Search for Daily Modulation of MeV Dark Matter Signals with DAMIC-M.

Dark matter (DM) particles with sufficiently large cross sections may scatter as they travel through Earth's bulk. The corresponding changes in the DM flux give rise to a characteristic daily modulation signal in detectors sensitive to DM-electron interactions. Here, we report results obtained from the first underground operation of the DAMIC-M prototype detector searching for such a signal from DM with MeV-scale mass. A model-independent analysis finds no modulation in the rate of 1 e^{-} events with sidereal period, where a DM signal would appear. We then use these data to place exclusion limits on DM in the mass range [0.53,2.7] MeV/c^{2} interacting with electrons via a dark photon mediator. Taking advantage of the time-dependent signal we improve by ∼2 orders of magnitude on our previous limit obtained from the total rate of 1 e^{-} events, using the same dataset. This daily modulation search represents the current strongest limit on DM-electron scattering via ultralight mediators for DM masses around 1 MeV/c^{2}.

First Constraints from DAMIC-M on Sub-GeV Dark-Matter Particles Interacting with Electrons.

We report constraints on sub-GeV dark matter particles interacting with electrons from the first underground operation of DAMIC-M detectors. The search is performed with an integrated exposure of 85.23 g days, and exploits the subelectron charge resolution and low level of dark current of DAMIC-M charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Dark-matter-induced ionization signals above the detector dark current are searched for in CCD pixels with charge up to 7e^{-}. With this dataset we place limits on dark matter particles of mass between 0.53 and 1000 MeV/c^{2}, excluding unexplored regions of parameter space in the mass ranges [1.6,1000] MeV/c^{2} and [1.5,15.1] MeV/c^{2} for ultralight and heavy mediator interactions, respectively.

Analyses of head and thorax in Eupomphini (Meloidae) suggest that complex behaviors are not associated to changes in general shape.

Our results reject an association between general shape of head and thorax with defensive and courtship behaviors in the studied Eupomphini blister beetles. Instead we found that shape of thorax and head radiated in all directions of the morphospace. We also identified a radical separation between two lineages that could represent future evolutionary constraints for thorax evolution.

Nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende / Level of functional dependence of older adults in the community of Tula de Allende

Introducción: El estado funcional se mide mediante la autonomía que tienen las personas para desarrollar las actividades de la vida diaria, cuando no se pueden realizar de manera autónoma es necesario un cuidador. Esta medida se sustenta en el modelo de adaptación de Sor Callista Roy, ya que se identifica el proceso de envejecimiento como el estímulo focal que produce una respuesta inmediata en el adulto mayor de acuerdo con el modo de interdependencia. Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material y métodos: Estudio de aplicabilidad básica, cuantitativo, descriptivo y trasversal. Participaron 366 adultos mayores de Tula de Allende, y se les dio a conocer los términos de confidencialidad conforme a lo establecido en la Ley General de Salud y Declaración de Helsinki mediante el consentimiento informado. Se aplicó el cuestionario de Índice de Barthel (IB), para medir la dependencia funcional en las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Resultados: Predomina el género femenino con el 52.7% representado por 193 participantes, la mayoría son casadas y amas de casa. De acuerdo con el IB la mayoría de los participantes tiene una dependencia leve, con una frecuencia de 206 y un porcentaje de 56.3%, y el cruce de variables arroja como resultado una relación significativa. Conclusión: Los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende presentan un nivel de dependencia funcional leve.

Introduction: Functional status assesses people's ability to carry out daily activities; when these cannot be performed autonomously, a caregiver is necessary. This measure is based on the Roy Adaptation Model, which identifies the aging process as the focal stimulus that generates an effect according to the interdependence mode. Objective: To evaluate the level of functional dependence of the elderly in the community of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material and methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study of basic applicability. 366 older adults from Tula de Allende participated and were informed about confidentiality terms in accordance with the General Health Law and the Declaration of Helsinki through informed consent. The Barthel Index (BI) questionnaire was applied to measure functional dependence on daily instrumental activities. Results: The female gender predominates with 52.7% represented by 193 participants, the majority are married housewives. According to the BI, most of the participants have a slight dependency, with a frequency of 206 and a percentage of 56.3%; the correlation of variables showed statistical significance. Conclusion: Older adults in the community of Tula de Allende present a mild functional dependence level.

Urolitiasis en Atención Primaria: comparación de un seguimiento sistemático frente a la práctica habitual / Urolithiasis in Primary Care: Comparison of a systematic follow-up versus usual clinical practice

Objetivo: La implantación de acciones clínicas preventivas en Atención Primaria permitiría actuar sobre la alta incidencia de urolitiasis y sus factores de riesgo corregibles. Este estudio piloto comparó un seguimiento sistemático (SS) frente al seguimiento habitual (SH) en términos de viabilidad, seguridad y eficacia clínica. Materiales y métodos: Realizamos un estudio piloto multicéntrico y controlado en 30 pacientes, comparando el SS y el SH. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados según una lista generada por ordenador. Se definió el «éxito del estudio» como la consecución de los objetivos de viabilidad: tasa de reclutamiento, adherencia, finalización del seguimiento y recursos humanos necesarios. Se recogieron variables clínicas (dolor y fiebre), analíticas (sangre y orina) y de imagen (ecografía y radiografía) a los 10, 45 y 90 días en el grupo de SS y a los 3 meses en el de SH. En el grupo de SS se entregaron recomendaciones dietéticas y analgésicas. Se hizo una comparación clínica preliminar y se registraron las complicaciones en cada grupo. Resultados: Los objetivos de viabilidad se consiguieron como sigue: 94,1% de tasa de reclutamiento, 5,9% de rechazo a la aleatorización, 10 pacientes reclutados al mes, adherencia del 93,1% y 90% de asistencia a la revisión final. Los resultados clínicos no favorecieron significativamente a ninguno de los dos grupos. En el grupo de SH hubo una recidiva. Conclusiones: Se cumplieron los objetivos de viabilidad estudiados excepto los relacionados con los recursos humanos. Los resultados clínicos no favorecieron a ningún grupo ni contraindicaron el desarrollo de un futuro ensayo clínico (AU)

Objective: The implementation of preventive clinical actions in Primary Care would allow to act on the high incidence of urolithiasis and the correctable risk factors. This pilot study compared a systematic follow-up (SFU) versus a regular follow-up (RFU) in terms of feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: We conducted a multicentric and controlled pilot study in 30 patients comparing SFU versus RFU. Patients followed allocation concealment by an independent blocked computer-generated list. We defined “success” if feasibility objectives were matched including recruitment rate, follow-up compliance, completion and staff resources. Clinic variables (pain and fever), analytics (blood and urine) and image techniques (echography and radiography) were recorded at 10, 45 and 90 days in SFU and at 3 months in RFU. The SFU group received nutritional and analgesic recommendations. Preliminary clinical outcomes were compared and complications were recorded in each group. Results: The feasibility objectives were matched as follows: 94.1% of recruitment rate, 5.9% refused to participate, 10 patients/month were recruited, 93.1% of follow-up compliance and 90% of completion. No clinical differences were found between groups. There was a recurrence in the RFU group. Conclusions: The feasibility objectives were matched except those related to human resources. Clinical outcomes did not favour any group or contraindicate the development of a future clinical trial (AU)

[Urolithiasis in Primary Care: Comparison of a systematic follow-up versus usual clinical practice]. / Urolitiasis en Atención Primaria: comparación de un seguimiento sistemático frente a la práctica habitual.

OBJECTIVE: The implementation of preventive clinical actions in Primary Care would allow to act on the high incidence of urolithiasis and the correctable risk factors. This pilot study compared a systematic follow-up (SFU) versus a regular follow-up (RFU) in terms of feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentric and controlled pilot study in 30 patients comparing SFU versus RFU. Patients followed allocation concealment by an independent blocked computer-generated list. We defined "success" if feasibility objectives were matched including recruitment rate, follow-up compliance, completion and staff resources. Clinic variables (pain and fever), analytics (blood and urine) and image techniques (echography and radiography) were recorded at 10, 45 and 90 days in SFU and at 3 months in RFU. The SFU group received nutritional and analgesic recommendations. Preliminary clinical outcomes were compared and complications were recorded in each group. RESULTS: The feasibility objectives were matched as follows: 94.1% of recruitment rate, 5.9% refused to participate, 10 patients/month were recruited, 93.1% of follow-up compliance and 90% of completion. No clinical differences were found between groups. There was a recurrence in the RFU group. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility objectives were matched except those related to human resources. Clinical outcomes did not favour any group or contraindicate the development of a future clinical trial.

Settling taxonomic and nomenclatural problems in brine shrimps, Artemia (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca), by integrating mitogenomics, marker discordances and nomenclature rules.

High morphological plasticity in populations of brine shrimp subjected to different environmental conditions, mainly salinity, hindered for centuries the identification of the taxonomic entities encompassed within Artemia. In addition, the mismatch between molecular and morphological evolution rates complicates the characterization of evolutionary lineages, generating taxonomic problems. Here, we propose a phylogenetic hypothesis for Artemia based on two new complete mitogenomes, and determine levels of congruence in the definition of evolutionary units using nuclear and mtDNA data. We used a fossil of Artemia to calibrate the molecular clock and discuss divergence times within the genus. The hypothesis proposed herein suggests a more recent time frame for lineage splitting than previously considered. Phylogeographic analyses were performed using GenBank available mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Evidence of gen e flow, identified through discordances between nuclear and mtDNA markers, was used to reconsider the specific status of some taxa. As a result, we consider Artemia to be represented by five evolutionary units: Southern Cone, Mediterranean-South African, New World, Western Asian, and Eastern Asian Lineages. After an exhaustive bibliographical revision, unavailable names for nomenclatural purposes were discarded. The remaining available names have been assigned to their respective evolutionary lineage. The proper names for the evolutionary units in which brine shrimps are structured remain as follows: Artemia persimilis Piccinelli & Prosdocimi, 1968 for the Southern Cone Lineage, Artemia salina (Linnaeus, 1758) for the Mediterranean-SouthAfrican Lineage, Artemia urmiana Günther, 1899 for the Western Asian Lineage, and Artemia sinica Cai, 1989 for the Eastern Asian Lineage. The name Artemia monica Verrill, 1869 has nomenclatural priority over A. franciscana Kellogg, 1906 for naming the New World Lineage. New synonymies are proposed for A. salina (= C. dybowskii Grochowski, 1896 n. syn., and A. tunisiana Bowen & Sterling, 1978 n. syn.), A. monica (= A. franciscana Kellogg, 1906 n. syn., and A. salina var. pacifica Sars, 1904 n. syn.); A. urmiana (= B. milhausenii Fischer de Waldheim, 1834 n. syn., A. koeppeniana Fischer, 1851 n. syn., A. proxima King, 1855 n. syn., A. s. var. biloba Entz, 1886 n. syn., A. s. var. furcata Entz, 1886 n. syn., A. asiatica Walter, 1887 n. syn., A. parthenogenetica Bowen & Sterling, 1978 n. syn., A. ebinurica Qian & Wang, 1992 n. syn., A. murae Naganawa, 2017 n. syn., and A. frameshifta Naganawa & Mura, 2017 n. syn.). Internal deep nuclear structuring within the A. monica and A. salina clades, might suggest the existence of additional evolutionary units within these taxa.

Nivel de deterioro cognitivo del adulto mayor de la comunidad de Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo, México / Level of cognitive impairment of older adults in the community of Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo, Mexico

Introducción: la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declara que el deterioro cognitivo afecta a nivel mundial a unos 50 millones de personas y se calcula que entre un 5 y un 8 % de la población general de 60 años o más sufre deterioro cognitivo en un determinado momento. En la población mexicana se espera un crecimiento exponencial de la población geriátrica y, en consecuencia, un aumento significativo de casos de demencia. Ahora, se cuenta con algunos reportes clínicos sobre la presencia de 500 mil a 700 mil personas con demencia, de las cuales se estima que 25 % no han sido diagnosticadas. Objetivo: evaluar el nivel de deterioro cognitivo del adulto mayor de la comunidad de Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo. Material y métodos: investigación de aplicabilidad básica con un enfoque cuantitativo y un nivel de alcance descriptivo además un diseño descriptivo transversal Resultados: en nuestra población de estudio predominó el género femenino, el rango de edad se centró entre 60 y 90 años de edad, prevalece el nivel de escolaridad primaria y estado civil casados, el más alto porcentaje de los adultos mayores no tienen deterioro cognitivo. Conclusión: se encontró a nuestra población sin deterioro cognitivo.

Introduction: the World Health Organization (WHO) states that cognitive impairment affects glo¬bally about 50 million people and it is estimated that between 5% and 8% of the general population aged 60 years or older suffers cognitive impairment at any given time. A significant increase in cases of cognitive impairment is expected In the Mexican population, an explosive growth of the geriatric population is expected and, consequently, a significant increase in cases of dementia. Currently there are some clinical reports on the presence of 500,000 to 700,000 people with dementia, of which it is estimated that 25 % have not been diagnosed. Objective: to assess the level of cognitive impairment of older adults in the community of Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo. Material and methods: research of basic applicability with a quantitative approach and a descriptive scope level in addition to a cross-sectional descriptive design. Results: in our study population there was a predominance of female gender, the age range was between 60 and 90 years of age, with a predominance of primary school level and mostly married, the highest percentage of older adults were found without cognitive impairment. Conclusion: our population was found without cognitive impairment.

Correction to: Nuclear medicine services after COVID-19: gearing up back to normality.

The authors P. Orellana and N. El-Haj were inadvertently deleted in the original paper.

Mechanism and Kinetics of Palladium Nanoparticles Electrochemical Formation onto Glassy Carbon, from a Deep Eutectic Solvent (Reline).

From electrochemical potentiodynamic and potentiostatic techniques, the electrodeposition mechanism and kinetics of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), from Pd(II) ions dissolved in the choline chloride-urea deep eutectic solvent (reline) at 343 K, are reported for the first time. From the analysis of the potentiostatic current density transients, using the model developed by Palomar-Pardavé et al. [ Electrochim. Acta, 2005, 50, 4736-4745], it shows that the PdNPs electrodeposition occurs by multiple 3D nucleation and diffusion controlled-growth with the simultaneous reduction of residual water on the PdNPs growing surfaces. This model renders not just the quantification of the palladium nucleation kinetics parameters, but it effectively allows deconvolving the individual contributions to the total current and, thus, from the integration of the j-t plots of these contributions. It was demonstrated that the charge amount of each process depends on the deposition time and applied overpotential. From SEM images, it was possible to verify that the palladium deposits were constituted by PdNPs and from XPS measurements that these PdNPs were formed by a metallic palladium (core) and Pd(OH)2 (shell).

The achievement of boar sperm in vitro capacitation is related to an increase of disrupted disulphide bonds and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

The aim of this work was to determine the relationship of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disulphide bonds established between sperm proteins with the achievement of capacitation in boar spermatozoa. With this purpose, spermatozoa were incubated in a specifically designed in vitro capacitation medium (CM) in the presence or absence of reduced glutathione (GSH). Incubation of boar spermatozoa in CM for 4 h significantly (p < 0.05) increased free cysteine residues, which is a marker of disrupted disulphide bonds, and also intracellular ROS levels. The addition of GSH to the medium prevented most capacitation-like changes in sperm motility, membrane lipid disorder, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular calcium levels and localization of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (pTyr), but not in tyrosine phosphorylation of P32. These effects were accompanied by the inhibition of the ability of sperm cells to trigger the acrosome exocytosis in response to progesterone. When GSH was added together with progesterone after 4 h of incubation, acrosome exocytosis was not altered, but the subsequent decrease in intracellular calcium observed in controls cells was inhibited. Furthermore, co-incubation of oocytes with spermatozoa previously incubated in CM in the presence of GSH for 4 h significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of spermatozoa attached to the oocyte surface but decreased normal fertilization rates. Our results suggest that boar sperm capacitation is related to an increase in disrupted disulphide bonds and intracellular ROS levels and that both events are related to the regulation of hyperactivated motility, intracellular calcium dynamics, sperm binding ability to the oocyte and achievement of proper nuclear decondensation upon oocyte penetration.

Connexin 30.2 is expressed in exocrine vascular endothelial and ductal epithelial cells throughout pancreatic postnatal development.

Previously we have demonstrated that the GJ protein connexin 30.2 (Cx30.2) is expressed in pancreatic beta cells and endothelial cells (ECs) of the islet. In the present study, we address whether Cx30.2 is expressed in the exocrine pancreas, including its vascular system. For this, adult mouse pancreatic sections were double labeled with specific antibodies against Cx30.2 and CD31, an endothelial cell marker, or with anti-α-actin smooth muscle, a smooth muscle cell (SMC) marker or anti-mucin-1, a marker of epithelial ductal cells, using immunofluorescence (IF) studies. Cx30.2-IF hot spots were found at junctional membranes of exocrine ECs and SMCs of blood vessels. Furthermore, Cx30.2 was localized in mucin-1 positive cells or epithelial ductal cells. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies, it was found that in vessels and ducts of different diameters, Cx30.2 was also expressed in these cell types. In addition, it was found that Cx30.2 is already expressed in these cell types in pancreatic sections of 3, 14 and 21 days postpartum. Moreover, this cell specific pattern of expression was also found in the adult rat, hamster and guinea pig pancreas. Expression of Cx30.2 mRNA and protein in the pancreas of all these species was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot studies. Overall, our results suggest that intercellular coupling mediated by Cx30.2 intercellular channels may synchronize the functional activity of ECs and SMCs of vascular cells, as well as of epithelial ductal cells after birth.

Recommendations for the prevention and diagnosis of asthma in children: Evidence from international guidelines adapted for Mexico.

BACKGROUND: With the availability of high-quality asthma guidelines worldwide, one possible approach of developing a valid guideline, without re-working the evidence, already analysed by major guidelines, is the ADAPTE approach, as was used for the development of National Guidelines on asthma. METHODS: The guidelines development group (GDG) covered a broad range of experts from medical specialities, primary care physicians and methodologists. The core group of the GDG searched the literature for asthma guidelines 2005 onward, and analysed the 11 best guidelines with AGREE-II to select three mother guidelines. Key clinical questions were formulated covering each step of the asthma management. RESULTS: The selected mother guidelines are British Thoracic Society (BTS), GINA and GEMA 2015. Responses to the questions were formulated according to the evidence in the mother guidelines. Recommendations or suggestions were made for asthma treatment in Mexico by the core group, and adjusted during several rounds of a Delphi process, taking into account: 1. Evidence; 2. Safety; 3. Cost; 4. Patient preference - all these set against the background of the local reality. Here the detailed analysis of the evidence present in BTS/GINA/GEMA sections on prevention and diagnosis in paediatric asthma are presented for three age-groups: children with asthma ≤5 years, 6-11 years and ≥12 years. CONCLUSIONS: For the prevention and diagnosis sections, applying the AGREE-II method is useful to develop a scientifically-sustained document, adjusted to the local reality per country, as is the Mexican Guideline on Asthma.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Cationic Guanidine Compound against Two Pathogenic Oral Bacteria.

This study evaluated the potential antimicrobial properties of a polyguanidine (CatDex) on two oral bacteria. Chlorhexidine gluconate 1340 µmoL L-1 (CHX 0.12%) was used as control. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) were grown in BHI media. Bacterial sensitivity and antimicrobial activity were determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Kirby-Bauer methods. To study side effects, that is, toxicity, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were used. Fluorometric cytotoxicity and confocal microscopy assays were used in order to test cell viability. CatDex inhibited growth of S. mutans at all concentrations and growth of P. gingivalis at all concentrations except 25 µmoL L-1. The MIC of CatDex was 50 µmoL L-1 for both S. mutans and P. gingivalis. The inhibition of bacteria exposed for 8 h at 50 µmoL L-1 of CatDex exhibited increased antimicrobial activity over time, with 91% inhibition in both bacteria. The antimicrobial activities of CatDex and CHX were similar when tested on two common bacteria. CatDex was significantly less toxic to DPSCs. CatDex toxicity depended on time and not on concentration. With regard to clinical relevance, CatDex may have potential as a novel antimicrobial agent. Further studies are in progress.

Behavioral biomarker of bovines of the dual purpose system / Biomarcadores conductuales de bovinos del sistema doble propósito

ABSTRACT The importance of behavioral and physiological biomarkers and their effects on the dairy production of dual purpose cattle was evaluated through the collection and analysis of the primary information. The database maintained by the University of the Amazon, the National University of Colombia, and SCIELO, was analyzed using the keywords: animal welfare, ethology and bovine behavior. It was observed that the activities to which the cows are subjected in dairy production lead to an inevitable stress for the animal due to the conditions of the system, negatively affecting the production, specifically the quantity and quality of milk produced (Total solids, fats and proteins). Greater knowledge regarding animal welfare will contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of dual purpose cattle in dairy production, subject to different management conditions. In this sense, ethology becomes a powerful tool that helps to understand how these animals perceive their environment.

RESUMEN Se evaluó a través de la recopilación y análisis de la información primaria, la importancia de los biomarcadores conductuales, fisiológicos y sus efectos en la producción lechera de bovinos doble propósito. Se analizó la base de datos que mantiene la Universidad de la Amazonia, la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, y SCIELO, usando las palabras clave: bienestar animal, etología y comportamiento bovino. Se observó que las actividades a las que son sometidas las vacas en producción lechera conllevan un estrés inevitable para el animal debido a las condiciones mismas del sistema, afectando negativamente la producción, específicamente la cantidad y calidad de leche producida (Solidos totales, grasas y proteínas). Un mayor conocimiento en lo que se refiere a bienestar animal contribuirá al mejor entendimiento de la conducta del ganado doble propósito en producción lechera, sometido a diferentes condiciones de manejo. En este sentido la etología se convierte en una herramienta poderosa que ayuda a comprender cómo perciben estos animales su entorno.

[18F]-Sodium fluoride uptake in Takayasu arteritis.

BACKGROUND: While 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-sodium fluoride with positron emission tomography relate with inflammation and calcification, their role in the assessment of patients with Takayasu arteritis has not yet been studied. METHODS: We present 5 patients with suspected active metabolic disease who underwent PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-sodium fluoride in order to explore the locations and correlations of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-sodium fluoride uptakes. Diagnosis of metabolic active disease was based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. RESULTS: We studied 3 female patients and 2 male patients. Median age was 29 years (min: 19 max: 63). In areas with atherosclerotic plaques, we found a negative correlation between 18F-sodium fluoride and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes (r = -0.78) (P = .001). Meanwhile, in areas with only metabolic active disease, we found a positive correlation between 18F-sodium fluoride and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes (r = 0.94) (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: In Takayasu arteritis, 18F-sodium fluoride uptake can document different stages of metabolic disease, even in the absence of active metabolic disease or symptoms.

Grynfelt-Lesshaft hernia a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar hernia account for less than 2% of al abdominal hernias, been the Grynfelt-Lesshaft's hernia (GLH) more frequent than the others. With approximately 300 cases published in the literature, the general surgeon may have the chance of treat it ones in their professional life. CASE REPORT: A 42-years old male with human immunodeficiency virus and Diabetes Mellitus presented to the outpatient clinic with a GLH. Preoperative classified as a type "A" lumbar hernia an open approach was scheduled. We performed a Sandwich technique with a sublay and onlay ULTRAPRO(®) mesh fixed with PDS(®) II suture without complications and discharged the patient 24-h after. After six months, the patient denied any complication. DISCUSSION: Primary (spontaneous) lumbar hernias represent 50-60% of all GLH. The preoperative classification of a lumbar hernia is mandatory to propose the best surgical approach. According to the classification of Moreno-Egea A et al., the best technique for our patient was an open approach. The Sandwich technique has demonstrated good outcomes in the management of the GLH. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach should be according to the classification proposed and to the experience of the surgeon. The Sandwich technique has good outcomes.

Intracellular calcium movements of boar spermatozoa during 'in vitro' capacitation and subsequent acrosome exocytosis follow a multiple-storage place, extracellular calcium-dependent model.

This work analysed intracellular calcium stores of boar spermatozoa subjected to 'in vitro' capacitation (IVC) and subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis (IVAE). Intracellular calcium was analysed through two calcium markers with different physico-chemical properties, Fluo-3 and Rhod-5N. Indicative parameters of IVC and IVAE were also evaluated. Fluo-3 was located at both the midpiece and the whole head. Rhod-5N was present at the sperm head. This distribution did not change in any of the assayed conditions. Induction of IVC was concomitant with an increase in both head and midpiece Ca(2+) signals. Additionally, while IVC induction was concurrent with a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm membrane permeability, no significant changes were observed in O2 consumption and ATP levels. Incubation of boar spermatozoa in the absence of calcium showed a loss of both Ca(2+) labellings concomitantly with the sperm's inability to achieve IVC. The absence of extracellular calcium also induced a severe decrease in the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting high mitochondrial membrane potential (hMMP). The IVAE was accompanied by a fast increase in both Ca(2+) signalling in control spermatozoa. These peaks were either not detected or much lessened in the absence of calcium. Remarkably, Fluo-3 marking at the midpiece increased after progesterone addition to sperm cells incubated in a medium without Ca(2+) . The simultaneous addition of progesterone with the calcium chelant EGTA inhibited IVAE, and this was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the intensity of progesterone Ca(2+) -induced peak, O2 consumption and ATP levels. Our results suggest that boar spermatozoa present different calcium deposits with a dynamic equilibrium among them and with the extracellular environment. Additionally, the modulation role of the intracellular calcium in spermatozoa function seems to rely on its precise localization in boar spermatozoa.