Embryo production in middle-aged and mature Bos taurus × Bos indicus cows induced to multiple ovulation in a tropical environment.

The objective of the study was to evaluate embryo production in middle-aged and mature Bos taurus × Bos indicus cows induced to multiple ovulation (MO) in a tropical environment. Twenty-eight cows were assigned into two groups: (1) middle-aged cows = 4-6 years old (n = 13), and (2) mature cows = 8-12 years old (n = 15). All donors received the same MO protocol with follicle-stimulating hormone in decreasing dose during 4 days and two artificial insemination services. Total numbers of corpora lutea at embryo collection, structures collected, and viable embryos obtained, as well as recovery rate, were higher in middle-aged cows compared with mature cows (P < 0.05). A total number of degenerate embryos and unfertilized oocytes, as well as viability rate, were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the mature cows responded to the MO treatment, but the average of viable embryos recovered per donor was lower than in middle-aged cows. Therefore, the inclusion of cows ≥ 8 years old as donors in MO programs in tropical environments should be avoided.

EARLY ONSET OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SEASON IN CAPTIVE WHITE-TAILED DEER ( ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS VERAECRUCIS) IN EASTERN MEXICO.

The white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) inhabits a wide latitudinal range in the Americas. Deer species dwelling throughout wide latitudinal ranges have developed subspecies with variations in their reproductive seasonality. In northern subspecies of white-tailed deer, such as those from Canada and the United States, the breeding season occurs from October through December. Odocoileus virginianus veraecrucis is a subspecies that inhabits eastern Mexico, and because its reproductive season has not been studied, it is believed to be similar to that from northern subspecies. The objective of the study was to determine the onset of the breeding season and the profile of fecal steroid hormone metabolites throughout the year in captive white-tailed deer subspecies veraecrucis in Mexico. Two groups of adult deer were included: 1) six does and one buck at a Wildlife Conservation Unit, and 2) five does and one buck at a zoo. From each group of deer, representative fecal samples were collected on a weekly basis for 1 yr for fecal analysis of progesterone and estradiol in the does, and testosterone in the bucks. Data on antler casting, parturitions, and velvet shedding were recorded. Progesterone was high during pregnancy and low throughout the parturition period. Estradiol fluctuated throughout the year. Testosterone was high during the rut and low after antler casting. Antlers were cast in March and velvet was shed in August at both sites. Parturitions started in February at the zoo and in April at the Wildlife Unit. In captive white-tailed deer subspecies veraecrucis the breeding season started in July, and therefore earlier than what has been reported for subspecies from northern latitudes.

Faecal cortisol concentrations as indicator of stress during intensive fattening of beef cattle in a humid tropical environment.

The study evaluated the concentrations of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in intensively fattened beef cattle from a feedlot in a humid tropical environment. A total of 360 bulls weighing 271-371 kg were kept confined in pens from the start to the end of the fattening period (FP). At 24 h after arriving at the feedlot, cattle were distributed into the pens according to their live weight: 271-320 kg, 321-370 kg, and >370 kg. At the start of the FP, four pens of each weight group were randomly selected, and in each of them 10 faecal samples were obtained from 10 randomly selected bulls; this sampling was repeated in the same pens and in each weight group at the middle and end of the FP. The FCM were measured through enzyme immunoassay. The 271-320 kg group had higher FCM at the end of the FP (P < 0.05), the 321-370 kg group had similar FCM throughout the FP (P > 0.05), and the >370 kg group showed higher FCM at the start and end of the FP (P < 0.05). Higher FCM were observed at the middle of the FP in the 321-370 kg group, and at the end of the FP in the 271-320 kg and >370 kg groups (P < 0.05). Mean FCM obtained throughout the FP were within normal ranges for cattle, suggesting that appropriate management in feedlots in humid-tropical regions can provide bulls with a low-stress environment.

Natural and cultural longevity zones from an anthropological and geographical viewpoint.

There are natural and cultural variables that have an impact on the longevity of older adults. In the case of the former, it is necessary to know and territorialize them, and in the case of the latter, it is necessary to understand them through the analysis of customs and lifestyles. The zones of natural longevity, for this analysis, are those in which low levels of ionizing and ultraviolet radiation converge, as well as the presence of water containing deuterium oxide among its components. To address the cultural longevity zones, an ethnography was carried out in which it was observed that both the consumption of heavy water and the lifestyles generated by the production of coffee and sugar cane prolong life and good old age in the town of El Espinal, municipality of Naolinco, Veracruz.

ARF6-GTP recruits Nm23-H1 to facilitate dynamin-mediated endocytosis during adherens junctions disassembly.

ARF6-regulated endocytosis of E-cadherin is essential during the disassembly of adherens junctions in epithelial cells. Here, we show that activation of ARF6 promotes clathrin-dependent internalization of E-cadherin and caveolae at the basolateral cell surface. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ARF6-GTP, a constitutively activate form of ARF6, interacts with and recruits Nm23-H1, a nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase that provides a source of GTP for dynamin-dependent fission of coated vesicles during endocytosis. Finally, we show that ARF6-mediated recruitment of Nm-23-H1 to cell junctions is accompanied by a decrease in the cellular levels of Rac1-GTP, consistent with previous findings that Nm23-H1 down-regulates activation of Rac1. These studies provide a molecular basis for ARF6 function in polarized epithelia during adherens junction disassembly.

Arfaptin 2 regulates the aggregation of mutant huntingtin protein.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Here we demonstrate that expression of arfaptin 2/POR1 (partner of Rac1) in cultured cells induces the formation of pericentriolar and nuclear aggregates, which morphologically resemble mutant huntingtin aggregates characteristic of HD. Endogenous arfaptin 2 localizes to aggregates induced by expression of an abnormal amino-terminal fragment of huntingtin that contains polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions. A dominant inhibitory mutant of arfaptin 2 inhibits aggregation of mutant huntingtin, but not in the presence of proteasome inhibitors. Using cell-free biochemical assays, we show that arfaptin 2 inhibits proteasome activity. Finally, we show that expression of arfaptin 2 is increased at sites of neurodegeneration and the protein localizes to huntingtin aggregates in HD transgenic mouse brains. Our data suggest that arfaptin 2 is involved in regulating huntingtin protein aggregation, possibly by impairing proteasome function.

Embryo production after superovulation of bovine donors with a reduced number of FSH applications and an increased eCG dose.

This study evaluated embryo production after superovulation (SO) with a reduced number of FSH applications and increased eCG dose in 26 Bos taurus × Bos indicus donors. On Day 0, donors received an intravaginal device (CIDR) with 1.9 g of progesterone plus 2.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and 50 mg of progesterone via IM. On Day 4, donors were randomly allotted to one of three SO treatments: 1) 455 IU of Folltropin +400 IU of eCG (n = 9), 2) 350 IU of Folltropin +600 IU of eCG (n = 9), and 3) 500 IU of Pluset + 600 IU of eCG (n = 8). In treatment 455 IU of Folltropin +400 IU of eCG, donors received eight IM Folltropin injections in decreasing dose 12 h apart from Day 4 to Day 7. On Day 6, at the same time as the Folltropin, donors received via IM 25 mg of dinoprost tromethamine (PGF2a). On Day 7, the CIDR was removed, and together with the Folltropin, donors received 200 IU of eCG via IM. In treatment 350 IU of Folltropin +600 IU of eCG, donors received four IM Folltropin injections in decreasing dose 12 h apart on Days 4 and 5. On Day 6, donors received via IM 600 IU of eCG in the morning and two doses of 25 mg of PGF2a 12 h apart. On Day 7, the CIDR was removed. Donors from treatment 500 IU of Pluset +600 IU of eCG received four IM Pluset injections in decreasing dose 12 h apart on Days 4 and 5. On Day 6, donors received via IM 600 IU of eCG in the morning and two doses of 25 mg of PGF2a 12 h apart. On Day 7, the CIDR was removed. In the morning of Day 8, donors from the three treatments received 0.25 mg of GnRH via IM. Artificial insemination was performed on Day 8 (pm) and Day 9 (am). Embryos were collected on Day 15. Variables evaluated were number of CL before embryo collection, number of structures recovered, transferable embryos, degenerate embryos and unfertilized oocytes, recovery rate, and viability rate. There was no difference in any variable among treatments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, replacement of four Folltropin or Pluset injections from a conventional eight FSH-injection SO protocol, by a single injection of 600 IU of eCG, is a good alternative to reduce donor handling without decreasing yield of transferable embryos.

Lysosomal targeting of E-cadherin: a unique mechanism for the down-regulation of cell-cell adhesion during epithelial to mesenchymal transitions.

A hallmark characteristic of epithelial tumor progression as well as some processes of normal development is the loss of the epithelial phenotype and acquisition of a motile or mesenchymal phenotype. Such epithelial to mesenchymal transitions are accompanied by the loss of E-cadherin function by either transcriptional or posttranscriptional mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that, upon v-Src expression, a potent trigger of epithelial to mesenchymal transitions, E-cadherin is internalized and then shuttled to the lysosome instead of being recycled back to the lateral membrane. Thus, while E-cadherin internalization facilitates the dissolution of adherens junctions, its subsequent traffic to the lysosome serves as a means to ensure that cells do not reform their cell-cell contacts and remain motile. We also show that ubiquitin tagging of E-cadherin is essential for its sorting to the lysosome. The lysosomal targeting of E-cadherin is mediated by hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs) and v-Src-induced activation of the Rab5 and Rab7 GTPases. Our studies reveal that the lysosomal targeting of E-cadherin is an important posttranscriptional mechanism to deplete cellular E-cadherin during Src-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transitions.

Serum concentrations of corticosterone and sex hormones and their relationship in farmed Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) / Concentraciones séricas de corticosterona y de hormonas sexuales y su relación en el cocodrilo de Morelet (Crocodylus moreletii) criado en granja / Concentrações de soro de corticosterona e de hormônios sexuais e sua relação em crocodilo de Morelet (Crocodylus moreletii) criado em fazenda

Abstract Background: Crocodile farming aims to produce high-quality skins from captive crocodilians. Captivity usually exposes the animals to stressful conditions, resulting in increased serum corticosterone (CORT) levels that correlate negatively with those of sex hormones and reproductive success. Objective: To evaluate serum concentrations of CORT and sex hormones and their relationship in farmed Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) during the non-breeding (NBS) and breeding (BS) seasons. Methods: The study included 59 adult crocodiles (29 females and 30 males). One blood sample was collected in NBS (n=31) and BS (n=28) from each crocodile to determine serum concentrations of CORT, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T). Crocodiles were kept in mixed-sex groups and were fed once or twice a week throughout the study. Results: In females, CORT was higher in NBS (p<0.05) but had no correlation with E2 or P4 in any season (p>0.05). In males, CORT was similar in NBS and BS (p>0.05) and had no correlation with T (p>0.5). Conclusion: The CORT levels had no effect on sex hormones. This could be explained by low CORT levels resulting from farming conditions were the animals were not expose to severe or chronic stress.

Resumen Antecedentes: La cría de cocodrilos en granja busca producir pieles de alta calidad de cocodrilianos en cautiverio. El cautiverio usualmente expone a los animales a condiciones estresantes, resultando en altas concentraciones séricas de corticosterona (CORT) que se correlacionan negativamente con los niveles de hormonas sexuales y el éxito reproductivo. Objetivo: Evaluar las concentraciones séricas de CORT y de hormonas sexuales y su relación en cocodrilos Moreletii (Crocodylus moreletii) criados en granja, tanto durante la época no reproductiva (NBS) como en la reproductiva (BS). Métodos: El estudio incluyó 59 cocodrilos adultos (29 hembras y 30 machos). Se recolectó una muestra de sangre de cada cocodrilo en NBS (n=31) y BS (n=28) para determinar las concentraciones séricas de CORT, estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) y testosterona (T). Los cocodrilos permanecieron en grupos mixtos de machos y hembras y fueron alimentados una o dos veces por semana durante el estudio. Resultados: En hembras, CORT fue más alta en NBS (p<0,05), pero no se correlacionó con E2 o P4 en ninguna temporada (p>0,05). En machos, CORT fue similar en NBS y BS (p>0,05) y no tuvo correlación con T (p>0,05). Conclusión: Las concentraciones de CORT no tuvieron efecto sobre las hormonas sexuales, tal vez debido a que la CORT tuvo niveles bajos como resultado de las condiciones de manejo de la granja en las que los animales no se expusieron a estrés severo o crónico.

Resumo Antecedentes: A criação de crocodilos em fazenda procura produzir couros de alta qualidade de crocodilos em cativeiro. O cativeiro geralmente expõe os animais a condições estressantes, resultando em altas concentrações de soro de corticosterona (CORT) que têm correlação negativa com os níveis de hormônios sexuais e o sucesso reprodutivo. Objetivo: Avaliar as concentrações de soro de CORT e hormônios sexuais e sua relação em crocodilos Moreletii (Crocodylus moreletii) criado em fazenda, nas estações de não reprodução (NBS) e reprodução (BS). Métodos: O estudo incluiu 59 crocodilos (29 fêmeas e 30 machos). Uma amostra de sangue foi coletada de cada crocodilo em NBS (n=31) e BS (n=28) para determinar as concentrações de soro de CORT, estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) e testosterona (T). Ao longo do estudo, os crocodilos permaneceram em grupos mistos de machos e fêmeas e foram alimentados uma ou duas vezes por semana. Resultados: Em fêmeas, CORT foi maior em NBS (p<0,05), mas não teve correlação com E2 ou P4 em qualquer estação (p>0,05). Em machos, CORT foi parecido em NBS e BS (p>0,05) e não teve correlação com T (p>0,05). Conclusão: As concentrações de CORT não tiveram efeito sobre os hormônios sexuais talvez porque o CORT foi baixo como resultado das condições de tratamento em fazenda que não expuseram os animais a estresse severo ou crônico.

Rol del fisioterapeuta en el entorno escolar. Revisión sistemática / Role of the physiotherapist in the school environment. Systematic review

Resumen Introducción: el rol del fisioterapeuta en el entorno escolar, como profesional partícipe en el desarrollo neuromotor del niño y su proceso de aprendizaje, se observa como un campo profesional desde un enfoque no clínico, convirtiéndose en una oportunidad de generación de nuevas alternativas laborales y conocimientos disciplinares. Esta investigación se orienta con el objetivo de analizar el rol del fisioterapeuta en el entorno escolar. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, Lilacs y Google Scholar, desde el inicio de las bases de datos hasta octubre del 2019. Los criterios de selección fueron previamente definidos según la edad de la población y el tema del artículo. Resultados: de los 9 artículos incluidos, las principales actividades encontradas se refieren a la promoción de la actividad física, psicomotricidad, inclusión escolar, rehabilitación en la escuela y asesoría a los docentes. De los roles encontrados, el de mayor frecuencia es el de facilitador de la inclusión escolar, dado que es la actividad más visibilizada. Conclusiones: de las 5 actividades identificadas del fisioterapeuta en la escuela, se destaca, principalmente, la inclusión escolar y la asesoría al docente. Sin embargo, la labor como promotor de la actividad física cobra importancia en la intervención del fisioterapeuta en la salud pública. REGISTRO PROSPERO CRD42020160617.

Summary Introduction: The role of the physiotherapist in the school environment as a professional participates in the neuromotor development of the child and their learning process, it is observed as a professional field from a non-clinical approach, becoming an opportunity to generate new work alternatives and disciplinary knowledge. This research is oriented with the objective of analyzing the role of the physiotherapist in the school environment. Methodology: A systematic search was carried out in the databases PUBMED, Scopus, PeDRO, Lylacs and google scholar, from the beginning until October 2019. The selection criteria were previously defined regarding the age of the population and the subject of the article. Results: Of the 9 articles included, the main activities found refer to the promotion of physical activity, psychomotor skills, school inclusion, rehabilitation at school and advice to teachers. Of the roles found, the one with the highest frequency is that of facilitator of school inclusion, since it is the most visible activity. Conclusions: Of the 5 activities identified by the physiotherapist in the school, school inclusion and teacher counseling stand out mainly. However, the work as a promoter of physical activity becomes important in the intervention of the physiotherapist in public health. REGISTER PROSPERO CRD42020160617.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with chronic osteomyelitis of the knee.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) associated with chronic inflammation is a recently adopted category of DLBCL, which describes an aggressive B-cell lymphoma raised in the setting of non-immune chronic inflammation. Primary presentation of this subtype of DLBCL in bone is extremely rare. Here, we present the case of a 27 year old woman with DLBCL of the right distal femur, identified after a three-year history of chronic osteomyelitis. In this report, we describe the clinical and histopathologic features of this unusual presentation of DLBCL and discuss aspects relevant to diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

Condiciones de salud oral en ancianos del club geriátrico “Abue-Club” en Paraguay / Oral health conditions in elderly of the geriatric club “Abue-Club” in Paraguay

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las condiciones de salud oral en personas mayores de 60 años del club geriátrico “Abue-Club”, Parroquia Virgen de Fátima-Barcequillo-San Lorenzo–Paraguay. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en adultos mayores de 60 años, que incluyó la exploración bucodental, evaluación de saliva post-estímulo y una encuesta para evaluar dieta, hábitos de higiene y acceso a los servicios de salud. El 63,9% de los evaluados era del sexo femenino con una mediana de edad de 72,6 años y en varones 68,8 años. El Índice CPOD total fue 23,4, con una prevalencia de caries activa del 75%. El 33,3% presentó edentulismo total (39,1% en mujeres y 23,1% en hombres). El 83,3% tenía más de la mitad de sus dientes ausentes, con mayor frecuencia en mujeres (86,9%). El 69,4% utilizaba prótesis, de los cuales el 56% usaba prótesis total. La prevalencia de enfermedad periodontal por el Índice de Russel fue de 66,7%; 70,8% con lesiones destructivas óseas y/ó bolsas periodontales. El 89% de la población presentó saliva fluida y 75% en cantidad normal (>1 ml). El 56% de los participantes acudió a un servicio odontológico un año o menos antes del estudio, siendo más frecuente en mujeres (69,5%). El grupo de estudio presentó marcado deterioro de salud oral, caracterizado por el edentulismo parcial y total, con alta frecuencia de uso de prótesis total; por tanto urge la necesidad de promoción de salud, con énfasis en la prevención de pérdidas dentarias y alternativas de rehabilitación protésica.

The objective of the study was to describe the oral health conditions of people over 60years from the geriatric grandparents club, Virgen de Fatima Parish-San LorenzoBarcequillo-Paraguay.It was a cross-sectional study carried out in adults over 60 years,which included oral examination, evaluation of post-stimulus saliva and a survey to assessdiet, oral hygiene and access to health services. Sixty three point nine percent (63.9%) ofthose tested were women with a median age of 72.6 years and 68.8 years for men. Theoverall DMFT index was 23.4, with a prevalence of 75% active caries. Thirty three pointthree (33.3%) were edentulous (39.1% women and 23.1% men) and 83.3% had more thanhalf his teeth missing, which was observed more frequently in women: 86.9%. A prosthesiswas used by 69.4% and 56% had full dentures. The prevalence of periodontal disease byRussel Index was 66.7%, 70.8% with destructive bone lesions and/or periodontal pockets.Eighty nine percent of the population had fluid saliva and 75% normal amount (>1 ml).Fifty six percent (56%) went to dental services one year or less before the study and thiswas more frequent in women (69.5%). The study group showed marked deterioration oftheir oral health, characterized by partial and total edentulism, with high frequency of theuse of a total prosthesis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for health promotion, withemphasis on the prevention of tooth loss and alternatives prosthetic rehabilitation.

Older people’s imaginarium aboutlife after death / El imaginario de los adultos mayores sobre la vida después de la muerte

The paper analyzes the Older people’s Imaginarium about life after death, we did a simpling worked with believers, people around over 60 years old, all them believers, Catholics, Methodists, Adventists and Pentecostals, who live in the Veracruz state capital, in Mexico. The information was taked through in-depth interviews and guided discussions about the topic. Research shows the imaginary life beyond has to do with actions and practices, cultural contexts, historical economic, religious customs that the company and / or individuals have accumulated in their daily lives. The central question is present in all the work is: What role is playing these imaginary in the earthly life? How to give meaning and how human life transform?.

El trabajo analiza el imaginario de los adultos mayores sobre la vida espués de la muerte, en una muestra de creyentes mayores de 60 años, todos ellos creyentes católicos, metodistas, adventistas y pentecostales, que viven en la capital del estado de Veracruz, México. La información se llevó a cabo a través de entrevistas a profundidad y prácticas guiadas sobre el tema. La investigación muestra que el imaginario de la vida en el más allá, tiene que ver con acciones y prácticas, con contextos culturales, históricos, económicos, religiosos, costumbres que la sociedad y/o los individuos han acumulado en su vida cotidiana. La pregunta central que esta presente en todo el trabajo es: ¿Qué papel juegan estos imaginarios en la vida terrenal? ¿Cómo dotan de sentido la vida humana cómo la transforman?.

El imaginario de los adultos mayores sobre la vida después de la muerte / The imaginary of the elderly about life after death

El trabajo analiza el imaginario de los adultos mayores sobre la vida después de la muerte, en una muestra de creyentes mayores de 60 años, todos ellos creyentes católicos, metodistas, adventistas y pentecostales, que viven en la capital del estado de Veracruz, México. La información se llevó a cabo a través de entrevistas a profundidad y prácticas guiadas sobre el tema. La investigación muestra que el imaginario de la vida en el más allá, tiene que ver con acciones y prácticas, con contextos culturales, históricos, económicos, religiosos, costumbres que la sociedad y/o los individuos han acumulado en su vida cotidiana. La pregunta central que esta presente en todo el trabajo es: ¿Qué papel juegan estos imaginarios en la vida terrenal? ¿Cómo dotan de sentido la vida humana cómo la transforman...

The paper analyzes the imagery of the elderly about life after death, believers in a sample of over 60 years, all believing Catholics, Methodists, Adventists and Pentecostals, who live in the capital of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The information was conducted through in-depth interviews and guided discussions on the topic. Research shows that the imaginary life in the beyond has to do with actions and practices, cultural contexts, historical economic, religious customs that the company and / or individuals have accumulated in their daily lives. The central question is present in all the work is: What role is playing these imaginary in the earthly life? How to give meaning and how human life transform...

Modulation of Rac1 and ARF6 activation during epithelial cell scattering.

Epithelial cell scattering encompasses the dissolution of intercellular junctions, cell-cell dissociation, cell spreading, and motility. The Rac1 and ARF6 GTPases have been shown to regulate one or more of these aforementioned processes. In fact, activated Rac1 has been shown to promote cell-cell adhesion as well as to enhance cell motility, leading to conflicting reports on the effect of Rac1 activation on epithelial cell motility. In this study, we have examined the activation profiles of endogenous Rac1 and ARF6 during the sequential stages of epithelial cell scattering. Using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells treated with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor or cell lines stably expressing activated v-Src, we show that Rac1 and ARF6 exhibit distinct activation profiles during cell scattering. We have found that an initial ARF6-dependent decrease in the levels of Rac1-GTP is necessary to induce cell-cell dissociation. This is followed by a steady increase in Rac1 and ARF6 activation and cell migration. In sum, this study documents the progression of ARF6 and Rac1 activities during epithelial cell scattering.