RESUMO Entre outubro de 2016 e outubro de 2017, 63 urólitos felinos foram analisados na Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), usando-se tanto análise química quanto espectroscopia por energia dispersiva (EDS). O tipo de mineral mais encontrado foi o estruvita (53,9%), seguido pelo urato (39,7%), oxalato de cálcio (30,1%) e fosfato de cálcio (25,3%). Cálculos contendo xantina, cistina e sílica não foram observados. Urólitos classificados como simples comprometeram um total de 34/63. Entre os 42 animais presentes no estudo, 26 eram machos e 16 eram fêmeas. Dos animais comprometidos, 14,4% eram de raças puras, sendo observadas as raças Persa, Himalaio, Siamês e Angorá. Gatos com idade entre 25-72 meses foram mais frequentemente diagnosticados com urólitos. Os sinais clínicos variaram entre sinais sistêmicos e urinários, sendo anorexia, vômito, hematúria e disúria os mais encontrados. Todos os pacientes eram castrados, e 34 deles não tinham acesso à rua. Histórico familiar era desconhecido em quase 100% dos casos. Os resultados observados no presente estudo servem como base para comparações futuras relacionadas à epidemiologia da litíase urinária no Brasil, especialmente em espécies felinas.

ABSTRACT Between October 2016 and October 2017, 63 feline uroliths were analyzed at Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) by using both chemical analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The most frequent mineral type found was struvite (53.9%), followed by urate (39.7%), calcium oxalate (30.1%) and calcium phosphate (25.3%). Calculus containing xanthine, cystine and silica were not observed. Uroliths classified as simple, comprised a total of 34/63. Amongst the 42 animals present in the study, 26 were male and 16 were female. Pure breed animals comprised 14.4% of the total, and the breeds observed within the study were the Persian, Himalayan, Siamese, and Angora. Cats between 25-72 months old were more frequently diagnosed with uroliths. The clinical signs varied between systemic and urinary signs and the most found were anorexia, vomiting, hematuria and dysuria. All patients were either spayed or neutered and 34 patients had no outdoor access. Familial information was unknown in almost 100% of the cases. The results observed in the present study serve as a basis for future comparisons related to the epidemiology of urinary lithiasis in Brazil, especially for the feline species.

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Determinou-se a exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de 13 a 18 semanas de idade e verificou-se seu efeito sobre a fase de postura. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases experimentais, recria e postura. Na fase de recria, 560 aves - 50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown -, com 13 a 18 semanas de idade, foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (porcentagem de met+cis e linhagens), com quatro repetições e 14 aves por repetição. As porcentagens de met+cis totais estudadas foram 0,399; 0,469; 0,539; 0,609 e 0,679%. Ao atingirem 22 semanas de idade, 240 aves foram utilizadas para se avaliar o efeito residual das dietas oferecidas na fase de recria sobre o desempenho das aves, a produção e a qualidade de ovos. Ao se considerar a fase de produção, não se verificou efeito da inclusão de níveis de met+cis na ração, para ambas as linhagens. As exigências de metionina + cistina totais foram de 0,679% (0,611% de met+cis digestível) para aves leves e de 0,646% (0,581% de met+cis digestível) para aves semipesadas.

The methionine + cystine requirement was determined for pullets from 13 to 18 weeks of age and its effect was verified on the laying phase. The experiment was divided into two experimental phases. In the growing phase 560 birds (50% and 50% Lohmann LSL Lohmann Brown) at 13 to 18 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized factorial scheme 5x2 (methionine + cystine levels and lineages), with four replications and 14 birds per repetition. The levels of total methionine + cystine studied were 0.399, 0.469, 0.539, 0.609 and 0.679%. When they reached 22 weeks of age, 240 birds were used to assess the residual effects of the diets offered in the growing phase on performance of poultry, egg production and quality. Considering the production phase, there was no effect of the inclusion of methionine + cystine levels in the diet for both strains. The total methionine and cysteine was 0.679% (0.611% of digestible methionine + cystine) for light birds and 0.646% (0.581% methionine + cystine digestible) for brown-egg pullets.

Determinou-se a exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de sete a 12 semanas de idade e verificou-se seu efeito sobre a fase de postura. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases, de cria e de produção, esta de 22 a 33 semanas de idade. Na primeira fase, utilizaram-se 640 aves - 50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown - com sete a 12 semanas de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (porcentagem de met+cis e linhagem), com quatro repetições e 16 aves por repetição. As porcentagens de met+cis total estudadas foram 0,471; 0,541; 0,611; 0,681 e 0,751%. Ao atingirem 22 semanas de idade, 240 aves foram utilizadas para verificar o efeito residual das dietas fornecidas na fase de cria. A dieta fornecida nesta fase foi igual para todas as aves. As exigências de metionina + cistina para aves de reposição, leves e semipesadas, no período de sete a 12 semanas de idade, foram de 0,710 % de met+cis total (0,639% de met+cis digestível) e 0,706% de met+cis total (0,635% de met+cis digestível), respectivamente.

The methionine + cystine requirement was determined for pullets from seven to 12 weeks of age and its effect was verified on the laying phase. The experiment was divided into two phases, growing and production, which lasted from 22 to 33 weeks of age. In the first experimental phase we used 640 birds (50% and 50% Lohmann LSL Lohmann Brown) allotted in a completely randomized factorial scheme 5x2 (methionine + cystine levels and lineages), with four replications and 16 birds per repetition. The levels of total methionine + cystine studied were 0.471; 0.541; 0.611; 0.681 e 0.751%. When they reached 22 weeks of age, 240 birds were used to verify the residual effect of the diets fed during the growth period. The level of methionine + cystine for white-egg and brown-egg pullets in the period from 1 to 6 weeks of age were 0.710% of total methionine + cystine (0.639 % met+cis digestible) and 0.706 % of total methionine + cystine (0.635 % of met+cis digestible), respectively.

This paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence indicating that atypical neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) and endocannabinoids (eCBs) play an important role in the regulation of aversive responses in the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Among the results supporting this role, several studies have shown that inhibitors of neuronal NO synthase or cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor agonists cause clear anxiolytic responses when injected into this region. The nitrergic and eCB systems can regulate the activity of classical neurotransmitters such as glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that control PAG activity. We propose that they exert a ‘fine-tuning’ regulatory control of defensive responses in this area. This control, however, is probably complex, which may explain the usually bell-shaped dose-response curves observed with drugs that act on NO- or CB1-mediated neurotransmission. Even if the mechanisms responsible for this complex interaction are still poorly understood, they are beginning to be recognized. For example, activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1) receptors by anandamide seems to counteract the anxiolytic effects induced by CB1 receptor activation caused by this compound. Further studies, however, are needed to identify other mechanisms responsible for this fine-tuning effect.

The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) strains, through the RAPD markers. Ninety adult individuals (30 of each strain) of two fish farms stations located in the Maringá (Bouaké - B and GIFT - G strains) and Guaíra (Chitralada C strain) cities, in the Paraná State (Brazil) were analyzed. The 13 selected primers yielded 72 fragments of which 60 (83.3%) were polymorphic. Differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of 33 fragments were observed, with 14 eliminated. The genetic variability results estimated by the percentage of polymorphic fragments and for the genetic diversity of Shannon index indicated a high intra-populational genetic variability. According with the AMOVA, most of the variation is within each strain. This result was corroborated with the FST values that showed a moderate genetic differentiation. It was also verified that C and G were the strains but similar genetically and that B and G presented less genes in common. The results of this study facilitated the correct reproductive and genetic management of these fish strains.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad genética de tres líneas de tilapia del Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), mediante marcadores RAPDs. Se analizaron 90 individuos adultos (30 de cada línea) de dos piscifactorías ubicadas en las ciudades de Maringá (líneas Bouaké - B y GIFT G) y Guaíra (línea Chitralada - C), en el Estado del Paraná (Brasil). Los 13 oligonucleótidos seleccionados produjeron 72 fragmentos de los cuales 60 (83,3%) fueron polimórficos. Fueron observadas diferencias (p<0,05) en la frecuencia de 33 fragmentos, con 14 excluidos. Los resultados de variabilidad genética estimados por el porcentaje de fragmentos polimórficos y por el índice de diversidad genética de Shannon indicaron una alta variabilidad genética intra-poblacional. De acuerdo con el AMOVA, la mayor parte de la variación está dentro de cada línea. Este resultado se corroboró con los valores de FST, que mostraron una moderada diferenciación genética. También se constató que C y G fueron las líneas más semejantes genéticamente y que B y G presentaron menos genes en común. Los resultados de este estudio posibilitaran el correcto manejo re-productivo y genético de estas líneas de peces.

Verificou-se o efeito dos teores de cálcio (Ca) na dieta sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de codornas japonesas durante o terço final do ciclo de produção. Foram utilizadas 350 codornas, com 313 dias de idade, distribuídas em 35 unidades experimentais de 10 aves. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, composto de cinco níveis de Ca - 2,2; 2,6; 3,0; 3,4; 3,8% -, com sete repetições. O aumento do Ca na dieta melhorou linearmente a conversão por massa e por dúzia de ovos, melhorou a espessura de casca e influenciou o peso da gema e da casca dos ovos, além da porcentagem da casca. Observou-se redução nos teores de P, Ca e Mg na casca com o aumento dos níveis de Ca da dieta. Para os demais parâmetros, não houve efeito do teor de Ca da dieta. Considerando-se a importância da conversão alimentar, em termos econômicos e de desempenho, o teor de 3,8% de Ca na dieta mostrou-se satisfatório em atender às demais variáveis relacionadas com a qualidade dos ovos. Dieta que contenha 3,8% de Ca, correspondendo ao consumo diário de 982mg por ave, melhora a conversão alimentar e a qualidade da casca dos ovos de codornas japonesas no terço final do ciclo de produção (45 a 57 semanas de idade).

The effect of calcium (Ca) levels in the diet on performance and egg quality of Japanese quail during the final third of the production cycle was evaluated. A total of 350 313-day-old quails was used. They were distributed in 35 experimental units of 10 birds. The design was completely randomized, composed of five levels of Ca (2.2, 2.6, 3.0, 3.4 and 3.8%), with seven replications. The increase of Ca in the diet linearly improved the feed conversion per dozen eggs, improved the shell thickness, and influenced the weight of yolk and egg shell as well the percentage of shell. There was reduction in levels of P, Ca, and Mg in the shell with increasing levels of Ca in the diet. For other parameters, no effect of calcium levels in the diet was recorded. Considering the importance of feed conversion in economic terms and performance, the level of 3.8% Ca in diet showed satisfactory to meet the other variables related to egg quality. Diet containing 3.8% Ca, corresponding to a daily intake of 982mg per bird, improves feed conversion and egg shell quality of Japanese quails in the final third of the production cycle (45-57 weeks old).

Nowadays it has been verified the decrease and the disappearance of many fish species in several aquatic environments in the Brazil. As form of minimizing that impact, stocking programs come being used with more intensity, meantime, little importance has been given to the genetic variability, fundamental parameter for any conservation practices. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of Piaractus mesopotamicus stocks used in stocking programs, through the RAPD molecular marker. Sixty broodstocks of two fish farms stations located in the Sapopema (S) and Cambará (C) cities in the Paraná State (Brazil) and 30 larvae of the Sapopema offspring (PS) were analyzed. The 10 selected primers yielded 69 fragments of which 62 (89.85%) were polymorphic. Differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of 42 fragments were observed, with four exclusive for the Sapopema stock. The genetic variability results estimated by the percentage of polymorphic fragments (S: 70.15%; PS: 73.13% and C: 77.81%) and for the genetic diversity of Shannon index (S: 0.365; PS: 0.379 and C: 0.468) showed that the genetic variability was maintained in the offspring, due possibly to the good reproductive management. On the other hand, the opposing genetic variability among the two broodstocks indicated a genetic differentiation among them, possibly due to the founder effect. According with the AMOVA, most of the variation is within each stock (62.43%). This result was corroborated with the F ST (0.375) values and the effective number of migrants (2.20) that showed a high genetic differentiation and a low gene flow. It was also verified that S and SP were those but similar genetically (genetic identity, IG= 0.851) and that S and C presented less genes in common (IG= 0.786).

Actualmente se ha verificado la disminución y desaparición de muchas especies de peces en varios ambientes acuáticos en el Brasil. Como forma de minimizar ese impacto, programas de repoblación vienen siendo utilizados con más intensidad, entretanto, se le ha dado poca importancia a la variabilidad genética, parámetro fundamental para cualquier práctica de conservación. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad genética de lotes de Piaractus mesopotamicus usados en programas de repoblación, mediante el marcador molecular RAPD. Se analizaron 60 reproductores de dos estaciones de piscicultura ubicadas en las ciudades de Sapopema (S) y Cambará (C) en el Estado del Paraná (Brasil) y 30 larvas de la progenie del lote de Sapopema (PS). Los 10 oligonucleótidos seleccionados produjeron 69 fragmentos de los cuales 62 (89,85%) fueron polimórficos. Fueron observadas diferencias (p<0,05) en la frecuencia de 42 fragmentos, con cuatro exclusivos para el lote de Sapopema. Los resultados de variabilidad genética estimados por el porcentaje de fragmentos polimórficos (S: 70,15%; PS: 73,13% y C: 77,81%) y por el índice de diversidad genética de Shannon (S: 0,365; PS: 0,379 y C: 0,468) mostraron que la variabilidad genética de S fue mantenida en la progenie (PS), debido posiblemente al buen manejo reproductivo. La variabilidad genética encontrada entre los dos lotes de reproductores indicó una diferenciación genética entre ellos, posiblemente debido al efecto fundador. De acuerdo con la AMOVA, la mayor parte de la variación está dentro de cada lote (62,43%). Este resultado se corroboró con los valores de F ST (0,375) y del número efectivo de emigrantes (2,20), que mostraron una alta diferenciación genética y un bajo flujo génico. También se constató que S y SP fueron los más semejantes genéticamente (identidad genética, IG= 0,851) y que S y C presentaron menos genes en común (IG= 0,786).

Ninety pigs (from 25.8 kg until slaugther at 102.6 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of canola meal in swine diets. A randomized block design was arranged in a factorial model with five canola meal levels, two sexes and three replications. Canola meal was included at 20, 40, 60 and 80% substituition of soybean meal considering the reference diet (corn and soybean meal) and keeping simultaneously experimental diets similar in protein and metabolizable energy. Growing, finishing and total period performance and carcass traits were evaluated. Interaction between treatment and gender were observed for fed to gain ratio in all of the periods evaluated. At finishing and total period a quadratic effect of treatment were observed for feed consumption. For weight gain were characterized a quadratic effect for treatment only in the total period. Barrows presented higher feed consumption and weight gain in all evaluated periods. Only treatment and gender had effect on carcass characteristics without interaction effects. Substituition level of 40% soybean meal in reference diet were recomended. This level yields a high weight gain and at consequence heavier carcasses resulting in higher estimated meat production but greater backfat depth and lower meat yield.

Foram utilizados 90 suínos (dos 25,8 kg até o abate aos 102,6 kg) para avaliar o efeito do uso do farelo de canola nas rações. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial com cinco níveis de farelo x dois sexos e três repetições. O farelo de canola foi incluido em níveis de 20, 40, 60 e 80% de substituição do farelo de soja tendo como base a ração referência (milho e farelo de soja) e mantendo simultaneamente as dietas experimentais isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas. Parâmetros de desempenho no crescimento, terminação e total, e de carcaça ao abate foram avaliados. Foi observado efeito de interação entre tratamento e sexo para a conversão alimentar em todas as fases. Na terminação e no período total foi observado para tratamento um efeito quadrático no consumo. Para o ganho de peso foi caracterizado efeito quadrático apenas no período total. Os machos castrados apresentaram maior consumo e ganho de peso em todas as fases. Apenas os tratamentos e sexo tiveram efeito sobre a carcaça sendo verificada ausência de interação. É recomendado o nível de substituição de 40% do farelo de soja da dieta referência que proporciona alto ganho de peso e têm associada a produção de carcaças mais pesadas resultando em maior produção estimada de carne. Porém, as carcaças apresentam maior espessura de toucinho e menor porcentagem de carne.

Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética dos estoques de reprodutores e dos peixes jovens de Piaractus mesopotamicus de três pisciculturas do estado do Paraná, utilizadas no programa de aumento de estoque de peixes no rio Paranapanema. Foi utilizado o marcador RAPD para avaliar as amostras do estoque de reprodutores e dos peixes jovens das pisciculturas de Palotina, Cambará e Andirá. A porcentagem de fragmentos polimórficos e o índice de diversidade genética de Shannon dos estoques de reprodutores variaram de 75,0% a 71,4% e de 0,434 a 0,376, respectivamente. Os peixes jovens das pisciculturas apresentaram valores mais elevados para ambos os parâmetros, com exceção da piscicultura de Palotina, na qual o índice de diversidade genética de Shannon foi semelhante. Os estoques de reprodutores apresentaram alta variabilidade genética, e esta foi mantida nos peixes jovens.

The genetic variability of broodstocks and juveniles of Piaractus mesopotamicus raised in three hatchery stations in Parana state, that were used in the fish stock enhancement program of the Paranapanema River, was estimated. The RAPD marker was used to evaluate samples taken from broodstocks and juveniles in the hatchery stations of Palotina, Cambará, and Andirá cities. The percentage of polymorphic fragments and the Shannon genetic diversity index of broodstocks ranged from 75.0% to 71.4% and from 0.434 to 0.376, respectively. The juveniles of the hatchery stations presented higher values for both parameters, except in the hatchery station of Palotina in which the Shannon genetic diversity index was similar. The broodstocks presented high genetic variability, and this was maintained in the juveniles.

INTRODUÇÃO: A creatina é um dos suplementos mais usados por atletas para incrementar a síntese protéica e aumentar a massa e força muscular. OBJETIVO: Investigou-se os efeitos da suplementação de creatina associada a um programa de treinamento de potência (saltos verticais) sobre a performance e a composição da massa corporal magra de ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar adultos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: SSC (sedentário sem creatina); SC (sedentário com creatina); ESC (exercício sem creatina) e EC (exercício com creatina). Os animais receberam água e ração ad libitum. Os grupos SC e EC ingeriam dose de creatina diariamente, adotando o procedimento de carga (0,430g/kg p.c. por 7 dias) e manutenção (0,070g/kg p.c. por 6 semanas). Os grupos EC e ESC foram submetidos a um regime progressivo de saltos verticais (5x10 saltos com 1 min de intervalo) em tanque com água, 5 dias/semana, durante 7 semanas. A performance foi avaliada pelo tempo de execução das 5 séries de 10 saltos verticais e a composição da massa corporal magra (músculos e ossos) foi avaliada pelas porções: água, proteína e gordura. RESULTADOS: A performance não foi afetada pela ingestão de creatina (p > 0,05). Os animais suplementados tiveram o percentual de proteína elevado e o de gordura reduzido (p < 0,05), independente do treinamento. Os animais exercitados exibiram maior percentual de proteína, e menor de gordura, além de menor ganho de peso corporal, comparados com os sedentários, independente da suplementação (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença para o percentual de água e consumo alimentar (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação de creatina não afetou a performance dos animais, mas alterou a massa corporal magra. A suplementação de creatina e o programa de treinamento de potência, de forma independente, elevaram o percentual de proteína dos músculos e ossos e reduziram o percentual de gordura, sem alterar o percentual de água.

INTRODUCTION: Creatine is one of the supplements most used by athletes in order to increase protein synthesis and consequently muscle mass and strength. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of creatine intake on the performance and lean body mass of Wistar rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were allocated into one of the four groups: sedentary without creatine (S); Sedentary with creatine (SC); exercise without creatine (E); and exercise with creatine (EC) and received water and chow ad libitum. Those animals in SC and EC groups ingested creatine daily (0.430 g/kg body weight for 7 days and 0.070 g/kg body weight for the following 6 weeks). Animals from E and EC groups underwent a progressive vertical jump regimen (5 x 10 jumps with 1 min. resting interval) in a tank filled with water at 30 ± 1ºC, 5 days/wk for 7 weeks. Performance was assessed by taking the time to perform 5 x 10 vertical jumps. The contents of water, fat and protein of the rat's muscles and bones were measured. RESULTS: The performance was not affected by creatine intake (P > 0.05). Animals supplemented with creatine had an increased percentage of protein and a reduced percentage of fat (P < 0.05), regardless the exercise training. Exercised animals exhibited a higher percentage of protein and a lower percentage of fat and gained less body weight when compared to sedentary animals (P < 0.05), regardless the creatine supplementation. There was no difference between groups for water content and food intake (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Creatine supplementation did not affect performance of the animals. Nevertheless, it altered the lean body mass. Creatine supplementation as well as the power training program, independently, raised the protein percentage of the muscles and bones and reduced the fat percentage, with no alteration in the water percentage.