Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-12-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:05:37Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 pereira_mc_dr_jabo.pdf: 621440 bytes, checksum: 260b1b949ce4be72f4da602866530c0c (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A otimização da eficiência econômica dos rebanhos bovinos está diretamente relacionada à vida reprodutiva das matrizes. Assim, espera-se que o incremento na taxa de reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas leve a um aumento produtividade da pecuária de corte. O trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas de um rebanho comercial da raça Nelore, utilizando inferência Bayesiana, modelo de sobrevivência e Método ℜ, com intuito de verificar a possibilidade de utilizar a característica como critério de seleção. Os registros analisados são provenientes de fêmeas da raça Nelore, nascidas entre 1984 e 2002, e pertencentes ao arquivo zootécnico da Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda., empresa que se dedica à bovinocultura de corte, localizada no noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. As estimativas de herdabilidade foram iguais a 0,15; 0,18; e 0,07 utilizando inferência Bayesiana, modelo de sobrevivência e Método ℜ, respectivamente. De modo geral, os resultados indicaram dificuldade em se obter progresso genético para esta característica por meio de seleção. Entretanto, mesmo pequenos aumentos nos índices de reconcepção de novilhas podem contribuir para a eficiência econômica da atividade, dado os baixos índices descritos atualmente no cenário nacional. Modificações no ambiente em que as novilhas foram criadas podem elevar ou diminuir consideravelmente a taxa de reconcepção do rebanho. As estimativas de correlação genética entre a reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas e o peso ao sobreano e o perímetro escrotal foram -0,66 e -0,07, respectivamente. Assim, a seleção para peso ao sobreano poderá levar a uma diminuição na taxa de reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas da raça Nelore. A utilização do perímetro escrotal como critério de seleção em programas de melhoramento animal não causou mudanças genéticas na reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas. / The optimization of the economic efficiency of cattle herds is directly related to the reproductive life of dam. Thus, the increase in the heifer subsequent rebreeding rate will lead to greater productivity of the livestock production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the heifer subsequent rebreeding in a commercial herd of the Nelore cattle, using Bayesian inference, survival model and the Method ℜ, in order to verify the possibility of using this trait as selection criterion. The records analyzed are from Nelore cattle females, born between 1984 and 2002, belonging to Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda., a company which works with beef cattle and is located in the northwest of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The estimates of heritability were 0.15, 0.18 and 0.07 when using Bayesian inference, the survival model and the Method ℜ, respectively. In general, these results indicate that it is difficult to obtain genetic progress by selection for this trait. However, small increases in the heifer subsequent rebreeding can contribute to the economic efficiency of the activity, given the low subsequent rebreeding rates in the national scene. Changes in the environment where the heifers were bred can considerably increase or decrease the subsequent rebreeding rates the herd. The genetic correlation between the heifer subsequent rebreeding and the yearling weight was -0.66. Thus, selection for yearling weight may reduce the rates of rebreeding subsequent of heifers in Nelore cattle. The genetic correlation between the heifers subsequent rebreeding and the scrotal circumference was - 0.07. The use of the scrotal circumference as criterion of selection in programs of animal improvement will not cause any genetic changes in the rebreeding subsequent of heifers.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-07-31Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:25:11Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 gregati_ra_dr_botib.pdf: 1632352 bytes, checksum: 687c6583ccc126b0d9862423e393d376 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A hipótese de que a deposição espermática e a fecundação no camarão Stenopus hispidus ocorrem externamente ao corpo foram testadas, baseando-se no comportamento reprodutivo em laboratório e na anatomia reprodutiva. Para isso, 12 casais adultos foram mantidos em aquários interligados, em salinidade 35%o, temperatura 26°C, fotoperíodo 12 horas e alimentados com ração industrializada para peixes. 0 comportamento reprodutivo foi filmado e fêmeas recém-copuladas tiveram os esternos analisados. Posteriormente, os casais foram anestesiados e dissecados para a descrição da forma e localização das gônadas e pleópodos. O aparelho reprodutivo (AR) de ambos os sexos, esternos, genitálias e primeiro pleópodo também foram preparados e fotografados em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A cópula ocorre quando a fêmea está em pós-muda, e espermatozóides puderam ser observados em seus esternos somente fazendo-se um esfregaço em lâmina. Apenas o primeiro pleópodo e masculino parece estar envolvido na cópula, já que é diferenciado dos demais. 0 AR masculino é reduzido e restrito à carapaça, com testículos lobulados e vasos deferentes não enovelados, abrindo-se na base do 5° pereiópodo. 0 AR feminino é bem desenvolvido, com o ovário ocupando grande parte da carapaça e alcançando até o terceiro somito abdominal; os ovidutos são curtos e sem estrutura aparente para estocagem de espermatozóides. As fendas genitais femininas se abrem na base do terceiro par de pereiópodos e são circundadas por cerdas plumosas, comuns também nos esternitos torácicos. Assim, o macho deposita uma massa espermática simples na região ventral da fêmea, e a fecundação ocorre no momenta da exteriorização dos oócitos maduros / Reproductive morphology and sperm transfer in Stenopus hispidus (Olivier, 11) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Stenopodidae). The hypothesis that the deposition of sperm and fertilization in the shrimp Stenopus hispidus occurs externally of the body were tested, based on reproductive behavior in the laboratory and reproductive anatomy. For this, 12 adult pairs were kept isolated on interconnected aquaria with salinity 35%o, temperature 26°C, photoperiod 12 hours and daily fed with ornamental fish food. The reproductive behavior was taken with video camera and females had the sternum analyzed after mate. After that, the shrimps were anesthetized and dissected to describe the shape and location of the gonads and pleopods morphology. The reproductive systems (RS), sternum, first pleopods and genitalia were prepared and photographed by scanning electron microscopy. The mating occurs when the female was in pos-molt, and spermatozoa were seen in their sternum only by microscope slide smear preparation. Only the first male pleopod seems to be involved in the mating, since it is different from the others. The male RS is reduced and restricted to the carapace, with lobulated testis and vas deferens not convolute, opening in the 5th pereiopod basis. The female RS is well developed, with the ovary occupying much of the carapace and reaching the third abdominal segment; the oviduct is short and without apparent structure for sperm storage. The female genitalia open at third pereiopod basis and are surrounded by dense plumose setae, common also in the sternites. Thus, the male deposits a simple spermatophoric mass in the ventral region of the female and the fertilization occurs at the moment of the mature oocytes exteriorization

Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-26T13:21:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-04-29Bitstream added on 2015-01-26T13:30:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000793448.pdf: 1279649 bytes, checksum: 88fcbcd27bf56f6671258bc192312af3 (MD5) / As questões relacionadas à sexualidade e à saúde sexual e reprodutiva dos adolescentes são objeto de preocupação dos diversos setores sociais. Dentre os estudos sobre a juventude, a gravidez na adolescência tem sido objeto privilegiado, muitas vezes evidenciando discursos pautados em percepções preconceituosas, punitivas e associadas à irresponsabilidade e exposição a riscos. As discussões centram-se na mulher e com menor ou nenhum enfoque, na paternidade. Assim, há um esquecimento do adolescente homem que, na maioria das vezes, não encontra seu espaço junto às politicas públicas, principalmente quando se trata de gravidez na adolescência. Desta forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender as representações sociais sobre o processo de paternidade; o tornar-se pai e apreender os significados e as vivências estabelecidas neste processo. A pesquisa foi realizada com 9 adolescentes com 17 e 18 anos, moradores de um bairro periférico no municipio de São Manuel-SP. Considerando o objeto de estudo, adotou-se como referencial teórico as Representações Sociais e como recurso metológico a pesquisa qualitativa, com uma entrevista semi- estruturada. Ao término da coleta, as entrevistas foram transcritas e submetidas à técnica de análise de conteúdo de Bardin. A partir dessa técnica foram identificadas três categorias centrais: a descoberta da gravidez; dificuldades e mudanças vivenciadas pelo adolescente ao tornar-se pai e o significado da paternidade. Após análise dos dados, constatou-se que a vivência da paternidade trouxe mudanças significativas na vida destes adolescentes, tanto no plano econômico, como também no afetivo, pessoal e social. Destaca-se que essa experiência gerou sentimentos de satisfação ao ultrapassar a função de ser apenas um pai provedor, o que é mostrado pelo cuidado com o filho e principalmente através do estabelecimento de relações afetivas entre estes / Issues related to sexuality and to reproductive and sexual health of adolescents is a main concern of many social sectors. Among the studies on youth, teen pregnancy has been privileged, often revealing speeches guided by punitive and prejudicial perceptions, which are associated with irresponsibility and exposure to risks. The discussions focus almost solely on women, with less or no focus on fatherhood. Thus, there is a forgetfulness of the teenage man, who most often doesn’t find his place together with public policies, especially when it comes to teen pregnancy. Thereby, this study aims to understand the social representations about the paternity process and to grasp the meanings and experiences set forth in this process. The survey was conducted with 17 adolescents from 9 to 18 years old, residents of a suburb in the municipality of São Manuel - SP. According to the object of study, the Social Representations were adopted as the theoretical framework, and the qualitative research as a methodological resource, together with a semi-structured interview. At the end of the collection, the interviews were transcribed and subjected to the content analysis technique of Bardin. From this technique, three core categories were identified: the discovery of pregnancy, difficulties and changes experienced by adolescents when becoming fathers and the meaning of fatherhood. After analyzing the data, it was found that the experience of fatherhood has brought significant changes in the lives of these adolescents in economic, emotional, personal and social terms. It is noteworthy that this experience has generated feelings of satisfaction to overcome the function of being just a provider father, which is shown by caring for their child and primarily through emotional relationships between them

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-03T11:52:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-12-02Bitstream added on 2015-03-03T12:06:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000806927.pdf: 1884256 bytes, checksum: 34e30cf4b909e11722195260f1d006ce (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A produção de embrião in vitro (PIV) tem sido uma grande alternativa para os programas de preservação de felídeos selvagens ameaçados de extinção. No entanto, a PIV necessariamente depende de outras técnicas de reprodução assistida como a maturação in vitro (MIV), fertilização in vitro (FIV), transferência de embrião (TE), e criopreservação de gametas. Essas técnicas de reprodução assistida já foram transferidas com sucesso do gato doméstico para seus parentes selvagens. Já o uso de sêmen liofilizado também resultou em filhotes vivos de diversas espécies de produção, mas em gatos domésticos isso ainda não ocorreu. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a fragmentação do DNA do sêmen liofilizado e a viabilidade de seu uso através da utilização da ICSI para a PIV de embriões de gatos domésticos. Foram colhidas amostras de 3 gatos normospérmicos que foram utilizadas a fresco, congeladas/descongeladas e liofilizadas. Foram realizados testes para avaliação de integridade de DNA (Laranja de Acridina Convencional, Ensaio do Cometa Alcalino, Laranja de Acridina na citometria de fluxo, e TUNEL). O método de TUNEL mostrou ter maior sonsibilidade para detecção de fragmentação de DNA e detectou grau elevado de lesão de DNA do sêmen liofilizado em comparação com o sêmen fresco e congelado/descongelado dos mesmos doadores. Não foi possível produzir embrião de gato através da técnica de ICSI utilizando sêmen que foi liofilizado em meio SOF / The in vitro production of embryos (IVP) has been a good alternative for conservational programmes of wild felids threatened by extinction. However, IVP depends upon several other assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer (ET), gamete cryopreservation. These techniques were already successfully employed in wild felines. Freeze-dried sperm has also been used to produce live offspring of several species, but in domestic cat this has not been reported yet. Hence, the objective of the present study was to verify the sperm DNA fragmentation after the freeze-drying process as well as the feasibility of using freeze-dried sperm together with ICSI to produce cat IVP embryos. Fresh, frozen/thawed, freeze-dried sperm samples of 3 normospermic cats were used in this experiment. Sperm DNA integrity assessments were performed (Conventional Acridine Orange, Alkaline Comet Assay, Acridine Orange using flow cytometry, and TUNEL). TUNEL assessment showed higher sensitivity to detect DNA fragmentation and it detected higher DNA fragmentation in freeze-dried sperm when compared to frozen/thawes and fresh semen from the same donors. It was not possible to produce IVP embryos making use of freezedried sperm that used SOF as medium and ICSI

abstract: For animals that experience annual cycles of gonad development, the seasonal timing (phenology) of gonad growth is a major adaptation to local environmental conditions. To optimally time seasonal gonad growth, animals use environmental cues that forecast future conditions. The availability of food is one such environmental cue. Although the importance of food availability has been appreciated for decades, the physiological mechanisms underlying the modulation of seasonal gonad growth by this environmental factor remain poorly understood. Urbanization is characterized by profound environmental changes, and urban animals must adjust to an environment vastly different from that of their non-urban conspecifics. Evidence suggests that birds adjust to urban areas by advancing the timing of seasonal breeding and gonad development, compared to their non-urban conspecifics. A leading hypothesis to account for this phenomenon is that food availability is elevated in urban areas, which improves the energetic status of urban birds and enables them to initiate gonad development earlier than their non-urban conspecifics. However, this hypothesis remains largely untested. My dissertation dovetailed comparative studies and experimental approaches conducted in field and captive settings to examine the physiological mechanisms by which food availability modulates gonad growth and to investigate whether elevated food availability in urban areas advances the phenology of gonad growth in urban birds. My captive study demonstrated that energetic status modulates reproductive hormone secretion, but not gonad growth. By contrast, free-ranging urban and non-urban birds did not differ in energetic status or plasma levels of reproductive hormones either in years in which urban birds had advanced phenology of gonad growth or in a year that had no habitat-related disparity in seasonal gonad growth. Therefore, my dissertation provides no support for the hypothesis that urban birds begin seasonal gonad growth because they are in better energetic status and increase the secretion of reproductive hormones earlier than non-urban birds. My studies do suggest, however, that the phenology of key food items and the endocrine responsiveness of the reproductive system may contribute to habitat-related disparities in the phenology of gonad growth. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Biology 2014

abstract: The 2009-10 influenza and the 2014-15 Ebola pandemics brought once again urgency to an old question: What are the limits on prediction and what can be proposed that is useful in the face of an epidemic outbreak? This thesis looks first at the impact that limited access to vaccine stockpiles may have on a single influenza outbreak. The purpose is to highlight the challenges faced by populations embedded in inadequate health systems and to identify and assess ways of ameliorating the impact of resource limitations on public health policy. Age-specific per capita constraint rates play an important role on the dynamics of communicable diseases and, influenza is, of course, no exception. Yet the challenges associated with estimating age-specific contact rates have not been decisively met. And so, this thesis attempts to connect contact theory with age-specific contact data in the context of influenza outbreaks in practical ways. In mathematical epidemiology, proportionate mixing is used as the preferred theoretical mixing structure and so, the frame of discussion of this dissertation follows this specific theoretical framework. The questions that drive this dissertation, in the context of influenza dynamics, proportionate mixing, and control, are: I. What is the role of age-aggregation on the dynamics of a single outbreak? Or simply speaking, does the number and length of the age-classes used to model a population make a significant difference on quantitative predictions? II. What would the age-specific optimal influenza vaccination policies be? Or, what are the age-specific vaccination policies needed to control an outbreak in the presence of limited or unlimited vaccine stockpiles? Intertwined with the above questions are issues of resilience and uncertainty including, whether or not data collected on mixing (by social scientists) can be used effectively to address both questions in the context of influenza and proportionate mixing. The objective is to provide answers to these questions by assessing the role of aggregation (number and length of age classes) and model robustness (does the aggregation scheme selected makes a difference on influenza dynamics and control) via comparisons between purely data-driven model and proportionate mixing models. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences 2016

Here we show the extent to which the expected world population growth could be lowered by successfully implementing the recently agreed-upon Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs include specific quantitative targets on mortality, reproductive health, and education for all girls by 2030, measures that will directly and indirectly affect future demographic trends. Based on a multidimensional model of population dynamics that stratifies national populations by age, sex, and level of education with educational fertility and mortality differentials, we translate these goals into SDG population scenarios, resulting in population sizes between 8.2 and 8.7 billion in 2100. Because these results lie outside the 95% prediction range given by the 2015 United Nations probabilistic population projections, we complement the study with sensitivity analyses of these projections that suggest that those prediction intervals are too narrow because of uncertainty in baseline data, conservative assumptions on correlations, and the possibility of new policies influencing these trends. Although the analysis presented here rests on several assumptions about the implementation of the SDGs and the persistence of educational, fertility, and mortality differentials, it quantitatively illustrates the view that demography is not destiny and that policies can make a decisive difference. In particular, advances in female education and reproductive health can contribute greatly to reducing world population growth.

Although abortion has been decriminalized in Canada since 1988 and is covered as a medically necessary service through territorial health insurance schemes, anecdotal evidence suggests women in Canada’s north face significant barriers to accessing care. With a population of fewer than 34,000 spread across an area that is larger than California, geographic remoteness impacts health care access and quality in Yukon Territory. This qualitative study aimed to explore the dynamics shaping access to abortion care in the Yukon, provide an opportunity for women to share their experiences, and identify possible avenues for improving service delivery. In 2015-2016, the study team conducted 16 in-depth interviews with women and 11 key informant interviews. We used an iterative analytic approach allowing for the identification of emerging codes and themes. Our findings reveal that women face a number of barriers when accessing abortion services in Yukon. Specifically, a physician referral is required, as are several pre-procedure appointments, with no one central location to obtain these services. Women expressed concerns of privacy, overcoming logistical constraints, lengthy wait times, and lack of follow-up supports. Challenges were further amplified for women residing outside of Whitehorse, the sole location to obtain abortion services in the territory. Facilitating efforts to create a more transparent and streamlined service would ease the process for women seeking care and appears warranted. The recent registration of mifepristone could serve to alleviate certain barriers, presuming that the approved regimen is affordable, evidence-based, and available at more service delivery points. Bien que l'avortement a été décriminalisé au Canada depuis 1988 et est couvert en tant que service médicalement essentiel par le biais des régimes d'assurance-santé territoriales, des évidences non confirmées suggèrent que les femmes vivant au Nord du Canada font face à des obstacles importants quant à l'accès aux soins. Avec une population de moins de 34,000 habitants répartit sur un territoire d’une superficie supérieure à celle de la Californie, les effets de l’éloignement géographique sur l'accès et la qualité des soins de santé dans le territoire du Yukon sont considérables. Cette étude qualitative visait à explorer la dynamique qui façonne l'accès aux services d'avortement au Yukon, fournir une occasion pour ces femmes de partager leurs expériences et d'identifier les alternatives possibles pour améliorer la prestation de ces services. En 2016-2016, l’equipe de recherche a effectué 16 entrevues avec des femmes et 11 entrevues avec des informateurs/acteurs clés, et avons utilisé une approche analytique itérative permettant l'identification d’une codification et des thèmes émergents. Nos résultats démontrent que les femmes font face à un certain nombre d'obstacles lors de l'accès aux services d'avortement au Yukon. En effet, une recommandation médicale est requise, de même que plusieurs rendez-vous pré-procédure et un manque de services centralisés. Les atteintes à la vie privée, les contraintes logistiques, les longs temps d’attente et le manque de suivi sont des contraintes exprimées par nos participantes. Ces défis sont encore plus important pour les femmes habitant à l'extérieur de Whitehorse qui est le seul endroit pour obtenir des services d'avortement sur le territoire. Promouvoir les efforts visant à créer des services plus transparents et simplifiés faciliteraient le processus pour les femmes qui requiert des soins et semblent nécessaires. La récente introduction de la mifépristone pourrait alléger certains obstacles, en supposant que le médicament adopté est abordable, fondé sur des preuves scientifiques, et disponible à plusieurs points de services.

Resumo: Testou-se a hipótese de influência da sazonalidade sobre a produção embrionária in vitro de gato doméstico (Felis catus), na cidade de Botucatu, localizada sob latitude de 22º53'09" S, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em associação a três condições ovarianas - inativa, luteal e folicular em dois momentos: período I, que compreendeu os meses de janeiro, fevereiro e março e período II constituído pelos meses de agosto, setembro e outubro. Realizaram-se dois experimentos: I) Aspectos relacionados à maturação in vitro e análise ultra-estrutural de complexos cumulus-oophorus (COC) de felinos domésticos e II) Produção in vitro e análise ultra-estrutural de embriões de gato doméstico. O objetivo do experimento I foi avaliar as taxas de recuperação e maturação in vitro de COC e a descrição de suas características ultra-estruturais. O experimento II visou à avaliação das taxas de clivagem, de formação de mórulas, de produção de blastocistos; à avaliação da qualidade dos embriões felinos em fase inicial de desenvolvimento e à descrição das características ultra-estruturais dos embriões obtidos. No experimento I, para verificação das taxas de recuperação oocitária e de maturação in vitro foram avaliados 473 oócitos grau I no período I e 482 oócitos grau I no período II, provenientes de 20 e de 10 pares de ovário, respectivamente. O número médio de oócitos obtidos por gata foi de 23,65 e 48,2 nos períodos I e II, respectivamente. Esses COC foram maturados in vitro e classificados quanto à configuração nuclear em vesícula germinativa (VG), quebra de vesícula germinativa (QVG), metáfase I (MI), metáfase II (MII) e degenerados/não identificados (D/NI). No experimento II, 386 e 568 COC durante o período I e II respectivamente, foram fertilizados com sêmen fresco e após três e oito dias de cultivo verificou-se... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The hypothesis of season effect at Botucatu, 22º53'09" S, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, on in vitro embryo production of domestic cat (Felis catus), was tested in association with three ovarian conditions - inactive, luteal and follicular during two seasons: season I, which comprehended the months of January, February and March and season II, constituted by the months of August, September and October. This study was divided in two experiments: I) In vitro oocyte maturation and ultrastructural analysis of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) of domestic cats and II) In vitro embryo production and ultrastructural analysis of embryo of domestic cats. The aim of the experiment I was to analyze the COC recovery rate and in vitro nuclear maturation (IVM) rate and the description of its ultrastructural characteristics. The experiment II aimed to evaluate cleavage and morulae rates and blastocyst formation; to evaluate the quality of domestic cat embryos and to describe ultrastructural characteristics of these embryos. In experiment I, to evaluate COC recovery rate and in vitro maturation rate; 473 Grade I COC recovered from 20 ovarian pairs and 482 Grade I COC recovered from 10 ovarian pairs were evaluated during season I and season II, respectively. These COC were in vitro matured and classified according to nuclear configuration as germinal vesicle (GV), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) and degenerated/non-identified (D/NI). In experiment II, 368 and 568 COC recovered from ovaries during season I and II, respectively, were in vitro fertilized with fresh semen and after three and eight days of culture the development stage and embryo viability were analyzed. In experiment I, no significant difference was verified in the percentage of oocytes in MII in both seasons and considering the three conditions. These results indicate that in vitro maturatiom... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Maria Denise Lopes / Coorientador: Fernanda da Cruz Landim Alvarenga / Banca: Marcelo Alcindo de Barros Vaz Guimarães / Banca: Nei Moreira / Banca: Sony Dimas Bicudo / Doutor

Orientador: Alvimar José da Costa / Banca: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Banca: Anderson Barbosa Moura / Resumo: Oito reprodutores ovinos, isentos de Toxoplasma gondii e quaisquer outras doenças reprodutivas, foram distribuídos em três grupos para infecção com o respectivo protozoário: GI - três ovinos (2,0 x 105 oocistos da cepa P), GII - três ovinos (1,0 x 106 taquizoítos da cepa RH) e GIII - dois ovinos (controle). Parâmetros clínicos foram mensurados. Avaliações parasitêmicas e sorológicas (IFI) foram efetuadas. Qualidade espermática foi avaliada e a presença do parasito no sêmen foi investigada por meio das técnicas da bioprova e da PCR. Parasitismo tissular foi pesquisado pela bioprova, PCR e imunohistoquímica. Foi possível registrar alterações hipertermia e apatia nos ovinos infectados com oocistos de Toxoplasma gondii Parasitemia foi detectada em cinco ovinos. Todos os ovinos inoculados responderam ao estímulo antigênico, produzindo anticorpos contra T. gondii a partir do 5º dia pós-inoculação. Nos animais dos grupos I e II, os títulos observados foram de 1:4096 e 1:8192, respectivamente. Nos mesmos grupos, foram ainda, pela bioprova e PCR, constatada a presença do parasito no sêmen. Pela PCR detectou-se o DNA de T. gondii no sêmen dos animais 02 e 09 (do GI oocistos) e 07, 48 e 52 (do GII taquizoítos). Parasitismo tissular por T. gondii (bioprova e PCR) foi diagnosticada nos ovinos 09, 16 (oocistos) e 07 (taquizoítos). Vesícula seminal e próstata foram os tecidos de eleição da infecção por T. gondii (imunohistoquímica) no sistema reprodutor dos ovinos experimentalmente infectados. Em síntese, estes resultados sugerem a viabilidade da transmissão venérea deste coccídio. / Abstract: Eight sheep reproducers exempt of Toxoplasma gondii and any other reproductive illnesses, were distributed in three groups for infection with the respective protozoan: GI - three sheep (2.0 x 105 oocysts from P lineage), GII - three sheep (1.0 x 106 taquizoites from RH lineage) and GIII - two sheep (control). Clinical parameters were measured. Parasitemics and sorologicals evaluations (IFA) were effected. Spermetic quality was evaluated and the presence of the parasite in the semen was searched through techniques of bioassay and PCR. Tissue parasitism was researched through bioassay, PCR and immuneistochemistry. It was possible to registered hyperthermia and apathy alterations in sheep infected with oocysts from Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitemia was detected in five sheep. All inoculated sheep responded to antigenic stimulation, producing antibodies against T. gondii upon the 5th day post-inoculation. In animals from groups I and II, the titles observed were 1:4096 and 1:8192, respectively. The animals of group III (control), did not present antibodies against T. gondii during all experimental period. In the same groups, it still has been evidenced, through bioassay and PCR, the presence of the parasite in the semen. Through PCR, T. gondii DNA was detected in the semen of animals 02, 09 of GI (oocysts) and 07, 48 and 52 of GII (taquizoites). Tissue parasitism by T. gondii (biotest and PCR) was diagnosed in sheep 09, 16 (oocysts) and 07 (taquizoites). Seminal vesicle and prostate were the tissues elected for infection with T. gondii (immuneistochemistry) in the experimentally infected sheep reproductive system. In summery, these results suggests the viability of the venereal transmission for this coccidium. / Mestre