Genotyping of rams based on melatonin receptor 1A gene polymorphisms: a tool in sire selection?

Context Several polymorphisms in the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A ) have been related to reproductive performance in ovine. Aims To investigate the effect of the Rsa I and Mnl I polymorphisms on ram seminal quality. Methods Eighteen Rasa Aragonesa rams were genotyped for the Rsa I (C/C, C/T, T/T) and Mnl I (G/G, G/A, A/A) allelic variants of the MTNR1A gene. Individual ejaculates were analysed once a month throughout the whole year. Sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phosphatidylserine (PS) inversion, DNA fragmentation and capacitation status were assessed. The effect of the season and polymorphisms on seminal quality was evaluated by mixed ANOVA. Key results Both polymorphisms had an effect on membrane integrity and viable spermatozoa with low levels of ROS and without PS translocation, and Rsa I also on motile and DNA-intact spermatozoa. An interaction between both polymorphisms was found, pointing to a negative effect on seminal quality of carrying the T or A allele in homozygosity. Differences were higher in the reproductive than in the non-reproductive season. Conclusions Mutations substituting C by T and G by A at Rsa I and Mnl I polymorphic sites, respectively, in the MTNR1A gene in rams could decrease the seminal quality. Implications Genotyping of rams based on melatonin receptor 1A could be a powerful tool in sire selection.

Exposure of rams in sexual rest to sexually activated males in spring increases plasma LH and testosterone concentrations.

Eight stimulating rams, and twelve stimulated rams, were used to determine whether a similar endocrine response to the introduction of sexually active males in spring in a flock of ewes is observed in a flock of rams. The stimulating rams (n = 4) were induced into a sexually active state by exposure to 2 months of long days (16 h light/d) (15 December-15 February). At the end of the long-day period, rams were returned to the natural photoperiod. Control-stimulating rams (n = 4) were kept under the natural photoperiod. On April 20, stimulated rams were divided into 2 groups, and joined with activated (ACT; n = 6) or control stimulating rams (C; n = 6). On the day of ram introduction, stimulated rams were blood sampled for 8 h at 20-min intervals, from 4 h before to 4 h after ram introduction, and next day from 24 to 28 h after ram introduction, and analyzed for plasma LH concentrations, and 10, 20 and 30 days after ram introduction to measure plasma testosterone levels. Mean (±SEM) plasma LH concentrations (ng/ml) of stimulated rams were similar during the 4 h before stimulating-ram introduction (ACT: 0.59 ± 0.03; C: 0.53 ± 0.04; P > 0.05). The introduction of the photoperiod-treated stimulating rams increased LH concentrations of stimulated rams during the 4 h after their introduction (1.14 ± 0.37) compared with the C group (0.51 ± 0.03; P < 0.05), especially during the first hour (ACT: 0.93 ± 0.16; C: 0.49 ± 0.03; P < 0.05), and during the blood sampling period 24-28 h after ram introduction (0.75 ± 0.07 vs. 0.58 ± 0.04; P < 0.05). Before the introduction of stimulating rams, the LH pulse frequencies and amplitudes did not differ between groups; however, LH pulsatility was higher at 4 h (0.58 ± 0.11 pulses/h; P < 0.05), and had trend to be higher 24 h (0.50 ± 0.06) (P = 0.10) after the introduction of the photoperiod-treated stimulating rams compared with the control-stimulating rams (0.29 ± 0.08 and 0.29 ± 0.10, respectively). As for LH pulses, there was an effect of group (P < 0.05) on LH amplitude, which presented a trend to be higher in ACT rams 4 h after ram introduction (1.68 ± 0.30; P < 0.10) and higher 24 h (1.07 ± 0.08; P < 0.05) after ram introduction, compared with LH amplitudes of C rams (0.71 ± 0.06 and 0.82 ± 0.07, respectively). Plasma testosterone concentrations of rams exposed to photoperiod-treated activated rams were higher than those of rams exposed to control-stimulating rams, at 4 h, 20 and 30 days after ram introduction (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sexually active rams in spring are able to stimulate LH and testosterone secretion of other rams in sexual rest, a phenomenon we called "ram-to-ram effect".

Effects of Implanting Exogenous Melatonin 40 Days before Lambing on Milk and Colostrum Quality.

The effects of exogenous melatonin implanted before lambing on the quality of colostrum and milk yield were quantified in 715 ewes. Forty days before lambing, 246 ewes (1M) received a melatonin implant; another 137 ewes (2M) received two implants, and the remaining 332 ewes (C) did not receive an implant (control). Milk analysis was based on individual monthly milk samplings (June, July, and August) after lambing. A colostrum sample was collected from 303 ewes (118 1M; 73 2M; and 112 C), and IgG concentrations were measured. Ewes implanted with melatonin had higher (p < 0.01) daily milk yield (DMY) in the three samplings than the C ewes. On average, 1M ewes produced more milk (p < 0.05) than ewes in the other two groups, and 2M ewes produced significantly (p < 0.05) more milk than C ewes. In the first and third controls, ewes that received two melatonin implants had a lower (p < 0.05) SCC than C and 1M ewes, and in the second sampling, 1M and 2M ewes had a lower (p < 0.01) SCC than C ewes. Ewes that received melatonin implants had a higher (p < 0.01) IgG concentration (21.61 ± 1.03 mg/mL) than non-implanted ewes (16.99 ± 1.13 mg/mL); 2M ewes had the highest IgG levels. In conclusion, ewes that received a melatonin implant 40 d before lambing produced colostrum that had a higher IgG concentration than the colostrum from nonimplanted ewes, and produced more milk, which had a lower SCC. The effect on SCC was prolonged if the sheep received a second melatonin implant.

Tumor de células gigantes en cúbito de paciente postrauma / Giant cell tumor in ulna of trauma patient

RESUMEN Introducción: Los tumores de células gigantes pueden originarse en el tejido óseo, sinovial o cualquier otro tejido blando. Se caracterizan por su rápido crecimiento. A pesar de ser comúnmente benignos, si se dejan evolucionar sin tratamiento, hay riesgo de que en su proceso de crecimiento destruyan el tejido adyacente y afecten la funcionalidad, estructura y apariencia de la zona anatómica afectada. Objetivo: Describir el curso clínico y manejo terapéutico de un paciente con tumor de células gigantes en el antebrazo. Caso clínico: Se presenta paciente masculino de 28 años, que se le diagnosticó tumoración ósea en tercio distal del cúbito, y a quien, por su voluntad de no atenderse, no se le realizó el abordaje y manejo quirúrgico. Un año después, regresó al servicio de urgencias. Tenía mayor volumen en las dimensiones tumorales, con cambios a nivel del tercio distal del cúbito, lesiones de patrón lítico, pérdida de la cortical, con reacción perióstica, bordes mal definidos y afectación de tejidos blandos circundantes. Se diagnóstico probable tumor de células gigantes. El manejo quirúrgico permitió la conservación del antebrazo, pero a un año de su intervención quirúrgica, dada la probabilidad de recidiva, su pronóstico permanece incierto. Conclusiones: La velocidad de crecimiento de los tumores de células gigantes amerita decisiones oportunas, dado que el tiempo que transcurre previo al tratamiento puede, como en el presente caso, traducirse en un crecimiento destructivo de los tejidos adyacentes. A más de un año de la cirugía, el pronóstico del paciente es incierto, pues la probabilidad de recidiva permanece latente(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Giant cell tumors can originate in bone, synovial, or any other soft tissue. They are characterized by their rapid growth. Despite being commonly benign, if they are allowed to evolve without treatment, they may destroy adjacent tissue, in its growth process, affecting the functionality, structure and appearance of the affected anatomical area. Objective: To describe the clinical course and therapeutic management of a patient with a giant cell tumor in the forearm. Clinical case: We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with a bone mass in the distal third of the ulna. This patient desired not to undergo surgical management. A year later, he returned to the emergency room. the tumor had greater dimensions, changes at the level of the distal third of ulna, lytic pattern lesions, loss of the cortex, periosteal reaction, poorly defined edges and involvement of surrounding soft tissues. Giant cell tumor was the probable diagnosis. Surgical management allowed the forearm preservation, but one year after surgery, the prognosis remains uncertain, given the probability of recurrence. Conclusions: The growth rate of giant cell tumors merits timely decisions, since the time that elapses prior to treatment can, as in the present case, translate into destructive growth of adjacent tissues. More than a year after surgery, the prognosis is uncertain for this patient, as the probability of recurrence remains latent(AU)

RÉSUMÉ Introduction: Les tumeurs à cellules géantes peuvent être localisées au niveau du tissu osseux, du tissu synovial ou d'un autre tissu mou quelconque. Elles sont caractérisées par une croissance rapide. Malgré leur classique bénignité, si elles évoluent sans traitement, elles risquent de détruire le tissu adjacent et d'altérer la fonction, la structure et l'apparence de la région affectée lors du processus de croissance. Objectif: Décrire l'évolution clinique et la prise en charge thérapeutique d'un patient atteint de tumeur à cellules géantes au niveau de l'avant-bras. Cas clinique: Un patient âgé de 28 ans, diagnostiqué d'une tumeur osseuse au niveau du tiers distal du cubitus, sans abord ni traitement chirurgical dû à son refus de soin, est présenté. Un an après, il est rentré au service d'urgence. La tumeur avait grandi, et présentait des changements au niveau du tiers distal du cubitus, des lésions lytiques, une perte osseuse corticale, une réaction périostée, des bords mal définis, et un dommage des tissus mous environnants. Une probable tumeur à cellules géantes a été diagnostiquée. Le traitement chirurgical a permis la conservation de l'avant-bras, mais un an après l'intervention, son pronostic reste incertain, étant donnée la probabilité de récidive. Conclusions: La rapide croissance des tumeurs exige des décisions opportunes, car le temps parcouru avant le traitement peut se traduire -comme dans ce cas- par une atteinte destructive des tissus adjacents. Plus d'un an après la chirurgie, le pronostic du patient reste incertain, parce que la probabilité de récidive est encore latente(AU)

Assisting Visually Impaired People in the Public Transport System through RF-Communication and Embedded Systems †.

For a significant number of people with visual impairments, public transport plays an important role in productivity, community participation, and independence, since it may be the only feasible mobility option to participate in their education, work, medical care, food, and to attend many other places in their community. To use the public bus system safely, effectively, and autonomously, these people need to collect information about their physical environment and visible information at stops and terminals, such as timetables, routes, etc. Unfortunately, most people who are blind or visually impaired experience difficulties in getting on the right bus or getting off at the right destination. These situations usually force them to depend on other people that assist them in activities close to their homes, or settle for simpler jobs, or simply stay at home. Therefore, our efforts should aim to develop a system where technology is used to empower people with visual disabilities, allowing them to navigate autonomously in the public transport system. This paper presents a system based on radio frequency (RF) communication proposed within the framework of the MOVIDIS (Mobility for Visually Disabled People) research project (funded by the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation-SENACYT, under Grants No. 109-2015-4-FID14-073 and No. 99-2018-4-FID17-031), which provides an alternative to assist people with visual disabilities with their mobility in the public transport system. The various modules of this system communicate with each other by means of radio frequency and allow users to interact with buses and their respective stops. The first experimental results show that RF communication represents a viable option to help people with visual disabilities in public transport services.

Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis With Allogeneic Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease and a common cause of joint pain, functional loss, and disability. Conventional treatments demonstrate only modest clinical benefits without lesion reversal. Autologous mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) treatments have shown feasibility, safety, and strong indications for clinical efficacy. We performed a randomized, active control trial to assess the feasibility and safety of treating osteoarthritis with allogeneic MSCs, and we obtain information regarding the efficacy of this treatment. METHODS: We randomized 30 patients with chronic knee pain unresponsive to conservative treatments and showing radiological evidence of osteoarthritis into 2 groups of 15 patients. The test group was treated with allogeneic bone marrow MSCs by intra-articular injection of 40 × 10(6) cells. The control group received intra-articular hyaluronic acid (60 mg, single dose). Clinical outcomes were followed for 1 year and included evaluations of pain, disability, and quality of life. Articular cartilage quality was assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping. RESULTS: Feasibility and safety were confirmed and indications of clinical efficacy were identified. The MSC-treated patients displayed significant improvement in algofunctional indices versus the active controls treated with hyaluronic acid. Quantification of cartilage quality by T2 relaxation measurements showed a significant decrease in poor cartilage areas, with cartilage quality improvements in MSC-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic MSC therapy may be a valid alternative for the treatment of chronic knee osteoarthritis that is more logistically convenient than autologous MSC treatment. The intervention is simple, does not require surgery, provides pain relief, and significantly improves cartilage quality.