The diagnosis of a traumatic unstable pelvis in a stable patient is a temporary concept depending on when we see the patient, as all patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock have hemodynamic stability until they become unstable. As a rule, the more unstable the pelvic fracture is, the higher the risk of bleeding and hemodynamic instability it has. Therefore, in unstable pelvic fractures, hemodynamic stability should be a diagnosis by exclusion. For bleeding detection in stable patients, an immediate one-stage contrast-enhanced CT scan is the appropriate diagnosis test; however, since CT scan radiation is always an issue, X-rays should be considered in those cases of hemodynamically stable patients in whom there is a reasonable suspicion that no unsafe bleeding is going on. Pelvic fracture classification is essential as usually there is an association between the injury mechanism, the fracture displacement, and the hemodynamic stability. Anteroposterior and, particularly, vertical traumatisms have much more proclivity to provoke major pelvic displacement and bleeding. The use of a pelvic binder, as early as possible including pre-hospital management, should be standard in high-impact blunt trauma patients independently of the trauma mechanisms. External fixation is the preferred method of stabilization in case of open fractures, and, in closed ones, when the schedule for definite osteosynthesis prolongs because of the patient's general condition. If possible, immediate percutaneous sacroiliac screw insertion for unstable pelvic fractures produce excellent results even in open fractures.
The coffee pulp, a by-product of the coffee industry, contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds and caffeine. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion may influence these active compounds' bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity. Understanding the impact of the digestive metabolism on the coffee pulp's phenolic composition and its effect on cellular oxidative stress biomarkers is essential. In this study, we evaluated the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the coffee pulp flour (CPF) and extract (CPE) on their phenolic profile, radical scavenging capacity, cellular antioxidant activity, and cytoprotective properties in intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) and hepatic (HepG2) cells. The CPF and the CPE contained a high amount of caffeine and phenolic compounds, predominantly phenolic acids (3',4'-dihydroxycinnamoylquinic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids) and flavonoids (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone derivatives). Simulated digestion resulted in increased antioxidant capacity, and both the CPF and the CPE demonstrated free radical scavenging abilities even after in vitro digestion. The CPF and the CPE did not induce cytotoxicity in intestinal and hepatic cells, and both matrices exhibited the ability to scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species. The coffee pulp treatments prevented the decrease of glutathione, thiol groups, and superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities evoked by tert-butyl hydroperoxide elicitation in IEC-6 and HepG2 cells. Our findings suggest that the coffee pulp could be used as a potent food ingredient for preventing cellular oxidative stress due to its high content of antioxidant compounds.
Antioxidants , Caffeine , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Phenols/pharmacology , Flour , Digestion
Ectothermic animals can raise their body temperature under varying circumstances. Two such situations occur during sexual activity (as metabolic rate rises during copulatory movements) and during infection (to control pathogens more effectively). We have investigated these two situations using Tenebrio molitor males. We recorded the copulatory courtship behavior of sick (= infected with Metharizium robertsii fungus) vs healthy males and its link with body temperature. We predicted a positive relation between copulatory courtship (measured as antennal and leg contact behavior) and body temperature, especially in sick males. We found that the intensity of contacts correlated with increased body temperature in sick males. Previous studies in this species indicated that partner females laid fewer eggs after mating with sick males above a certain male body temperature threshold. Thus, our present findings suggest that females may detect male infection via intensity of antennal-mediated courtship, body temperature or their combination. If this is the case, females may assess male cues directly related to health status such as body temperature.
Courtship , Tenebrio , Male , Animals , Female , Body Temperature , Cell Communication , Copulation
The effects of density are key in determining population dynamics, since they can positively or negatively affect the fitness of individuals. These effects have great relevance for polyphagous insects for which immature stages develop within a single site of finite feeding resources. Drosophila suzukii is a crop pest that induces severe economic losses for agricultural production; however, little is known about the effects of density on its life-history traits. In the present study, we (i) investigated the egg distribution resulting from females' egg-laying strategy and (ii) tested the immediate (on immatures) and delayed (on adults) effects of larval density on emergence rate, development time, potential fecundity, and adult size. The density used varied in a range between 1 and 50 larvae. We showed that 44.27% of the blueberries used for the oviposition assay contained between 1 and 11 eggs in aggregates. The high experimental density (50 larvae) has no immediate effect in the emergence rate but has effect on larval developmental time. This trait was involved in a trade-off with adult life-history traits: The time of larval development was reduced as larval density increased, but smaller and less fertile females were produced. Our results clearly highlight the consequences of larval crowding on the juveniles and adults of this fly.
The cocoa industry generates a considerable quantity of cocoa shell, a by-product with high levels of methylxanthines and phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, the digestion process can extensively modify these compounds' bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity as a consequence of their transformation. Hence, this work's objective was to assess the influence of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the concentration of phenolic compounds found in the cocoa shell flour (CSF) and the cocoa shell extract (CSE), as well as to investigate their radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity in both intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) and hepatic (HepG2) cells. The CSF and the CSE exhibited a high amount of methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) and phenolic compounds, mainly gallic acid and (+)-catechin, which persisted through the course of the simulated digestion. Gastrointestinal digestion increased the antioxidant capacity of the CSF and the CSE, which also displayed free radical scavenging capacity during the simulated digestion. Neither the CSF nor the CSE exhibited cytotoxicity in intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) or hepatic (HepG2) cells. Moreover, they effectively counteracted oxidative stress triggered by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) while preventing the decline of glutathione, thiol groups, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in both cell lines. Our study suggests that the cocoa shell may serve as a functional food ingredient for promoting health, owing to its rich concentration of antioxidant compounds that could support combating the cellular oxidative stress associated with chronic disease development.
Evidence has emerged that environmentally-induced epigenetic changes can have long-lasting effects on gene transcription across generations. These recent findings highlight the need to investigate the transgenerational impacts of pollutants to assess their long term effects on populations. In this study, we investigated the transgenerational effect of cadmium on zebrafish across 4 generations. A first whole methylome approach carried out on fish of the first two generations led us to focus our investigations on the estradiol receptor alpha gene (esr1). We observed a sex-dependent transgenerational inheritance of Cd-induced DNA methylation changes up to the last generation. These changes were associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were themselves at the origin of the creation or deletion of methylation sites. Thus, Cd-induced genetic selection gave rise to DNA methylation changes. We also analyzed the transcription level of various sections of esr1 as well as estrogen responsive genes. While Cd triggered transgenerational disorders, Cd-induced epigenetic changes in esr1 contributed to the rapid transgenerational adaptation of fish to Cd. Our results provide insight into the processes underpinning rapid adaptation and highlight the need to maintain genetic diversity within natural populations to bolster the resilience of species faced with the global environmental changes.
Cadmium , Endocrine Disruptors , Animals , Cadmium/toxicity , Zebrafish/genetics , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Epigenesis, Genetic , DNA Methylation
The influence of different extrusion conditions on the cocoa shell (CS) dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant and functional properties was evaluated. Extrusion produced losses in the CS dietary fiber (3-26%), especially in the insoluble fraction, being more accentuated at higher temperatures (160 °C) and lower moisture feed (15-20%). The soluble fiber fraction significantly increased at 135 °C because of the solubilization of galactose- and glucose-containing insoluble polysaccharides. The extruded CS treated at 160 °C-25% of feed moisture showed the highest increase of total (27%) and free (58%) phenolic compounds, accompanied by an increase of indirect (10%) and direct (77%) antioxidant capacity. However, more promising results relative to the phenolic compounds' bioaccessibility after in vitro simulated digestion were observed for 135°C-15% of feed moisture extrusion conditions. The CS' physicochemical and techno-functional properties were affected by extrusion, producing extrudates with higher bulk density, a diminished capacity to hold oil (22-28%) and water (18-65%), and improved swelling properties (14-35%). The extruded CS exhibited increased glucose adsorption capacity (up to 2.1-fold, at 135 °C-15% of feed moisture) and α-amylase in vitro inhibitory capacity (29-54%), accompanied by an increase in their glucose diffusion delaying ability (73-91%) and their starch digestion retardation capacity (up to 2.8-fold, at 135 °C-15% of feed moisture). Moreover, the extruded CS preserved its cholesterol and bile salts binding capacity and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties. These findings generated knowledge of the CS valorization through extrusion to produce foods rich in dietary fiber with improved health-promoting properties due to the extrusion-triggered fiber solubilization.
Since the classification of processed meat as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2015, an increase in consumption of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has been observed worldwide. This occurs in a context characterized by concern for health, animal welfare, and sustainability; however, evidence of their nutritional quality is still limited. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the nutritional profile and processing degree of PBMAs available in Spain. In 2020, products from seven Spanish supermarkets were analyzed for their nutritional content and ingredients. Of the 148 products, the majority were low in sugars but moderate in carbohydrates, total and saturated fat, and high in salt. The main vegetable protein sources were soy (91/148) and wheat gluten (42/148). Comparatively, 43/148 contained animal protein, the most common being egg. Overall, PBMAs had a long list of ingredients and additives, and they were classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs) according to the NOVA system. This study shows that the PBMAs available in Spanish supermarkets have a variable nutritional composition within and between categories. Further research is needed to determine if replacing meat with these UPFs could be a good alternative towards healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns.
Nutrition Assessment , Supermarkets , Animals , Meat , Nutritive Value , Glutens
Butterfat and protein complicate attempts to extract bacterial cells from milk by centrifugation for use in basic microscopy. Some types of bacteria preferentially separate into the butterfat layer upon centrifugation and are lost when this layer is discarded, and the action of bacterial protease enzymes can cause milk proteins to precipitate and partition into the centrifugal pellet. Butterfat and precipitated protein remaining in the centrifugal pellet along with the desired bacterial cells can confound the results of differential staining and microscopy. Oat- and other plant-based beverages, which are often manufactured by dairy processors on shared equipment, present similar hurdles to bacterial extraction and microscopic visualization because of the presence of oils, starch granules, and dietary fiber particles in these products. Herein we describe methods for centrifugal separation of bacterial cells for microscopy from unflavored milk, chocolate milk, and oat-based beverage. Cell suspensions prepared through these methods were used for phase-contrast microscopy, Gram staining, and viability staining. These techniques can be used to provide rapid, culture-independent diagnostic information when bacterial cells are expected to be present in high concentrations, as in the event of sporadic product spoilage or mass product spoilage incidents.
Coffee pulp is an underutilized by-product of coffee industrial production rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, caffeine, and dietary fiber. The widely known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective health-promoting properties attributed to mentioned compounds enhance the use of coffee pulp as a bioactive food ingredient. Furthermore, the application of green sustainable extraction techniques pursuing highly efficient and selective extraction processes promotes this by-product exploitation in food science. Hence, this review gathers the available information relative to the impact of the extraction processes on the bioactive compound's recovery from coffee pulp, providing an overview of the most recent advances. An in-depth comparison workout between conventional and alternative extraction methods was performed to identify the most suitable techniques for coffee pulp valorization as functional ingredient until date. A critical discussion focused on advantages and drawbacks of the extraction methods applied to coffee pulp was included together a prospective of emerging extraction techniques.
Introduction: As breast cancer survivorship rates increase, so does the necessity to improve survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective: To analyze HRQoL among Chilean breast cancer survivors, in general and considering geographic location. In addition, to correlate HRQoL with age, education level and body mass index (BMI). Method: Cross-sectional observational study which included 125 female breast cancer survivors from three public hospitals in three Chilean Macroregions: Central, North Central, and South. The EORTC Questionnaires, QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23, and sociodemographic and clinical records were applied. Results: The mean age was 56.1 (±11.9) years with a HRQoL summary score of 67.6 (21.9). HRQoL was reduced mainly in emotional functioning, pain, and insomnia. Fatigue, dyspnea, appetite loss, constipation, financial difficulties, breast and arm symptoms were also reported. The women from the South Macroregion Hospital presented the worst HRQoL scores for most of the domains [general health, functioning (physical, emotional, cognitive and social), fatigue, and nausea], p<0.001. The summary score of HRQoL was correlated to age (Spearman Ìs rho=0.202, p=0.033), BMI (rho=-0.341, p<0.001), and education level (rho=0.310, p=0.001). Conclusion: Women from three Macroregions showed differences in HRQoL. The latter correlated to age, BMI, and education level. Considering the high presence of symptoms, it is necessary to improve survivorship care plans, providing access to rehabilitation in the continuum of care.
Introdução: À medida que as taxas de sobrevivência do câncer de mama aumentam, também aumenta a necessidade de melhorar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) dos sobreviventes. Objetivo: Analisar a QVRS em geral e considerando a localização geográfica entre sobreviventes de câncer de mama chilenas. Além disso, correlacionar a QVRS com idade, nível educacional e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Método: Estudo observacional transversal que incluiu 125 mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama de três hospitais públicos em três Macrorregiões chilenas: Central, Norte-Central e Sul. Foram utilizados os Questionários EORTC QLQ-C30 e QLQ-BR23 e os registros sociodemográficos e clínicos. Resultado: A média de idade foi de 56,1 (±11,9) anos com escore resumido de QVRS de 67,6 (21,9). A QVRS estava reduzida principalmente no funcionamento emocional, dor e insônia. Fadiga, dispneia, perda de apetite, constipação, dificuldades financeiras, sintomas de braço e mama também foram mencionados. As mulheres do hospital da Macrorregião Sul apresentaram os piores escores de QVRS para a maioria dos domínios [saúde geral, funcionamento (físico, emocional, cognitivo e social), fadiga e náusea], p<0,001. A pontuação geral de QVRS esteve correlacionada com idade (rho de Spearman=0,202, p=0,033), IMC (rho=-0,341, p<0,001) e nível educacional (rho=0,310, p=0,001). Conclusão: As mulheres das três Macrorregiões apresentaram diferenças na QVRS.Esta última se correlacionou com idade, IMC e nível educacional. Considerando a alta presença de sintomas, há necessidade de aprimoramento dos planos de atenção à sobrevivência, possibilitando acesso à reabilitação no contínuo do cuidado
Introducción: A medida que aumentan las tasas de supervivencia al cáncer de mama, también aumenta la necesidad de mejorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CdV) de las sobrevivientes. Objetivo: Analizar la CdV entre supervivientes chilenas de cáncer de mama, en general y considerando ubicación geográfica. Además, correlacionar CdV con edad, nivel educacional e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Método: Estudio observacional transversal que incluyó a 125 mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama de tres Hospitales públicos de tres Macrorregiones de Chile: Centro, Centro Norte y Sur. Se utilizaron los Cuestionarios EORTC QLQ-C30 y QLQ-BR23, historias sociodemográficas y clínicas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 56,1 (±11,9) años con una puntuación resumida de CdV de 67,6 (21,9). La CdV estuvo disminuida principalmente en funcionamiento emocional, dolor e insomnio. Fatiga, disnea, pérdida de apetito, estreñimiento, dificultades financieras, síntomas de brazo y mama también fueron reportados. Las mujeres del hospital de la Macrorregión Sur presentaron las peores puntuaciones de calidad de vida en la mayoría de los dominios [salud general, funcionamiento (físico, emocional, cognitivo y social), fatiga y nausea], p<0,001. El puntaje de CdV estuvo correlacionado con edad (rho de Spearman =0,202, p=0,033), IMC (rho=-0,341, p<0,001) y nivel educacional (rho=0,310, p=0,001). Conclusión: Las mujeres pertenecientes a tres regiones presentaron diferencias en la CdV.Esta última se correlacionó con edad, IMC y nivel educacional. Considerando la elevada presencia de síntomas, es necesario mejorar los planes de atención a las sobrevivientes, posibilitando acceso a rehabilitación en el continuo de los cuidados.
Humans , Male , Female , Quality of Life , Breast Neoplasms , Social Determinants of Health , Cancer Survivors , Health Promotion
Despite still being a matter of debate, there is growing evidence that pollutant-induced epigenetic changes can be propagated across generations. Whereas such modifications could have long-lasting effects on organisms and even on population, environmentally relevant data from long-term exposure combined with follow-up through multiple generations remain scarce for non-mammalian species. We performed a transgenerational experiment comprising four successive generations of zebrafish. Only fish from the first generation were exposed to an environmentally realistic concentration of cadmium (Cd). Using a whole methylome analysis, we first identified the DNA regions that were differentially methylated in response to Cd exposure and common to fish of the first two generations. Among them, we then focused our investigations on the exon 3 (ex3) of the cep19 gene. We indeed recorded transgenerational growth disorders in Cd-exposed fish, and a mutation in this exon is known to cause morbid obesity in mammals. Its methylation level was thus determined in zebrafish from all the four generations by means of a targeted and base resolution method. We observed a transgenerational inheritance of Cd-induced DNA methylation changes up to the fourth generation. However, these changes were closely associated with genetic variations, mainly a single nucleotide polymorphism. This single nucleotide polymorphism was itself at the origin of the creation or deletion of a methylation site and deeply impacted the methylation level of neighboring methylation sites. Cd-induced epigenetic changes were associated with different mRNA transcripts and an improved condition of Cd fish. Our results emphasize a tight relationship between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and suggest that their interplay and pre-existing diversity can allow rapid adaptation to anthropogenic environmental changes.
Low birth weight (LBW) and accelerated growth during lactation are associated with cardiometabolic disease development. LBW offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) develops hypertension. In this rat model, we tested if slower postnatal growth improves early cardiometabolic alterations. MUN dams were fed ad libitum during gestation days 1-10, with 50% of the daily intake during days 11-21 and ad libitum during lactation. Control dams were always fed ad libitum. Pups were maintained with their own mother or cross-fostered. Body weight and length were recorded weekly, and breastmilk was obtained. At weaning, the heart was evaluated by echocardiography, and aorta structure and adipocytes in white perivascular fat were studied by confocal microscopy (size, % beige-adipocytes by Mitotracker staining). Breastmilk protein and fat content were not significantly different between groups. Compared to controls, MUN males significantly accelerated body weight gain during the exclusive lactation period (days 1-14) while females accelerated during the last week; length growth was slower in MUN rats from both sexes. By weaning, MUN males, but not females, showed reduced diastolic function and hypertrophy in the heart, aorta, and adipocytes; the percentage of beige-type adipocytes was smaller in MUN males and females. Fostering MUN offspring on control dams significantly reduced weight gain rate, cardiovascular, and fat hypertrophy, increasing beige-adipocyte proportion. Control offspring nursed by MUN mothers reduced body growth gain, without cardiovascular modifications. In conclusion, slower growth during lactation can rescue early cardiovascular alterations induced by fetal undernutrition. Exclusive lactation was a key period, despite no modifications in breastmilk macronutrients, suggesting the role of bioactive components. Our data support that lactation is a key period to counteract cardiometabolic disease programming in LBW and a potential intervention window for the mother.
Breast milk (BM) is the best food for newborns. Male sex is associated with a higher risk of fetal programming, prematurity, and adverse postnatal outcome, being that BM is an important health determinant. BM composition is dynamic and modified by several factors, including lactation period, prematurity, maternal nutritional status, and others. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of sex on BM composition during the first month of lactation, focused on macronutrients and antioxidants. Forty-eight breastfeeding women and their fifty-five newborns were recruited at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain). Clinical sociodemographic data and anthropometric parameters were collected. BM samples were obtained at days 7, 14, and 28 of lactation to assess fat (Mojonnier method), protein (Bradford method), and biomarkers of oxidative status: total antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP methods), thiol groups, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation (spectrophotometric methods). Linear mixed models with random effects adjusted by maternal anthropometry, neonatal Z-scores at birth, and gestational age were used to assess the main effects of sex, lactation period, and their interaction. BM from mothers with male neonates exhibited significantly higher protein, ABTS, FRAP, and GSH levels, while catalase showed the opposite trend. No differences between sexes were observed in SOD, total thiols, and oxidative damage biomarkers. Most changes were observed on day 7 of lactation. Adjusted models demonstrated a significant association between male sex and proteins (ß = 2.70 ± 1.20; p-Value = 0.048). In addition, total antioxidant capacity by ABTS (ß = 0.11 ± 0.06) and GSH (ß = 1.82 ± 0.94) showed a positive trend near significance (p-Value = 0.056; p-Value = 0.064, respectively). In conclusion, transitional milk showed sex differences in composition with higher protein and GSH levels in males. This may represent an advantage in the immediate perinatal period, which may help to counteract the worse adaptation of males to adverse intrauterine environments and prematurity.
Behavioral parameters are increasingly considered sensitive and early bioindicators of toxicity in aquatic organisms. A video-tracking tool was specifically developed to monitor the swimming behaviour of D-larvae of the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in controlled laboratory conditions. Both maximum and average swimming speeds and trajectories were recorded. We then investigated the impact of copper and silver with or without a moderate rise of temperature on swimming behavior and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of mussel D-larvae and the possible mechanistic link between both biological responses. Our results showed that copper and/or silver exposure, as well as temperature increase, disrupts the swimming behavior of mussel larvae which could compromise their dispersal and survival. In addition, the combined effect of temperature and metals significantly (p < 0.05) increased AChE activity in mussel larvae. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed and results showed that the AChE activity is positively correlated with maximum speeds (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the value of behavioral analyzes of aquatic invertebrates as a sensitive and integrate marker of the effects of stressors.
Mytilus , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Acetylcholinesterase , Animals , Copper/toxicity , Heat-Shock Response , Larva , Mytilus/physiology , Silver , Swimming , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
Vertical dynamics of microplastics (MPs) in the water column are complex and not fully understood due to the diversity of environmental MPs and the impact of weathering and biofouling on their dynamical properties. In this study, we investigate the effects of the particle properties and biofilm on the vertical (settling or rising) velocity of microplastic sheets and fibers under laboratory conditions. The experiments focus on three types of MPs (polyester PES fibers, polyethylene terephthalate PET sheets, and polypropylene PP sheets) of nine sizes and two degrees of biological colonization. Even though pristine PES fibers and PET sheets had a similar density, the sinking velocity of fibers was much smaller and independent of their length. The settling or rising velocity of sheets increased with the particle size up to a threshold and then decreased in the wake of horizontal oscillations in large particles. Biofilms had unexpected effects on vertical velocities. Irregular biofilm distributions can trigger motion instabilities that decrease settling velocities of sheets despite the increase in density. Biofilms can also modify the orientation of fibers, which may increase their settling velocity. Finally, we selected the most performant theoretical formulation for each type of particle and proposed modifications to consider the effect of biofilm distribution.
Biofouling , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Biofilms , Environmental Monitoring , Microplastics , Plastics , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe clinical condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life and survival. Since the emergence of prostanoids 45 years ago, different drugs acting on vasoconstriction/vasodilation mechanisms have been developed for the treatment of PAH. Current evidence shows that better results occur when combined therapy is initiated up-front with periodic and systematized evaluations for escalation and switching. Among these strategies, riociguat has a relevant role, supported by the results of several clinical studies. This document issues recommendations by a panel of experts who analysed and discussed the indications and limitations for riociguat in PAH in different institutions of the Mexican health system.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Humans , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy , Pyrazoles/pharmacology , Pyrazoles/therapeutic use , Pyrimidines/pharmacology , Pyrimidines/therapeutic use , Quality of Life
Infection may cause some insects to increase their body temperature to deal against pathogens successfully. However, one unclear aspect is whether females may use male temperature to discriminate sick from healthy partners. We tested this by using Tenebrio molitor beetles whose females use the intensity of male antennal and leg stroking that take place during mating, to discriminate among partners. We predicted that females will not choose males that are too hot and/or will penalize these male partners in terms of a reduced egg number and hatching success. We manipulated males by infecting them with an entomopathogenic fungus, and exposed these males versus control males to females. Infected and non-infected males increased their temperature during copulation but females did not choose on the basis of male's temperature or infection status. However, females laid fewer eggs and/or had a reduced hatching success after mating with infected males that had a body temperature higher than ca. 24 °C. We postulate that male temperature is another source of information involved in postcopulatory mate choice that, along with courtship traits, compose a multimodal signaling system.
Coleoptera , Tenebrio , Animals , Copulation , Female , Male , Reproduction , Sexual Behavior, Animal , Temperature
Postcopulatory sexual selection has shaped the ornaments used during copulatory courtship. However, we know relatively little about whether these courtship ornaments are costly to produce or whether they provide indirect benefits to females. We used the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, to explore this. We challenged males using an entomopathogenic fungus and compared their courtship (frequency of leg and antennal contacts to the female), copulation duration, number of eggs laid, and hatching rate against control males. Infected males copulated for longer yet they reduced their leg and antennal contacts compared to control males. However, there was no obvious relation between infection, copulation duration, and courtship with egg production and hatching success. In general, our results indicate that the ornaments used during postcopulatory courtship are condition-dependent. Moreover, such condition dependence cannot be linked to male fitness.
Worsened state of oysters in French Arcachon Bay, demand an investigation of possible causes. This study evaluated the effects of an environmentally relevant mixture of five common pesticides on the early-life stages of the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas). Laboratory assays with artificial mixture and in situ transplantation were complementarily used to investigate a series of sublethal endpoints. The laboratory exposure revealed developmental toxicity at 0.32 µg/L, which corresponds to mixture concentrations in Arcachon Bay. Downregulation of some gene transcriptions was observed at environmental level. No difference in larvae development was revealed among the three sites in Arcachon Bay. This study was the first to evaluate locomotion of oyster larvae exposed in situ. Suspected poor water quality in the inner part of Arcachon Bay was reflected by impairment at the molecular level. In conclusion, current concentrations of the tested pesticides in Arcachon Bay hinder larval development and affect several biological functions.
Crassostrea , Pesticides , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Laboratories , Larva , Pesticides/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
