experimentais foram constituídos de quatro tipos de rações: ração controle, balanceada com 16% de proteína bruta, 13% de fibra bruta e 2.500kcal de energia digestível; dieta controle com substituição de 30% por farelo de babaçu; dieta controle com substituição de 30% por mesocarpo de babaçu; dieta controle com substituição de 10% por óleo de babaçu. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, da proteína bruta, do extrato etéreo e da matéria orgânica de dietas, contendo produtos do babaçu para cutias em crescimento, são mais elevados nas dietas contendo óleo, enquanto as dietas com farelo de babaçu apresentam os menores índices. O desempenho produtivo de cutias em crescimento não é influenciado pelos produtos do babaçu nas dietas com o óleo, farelo e mesocarpo. As dietas de cutias em crescimento, contendo óleo de babaçu apresentam os melhores rendimentos financeiros.

9. Black-rumped Agouti Dasyprocta prymnolopha French: Agouti a croupe noire / German: SchwarzsteiRaguti / Spanish: Aguti de dorso negro Taxonomy. Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831, “Habitat in Guyana.” Corrected by E. A. Goeldi and G. Hagmann in 1903 to “foz do Amazonas, Para, Brazil.” The inclusion of nigriclunis within this species may signal a regional color variant in the south-western part of the distribution. Monotypic. Distribution. NE Brazil, from E Para State S of the Amazon River along the coast to EC Bahia State, and inland S into E Tocantins and N Minas Gerais states. Descriptive notes. Head—body 450-525 mm, tail 18-30 mm, ear 36-43 mm, hindfoot 95-115 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Black-rumped Agouti is small; it is grizzled yellow-orange, with black foreparts that become red-orange from mid-back over outer thighs. Top of rump is covered by contrasting wedge of long, completely black hairs. Crown is blackish, and neck has crest of longer, black hairs. The Black-rumped Agouti is similar in overall shape to the Common Red-rumped Agouti (D. leporina). Habitat. Deciduous forest and semiarid scrub, including cerrado and caatinga, and probably coastal rainforest habitats from sea level to elevations of ¢.900m. Blackrumped Agoutis are found in a wide diversity of phytogeographical assemblages in eastern Brazil, from Floresta Ombrofila Densa (tropical moist forest) to Savana (savanna) and Savana Estépica (caatinga). Itis the only agouti of the Caatinga ecoregion. Food and Feeding. The Black-rumped Agouti is a seed disperser and plays a central role in dispersal and survival of rainforest trees. For certain trees,it is more a predator than disperser, particularly for Hortia brasiliana (Rutaceae). Breeding. Captive Black-rumped Agoutis have a 30day estrous period; gestation averages 104 days. Presence of males stimulates onset of puberty in females. Activity patterns. The Black-rumped Agouti is diurnal and terrestrial. Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Blackrumped Agoutiis a popular game species and hunted for food; it declines in areas with high hunting pressure. Bibliography. Eisenberg & Redford (1999), Emmons (1997a), Goeldi & Hagmann (1903), Guimaraes et al. (2009), lack-Ximenes (1999), Lopes & Ferrari (2000), Melo & Tabarelli (2003), Patton & Emmons (2015a), Sousa et al. (2012)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Dasyproctidae, pp. 440-461 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 459, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6595219

The Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) method of identification has been used to define culturally important species. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize CKS vertebrates in the communities surrounding the Environmental Protection Area of Chapada do Araripe and define conservation priorities using semi-structured interviews and free listings. Interviews were conducted with 246 people; 53 species were identified and then included in categories of use: food, medicinal, handicraft and symbolic. Food preference was identified for Mazama gouazoubira, Penelope superciliaris, Dasyprocta prymnolopha and Dasypus novencimctus. As medicinal resources, Salvator merianae and M. gouazoubira represented 51.85% of treatment recommendations. For use in handicrafts, M. gouazoubira, which is also the only species recorded for symbolic use, stands out. Use values (UV) varied from 0.03 to 1.34, and M. gouazoubira had the highest UV (1.34) and a 0.74 projection. Regarding cultural importance, M. gouazoubira was the species with the highest UV and projection, and was indicated as a CKS to be prioritized in research and conservation studies. O método para identificação de Espécie-Chave Cultural (ECC) tem sido utilizado para definir espécies importantes culturalmente. Nesse sentido, para identificar e caracterizar ECC de vertebrados em comunidades do entorno da Área de Proteção Ambiental da Chapada do Araripe, e definir prioridades de conservação, utilizou-se formulário semiestruturado e listagem livre. Foram entrevistadas 246 pessoas; identificaram-se 53 espécies que foram incluídas nas categorias de uso: alimentar, medicinal, artesanal e simbólico. Identificou-se preferência alimentar para Mazama gouazoubira, Penelope superciliaris, Dasyprocta prymnolopha e Dasypus novencimctus. Como recurso medicinal Salvator merianae e M. gouazoubira representaram 51.85% das indicações de tratamento. No uso artesanal, destaca-se M. gouazoubira, que também foi a única espécie registrada para o uso simbólico. Os valores de uso (VU) encontrados variaram entre 0.03 e 1.34, sendo M. gouazoubira com o VU mais alto (1.34) e 0.74 de saliência. Em relação è importância cultural, M. gouazoubira foi a espécie que apresentou maior VU, saliência e indicada como ECC, para receber prioridades em ações e estudos para conservação.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a puberdade em fêmeas de cutias. Não foi observado o inicio da puberdade quando as fêmeas foram mantidas sem os machos. Se um macho adulto era mantido com as fêmeas adultas e não ciclantes, o inicio do ciclo estral era observado após um período de 10 a 60 dias. Quando as fêmeas jovens eram mantidas com o macho, a puberdade se estabelecia aos nove meses. Concluindo que o macho de cutia influencia o inicio da puberdade das fêmeas, e as fêmeas dominantes, aparentemente, inibem ou atrasam a puberdade de outras do grupo. Sugerem-se estudos futuros sobre o controle social na reprodução deste animal. The objective of this research was to analyze female agouti puberty. We did not observe the onset of puberty when the females were raised without males. When an adult male was put together with other adults and no cycling females, the onset of estrous cycle was observed after 10 to 60 days. When the young females were raised with a male, the onset of puberty was reached at 9 months. We concluded that the male agouti influences the onset of puberty in females, and that the dominant female, apparently, inhibits or delays the puberty of the other agouti females of the group. We suggest further studies be made concerning the social control of the reproduction of these animal. GUIMARÃES, D. A. A.; RAMOS, R. S. L.; OHASHI, O. M. Universidade Federal do Pará

Wild rodents, such as the lowland paca (Cuniculus paca), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), guinea pig (Cavia aperea), and black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) are intensely hunted throughout Amazonia and at the semiarid regions of northeastern Brazil. To contribute to the preservation of these species, more information about their anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology is needed. The aim of this study was to standardize the vertebral heart scale (VHS) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in clinically normal black-rumped agouti, as well as to compare the results of these two methods, which are commonly used to evaluate the cardiac silhouette in domestic animals. Twelve healthy black-rumped agoutis, divided into two groups (six males and six females), obtained from the Nucleus for Wild Animal Studies and Conservation at the Federal University of Piauí, were radiographed in right and left lateral and dorsoventral projections. The values of the VHS were 8.00±0.31v (the number of thoracic vertebral length spanned by each dimension, starting at T4) for males and 8.11±0.41v for females, and there was no statistical difference between the decubitus (right and left) or between males and females (P0.05). The CTR mean values obtained were 0.51±0.03 for males, and 0.52±0.02 for females, and there was no statistical difference between the genders (P0.05). However, there was positive correlation between VHS and CTR (r=0.77 right decubitus and r=0.82 left decubitus). The thoracic and heart diameter had mean values of 6.72±0.61 and 3.48±0.30 cm (males), and for the females, it was 6.61±0.51 and 3.5±0.30 cm, respectively, and there was statistical difference between the genders. The results demonstrated high correlation between the VHS and CTR producing similar results, indicating similar clinical precision for assessing the size of the cardiac silhouette in the black-rumped agoutis.

This study investigates the relationships among seed dispersal, patterns of seedling recruitment and the spatial distribution of a pioneer tree (Hortia arborea, Rutaceae) in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The study was carried out at Dois Irmaos Reserve, a 387.4 ha reserve in northeastern Brazil. Fruit shadow concentrated beneath parental trees (74.6 % < 6 m distant) and fruit removal averaged 5.6 % (0 - 25.5 %). Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Rodentia) ate fruits in the forest and in captivity and were the only vertebrates recorded feeding on Hortia fruits. Agoutis, however, destroyed 86.7 % of the seeds they ingested. In addition, only one seed from an expected number of 1980 germinated in a treefall gap after it passed through the digestive tract of agoutis. Both seed germination and seedling recruitment were restricted to gaps, and occurred among seeds manually released from the pulp or among those from fruits that naturally rotted in gaps. Moreover, exposed seedlings were taller than those covered by plants in a gap. H. arborea appears to self-maintain populations in the same patches of forest, which are delimited by a pool of old and newly created gaps. More specifically, there is successful recruitment in patches occupied by parents, resulting in dense clumps of H. arborea.

The objective of the present study was to monitor and characterize morphological alterations in ovaries of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), reared in captivity, by using abdominal ultrasonography. All animals underwent daily vaginal cytological examination to identify the current cycle phase. For each phase of the estrous cycle, ultrasound examinations were carried out to identify and describe the morphology of both ovaries. Topographic parameters in an ultrasound window were established to locate the ovaries. The agouti estrous cycle lasted an average of 29.94 ± 6.77 days. During vaginal cytology examinations, all cell types were identified, and each phase of the estrous cycle was established by cell counts. No significant alterations were observed in the assessed ovarian morphometry measurements. In 75% of the animals examined, ovarian follicle presence was observed in the proestrus phase.

Background: The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) is a wild rodent widely found throughout America which has stood out as a good animal model for scientific investigations. The aim of this study was to study the cardiovascular function of chemically contained agoutis, by performing echocardiographic examinations and measuring Strain and Strain Rate by Speckle Tracking to obtain reference values for the species and verify the applicability of these animals as models for the study of cardiovascular changes in humans.Materials, Methods & Results: It was selected 16 animals, sedated by the combination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine and submitted to transthoracic echocardiography. To obtain the standard measurements, B, M and Doppler mode images were taken. The analysis of the radial and longitudinal myocardial deformation of the left ventricle was carried out. The right parasternal window was used for access to the short cardiac axis and the left for access to the long axis. Six radial profiles of strain (ST) and Strain rate (SR) values were obtained, corresponding to the mean of the values for each segment. A total of 18 myocardial segments were analyzed for each specimen and the mean values were used to compose the statistical analysis. The comparison of the means between the genders did not show statistical difference, being the other statistical treatments based on the total sample of 16 animals. The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were: LA, LA/AO, HR, AVmax, E’ wave, E/IVRT (P > 0.05). HR showed a positive correlation with IVSd (r = 0.51), EPSS (r = 0.55) and E’ wave (r = 0.68); negative with IVRT (r = - 0.41), A wave (r = - 0.54), AVmax (r = - 0.53) and Pmax (r = - 0.65).Discussion: Although presumptively normal echocardiographic values were reported for not anesthetized agoutis, this was the first study to show the measurement of these variables for chemically contained agoutis, in addition to the use of Strain and strain rate by speckle tracking in the assessment of cardiac function. The sudden exposure of an external stimulus (environmental or physical) to which the body is not adapted can trigger an acute stress, and its effects may interfere significantly in the measurement of hemodynamic variables, justifying the need for chemical containment. The values found for the thickness of agoutis cardiac walls and chambers obtained in M mode, both in systole and in diastole, when compared with mammals of different size, confirm the positive linear correlation between body weight and cardiac dimensions for the various evaluated parameters. The velocity obtained by the Strain radial for the apical systolic peak was slightly lower than that obtained for the basal systolic peak, while the opposite was observed for the circumferential Strain, which showed apical peak greater than the basal peak, also to the found for human beings. The values obtained for circumferential, radial and longitudinal strain for agoutis were within the ranges of normality observed in healthy domestic animals and humans.

The gestation period in agoutis can range from 104 to 120 days. Knowledge regarding the morphological characteristics of embryos and fetuses is important as a base for studies in reproduction biotechnology, such as in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and helps in determining congenital anomalies during the development phase. Thus, given the importance and lack of information about agouti embryology, the objective of this study was to characterize the external morphology and define the biometry of embryos and fetuses, at different days of development. Nine females were submitted to daily colpocytology to identify the estrus, confirm mating and identify day zero of the gestation. When the mating was confirmed they were weighed, underwent abdominal ultrasonography and surgery was conducted on the females at the gestational ages of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75 and 100 days. Sixteen embryos/fetuses were weighed and measured. Agouti embryos at 25 days after mating are "C" shaped, with primitive structures, 0.4±0.01cm crown-rump and weighed 0.06±0.01g; at 30 days after mating the crown-rump was 0.95±0.07cm and weighed 0.28±0.00g; at 35 days after mating the crown-rump was 155±0.07cm and weighed 0.38±0.01g; at 40 days after mating the crown-rump was 2.25±0.21cm and weighed 1.25±0.07g; at 45 days after mating the crown-rump was 3.45±0.35cm and weighed 2.75±0.64g; at 50 days after mating the crown-rump was 5.0±0.3cm and weighed 7.01±2.6g; at 75 days after mating, the skin was dark, the crown-rump was 10.0±0.14cm and weighed 55.2±0.07g. At 100 days after mating, the crown-rump was 13.8±0.49cm and fetuses weighed 136.7±9.40g. Based on the morphological data assessed the embryo and fetus age could be assessed and the size and average weight of agouti embryos was established.

The cerebral cortex is often described as a composite of repeated units or columns, integrating the same basic circuit. The ‘ice-cube’ model of cortical organization, and ‘canonical’ circuit, born from insights into functional architecture, still require systematic comparative data. Here we probed the anatomy of an individual neuronal type within V1 to determine whether or not its dendritic trees are consistent with the ‘ice-cube’ model and theories of canonical circuits. In a previous report we studied the morphometric variability of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) neurons in the rat auditory, visual and somatosensory primary cortical areas. Our results suggested that the nitrergic cortical circuitry of primary sensory areas are differentially specialized, probably reflecting peculiarities of both habit and behavior of the species. In the present report we specifically quantified the dendritic trees of NADPH-d type I neurons as a function of eccentricity within V1. Individual neurons were reconstructed in 3D, and the size, branching and space-filling of their dendritic trees were correlated with their location within the visuotopic map. We found that NADPH-d neurons became progressively smaller and less branched with progression from the central visual representation to the intermediate and peripheral visual representation. This finding suggests that aspects of cortical circuitry may vary across the cortical mantle to a greater extent that envisaged as natural variation among columns in the ‘ice-cube’ model. The systematic variation in neuronal structure as a function of eccentricity warrants further investigation to probe the general applicability of columnar models of cortical organization and canonical circuits.

Stem cells are present in the adult tissues of most diverse species. Bone marrow is recognized to be the most exploited site to obtain stem cells and cell progenitors. The objective of the present study was to characterize hematopoietic progenitor (HP) morphology and analyze the performance of adherent cell progenitors (ACPs) cultivated in vitro from black-rumped agouti bone marrow (Dasyprocta prymnolopha). Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from tibia crest and used to prepare histological slides and identify cell morphology. Cells were also scattered on culture plates for later isolation, expansion, and quantification. Smears obtained from bone marrow demonstrated HPs at different stages of maturity. In culture, these cells showed fibroblastoid morphology and a strong tendency to form colonies, demonstrated by the presence of cell aggregates, cytoplasmic elongations lying side by side. An 80% cell confluence was observed at 18 days in culture and progressive reduction in the percentage of nonadherent mononuclear cells. After eight passes, a mean cell viability of 96.07% was observed, from a pool of 1.6 × 107 cells (ACP). Thirteen 25-cm2 culture bottles were trypsinized, resuspended in freezing medium, stored in 14 criotubes at a concentration of 1 × 106 cells per milliliter, and placed in liquid nitrogen at −196°C. Agouti bone marrow demonstrated high plasticity, moreover different HP lines, and a population of adherent cells demonstrated morphology similar to mesenchymal stem cells in culture. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thirty adult agoutis (Dasyprocta primnolopha) from the Nucleus of Study and Preservation of Wild Animals at the Federal University of Piaui were used. Blood scrubs of these animals were colored by the Leishman method and analyzed in light microscopy. The cells had been measured using programs that analyze images (Leica QWin – Image Processing and Analysis Software). Mature erythrocytes, basophil reticulocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes were identified. Agoutis' erythrocytes presented elliptical form, without nucleus with an average diameter of 5.64 micromeres ± 0.38. The lymphocytes are spherical cells with scarce cytoplasm, dense and with a very centralized rounded nucleus measuring an average diameter of 13.20 micromeres ± 0.35. The monocytes are slightly basophilic, with a spherical nucleus, central constriction, and an average diameter of 20.59 micromeres ± 0.32. The neutrophils are spherical, with a polymorphic lobulated nucleus, with an average diameter of 11.2 micromeres ± 0.20. The eosinophils are spherical with lobulated nucleus and with an average diameter of 14.25 micromeres ± 0.36. Only five basophils were observed, with abundance of cytoplasmic granules with 9.8 micrometers of diameter ± 0.30. Thrombocytopenic pleomorphism was frequent. There were similarities in the cellular constituents in peripheral blood of agoutis and of other rodents and humans. The cellular types from the peripheral blood, the morphology, and morphometry of the blood's cells did not vary according to sex. © Microsc. Res. Tech. 00:000?000, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

One of the most common types of polyspecific association observed in Neotropical primate communities is that between squirrel monkeys (Saimiri) and capuchins (Cebus). The present study focused on association patterns in two Saimiri sciureus groups in eastern Brazilian Amazonia, between March and October, 2009. The associations were analyzed in terms of the species involved, the degree of association, and niche breadth and overlap. The study involved two S. sciureus groups (B4 and GI) on the right and left bank of the Tocantins River, respectively, within the area of the Tucurui reservoir in southeastern Para. Relations between species were classified as associations (individuals within 50 m and moving in the same direction), and encounters (individuals within 50 m and no coordinated movement). Group B4 was in association with Cebus apella during 100% of monitoring, and with Chiropotes satanas in 20.2%. By contrast, Group GI associated with Cebus 54.8% of the time, and with Chiropotes utahickae 2.5%. Encounters with Alouatta belzebul and Saguinus niger were recorded at both sites, with Aotus azarae and Dasyprocta prymnolopha at B4, and with Callicebus moloch, Dasyproct aleporina, Mazama gouazoubira, and Nasua nasua at GI. Overall, Saimiri had a broader niche than Cebus in terms of vertical spacing and diet, but not for substrate use. This pattern did not appear to be affected by association. While group GI spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in association with Cebus during the wet season, group B4 associated with Chiropotes more during the dry season. Despite the higher association rates, niche overlap was greater for all variables at B4. This may reflect differences in the ranging and foraging patterns at the two sites, and the varying potential benefits of association for Saimiri.

Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831. Isis, 24:619. TYPE LOCALITY: Brazil, Parâ. Original designation of Guyana was probably an error (Cabrera, 1961:588). DISTRIBUTION: NE Brazil. SYNONYMS: nigriclunis. COMMENTS: Ojasti (1972: 164) considered the status of this form uncertain., Published as part of Charles A. Woods, 1993, Order Rodentia - Suborder Hystricognathi, pp. 771-806 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 782, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353083, {"references":["Ojasti, J. 1972. Revision preliminar de los picures o agutis de Venezuela (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae). Memorias Sociedad Ciencias Naturales La Salle, 32: 159 - 204."]}

Summary The arterial vascularization of agoutis penis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) were analysed using ten male adults from Nu´ - cleo de Estudos e Preservacao de Animais Silvestres da Uni- versidade Federal do Piaui´ (FUFPI/IBAMA n 02/99). Among the total number of specimens, six animals had natural death and were members of the research collection of the Laboratory of Anatomy, and four were killed after anaesthe- sia. Stained bi-centrifugated-Cis-I-4 latex was injected in arterial vessels responsible for penis vascularization through- out the abdominal portion of aorta. The samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and arteries were dissected. The penile artery is originated as a branch of internal pudendal artery. At the level of ischiatic arch, the penile artery project two branches, the penile dorsal and the deep arteries; those arteries irrigates the penile dorsal surface and the corpus cavernosum penis. The penile dorsal arteries have an inde- pendent course up to the glans penis. Based on the conditions of this work a remarkable similarity regarding the distribution of vessels destined to the agouti penis when compared to other domestic, wild and lagomorph rodents as rabbits.

This study investigated the seed dispersal of the canopy palm Attalea oleifera in a 3500 ha fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We monitored ten fruiting palms during six months, when the following mammals were recorded feeding on Attalea fruits and/or seeds: (1) Brazilian squirrels (Sciurus aestuans, 78 diurnal records); (2) white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris, 8 nocturnal records); (3) black-humped agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, 3 diurnal records); (4) pacas (Agouti paca, 1 nocturnal record); (5) rice rats (Oryzomys capito, 11 nocturnal records); and (6) short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis americana, 4 diurnal records). Fruit removal on the ground reached 71.9 ± 21.9 percent after a three-month period, and most fruits were moved less than 5 m from parental palms. Squirrels generally moved fruits and endocarps 5–10 m from parents, whereas opossums, pacas, and agoutis moved 91.7, 78, and 74.1 percent of fruits less than 5 m, respectively. Oviposition on endocarps by the bruchid Pa...

The agouti species Dasyprocta prymnolopha (D. prymnolopha) is a medium-sized rodent, diurnal, and characteristic of northeastern Brazil, south of the Amazon. Several studies have been made on these rodents. However, there is a lack of analysis of masticatory system, in particular morphology of the teeth. Thus, this research seeks to describe anatomical and histological aspects of the agouti teeth. For this purpose, we used adult agouti, in which measurements and descriptions of teeth and dental tissues were made. It was observed that the dental arch of D. prymnolopha comprises of twenty teeth, evenly distributed in the upper and lower arch, being inferior teeth larger than their corresponding higher. The incisors are larger, and between the posterior premolars and molars, there is a gradual increase in length in the anterior-posterior arch. In microscopic examination, a prismatic appearance was observed consisting of enamel prisms arranged in different directions, behind the enamel and dentin with standard tubular dentinal tubules with variable diameter and far between, also showing a sinuous path from the inner portion to the junction with more superficial enamel. Morphological analysis of dental tissues showed that an enamel with structural organization adapted to the act of chewing and high impact dentin compatible with standard tubular function resilience and mechanical damping of masticatory forces, as found in larger animals, confirming the understanding of eating habits that define much of its ecological functions within the ecosystem they inhabit.

Plasma concentration of progesterone and 17β-estradiol of black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) during the estrous cycle. The agouti is a game animal that have been raised in captivity for conservation and sustainability purposes. However, the management of wild animals in an intensive breeding system requires an assertive knowledge of its reproductive parameters, one of the most important features for production improvement. Besides, little information is available regarding changes in reproductive hormone profiles in agouti. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hormonal profile of progesterone and 17β-estradiol during the estrous cycle of the agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha). The hormones were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Blood samples were collected without sedation twice a week. The concentrations of progesterone were as follows: proestrus 0.78+0.39ng/ml, estrus 2.83+2.34ng/ml, metestrus 1.49+1.24ng/ml, diestrus 3.71+1.48ng/ml. In the estrous phase, an increase in the progesterone level was observed during a period of 24h. The average 17 β-estradiol levels were as follows: proestrus 2 030.98+961.00pg/ml, estrus 1 910.56+650.54pg/ml, metestrus 1 724.83+767.28pg/ml, diestrus 1 939.94+725.29pg/ml. The current results suggest that the progesterone plasma concentration during the estrous cycle in the agouti has a similar increasing, stabilizing and decreasing pattern, as in domestic mammals. Agoutis have two phases of follicular development, as two periods of 17β-estradiol peaks were observed, the first one in the metestrus and the second during the proestrus. Spontaneous ovulation seems to occur after the progesterone peak, possibly indicating that this hormone is associated with the ovulatory process. A more detailed investigation is needed for better understanding of how progesterone influences ovulation. Studies on the involvement of progesterone in follicular rupture can be carried out, using steroid biosynthesis inhibitors and observing the effect of this hormone on ovarian activity of proteolytic enzymes in the follicular wall. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 29-35. Epub 2011 March 01.El conocimiento de los procesos reproductivos de especies de importancia económica local son indispensables para apoyar su producción en cautiverio y garantizar su manejo sostenible. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar los niveles hormonales de progesterona y 17β-estradiol durante el ciclo estral en agutí (Dasyprocta prymnolopha). La recolección de sangre se realizó dos veces por semana, sin sedación. Las hormonas fueron analizadas por radioinmunoanálisis. Los niveles de progesterona fueron los siguientes: proestro 0.78+0.39ng/ml, estro 2.83+2.34ng/ml, metaestro 1.49+1.24ng/ml y diestro 3.71+1.48ng/ml. En el estro se observó un aumento de los niveles de progesterona durante un periodo de 24h. Los niveles de 17 β-estradiol fueron los siguientes: proestro 2 030.98+961.00pg/ml, estro 1 910.56+650.54pg/ml, metaesto 1 724.83+767.28pg/ml y diestro 1 939.94+725.29pg/ ml. Los resultados encontrados sugieren que los niveles plasmáticos de progesterona durante el ciclo estral en agutí siguen un patrón de aumento, estabilización y diminución, tal como en los mamíferos domésticos. Agutí tienen dos etapas de desarrollo folicular, puesto que se observaron dos altos valores de 17β-estradiol, el primero en el metaestro y el segundo durante el proestro. La ovulación espontánea ocurre posiblemente después del aumento de la progesterona, indicando que esta hormona posiblemente está asociada con el proceso ovulatorio. Es necesario desarrollar un estudio más detallado para mejorar la comprensión del papel de la progesterona en la ovulación. Algunos estudios de la participación de la progesterona en la ruptura folicular se pueden realizar utilizando inhibidores de la biosíntesis de esteroides y observar el efecto de esta hormona sobre la actividad de las enzimas proteolíticas en la pared folicular.

The morphology of the accessory genital glands of the male agouti was studied in twenty-three animals that were raised in captivity. Twenty animals had their genital glands dissected in situ for macroscopic description. The samples of each gland were recovered, embedded in paraffin, sliced and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin technique. It was founded four pairs of glands: the vesicular glands, the coagulating glands, the prostate and the bulbourethral glands. Histological characteristics of the vesicular, coagulating and prostate glands showed similar morphology, within the pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The tubulo-alveolar type of the bulbourethral glands showed a lack of connective tissue among the tubules, a small amount of red stained presented it the cytoplasm, and the presence of vacuoles in the tissue. This study concluded that the agouti showed to have similar morphological aspect described in the others species of rodents.