Search

Mammary carcinomas are common malignant tumors encompassing the main diagnostic mammary gland tumor cause in female dogs and cats. Few reports in wild animals are, however, available. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the clinical and histological aspects of a mammary tubular carcinoma case in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). A four-year-old non-spayed female guinea pig was seen at a veterinary clinic in the municipality of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Upon clinical examination, the animal was active, with a normal body condition, weighing 660 grams, hydrated, and presenting normal-colored mucous membranes. Increased left breast volume was observed, about 3.5 cm in diameter, non-adherent and with an ulcerated surface located medially to the mammary papilla, about 1.8 cm in diameter. The observed clinical findings indicated a presumptive neoplastic lesion diagnosis. A unilateral mastectomy was performed (left breast) and breast tissue fragments were histologically evaluated, confirming the tubular mammary carcinoma diagnosis. The surgical procedure and post-surgical treatment recommended in this report were proven efficient. Knowledge of diseases that affect non-conventional pets, such as the tubular mammary carcinoma reported herein, is paramount in improving the quality of life of these animals.

Morphological studies concerning the digestive system can further information on animal diets, thus aiding in the understanding of feeding behavior. Given the scarcity of information on sea turtle digestive system morphology, the aim of the present study was to describe the digestive tube (DT) morphology of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings to further understand the diet of these individuals in the wild. DT samples from 10 stillborn turtles (undefined sex) were analyzed at the macro and microscopic levels. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI), and large intestine (LI) are described. Histologically, the DT is formed by four tunics, the mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and adventitia or serosa. The esophagus is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the remainder of the DT is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The esophagus mucosa is marked by conical, pointed papillae. The stomach comprises three regions, the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric and is covered by neutral mucous granular cells. The intestinal mucosa presents absorptive cells with microvilli, neutral and acidic goblet cells, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The SI is significantly longer than the LI (p value = 0.006841). These morphological findings are strong indications of adaptations to a carnivorous diet in this hawksbill turtle age group.

INTRODUÇÃO: A medicina do plasma tem despontado como uma tecnologia em saúde viável e resolutiva na cicatrização de feridas. OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito do modo contínuo e pulsado de aplicação do plasma atmosférico frio na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas agudas em porquinhos da índia. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 24 animais divididos em quatro grupos e submetidos a realização de 3 feridas no dorso, sendo ao mesmo tempo, experimento e controle segundo aprovação da CEUA (parecer nº 33/2020). Uma ferida foi controle, outra recebeu tratamento no modo contínuo e outra pulsado (10 Hz). O jateamento foi de 1 minuto em cada ferida com gás hélio 2L/ min, imediatamente após a cirurgia e a cada 24 horas por 3 dias consecutivos. Todas as feridas foram fotografadas a partir do dia 0 e analisadas no software Image J. Além do processamento histológico. RESULTADO: A média da taxa de retração das feridas controle nos dias 3, 7, 14 e 21 foi 30,91; 38,5; 89,16; 96,32. Já no grupo contínuo foi de 45,36; 51,95;91,40; 98,13. E no pulsado 54,20; 57,5; 95,74; 99,1, respectivamente. A taxa de retração dos grupos tratados foi significativamente maior que no controle. No dia 7, foi possível visualizar o processo de reepitelização, que se completou no dia 14 nas feridas tratadas com a epiderme e o estrato córneo espessos. No grupo controle, foi possível visualizar isto a partir do dia 14 e a epiderme e o estrato córneo estavam delgados. Não foi mais encontrado tecido de granulação nos tecidos tratados no dia 14, e no controle encontrou-se nos dias 14 e 21. DISCUSSÃO: de maneira geral a literatura aponta para um efeito benéfico do CAP no processo de cicatrização de feridas tanto quantitativamente, como qualitativamente. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do CAP promoveu uma redução do tempo e melhora qualitativa no processo de cicatrização.

A formação de coágulos em implantes ósseos produz fatores pró-angiogênicos criando um microam-biente adequado para que ocorra a osteogênese, garantindo o sucesso do implante ósseo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do plasma atmosférico frio (CAP) em superfícies de titânio (Ti) na adesão e ativação plaquetária e no tempo de coagulação. Para isso, foram produzidos discos de titânio tratados por CAP durante 15 minutos na voltagem de 15Kv, frequência de 600Hz e 1 L/min de hélio. A topografia foi avaliada por microscopia de força atômica (AFM), a composição química por espec-troscopia de fotoelétrons de raios X (XPS) e a molhabilidade por teste de gota séssil. Foram coletados 30mL de sangue com citrato de sódio 3,2%. O plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) foi obtido por centri-fugação a 1000 rpm por 5 min. O tempo de protrombina e tromboplastina parcial foram medidos usando um coagulômetro semiautomático. 800μL de PRP foram distribuídos sobre as amostras e incubados por 60 minutos a 37ºC em atmosfera úmida. Em seguida, as amostras foram lavadas com PBS para remoção de plaquetas não aderidas, fixadas e observadas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV) e analisadas no software ImageJ. A adesão plaquetária foi determinada pela distân-cia e número de plaquetas aderidas e ativadas. As amostras tratadas por CAP apresentaram maior ativação plaquetária, maior número de plaquetas na superfície e maior distância quando comparadas às polidas, o que resultou em menor tempo de coagulação proporcionando formação mais rápida de coágulos, frequentemente associado a maior biocompatibilidade do implante e melhor osseointegra-ção.

INTRODUÇÃO: O plasma atmosférico frio (CAP) vem emergindo como tratamento promissor para o tratamento de lesões cutâneas, possuindo capacidade antimicrobiana e antinflamatória. Recentemente vem sendo utilizado no tratamento de neoplasias, promovendo a morte seletiva de células cancerígenas por meio da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio (ERON). Dentre os cânceres de pele não melanoma, o carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) é o segundo mais prevalente, especialmente no nordeste do Brasil, onde há alta incidência solar. Os gatos são excelentes modelos para estudos de CCE, pois também frequentemente desenvolvem esse tipo de neoplasia, que possui comportamento semelhante. OBJETIVO: Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do CAP sobre lesões de CCE em gato atendido no Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia – HOVET/UFERSA. MÉTODOS: Um felino, macho, adulto, com quatro lesões faciais (plano nasal, ponta da orelha, lábio inferior e canto medial do olho) foi submetido a dois ciclos de tratamento com CAP. Cada ciclo consistiu na administração do plasma por três vezes dentro de uma semana, seguido por uma semana sem exposição. O paciente foi acompanhado para avaliação da resposta ao tratamento e efeitos adversos. RESULTADOS: Com dois ciclos de tratamento foi possível observar resposta completa para as formações menores (canto medial do olho e ponta da orelha). O tumor em plano nasal apresentou resposta parcial e o CCE labial permaneceu estável. Os efeitos adversos foram leves, autolimitantes e incluíram eritema e formação de crostas. CONCLUSÃO: O CAP demonstrou-se eficaz para o tratamento do CCE cutâneo felino, principalmente em lesões superficiais. Para formações mais proliferativas, como em lábio inferior, podem ser necessárias estratégias multimodais de tratamento, a fim de permitir uma maior penetrabilidade das ERON.

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma das limitações ao sucesso dos implantes é a contaminação com adesão de bactérias nas superfícies e formação dos biofilmes. Deste modo, é necessário o desenvolvimento de técnicas para inibir o crescimento das colônias, visando a redução de custos e a diminuição dos riscos para o paciente. O plasma consiste num gás ionizado, formado por espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio, que quando aplicado a implantes é capaz de melhorar a biocompatibilidade de suas superfícies. OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito do plasma atmosférico a frio (CAP) e de uma modalidade de plasma térmico de baixa pressão, a nitretação, na prevenção de contaminação bacteriana. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados três tipos de superfícies de discos de Ti: polida (grupo controle), nitretada e tratada por CAP. Primeiramente, os discos foram lixados de maneira gradual, polidos e limpos por tratamento de ultrassom. Uma parte dos discos foi destinada a realizar o tratamento a CAP, em outra foi realizado o tratamento por nitretação. O CAP foi obtido nas seguintes condições: a aplicação durou 15 minutos com uma distância de 20 ± 1 mm entre a amostra e o aparelho com tensão de 15Kv, frequência de 600Hz e 1 L/min de hélio sobre as amostras. A nitretação foi realizada a uma temperatura de 450°C durante 1h com pressão de 1 mbar em atmosfera nitretante (36N2 e 24H2). As cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosas foram cultivadas aerobiamente a 37 °C com meio Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHI) durante 24 horas para formação das colônias. Para avaliar a adesão das bactérias foram incubadas alíquotas de 1mL de suspensão bacteriana sobre os três tipos de superfície por quatro horas. Após esse tempo de incubação, as amostras foram submetidas ao processamento e análise de microscópio eletrônico de varredura. RESULTADOS: As amostras tratadas por CAP apresentaram a menor taxa de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC), predominando bactérias isoladas, ausência da formação de biofilme e poucos detritos celulares. CONCLUSÃO: As superfícies tratadas por CAP apresentaram maior capacidade de prevenção da adesão e proliferação bacteriana, quando comparadas com as superfícies nitretadas. Essa capacidade aliada às vantagens do método, como fácil manuseio e menor custo, tornam uma promissora ferramenta para tratamento de implantes biomédicos.

Cardiogenesis is similar in all vertebrates, but differences in the valvuloseptal morphogenesis among non-crocodilian reptiles, birds, and mammals are noted. The origin of mesenchymal structures such as valves that regulate the passage of blood and the formation of partial septa that prevent the complete mixing of oxygen-rich and low-oxygen blood present in adult chelonians are essential in the evolutionary understanding of complete septation, endothermy and malformations, even in mammals. In this context, this study analyzed the heart morphogenesis of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the 4th to the 60th day of incubation. We identified the tubular heart stage, folding of the cardiac tube and expansion of the atrial and ventricular compartments followed by atrial septation by the septum primum, ventricle septation by partial septa, outflow tract septation and the formation of bicuspid valves with cartilage differentiation at the base. The formation of the first atrial septum with the mesenchymal cap is noted during the development of the atrial septum, joining the atrioventricular cushion on the 17th day and completely dividing the atria. Small secondary perforations appeared in the mid-cranial part, observed up to the 45th day. Partial ventricle septation into the pulmonary, venous, and arterial subcompartments takes place by trabeculae carneae thickening and grouping on the 15th day. The outflow tract forms the aorticopulmonary and interaortic septa on the 16th day and the bicuspid valves, on the 20th day. Therefore, after the first 20 days, the heart exhibits a general anatomical conformation similar to that of adult turtles.

The determination of arterial vascular distribution patterns can contribute to more detailed knowledge on arterial systems. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary, aiming to define a standard model for this species, providing information through comparative anatomy for analysis of some evolutionary aspects of the order Artiodactyla. Ten young male animals were employed. The vascular system was washed with a saline solution and then perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with red or yellow pigment, followed by collateral aorta branch dissections and analyses. The contrasted digital radiography technique was applied to two animals, which were initially perfused with a barium sulphate solution (1 g/ml) and Neoprene 450 latex at a 1:3 ratio, and subsequently, the digital radiographic examination was performed. The aortic arch of the collared peccary emitted the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery, while eight symmetric pairs of dorsal intercostal arteries originated from the thoracic aorta. The abdominal aorta, in turn, exhibited the celiac, cranial mesenteric, renal, caudal mesenteric, testicular, external iliac, internal iliac and sacral arteries as the collateral branches in all studied animals. Therefore, no relevant variations were observed regarding the arrangement of the arterial distribution of the aorta, thus suggesting a static standard model in the collared peccary.

Greater rheas have been the subject of scientific studies in the various areas of veterinary and biology in order to obtain essential information for their captivity management. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the greater rhea heart. The 20 animals were incised in sagittal plane, then fixed in 3.7% formaldehyde and dissected after 72 h. In addition, samples from the cardiovascular system were collected, processed for hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori Trichrome Staining. The heart is conical in shape, dark red when fresh and is located between the hepatic lobes. It has two atria and two ventricles, and four valves (left and right atrioventricular, aortic and pulmonary). The aorta and pulmonary trunk emerge at the heart base, while the ostia of the cranial and caudal vena cava emerged from the right atrium and the right and left pulmonary veins and the left coronary vein from the left atrium. From the aorta artery, the right and left coronary arteries arose, which originated, respectively, the superficial and conal branches and the profuse, left ventricular and superficial branches, being responsible for the irrigation of the heart. Microscopically the heart was constituted by simple pavement epithelium, rich in loose connective tissue. The aorta and pulmonary arteries were composed of the intima, middle and adventitial tunics. Thus, it is concluded that the morphological findings of greater rhea resemble those described for other birds such as ostrich and Gallus gallus domesticus.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cryopreservation techniques including glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations on the structure and viability of testicular tissues from adult collared peccaries. Tissue biopsies (3.0 mm³) from 5 different individuals were allocated to 10 different groups: fresh control; slow freezing (SF), conventional vitrification (CV), or solid-surface vitrification (SSV); each of them using three different combinations of cryoprotectants [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + ethylene glycol (EG); DMSO + Glycerol; and EG + Glycerol]. After thawing/warming, samples were evaluated for histomorphology, viability, proliferative capacity potential, and DNA integrity. Most effective preservation of testicular histomorphology was achieved using SF and CV with DMSO + EG. However, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations increased the occurrence of tubular cell swelling, tubular cell loss and shrinkage from the basal membrane. Cell viability was comparable among cryopreservation methods and cryoprotectant combinations. Regarding cell proliferative capacity, the use of SF with EG + Glycerol and SSV with DMSO + Glycerol impaired the conservation of spermatogonia proliferative potential compared to other treatments. Moreover, CV with DMSO + EG was better than SF with EG + Glycerol for Sertoli cell proliferation potential. Regarding DNA integrity, less damage occurred when using SF with DMSO + EG while more fragmentations were observed when using CV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol as well as SSV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol. In sum, SF and CV appeared to be the most suitable methods for the cryopreservation of adult peccary testicular tissues. Additionally, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations did not improve testicular tissues preservation with DMSO + EG being the most efficient option.

Morphological studies of the oropharyngeal cavity of chelonians have become an interesting tool in the understanding of evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits in aquatic animals and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial forms. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the oropharyngeal cavity floor morphology of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings. Ten dead hatchlings of undefined sex were obtained from nests hatched on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The heads of each specimen were fixed, dissected, and analyzed at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The oropharyngeal cavity floor of the hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings is formed by the tongue, pharynx, floor muscles, and hyolingual skeleton, delimited in the rostral and lateral directions by a keratinized beak, called the rhamphotheca, and in the caudal region at the limit between the pharynx and the esophagus. The tongue muscles and the muscles that support the floor of the oral cavity comprise the following: m. hypoglossohyoideus, m. hypoglossoglossus, m. hyoglossus, m. genioglossus, m. constrictor laryngis, m. geniohyoideus pars lateralis, and m. intermandibularis. The oropharyngeal cavity floor mucosa is formed by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and the lamina propria is formed by loose connective tissue. The floor mucosa is devoid of taste buds. We believe that the basic oropharyngeal cavity floor characteristics in hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings may comprise indications that these animals are plesiomorphic and that semiaquatic and terrestrial turtles may have undergone adaptations to feed out of water.

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.

The study investigated the gross and microscopic anatomy of the genital organs of 20 agoutis at different stages of the estrous cycle and four in the final trimester of pregnancy. Specimens were euthanized and their reproductive organs were fixed in a 4% paraformaldehyde or 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution and submitted to routine histological techniques for light and scanning electron microscopy. In the ovary, during the proestrus phase, we observed developing follicles and corpus luteum (CL) in regression; during estrus, there were Graafian follicles; during metestrus, there was a hemorrhagic corpus, whereas in diestrus, there was a mature CL. The uterus was partially double because the cervix was cranially septate but caudally, the septum disappeared, forming a single ostium that opened into the vagina. Changes occurred along the estrous cycle in the uterine and vaginal epithelia, that is, an increase in the uterine epithelium height accompanied by an increase of thickness of the vaginal epithelium during the follicular phase and a decrease of thickness of both epithelia during the luteal phase. The endometrial lining was composed of a simple cuboidal epithelium to simple columnar epithelium with basal nuclei. The vaginal mucosa consisted of epithelium that varied from nonkeratinized stratified squamous (luteal phase) to keratinized stratified squamous (follicular phase). The clitoris was external to the vagina. It presented two protruding lateral keratinized spicules and a centralized urethra, with no common parts between the urinary and genital tracts. Anatomical and histological changes were observed mainly in the cervix, vagina and spicules of the clitoris during the EC.

A titanium surface nitrided by plasma contains nitrogen ions that guarantee resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility. Despite this, no descriptions concerning the influence of the expression of cell adhesion proteins and their influence on osteogenic cell differentiation are available. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the response of murine pre‐osteoblastic cells (MC3T3‐E1) cultured on nitrided titanium surfaces. Pre‐osteoblastic cells were grown on polished titanium discs, used as controls, and on previously characterized plasma‐nitrided titanium discs. Cells from both groups were submitted to the MTT cell viability test. The expressions of α5, α2, and β1 integrin were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, while osteocalcin expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The nitrided surface presented higher α2 and β1 integrin expressions, as well as osteocalcin expression, when compared to the polished surface, with no alterations in cell viability. These findings seem to suggest that the plasma nitriding treatment produces a titanium surface with the potential for effective in vitro osseointegration.

Telocyte (Tc) is a new type of classic interstitial cells, described by Popescu et al., in the human pancreas. Telocytes are found in several organs, including the human testis. They are long, thin cells , with small cell bodies, a nucleus containing heterochromatin and presence of mitochondria in the periphery, in addition to a scarcely evident nucleolus. They differ from other interstitial cells by their long moniliform cytoplasmic extensions, called telopodes (Tp), and are usually identified through their ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Glutamine is often used to treat metabolic changes associated with anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with malignant neoplasms. Walker 256 tumor is an excellent model for studying these changes associated with cancer in different organs, including injuries in testicular functions. However, the effects of supplementing glutamine on testicular morphometry in this model have not yet been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of L-glutamine supplementation on testicular morphometry in rats transplanted with Walker 256 tumor cells. Forty puberty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control without L-glutamine (C); control supplemented with L-glutamine (CG); inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells (WT) and inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells and supplemented with L-glutamine (WTG). The testicles were removed, weighed, fixed in Bouin, and included in paraffin for histomorphometric analysis. Walker 256 tumor caused quantitative changes in the tubular and intertubular compartments and tunica albuginea, with reductions in the percentages of lumen and tunica albuginea, number of Sertoli cells per gram of testis; number of Leydig cells; percentage of blood vessels and connective tissue in intertubule. However, glutamine supplementation prevented part of these changes caused by the tumor, presenting mainly a protective effect on the tunica albuginea and percentage of blood and lymph vessels in the intertubule. These results indicate the potential of L-glutamine was able to recover for testicular dysfunction associated with cancer.

Heart diseases in birds are frequent and generate significant production disorders. Morphometry is a valuable tool to provide fundamental information about heart conditions. Few studies have addressed morphological aspects of the heart of ratite birds, such as the Greater rhea. The present study aimed to analyse rhea heart morphometry, comparing young and adult subjects, in order to provide relevant information for the diagnosis of heart disease in this species. Hearts of young (n = 10) and adult (n = 10) female rheas were used in this research. Heart length and width and sternum length were measured using a caliper. Heart length and width and sternum length in adults were approximately three times greater than in young individuals. The left ventricular wall (LVW) was thicker than the right ventricular wall (RVW) at all ages, and the RVW was thicker in adults when compared to young subjects. The basal and middle RVW regions thicken with advancing age, and the thickness of the interventricular septum (ISW) occupies an intermediate position between the LVW and RVW. In general, an increase in rhea heart thickness and size relative to age is observed. The morphometric variations between young and adult rhea hearts observed in the present study may serve as a comparative subsidy for the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities observed in this species.

This study aimed to verify the efficacy of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cultured on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films. The produced films were characterized by contact angle tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured as three different groups: Control-cultured on polystyrene plastic surfaces; PLA-cultured on PLA films; and PLA + Laser-cultured on PLA films and submitted to laser irradiation (660 nm; 30 mW; 4 J/cm2 ). Cell proliferation was analyzed by Trypan blue and Alamar blue assays at 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation. Cell viability was assessed by Live/Dead assay, apoptosis-related events were evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) expression, and cell cycle events were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell morphology on the surface of films was assessed by SEM. Cell counting and biochemical assay results indicate that the PLA + Laser group exhibited higher proliferation (p < 0.01) when compared with the Control and PLA groups. The Live/Dead and Annexin/PI assays indicate increased cell viability in the PLA + Laser group that also presented a higher percentage of cells in the proliferative cell cycle phases (S and G2/M). These findings were also confirmed by the higher cell density observed in the irradiated group through SEM images. The evidence from this study supports the idea that LLLI increases the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on PLA surfaces, suggesting that it can be potentially applied in bone tissue engineering.

This study was aimed to characterize the spermatogenic process and its seasonal variation inDesmodus rotundus, in the Caatinga biome, a water-limited ecosystem, with marked water restriction during most of the year. Collections of adult animals were performed during the dry and rainy seasons, and after euthanasia, their testes were processed histologically to perform morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyzes. The percentage of seminiferous epithelium, number of Leydig cells per gram of testis, and population of Sertoli cells and A-type spermatogonia presented byD.rotunduswere significantly higher in the rainy season, while the percentage of lumen, mitotic index, support capacity performed by Sertoli cells, and overall yield of spermatogenesis were higher in the dry season. The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed activity of the aromatase enzyme in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes and spermatids, as well as the presence of androgen receptors in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. FGF2 activity was detected in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, as well as secondary spermatocytes and rounded and elongated spermatids, while the BCL-2 protein was expressed in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, secondary spermatocytes, and rounded spermatids. The activity of these molecules was similar in both seasons, and associated with the morphometric findings, indicates maintenance in the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium throughout the year. The seasonal study ofD.rotundusspermatogenesis indicates a continuous spermatogenesis pattern and suggests a greater production of spermatozoa in the rainy season in the Caatinga biome.

Background: Fetal attachments, placentation and embryonic development have been widely discussed in rodents such as agoutis and cavies, as well as research on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rats and rabbits. Moreover, studies on buffalo, cattle and sheep are described in ruminants, and work has also been reported in sheep with GAGs in placentoma. However, further studies are needed in this regard, since there are reports of economic losses associated with reproductive failures described for cattle such as changes in the chorion and allantois, and in sheep in which changes between the transition from vitelline to allantois circulation have been discussed. Review : In relation to embryonic development, detailed studies have been described in rodents such as rats (12 days old), desert mouse (15 days old) and agoutis at 30 days. Macroscopic structures such as the cephalic region, nose, optic vesicle, cervical curvature, thoracic and pelvic limbs were observed, as well as microscopic structures such as the pituitary, lung, heart, brain cavity, liver, retina, and ossification regions. There are reports of buffalo and cattle studies in ruminants describing early embryonic development. However, the research in the case of sheep is limited, meaning there is only the ultrasound examination, such as gestational diagnosis and morphometric measurement of the embryonic vesicle. Still, studies with umbilical funicular and placental development of sheep with different gestational ages can be highlighted. Regarding extraembryonic annexes, four important structures which contribute to embryonic maintenance have been reported. These are called the chorion, amnion, allantois and yolk sac, respectively, and are responsible for originating the placenta, embryonic protection, collecting metabolic waste and early embryonic nutrition. In addition, correlating the annexes gives rise to the placentation process, which were described two models; the first is transient, called chorioviteline, and the second is called chorioallantoid, which represents the definitive model. Allied to the gestational process, the importance of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans are worth mentioning, as they are essential components of the extracellular matrix. They are related in the implantation process, tissue organization during gestation, and also in placental angiogenesis, as described in ruminants (i.e. involved in the vascular growth that accompanies the development of the placenta), which in turn causes an increase in blood flow in this organ, and constitutes a determining factor for fetal development. Conclusion : Such studies regarding the embryonic development of ruminants are still limited to sonographic description and some information is only available in the context of extraembryonic membranes. For glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate and hyaluronic acid are identified in the reproductive tract and placenta. We intend to produce important information for the reproductive and sanitary management of ruminants with the information in this article, providing data to stimulate new studies aiming to minimize the occurrence of embryonic death and economic losses. In addition, further studies on GAGs are needed to better understand their true correlation with gestation, so they can intercede through supplementation and minimize reproductive losses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of eCG on vascularization and development of feline ovarian tissue xenografted to immunosuppressed mice. Feline ovarian fragments (∼1 mm3) were transplanted under the renal capsule of 20 adult, ovariectomized, C57BL/6 SCID female mice. At 45 d after transplantation, 10 mice (controls) were euthanized and the remainder given 10 IU of eCG (and sacrificed 48 h later). Transplants were recovered immediately after death, fixed, sectioned, and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Fragment volume (Cavallieri principle) and vascularization were assessed. Mean xenotransplant volume for control and treatment groups was 0.17 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.13 mm3, respectively (P = 0.0952); vascular volume density, 30.3 ± 11.3 and 49.1 ± 8.9% (P = 0.0281); surface density, 4.1 ± 2.4 and 6.2 ± 1.7 μm−1 (P = 0.2222); and vessel total surface, 0.63 ± 0.24 μm2 and 2.28 ± 1.05 μm2 (P = 0.0079). In conclusion, eCG significantly increased vascular volume density of xenotransplanted ovarian tissue and improved its development.

In veterinary clinics, veterinarians are faced with several conditions that affect the skin, and among them are the wounds that are caused by burns, traumas, surgeries or infections. Wounds are a significant source of animal welfare problems and represent an inconvenience to animals and owners due to the multiple applications of their treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new biocompatible materials capable of accelerating wound healing. In this context, biomaterials have arisen, and more precisely biological membranes, which is a polymeric device used for treating wounds and have been gaining relevance in the scientific community for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They often do not require daily reapplications, thus representing a good alternative to topical formulations such as ointments, creams and sprays. This review aimed to address the use of biological membranes in skin wound healing, facilitating understanding by veterinarians and highlighting recent studies using this group of biomaterials in healing skin wounds in animals.

Knowledge of embryonic development is important for choosing strategies for nest conservation, and reducing negative effects on eggs and embryos of turtle species subject to human and natural interference, as is the case of Podocnemis expansa in the Amazon. Nine P. expansa nests located in Balbina, Amazonia, Brazil, were used to describe embryonic development. An embryo was collected each day, totaling 240 embryos. The specimens were fixed in Bouin’s and Karnovsky’s solutions for macroscopic analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The incubation period lasted between 58 and 64 days with a mean nest incubation temperature of 30.3 °C. The main characteristics used for description and comparison of embryonic development were: development of the eyes, the mandibular process, limbs, carapace and plastron. We found that the timing of appearance and disappearance of structures in P. expansa were more advanced than in other turtle species. Furthermore, P. expansa displays some unique characteristics during its normal development, such as craniofacial morphology, frontonasal groove and carapace and plastron characteristics.

The greater rhea (Rhea americana americana) is a bird of the Rheidae family, and is known as a ratite for being a flightless bird. This animal has great reproductive and productive potential, according to the products and by-products that it can provide such as meat, leather, feathers and fat which are very popular in the world market. Given its economic importance and lack of information in the literature on its morphology, especially in regard to its cardiovascular apparatus, this study aimed to describe the collateral arteries of the aortic arch, in order to establish the origin and distribution of arteries and thus contribute information to the biology of the species. The bodies of 20 young and adult rheas of both sexes which had died from natural causes and were being stored in a freezer at CEMAS / UFERSA were used. The study was approved by CEUA /UFERSA (Opinion No. 09/2015, process No. 23091.004968 / 2015-23). The animals were thawed and had the cannulated thoracic aorta artery and the vascular system perfused with Neoprene 450 latex colored with yellow pigment. Subsequently, the animals were fixed in 3.7% aqueous solution of formaldehyde, and after 72 hours dissections were carried out, images were obtained and schematic drawings were prepared. The right and left brachiocephalic trunks emerged from the aortic arch in 100% of the specimens from the right brachiocephalic trunk origined a common trunk the thyroid arteries, syringotracheal trunk, vertebral artery, superficial lateral cervical artery, basecervical artery, and ascending esophageal artery. The left brachiocephalic trunk collaterally stemmed in the left common carotid artery, which in turn led to the left internal carotid and a common trunk which stemmed the thyroid arteries, the syringotracheal trunk, vertebral artery, superficial lateral cervical artery, basecervical artery and descending esophageal artery. At the end of its trajectory, the right and left brachiocephalic trunks give rise to the right and left subclavian arteries, which in turn, stem the sternoclavicular, axillary, and intercostal arteries, pectoral trunk, cranial pectoral arteries, pectoral caudal artery and collateral branches of the pectoral trunk. Based on the results, it was concluded that the aortic arch in rheas issued right and left brachycephalic trunks. A ema (Rhea americana americana) é uma ave da família Rheidae e por isto denominada de ratita, por não apresentar aptidões para o voo. Este animal tem grande potencial reprodutivo e produtivo, em função dos produtos e subprodutos que podem fornecer como carne, couro, penas e gordura muito procurados no mercado mundial. Dada a sua importância econômica e pela falta de informação na literatura sobre sua morfologia, principalmente no que diz respeito ao seu aparelho cardiovascular, objetivou-se descrever os ramos colaterais do arco aórtico, de modo a estabelecer a origem e distribuição destas artérias e, assim, contribuir com informações para a biologia da espécie. Foram utilizadas 20 emas jovens e adultas de ambos os sexos, oriundas do CEMAS/UFERSA, as quais vieram a óbito por causas naturais e que se encontravam armazenadas em freezer. A experimentação foi aprovada pela CEUA/UFERSA (Parecer n° 09/2015, processo n° 23091.004968/2015-23). Os animais foram descongelados e tiveram a artéria aorta torácica canulada e o sistema vascular perfundido com látex Neoprene 450 corado com pigmento amarelo. Posteriormente, os animais foram fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 3,7% e após 72 horas realizaram-se as dissecações e obtenção de imagens fotográficas e elaboração de desenhos esquemáticos. Em 100% dos espécimes, emergiram a partir do arco aórtico os troncos braquiocefálicos direito e esquerdo. O tronco braquiocefálico direito emitiu colateralmente a partir de um tronco comum as artérias tireoide, tronco siringotraqueal, vertebral, cervical superficial lateral, basecervical e esofageana ascendente. Já o tronco braquiocefálico esquerdo emitiu colateralmente a artéria carótida comum esquerda, que por sua vez, originou a carótida interna esquerda e um tronco comum que emitiu as artérias tireoide, tronco siringotraqueal, vertebral, cervical superficial lateral, basecervical e esofageana descendente. No final de seu percurso, os troncos braquiocefálicos direito e esquerdo, originaram as artérias subclávias direita e esquerda, que por sua vez, emitiram as artérias esternoclaviculares, axilar, intercostal, tronco peitoral, peitorais craniais e peitoral caudal e ramos colaterais do tronco peitoral. Com base nos resultados, concluiu-se que, em emas, o arco aórtico emitiu os troncos braquicefálicos direito e esquerdo.