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Abstract Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in high-income countries, with its incidence and mortality rising globally, particularly in countries undergoing rapid socioeconomic transitions. Over the past decade, the management of EC has shifted towards molecular classification and biomarker-driven therapies. This shift began in 2013 with the discovery of the 4 prognostic and molecular EC subgroups by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Following the TCGA discovery, the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifiers for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) and the TransPORTEC initiative have provided 4 pragmatic molecular classifiers by combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and surrogate immunohistochemical markers to TCGA’s categorization: Mismatch Repair Deficient (MMRd); p53-abnormal (p53abn); No Specific Molecular Profile (NSMP); and POLE-mutant (POLEmut). These subgroups not only provide insights into the biological behavior of EC but also have strong clinical relevance and prognostic implications. In line with these advancements, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed molecular classification in 2020, advocating for its integration into EC pathology reports. In 2023, the Federation of International Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) proposed a new staging system that integrates histological parameters and molecular profiles into routine pathology practice. The use of complete molecular classification surrogates in all EC cases, whenever resources permit, is intended to promote prognostic risk-group stratification, data collection, Lynch Syndrome (LS) screening, and potentially influence adjuvant and systemic treatment decisions, as well as predict the efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI). Consequently, the evolving landscape of predictive biomarkers in EC has gained importance in daily oncology practice, profoundly changing the role of pathologists. Pathologists are now crucial in interpreting molecular information and participating as members of multidisciplinary teams in therapeutic decisions. This review article aims to emphasize the importance of molecular classification in EC and encourage pathologists to become familiar with the use of predictive biomarkers in their daily anatomical pathology practice.

Abstract Objective To analyze the outcomes of a cohort of patients with high-risk histologies of endometrial cancer (EC) treated at Instituto Nacional de Câncer (National Cancer Institute, INCA, in Portuguese), in Brazil. Materials and Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients with high-risk histologies of EC in any stage registered at INCA between 2010 and 2016 to perform a clinical and demographic descriptive analysis and to evaluate the outcomes in terms of recurrence and survival. Results From 2010 to 2016, 2,145 EC patients were registered and treated at INCA, and 466 had high-grade histologies that met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 65 years, 44.6% were Caucasian, and 90% had a performance status of 0 or 1. The most common histology was high-grade endometrioid (31.1%), followed by serous carcinoma (25.3%), mixed (20.0%), carcinosarcoma (13.5%), and clear cell carcinoma (9.4%). Considering the 2018 Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, FIGO, in French) staging system, 44.8%, 12.4%, 29.8%, and 12.9% of the patient were in stages I, II, III or IV respectively. Age (> 60 years), more than 50% of myoinvasion, higher stage, poor performance status, serous and carcinosarcoma histologies, and adjuvant treatment were independent factors associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion The current findings reinforced the international data showing poor outcomes of these tumors, especially for serous and carcinosarcomas and tumors with advanced stages, with shorter survival and high recurrence rates in distant sites, independently of the FIGO stage. Adjuvant therapy was associated with better survival.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to carry out a hydrological simulation of the Formoso River basin using WEAP and to model scenarios based on the rotating rules of the water pump in regions of conflict for the use of water. During July 2020, the influence of such rules on the remaining flow in these regions was assessed considering a collective grant context in which minimum environmental flows, determined from the seasonal Q90 (flexible) and monthly Q95 (conservative), should be preserved downstream from the critical sections. The results showed that the remaining flow exceeded the limit of the flexible environmental flow in 61% of the days in the middle stretch of the Formoso River and at the mouth of the Urubu River. In the lower section and mouth of the Formoso River, these values were above the conservative limit in 93% and 100% of the days, respectively. It was concluded that the application of the rules, coupled with the collective grant, could produce satisfactory results for water availability in the basin.

Carcinosarcomas were reclassified by World Health Organization as high-grade uterine carcinomas in 2014. Due to its rare histology, comprising only 5% of uterine carcinomas, there is a small representation of this tumor in studies that evaluate metastatic uterine carcinomas treatment. In 2022, the treatment of metastatic uterine carcinomas has changed dramatically with the inclusion of immunotherapy in the therapeutic arsenal, either as a monotherapy or in combination with lenvatinib. The status of microsatellites is paramount in the therapeutic decision for this tumor; carcinosarcoma patients haven't been included in randomized trials so far. Here we report the case of a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with recurrent carcinosarcoma metastatic to the liver and pelvis. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated microsatellite instability (loss of MLH1 and PMS2 nuclear staining). She received immunotherapy with pembrolizumab every three weeks as monotherapy and after 4 cycles, she achieved a complete radiological response in the liver and a partial response in the pelvis.

To report consensus recommendations on the current role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in the front-line management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the healthcare setting of Brazil. The expert panel convened in March 2021 and comprised 20 medical oncologists focus on gynecological oncology. The panel answered anonymously and based on scientific evidence a total of 67 questions. The panel reached consensus (at least 75% of votes for the same recommendation) or majority vote (50% to 74.9%) for the majority of questions that addressed: (1) who and when to test for BRCA mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (2) what test should be used; (3) when should maintenance PARP inhibitor therapy be indicated; (4) which PARP inhibitor should be used; (5) when should bevacizumab be combined; and (6) toxicity management. The current recommendations may help Brazilian practitioners to improve the use of PARP inhibitors in front-line management of EOC.

Objective: We report the results of a panel of Brazilian experts and provide recommendations for the management of these patients. Material and Methods: The panel convened composed by 28 local opinion leaders, addressed 59 multiple-choice questions taking into account the published scientific literature and their own clinical experience. The level of agreement among panel members was qualified as (1) consensus, when at least 75% of the voting panel members; (2) majority vote (50%-74.9%); or (3) less than majority vote. Results: There was at least majority vote for eight of 10 questions on staging and follow-up; for 14 of 23 questions on the treatment of early-stage disease; for 12 of 14 questions related to the treatment of locally-advanced disease; and for seven of the 12 questions related to the treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease. Conclusion: The current recommendations may help practitioners from Brazil and other countries to improve the care they provide to patients.

BackgroundEndometrial cancer is of increasing concern in several countries, including Brazil, in part because of an ageing population, declines in fertility, and the increasing prevalence of obesity. Although endometrial tumors had lagged behind other cancer types in terms of treatment improvements, molecular characterization of these tumors is paving the way for novel therapies and an expansion of the therapeutic arsenal. We aimed to help medical oncologists who manage patients with recurrent or metastatic endometrial cancer in the Brazilian healthcare setting.MethodsThe panel, composed of 20 medical oncologists, convened in November 2021 to address 50 multiple-choice questions on molecular testing and treatment choices. We classified the level of agreement among panelists as (1) consensus (≥75% choosing the same answer), (2) majority vote (50% to

BackgroundUterine Carcinosarcomas (UCS) are a rare type of cancer composed of an admixture of high-grade carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Clinicopathological prognostic factors in UCS are well established, but studies that approach the impact of biomarkers in this unusual disease are scarce. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of a panel of prominent biomarkers in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) using an immunohistochemical characterization with four biomarkers.Methods and findingsThe internal database of a single Brazilian institution was carefully explored to select women diagnosed with UCS who were submitted to surgery and postoperative chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel between January 2012 and December 2017. Tissue microarrays containing UCS samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for L1CAM, CDX2, p53 and microsatellite instability markers. A total of 57 cases were included. The mean age was 65.3 years (standard deviation, SD 7.0). L1CAM was negative (score 0, no staining) in 27 (47.4%) patients. Of L1CAM-positive, 10 (17.5%) showed weak (score 1, ConclusionThe strong influence of CDX2 on prognosis requires further investigation. Biological or molecular variability may have impaired the assessment of the impact of the other markers on survival.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in a cohort of cervical cancer (CC) patients evaluating its prognostic significance. Methods: All patients diagnosed at Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), in 2011, with invasive CC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (ADC) were retrospectively included. Clinical and treatment data were collected and PD-L1 expression was evaluated according to the percentage of viable tumor cells showing staining. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: In total, 152 patients (105 SSC and 47 ADC) were included and the mean age was 52.4 years (±14.4). According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009, 84.2% had locally advanced disease (IB2-IVA). PD-L1 expression was considered positive (=1%) in 53.3% of the cases. After adjustment, the multivariable analysis confirmed that SCC (p=0.026) and tumor size >4cm (p=0.023) were independently associated with PD-L1 expression. There were no significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) comparing the subgroups with distinct PD-L1 expression. Conclusion: In this cohort, PD-L1 expression was not associated with DFS, DSS and OS.

IntroductionDue to scant literature and the absence of high-level evidence, the treatment of vulvar cancer is even more challenging in countries facing limited resources, where direct application of international guidelines is difficult. Recommendations from a panel of experts convened to address some of these challenges were developed.MethodsThe panel met in Rio de Janeiro in September 2019 during the International Gynecological Cancer Society congress and was composed of specialists from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The panel addressed 62 questions and provided recommendations for the management of early, locally advanced, recurrent, and/or metastatic vulvar cancer. Consensus was defined as at least 75% of the voting members selecting a particular recommendation, whereas a majority vote was considered when one option garnered between 50.0% and 74.9% of votes. Resource limitation was defined as any issues limiting access to qualified surgeons, contemporary imaging or radiation-oncology techniques, antineoplastic drugs, or funding for the provision of contemporary medical care.ResultsConsensus was reached for nine of 62 (14.5%) questions presented to the panel, whereas a majority vote was reached for 29 (46.7%) additional questions. For the remaining questions, there was considerable heterogeneity in the recommendations.ConclusionThe development of guidelines focusing on areas of the world facing more severe resource limitations may improve medical practice and patient care.

IntroductionNearly 85% of cervical cancer new cases are diagnosed in limited resources countries. Although several strategies have been proposed to reduce the disease burden, challenges remain to provide the best possible care. We report recommendations from an expert consensus meeting convened to address from prevention to management of cervical cancer in limited resources countries.MethodsThe expert panel, composed by invited specialists from 38 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, convened in Rio de Janeiro in September 2019, during the Global Meeting of the International Gynecological Cancer Society (IGCS). Panel members considered the published scientific evidence and their practical experience on the topics, as well as the perceived cost-effectiveness of, and access to, the available interventions. The focus of the recommendations was on geographic regions rather than entire countries because medical practice varies considerably in the countries represented. Resource limitation was qualified as limited access to qualified surgeons, contemporary imaging or radiation-oncology techniques, antineoplastic drugs, or overall funding for provision of state-of-the-art care. Consensus was defined as at least 75% of the voting members selecting a particular answer of the multiple-choice questionnaire, whereas the majority vote was considered as 50% to 74.9%.ResultsConsensus was reached for 25 of the 121 (20.7%) questions, whereas for 54 (44.6%) questions there was one option garnering between 50% to 74.9% of votes (majority votes). For the remaining questions, considerable heterogeneity in responses was observed.DiscussionThe implementation of international guidelines is challenging in countries with resource limitations or unique health-care landscapes. The development of guidelines by the health care providers in those regions is more reflective of the reality on the ground and may improve medical practice and patient care. However, challenges remain toward achieving that goal at political, economic, social, and medical levels.

PURPOSELittle is known, or has been published previously, regarding consolidated data on the epidemiology of gynecologic cancers (GC) in Brazil. This article describes the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of women in Brazil affected with GC between the years of 2000 and 2017.METHODSIncidence, morbidity, and mortality data from patients with a diagnosis of one out of the five most common GC, cervical (CC), uterine (UC), ovarian (OC), vulvar (VvC), and vaginal (VgC), were obtained from three governmental sources of data.RESULTSFrom 2000 to 2015 CC, OC, and VgC incidence rates (IRs) decreased, whereas the IRs for UC and VvC remained relatively stable. Data from 382,932 women with GC were analyzed. Most patients presented with locally advanced or advanced disease at diagnosis: 60.1% of patients with CC, 31.2% of patients with UC, 67.2% of patients with OC, 45.2% of patients with VvC, and 67.0% of patients with VgC. Time from diagnosis to first treatment was ≥ 60 days in 58.0% of patients with CC, 58.5% of patients with UC, 27.0% of patients with OC, 55.3% of patients with VvC, and 52.7% of patients with VgC. Regarding mortality rates (MRs), with the exception of CC, UC, and VvC, which showed a slight decrease, MRs remained stable between 2000 and 2017.CONCLUSIONA comparison with international data indicates that Brazilian patients are diagnosed with more advanced disease and face a longer delay between diagnosis and first treatment. Despite advances in screening and treatment, GC mortality has not decreased satisfactorily in this country.

Objective: To investigate the benefit of radiotherapy alone in patients diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer when the addition of chemotherapy was contraindicated. Methods: A single-center cohort study of patients diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer as defined by the FIGO 2009 (stage IB2 to IVA) and contraindication for concomitant chemotherapy was retrospectively evaluated. Patients included were treated with radiotherapy in a curative intent and those patients who completed the external beam radiotherapy were considered for brachytherapy. Patient’s demographics, reasons for not receiving concomitant chemotherapy and treatment responses were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results: With a median follow-up of 13.9 months (range 0.10-81.8), the median DFS was 11.6 months (95% CI: 10.2-13.1), and the median OS was 15.9 months (95% CI: 11.5-20.3). Conclusion: This real-world study provides descriptive information confirming that radiotherapy with curative intent should be offered to patients with locally advanced cervical cancer even when chemotherapy is not an option due to clinical or laboratory contraindications.

There has been a rapid increase in the volume of genomic data gathered from different cancers, this has helped to develop new tumor classifications as well as to select better tailored therapies for the patients. Some of the genomic markers identified are also prognostic and predictive factors. Additionally, many technologies have been used to investigate these alterations, each with different benefits and caveats. The Genomics Committee from the Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC) put together a group of specialists, from different regions of Brazil that work both in the private and public scenario, to gather and organize the information regarding the utility of somatic mutation testing in solid tumors. This special article summarizes their recommendations on how to better incorporate this information into clinical practice.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the experimental model of Achilles tendon injury. Methods: Twelve white male adults New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups, a group with resection of the central portion of the Achilles tendon (n = 8) and a control group (n = 4). Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed 4 weeks after the surgical procedure, followed by histological analysis of the tendons. Results: The main finding of this study was the difference (p < 0.001) in peak contrast enhancement on DCE-MRI, which demonstrated that the operated group had greater contrast uptake. The operated tendons showed histological disruption of their architecture, and cluttered appearance of tendinous fibers, with vascular and fibroblast proliferations. Conclusion: DCE-MRI is a technique with a potential to demonstrate changes in the vascularity pattern of the Achilles tendon before and after operation. DCE-MRI has a potential to be used in studies of tendinosis diagnosis and surgical follow-up. Level of evidence II, Experimental Study.

Pessoas que apresentam características do espectro autista, embora representem uma parcela considerável da população, ainda discriminadas em diversas situações de convivência social. Este artigo aborda a dificuldade de inclusão deste segmento na área de tecnologia da informação, tanto no ambiente acadêmico, quanto ao ambiente profissional. Este trabalho tem a pretensão de tornar-se, através das situações e respectivos problemas relacionados, um ponto de partida para uma reflexão mais profunda capaz de gerar análise e discussão, promovendo respostas a respeito da inserção do autista no ensino superior e respectivo mercado de trabalho da área em questão. Este trabalho foi elaborado por intermédio de intensa pesquisa bibliográfica e do levantamento de dados constantes em reportagens, sítios da internet e outros canais igualmente importantes para este projeto. buscamos, a fim de complementar o material de natureza qualitativa acima mencionado, utilizar resultados de aspecto quantitativo, obtidos após mensuração de banco de dados oriundos de entrevistas utilizadas especificamente para esta finalidade. Os resultados atingidos permitiram-nos confirmar as evidencias que já possuíamos, ou seja, são grandes as dificuldades enfrentadas por pessoas com autismo na sociedade, em particular, dentro do proposito aqui estudado, na área de Tecnologia da Informação.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and thyroxine (T4) on survival and growth of bovine preantral ovarian follicles (PAOF) cultured in vitro. Ovarian fragments were collected in local abattoirs and immediately fixed for classical histology and transmission electron microscopy (non-cultured control). The other fragments were then cultured in situ for seven days in minimum essential medium alone (MEM+ - cultured control) or in the presence of 1,000 ng/mL rbST and 20 ng/mL T4, isolated or associated. After seven days, there was a reduction (P0.01) of the medium used on the follicular diameter of the PAOF cultured for seven days. Ultrastructural analysis showed cell damage. In conclusion, the presence of rbST maintains the rate of morphologically normal follicles during the culture for seven days (observed by optical microscopy), but it does not exert beneficial effects on its ultrastructural integrity and oocyte and follicular growth.

Purpose: As cancer burden has risen worldwide, physicians, patients, and their advocates have become aware that the clinical cancer trial research paradigm is not ubiquitous. Furthermore, the number and characteristics of trials that are registered in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with that in high-income countries (HICs) are unknown. Methods: We collected retrospective data on trials for breast, lung, and cervical cancer registered in ClinicalTrials.gov or with the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform between 2010 and 2017. The data were then classified as trials within LMICs or HICs using definitions from the World Bank. Results: Included in these analyses were 6,710 trials, of which 3,164 (47%) were breast cancer trials, 3,283 (49%) were lung cancer trials, and 263 (4%) were cervical cancer trials. There were 1,951 (29%) trials from LMICs and 4,759 (71%) trials from HICs (P < .001). Although the proportion of phase III trials in HICs versus LMICs was similar (18% v 17%; P = .66), the number of phase I trials in LMICs was significantly lower than that of HICs (20% v 2%; P < .001). For several LMICs with the highest mortality-to-incidence ratios for breast, lung, or cervical cancer, there were no cancer trials registered in the registration data bases searched for this work. Conclusion: There are differences in access to cancer clinical trials in LMICs compared with HICs. Several factors, such as excessive cost and a lack of infrastructure and expertise, may explain these differences.

This study aimed to evaluate the endometrial angiogenesis of pregnant commercial line and Piau gilts during early pregnancy. We used 27 gilts, divided into three groups according to the type of mating: Commercial (n = 9), commercial line females mated with commercial line males; Cross-mated (n = 9), Piau females mated with commercial line males; and Piau (n = 9), Piau females mated with Piau males. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on gestational age at the time of slaughter (7, 15, and 30 days of pregnancy). Immediately after slaughter, endometrial samples were obtained for histological evaluation and for analysis of the relative transcript abundance (RTA) of angiogenesis-related genes (HIF1α, FGF9, ANG1, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2). The number of endometrial glands was similar among groups but decreased with gestational age (p < 0.05). Piau females showed a higher number of blood vessels (p < 0.05) at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy, but no differences were observed among groups at 30 days, suggesting an influence of the male genotype on the pattern of uterine vascularization. There were no differences among groups for RTA of the FGF9, HIF1α, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2 genes. The HIF1α-gene RTA was higher at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy; for TEK and ANGPT1, the RTA was higher at 15 days of pregnancy; and the RTA of VEGFA and ANGPT2 genes were higher at 30 days of pregnancy. The ANG1 RTA was similar for pregnancies in the commercial and Piau groups but was higher (p < 0.05) at 15 days in the Cross-mated group, suggesting an interaction between genotypes. Overall, the pattern found for the RTA of angiogenesis-related genes was similar among the groups in this study, although some phenotypic differences could be noted, such as the highest number of blood vessels being found during early pregnancy of Piau gilts. The results of the gene RTA when crossed with phenotypic data led to conclusions that are conflicting with those reported in the literature. However, noteworthy is that angiogenesis is a complex process in which the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory factors may be related to time.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218963.].

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) is an important bovine pathogen, responsible for respiratory diseases and reproductive problems. This study investigated the penetration capacity of BHV1 into oocytes after co-incubation for either 1 h or 24 h. Immunofluorescence assays in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and denuded oocytes (without the presence of cumulus cells) were performed and evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Blood samples and ovaries from BHV1 seronegative cows were used. The oocytes recovered were divided into two groups. Group I comprised COCs (n = 312) and denuded oocytes (n = 296), which were experimentally infected with BHV1 and incubated for 1 h at 38.5°C and 5% CO2. Group II comprised COCs (n = 425) and denuded oocytes (n = 405), which were co-incubated with BHV1 under the same conditions for 24 h. The negative control of these two groups was respectively subjected to the same protocol, except for exposure to BHV1. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of BHV1 detection within COCs and denuded oocytes exhibiting intact zona pellucida when co-incubated with the virus for 24 h. Immunolocalization also confirmed the presence of BHV1 in the cytoplasm of the cumulus cells of all COCs exposed to the virus after both incubation periods. In conclusion, detection of BHV1 inside oocytes has a great meaning for the field of animal reproduction. The detection of BHV1 in different layers of cumulus cells also demonstrates that these cells are sources of viral infection.

Disseminated mycosis (DM)—with cardiac involvement and shock—is an unexpected and severe opportunistic infection in patients with yellow fever. DM can mimic bacterial sepsis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of causes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in this group of patients, especially in areas where an outbreak of yellow fever is ongoing. We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with fever, myalgia, headache, and low back pain. The laboratory investigation revealed a positive molecular test for yellow fever, hepatic injury, and renal failure. During hospitalization, the patient developed hepatic encephalopathy, ascending leukocytosis, and ascites, with signs consistent with peritonitis. On the 11th day of hospitalization, the patient developed atrioventricular block, shock and died. At autopsy, angioinvasive mycosis was evidenced mainly in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and adrenals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) on the in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles. Fragments of goat ovarian cortex were cultured in ?-MEM+ supplemented with 0, 10, or 50 ng/mL hFSH for one or seven days. Small fragments of non-cultured and cultured ovarian tissue were processed for classic histology and transmission electron microscopy. The statistical tests used in this study were Lilliefors, Cochran, and Tukey’s (when significance was detected, PROC ANOVA, SAS was used). The results revealed a reduction in the percentage of normal follicles after one or seven days of culture under all treatment conditions. The rates of follicular survival were similar to each other, within each day of culture. The medium containing 10 ng/mL hFSH reduced the percentage of primordial follicles following culture for one and seven days and did not increase the percentage of developing follicles. The follicular diameter of ovarian tissue cultured in ?-MEM+ medium and medium supplemented with 10 ng/mL of hFSH did not change when compared with the control (non-cultured). The ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured for seven days in medium containing 10 ng/mL hFSH. In conclusion, hFSH (10 ng/mL) is capable of promoting the activation of primordial follicles and maintaining the ultrastructural integrity of caprine preantral follicles cultured in vitro for seven days.

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of human FSH (10ng/ml) with T4 (20ng/mL) on survival, activation and growth of preantral follicles cultured in vitro for 28 days. Fragments of non-cultured and cultured ovarian tissue were processed for classic histology and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed a reduction in the survival rate in all the media tested (one to 28 days) when compared to the fresh control. However the treatment with T4/hFSH for seven days of culture maintained the rate similar to the control. The media tested by one and 28 days reduced the percentage of primordial follicles in all periods of culture. However, T4/hFSH on day one of culture remained similar to the fresh control. None of the media were able to keep the percentage of the developing follicles. It was observed that the follicular diameter in the medium with T4/hFSH remained similar to the fresh control. The ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured for seven days in a medium supplemented with T4/hFSH. In conclusion, the medium with T4/hFSH is able to maintain the survival, promote the activation, and the ultrastructural integrity of caprine preantral follicles for until seven days.

In this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the presence of viral DNA in ovarian tissue, in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC), follicular liquid, and blood of animals naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1). The serum profile of the sampled animals was also evaluated. Samples of serum, blood, ovarian tissue, follicular liquid, and COC were collected from 147 slaughterhouse animals that were not vaccinated against BoHV-1. Contaminated or insufficient samples were disregarded. Serological tests allowed the identification of serum-positive animals with neutralizing antibodies against BoHV-1. Analysis of samples by PCR revealed the presence of viral DNA in 0.9% (1/115) of the COC samples, in 4.3% (5/117) of the ovarian tissue samples, and in 2.8% (3/108) of the blood samples. Viral DNA was not detected in any of the follicular liquid samples. In serological samples, a positivity of 83.6% (117/140) was observed for BoHV-1. All PCR-positive animals, regardless of the samples analyzed, showed positivity in the serum neutralization test for the detection of BoHV-1-specific antibodies. According to these results, a high prevalence of antibodies against BoHV-1 was detected in naturally infected animals from different herds, and the molecular tests revealed the presence of viral DNA in bovine ovarian tissue, providing evidence that this might be a site of BoHV-1 infection in naturally infected animals

Background and Aim. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been proposed as a marker for cancer stem cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as in the development of novel target therapies. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of EpCAM and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC patients and their association with clinicopathological characteristics. Methods. This study included Child-Pugh A HCC patients undergoing curative surgical resection. Results. A significant difference was observed in the ratio between the different phenotypes (p = 0.002), identifying 12 (29.3%) EPCAM positive tumors and 29 (70.7%) negative tumors. EpCAM+ expression was associated with AFP + (OR = 12.5, 95% CI, 1.9-84.1, p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between cryoprotectants little studied in Brazil such as dimethylformamide and trehalose amid thinner, using protocols of fast and slow defrosting. Three adult Labrador Retrievier male, healthy dogs, weekly submitted to one semen collection during five-weeks period, were used. The base diluent medium used in this study was tris-citrate added with 3% of dimethylformamide + 3% glycerol (D1), 3% dimethylformamide and trehalose (D2) and 4% glycerol (D3). At defrosting, half of the semen samples from each diluent medium was defrosted by rapid method in water-bath at 75 °C for seven minutes, followed by a new immersion at 37 °C for 1 minute. The other half of the samples was defrosted by slow method, in water-bath at 37 °C for 1 minute. The semen was evaluated for sperm progressive motility and vigor, besides membrane integrity. For this, the semen samples were submitted to either hyposmotic and membrane integrity tests of the plasmatic membrane and acrosome (fluorescence). The results indicated that the use of glycerol as cryoprotector in TRIS diluter provides greater efficacy in cryopreserving spermatozoa of the canine species, when compared to dimethylformamide associated with trehalose or glycerol.

Este trabalho revisa e faz uma análise crítica da radiofrequência em oftalmologia. O aquecimento da córnea tem sido realizado desde 1889 com diferentes finalidades terapêuticas e cirúrgicas. O princípio do aquecimento da córnea causa um enrugamento do colágeno que muda a curvatura da córnea. Após a aprovação da FDA em 2004, iniciou-se um estudo multicêntrico no Brasil coordenado pela Faculdade de Medicina do ABC que resultou na análise de 258 pacientes. Como conclusão o estudo mostrou que o procedimento tem um resultado temporário e que os melhores resultados foram obtidos em pacientes entre 45 e 55 anos de idade sem correção óptica para longe. Acreditamos que o problema ainda não foi resolvido e que novas pesquisas devem ser realizadas.

O desenvolvimento de biotécnicas de reprodução é uma importante ferramenta para a conservação de animais silvestres ameaçados de extinção. Procedimentos de reprodução assistida em suçuarana, no entanto, são escassos na literatura, em especial aqueles relacionados à criopreservação de sêmen. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a congelabilidade do sêmen de suçuaranas adultas mantidas em cativeiro, por meio da comparação entre duas concentrações de glicerol no meio de congelamento. Foram usados cinco machos adultos de suçuarana, mantidos no Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres do Mato Grosso do Sul (CRAS/MS). As amostras foram coletadas por eletroejaculação e avaliadas quanto ao seu aspecto físico, volume, vigor, motilidade, concentração e índice espermático. De cada ejaculado duas alíquotas foram diluídas em meio Tris-citrato-gema de ovo, em concentrações finais de 5 e 7,5% de glicerol, resfriadas a uma taxa de -0,55ºC/min e congeladas a uma taxa de -5,8ºC/min. Depois de descongeladas, as amostras foram reavaliadas e submetidas aos testes de termorresistência e hiposmótico. O protocolo de criopreservação e descongelamento de sêmen proposto se mostrou eficiente em ambas as concentrações de glicerol testadas, não havendo diferença (p>0,05) entre estas.The development of biotechnologies of reproduction is an important tool for the conservation of wild animals threatened with extinction. Assisted reproduction procedures in mountain lions, however, are scarce, especially those related to sperm cryopreservation. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the freezing capacity of semen from adult mountain lions in captivity through the comparison of two concentrations of glycerol in the freezing media. Five adult male mountain lions were used, held at the Rehabilitation Center for Wild Animals of Mato Grosso do Sul (CRAS/MS). Samples were collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for physical appearance, volume, sperm progressive status, sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm motility index. Each ejaculate was spliced into two aliquots and diluted in Tris-citrate-half egg yolk, at final concentrations of 5 and 7.5% glycerol, cooled at a rate of -0.55ºC/min and frozen at a rate of -5.8ºC/min. Once thawed, the samples were re-evaluated and tested for thermoresistance and hypoosmotic swelling. The suggested protocol for cryopreservation and thawing of semen is efficient in both glycerol concentrations tested, with no difference (p>0.05) between them.

The objective of the present study was the exogenous stimulation of ovarian activity and definition of embryo collection, and transfer protocols, in the domestic cat for potential application in non-domestic endangered species. Sixteen adult queens and two adult male reproducers kept in the experimental cat house at the Morphology sector at the Veterinary Department (DVT), UFV, were used in this study. All the queens received a single application of 150 IU Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) in the post estrus to induce ovarian activity and 80 to 84 hours later, received a single application of 100 UI Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. After hCG application, only the donor queens were naturally mated. The receptor queens received extra stimulus for induction of ovulation through manipulation of an intravaginal swab. Five to six days after hCG application, the donor queens were subjected to a laparotomy for embryo collection that was performed by trans-horn uterine washing. On average, six embryos were surgically inovulated. They were classified as type I and III compact morula and blastocysts in four receptor queens. Three animals presented pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound at day 36 and two of these animals gave birth to litters of two and four offsprings, respectively, at 66 and 63 days after induction of ovulation. Except for one still birth, all the offspring developed normally.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of 250 and 500 mg of rbST to bovine recipients of frozen embryos on estrus day on pregnancy rate and on serum progesterone concentration. In experiment I, 44 recipients were allotted into two treatments: T1(n = 22, control) and T2(n = 22), in which animals received 250 mg rbST subcutaneously. In experiment II, 71 recipients were allotted in: T1(n = 31, control) and T2(n = 40), in which animals received 500 mg rbST. Pregnancy diagnosis occurred 30 days after estrus. Pregnancy rates did not differ between treatments in both experiments: 40.9%(T1) vs 50.0%(T2) and 48.4%(T1) vs 52.5%(T2) in experiments I and II, respectively. Likewise, the average progesterone concentration (ng/mL plasma) obtained from blood collection samples on the embryo transfer day did not show differences between the treatments: 5.29 ± 0.62(T1) vs. 5.77 ± 0.48(T2) and 4.94 ± 0.54(T1) vs. 4.77 ± 0.51(T2) in experiments I and II, respectively. These results demonstrate that the administration of 250 or 500 mg rbST on estrus day does not increase pregnancy rate nor the serum progesterone concentration of frozen bovine embryo recipients.

Objetivou-se determinar a idade à puberdade e maturidade sexual e sua relação com peso corporal e mensurações testiculares em tourinhos da raça Simental criados sob regime extensivo em clima tropical. Utilizaram-se 44 tourinhos com 1 a 30 meses de idade. As mensurações corporais e testiculares foram feitas mensalmente e os ejaculados coletados quinzenalmente, a partir dos seis meses de idade, utilizando-se o método de eletroejaculação. Observou-se idade à puberdade aos 13,42 ± 3,02 meses e maturidade sexual aos 21,43 ± 6,6 meses de idade, com peso corporal e perímetro escrotal, respectivamente, de 324,2 ± 23,7 kg e 26,90 ± 1,41 cm para a puberdade e 360 ± 69,04 kg e 34,88 ± 3,9 cm para maturidade sexual. Este estudo revelou idade tardia para a cronologia dos eventos reprodutivos, com relação direta do tipo de manejo adotado.The objective of this study was to determine the age at puberty and sexual maturity and its relationship with body weight and testicular measurements in Simmental young bulls raised under pasture conditions in a tropical climate. Forty-four young bulls at 1 to 30 months of age were used. Body and testicular measurements were made monthly and ejaculates collected fortnightly, from six months of age by using the method of electroejaculation. Age at puberty was 13.42 ± 3.02 months and sexual maturity was observed at 21.43 ± 6.6 months of age, with body weight and scrotal circumference of 324.2 ± 23.7 kg and 26.90 ± 1.41 cm for puberty and 360 ± 69.04 kg and 34.88 ± 3.9 cm to sexual maturity, respectively. This study found late age to the timing of reproductive events, with direct relation to the type of management adopted.

O objetivo neste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do estrógeno exógeno em fase precoce do ciclo estral na indução do estro e na dinâmica ovariana de vacas leiteiras. Considerando que a PGF2α não regride o corpo lúteo com menos de cinco dias após o estro, uma das alternativas para a redução do intervalo estral no início do ciclo seria o uso do estrógeno. Foram utilizadas 16 vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu ciclando regularmente, sem qualquer alteração clínica ou reprodutiva. As vacas foram incluídas ao acaso nos respectivos tratamentos. Oito delas receberam 2,5 mL de cipionato de estradiol no primeiro dia do ciclo estral e oito não receberam (controle). A manifestação de estro foi monitorada visualmente. Os exames ultrassonográficos foram realizados diariamente pela manhã, iniciando no dia do estro. As coletas de sangue para as dosagens de progesterona tiveram início no dia do estro. Os animais que receberam estrógeno no primeiro dia após o estro natural manifestaram os sinais característicos de estro (psíquicos, útero túrgido e muco abundante) um dia após a aplicação. Essa redução do intervalo de estro para apenas dois dias pode favorecer a eliminação de bactérias do útero (quando presentes), aumentando a eficiência reprodutiva. Excetuando o dia da emergência da primeira onda folicular, todas as outras variáveis estudadas (número e comprimento de ondas, características dos folículos dominantes e subordinados, assim como os parâmetros relacionados ao corpo lúteo) não foram afetadas pela aplicação de estrógeno um dia após o estro. A aplicação de cipionato de estradiol em vacas mestiças um dia após o estro natural promove o aparecimento de sinais de estro dois dias após o estro natural mas não afeta as características do ciclo estral subsequente.The objective of this work was to check the effect of exogenous estrogen, in early phase of estrus cycle on the induction of estrus and on ovarian dynamics of dairy cows. By considering that PGF2α does not regress the corpus luteum in less than five days after the estrus, an alternative for the reduction of the estrus interval in the beginning of the cycle would be the use of estrogen. It was used 16 Holstein-zebu crossbred cows cycling regularly, without any clinical or reproductive alterations. Cows were randomly included in their respective treatments. Eight cows received 2.5 mL of estradiol cipionate on the first day of the estrous cycle and eight cows did not receive anything (control). The expression of estrus was monitored visually. The ultrasound scans were conducted daily in the morning, starting on the estrus day. The blood collections for the measurements of the levels of progesterone began on the estrus day. All the animals that received estrogen on the first day after natural estrus showed the estrus characteristical signals (psychics, turgid uterus and abundant mucus) one day after application. This reduction of estrus interval to only two days can promote the elimination of uterus bacteria (if present), consequently enhancing the reproductive efficiency. Except for the the day of the first follicular wave emergence, all the other studied variables (wave number and length, characteristics of dominant and subordinate follicles and the parameters related to the corpus luteum) were not affected by the application of estrogen on the day after the estrus. The application of estradiol cipionate in crossbred cows one day after the natural estrus promote the emergence of estrus sign two days after the natural estrus, without affecting the characteristics of the next estrous cycle.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da adição de fontes de óleo e dos níveis de suplementação de vitamina E na ração sobre a criopreservação de sêmen suíno. Foram utilizados 24 suínos machos reprodutores Dalboar 85, com idades de 12 a 18 meses, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2 × 3, com duas fontes de óleo (soja e salmão) e três níveis de vitamina E (150, 300 e 450 mg/kg). O sêmen foi coletado semanalmente (1 coleta/macho), diluído com meio centrifugador (1:1) e mantido a 25ºC por 2 horas. Após centrifugação (800 g, 10 minutos), o pélete foi suspenso com meio de congelamento para concentração final de 1 × 10(9) espermatozoides/mL. O sêmen foi envasado em palhetas de 0,5 mL e colocado dentro de tubo de ensaio (17ºC, 35 minutos). Após esse período, as palhetas foram retiradas do tubo e mantidas por 25 minutos, quando foram submetidas a vapor de nitrogênio por 20 minutos e mergulhadas em nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento, o sêmen dos animais alimentados com a ração acrescida de óleo de soja reduziu a motilidade, o vigor, a porcentagem de espermatozoides vivos e o teste hiposmotico. A motilidade média do sêmen após a diluição e durante as etapas do congelamento foi de 85 e 84% para os animais que receberam óleo de salmão e soja, respectivamente. Entretanto, após o descongelamento, a motilidade dos espermatozoides dos animais alimentados com a ração contendo óleo de salmão e soja reduziu para 30 e 24%, respectivamente. O sêmen dos animais tratados com óleo de soja apresentou menor porcentagem de espermatozoides vivos e morfologia normal em comparação aos tratados com óleo de salmão. A suplementação com óleo de salmão na dieta de suínos promove redução das características negativas observadas no sêmen suíno descongelado.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of addition of oil and of levels of supplementation of E vitamin on the boar sperm cryopreservation. It was used 24 Dalboar 85 boars, at 12 to 18 months, distributed in a complete random design, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two source of oil (soybean and salmon) and three levels of E vitamin (150, 300 and 450 mg/kg). Semen was collected weekly (1 collection/male), diluted in centrifuge media (1:1) and kept at 25ºC for 2 hours. After centrifugation (800 g, 10 minutes), the pellet was suspended in freezing medium for the final concentration of 1 × 10(9) sperm/mL. The semen was packaged into 0.5 mL straws and placed inside a test tube (17ºC, 35 minutes). After this period, the straws were removed from the tube and kept for 25 minutes more, submitted to nitrogen vapor for 20 minutes and then dip into liquid nitrogen. After thawing, the semen of animals fed the ration added with soybean oil reduced motility, vigor, percentage of live sperm and HOST. The average motility of the semen after dilution and during cryopreservation process was 85 and 84% for the animals fed salmon and soybean oil, respectively. However, after thawing, the motility of the sperms of animals fed ration with salmon and soybean oil was reduced to 30 and 24%, respectively. Semen of animals treated with soybean oil presented lower percentage of live sperm and normal morphology when compared to the ones treated with salmon oil. Supplementation of salmon oil in diet for swines reduces the negative traits observed in thawed semen of boars.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição de fontes de óleo e dos níveis de suplementação de vitamina E na ração sobre as características do sêmen suíno resfriado a 17ºC e 5ºC. Foram utilizados 24 suínos machos reprodutores Dalboar 85 distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 3, com duas fontes de óleo (soja e salmão) e três níveis de antioxidantes (150, 300 e 450 mg de vitamina E/kg). Nos animais sob suplementação com óleo de salmão, a motilidade e o teste hiposmótico dos espermatozoides após 24, 48 e 72 horas foram superiores aos observados nos animais alimentados com a ração com óleo de soja. O óleo de salmão aumentou o vigor em ambas as temperaturas avaliadas após 24 e 48 horas. A ocorrência de anormalidades morfológicas totais foi maior no sêmen dos animais sob suplementação com óleo de soja e resfriado a 17ºC, enquanto na menor temperatura de resfriamento (5º) não houve diferença entre os animais sob suplementação. A morfologia anormal no sêmen a 5ºC foi maior que no sêmen resfriado a 17ºC. O óleo de salmão melhora as características espermáticas do sêmen suíno resfriado a 17 e 5ºC durante 24 a 48 horas.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of oil sources and levels of vitamin E supplementation in the rations on the characteristics of boar semen cooled at 17 and 5ºC. It was used twenty-four Dalboar 85 boars distributed in a complete random design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, with two sources of oil (soybean and salmon) and three levels of antioxidant (150, 300 and 450 vitamin E mg/kg). For animals under supplementation with salmon oil, the motility and hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) of sperm after 24, 48, and 72 hours was higher than the ones observed in animals fed soybean oil ration. Salmon oil increased the vigor in both temperatures evaluated after 24 and 48 hours. The occurence of total morphological abnormalities was higher in the semen of animals fed soybean oil and cooled at 17ºC while in the lowest cooling temperature (5ºC) there was no difference among animals under supplementation. The abnormal morphology in the semen at 5ºC was higher than in the semen cooled at 17ºC. Salmon oil improves the sperm characteristics of the boar semen cooled at 17 and 5ºC from 24 to 48 hours.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows artificially inseminated by the intrauterine (IAIU) technique. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design, with 300 sows being distributed in five insemination techniques: control, intra-cervical (IAIC) with 3x10(9) spermatozoa/100 mL; intrauterine (IAIU) with 1x10(9) spermatozoa/100 mL; intrauterine with com 1x10(9) spermatozoa/50 mL; intrauterine with 5x10(8) spermatozoa/100 mL; and intrauterine com 5x10(8) spermatozoa/50 mL. The sows submitted to intrauterine insemination presented a farrowing rate of 90.8% and return to estrus rate of 9.2%, which did not differ from the rates obtained by the intra-cervical technique (90.0% and 10.0%, respectively). Total litter size did not differ between the techniques, with the means being from 11.4 to 11.9 piglets at farrowing. Although 4.6% of the sows submitted to intrauterine artificial insemination had difficulty with pipette insertion into the cervix, 100% of them were inseminated. When evaluating semen backflow, no difference was found between the intra-cervical and intrauterine insemination techniques. However, total semen backflow was higher in sows submitted to inter-cervical insemination. No difference was found in the presence of blood between the two methods evaluated. Hence, any of the intrauterine insemination techniques can substitute inter-cervical artificial insemination without damaging the reproductive performance of the animals.Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de matrizes suínas inseminadas pela técnica intrauterina (IAIU). Em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, 300 fêmeas foram distribuídas em cinco técnicas de inseminação: controle - intracervical (IAIC) com 3x10(9) espermatozoides/100 mL; intrauterina (IAIU) com 1x10(9) espermatozoides/100 mL; intrauterina com 1x10(9) espermatozoides/50 mL; intrauterina com 5x10(8) espermatozoides/100 mL; e intrauterina com 5x10(8) espermatozoides/50 mL. As fêmeas inseminadas pela técnica intrauterina apresentaram taxa de parto de 90,8% e taxa de repetição de estro de 9,2%, que não diferiram das taxas obtidas pela técnica intracervical (90,0% e 10,0%, respectivamente). O total de leitões nascidos não diferiu entre as técnicas, com média geral de 11,4 a 11,9 leitões por parto. Apesar da dificuldade na passagem da pipeta em 4,6% das fêmeas submetidas à inseminação artificial intrauterina, 100% das fêmeas foram inseminadas. Na avaliação da ocorrência de refluxo de sêmen, não houve diferença entre as técnicas de inseminação intracervical e intrauterina. Entretanto, o total de espermatozoides refluídos foi maior nas fêmeas submetidas à inseminação intracervical. A ocorrência de sangramento não diferiu entre as técnicas estudadas. Portanto, qualquer uma das técnicas de inseminação intrauterina pode substituir a inseminação artificial intracervical, pois não comprometem o desempenho reprodutivo dos animais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the postpartum bovine endometritis treatment by intrauterine and intramuscular administration of tetracycline. Forty six cross bred cows diagnosed by gynecological exam with postpartum endometritis were assigned randomly in two treatments: G1 (n=21) - animals were treated with one intramuscular (IM) dose of tetracycline (20 mg/Kg of body weight), while in G2 (n=25) animals were treated with one intrauterine (IU) dose of tetracycline (30 mg/Kg of body weight). No difference (p>0.05) was observed in the recovery rate between the two treatments (61.9 X 76.0%, G1 and G2, respectively). The interval from treatment until first estrous was 33.9±22.6 versus 14.8 ±10.9 days (P0.05) was observed in the number of services per conception between G1 (1.54) and G2 (1.3). The treatment cost was lower for the G1 (U$ 3.51 versus U$ 5.00). Although not to have had differences in the clinical recovery rate, the use of the oxitetracycline managed for way IU in the postpuerperal treatment of endometrites in cows revealed more efficient in the reduction of the interval between the treatment and first heat and first insemination, beyond presenting lower cost that the treatment with oxitetracycline managed for way IMKEY WORDS: Bovine, postpartum endometritis, intrauterine, intramuscular, oxitetracicline. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar a eficiência do uso da oxitetracilina, administrada pelas vias intramuscular (IM) e intrauterina (IU), no tratamento de endometrites em vacas no período pós-puerperal. Foram utilizados 46 animais mestiços que apresentaram quadro clínico de endometrite, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: G1 (n=21) – tratado com uma dose de 30 mg/Kg PV de oxitetraciclina por via IM, e G2 (n=25) – uma infusão de 20 mg/Kg PV de oxitetraciclina por via IU. Não houve diferença (p>0,05) na taxa de recuperação dos animais, 61,9% e 76,0% para G1 e G2, respectivamente. O intervalo entre o tratamento e o primeiro estro (PPALAVRAS-CHAVES: Bovinos, endometrite pós-puerperal, intramuscular, intrauterina, oxitetraciclina.

Objetivou-se estudar a relação entre dois métodos de avaliação do potencial reprodutivo - Classificação Andrológica por Pontos (CAP) e comportamento sexual de touros da raça Nelore - e verificar a acurácia desses testes em predizer o potencial reprodutivo dos touros, avaliado pela taxa de gestação ao final da estação de monta, com duração média de 90 dias. Foram utilizados 14 touros, todos classificados como aptos à reprodução, após exame andrológico, CAP e observação do comportamento sexual a campo durante 12 horas. Onze touros foram avaliados em manejo individual, com proporção média touro:vaca de 1:46, e os três restantes, em manejo múltiplo, com proporção média touro:vaca de 1:23. A pontuação média obtida pela CAP foi 78,92 ± 8,92 (muito bom) e o escore, 9,85 ± 0,36 (excelente) para libido. Quanto maior o tempo de teste, maiores foram os escores da libido. Na primeira hora de observação, os touros foram classificados como de libido questionável e ao final do teste, como de libido excelente. As correlações da libido com circunferência escrotal (CE), características físicas e morfológicas do sêmen e taxa de gestação foram baixas. A pontuação pela CAP correlacionou-se positivamente com circunferência escrotal e características físicas do sêmen, mas não se correlacionou com características morfológicas dos sêmen. Não foi observada correlação entre CAP e taxa de gestação, nem entre libido e CAP. A taxa geral de gestação após o período de estação de monta foi de 74,69%. Os resultados indicam que tanto a CAP como o teste da libido não são eficientes para predizer o potencial reprodutivo de touros da raça Nelore e devem ser utilizados de forma complementar ao exame andrológico.The objective of this work was to study the relation between two reproductive potential evaluation methods - Andrologic Evaluation by Points - CAP and sexual behavior of Nelore bulls, and to verify the accuracy of these tests in predicting the reproductive potential of bulls through the gestation rate at the end of the breeding season, with average duration of ninety days. Fourteen bulls were used, all classified as able for reproduction, evaluated through andrologic examination, being submitted to CAP and observation of the sexual behavior at field (libido test) during 12 hours. Eleven bulls were evaluated in individual handling, with an average bull:cow ratio of 1:46 and the rest of the animals (three), evaluated in a multiple handling, with an average bull:cow ratio of 1:23. The average score obtained by CAP was 78.92 ± 8.92 (very good) and the score of 9.85 ± 0.36 (excellent) for the libido test. The longer the test was, the higher libido scores were obtained. At the first time of observation, the bulls were classified as with questionable libido and at the end of the test as with excellent libido. The correlations between libido, scrotal circumference (SC), physical and morphological characteristics of the semen and the gestation rate were low. The scores obtained through CAP was positively correlated with SC and physical characteristics of the semen; however, no correlation was observed for the morphologic characteristics. No correlation was observed between CAP and gestation rate or between libido and CAP. The overall gestation rate after the breeding period was 74.69%. The results suggest that both CAP and the libido test were not efficient to predict the reproductive potential of Nelore bulls and should be used as a complement to the andrologic evaluation.

Estudou-se o efeito da administração de rbST no dia do estro, na taxa de gestação e concentração sérica de progesterona em fêmeas bovinas receptoras de embrião. A administração subcutânea de rbST (500 mg) foi realizada em 67 receptoras, mantendo-se 77 sem administração de rbST (144 receptoras no total). Os diagnósticos de gestação foram realizados aos 30 dias após o estro e as taxas de gestação diferiram entre as receptoras: 32,5% (25 das 77 sem administração de rbST) e 65,7% (44 das 67 receptoras tratadas com rbST). As concentrações séricas de progesterona obtidas nas amostras de sangue coletadas no dia da inovulação não diferiram com a administração de rbST: 2,54 ± 0,19 ng/mL (sem rbST) e 2,27 ± 0,20 ng/mL (com rbST). Esses resultados indicam que a administração de 500 mg de rbST no dia do estro aumenta a taxa de gestação, mas não influencia a concentração sérica de progesterona de receptoras de embriões recém-colhidos.This study aimed to analyze the effects of rbST administration in the estrous day, on pregnancy rate and progesterone concentration in cows embryo receivers. The subcutaneously administration of rbST (500 mg) was done in 67 receivers, and 77 without the rbST administration (144 receivers totally). The pregnancy determination was done 30 days after the estrous day and the pregnancy rate was different between the treatments where: 32.5% (25 from 77 without rbST administration) and 65.7% (44 from 67 receivers treated with rbST). The serum progesterone concentration from the blood samples collected on the embryo transfer day were not different in presence of rbST treatment: 2.54 ± 0.19 ng/mL (without rbST) and 2.27 ± 0.20 ng/mL (rbST). In brief, these results suggests that 500 mg of rbST administration on the estrous day increase the pregnancy rate, however it does not have influence on serum progesterone concentration in cows receiver of fresh embryos.

O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) é uma doença crônica que acomete principalmente mulheres entre a terceira e quinta década de vida, multissistêmica, freqüentemente afetando os rins e o sistema nervoso central. Os sintomas relacionados ao trato gastrintestinal, apesar de comuns, quando ocorrem abrindo o quadro clínico, raramente levam ao diagnóstico por causa de sua baixa especificidade. Foi relatado um caso de LES cuja manifestação inicial foi diarréia crônica.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multissystemic disease that compromises women between the third and the fifth decade and frequently evolves the kidneys and the central nervous system. Gastrointestinal symptoms are usual however, when they appear as first symptoms, they rarely lead to lupus diagnosis for its low specificity. We report a case of SLE in which the initial manifestation was diarrhea.

Avaliou-se a relação entre os testes complementares (teste hiposmótico, teste de termorresistência lento e teste de reação acrossômica) e os testes de avaliações convencionais (aspectos físicos e morfológicos) de sêmen bovino congelado/descongelado e os índices de prenhez. Os valores médios da motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea avaliados pelo teste de termorresistência foram de 53,48 (pós-descongelamento), 43,69 (60 minutos), 35,88 (120 minutos) e 33,04% (180 minutos) e a porcentagem de células reativas ao teste hiposmótico foi de 37,89%. Correlação positiva e de média intensidade foi encontrada para a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e o teste hiposmótico (0,21). Entretanto, a correlação da motilidade aos 180 minutos com o teste hiposmótico foi alta (0,64). A porcentagem de células que tiveram acrossoma reagido pós-descongelamento foi de 9,85%, apresentando correlações negativas de média e alta intensidade (-0,25 e -0,46, respectivamente) com a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e após 3 horas de incubação. Não houve correlação dos testes complementares e da motilidade pós-descongelamento com a taxa de gestação. Nenhum parâmetro considerado isoladamente serviu para avaliar a capacidade fertilizante do sêmen congelado/descongelado.The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between complementary (hiposmotic, thermo-resistance and acrosome reaction tests) and conventional evaluations (physical and morphologic aspects) of bovine frozen/thawed semen and conception rates. Average values for spermatic motility evaluated by thermo-resistance test were of 53.48% (post-thawed), 43.69% (60 minutes), 35.88% (120 minutes) and 33.04% (180 minutes). The percentage of reactive cells observed for the hiposmotic test was 37.89%. Average intensity was observed for post-thawing spermatic motility, positively correlated to hiposmotic test (0.21). However, correlation between motility in the 180 minutes and hiposmotic test was high (0.64). The percentage of cells presenting post-thawing acrosome reaction was 9.85%, which was negative correlated to post-thawing (-0.25) and after three hours of incubation (-0.46) spermatic motility. No correlation was observed for complementary tests and post-thawed motility and the conception rate. No one of the parameters evaluated in this study was individually able to indicate the fertilizing capacity of the frozen/thawed semen.

Objetivou-se determinar a eficiência do teste da libido realizado em curral em comparação ao teste realizado a campo e relacioná-los à taxa de gestação em estação de monta de 120 dias. Treze touros aptos à reprodução foram submetidos ao teste da libido em curral por 3 horas. Desses touros, nove foram submetidos à avaliação a campo na proporção touro:vaca de 1:33. A cada 21 dias, foi diagnosticada a gestação por meio de avaliações ultra-sonográficas. No teste em curral, observou-se que, quanto maior o tempo, maiores foram os escores de classificação e que nenhum touro efetuou serviço completo nos 10 minutos iniciais do teste. Com um touro classificado como muito bom obteve-se 84,80% de prenhez, porém touros questionáveis proporcionaram taxas de prenhez de 86,67 e 96,55% ao final da estação. As correlações entre características físicas e morfológicas do sêmen mantiveram-se próximas de zero ou foram nulas. Os principais sinais fisiológicos do comportamento sexual foram o ato de cheirar ou lamber o corpo da fêmea, cheirar ou lamber a vulva, seguidos ou não por reflexo de Flehmen. Em animais da raça Nelore, o tempo de 30 minutos de observação mostrou-se mais eficiente para a realização do teste da libido em curral. O teste da libido realizado a campo no período diurno não foi eficaz em predizer a libido de todos os animais estudados, em decorrência, provavelmente, do comportamento sexual noturno de alguns reprodutores.The objectives of this study were to determine the efficiency of the libido test in corral compared to the test performed at field and to relate them to the gestation rate observed in a breeding season of 120 days. Thirteen Nelore bulls able to reproduce were submitted to the libido test in corral for 3 hours and evaluated by scores every five minutes. Nine of them were submitted to evaluation at field using a bull:cow proportion equal to 1:33. The gestation was diagnosed every 21 days through ultrasonographic evaluation. During the test in corral, the classification scores increased as the testing time increased, but no bull accomplished complete service in the first 10 minutes of the test. A very good bull obtained 84.80% for pregnancy rate, but other questionable bulls obtained 86.67 and 96.55% at the end of the breeding season. Correlations estimates among physical and morphologic characteristics of the semen were close to zero or null. The main physiologic indicators of the bull sexual behavior were: smelling or licking the female body, smelling or licking the vulva, followed or not by the Flehmen reflex. The results suggested 30 minutes of observation as the most efficient time to evaluate the libido test in corral. The libido test at field during daytime was not effective probably because of the sexual behavior of some bulls at night.

O congelamento do sêmen de bodes das raças Alpina e Saanen submetidos ao manejo de fotoperíodo artificial foi avaliado por meio dos testes de termorresistência (TTR), hiposmótico (HOST) e de integridade do acrossoma. Foram utilizados oito machos caprinos (quatro da raça Alpina e quatro da raça Saanen) de duas idades diferentes (jovens e adultos). A qualidade do sêmen durante as etapas do congelamento foi superior em bodes jovens de ambas as raças. Avaliada pelo TTR, a motilidade do sêmen fresco apresentou longevidade pós-descongelamento. Os resultados de motilidade espermática, obtidos imediatamente após o descongelamento, tiveram reflexos positivos sobre o TTR, indicando que os sêmens que apresentaram maior motilidade pós-coleta (86,2% vs 79,3%) e pós-descongelamento (37,7% vs 32,0%) tiveram maior longevidade seminal. Os resultados do HOST, tanto para o sêmen fresco quanto para o congelado, não diferiram entre raças e idades. Houve redução na porcentagem de espermatozóides íntegros após o congelamento e descongelamento do sêmen dos animais da raça Alpina e dos adultos Saanen. Houve redução superior a 14% nos valores do HOST para o sêmen congelado em relação aos valores observados para o sêmen fresco (38,0 vs 52,0%, respectivamente). A motilidade espermática progressiva mostrou maior sensibilidade à criopreservação que a integridade da membrana espermática, indicando que a motilidade espermática é mais afetada pelo processo de congelamento que a membrana plasmática. A integridade do acrossoma não foi influenciada pelo descongelamento. Os índices de danos acrossomais (edema, desprendimento parcial e até perda total de acrossoma) mostraram-se dentro do padrão aceitável (44,5%), tanto no pós-descongelamento como após o término do TTR.The freezing ability of semen from Alpine and Saanen goats submitted to an artificial photoperiod exposure were evaluated by the thermo-resistance (TTR) and hypoosmotic (HOST) tests and integrity of the acrosome using eight male goats, four of each breed and two age groups (young and adults). The quality of semen during the freezing process was superior for the young animals of both breeds. Spermatic motility immediately after thawing showed a positive effect on TTR; animals with higher motility after collection (86.2% vs 79.3%) and after thawing (37.7% vs. 32.0%) had a higher seminal longevity. Both fresh and frozen semen did not differ between breeds and ages by the HOST test. There was a 14% decrease (P

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos (comportamento sexual, perímetro escrotal e aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos do sêmen) de bodes (jovens e adultos) das raças Alpina e Saanen submetidos ao manejo de fotoperíodo artificial (16 horas de luz e 8 horas de escuro durante dois meses). Os animais jovens demonstraram maior libido que os adultos, considerando-se o menor tempo de reação. Houve variação na freqüência de manifestação das características comportamentais, tanto entre raças quanto entre idades, e, em todas essas características, foi verificada maior intensidade para os animais adultos. Bodes Alpinos apresentaram menor perímetro escrotal que os bodes Saanen na mesma idade. O perímetro escrotal aumentou de 30,53 cm no período 1 (primeiros 15 dias após o final do manejo com fotoperíodo artificial) para 31,53 cm no período 2 (restante do experimento). Bodes Alpinos produziram sêmen de melhor qualidade que os Saanen de mesmo grupo de idade. Bodes das raças Alpina e Saanen criados nas condições deste experimento são sensíveis (sensibilidade mais pronunciada em animais adultos). Quanto aos parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados, às variações sazonais ao longo do ano.This study aimed to evaluate reproductive characteristics (sexual behavior, scrotal perimeter and quali-quantitative aspects of semen) of young and adults Alpine and Saanen male goats exposed to an artificial photoperiod (16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness for 2 months). The young animals showed greater libido than the adults, based on the smallest time of reaction. Frequency of manifestation of the behavior traits varied between breeds and ages and higher intensity was observed on adult animals. Scrotal perimeter was smaller for Alpine goats than for Saanen goats at the same age. The scrotal perimeter increased from 30.53 cm in the first period (15 days after the end of the photoperiod exposure) to 31.53 cm in the second period (to the end of the experiment). Quality of semen of Alpine goats was better than that of Saanen goats at the same age. According to the reproductive traits evaluated, Alpine and Saanen goats exposed to similar conditions of this study are sensible to seasonal variation during the year.

Foram estudadas as relações entre a concentração de proteínas solúveis do plasma seminal, o teste hipoosmótico, a análise física e morfológica do sêmen e o desempenho reprodutivo de bodes da raça Alpina em regime de monta controlada. O experimento foi realizado durante os meses de fevereiro a abril de 2001. Foram realizadas 40 coletas de sêmen em quatro reprodutores adultos em regime de monta controlada. Em todas as coletas, além do exame físico e morfológico do sêmen, foram realizados os testes hipoosmóticos, isoosmóticos e a determinação da concentração de proteínas solúveis do plasma seminal. Foi detectada diferença entre os bodes na concentração de proteínas solúveis do plasma seminal, mas não houve diferença no teste hipoosmótico e no número de coberturas por prenhez. O teste hipoosmótico pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação de sêmen caprino, mas a concentração de proteínas solúveis do plasma seminal não pode ser utilizada como parâmetro para predizer a qualidade seminal e a fertilidade de bodes da raça Alpina utilizados em regime de monta natural.The relationships among soluble proteins of the seminal plasma, the hypoosmotic test, the physical and morphologic analyses of semen and the reproductive performance of male goats of the Alpine breed under controlled mating were studied using forty samples of semen from four adult male goats collected twice a week between February and April of 2001. Differences among male goats were observed for soluble protein concentration of the seminal plasma, but not for the hypoosmotic test and the pregnancy rate. These results suggest the hypoosmotic test may be used for the evaluation of goat semen, but the protein concentration of the seminal plasma can not be used as a parameter to predict the seminal quality and fertility of male goats of the Alpine breed.