First evidence of gonadal hybrid dysgenesis in Chagas disease vectors (Hemiptera, Triatominae): gonad atrophy prevents events of interspecific gene flow and introgression.

BACKGROUND: Hybridization events between Triatoma spp. have been observed under both natural and laboratory conditions. The ability to produce hybrids can influence different aspects of the parent species, and may even result in events of introgression, speciation and extinction. Hybrid sterility is caused by unviable gametes (due to errors in chromosomal pairing [meiosis]) or by gonadal dysgenesis (GD). All of the triatomine hybrids analyzed so far have not presented GD. We describe here for the first time GD events in triatomine hybrids and highlight these taxonomic and evolutionary implications of these events. METHODS: Reciprocal experimental crosses were performed between Triatoma longipennis and Triatoma mopan. Intercrosses were also performed between the hybrids, and backcrosses were performed between the hybrids and the parent species. In addition, morphological and cytological analyzes were performed on the atrophied gonads of the hybrids. RESULTS: Hybrids were obtained only for the crosses T. mopan♀ × T. longipennis♂. Intercrosses and backcrosses did not result in offspring. Morphological analyses of the male gonads of the hybrids confirmed that the phenomenon that resulted in sterility of the hybrid was bilateral GD (the gonads of the hybrids were completely atrophied). Cytological analyses of the testes of the hybrids also confirmed GD, with no germ cells observed (only somatic cells, which make up the peritoneal sheath). CONCLUSIONS: The observations made during this study allowed us to characterize, for the first time, GD in triatomines and demonstrated that gametogenesis does not occur in atrophied gonads. The characterization of GD in male hybrids resulting from the crossing of T. mopan♀ × T. longipennis♂ highlights the importance of evaluating both the morphology and the cytology of the gonads to confirm which event resulted in the sterility of the hybrid: GD (which results in no gamete production) or meiotic errors (which results in non-viable gametes).

Celiac disease seroprevalence in patients with infertility. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although most patients with celiac disease (CD) have digestive manifestations, in some of them they may be of extraintestinal (atypical) nature, such as chronic anemia, ataxia, and fertility disorders. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of CD-related antibodies in Mexican women with fertility disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case-control study of women who attended evaluation for fertility disorders in a specialized center. h-tTG-IgA, gliadin IgA II and gliadin IgG II were quantified; titers > 30 IU were considered positive. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-one cases and 171 controls were included; 137 patients (80.1%) had infertility, and 34 (19.9%), sterility. Eight patients (4.6%, 95% CI = 2.3-8.9) had at least one positive marker for CD in comparison with one woman in the control group (0.5%, 95% CI = 0.01-3, p = 0.04, odds ratio = 8.3). Six of the eight patients had unexplained infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 4.6% of women with infertility had at least one positive marker for CD. As in other parts of the world, screening for CD could be recommended in women with infertility, especially in those with unexplained infertility.

ANTECEDENTES: Aunque los pacientes con enfermedad celiaca (EC) tienen en su mayoría manifestaciones digestivas, algunos pueden presentarlas de índole extraintestinal (atípicas), como anemia crónica, ataxia y trastornos de la fertilidad. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos relacionados con EC en mujeres mexicanas con trastornos de la fertilidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles de mujeres que acudieron a valoración por trastornos de la fertilidad en un centro especializado. Se cuantificó h-tTG IgA, gliadina IgA II y gliadina IgG II; los títulos > 30 UI fueron considerados como positivos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 171 casos y 171 controles; 137 pacientes (80.1 %) tuvieron infertilidad y 34 (19.9 %), esterilidad. Ocho pacientes (4.6 %, IC 95 % = 2.3-8.9) tuvieron al menos un marcador positivo para EC comparadas con una mujer del grupo control (0.5 %, IC 95 % = 0.01-3, p = 0.04, razón de momios = 8.3). Seis de las ocho pacientes presentaron infertilidad inexplicable. CONCLUSIONES: Hasta 4.6 % de las mujeres con infertilidad presentó al menos un marcador positivo para EC. Al igual que en otras partes del mundo, podría recomendarse el escrutinio para EC en mujeres con infertilidad, en especial en quienes padecen infertilidad inexplicable.

Seroprevalencia de enfermedad celiaca en pacientes con infertilidad. Un estudio de casos y controles / Celiac disease seroprevalence in patients with infertility. A case-control study

Resumen Antecedentes: Aunque los pacientes con enfermedad celiaca (EC) tienen en su mayoría manifestaciones digestivas, algunos pueden presentarlas de índole extraintestinal (atípicas), como anemia crónica, ataxia y trastornos de la fertilidad. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos relacionados con EC en mujeres mexicanas con trastornos de la fertilidad. Material y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles de mujeres que acudieron a valoración por trastornos de la fertilidad en un centro especializado. Se cuantificó h-tTG IgA, gliadina IgA II y gliadina IgG II; los títulos > 30 UI fueron considerados como positivos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 171 casos y 171 controles; 137 pacientes (80.1 %) tuvieron infertilidad y 34 (19.9 %), esterilidad. Ocho pacientes (4.6 %, IC 95 % = 2.3-8.9) tuvieron al menos un marcador positivo para EC comparadas con una mujer del grupo control (0.5 %, IC 95 % = 0.01-3, p = 0.04, razón de momios = 8.3). Seis de las ocho pacientes presentaron infertilidad inexplicable. Conclusiones: Hasta 4.6 % de las mujeres con infertilidad presentó al menos un marcador positivo para EC. Al igual que en otras partes del mundo, podría recomendarse el escrutinio para EC en mujeres con infertilidad, en especial en quienes padecen infertilidad inexplicable.

Abstract Background: Although most patients with celiac disease (CD) have digestive manifestations, in some of them they may be of extraintestinal (atypical) nature, such as chronic anemia, ataxia, and fertility disorders. Objective: To determine the prevalence of CD-related antibodies in Mexican women with fertility disorders. Material and methods: Case-control study of women who attended evaluation for fertility disorders in a specialized center. h-tTG-IgA, gliadin IgA II and gliadin IgG II were quantified; titers > 30 IU were considered positive. Results: One-hundred and seventy-one cases and 171 controls were included; 137 patients (80.1%) had infertility, and 34 (19.9%), sterility. Eight patients (4.6%, 95% CI = 2.3-8.9) had at least one positive marker for CD in comparison with one woman in the control group (0.5%, 95% CI = 0.01-3, p = 0.04, odds ratio = 8.3). Six of the eight patients had unexplained infertility. Conclusions: Up to 4.6% of women with infertility had at least one positive marker for CD. As in other parts of the world, screening for CD could be recommended in women with infertility, especially in those with unexplained infertility.

Is Hand Surgery in the Procedure Room Setting Associated With Increased Surgical Site Infection? A Cohort Study of 2,717 Patients in the Veterans Affairs Population.

PURPOSE: Procedure rooms (PRs) are increasingly used for hand surgeries, but few studies have directly compared surgical site infection (SSI) rates between the PR and operating room. We tested the hypothesis that procedure setting is not associated with an increased SSI incidence in the VA population. METHODS: We identified carpal tunnel, trigger finger, and first dorsal compartment releases performed at our VA institution from 1999 to 2021 of which 717 were performed in the main operating room and 2,000 were performed in the PR. The incidence of SSI, defined as signs of wound infection within 60 days of the index procedure, which was treated with oral antibiotics, intravenous antibiotics, and/or operating room irrigation and debridement, was compared. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the association between procedure setting and SSI incidence, adjusting for age, sex, procedure type, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Surgical site infection incidence was 55/2,000 (2.8%) in the PR cohort and 20/717 (2.8%) in the operating room cohort. In the PR cohort, five (0.3%) cases required hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics of which two (0.1%) cases required operating room irrigation and debridement. In the operating room cohort, two (0.3%) cases required hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics of which one (0.1%) case required operating room irrigation and debridement. All other SSIs were treated with oral antibiotics alone. The procedure setting was not independently associated with SSI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.84 [95% confidence interval, 0.49, 1.48]). The only risk factor for SSI was trigger finger release (odds ratio, 2.13 [95% confidence interval, 1.32, 3.48] compared with carpal tunnel release), which was independent of setting. CONCLUSIONS: Minor hand surgeries can be performed safely in the PR without an increased rate of SSI. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Avaliação de tolerância a baixas temperaturas em genótipos de arroz irrigado (Oryza sativa L) na fase reprodutiva em experimento a campo, durante evento climático espontâneo na safra 2019/2020 / Evaluation of low temperature tolerance in irrigated rice (Oryza sativaL) genotypes at reproductive phase in a field experiment, during a spontaneous climatic event in the 2019/2020 cropseason

Aproveitando-se a ocorrência de um evento espontâneo de baixas temperaturas (<17oC) em experimento de campo de arroz irrigado, coincidente com a fase reprodutiva da cultura, foram avaliados a produtividade, a porcentagem de esterilidade de espiguetas e o número de panículas por metro quadrado. O experimento foi conduzido no sul de Santa Catarina, na safra 2019/2020, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com trêsrepetições no sistema pré-germinado. Do total de genótipos que compunham o experimento, 13 foram selecionados para comporem a análise principal, de esterilidade.Baseado numa série de estudos anteriores para estresse por baixas e altas temperaturas, a hipótese era de que a linhagem SC 806 se destacaria como resiliente. De fato, a SC 806 apresentou níveis de esterilidade significativamente menores que as testemunhas comerciais SCS116 Satoru, SCS122 Miura e SC 790 (SCS125), ao mesmo tempo que foi competitiva com as mesmas no tocante à produtividade. Assim, a SC 806 foi validada como resiliente abaixastemperaturas, confirmando o bom desempenho verificado em experimentos anteriores, e com isso demonstrando ser promissora como linhagem candidata à lançamento na forma de variedade.(AU)

Concerning the occurrence of a spontaneous event of low temperatures (<17oC), in an irrigated rice field experiment, during the reproductive phase of the crop, yield was evaluated as well as percentage of grain sterility and number of panicles. The experiment was conducted in the southof Santa Catarina, in the 2019/2020 crop season, having been water-seeded in randomized blocks with threereplications. Of the total number of genotypes that made up the experiment, 13 were selected to make up the main analysis, of sterility. Based on a series of previous studies for stress due to low and high temperatures, the hypothesis was that the SC 806 line would stand out as resilient. Based on a series of previous studies for low and high temperature stress, the hypothesiswas that the SC 806 inbreed line would stand out as resilient. In fact, SC 806 showed significantly lower sterility levels than the commercial controls, SCS116 Satoru, SCS122 Miura and SC 790 (SCS125), while remaining competitive in terms of yield. Thus, SC 806 confirmed its resilience to low temperatures, what was a behavior showed in previous experiments, proving to be promising as a candidate for release as cultivar soon.(AU)

Evaluación citogenética en parejas con esterilidad e infertilidad que concurren al Departamento de Genética del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción en el periodo septiembre 2021- febrero 2022

La prevalencia de la infertilidad no posee datos muy exactos y varía en cada región, pero se estima que aproximadamente entre un 10 a 20% de las parejas experimentan algún problema de fertilidad durante su vida reproductiva. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), entre 48 millones de parejas y 186 millones de personas padecen de trastornos reproductivos en todo el mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue la evaluación citogenética en parejas con esterilidad e infertilidad que concurrieron al Departamento de Genética del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción (IICS-UNA) en el periodo septiembre 2021 a febrero 2022. Dicha evaluación citogenética fue realizada en muestras de 19 parejas mediante el análisis microscópico de 30 metafases por paciente. Se identificaron anomalías cromosómicas en algunas parejas estudiadas, se encontraron tres anomalías cromosómicas estructurales y varios polimorfismos o variantes cromosómicas. En el 63% de los individuos estudiados se observó un cariotipo normal, en el 8% alteraciones cromosómicas y en el 29% variantes cromosómicas. De las anomalías cromosómicas encontradas, las deleciones y translocaciones observadas se relacionan con una producción de gametos desequilibrados, dando lugar a abortos espontáneos y a la imposibilidad de concebir; en las parejas con cariotipo normal, se identificaron factores de riesgo como la edad, hábitos tóxicos como el consumo de tabaco, y enfermedades de base.

The prevalence of infertility does not have very exact data and varies in each region, but it is estimated that approximately 10 to 20% of couples experience some fertility problem during their reproductive life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 48 million couples and 186 million people suffer from reproductive disorders worldwide. The objective of this study was the cytogenetic evaluation in couples with sterility and infertility who attended the Genetics Department of the Health Sciences Research Institute of the National University of Asunción (IICS-UNA) from September 2021 to February 2022. The cytogenetic evaluation was carried out in samples from 19 couples, through the microscopic analysis of 30 metaphases per patient. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in some couples studied, three structural chromosomal abnormalities and several polymorphisms or chromosomal variants were found. A normal karyotype was found in 63% of the couples studied, chromosomal abnormalities in 8%, and chromosomal variants in 29%. Of the chromosomal abnormalities found, the deletions and translocations observed are related to unbalanced gamete production, leading to spontaneous abortions; in couples with a normal karyotype, risk factors such as age, toxic habits such as consumption of tobacco, and underlying diseases were identified.

Neuroendoscopic lavage for the treatment of pyogenic ventriculitis in children: personal series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Pyogenic ventriculitis is a severe infection of the central nervous system with serious and often irreversible consequences in the quality of life of patients. Its treatment is difficult due to the impossibility of achieving sterility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the physiological characteristics promptly. Several treatment options have been described, from prolonged antibiotic treatments to placement of ventricular drains with continuous irrigation and puncture reservoirs. We propose an aggressive and minimally invasive treatment with neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL). METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study. We analyzed the NEL performed in our hospital for pyogenic ventriculitis between 2011 and 2020. A total of 16 patients were found; 2 of them lost follow-up, so they were not included. All patients had a diagnosis of pyogenic ventriculitis, either due to the macroscopic characteristics of the CSF or due to imaging criteria. Between 1 and 3 NEL were performed per patient until obtaining sterility and normalization of protein and cell counts of CSF. RESULTS: The average age was 38 months (2 months to 16 years). Ten patients were female and 4 were male. Sixty-four percent of germs in cultures corresponded to gram-negative and polymicrobial flora. The average number of days until the first sterile CSF post-NEL was 3.8 days (0 to 10 days). The NEL produced a significant improvement in the characteristics of the CSF compared to the pre-NEL. The mean pre-NEL of CSF protein levels was 907 mg/dl (123-4510 mg/dl) compared with the post-NEL of 292 mg/dl (38-892 mg/dl) with a p-value = 0.0076. Regarding cellularity, statistically significant results were also achieved (p-value = 0.0011) with a pre-surgical cellularity of 665 elements/mm3 (4-3090 elements/mm3) compared with 57 elements/mm3 (0-390 elements/mm3) post-NEL. Of the patients, 85.7% had a shunt prior to the onset of ventriculitis and the average number of days until the new shunt was 36.56 days (17-79 days), with a total hospitalization days ranging from 22 to 170. CONCLUSIONS: NEL allows rapid sterilization of CSF, decreasing the deleterious effect of infection in the CNS more rapidly compared to other types of conventional treatment.

Tuberculoma simulador de cáncer de ovario / Tuberculoma mimicking ovarian cancer

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La tuberculosis sigue siendo un problema de salud pública global: alrededor de un cuarto de la población mundial está infectada con el bacilo de la tuberculosis, pero solo 5 a 15% realmente resultarán con la enfermedad. Pese a los esfuerzos por controlar la infección, hoy en día es la principal causa de muerte producida por un único agente infeccioso. La forma extrapulmonar es rara, y la genital suele manifestarse con esterilidad, en otros simula un cáncer de ovario avanzado, incluidas la masa anexial y la ascitis, pérdida de peso y elevación del marcador tumoral Ca125. El diagnóstico diferencial prequirúrgico es complejo, de ahí que a la mayoría de las pacientes se les indique una intervención quirúrgica innecesaria. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 29 años con diagnóstico de formación anexial sospechosa de malignidad que se trató de manera conservadora hasta conseguir su regresión total. Además, se efectuó una revisión de la bibliografía relacionada con esta infrecuente entidad. CONCLUSIÓN: La conjunción de ascitis, masa pélvica y elevación del marcador Ca125 puede corresponder al diagnóstico de cáncer de ovario avanzado, ello sin olvidar la posibilidad de tuberculosis extraperitoneal en pacientes con antecedente de tuberculosis o procedentes de zonas endémicas. El diagnóstico es complejo, sobre todo por la baja incidencia en nuestro medio, que a menudo requiere laparoscopias exploradoras para confirmar el origen de las lesiones.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis remains a global public health problem: about a quarter of the world's population is infected with the tuberculosis bacillus, but only 5-15% will actually develop the disease. Despite efforts to control the infection, today it is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The extrapulmonary form is rare, and the genital form usually manifests with sterility, in others it simulates advanced ovarian cancer, including adnexal mass and ascites, weight loss and elevation of the tumor marker Ca125. The pre-surgical differential diagnosis is complex, hence most patients are indicated for unnecessary surgery. CLINICAL CASE: A 29-year-old patient with a diagnosis of adnexal formation suspicious for malignancy was treated conservatively until complete regression was achieved. In addition, a review of the existing literature related to this rare entity was performed. CONCLUSION: The conjunction of ascites, pelvic mass and elevated Ca125 marker may correspond to the diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer, without forgetting the possibility of extraperitoneal tuberculosis in patients with a history of tuberculosis or from endemic areas. Diagnosis is complex, especially due to the low incidence in our environment, which often requires exploratory laparoscopy to confirm the origin of the lesions.

Phenolic Compounds and Oxidative Enzymes Involved in Female Fertility in Banana Plants of the Cavendish Subgroup.

The present study investigated phenolic compounds and enzymes involved in female fertility in banana plants of the Cavendish subgroup. The wild diploid Calcutta 4 and commercial cultivar Grand Naine (Cavendish subgroup) were used. The following five stages of floral development were proposed: S1 (partial vertical emission), S2 (total vertical emission), S3 (total horizontal emission), S4 (pre-anthesis), and S5 (anthesis). Following collection, pistillate (female) flowers were freeze-dried for the subsequent removal of nectaries and the analysis of phenolic compounds (PCs), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS), enzymatic activity [peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)], and total proteins (TPs). The highest values were recorded at the S3 stage, with the values decreasing as the stages progressed (until S5). At the S3 stage, the following results were obtained for Calcutta 4 and Grand Naine, respectively: PCs (32.4 and 36.1 mg GAE·g-1); DPPH (735.2 and 454.4 µM TE·g-1); ABTS (647.8 and 555.5 µM TE·g-1); POD (0.8 and 0.7 µmol·min-1·g-1); PPO (3.7 and 2.7 µmol·min-1·g-1); and TP (3.2 and 2.4 µmol·min-1·g-1). These results indicate that PCs and enzymes regulate female fertility, suggesting that crossbreeding should be performed from the S3 stage in cultivars of the Cavendish subgroup to achieve fruits with seeds.

Trombofilias, esterilidad, infertilidad y tratamiento de reproducción asistida / Thrombophilias, sterility, infertility and assisted reproductive treatment / Trombofilias, esterilidade, infertilidade e tratamento reprodutivo assistido

Resumen: La esterilidad se define como la no obtención del embarazo luego de un año de relaciones sexuales sin protección en parejas heterosexuales. Puede afectar hasta un 15 a 20% de las parejas en edad reproductiva en algún momento de la vida. Las causas de esterilidad se dividen en: factor masculino, factor femenino, causa mixta y esterilidad sin causa aparente. Se ha planteado que las trombofilias hereditarias y adquiridas, podrían estar involucradas en su etiología; y que las distintas estrategias de tratamiento de éstas (ácido acetil salicílico, heparina de bajo peso molecular, corticoides, hidroxicloroquina, entre otros) podrían mejorar los resultados de las técnicas de reproducción asistida.

Abstract: Sterility is defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse in heterosexual couples. It can affect up to 15-20% of couples of reproductive age at some point in life. The causes of sterility are divided into: male factor, female factor, mixed cause and sterility with no apparent cause. It has been suggested that hereditary and acquired thrombophilias could be involved in its etiology; and that the different treatment strategies for these (acetylsalicylic acid, low molecular weight heparin, corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, among others) could improve the results of assisted reproductive techniques.

Resumo: Esterilidade é definida como o fracasso em engravidar após um ano de relação sexual desprotegida em casais heterossexuais. Pode afetar até 15-20% dos casais em idade reprodutiva em algum momento da vida. As causas da esterilidade são divididas em: fator masculino, fator feminino, causa mista e esterilidade sem causa aparente. Foi sugerido que trombofilias hereditárias e adquiridas podem estar envolvidas em sua etiologia; e que as diferentes estratégias de tratamento para estes (ácido acetilsalicílico, heparina de baixo peso molecular, corticosteroides, hidroxicloroquina, entre outros) poderiam melhorar os resultados das técnicas de reprodução assistida.

Irradiation dose does not affect male reproductive organ size, sperm storage, and female remating propensity in Ceratitis capitata.

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is a globally invasive pest, often controlled with the sterile insect technique (SIT). For the SIT, mass-rearing of the target insect followed by irradiation are imperatives. Sterile males are often less able to inhibit female remating and transfer less number of sperm, and even irradiation could affect male reproductive organs, with consequences for their ability to inhibit female remating. On the other hand, male age could affect their ability to modulate female response after mating. Here, we evaluated the quality of the genetic sexing strain Vienna-8-tsl mass-reared in Bioplanta San Juan, Argentina, under laboratory conditions, with regard to: (i) the ability of sterile males irradiated at 100 or 140 Gy to inhibit female remating, in the same day and at 24 h of first copulation; (ii) the ability of 3, 4 or 5 day-old sterile males to inhibit female remating at 24 h of first copulation, and (iii) the effect of a reduction in irradiation doses on the number of sperm stored by females and reproductive organ size in virgin males. Sterile males were better able than wild males to inhibit female remating in the same day of first copulation and as able as wild males 1 day after first copulation. Male age did not affect their ability to inhibit female receptivity. Number of sperm stored by females, testes size and ectodermal accessory glands size were not affected by male identity, while sterile 100 Gy males had larger mesodermal accessory glands than control lab males. A reduction in irradiation dose does not impact any variable measured, except for percentage of sperm-depleted females: females mated with sterile 100 Gy males had lower probabilities to store sperm. The results showed here are very encouraging for tsl Vienna 8 strain reared in Argentina and are discussed in comparison with previous studies in C. capitata female remating with dissimilar results.

Does the Effect of Irradiation Dose Vary Between Flies Selected and Non-selected to Resist Desiccation? The Case of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The sterile insect technique (SIT), used to control different species of tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important element in sustainable agriculture because of its low negative impact on the environment. In SIT, flies are mass produced and sterilized in the laboratory and then released in a target area. However, once released, laboratory flies may confront harass environments that would reduce their performance and consequently SIT efficiency. Selecting flies that resist stressful conditions may help to improve the efficiency of the SIT by releasing males that resist desiccation, for example, ensuring, thus, their survival in environments with low relative humidity. However, the selection process may affect the resistance of flies to the stress of sterilization, since some life history traits are affected. Here, we studied the effect of irradiation on Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) desiccation resistant flies (DR) compared with nonselected flies (NS). We measured the effect of gamma irradiation dose (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 Gy) on sterility (males and females) and quality parameters (emergence, flight ability, survival, and male sexual performance) in A. ludens adults of the DR and NS (control) strains. Our results indicate that irradiation affected equally the sterility of adults of both strains. None of the quality parameters differed between strains. The only difference was that DR flies survived longer than control flies. Thus, flies that are resistant to desiccation can be used in the SIT without altering the current process of irradiation and packing.

Endometritis granulomatosa por tuberculosis en mujer postmenopaúsica / Granulomatous tuberculosis endometritis in a posmenopausal woman

INTRODUCCIÓN: La tuberculosis (TBC) genital es una infección relativamente poco frecuente en la mujer. Afecta principalmente a mujeres menores de 40 años, y el motivo de consulta más usual es la esterilidad, de ahí la importancia de su diagnóstico precoz. CASO CLÍNICO clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente con dolor pélvico crónico que acude a nuestras consultas para valoración. Durante el estudio se toma biopsia dirigida de la cavidad endometrial diagnosticándose la presencia de granulomas no necrotizantes. Posteriormente se realiza un cultivo microbiológico que resulta positivo para micobacterias y se determina el DNA, mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, de mycobacterium tuberculosis, como causante del cuadro. DISCUSIÓN: El diagnóstico definitivo de TBC requiere el aislamiento en cultivo del bacilo de Koch, aunque en los casos de TBC genital, al ser una entidad paucibacilar, puede no resultar positivo. En éste caso, sería suficiente el diagnóstico de presunción basado en la sospecha clínica y el hallazgo histológico de granulomas. CONCLUSIÓN: La tuberculosis genital es una entidad poco frecuente en nuestro medio, aunque es una causa importante de infertilidad femenina y su predominio generalmente se subestima debido a la naturaleza paucisintomática de la misma. El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento multidisciplinar son fundamentales.

INTRODUCTION: Genital tuberculosis (TB) is a relatively rare afection in women. It mainly affects women younger than 40 years, and the most frequent reason for consultation is sterility, therefore early diagnosis is important. CLINICAL CASE: We presented the case of a patient with chronic pelvic pain who comes to our consultations. During the study, we take an endometrial biopsy diagnosing the presence of non-necrotizing granulomas. Finally, we determined the mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA through the polymerase chain reaction and positive microbiological culture, as the cause of pathology. DISCUSSION: The definitive diagnosis of TB requires the isolation in culture of the Koch bacillus, although in genital TB cases, as it is a paucibacillary entity, it may not be positive. In this case, the presumptive diagnosis based on clinical suspicion and the histological granulomas would be enough. CONCLUSIONS: Genital tuberculosis is a rare entity in our environment, although it is an important cause of female infertility and its prevalence is generally underestimated due to its paucisymptomatic nature. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are essential.

Geographic contrasts between pre- and postzygotic barriers are consistent with reinforcement in Heliconius butterflies.

Identifying the traits causing reproductive isolation and the order in which they evolve is fundamental to understanding speciation. Here, we quantify prezygotic and intrinsic postzygotic isolation among allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric populations of the butterflies Heliconius elevatus and Heliconius pardalinus. Sympatric populations from the Amazon (H. elevatus and H. p. butleri) exhibit strong prezygotic isolation and rarely mate in captivity; however, hybrids are fertile. Allopatric populations from the Amazon (H. p. butleri) and Andes (H. p. sergestus) mate freely when brought together in captivity, but the female F1 hybrids are sterile. Parapatric populations (H. elevatus and H. p. sergestus) exhibit both assortative mating and sterility of female F1s. Assortative mating in sympatric populations is consistent with reinforcement in the face of gene flow, where the driving force, selection against hybrids, is due to disruption of mimicry and other ecological traits rather than hybrid sterility. In contrast, the lack of assortative mating and hybrid sterility observed in allopatric populations suggests that geographic isolation enables the evolution of intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation. Our results show how the types of reproductive barriers that evolve between species may depend on geography.

Comparative development of staminate and pistillate flowers in the dioecious cactus Opuntia robusta.

KEY MESSAGE: PCD role in unisexual flowers. The developmental processes underlying the transition from hermaphroditism to unisexuality are key to understanding variation and evolution of floral structure and function. A detailed examination of the cytological and histological patterns involved in pollen and ovule development of staminate and pistillate flowers in the dioecious Opuntia robusta was undertaken, and the potential involvement of programmed cell death in the abortion of the sex whorls was explored. Flowers initiated development as hermaphrodites and became functionally unisexual by anthesis. Female individuals have pistillate flowers with a conspicuous stigma, functional ovary, collapsed stamens and no pollen grains. Male individuals have staminate flowers, with large yellow anthers, abundant pollen grains, underdeveloped stigma, style and an ovary that rarely produced ovules. In pistillate flowers, anther abortion resulted from the premature degradation of the tapetum by PCD, followed by irregular deposition of callose wall around the microsporocytes, and finally by microspore degradation. In staminate flowers, the stigma could support pollen germination; however, the ovaries were reduced, with evidence of placental arrest and ovule abortion through PCD, when ovules were present. We demonstrate that PCD is recruited in both pistillate and staminate flower development; however, it occurs at different times of floral development. This study contributes to the understanding of the nature of the O. robusta breeding system and identifies developmental landmarks that contribute to sexual determination in Cactaceae.

RNA editing analysis of ATP synthase genes in the cotton cytoplasmic male sterile line H276A.

BACKGROUND: Pollen development is an energy-consuming process that particularly occurs during meiosis. Low levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may cause cell death, resulting in CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility). DNA sequence differences in ATP synthase genes have been revealed between the N- and S-cytoplasms in the cotton CMS system. However, very few data are available at the RNA level. In this study, we compared five ATP synthase genes in the H276A, H276B and fertile F1 (H276A/H268) lines using RNA editing, RNA blotting and quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) to explore their contribution to CMS. A molecular marker for identifying male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) was also developed. RESULTS: RNA blotting revealed the absence of any novel orf for the ATP synthase gene sequence in the three lines. Forty-one RNA editing sites were identified in the coding sequences. RNA editing showed that proteins had 32.43% higher hydrophobicity and that 39.02% of RNA editing sites had proline converted to leucine. Two new stop codons were detected in atp6 and atp9 by RNA editing. Real-time qRT-PCR data showed that the atp1, atp6, atp8, and atp9 genes had substantially lower expression levels in H276A compared with those in H276B. By contrast, the expression levels of all five genes were increased in F1 (H276A/H268). Moreover, a molecular marker based on a 6-bp deletion upstream of atp8 in H276A was developed to identify male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) in cotton. CONCLUSIONS: Our data substantially contributes to the understanding of the function of ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS. Therefore, we suggest that ATP synthase genes might be an indirect cause of cotton CMS. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship among ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS.

RNA editing analysis of ATP synthase genes in the cotton cytoplasmic male sterile line H276A

BACKGROUND: Pollen development is an energy-consuming process that particularly occurs during meiosis. Low levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may cause cell death, resulting in CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility). DNA sequence differences in ATP synthase genes have been revealed between the N- and S-cytoplasms in the cotton CMS system. However, very few data are available at the RNA level. In this study, we compared five ATP synthase genes in the H276A, H276B and fertile F1 (H276A/H268) lines using RNA editing, RNA blotting and quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) to explore their contribution to CMS. A molecular marker for identifying male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) was also developed. RESULTS: RNA blotting revealed the absence of any novel orf for the ATP synthase gene sequence in the three lines. Forty-one RNA editing sites were identified in the coding sequences. RNA editing showed that proteins had 32.43% higher hydrophobicity and that 39.02% of RNA editing sites had proline converted to leucine. Two new stop codons were detected in atp6 and atp9 by RNA editing. Real-time qRT-PCR data showed that the atp1, atp6, atp8, and atp9 genes had substantially lower expression levels in H276A compared with those in H276B. By contrast, the expression levels of all five genes were increased in F1 (H276A/H268). Moreover, a molecular marker based on a 6-bp deletion upstream of atp8 in H276A was developed to identify male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) in cotton. CONCLUSIONS: Our data substantially contributes to the understanding of the function of ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS. Therefore, we suggest that ATP synthase genes might be an indirect cause of cotton CMS. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship among ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS.

Recuperación de la fertilidad en una paciente estéril,mediante microcirugía de trompa uterina, y la aproximación al ovario contralateral / Fertility recovery in a sterile patient, by means of uterine tube microsurgery, and the approach to the contralateral ovary

Para que ocurra un embarazo exitoso, se requiere la integridad del tracto genital femenino, destacando como elementos importantes las trompas uterinas (TU) que transportan gametos y al óvulo fecundado a la cavidad uterina. La enfermedad de las TU por varias causas, como el embarazo ectópico, constituyen un 20% de causas de infertilidad. Gracias al desarrollo de técnicas de reproducción asistida (TRA) como la fecundación in vitro (FIV), en un alto porcentaje de pacientes que tienen un daño permanente y severo en estas estructuras, la cirugía para reparar o recanalizar las trompas uterinas ha sido desplazada por esta técnica de reproducción asistida. La reanastomosis tubárica tiene una tasa de éxito y de embarazos naturales después de la cirugía del 9% en mujeres con enfermedad tubárica severa al 69% en casos de enfermedad tubárica leve. Se presenta el caso de una paciente joven diagnosticada de infertilidad postquirúrgica por antecedentes de dos embarazos ectópicos accidentados previos que afectaron ambas trompas uterinas y ooforectomía izquierda; luego de realizado el procedimiento microquirúrgico, recuperó la posibilidad de ser madre.

For a successful pregnancy to occur, the integrity of the female genital tract is required, highlighting as important elements the uterine tubes (TU) that transport gametes and the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity. The disease of TU due to several causes, such as ectopic preg- nancy, constitute 20% of infertility causes. Thanks to the development of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), in a high percentage of patients who have permanent and severe damage to these structures, surgery to repair or recanalize the uterine tubes has been displaced by This assisted reproduction technique. Tubal reanastomosis has a success rate and natural pregnancies after surgery of 9% in women with severe tubal disease at 69% in cases of mild tubal disease. We present the case of a young patient diagnosed with post-surgical infertility due to a history of two previous injured ectopic pregnancies that affec- ted both uterine tubes and left oophorectomy; After performing the micro-surgical procedure, he recovered the possibility of being a mother.

Evaluación de la adecuabilidad de sachets plásticos de soluciones parenterales de gran volumen que contienen metronidazol y ciprofloxacina en Argentina durante 2016-2017 / Evaluation of the adequacy of plastic containers of Large Volume Parenterals with metronidazole and ciprofloxacin marketed in Argentina during 2016-2017

Las soluciones parenterales de gran volumen (SPGV) son formulaciones líquidas de administración intravenosa, en las cuales la esterilidad y apirogenicidad son requisitos indispensables. De manera semejante, los envases que las contienen deben cumplir estrictas especificaciones de manera de asegurar la integridad y la seguridad de estos productos durante toda su vida útil y, de este modo, disminuir la probabilidad de contaminación que pudiera poner en riesgo la salud de los pacientes. Por este motivo, para verificar el cumplimiento de la normativa vigente y evaluar la calidad, se realizó un estudio horizontal de mercado de productos de SPGV conteniendo metronidazol 500 mg/ 100 ml y ciprofloxacina 200 mg/100 ml en presentaciones de 100 ml. Los ensayos realizados fueron los establecidos por la Disposición ANMAT 1149/97. Los resultados demostraron que, de los cinco laboratorios incluidos en el estudio, uno debe modificar el material de sus envases a fin de evitar la permeabilidad al vapor de agua y los otros cuatro deben rever la capacidad de escurrimiento y colapsabilidad o incluir en su rótulo la leyenda indicada en el inciso E 3.1.4 de la citada norma, en cuanto a la obligación de ser administrados en forma aséptica con filtración del aire de ventilación. El presente trabajo resalta la importancia de las acciones de vigilancia activa llevada a cabo por la ANMAT para asegurar la eficacia, seguridad y calidad de los productos comercializados dentro de su ámbito regulatorio

Large Volume Parenterals (LVP's) are aqueous solutions intended for intravenous use. Sterility and being pyrogen-free are both essential requirements. Similarly, the containers of these solutions must meet strict specifications in order to ensure the integrity and safety of these products throughout their useful life and, thus, reduce the likelihood of contamination that could put at risk the patients' health. For this reason, to verify compliance with current regulations and assess quality, a horizontal market study of SPGV products containing metronidazole 500 mg / 100 ml and ciprofloxacin 200 mg / 100 ml in 100 ml presentations was conducted. The tests carried out were those established by Regulation ANMAT 1149/97. The results showed that, one of the five laboratories included in the study, must modify the material of the containers to avoid water vapor permeability and the other four must review the capacity of runoff and collapsibility or include in the label the legend indicated in the subsection. E 3.1.4 of the aforementioned standard, regarding the obligation to be aseptically administered with ventilation air filtration. This work highlights the importance of active surveillance actions carried out by ANMAT to ensure the effectiveness, safety and quality of products marketed within its regulatory scope