Substitution of soybean meal for yellow mealworm meal in the diet of slow-growing chickens provides comparable carcass traits and meat quality.

1. This study investigated the effects of incorporating yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larval meal as a partial and/or complete substitute for soybean meal on carcass and meat quality in slow-growing chickens.2. A total of 256 one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to 1 of 32 experimental units distributed among four treatments (n = 8): the control treatment (C), where soybean (SB) meal was the protein source, and three experimental treatments, in which SB meal was replaced by Tenebrio molitor (TM) larval meal at levels of 50% (T1), 75% (T2) and 100% (T3), respectively. Three different feed phases (1-29; 29-57 and 57-92 d of age) were used for each treatment. All chickens were slaughtered at 92 d of age, with eight animals per treatment randomly selected to assess carcass and meat quality. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) was used to classify meat quality.3. Carcass traits were not significantly different between treatments, except for head and thigh weight, which were higher in the control group (p < 0.01). In terms of physicochemical characteristics, treatment T2 showed less yellowness (p < 0.05), while water and cooking losses were lower in treatments T1 and T2 (p < 0.01). Meat from both T1 and T2 groups had lower shear forces (p < 0.01), higher moisture content (p < 0.01) and less protein (p < 0.05) compared to treatments C andT3. Birds fed T3 had the highest meat ash content (p < 0.01). Chickens consuming TM had higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-6 acidsPUFA (p < 0.01).4. Substitution of SB with TM is a protein alternative for slow-growing chickens that supports carcass and meat quality comparable to those fed a conventional diet.

Silver nanoparticles are lethal to the ciliate model Tetrahymena and safe to the pike silverside Chirostoma estor.

Ciliate ectoparasites are one of the most important groups of pathogens in fish culture, and the traditional treatments are sometimes harmful to the fish and the environment. Thus, the search for novel compounds that are effective at low concentrations and safe for fish are necessary to optimise treatments in aquaculture. The antiprotozoal capacity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against the ciliate Tetrahymena has been documented; however, their toxicity may vary with the synthesis methodology and nanoparticle size. The objectives of this study were a) to evaluate the acute toxicity in vitro of two AgNPs (Argovit™ and UTSA) on Tetrahymena sp., a biological model for ciliated ectoparasites of fish and b) to test the safety of lethal and higher doses of UTSA AgNPs for ciliates on the fish C. estor. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine whether AgNPs affected the structure of the cell surface of Tetrahymena. The mortality, histopathological alterations and metagenomics of the fish were used to determine the major effects of UTSA AgNPs. In Tetrahymena, the median lethal concentration (LC50) for Argovit™ was 2501 ± 1717 ng/L at 15 min and 796 ± 510 ng/L at 60 min, while the LC50 for UTSA AgNPs was 4 ± 2 and 1 ± 0.6 ng/L at 15 min and 60 min, respectively. A concentration of 3300 ng/L Argovit™ and 10.6 ng/L UTSA AgNPs for 15 and 60 min, respectively, was 100% effective against Tetrahymena. After 60 min of exposure to 0.25 and 0.50 ng/L UTSA AgNPs, the number of cilia significantly reduced, there were small holes on the cell surface, and the cellular membrane was ruptured. In fish exposed to lethal (10.6 ng/L) and higher (31.8 and 95.4 ng/L) doses of UTSA, the AgNPs did not affect fish survival after 96 h, and there were no signs of histopathological damage or gut microbial changes. This study is the first report on microscopic and ultrastructural changes in Tetrahymena after exposure to significantly low concentrations of UTSA AgNPs with antiprotozoal efficacy without evidence of harmful effects on fish. These results provide the basis for further studies of both pet aquarium and commercial fish that may validate these findings at a larger experimental scale, taking into account AgNPs bioaccumulation, safety for human consumption and environmental impact.

Rapid scanning optical delay line based on a diffraction grating pair for a low-coherence reflectometer.

We present a simple low-coherence time-domain interferometric reflectometer with a rapidly scanning optical delay line (RSODL) based on a non-parallel diffraction grating (DG) pair. The novelty of the solution is that the lightwave in the reference channel is focused on a galvo-mirror in a sub-mm static spot, which allows implementation of fast microelectromechanical systems scan optics. It is shown that the DG pair can be operated as a non-dispersive element that provides dynamic group delay of a reference lightwave. The DG pair system is also capable of tuning the RSODL dispersion from negative to positive values. The experimental depth range in air was obtained as large as 2.5 mm for axial resolution of 20 µm.

Temperature and rainfall are related to fertility rate after spring artificial insemination in small ruminants.

A total number of 1092 artificial inseminations (AIs) performed from March to May were documented over four consecutive years on 10 Payoya goat farms (36° N) and 19,392 AIs on 102 Rasa Aragonesa sheep farms (41° N) over 10 years. Mean, maximum, and minimum ambient temperatures, mean relative humidity, mean solar radiation, and total rainfall on each insemination day were recorded. Overall, fertility rates were 58 % in goats and 45 % in sheep. The fertility rates of the highest and lowest deciles of each of the meteorological variables indicated that temperature and rainfall had a significant effect on fertility in goats. Specifically, inseminations that were performed when mean (68 %), maximum (68 %), and minimum (66 %) temperatures were in the highest decile, and rainfall was in the lowest decile (59 %), had a significantly (P < 0.0001) higher proportion of does that became pregnant than did the ewes in the lowest decile (56, 54, 58, and 49 %, respectively). In sheep, the fertility rates of the highest decile of mean (62 %), maximum (62 %), and minimum (52 %) temperature, RH (52 %), THI (53 %), and rainfall (45 %) were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than were the fertility rates among ewes in the lowest decile (46, 45, 45, 45, 46, and 43 %, respectively). In conclusion, weather was related to fertility in small ruminants after AI in spring. It remains to be determined whether scheduling the dates of insemination based on forecasted temperatures can improve the success of AI in goats and sheep.

A complete chitinolytic system in the atherinopsid pike silverside Chirostoma estor: gene expression and activities.

The expression and digestive activity of pike silverside Chirostoma estor endogenous chitinases were analysed in samples from four life stages: whole eggs; larvae; juvenile intestine and hepatopancreas and adult intestine and hepatopancreas. A chitinase cDNA was cloned and partially sequenced (GenBank accession number: FJ785521). It was highly homologous to non-acidic chitinase sequences from other fish species, suggesting that it is a chitotriosidase. Quantitative PCR showed that this chitinase was expressed throughout the life span of C. estor, with maximum expression in the hepatopancreas of juveniles. Chitotriosidase and chitobiosidase activities were found at all life stages, along with a very high level of N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAGase). The chitotriosidase activity could be encoded by the cloned complementary (c)DNA, although additional chitinase genes may be present. The chitotriosidase activity appeared to be transcriptionally regulated only at the juvenile stage. The expression and activity of chitinases tended to increase from the early to juvenile stages, suggesting that these variables are stimulated by chitin-rich live food. Nevertheless, the feeding of juvenile and adult fish with both live food and a balanced commercial diet seemed to provoke significant reductions in pancreatic NAGase secretion and/or synthesis in the gut. Moreover, all chitinase activities were lower in adults, probably reflecting a higher intake and use of the balanced diet. The observation of chitotriosidase and chitobiosidase activities together with a very high NAGase activity suggest the presence of a complete and compensatory chitinolytic chitinase system that enables this stomachless short-gut fish species to use chitin as an energy substrate. These novel findings suggest that dietary inclusions of chitin-rich ingredients or by-products might reduce the farming costs of C. estor without impairing performance.

Rheological Flow Behavior of Structural Polysaccharides from Edible Tender Cladodes of Wild, Semidomesticated and Cultivated 'Nopal' (Opuntia) of Mexican Highlands.

The aim of this study was to quantify the content of polysaccharides of edible tender cladodes (nopalitos) of three species of Opuntia and to evaluate the rheological flow behavior of isolated polysaccharides. A completely randomized experimental design was used to characterize a wild (O. streptacantha), a semidomesticated (O. megacantha) and a domesticated (O. ficus-indica) species. Mucilage content was higher (4.93 to 12.43 g 100 g-1 dry matter), tightly bound hemicelluloses were lower (3.32 to 1.81 g 100 g-1 dry matter) and pectins and loosely bound hemicelluloses were not different in wild than in domesticated species. Aqueous solution/suspensions of mucilage, pectins, hemicellulose and cellulose of all species showed non-Newtonian behavior under simple shear flow. The flow behavior of the structural polysaccharides was well described by the Ostwald de-Waele model. Pectins and mucilages exhibited the highest consistency indexes (K values ranged from 0.075 to 0.177 Pasn) with a moderated shear-thinning behavior (n values ranged from 0.53 to 0.67). Cellulose dispersions exhibited the most shear-thinning behavior (n values ranged from 0.17 to 0.41) and hemicelluloses showed a tendency to Newtonian flow (n values ranged from 0.82 to 0.97). The rheological flow properties of these polysaccharides may be useful to improve the textural and sensory qualities of some foods and pharmaceutical materials. Moreover, they can emerge as functional ingredients mainly due to the nutraceutical properties that have been attributed to nopalitos.

Effectiveness of a three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound in perianal Crohn's disease: incompatibility with clinical and surgical examinations.

PURPOSE: We have correlated the 3D anorectal ultrasound (3D ARU) findings with clinical examination and the surgical findings and examined its capacity to provide ancillary information, which potentially alters patient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective analysis conducted at a tertiary academic hospital. A total of 95 patients were included. We screened for sphincter defects and the presence of perianal Crohn's disease (PACD)-related lesions. RESULTS: We performed 150 3D ARUs. Exploratory ultrasound coincided with the rationale for diagnosis in 67.7% of cases, and fistulae were detected in 79% of cases where there was clinical suspicion. Fistulae were associated with abscesses in 29 cases, and isolated abscesses were identified in 19 cases (17.7%), only 12 of which (63.2%) were clinically suspected. Sphincter defects were observed in 15 cases with 7 cases (77.8%) presenting with clinical fecal incontinence. The operative findings coincided with ultrasonographic findings in 81.3% of the analyzed cases. The inter-observer variability of endosonographic classification resulted in a kappa score of 0.86. Ultrasonographic data altered the therapeutic plan of management in 73 cases (48.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ARU is accurate in the diagnosis of fistula type in PACD and in the delineation of ancillary suspected and unsuspected abscess collections. Its use impacts therapeutic management in about half the cases examined. A new ultrasonographic-based PACD classification system is presented which has high inter-observer agreement but which requires future prospective validation in clinical PACD patients.

Meteorological variables affect fertility rate after intrauterine artificial insemination in sheep in a seasonal-dependent manner: a 7-year study.

A total number of 48,088 artificial inseminations (AIs) have been controlled during seven consecutive years in 79 dairy sheep Spanish farms (41° N). Mean, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures (Ts), temperature amplitude (TA), mean relative humidity (RH), mean solar radiation (SR) and total rainfall of each insemination day and 15 days later were recorded. Temperature-humidity index (THI) and effective temperature (ET) have been calculated. A binary logistic regression model to estimate the risk of not getting pregnant compared to getting pregnant, through the odds ratio (OR), was performed. Successful winter inseminations were carried out under higher SR (P < 0.01) and summer inseminations under lower SR values (P < 0.05). Successful inseminations during the summer were performed under significantly lower maximum T (P < 0.01), while winter inseminations resulted in pregnancy when they were carried out under higher maximum (P < 0.05) and minimum Ts (P < 0.01). Up to five meteorological variables presented OR >1 (maximum T, ET and rainfall on AI day, and ET and rainfall on day 15), and two variables presented OR <1 (SR on AI day and maximum T on day 15). However, the effect of meteorological factors affected fertility in opposite ways, so T becomes a protective or risk factor on fertility depending on season. In conclusion, the percentage of pregnancy after AI in sheep is significantly affected by meteorological variables in a seasonal-dependent manner, so the parameters such as temperature reverse their effects in the hot or cold seasons. A forecast of the meteorological conditions could be a useful tool when AI dates are being scheduled.

Percutaneous neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve for the treatment of faecal incontinence - mid-term results: is retreatment required?

AIM: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has emerged in recent years as a therapy for faecal incontinence. Its long-term effectiveness is yet to be established, along with what the form of retreatment should be in the event of loss of effectiveness. The present study aimed to establish the mid-term results to identify the proportion of patients who may need further treatment, and if so when. METHOD: A prospective study including 30 patients was conducted at an academic hospital. The patients underwent 12 weekly outpatient treatment sessions, each lasting 30 min (first PTNS phase). Neuromodulation was discontinued in those patients who did not have a 40% decrease in their pretreatment Wexner score. Patients having a better than 40% response were offered another 12-week course of complete treatment (second PTNS phase), following which they received no further PTNS treatment (phase without PTNS) but were assessed at 6 months and 2 years. RESULTS: All patients finished the first phase and 22/30 patients continued to the second phase. During this phase 11 patients showed an improved Wexner score (baseline/first phase/second phase: 14.3 ± 4.2 vs 9.9 ± 5.4 vs 6.8 ± 5.4). After a 6-month period without any treatment, the score was still improved in 11/30 patients (9.1 ± 6.2). At 2 years there was improvement in 16/30 patients (8.8 ± 7.1). There was a significant improvement in three variables of the quality of life questionnaire: lifestyle, coping behaviour and embarrassment. CONCLUSION: The response to first and second phase PTNS was maintained for up to 2 years. Retreatment was not required in about half of patients, even when they had finished the treatment 6 months or 2 years previously.

Photoperiodic growth enhancement in a tropical batch spawning atherinopsid, pike silverside Chirostoma estor.

The effect of photoperiod on growth and survival in early life was determined in the tropical batch spawning atherinopsid, pike silverside Chirostoma estor. The results demonstrate high sensitivity of newly hatched C. estor to photoperiod treatments up to 90 days post hatch shown by improved growth in mass (43%) under continuous illumination. This is accompanied by increased fat deposition, which suggests a critical interaction between different photoperiod-mediated mechanisms. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms can help to optimize the development of aquaculture of C. estor and similar species.

Urine high and low molecular weight proteins one-year post-kidney transplant: relationship to histology and graft survival.

Increased urinary protein excretion is common after renal transplantation and portends worse outcome. In this study we assessed the prognostic contribution of several urinary proteins. Urinary total protein, albumin, retinol binding protein (RBP), α-1-microglobulin, IgG and IgM were measured in banked urine samples from 221 individuals 1 year after renal transplantation (age 52 ± 13 years, 55% male, 93% Caucasian and 82% living donor). Levels of all proteins measured were higher than in normal nontransplant populations. Patients with glomerular lesions had higher urinary albumin than those with normal histology, while those with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy plus inflammation (ci>0, cg = 0, i>0) had higher levels of IgG, IgM, α-1-microglobulin and RBP. Concomitant normal levels of urinary albumin, IgM and RBP identified normal histology (specificity 91%, sensitivity 15%,). Urinary levels of the specific proteins were highly correlated, could not differentiate among the histologic groups, and appeared to result from tubulointerstitial damage. Increased urinary excretion of the low molecular weight protein RBP was a sensitive marker of allografts at risk, predicting long-term graft loss independent of histology and urinary albumin. This study highlights the prognostic importance of tubulointerstitial disease for long-term graft loss.

Adhesion to brown trout skin mucus, antagonism against cyst adhesion and pathogenicity to rainbow trout of some inhibitory bacteria against Saprolegnia parasitica .

Biological control of saprolegniosis with bacteria might be an alternative to the use of chemical compounds. Among criteria for the selection of such bacteria are their absence of pathogenicity to fish and their ability to prevent adhesion of the pathogen to the skin mucus. The pathogenicity to rainbow trout of 21 bacterial isolates with in vitro inhibitory activity against Saprolegnia parasitica was studied. Fifteen of the isolates, identified as Aeromonas sobria, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia fonticola, Xanthomonas retroflexus and Yersinia kristensenii, were non-pathogenic when injected into rainbow trout. Their capacity to adhere to the skin mucus of male and female brown trout and to reduce the adhesion of S. parasitica cysts under exclusion, competition and displacement conditions was tested. The 15 bacterial isolates showed a low adhesion rate, ranging between 1.7% (for an A. sobria isolate) and 15.3% (a P. fluorescens isolate). This adhesion was greater in the case of mucus from male brown trout than from females. Similarities in the adhesion to male mucus and other substrates and correlation to that observed to polystyrene suggest that adhesion to skin mucus does not depend on the substrate. A high percentage (88.9%) of the S. parasitica cysts adhered to the skin mucus of male brown trout. Almost all of the bacteria reduced this adhesion ratio significantly under exclusion and competition conditions. However, only half of the isolates displaced cysts from skin mucus, and more bacterial cells were necessary for this effect. A novel method to study the adhesion of S. parasitica cysts to skin mucus of trout and their interactions with inhibitory bacteria is described.

Perceived stigma related to TB preventive therapy.

BACKGROUND: TB preventative therapy (TPT) is crucial for reducing the burden of TB in endemic settings. We assessed stigma associated with TPT and the social groups from whom stigma was anticipated.METHODS: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling adults in rural South Africa. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, χ² tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Poisson regression were used to identify factors associated with TPT stigma.RESULTS: The mean age of the 104 participants was 35 years, 65% were female, and 26% had completed secondary school. The vast majority perceived stigma associated with TPT (71%; mean score 1.7, SD ± 1.4). Factor analysis identified a two-factor solution that explained 61.9% of the variance. Being single (P < 0.001), previously screened for TB (P = 0.04), worried about being infected by TB (P = 0.006), and interested in taking TPT (P = 0.01) were associated with higher perceived stigma scores. TPT stigma was perceived among 8%, 16%, and 66% of their family, friends, and other community members, respectively.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TPT-related stigma in a rural South African community was high. Community members anticipated less stigma from family members compared to other social groups. Global expansion and implementation of TPT will require novel interventions, such as engaging patients´ families to support uptake and promote adherence.

Effect of salinity on the biosynthesis of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in silverside Chirostoma estor.

The genus Chirostoma (silversides) belongs to the family Atherinopsidae, which contains around 150 species, most of which are marine. However, Mexican silverside (Chirostoma estor) is one of the few representatives of freshwater atherinopsids and is only found in some lakes of the Mexican Central Plateau. However, studies have shown that C. estor has improved survival, growth, and development when cultured in water conditions with increased salinity. In addition, C. estor displays an unusual fatty acid composition for a freshwater fish with high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/ eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios. Freshwater and marine fish species display very different essential fatty acid metabolism and requirements, and so the present study investigated long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis to determine the capacity of C. estor for endogenous production of EPA and DHA, and the effect that salinity has on these pathways. Briefly, C. estor were maintained at three salinities (0, 5, and 15 ppt), and the metabolism of ¹4C-labeled 18:3n-3 was determined in isolated hepatocyte and enterocyte cells. The results showed that C. estor has the capacity for endogenous biosynthesis of LC-PUFA from 18-carbon fatty acid precursors, but that the pathway was essentially only active in saline conditions with virtually no activity in cells isolated from fish grown in freshwater. The activity of the LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathway was also higher in cells isolated from fish at 15 ppt compared with fish at 5 ppt. The activity was around fivefold higher in hepatocytes compared with enterocytes; although the majority of 18:3n-3 was converted to 18:4n-3 and 20:4n-3 in hepatocytes, the proportions of 18:3n-3 converted to EPA and DHA were higher in enterocytes. The data were consistent with the hypothesis that conversion of EPA to DHA could contribute, at least in part, to the generally high DHA/EPA ratios observed in the tissue lipids of C. estor.

Measuring lamb activity during lactation by actigraphy.

Twenty-two lambs were used to determine their locomotor activity during lactation, and its circadian rhythm, based on data collected by actigraphy; the relationships among lambs were also measured calculating their proximity and distance. Lambs were fitted with Bluetooth-enabled (BT) accelerometers during weeks 1 and 4 of age, and data were downloaded as activity counts at 1-min intervals (Vector Magnitude, VM). Sensors were programmed as receivers and as beacons of the BT signal to calculate proximity (min/h) and distance (m) to another lamb. For each week, mean daily VM was calculated at hourly intervals. Circadian rhythms in VM were graphed by fitting the time-series measurements of each lamb to the cosine curve of a 24-h activity rhythm. Week of lactation and lamb sex had a significant (P < .05) effect on VM. Lambs had a higher (P < .05) VM (counts/min ±S.E.) in week 1 (154 ± 13) than in week 4 (117 ± 4), and female (113 ± 10) were more active (P < .01) than male lambs (113 ± 10). Twin lambs spent more time (P < .001) close to its sibling than to another lambs. Lamb activity followed a 24-h rhythm in week 4, only. In conclusion, actigraphy demonstrated that circadian rhythms in activity were not present in the first week of life, and twin-born lambs had stronger associations with their littermates than did singletons with other lambs, which reflected the strong bond that is established between twin lambs.

Hydrodynamic cavitation through a bio-inspired fast-closing plunger mechanism: experiments and simulations.

Experimental and numerical results are reported for the internal and external flow fields evolving in a bio-inspired snapping plunger. The experimental evidence underlines the nature of the dynamic-coupling between the processes taking place inside and outside the device. Two main structures dictate the properties of the external flow field: a strong jet which is followed by a vortex ring. Internally, complex patterns of cavitating structures are simultaneously produced in the chamber and the venturi-like conduit. We find the cavitation cycle to be suitably described by the Rayleigh-Plesset model and, thus, proceed to characterize the coupling of both fields in terms of the fluctuations of the velocity. All main parameters, as well as the energy released to the fluid during the collapse, are found to be within the same order-of-magnitude of previously known experimental results for isolated bubbles of comparable size.

[Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. Long term outcomes]. / Fracturas de acetábulo tratadas mediante osteosíntesis. Resultados a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: acetabular fractures constitute between 0.3 and 0.6% of all observed fractures, being these injuries relatively infrequent. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with acetabular fracture treated in our hospital with a minimal follow-up of 11.5 years. The secondary objective is to determine the rate of failure in the hip joint of these patients and establish risk factors that are involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 23 patients with acetabular fractures that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were retrospectively analysed. They were follow-up during an average of 14 years (range 11.5-17.5). Fractures were classified by Judet y Letournel as simple or complex. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed by Harris scale. RESULTS: We obtained an average of 81.90/100 on the Harris scale, aiming at better outcomes on simple fractures compare to those that were complex (p = 0.027). Higher scores were also achieved on those patients with an anatomical reduction (p = 0.033). Three patients required revision and placement of a total arthoplasty (13%). However, patients with body mass index (BMI) > 30 tend to achieve poor clinical results (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: ORIF may be suggested for acetabular fractures since good clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded on a long-term follow-up. Complex fractures, non-anatomical reduction and BMI > 30 were identified as risk factors to coxarthrosis progression.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas de acetábulo constituyen entre el 0.3 y 0.6% total de fracturas observadas, siendo estás lesiones relativamente infrecuentes. OBJETIVO: evaluar los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico mediante osteosíntesis de fracturas acetabulares con un seguimiento mínimo de 11.5 años. El objetivo secundario fue determinar la tasa de fracaso de la cadera de estos pacientes e identificar los factores de riesgo implicados. MATERIA Y MÉTODOS: analizamos retrospectivamente una muestra de 23 pacientes intervenidos de fractura acetabular mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna, con un seguimiento medio de 14 años (11.5-17.5). Clasificamos las fracturas según Judet y Letournel en simples y complejas. Analizamos la evolución clínica y radiológica de estos pacientes mediante la escala de Harris. RESULTADOS: obtuvimos una puntuación media de 81.90/100, objetivamos mejores resultados en fracturas de trazo simple respecto a fracturas complejas (p = 0.027). Evidenciamos mejores resultados clínicos en los pacientes con una reducción anatómica de la fractura (86.9/100), respecto a los que no fue posible (74.38/100) (p = 0.033). Fue necesaria la reintervención con artroplastía por mala evolución clínica en tres pacientes (13%). Como predictores de mal pronóstico para el desarrollo de coxartrosis identificamos las fracturas complejas y la reducción no anatómica de la fractura (p < 0.05). Encontramos relación entre índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 con peores resultados funcionales (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONES: el tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes tratados con fracturas acetabulares presenta buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos a largo plazo. Como factores de riesgo para la progresión de coxartrosis con suficiente impronta clínica como para ser necesaria una artroplastía identificamos, las fracturas complejas, la reducción no anatómica y un IMC > 30.

Successful childbirth after intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection without assisted oocyte activation in a patient with globozoospermia.

We here report a successful pregnancy and healthy childbirth obtained in a case of total globozoospermia after intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) without assisted oocyte activation (AOA). Two semen analyses showed 100% globozoospermia on classic spermocytogram. Motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME) analysis at ×10,000 magnification confirmed the round-headed aspect for 100% of sperm cells, but 1% of the spermatozoa seemed to present a small bud of acrosome. This particular aspect was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and anti-CD46 staining analysis. Results from sperm DNA fragmentation and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses were normal. The karyotype was 46XY, and no mutations or deletions in SPATA16 and DPY19L2 genes were detected. Considering these results, a single IMSI cycle was performed, and spermatozoa were selected for the absence of vacuoles and the presence of a small bud of acrosome. A comparable fertilization rate with or without calcium-ionophore AOA was observed. Two fresh top-quality embryos obtained without AOA were transferred at Day 2 after IMSI, leading to pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby boy. This successful outcome suggests that MSOME may be useful in cases of globozoospermia in order to carefully evaluate sperm morphology and to maximize the benefit of ICSI/IMSI.

Invasive species threat: parasite phylogenetics reveals patterns and processes of host-switching between non-native and native captive freshwater turtles.

One of the major threats to biodiversity involves biological invasions with direct consequences on the stability of ecosystems. In this context, the role of parasites is not negligible as it may enhance the success of invaders. The red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, has been globally considered among the worst invasive species. Since its introduction through the pet trade, T. s. elegans is now widespread and represents a threat for indigenous species. Because T. s. elegans coexists with Emys orbicularis and Mauremys leprosa in Europe, it has been suggested it may compete with the native turtle species and transmit pathogens. We examined parasite transfer from American captive to the two native species that co-exist in artificial pools of a Turtle Farm in France. As model parasite species we used platyhelminth worms of the family Polystomatidae (Monogenea) because polystomes have been described from American turtles in their native range. Phylogenetic relationships among polystomes parasitizing chelonian host species that are geographically widespread show patterns of diversification more complex than expected. Using DNA barcoding to identify species from adult and/or polystome eggs, several cases of host switching from exotic to indigenous individuals were illustrated, corroborating that parasite transmission is important when considering the pet trade and in reintroduction programmes to reinforce wild populations of indigenous species.

Herbivory and leaf traits of Amazonian tree species as affected by irradiance.

Herbivory is one of the major biotic stress factors that affect the establishment of plants. However, the main factors that drive herbivory in seedlings of Amazonian tree species are still not well understood. Here we investigated whether contrasting levels of irradiance influence herbivory according to different herbivory indicators and which leaf traits are most related to interspecific variation in herbivory under contrasting irradiance conditions. We measured the leaf area lost as a result of insect herbivory in five tree species planted in a silvicultural system of secondary forest enrichment according to two indicators, herbivore damage (accumulated since plant germination) and herbivory rate (measured over time), and two irradiance conditions, understorey PPFD 2.6 mol·m-2 ·day-1 ) and gap PPFD 33.1 mol·m-2 ·day-1 . Furthermore, we related the interspecific variation in herbivory to a set of leaf traits: SLA, RWC, sclerophylly, phenolic compound content, tannins, condensed tannins and non-structural carbohydrates. Herbivore damage was significantly affected by light availability and species, with the highest percentage variation observed in the Meliaceae (Carapa guianensis and Swietenia macrophylla). For the herbivory rate, only the interspecific variation was significant, with Bertholletia excelsa having the lowest rates. Chemical characteristics (phenolic compounds and tannins) were most related to herbivory rates, as well as highly influenced by light conditions. Non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sucrose) were also related to the interspecific variation in herbivory. The phenolic compounds and starch, as affected by light quantity, are species dependent. Thus, the selective pressure on herbivores may be driven by species-dependent responses to light conditions.