Heat Stress and Body Temperature in Brown Swiss Cows Raised in Semi-Arid Climate of Ceará State, Brazil

Background: In tropical countries like Brazil, air temperature and relative humidity have a significant effect on animal physiology; there is a great impact of solar radiation on physiological parameters, especially on body temperature. This study evaluated the occurrence of heat stress in Brown Swiss cows in a tropical semi-arid climate, and checked for the correlation between internal body temperatures [rectal temperature (RT) and vaginal temperature (VT)] with surface temperature (ST) to determine if these variables are associated.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight Brown Swiss cows at three stages of the lactation cycle were used in this study: 10 nonpregant lactating (NPL) cows, 8 dry pregnant (DP) cows, and 10 pregnant lactating (PL) cows. These animals were between the second and third calving, weighed between 346 and 720 kg, and had ages between 2 and 13 years. During the experimental period, air temperature and relative humidity (RH) at the experimental site were measured using a digital thermohygrometer. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated according to methodology described by Thom (1958), and was used as an environmental comfort parameter. For the evaluation of RT and VT, two digital clinical thermometers, one inserted in the vagina and the other in the rectum, were used simultaneously to minimize stress. Surface temperature (ST) was assessed using a digital infrared laser thermometer at a distance of 50 cm from the animal. Surface temperature was measured in the forehead (FST), thorax (TST), flank (FLST), and legs (LST). During the study period, the ambient temperature (AT) was significantly higher outside (in the sun) than inside of the facilities (in the shade) (P < 0.05). RH was inversely proportional to AT, and was significantly higher inside than outside the facilities (P < 0.05). Like AT, THI was significantly higher outside (in the sun) than inside the facilities (in the shade), with significant differences between these locations (P < 0.05). The amplitudes of the differences between the locations were as follows: 3.8°C for AT, 6.2% for RH, and 2.6 for THI. Mean values of rectal and vaginal temperatures were not significantly different from each other independent of lactation cycle stage, and were almost always significantly higher than the measured surface temperatures (P < 0.05). The maximum values obtained for each lactation cycle stage in this study were higher when compared to the mean values, showing that they are more representative of the occurrence of heat stress. Correlations between internal temperatures (RT and VT) and surface temperatures (TSF, TST, TSFL, and TSP) were weak and non-significant. ST values exhibited mostly weak, non-significant correlations, with the exception of FST with FLST and LST, which had moderate, significant correlations, as shown by the following coefficient factors: FST x FLST, 0.34; LST x FST, 0.415; and LST x FLST, 0.37.Discussion: A temperature of 34°C with RH ranging from 46% to 80% (i.e., a THI between 83 and 89) has been reported to have a significant thermal impact on dairy Brown Swiss cows; the THI values found in the present experiment were close to those. Body temperatures exhibited significant variations depending on the lactation cycle stage of the cows. Lactation concomitant with pregnancy significantly increases internal temperatures (RT and VT) in DP and NPL cows. This finding may be explained by the fact that pregnancy concomitant with lactation accelerates the metabolism, which results in higher food intake and increased production of body heat with consequent increase in internal body temperature. The maximum values of internal body temperatures (RT and TV) at all stages of the lactation cycle were higher than their corresponding average values, which indicates that some cows exhibited, at given moments, hyperthermia

Fatores que influenciam a preferência pela compra da carne de frango no município de Capanema no Nordeste do Pará / Factors that influence the preference for buying chicken meat municipality of Capanema in Northeastern Pará

Capanema apresenta um mercado no qual se comercializa um montante considerável de carne de frango, com isso compreender os fatores que precedem a compra pode colaborar nas estratégias de comercialização e efetivação da venda do produto em Capanema-PA, considerando as preferências dos entrevistados. Neste sentido, trabalhos que visam identificar as principais expectativas durante a compra ainda são insipientes. O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar os principais fatores que produzem maior impacto no processo de tomada de decisão na compra de carne de frango no município de Capanema-PA. Para isso, foram aplicados 140 questionários estruturados com 22 perguntas objetivas e subjetivas nos meses de março a abril de 2017 em locais como, supermercados, mercado municipal, mercadinhos, feiras e quitandas que comercializam carne de frango em Capanema. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados em planilha eletrônica (Microsoft Office Excel 2010®) e, em seguida, tabela e gráficos foram construídos para análise. A maioria dos entrevistados, representados por mulheres, na faixa etária de 24 a 35 anos, este grupo de indivíduos preocupam-se em adquirir oportunidades promissoras no mercado de trabalho a partir da finalização do ensino médio, bem como a continuidade em nível escolar elevado, gerando melhores condições de trabalho e renda. A tomada de decisão na compra de carne de frango compreende pelo menos duas vezes em um período de 7 dias, cuja preferência do local da compra, são mercadinhos localizados próximos a residência dos entrevistados, cujos estabelecimentos comerciais são de propriedade de conhecidos e amigos dos entrevistados, sendo o preço, o fator atrativo, contudo a qualidade do produto está diretamente relacionada com a higiene, o que preconiza a promoção da saúde dos familiares

Efeito da administração de Flunixina Meglumine sobre as características seminais de machos ovinos e caprinos

Testicular degeneration is a multifactorial process increasing the concentration of prostaglandins in seminal plasma. Both increase and decrease of these hormones tend to promote loss of seminal quality. Flunixin meglumine is a potent anti-inflammatory drug capable of modulating the production of prostaglandins and is widely used in female reproduction. However, it is rarely used in males with the same objective. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of this drug on seminal quality of male lambs and goats with spermatic characteristics unfavorable for reproduction. To this end, a total of 15 breeding animals were evaluated, of which six goats and four sheep with poor seminal quality were selected according to the criteria established by the Brazilian College of Animal Reproduction (CBRA). Three semen samples were collected from each animal. Then, the flunixin meglumine treatment was initiated and ejaculates were collected at two different periods after the drug was administered (from day 21 until day 35 and from day 49 to day 63). Macroscopic and microscopic parameters were assessed in semen samples and scrotal circumference and percentages of sperm pathologies were measured and compared between the three periods. Data with normal distribution were analyzed using ANOVA at 5% probability, and comparisons between periods within the same species were performed using the Tukey test. An improvement was observed in the analyses of mass motility, percentage motility, and sperm vigor. Scrotal circumference had no variation. Concerning sperm pathologies, an increase in the number of normal spermatozoids was observed due to a significant reduction in minor and major defects, and the latter remained low even after the treatment was finished. Therefore, flunixin meglumine presented beneficial effects on seminal parameters of male goats and lamb with unfavorable spermatic characteristics. These findings indicate this drug may be used in the treating of males with testicular injuries or of breeders with reduced seminal quality due to advanced age.A degeneração testicular é um processo multifatorial que leva ao aumento das prostaglandinas no plasma do ejaculado, sendo que tanto seu acréscimo quanto a redução baixam a qualidade seminal. A Flunixina Meglumine é um potente anti-inflamatório, capaz de modular a produção de prostaglandinas, amplamente difundido na reprodução de fêmeas, mas pouco utilizado em machos para esse fim. Por isso, esse trabalho buscou avaliar o efeito deste fármaco sobre a qualidade seminal de machos ovinos e caprinos que apresentem quadro espermático desfavorável à reprodução. Para tanto, um total de 15 reprodutores pertencentes à Universidade Federal do Ceará foram avaliados, dos quais foram selecionados seis bodes e quatro carneiros com sêmen de baixa qualidade, segundo os critérios do Colégio Brasileiro de Reprodução Animal (CBRA). Foram realizadas três colheitas prévias de cada animal, aplicado o tratamento com Flunixina Meglumine e, em seguida, foram colhidos ejaculados de dois momentos posteriores à aplicação do fármaco (do D21 ao D35 e do D49 ao D63). Os parâmetros espermáticos de natureza macro e microscópica, assim como a circunferência escrotal e o percentual de patologias espermáticas foram comparados entre os três momentos e os dados de distribuição normal foram avaliados por ANOVA a 5% de probabilidade e as comparações entre os momentos dentro de cada espécie quando significativa foram feitas pelo teste de Tukey. Houve melhora na motilidade massal, motilidade percentual e vigor espermático. Não ocorreu variação da circunferência escrotal e, no tocante às patologias espermáticas, observou-se um aumento no número de espermatozoides normais, devido a uma redução significativa de defeitos menores e maiores, sendo que estes permaneceram menores mesmo após cessar a influência do tratamento. Assim, a Flunixina Meglumine mostrou uma ação benéfica sobre os parâmetros seminais de machos ovinos e caprinos com quadro espermático desfavorável, sugerindo a indicação do fármaco para o tratamento de machos que passaram por injúrias testiculares diversas ou reprodutores com declínio da qualidade seminal devido à idade avançada

Heat Stress and Body Temperature in Brown Swiss Cows Raised in Semi-Arid Climate of Ceará State, Brazil

Background: In tropical countries like Brazil, air temperature and relative humidity have a significant effect on animal physiology; there is a great impact of solar radiation on physiological parameters, especially on body temperature. This study evaluated the occurrence of heat stress in Brown Swiss cows in a tropical semi-arid climate, and checked for the correlation between internal body temperatures [rectal temperature (RT) and vaginal temperature (VT)] with surface temperature (ST) to determine if these variables are associated.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight Brown Swiss cows at three stages of the lactation cycle were used in this study: 10 nonpregant lactating (NPL) cows, 8 dry pregnant (DP) cows, and 10 pregnant lactating (PL) cows. These animals were between the second and third calving, weighed between 346 and 720 kg, and had ages between 2 and 13 years. During the experimental period, air temperature and relative humidity (RH) at the experimental site were measured using a digital thermohygrometer. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated according to methodology described by Thom (1958), and was used as an environmental comfort parameter. For the evaluation of RT and VT, two digital clinical thermometers, one inserted in the vagina and the other in the rectum, were used simultaneously to minimize stress. Surface temperature (ST) was assessed using a digital infrared laser thermometer at a distance of 50 cm from the animal. Surface temperature was measured in the forehead (FST), thorax (TST), flank (FLST), and legs (LST). During the study period, the ambient temperature (AT) was significantly higher outside (in the sun) than inside of the facilities (in the shade) (P < 0.05). RH was inversely proportional to AT, and was significantly higher inside than outside the facilities (P < 0.05). Like AT, THI was significantly higher outside (in the sun) than inside the facilities (in the shade), with significant differences between these locations (P < 0.05). The amplitudes of the differences between the locations were as follows: 3.8°C for AT, 6.2% for RH, and 2.6 for THI. Mean values of rectal and vaginal temperatures were not significantly different from each other independent of lactation cycle stage, and were almost always significantly higher than the measured surface temperatures (P < 0.05). The maximum values obtained for each lactation cycle stage in this study were higher when compared to the mean values, showing that they are more representative of the occurrence of heat stress. Correlations between internal temperatures (RT and VT) and surface temperatures (TSF, TST, TSFL, and TSP) were weak and non-significant. ST values exhibited mostly weak, non-significant correlations, with the exception of FST with FLST and LST, which had moderate, significant correlations, as shown by the following coefficient factors: FST x FLST, 0.34; LST x FST, 0.415; and LST x FLST, 0.37.Discussion: A temperature of 34°C with RH ranging from 46% to 80% (i.e., a THI between 83 and 89) has been reported to have a significant thermal impact on dairy Brown Swiss cows; the THI values found in the present experiment were close to those. Body temperatures exhibited significant variations depending on the lactation cycle stage of the cows. Lactation concomitant with pregnancy significantly increases internal temperatures (RT and VT) in DP and NPL cows. This finding may be explained by the fact that pregnancy concomitant with lactation accelerates the metabolism, which results in higher food intake and increased production of body heat with consequent increase in internal body temperature. The maximum values of internal body temperatures (RT and TV) at all stages of the lactation cycle were higher than their corresponding average values, which indicates that some cows exhibited, at given moments, hyperthermia

Combined genotypes of the MBL2 gene related to low mannose-binding lectin levels are associated with vaso-occlusive events in children with sickle cell anemia

Abstract Sickle cell anemia (SCA) presents heterogenous clinical manifestations that cannot be explained solely by alterations to hemoglobin (Hb); other components such as endothelial adhesion, thrombosis and inflammation may be involved. The mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has an important role in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases. In this report, we describe an association between MBL2 polymorphism related to low production of serum MBL and the frequency of vasoocclusive events (FVOE) in children ≤ 5 years old with SCA (p = 0.0229; OR 5.55; CI 1.11-27.66). Further studies are needed to explore the role of low MBL2 in the pathophysiology of vasoocclusive events in SCA

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms at +191 and +292 of Galectin-3 Gene (LGALS3) Related to Lower GAL-3 Serum Levels Are Associated with Frequent Respiratory Tract Infection and Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Submitted by Adagilson Silva ([email protected]) on 2017-06-05T13:08:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 27603703 2016 men-sin.oa.PDF: 1008770 bytes, checksum: 82f0081628ade062bc08ce6be5782a03 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Adagilson Silva ([email protected]) on 2017-06-05T13:08:29Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 27603703 2016 men-sin.oa.PDF: 1008770 bytes, checksum: 82f0081628ade062bc08ce6be5782a03 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-05T13:08:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 27603703 2016 men-sin.oa.PDF: 1008770 bytes, checksum: 82f0081628ade062bc08ce6be5782a03 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016Programa de Doutorado da Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia. Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade de Pernambuco. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade de Pernambuco. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêutica (LINAT). Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade de Pernambuco. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Aggeu Magalhães. Recife, PE, Brasil.Fundação Hematologia e Hemoterapia de Pernambuco (HEMOPE). Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêutica (LINAT). Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Fundação Hematologia e Hemoterapia de Pernambuco (HEMOPE). Recife, PE, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêutica (LINAT). Recife, PE, Brasil.Programa de Doutorado da Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia. Recife, PE, Brasil / Universidade de Pernambuco. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Programa de Doutorado da Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia. Recife, PE, Brasil / Universidade de Pernambuco. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Recife, PE, Brasil.Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) may present chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion and respiratory tract infection (RTI) episodes. Galectin-3 (GAL-3) is a multifunctional protein involved in inflammation, apoptosis, adhesion and resistance to reactive oxygen species. Studies point to a dual role for GAL-3 as both a circulation damage-associated molecular pattern and a cell membrane associated pattern recognition receptor

The Ccr5Δ32 Polymorphism In Brazilian Patients With Sickle Cell Disease.

Previous studies on the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) suggested that the CCR5Δ32 allele, which is responsible for the production of truncated C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), could confer a selective advantage on patients with SCD because it leads to a less efficient Th1 response. We determined the frequency of the CCR5Δ32 polymorphism in 795 Afro-Brazilian SCD patients followed up at the Pernambuco Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, in Northeastern Brazil, divided into a pediatric group (3 months-17 years, n = 483) and an adult group (18-70 years, n = 312). The adult patients were also compared to a healthy control group (blood donors, 18-61 years, n = 247). The CCR5/CCR5Δ32 polymorphism was determined by allele-specific PCR. No homozygous patient for the CCR5Δ32 allele was detected. The frequency of heterozygotes in the study population (patients and controls) was 5.8%, in the total SCD patients 5.1%, in the children 5.4%, in the adults with SCD 4.8%, and in the adult controls 8.1%. These differences did not reach statistical significance. Our findings failed to demonstrate an important role of the CCR5Δ32 allele in the population sample studied here.201467824