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Euphractus sexcinctus has a diverse diet, so it needs anatomical and habitual features to help it get its meals. Therefore, the objective is to study the morphology of the small and large intestines of the six-banded armadillo (E. sexcinctus). The research was authorized and approved under number 136/16. Six animals, obtained from victims of predatory hunting, were dissected for the research. For the anatomical analysis, the specimens were dissected and photographed. The fragments of each organ were submitted to histological routine to obtain slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue and Masson's trichrome for further analysis. The small intestine has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Histologically, it has the typical four layers of tubular organs. The mucosa is covered by simple cylindrical epithelium with the presence of specializations in the form of microvilli and variation in the number of goblet cells, depending on the portion observed. In the duodenal portion, the presence of the serous layer was not observed. In the jejunal portion, it is possible to observe lymphoid tissue aggregates in the submucosa, which become more evident in the ileum. The large intestine is divided into cecum, colon, and rectum and has the same histological subdivisions as the small intestine, but with some specializations. The presence of simple cylindrical intestinal crypts is clearly observed and the presence of a large number of goblet cells, which increase as it approaches the rectum. In the submucosa of the large intestine, the presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of large numbers of goblet cells, which increase as one approaches the rectum. The presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. The duodenal portion was not observed presence of the serous layer., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In the northeastern region of Brazil, sheep and goat farming, encompassing around 20 million animals, is predominantly a subsistence activity. Forage quality plays a crucial role in animal productivity, posing a complex interplay between plant and animal aspects. The Caatinga biome, vital for livestock in the region, serves as a significant source for animal diet through pastures. This study aimed to conduct a histomorphometric evaluation of sheep rumens in a semi-extensive system, comparing those feeding on native Caatinga pastures to those on cultivated pastures. Histological processing followed standard protocols, with morphometry focusing on six viable rumen papillae and the submucosa and muscular layer thickness. Statistical correlation analysis revealed morphological differences in papillae across various rumen regions. Morphometric data indicated no significant difference in papillae area between the groups, with average values in Group A surpassing those in Group B, except for width. This study establishes a morphological and morphometric pattern for rumen regions linked to diet types-native or cultivated. The findings not only enhance understanding of the dietary foundation in the Caatinga's extensive system, but also contribute valuable insights for formulating nutritional strategies to enhance sheep production in the region. This research sheds light on the intricacies of forage-based animal nutrition, particularly in semi-extensive systems, offering a foundation for future studies and practices to optimise livestock management in the northeastern Brazilian context., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) is a wild rodent of great zootechnical potential, a fact that enables anatomical and morphological studies to support management actions with this animal. In this perspective, this study aimed to describe the anatomy and histology of the agouti stifle joint. Four adult agoutis were used, two females and two males. The animals were submitted to dissection and identification of the structures of the stifle joint. For light microscopy study, samples of the patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments were used. Agouti has a highly congruent patellofemoral joint; elongated patella; medial and lateral fabellae at the proximal insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle; medial and lateral meniscus with lunula; in addition to the presence of the following ligament structures: patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, meniscofemoral ligament, caudal meniscal ligament of the medial meniscus, and medial and lateral cranial ligaments. The patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts; collateral and cruciate ligaments had loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts and collagen bundle undulations, the latter most expressive in the caudal cruciate ligament. Thus, except for the shape and angulation of the stifle, which allows specific movements, the agouti stifle has structures analogous to that of other rodents and domestic animals., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to perform a histopathological, morphometric and proteomic study of the parotid gland of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum treated and not treated with Allopurinol., Design: Parotid glands from 14 dogs were used, divided into two groups: untreated and treated with oral allopurinol (20 mg / kg, once daily for 90 days). After adequate dissection, the organs were submitted to histopathological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques, using the monoclonal anti-β-catenin antibody., Results: Histopathological evaluation of treated and untreated groups showed acinar hypertrophy, structural disorganization of the nucleus and cytoplasm. There was an increase in the area and perimeter of the parotid acini in the experimental groups. The immunostaining of the β-catenin protein in the membrane was severely reduced in the treated and untreated groups., Conclusions: These findings suggest that Leishmania infantum infection and treatment with Allopurinol alter the tissue structure of the parotid gland in dogs, promoting an increase in the acinar volume and a decrease in the expression of β-catenin in cell membranes., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This work assessed the effects of a 28-day treatment with lycopene-rich extract (LRE) from red guava fruit ( Psidium guajava L.) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress in an experimental model of dyslipidemia. Male hamsters (116.5 ± 2.16 g) were fed with the AIN 93G diet containing casein (20%), coconut fat (13.5%) and cholesterol (0.1%). The animals were divided into four groups: normolipidemic control (standard feed; NC, n = 7); hypercholesterolemic control (HC, n = 7); LRE 25 mg/kg/day (LRE-25, n = 7) and LRE 50 mg/kg/day (LRE-50, n = 9). After treatment, plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), malondialdehyde (MDA-p) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD-e) and the atherogenic index, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA-h), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-h) levels were assessed. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were also determined. The LRE-25 group presented significantly lower TG levels and atherogenic index than did the HC group ( p < 0.05). Both LRE-25 and LRE-50 groups presented lower levels of MDA-p and MPO than did the HC group ( p < 0.05). LRE demonstrated a promising effect against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress.

The interradicular region of primary molars is permeated by many foramina, channels and accessories that connect the pulp cavity with the periapical tissues anatomically. Thus, pulp decomposition products or drugs used in endodontic treatment can trigger inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood cell profile of the alveolar region after extraction of primary molars treated with CTZ paste. Forty-eight primary molars were selected with clinical and radiographic signs of extraction. The sample was divided into three groups with 16 teeth each: Group 1-healthy teeth; Group 2-untreated decayed teeth; and Group 3-teeth treated with CTZ paste. Immediately after the extraction, blood from the interface of the tooth socket was collected and smears were performed for further evaluation. The slides were stained by the Fast Panoptic ® method and analysed by two previously trained examiners who counted the leucocytes in sets of 100 cells/slide, differentiating them into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The data were analysed statistically by the MANOVA test. The blood samples from Group 2 differed significantly from Group 1 samples for all classes of leucocytes, except basophils, with higher average for lymphocytes (62.56), monocytes (7.81) and eosinophils (2.31). For Group 3, there was a relative difference (P < 0.05) to Group 2, of monocytes and eosinophils values. The blood cellularity interface in the tooth socket of primary teeth treated with CTZ paste is similar to those of healthy, exfoliated teeth and physiologically different from untreated decayed teeth., (© 2018 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2018 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.)

We investigated the hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective effects of cooked and germinated whole mung beans. Hamsters were fed for 28 days on diets rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, differing only in protein source (20%): casein, cooked whole mung bean, and germinated mung bean. After 28 days, we found reduced plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, increased faecal cholesterol excretion, and reduced levels of asparagine aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the liver. Reduction in hepatic lipid deposition was observed between each of the mung bean groups relative to the casein group. In addition, the animals of the geminated mung bean group showed a lack of inflammatory infiltrate and better vascularisation of the hepatic tissue. Results from this study show significant hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective properties of the mung bean, which are further enhanced after germination.

The pancreas comprises an important metabolic organ of endocrine and exocrine character that has embryonic origin of rudimentary buds that fuse to form the organ. The present work aims to describe the pancreatic histogenesis of hybrid chick embryos (Gallus gallus). The research was performed in the UFPI, previously approved by the CEUA with protocol no. 040/15. We used 120 fertilized eggs of hybrid chickens kept in an incubator with controlled temperature and humidity. Daily collections of embryos and fetuses were performed from 4 to 21 days of incubation through the anatomical dissection consecutive the euthanasia. The tissues, previously fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde, were submitted to histological processing and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Finally, the mounted slides were analyzed in image software to obtain histomorphometric data, which were submitted to statistical analysis. The pancreas of hybrid chicken embryos originates around the fourth day of incubation with the dorsal and ventral pancreatic bud formation, which are composed by epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These cells differ in exocrine and endocrine cells. Around twelve embryonic days occurs the buds fusion and the immature organ formation that will give continue with the ductal system development, vascularization and compartmentalization of the endocrine and exocrine parts. Until 21st day of incubation it is possible to identify undifferentiated tissue forms which suggesting postnatal histogenesis. The description of pancreas histogenesis using histometric data on hybrid chicken embryos contributes to the clarification of embryonic development and reaffirms the premise that chickens serve as an experimental model for embryonic study of mammals., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Armadillos, Xenarthras representatives, known for adaptability to different ecosystems, own specific morphophysiological characteristics that are not known and deserve to be studied. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of cartilage of the larynx of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Five dead armadillos were donated by the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity (ICMBio-PI) to the Federal University of Piauí. The animals were fixed and dissected for removal of the larynx. The cartilages were identified and described, photodocumented, and schematized. Fragments with about 0.5 cm of each cartilage were collected and submitted to classical histology for Hematoxylin-Eosin coloring. The slides were assembled in enterlan and analyzed under a light microscope. The larynx of the armadillo (D. novemcinctus) is located in the mentonian region, ventral to the esophagus, and due to the total positioning of the tongue in the oral cavity, there is also a cranial cervical position in this species. The larynx has five cartilages, they are: a cricoid, a thyroid, an epiglottis, and two arytenoids. The corniculate process is present; however, the cuneiform process is absent. The epiglottis has a discrete bifurcation at its apex. In all cartilages epithelial variations are observed. The tissues are varied from squamoso stratified to cylindrical pseudostratified, with propria lamina rich in mucoserosas glands. With the exception of epiglottic cartilage, predominantly elastic, the rest are hyaline. The larynx of D. novemcinctus, although the same number of cartilages, differs morphologically and microscopically from the larynx of other species., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC) have been used in cell therapy as an alternative to treat chronic and degenerative diseases. Using biomedical and image trials to track the cells when infused in the target tissue is essential to control cell migration and adhesion. The objective of the present study was to label and assess the adhesion of goat adipose tissue-derived stem cells (g-ADSC) after cell infusion in animal models by tracking luminescent intracytoplasmatic nanocrystals. The cells were labeled by using Qdots. The g-ADSCs infused with nanocrystal were prepared either fresh or fixed and further visualized under a fluorescence microscope. The labeled cells were infused in the goat mammary glands and mouse testicles and kidneys via tail vein injection. Thirty days after cell infusion, biopsy was carried out for analyses. The g-ADSC cultures were presented with high cellularity and fibroblast morphology, even after infusion of the nanocrystals. It was possible, by processing in paraffin and under fluorescence microscopy, demonstrating the success of the labeling in the long term. Freezing mammary gland biopsies in liquid NO 2 did not alter the quality of labeling with Qdots. Therefore, g-ADSCs can be labeled with intracytoplasmatic nanocrystals (Qdots) enabling their in vitro and ex vivo tracking.

The American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is an infectious disease that can be fatal. The first line of treatment is pentavalent antimonies. However, due to its potential to develop resistance, Amphotericin B (AmB) started to be used as an alternative medicine. Current treatments are limited, a fact that has led to a growing interesting in developing new therapies. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential in vivo of an amphotericin B + oleic acid (OA) emulgel in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an experimental model. Strains of Leishmania major MHOM/IL/80/Friendlin of Leishmania major were used. The animals were inoculated subcutaneously. After the development of leishmanial, nodular or ulcerative lesions, the animals were divided into three groups (control, Group A and Group B) and treated twice a day for twelve days. The weight of the animals was measured and the size of the lesions was observed. A histopathological analysis was performed with skin fragments of lesions and with the spleen of animals treated with different treatments (emulgel, AmB 3% emulgel and AmB 3% plus OA 5% emulgel). It was observed that when subjected to treatment with AmB 3% emulgel during the study period using both formulations, with enhancer and without enhancer, ulcerative lesions regress gradually or even complete cure. The quantification of the average number of parasites recovered from the inoculation site was made after the treatment in each group and the differences were considered significant. The treatment with AmB 3% and OA 5% emulgel had the best in vivo therapeutic response, showing good prospects for cutaneous leishmaniasis therapy as an alternative therapy., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To evaluate the biocompatibility of two pastes designed to fill the root canals of primary teeth., Methodology: A study group of 54 mice received subcutaneous tissue implants of polyethylene tubes containing CTZ or calcium hydroxide paste or, as a negative control, empty tubes. Biocompatibility was evaluated on days 7, 21 and 63, yielding a total of nine groups of six animals each. Following the experimental intervals, the implant areas were removed and subjected to histologic processing. After the tissues were stained with HE and Masson trichrome, two pathologists performed a histologic analysis of the samples in a blinded manner. Collagen fibre formation, tissue thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration were analysed qualitatively. Quantitative morphometry was performed for the thickness, perimeter length and tissue area of the region in direct contact with the open tube. anova with the Tukey post-test and Kruskal-Wallis analysis followed by Dunn's post-test, with significance established as P < 0.05, were used for data analysis., Results: At 7 days, all groups had severe acute inflammatory infiltrates. Inflammation was reduced at 21 days in the CTZ paste group. Mild chronic inflammatory infiltrates were observed after 63 days in the CTZ and Ca(OH)2 paste groups; these groups also showed a significant decrease in collagen fibre density (P < 0.05), which was not observed in the control group. The average tissue thickness, perimeter length and area in contact with the tube decreased during the experimental periods in all groups., Conclusion: The CTZ and calcium hydroxide pastes demonstrated biocompatibility with subcutaneous tissue in this experimental model., (© 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Thirty adult agoutis (Dasyprocta primnolopha) from the Nucleus of Study and Preservation of Wild Animals at the Federal University of Piauí 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., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The arterial vascularization of agoutis' penis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) were analysed using ten male adults from 'Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí' (FUFPI/IBAMA n degrees 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 anaesthesia. Stained bi-centrifugated-Cis-I-4 latex was injected in arterial vessels responsible for penis vascularization throughout 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 independent 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.