Catalogue of drought events in peninsular Spanish along 1916-2020 period.

We leveraged the most extensive and detailed gridded database of monthly precipitation data across the Spanish mainland (MOPREDAScentury), encompassing 1916-2020 time period, to pinpoint the most severe drought events within this timeframe and analyse their spatio-temporal dynamics. To identify these events, we employed the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at a 12-month timescale. Drought events were identified as periods of at least three months where significantly dry conditions affected 20% or more of the study area, defined as grid cells with SPI values lower than -0.84. Our analysis revealed a total of 40 major drought events. Our catalogue contains detailed information on each episode's spatial extent, duration, severity, and spatio-temporal dynamics. The analysis of the propagation patterns of the events unveils substantial heterogeneity, implying that droughts stem from diverse atmospheric mechanisms, further influenced by complex local topography. The open-licensed drought database serves as a valuable resource. It not only facilitates exploration of drought onset and evolution mechanisms but also aids in assessing drought impact on agricultural and other socio-economic sectors.

Risk-Benefit Comparison Between Endoloop and Endostapler Devices for the Closure of Appendiceal Stumps in Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Introduction Acute appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdomen and the most frequent surgical emergency in the world. Since the nineteenth century, surgical resolution has been the most accepted treatment worldwide, and laparoscopic appendectomy is currently preferred as the treatment of choice because it has several benefits. The closure of the appendiceal stump is the most crucial step during appendectomy since its inadequate management can cause post-surgical complications. Throughout recent years, several methods have been proposed to perform this closure. This study was performed to compare the post-surgical outcomes of the use of endoloop and endostapler devices. Methods This is a retrospective study of 290 patients aged 18 to 83 who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between 2016 and 2020. Demographic data, clinical history, tomographic findings, and laboratory data were collected, as well as appendicular base management technique, severity degree of appendicitis at hospital admission, postoperative complications at 30 days, hospital readmission, and in-hospital stay. Statistical tests and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Demographic data and clinical history did not show statistically significant differences. The presence of a pre-surgical abscess with tomography was 1.58 times higher in the endostapler group. Post-surgical results showed that the use of endostapler devices represented a 2.7 times higher risk of post-surgical abscess. The endostapler group was also found to have 1.87 times the risk of post-surgical sepsis. Conclusion Our study shows that the use of an endoloop reduces the risk of postoperative abscess by 16.5% and protects against the development of post-surgical sepsis by 30%.

Blastocoel fluid aspiration improves vitrification outcomes and produces similar sexing results of in vitro-produced cattle embryos compared to microblade biopsy.

The potential applications of in vitro-produced (IVP) cattle embryos are significantly enhanced when combined with genotype selection and cryopreservation techniques. While trophectoderm (TE) biopsies are frequently used for genotyping, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in blastocoele fluid (BF) arises as a less-invasive method. Moreover, the blastocoel collapse produced by BF aspiration could be beneficial for embryo cryotolerance. This study was conducted to test the BF as a source of cell free-DNA (cfDNA) and to compare the BF to the TE biopsy in terms of sexing efficiency/accuracy, embryo survival and gene expression after vitrification/warming. IVP day 7 expanded blastocysts were artificially collapsed by aspiration of BF (VIT-Collapsed) or biopsied (VIT-Biopsied). After sample collection, embryos were vitrified/warmed by the Cryotop method and individually cultured in vitro. Intact fresh non-vitrified and vitrified/warmed blastocysts served as Fresh Control and VIT-Control, respectively. After sex identification of BF or TE biopsies and the corresponding surviving embryos, amplification efficiency and sexing accuracy were assessed. There were no differences between the BF and TE biopsy samples in terms of sexing accuracy or efficiency. Although all vitrified groups showed lower post-warming re-expansion rates (p < 0.05), the blastocyst re-expansion rates in the VIT-Collapsed group were comparable to those in the Fresh Control group whereas biopsied blastocysts showed the lowest (p < 0.05) re-expansion rates. VIT-Collapsed blastocysts had hatching rates that were comparable to those of Fresh Control blastocysts but significantly higher than those of the other vitrification treatments. Proapoptotic gene BAX was overexpressed in VIT-Biopsied embryos, whereas BCL2 transcripts were more abundant in the VIT-Collapsed group. On the other hand, VIT-Biopsied embryos showed altered ATP1B1- and AQP3-mRNA levels. The analysis of the cfDNA present in the BF is an efficient, minimally invasive approach to sex IVP cattle embryos. Besides, the artificial collapse of blastocoel prior to vitrification resulted in higher re-expansion and hatching ability than when embryos were vitrified after being biopsied.

Statistical analysis plan for the multicenter, open, randomized controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban vs aspirin in acute ischemic stroke due to tandem lesion, undergoing recanalization therapy by endovascular treatment (ATILA trial).

RATIONALE: In-stent reocclusion after endovascular therapy has a negative impact on outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to tandem lesions (TL). Optimal antiplatelet therapy approach in these patients to avoid in-stent reocclusion is yet to be elucidated. AIMS: To assess efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban versus intravenous aspirin in patients undergoing MT plus carotid stenting in the setting of AIS due to TL. SAMPLE SIZE ESTIMATES: Two hundred forty patients will be enrolled, 120 in every treatment arm. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled (aspirin group), assessor-blinded clinical trial will be conducted. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be randomized at MT onset to the experimental or control group (1:1). Intravenous aspirin will be administered at a 500-mg single dose and tirofiban at a 500-mcg bolus followed by a 200-mcg/h infusion during the first 24 h. All patients will be followed for up to 3 months. STUDY OUTCOMES: Primary efficacy outcome will be the proportion of patients with carotid in-stent thrombosis within the first 24 h after MT. Primary safety outcome will be the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. DISCUSSION: This will be the first clinical trial to assess the best antiplatelet therapy to avoid in-stent thrombosis after MT in patients with TL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered as NCT05225961. February, 7th, 2022.

Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican Neotropical vectors and mammals: wildlife, livestock, pets, and human population.

OBJECTIVE: To provide primary evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi landscape genetics in the Mexican Neotropics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trypanosoma cruzi and discrete typing units (DTU) prevalence were analyzed in landscape communities of vectors, wildlife, livestock, pets, and sympatric human populations using endpoint PCR and sequencing of all relevant amplicons from mitochondrial (kDNA) and nuclear (ME, 18S, 24Sα) gene markers. RESULTS: Although 98% of the infected sample-set (N=2 963) contained single or mixed infections of DTUI (TcI, 96.2%) and TcVI (22.6%), TcIV and TcII were also identified. Sensitivity of individual markers varied and was dependent on host taxon; kDNA, ME and 18S combined identified 95% of infections. ME genotyped 90% of vector infections, but 60% of mammals (36% wildlife), while neither 18S nor 24Sα typed more than 20% of mammal infections. CONCLUSION: Available gene fragments to identify or genotype T. cruzi are not universally sensitive for all landscape parasite populations, highlighting important T. cruzi heteroge- neity among mammal reservoir taxa and triatomine species.

Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction.

The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.

Sarcoma sinovial pobremente diferenciado de pared del tórax con características rabdoides / Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma of the chest wall with rhabdoid features

Presentamos un caso de sarcoma sinovial (SS) pobremente diferenciado con características rabdoides. Mujer de 33 años remitida a nuestra institución con un tumor de la pared torácica que en la resonancia magnética reveló masa difusa que invadía la pleura y se extendía hacia el esófago, la aorta, el diafragma y el páncreas. La neoplasia estaba compuesta por células pequeñas/medianas con morfología rabdoide compuesta por núcleos redondos, algunos excéntricos, nucléolos pequeños y citoplasma eosinofílico. Los estudios inmunohistoquímicos demostraron que las células tumorales fueron reactivas para TLE1, Bcl-2, EMA, CAM5.2, CD138 y CD56, y negativas para desmina, actina de músculo liso y proteína S100. Mediante la técnica de hibridación in situ con fluorescencia, realizada en cortes de parafina, los núcleos de células tumorales mostraron reordenamiento SS18. Se hizo el diagnóstico de SS pobremente diferenciado con características «rabdoides». Este es el 8.° caso, de un SS con características «rabdoides» informado en la literatura.(AU)

We report a rare case of a poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (SS) with rhabdoid features. A 33-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a chest wall tumor. MRI revealed a diffuse mass that invaded the pleura and extended into the esophagus, aorta, diaphragm and pancreas. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm showed it to be composed of sheets of small/medium cells with rhabdoid morphology, consisting of round, eccentrically localized nuclei, conspicuous nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the tumor cells to be positive for TLE1, Bcl-2, EMA, CAM5.2, CD138 and CD56 and negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin or S100 protein. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization technique, performed on the paraffin section, showed SS18 gene rearrangement in the nuclei of the tumor cells. Poorly differentiated SS with “rhabdoid” features was diagnosed. This is only the 8th case of a SS with “rhabdoid” features reported to date.(AU)

Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma-A Review of Clinical, Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after mycosis fungoides and belongs to the spectrum of cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Although primary cutaneous ALCL usually presents as a localized nodule or papule with or without ulceration, multifocal lesions may occur in up to 20% of cases. Histologically, primary cutaneous ALCL consists of a diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium to large anaplastic/pleomorphic cells with abundant amphophilic-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm, horseshoe-shaped nuclei, strong and diffuse expression of CD30, and with focal or no epidermotropism. The neoplastic infiltrate may show angiocentric distribution and may extend to the subcutis. Patients with localized or multifocal disease have a similar prognosis with a 10-year overall survival rate of 90%. Approximately 30% of primary cutaneous ALCLs harbor a DUSP22 (6p25.3) gene rearrangement that results in decreased expression of this dual-specific phosphatase, decreased STAT3 activation, and decreased activity of immune and autoimmune-mediated mechanisms regulated by T-cells.

[Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma of the chest wall with rhabdoid features]. / Sarcoma sinovial pobremente diferenciado de pared del tórax con características rabdoides.

We report a rare case of a poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (SS) with rhabdoid features. A 33-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a chest wall tumor. MRI revealed a diffuse mass that invaded the pleura and extended into the esophagus, aorta, diaphragm and pancreas. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm showed it to be composed of sheets of small/medium cells with rhabdoid morphology, consisting of round, eccentrically localized nuclei, conspicuous nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the tumor cells to be positive for TLE1, Bcl-2, EMA, CAM5.2, CD138 and CD56 and negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin or S100 protein. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization technique, performed on the paraffin section, showed SS18 gene rearrangement in the nuclei of the tumor cells. Poorly differentiated SS with "rhabdoid" features was diagnosed. This is only the 8th case of a SS with "rhabdoid" features reported to date.

Validation of HIV-1 MA Shell Structural Arrangements and Env Protein Interactions Predict a Role of the MA Shell in Viral Maturation.

The molecular structure of the type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is tightly linked to the mechanism of viral entry. The spike envelope (Env) glycoproteins and their interaction with the underlying matrix (MA) shell have emerged as key components of the entry mechanism. Microscopy evidence suggests that the MA shell does not span the entire inner lipid surface of the virus, producing a region of the virus that completely lacks an MA shell. Interestingly, evidence also suggests that Env proteins cluster during viral maturation and, thus, it is likely that this event takes place in the region of the virus that lacks an MA shell. We have previously called this part of the virus a fusion hub to highlight its importance during viral entry. While the structure of the MA shell is in contention due to the unaddressed inconsistencies between its reported hexagonal arrangement and the physical plausibility of such a structure, it is possible that a limited number of MA hexagons could form. In this study, we measured the size of the fusion hub by analysing the cryo-EM maps of eight HIV-1 particles and measured the size of the MA shell gap to be 66.3 nm ± 15.0 nm. We also validated the feasibility of the hexagonal MA shell arrangement in six reported structures and determined the plausible components of these structures that do not violate geometrical limitations. We also examined the cytosolic domain of Env proteins and discovered a possible interaction between adjacent Env proteins that could explain the stability of cluster formation. We present an updated HIV-1 model and postulate novel roles of the MA shell and Env structure.

Characterization of the Germplasm Bank for the Spanish Autochthonous Bull Breed "Asturiana de la Montaña".

Semen cryobanks are critical for preserving autochthonous and rare breeds. Since sperm cryopreservation has been optimized for commercial breeds, non-commercial ones (often endangered) must be characterized to ensure the germplasm's viability. This study reports an investigation of the "Asturiana de la Montaña" breed (AM), a valuable Spanish autochthonous cattle breed adapted to the mountainous Atlantic environment. The survey included cryopreserved semen doses from 40 bulls stored at the Principado de Asturias Germplasm Bank. Data were obtained from the routine fresh semen analysis, CASA (motility), and flow cytometry analyses of fresh and post-thawing semen, and the 56-day non-return-rate (NRR) in heifers and cows (all results as 1st and 3rd quartiles). Fresh samples (artificial vagina) were within the normal range for cattle (4-6 mL, 5-10 × 109/mL; mass motility 5). Post-thawing results showed motility below typical for commercial breeds (total motility 26-43%, progressive 14-28%), with higher values for viability (47-62%). Insemination results showed a good performance for this breed (NRR: 47-56%; higher for heifers). Sperm volume increased with age, with little or no effects on sperm quality. Few associations were found between post-thawing quality or freezability and NRR, LIN being the variable more strongly associated (positively). The AM semen bank shows a good prospect for preserving and disseminating the genetics of this breed. This survey indicates that dedicated research is needed to adapt freezing protocols to this breed, optimizing post-thawing results.

Safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke due to tandem lesions undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: A multicenter randomized clinical trial (ATILA) protocol.

Background: In-stent thrombosis after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) worsen outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to tandem lesions (TL). Although an optimal antiplatelet therapy is needed, the best approach to avoid in-stent thrombosis is yet to be elucidated. Hypothesis: Low-dose intravenous tirofiban is superior to intravenous aspirin in avoiding in-stent thrombosis in patients undergoing MT plus carotid stenting in the setting of AIS due to TL. Methods: The ATILA-trial is a multicenter, prospective, phase IV, randomized, controlled (aspirin group as control), assessor-blinded clinical trial. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria (AIS due to TL, ASPECTS ⩾ 6, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale ⩽2 and onset <24 h) will be randomized (1:1) at MT onset to experimental (intravenous tirofiban) or control group (intravenous aspirin). Intravenous aspirin will be administered at a 500 mg single dose and tirofiban at a 500 µg bolus followed by a 200 µg/h infusion during first 22 h. All patients will be followed up to 3 months. Sample size estimated is 240 patients. Outcomes: The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of patients with carotid in-stent thrombosis within the first 24 h after MT. The primary safety outcome is the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes include functional independence defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2, proportion of patients undergoing rescue therapy due to in-stent aggregation during MT and carotid reocclusion at 30 days. Discussion: ATILA-trial will be the first clinical trial regarding the best antiplatelet therapy to avoid in-stent thrombosis after MT in patients with TL. Trial registration: NCT0522596.

Utilidad de la medición de la hormona paratiroidea sérica como predictor de hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía: Un estudio observacional de centro único / Utility of serum parathyroid hormone measurement as a predictor of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: A single-center observational study

Introducción: La prevalencia del cáncer de tiroides es del 4 al 7%, en Ecuador alcanza una tasa de 16/100.000 habitantes, en la mayoría de casos requiere resolución quirúrgica asociando una tasa de complicaciones del 2 al 15%, de estas la hipocalcemia representa al menos el 10.9%. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la utilidad de la medición de la hormona paratiroidea sérica (PTH) como predictor de hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico de pacientes con tiroidectomía en el Hospital Metropolitano de Quito, en el periodo enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2019. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, quirúrgicas y complicaciones. Se comparó la relación de la PTH con la presencia de hipocalcemia clínica, serológica o ambas mediante RP, sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP, VPN, LR. Otras variables confusoras se analizaron mediante regresión logística multinomial comparando sus OR. Resultados: Se incluyeron 212 registros, 15.6% hombres y 84.4% mujeres, con promedio de 52.1 años. La indicación principal de tiroidectomía fue por Carcinoma papilar 123 (58.0%). Las complicaciones fueron el 22.7%. Un total de 48 pacientes desarrollaron hipocalcemia. Los niveles de PTH < 10 ng/l predicen la hipocalcemia con sensibilidad de 0.55, especificidad 0.78, VPP: 43%, VPN: 85%, RP fue 2.91 (IC 95% 1.06 - 8.01). Conclusiones: La cuantificación de PTH en 10 ng/l o menos, es útil para predecir hipocalcemia clínica en los pacientes sometidos a tiroidectomía total.

Introduction: The prevalence of thyroid cancer is from 4 to 7%; in Ecuador, it reaches a rate of 16/per 100,000 inhabitants; in most cases, it requires surgical resolution associated with a complication rate of 2 to 15%, of this hypocalcemia represents at least minus 10.9%. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of measuring serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a predictor of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study of patients with thyroidectomy was carried out at the Metropolitan Hospital of Quito from January 2017 to December 2019. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and complication variables were analyzed. PTH's relationship with clinical or serological hypocalcemia or both was compared using PR, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and LR. Other confounding variables were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression comparing their ORs. Results: A total of 212 records were included, 15.6% men and 84.4% women, with an average age of 52.1 years. The main indication for thyroidectomy was papillary carcinoma 123 (58.0%). Complications were 22.7%. A total of 48 patients developed hypocalcemia. PTH levels < 10 ng/l predict hypocalcemia with a sensitivity of 0.55, specificity of 0.78, PPV: 43%, NPV: 85%, and PR was 2.91 (95% CI 1.06 - 8.01). Conclusions: PTH quantification of 10 ng/l or less helps predict clinical hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

H-mode transition in the TJ-II stellarator plasmas.

Since the first H-mode transitions were observed in TJ-II plasmas in 2008, an extensive experimental effort has been done aiming at better physics understanding of confinement transitions. In this article, an overview of the main findings related to the L-H transition in TJ-II is presented including how the radial electric field is driven, what are the possible mechanisms for turbulence suppression and what are the related temporal and spatial scales that can impact the transition. The trigger of the L-H transition in TJ-II plasmas is found to be more correlated with the development of fluctuating [Formula: see text] flows than with steady-state [Formula: see text] effects, pointing to the role played by zonal flows in mediating the transition. Experimental evidence supporting the predator-prey relationship between turbulence and flows as the basis for the L-H transition, found for the first time in TJ-II, reinforces this conclusion. Besides, the reduction in the turbulent transport at the transition is detected at the barrier region but also in a wider radial range with weak or even zero [Formula: see text] flow shear, which points to other mechanisms beyond the turbulence suppression by local sheared flows. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'H-mode transition and pedestal studies in fusion plasmas'.

Bundle formation of sperm: Influence of environmental factors.

Cooperative behaviour of sperm is one of the mechanisms that plays a role in sperm competition. It has been observed in several species that spermatozoa interact with each other to form agglomerates or bundles. In this study, we investigate the effect of physical and biochemical factors that will most likely promote bundle formation in bull sperm. These factors include fluid viscosity, swim-up process, post-thaw incubation time and media additives which promote capacitation. While viscosity does not seem to influence the degree of sperm bundling, swim-up, post-thaw migration time and suppressed capacitation increase the occurrence of sperm bundles. This leads to the conclusion that sperm bundling is a result of hydrodynamic and adhesive interactions between the cells which occurs frequently during prolonged incubation times.

Determination of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in bovine sperm is predictive of their fertilizing capacity.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of chromatin integrity has become an important determinant of sperm quality. In frozen-thawed bovine sperm, neither the sequence of post-thaw injury events nor the dynamics of different types of sperm DNA breaks are well understood. The aim of the present work was to describe such sperm degradation aftermath focusing on DNA damage dynamics, and to assess if this parameter can predict pregnancy rates in cattle. RESULTS: A total of 75 cryopreserved ejaculates from 25 Holstein bulls were evaluated at two post-thawing periods (0-2 h and 2-4 h), analyzing global and double-stranded DNA damage through alkaline and neutral Comet assays, chromatin deprotamination and decondensation, sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, and intracellular levels of total ROS, superoxides and calcium. Insemination of 59,605 females was conducted using sperm from the same bulls, thus obtaining the non-return to estrus rates after 90 d (NRR). Results showed an increased rate of double-stranded breaks in the first period (0-2 h: 1.29 ± 1.01%/h vs. 2-4 h: 0.13 ± 1.37%/h; P <  0.01), whereas the rate of sperm with moderate + high single-stranded breaks was higher in the second period (0-2 h: 3.52 ± 7.77 %/h vs. 2-4h: 21.06 ± 11.69 %/h; P < 0.0001). Regarding sperm physiology, viability decrease rate was different between the two periods (0-2 h: - 4.49 ± 1.79%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 2.50 ± 3.39%/h; P = 0.032), but the progressive motility decrease rate was constant throughout post-thawing incubation (0-2 h: - 4.70 ± 3.42%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 1.89 ± 2.97%/h; P > 0.05). Finally, whereas no correlations between bull fertility and any dynamic parameter were found, there were correlations between the NRR and the basal percentage of highly-damaged sperm assessed with the alkaline Comet (Rs = - 0.563, P = 0.003), between NRR and basal progressive motility (Rs = 0.511, P = 0.009), and between NRR and sperm with high ROS at 4 h post-thaw (Rs = 0.564, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The statistically significant correlations found between intracellular ROS, sperm viability, sperm motility, DNA damage and chromatin deprotamination suggested a sequence of events all driven by oxidative stress, where viability and motility would be affected first and sperm chromatin would be altered at a later stage, thus suggesting that bovine sperm should be used for fertilization within 2 h post-thaw. Fertility correlations supported that the assessment of global DNA damage through the Comet assay may help predict bull fertility.

Cryoprotectant role of exopolysaccharide ID1 in the vitrification/in-straw warming of in vitro-produced bovine embryos.

The cold-adapted bacterium Pseudomonas sp. ID1 produces the extracellular exopolysaccharide ID1 (EPS ID1) with cryoprotective activity. This study was designed to optimize the vitrification/in-straw warming protocol of in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts by adding EPS ID1 to the vitrification media. Day 7-expanded blastocysts were vitrified/warmed using the VitTrans device after the addition of 0 or 100 µg/mL EPS ID1 to the vitrification media. Blastocysts vitrified by the Cryotop method and fresh non-vitrified blastocysts served as controls. Outcomes were assessed in the warmed embryos in terms of survival rates and mRNA relative abundances of BAX, BCL2, GPX1, and CDX2 genes. No differences in survival rates were observed at 3 h post-warming between vitrification treatments. At 24 h post-warming, the addition of EPS prior to vitrification with the VitTrans device produced similar survival rates to Cryotop-vitrified embryos and similar hatching rates to fresh non-vitrified or Cryotop-vitrified embryos. No differences emerged in BCL2 gene expression. Lower BAX (p < .05) and higher GPX1 (p < .05) and CDX2 (p < .1) gene expression were observed in expanded and/or hatched blastocysts derived from VitTrans-EPS-vitrified embryos when compared to those from the non-supplemented group. In conclusion, addition of EPS not only promoted blastocyst survival and hatching after VitTrans vitrification/warming but also modified the expression of genes associated with better embryo quality.

Use of native chicken breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus) for the development of suitable methods of Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) semen cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND: The Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) is critically endangered. This subspecies has the lowest genetic variability and it is in regression. It belongs to Phasianidae family; therefore, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) could be a good model for developing reproductive technologies for use in capercaillie populations with low availability of animals. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we analyzed the response of capercaillie sperm to the freezing-thawing process for contributing to the development of a semen cryobank of Cantabrian capercaillie. METHODS: We used domestic chicken as the animal model in order to obtain the freezing protocol before applying on capercaillie. In the first experiment, two different extenders (EK and LR84) and different concentrations [4% and 6% dimethyl-acetamide (DMA) v:v] of cryoprotectants were evaluated using in-straw freezing method in domestic chickens. A pilot study in capercaillie males, using the same conditions evaluated in chicken, was performed. RESULTS: In chicken, we found that the LR84-4% DMA media provided the best results for freezing semen. In capercaillie study, LR84 extender seemed to be the most appropriate diluent and 4% was the better dose of DMA cryoprotectant agent. Further, based on previous studies carried out in rooster samples, we also tested the glycerol (8% v/v) as a cryoprotectant for capercaillie semen cryopreservation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that sperm from both domestic and wild species had a similar response to freezing-thawing processes. Mediterranean chickens may be used as a suitable model for developing sperm freezing protocols that can be extrapolated to threatened capercaillie populations. In addition, LR84 media with glycerol was the most efficient extender to freeze capercaillie sperm native.

The latest anatomical discovery: the parathyroid glands or Glandulae parathyreoideae of Owen-Sandström-Gley.

In 1852, Owen, a prominent British anatomist, described the parathyroid glands. While dissecting a rhinoceros, he noted a small compact yellow body, attached to the thyroid. Virchow and later Remak described the human parathyroids around 1960, but credit for the first complete description goes to the Sandström in 1980. More than a decade later Gley, showed that it was the removal of the parathyroids that accounted for the tetany that followed thyroidectomy. The association of parathyroid pathology and skeletal abnormalities was made in 1914 by Erdheim and Schlagenhaufer, and Mandl, was the first surgeon to successfully treat a case of osteitis fibrosa by surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma in 1925. The most extensive work on hyperparathyroidism was done in the 1930s by Albright form Boston, who described parathyroid hyperplasia, and differentiated between primary, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Progresses in anatomy, physiology and surgery of the parathyroid glands, have contributed to various effective modalities of diagnosis and treatment.

En 1852, Owen, un destacado anatomista británico, describió las glándulas paratiroides. Mientras realizaba la disección de un rinoceronte indio, observó un pequeño cuerpo amarillo compacto, unido a la tiroides. Virchow, y más tarde Remak, describieron las paratiroides humanas alrededor de 1860, pero el crédito por la primera descripción completa es para Sandström en 1880. Más de una década después, Gley demostró que era la eliminación de las paratiroides lo que explicaba la tetania después de la tiroidectomía. La asociación de la patología paratiroidea y las anomalías esqueléticas fue establecida en 1914 por Erdheim y Schlagenhaufer, y Mandl fue el primer cirujano en tratar con éxito un caso de osteítis fibrosa mediante la extirpación quirúrgica de un adenoma paratiroideo en 1925. El trabajo más extenso sobre el hiperparatiroidismo fue realizado en la década de 1930 por Albright, en Boston, quien describió la hiperplasia paratiroidea y la diferenció del hiperparatiroidismo primario, secundario y terciario. Los avances en anatomía, fisiología y cirugía de las glándulas paratiroides han contribuido a diversas modalidades efectivas de diagnóstico y tratamiento.