Progesterone Levels and Reproductive Parameters in the Periovulatory Period of Nellore Cows under FTAI protocol

Background: Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) has achieved a significant evolution in the last 18 years, however, despite the progress achieved by modern FTAI programs, the conception rates obtained are still low. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the interrelation between progesterone levels in the periovulatory period and reproductive parameters of Nellore cows submitted to an FTAI protocol. Materials, Methods & Results: On a random day, called day 0 (D0), 57 cows received a P4 device associated with the intramuscular (IM) application of 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate. On D9, the P4 devices were removed and then were administered 500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 IUI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin IM. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum P4 concentrations on D9 and D11 of the protocol. The evaluations of follicular diameter (DFOL), follicular wall area (AFOL) and the vascularization area of the follicle wall (VFOL) were carried out on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography examination and colour Doppler, and then the artificial inseminations were performed. The evaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), of the total corpus luteum area (CLA), of the area of corpus luteum vascularization (CLV) and blood sampling for determination of post-ovulatory P4 levels (Post-P4) were performed on D24. For the analysis of the P4 concentration the chemiluminescence method was used, with a sensitivity of 0.1 ng/mL. According to the P4 concentrations on D11, cows were divided into 2 groups, LOW LEVELS OF P4 and HIGH LEVELS OF P4. The diagnosis of pregnancy was performed using transrectal ultrasonography on D45, at this point the cows were divided into 2 groups, PREGNANT and NON-PREGNANT. The correlation between DFOL and P4 dosage on D11 was moderate, negative and significant and between the AFOL and the serum P4 levels on D9, was moderate, negative and significant. As for the other correlations between follicular and luteal parameters and serum P4 levels, these were low to moderate, negative and not significant. Cows in the LOW LEVELS OF P4 group had significantly larger diameter and follicular areas than the cows in the HIGH LEVELS OF P4 group, the other follicular and luteal parameters showed no statistical difference. Of the total 57 cows that were inseminated, 30 cows became pregnant. Cows in the PREGNANT group had serum P4 levels on D9 equivalent to that obtained by the NON-PREGNANT group. However, at D11 the cows that became pregnant presented significantly lower serum P4 levels than cows that did not become pregnant. Discussion: The results of the interrelation between follicular parameters and P4 levels obtained in the present study, pointed out that the lower the levels of P4, the higher the follicular parameters, corroborating with other authors. Thus, larger preovulatory follicles provided high ovulation rates. Periovulatory serum P4 levels did not significantly affect the morphofunctional parameters of the CL. Such findings may be justified by high periovulatory P4 levels resulting from less efficient luteolysis, exert a negative effect on the results of FTAI protocols, because progesterone inhibits the release of LH pulses. It is concluded that lower periovulatory P4 levels established a favourable condition for follicular development and fertility, however, morphofunctional parameters of the corpus luteum were not affected. Keywords: follicular development, fertility, conception rate, ovarian hemodynamics, synchronization. Título: Níveis de progesterona e os parâmetros reprodutivos no período periovulatório de vacas Nelore submetidas ao protocolo de IATF. Descritores: crescimento folicular, fertilidade, índice de concepção, hemodinâmica ovariana, sincronização

Effect of the Estrus Expression on Follicular and Luteal Morphofunctional Characteristics and Fertility in Bos indicus females Synchronized for FTAI

Background: Recent studies have been conducted with the aim of improving the fertility rates in the FTAI programs in beef females. The observation of the estrus expression constitutes an important indicator of fertility in zebu females. Therefore, this work has as an objective to evaluate the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular, luteal and fertility morphofunctional characteristics of Nelore females synchronized for FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty five lactating female Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) were used. On a random day, denominated day 0 (D0), the 65 Nelore females received a progesterone-releasing device associated to the application of 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate intramuscularly (IM). On D9, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices were removed and was administered 500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin IM. At this point, the animals were marked with a marking stick for the determination of the estrus expression. On D11 of the synchronization protocol, the animals were characterized in two groups: without estrus expression (WO/ ESTRUS) and with estrus expression (W/ ESTRUS). The evaluation of the follicle diameter (FOLD), of the follicle wall area (FOLA), of the follicle wall vascularization (FOLV) and the percentage of vascularization in the area of the preovulatory follicle wall (%FOLV) were conducted on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler and then the artificial inseminations were performed. The evaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), the total area of the corpus luteum (CLA), of the area of vascularization of the corpus luteum (CLV), of the percentage of vascularization of the in the area of the corpus luteum (% CLV) and the collection of blood for the evaluation of the serum levels of progesterone were carried out on D24. The analysis of the serum progesterone concentration were performed by the chemiluminescence method using the Access immunoassay systems Progesterone, with a sensitivity of 0.1 ng/mL. The diagnosis of gestation was carried out by transrectal ultrasonography on D45.  The animals of the WITH ESTRUS group presented superior FOLD, FOLA, FOV (P < 0.05) averages to those presented by the cows of the WITHOUT ESTRUS group. In relation to the luteal characteristics, in the WITH ESTRUS group the cows exhibited averages for CLD, CLA, CLV and P4 significantly higher than those of the WITHOUT ESTRUS group. However, the bovines of the WITH ESTRUS group presented a % CLV similar to the presented by the females of the WITHOUT ESTRUS group. As for the fertility rates, there was difference between the experimental groups WITH ESTRUS and WITHOUT ESTRUS.Discussion: The present work demonstrated the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular morphological parameters, therefore in accordance with other studies. These authors show a relation between the estrus expression and levels of estradiol, which is directly related to the sperm transport in the female reproductive tract, oocyte maturation and fertilization directly affecting the fertility of females submitted to the FTAI program. Similarly, there was an interrelation between the estrus expression and the luteal morphological parameters, corroborating with the findings of some researches, where were verified higher luteal morphological parameters associated to higher conception rates in cows that demonstrated estrus behavior in the FTAI. Therefore, the estrus detection can be used as a tool to direct matings in synchronization protocols, promoting the identification of the animals with a higher probability of conception, owing to better follicular and luteal hemodynamic conditions

Phylogenetic Analysis of Bolivian Bat Trypanosomes of the Subgenus Schizotrypanum Based on Cytochrome b Sequence and Minicircle Analyses

The aim of this study was to establish the phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomes present in blood samples of Bolivian Carollia bats. Eighteen cloned stocks were isolated from 115 bats belonging to Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) from three Amazonian areas of the Chapare Province of Bolivia and studied by xenodiagnosis using the vectors Rhodnius robustus and Triatoma infestans (Trypanosoma cruzi marenkellei) or haemoculture (Trypanosoma dionisii). The PCR DNA amplified was analyzed by nucleotide sequences of maxicircles encoding cytochrome b and by means of the molecular size of hyper variable regions of minicircles. Ten samples were classified as Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei and 8 samples as Trypanosoma dionisii. The two species have a different molecular size profile with respect to the amplified regions of minicircles and also with respect to Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli used for comparative purpose. We conclude the presence of two species of bat trypanosomes in these samples, which can clearly be identified by the methods used in this study. The presence of these trypanosomes in Amazonian bats is discussed

Improved functionalization of oleic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can providemultiple benefits for biomedical applications in aqueous environments such asmagnetic separation or magnetic resonance imaging. To increase the colloidal stability and allow subsequent reactions, the introduction of hydrophilic functional groups onto the particles’ surface is essential. During this process, the original coating is exchanged by preferably covalently bonded ligands such as trialkoxysilanes. The duration of the silane exchange reaction, which commonly takes more than 24 h, is an important drawback for this approach. In this paper, we present a novel method, which introduces ultrasonication as an energy source to dramatically accelerate this process, resulting in high-quality waterdispersible nanoparticles around 10 nmin size. To prove the generic character, different functional groups were introduced on the surface including polyethylene glycol chains, carboxylic acid, amine, and thiol groups. Their colloidal stability in various aqueous buffer solutions as well as human plasma and serum was investigated to allow implementation in biomedical and sensing applications.status: publishe

Gastronomia internacional e hábitos alimentares amazônicos: expansão e transformação

El arte de proyectar y preparar alimentos evolucionó durante la historia humana para tornarse parte de culturas específicas y marca de cada uno. Es en este contexto que se inserta la culinaria amazónica y la del estado del Pará/Brasil, en que los recursos alimenticios forestales y fluviales son esenciales y además exóticos. Actualmente, esta está asociada a la gastronomía globalizada.Elikagaiak proiektatu eta prestatzeko antzeek eboluzionatu egin zuten gizakien historian zehar, eta bakoitzaren kultura berezien parte eta ezaugarri bilakatu dira. Testuinguru honetan txertatzen da Amazonetako sukaldaritza eta Para estatukoa (Brasil), zeinetan oihan eta ibaietako elikagaiak funtsezkoak diren, exotikoak izateaz gainera. Gaur egin, gastronomia globalizatuarekin loturik ageri da.L'art de projeter et préparer les aliments évolue durant l'histoire de l'humanité pour devenir partie des cultures spécifiques et la marque de chacun. C'est dans ce contexte que s'insère la cuisine amazonienne et celle de l'état du Pará/Brésil, dans laquelle les ressources alimentaires forestières et fluviales sont essentielles et, de plus, exotiques. Actuellement celle-ci est associée à la gastronomie globalisée.The art s of projecting and preparing food have evolved throughout human history to become part of specific cultures and the trademark of each of them. It is in this context that we insert Amazon culinary practices and those of Para/Brazil, in which forestry and river food resources are not only essential but also exotic. Currently, it has become associated with globalised gastronomy

Gastronomia internacional e hábitos alimentares Amazônicos: expansão e transformação (Paper 273)

As artes de projetar e preparar alimentos passou por processos de mudança durante a história humana, para tornar-se parte de culturas específicas e marca registrada de cada sociedade. É em tal perspectiva, que se insere a culinária da Amazônia e do estado do Pará, Brasil. Apresentada por muitos profissionais da área da gastronomia como a mais genuína do país, a mesma, está intimamente ligada aos recursos florestais e fluviais que, além de essenciais a sua especificidade, são também exóticos. A culinária paraense, apesar de toda influência recebida no decorrer do processo histórico de formação da região amazônica, ainda apresenta em seu modo de produção as marcas da herança indígena. As inovações inseridas, seja no âmbito tecnológico ou na criação de receitas novas a partir de insumos locais, colocam a culinária paraense num patamar de gastronomia capaz de estar presente em qualquer restaurante de nível elevado, no Brasil ou internacionalmente. Essa culinária vem apresentando em sua concepção valores regionais fortes e toques de refinamento, pelos quais vem sendo divulgada e globalizada sem a perda de suas memórias, isso, para atender a uma clientela que deseja conhecer os hábitos alimentares amazônicos. Dada a dificuldade da disseminação dessa arte culinária para outras regiões, o estado do Pará poderia manipular tal situação para o desenvolvimento da atividade turística in locus. Desse modo, poder-se-á gerar oportunidades para os que queiram explorar positivamente esse nicho de mercado.Palavras-chave: Gastronomia. Hábitos alimentares. Globalização. Amazônia. Pará

The development of the research in Information Science in Brazil

No início, o paradigma da Ciência da Informação dos anos 50 compreendia a noção do processo que envolve o movimento da informação em um sistema de comunicação humana. Evidencia particularmente o fluxo da informação que ocorre no sistema onde objetos de representação do conhecimento são armazenados e recuperados em resposta à uma pergunta iniciada pelo usuário. É costume atrelar-se o desenvolvimento da pesquisa em Ciência da Informação no Brasil ao advento da pós-graduação, o que é correto, mas um outro fator igualmente decisivo deve ser considerado a implantação dos grandes sistemas de informação no Brasil dos anos 50 aos anos 80. A criação do IBBD, da BIREME, das tentativas de implantação de um sistema de informação agrícola, etc.Estes eventos foram decisivos para o desenvolvimento da área na medida em que criaram um ambiente adequado para as questões que motivaram as pesquisas. A pós-graduação não pode ser vista apenas como causa mas também como efeito dessa ação organizacional no cenário dos sistemas de informação no referido período. Basta ver a temática de muitas dissertações que refletem tais demandas. Mas é justo , também, entender que a academia é responsável pela absorção dos melhores quadros que ela mesma forma, criando uma pauta de pesquisa mais distante das orientações do mercado, situação que hoje parece mais significativa do que nas décadas passadas. A Ciência da Informação faz parte de um campo científico de tipo novo, mostrando atualmente a existência de alguns fatores de mudança convergindo para novos cenários de formação profissional e de direcionamento da sua pesquisa.[en]The paradigm of Information Science of the fifties involves the movement of the information in a system of human communication. It shows the flow of the information that happens in the system where objects of representation of the knowledge are stored and recovered in response to a question from one user. The development of the research in Information Science in Brazil is connected to the coming of the masters degree courses , but another factor equally decisive should be considered. That is the implementation in Brazil of the great systems of information, from the fifties to the eighties. The creation of IBBD, of BIREME, the attempts of implantation of a system of agricultural information. These events were decisive for the development of the area as they created an appropriate atmosphere for the field and motivated research. The graduate courses are seen not only as a cause but also as effect of an organizational action action in the scenery of the information system in that period. This could be noted in the thematic of many dissertations which reflect such demands. The University is responsible for the assimilation of the same personnel it develops , creating an distance between research and the market. The Information Science is a new scientific field which is changing now its sceneries both in professional development and in the trend of its research