Dilemas bioéticos en torno a la experimentación psicológica en los inicios de la vida / Bioethical dilemmas around psychological experimentation in early life

El documental "Three Identical Strangers" realizado por el cineasta británico Tim Wardle (2018) y traducido al castellano como "Vidas separadas" nos llega como un producto más a ser consumido desde la plataforma Netflix. Nos entrega diferentes testimonios y abre problemas bioéticos que resultan interesantes para su tratamiento y debate. En el presente escrito desplegaré cuatro ejes de problematización en torno al documental: a) la investigación y experimentación con seres humanos; b) el derecho a la identidad de los niños adoptados; c) el debate natura nurtura que hoy se desarrolla fuertemente en el ámbito de las ciencias naturales a propósito de la epigenética y d) el debate sobre las relaciones de parentesco en niños y niñas nacidos por donación de gametos que buscan el encuentro con sus hermanos genéticos.

The documentary "Three Identical Strangers" made by British filmmaker Tim Wardle (2018) and translated into Spanish as "Separate lives" comes to us as one more product to be consumed from the Netflix platform. It gives us different testimonies and opens up bioethical problems that are interesting for its treatment and debate. In this writing I will deploy four axes of problematization around the documentary: a) research and experimentation with human beings; b) the right to identity of adopted children; c) the natural nurture debate that today is strongly developed in the field of natural sciences regarding epigenetics and d) the debate on kinship relationships in boys and girls born by donation of gametes who seek to meet their genetic siblings.

Índice de compactación cardíaca calculado en embriones humanos de los estadios 17 al 23 de Carnegie / Cardiac compaction index calculated in human embryos of Carnegie stages 17-23

RESUMEN Introducción: Aún persisten controversias en los eventos de la morfogénesis cardiovascular y una ausencia, casi total, de parámetros morfométricos en las fases iniciales de su desarrollo. Objetivos: Determinar la razón miocardio no compactado/miocardio compactado (NC/C) en ambos ventrículos y la evolución cronológica de esta razón en el período estudiado. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con 18 embriones humanos pertenecientes a la Embrioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara (Cuba) clasificados entre los estadios 17 y 23 de Carnegie. Se determinó el índice NC/C, el cual no es más que el cálculo matemático de la razón entre las porciones no compactada y compactada por espécimen y por estadios. Resultados: Los resultados de la aplicación de este índice en el ventrículo derecho de los embriones son: 7,17; 4,26; 3,12; 2,79; 2,36; 2,84 y 2,10 en los estadios de Carnegie 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 y 23, respectivamente. En estos mismos especímenes se obtuvo como resultado en el ventrículo izquierdo: 5,0; 3,80; 2,68; 2,18; 2,50; 2,01 y 1,56, igualmente organizado por estadios. Conclusiones: Los índices NC/C obtenidos sustentan cuantitativamente que la compactación del miocardio ventricular avanza en los estadios evaluados; sus valores, mayores en el vértice, denotan que es posible que aún no haya concluido en esta zona.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Controversies still persist regarding the events of cardiovascular morphogenesis and an almost total absence of morphometric parameters in the initial phases of its development. Objectives: To determine the non-compacted to compacted (NC/C) myocardium ratio in both ventricles and the chronological progression of this ratio in the period studied. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 18 human embryos belonging to the Embryoteca of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara (Cuba) classified between Carnegie stages 17 and 23. The NC/C ratio -which is simply the mathematical calculation of the ratio between the non-compacted and compacted portions per specimen and per stage- was determined. Results: The application of this ratio in the right ventricle of the embryos obtained the following results: 7.17; 4.26; 3.12; 2.79; 2.36; 2.84 and 2.10 in Carnegie's stages 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, respectively. In these same specimens, the left ventricle yielded the following results: 5.0; 3.80; 2.68; 2.18; 2.50; 2.01 and 1.56, also organized by stages. Conclusions: NC/C ratios obtained quantitatively support a progression of the ventricular myocardial compaction in the evaluated stages; their higher values at the apex denote that it may still be incomplete in this zone.

Induction of oxidative stress does not increase the cryotolerance of vitrified embryos.

Short-term treatment of mammalian oocytes with different stressors induces stress tolerance of embryos derived from these oocytes. The aims of this study were to evaluate effects on embryo development when there was treatment of oocyte complexes (COCs) used to derive the embryos with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).The COCs were not incubated with H2O2: control (0 µM), or were incubated with 25, 50, 75, or 100 µM concentrations of H2O2 for 1 h prior to in vitro fertilization, and presumptive zygotes were cultured until day 7. Blastocysts at day 7 of development derived from H2O2-treated (25 µM treatment concentration) COCs were vitrified. Percentage of embryos undergoing cleavage was not affected by any treatment, while percentage of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage was less when there was treatment of COCs with 100 µM of H2O2. Embryo quality was less when COCs used to derive blastocysts were treated with 50, 75, or 100 µM concentrations of H2O2. There were lesser relative abundances of some mRNA transcripts of interest in blastocysts when there was treatment of COCs with H2O2. After vitrification, there were no differences in embryo re-expansion and hatching rates compared with fresh and vitrified blastocysts of the control group and those derived from COCs treated with 25 µM H2O2. In conclusion, treatment of COCs used to derive blastocysts with H2O2 does not induce stress tolerance in vitrified embryos of cattle; however, the viability of these blastocysts is similar to those of the control group.

[The senses on in vitro embryos and the religious dimension: contributions for debate.] / Los sentidos sobre los embriones in vitro y la dimensión religiosa: aportes para el debate.

Based on a biographical investigation of the experiences of assisted reproduction users in Córdoba, this work seeks contribute on the religious dimension as a category that a priori does not determine the users senses about reproduction and embryos in vitro.

A partir de una investigación biográfica sobre experiencias de usuarias de reproducción asistida en Córdoba, este trabajo busca realizar un aporte sobre la dimensión religiosa como una categoría que a priori no determina los sentidos que las personas usuarias tienen sobre la reproducción y los embriones in vitro.

In vitro embryos production of oocytes selected based on follicular size and by brilliant cresyl blue staining / Produção in vitro de embriões de oócitos selecionados baseados no tamanho folicular e por coloração com azul cresil brilhante

We evaluated the competence of bovine oocytes via morphological selection associated with follicular diameter and by brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining, in order to improve oocyte selection and the efficiency of in vitro embryo production. Follicles with small (20,05) BCB+ rates, but both differed (p0,05) in MII rate in the mixed (respectively 86.7 ± 3.4 and 75.8 ± 2.2), large (respectively 89.4 ± 2.6 and 79.7 ± 2.3) and small (respectively 76.7 ± 2.9 and 67.2 ± 2.5) diameter groups. Comparing BCB (+ and -) oocytes, we observed (p>0,05) no change in the percentage of embryos in the large group (respectively 67.3 ± 3.3 and 53.5 ± 5.8) and in the small group (respectively 43.8 ± 5.3 and 33.9 ± 2.2), but there was a difference (p<0.05) in the mixed group (respectively 57.8 ± 3.9 and 39.6 ± 7.5). Furthermore, when we compared between follicular groups, the BCB+/large-diameter group (61.1 ± 3.9%) had a significant higher percentage of embryos (p<0.05) than the small-diameter BCB+ (43.8 ± 5.3) groups. To conclude, selection procedures that use follicle size and/or BCB staining may be used as an additional tool to improve the in vitro production of embryos.

Avaliou-se a competência de oócitos bovinos através da seleção morfológica associada ao diâmetro folicular e pela coloração azul cresil brilhante (BCB), a fim de melhorar a seleção de oócitos e a eficiência da produção in vitro de embriões. Folículos com diâmetro pequeno (20,05), mas ambos diferiram (p0,05) na taxa de MII nos grupos mistos (respectivamente 86,7 ± 3,4 e 75,8 ± 2,2), grande (respectivamente 89,4 ± 2,6 e 79,7 ± 2,3) e pequeno (respectivamente 76,7 ± 2,9 e 67,2 ± 2,5). Comparando os oócitos BCB (+ e -), não observamos alteração (p>0,05) na porcentagem de embriões no grupo grande (respectivamente 67,3 ± 3,3 e 53,5 ± 5,8) e no grupo pequeno (respectivamente 43,8 ± 5,3 e 33,9 ± 2,2), mas há houve diferença (p<0,05) no grupo misto (respectivamente 57,8 ± 3,9 e 39,6 ± 7,5). Além disso, quando comparamos os grupos foliculares, o grupo BCB+/grande (61,1 ± 3,9%) apresentou uma porcentagem significativamente maior de embriões (p<0,05) do que o grupo BCB+/pequeno (43,8 ± 5,3). Para concluir, os procedimentos de seleção que usam tamanho do folículo e/ou coloração com BCB podem ser usados como uma ferramenta adicional para melhorar a produção in vitro de embriões.

In vitro embryos production of oocytes selected based on follicular size and by brilliant cresyl blue staining / Produção in vitro de embriões de oócitos selecionados baseados no tamanho folicular e por coloração com azul cresil brilhante

We evaluated the competence of bovine oocytes via morphological selection associated with follicular diameter and by brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining, in order to improve oocyte selection and the efficiency of in vitro embryo production. Follicles with small (2<4 mm), large (4–8 mm) or mixed (2–8 mm) diameters were aspirated from slaughterhouse ovaries. Next, the morphologically categorized oocytes were stained and evaluated with 26 μM of BCB (90 min), followed by an assessment of in vitro maturation (MII) and blastocyst production. Oocytes from the large (61.1 ± 3.9%) and mixed (52.9 ± 4.6%) follicular groups showed comparable (p>0,05) BCB+ rates, but both differed (p<0.05) as compared to the small-diameter group (41.0 ± 4.5%). Between the BCB+ and BCB oocytes, there was no difference (p>0,05) in MII rate in the mixed (respectively 86.7 ± 3.4 and 75.8 ± 2.2), large (respectively 89.4 ± 2.6 and 79.7 ± 2.3) and small (respectively 76.7 ± 2.9 and 67.2 ± 2.5) diameter groups. Comparing BCB (+ and -) oocytes, we observed (p>0,05) no change in the percentage of embryos in the large group (respectively 67.3 ± 3.3 and 53.5 ± 5.8) and in the small group (respectively 43.8 ± 5.3 and 33.9 ± 2.2), but there was a difference (p<0.05) in the mixed group (respectively 57.8 ± 3.9 and 39.6 ± 7.5). Furthermore, when we compared between follicular groups, the BCB+/large-diameter group (61.1 ± 3.9%) had a significant higher percentage of embryos (p<0.05) than the small-diameter BCB+ (43.8 ± 5.3) groups. To conclude, selection procedures that use follicle size and/or BCB staining may be used as an additional tool to improve the in vitro production of embryos.(AU)

Avaliou-se a competência de oócitos bovinos através da seleção morfológica associada ao diâmetro folicular e pela coloração azul cresil brilhante (BCB), a fim de melhorar a seleção de oócitos e a eficiência da produção in vitro de embriões. Folículos com diâmetro pequeno (2<4 mm), grande (4-8 mm) ou misto (2-8 mm) foram aspirados de ovários de matadouro. Em seguida, os oócitos classificados morfologicamente foram corados e avaliados com 26 μM de BCB (90 min), seguido de uma avaliação da maturação in vitro (MII) e produção de blastocisto. Os oócitos dos grupos folículo grande (61,1 ± 3,9%) e misto (52,9 ± 4,6%) apresentaram taxas de BCB+ comparáveis (p>0,05), mas ambos diferiram (p<0,05) em relação ao grupo folículo pequeno (41,0 ± 4,5%). Entre os oócitos BCB+ e BCB–, não houve diferença (p>0,05) na taxa de MII nos grupos mistos (respectivamente 86,7 ± 3,4 e 75,8 ± 2,2), grande (respectivamente 89,4 ± 2,6 e 79,7 ± 2,3) e pequeno (respectivamente 76,7 ± 2,9 e 67,2 ± 2,5). Comparando os oócitos BCB (+ e -), não observamos alteração (p>0,05) na porcentagem de embriões no grupo grande (respectivamente 67,3 ± 3,3 e 53,5 ± 5,8) e no grupo pequeno (respectivamente 43,8 ± 5,3 e 33,9 ± 2,2), mas há houve diferença (p<0,05) no grupo misto (respectivamente 57,8 ± 3,9 e 39,6 ± 7,5). Além disso, quando comparamos os grupos foliculares, o grupo BCB+/grande (61,1 ± 3,9%) apresentou uma porcentagem significativamente maior de embriões (p<0,05) do que o grupo BCB+/pequeno (43,8 ± 5,3). Para concluir, os procedimentos de seleção que usam tamanho do folículo e/ou coloração com BCB podem ser usados como uma ferramenta adicional para melhorar a produção in vitro de embriões.(AU)

Micro-RNAs differentially expressed in comparative analysis of sperm samples with high and low efficiency in the in vitro production of bovine (Bos Taurus) embryos / Micro-rnas diferencialmente expressos em análise comparativa de amostras de espermatozoides com alta e baixa efi ciência na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos (bos taurus )

Infertility or subfertility in bovine males may be related to spermatic microRNAs (miRNAs), whose function seems to be associated with the regulation of gene expression, degradation orstorage of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for later translation into early embryonic development. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in semen samples from bulls (Bos taurus) with low and high efficiency in the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) and to evaluate if they can be used as markers of semen efficiency for IVEPs. In order to identify miRNA markers of semen efficiency in thein vitro embryo production, eight semen samples from each animal, one bull with high and two bulls with low efficiency in IVEPs were used to perform the RNAseq technique for miRNAs. Initially the samples were washed with PBS to remove the extender semen and subsequently were submitted to RNA extraction protocols performed according to procedures described by mirVana™ miRNA Isolation Kit. Then, the amplification of the miRNAs was carried out, not to mention the preparation of the library (Ion Total RNA-Seq Kit v2), the PCR emulsion reaction, enrichment, as well as the injection of the sample on the chip by the Ion Chef equipment. The sequencing was done on Ion Proton equipment. The comparison between the samples was established using two methodologies for searching for targets to increase the robustness of the analytical procedure: the miRanda program using as cutoff minimum free energy of the hybridization -20 kcal/Mol, 100% of identity between nucleotides 2 and 8 of the miRNA, and the RNAhybrid program, using as cutoff minimum free energy of hybridization -20 kcal/mol. In sum, 1306 miRNAs were identified in the samples. The bta-miR-380-5p, bta-miR-155, bta-miR-30c and bta-miR-34a genes were identified by the Bioinformatics as being strongly differentially expressed between the groups, indicating that these genes may present themselves as possible efficiency markers. However, it has become clear that there is no single miRNA that marks different types and causes of fertility problems.

A infertilidade ou subfertilidade em machos bovinos pode estar relacionada a microRNAs espermáticos (miRNAs), cuja função parece estar associada à regulação da expressão gênica, degradação ou armazenamento de RNAs mensageiros (mRNAs), para posterior tradução no desenvolvimento embrionário inicial. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar miRNAs diferencialmente expressos em amostras de sêmen de touros (Bos taurus) com baixa e alta eficiência na produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) e avaliar se eles podem ser utilizados como marcadores de eficiência do sêmen em PIVEs. Para identificar miRNA marcadores da eficiência de sêmen em PIVE, oito amostras de sêmen de cada animal, sendo um touro com alto e dois touros com baixa eficiência, foram utilizados para realizar a técnica de RNAseq para miRNAs. Inicialmente as amostras foram lavadas com PBS para remover o diluente do sêmen e, posteriormente, foram submetidas a protocolos de extração de RNA realizados de acordo com os procedimentos descritos pelo Kit de isolamento de miRNA mirVana ™. Em seguida, foi realizada a amplificação dos miRNAs, a preparação da biblioteca (Ion RNA-Seq Kit v2), a reação de emulsão de PCR, enriquecimento e a injeção das amostras no chip apropriado utilizando o equipamento Ion. Chef. O sequenciamento foi realizado no equipamento Ion Proton. A comparação entre as amostras foi estabelecida utilizando duas metodologias de busca de alvos para aumentar a robustez do procedimento analítico: o programa miRanda utilizando como valor de corte a energia mínima livre de hibridização -20 kcal / Mol e 100% de identidade entre os nucleotídeos 2 e 8 do miRNA, e o programa RNAhybrid, utilizando como valor de corte a energia mínima livre de hibridização -20 kcal / mol. Em suma, 1306 miRNAs foram identificados nas amostras. Os genes bta-miR-380-5p, bta-miR-155, bta-miR-30c e bta-miR-34a foram identificados pela bioinformática como sendo fortemente diferencialmente expressos entre os grupos, indicando que esses genes podem se apresentar como possíveis marcadores de eficiência. No entanto, ficou claro que não existe um único miRNA que marque diferentes tipos e causas de problemas de fertilidade.

Forty years of assisted reproduction research in non-domestic, wild and endangered mammals / 40 anos de pesquisa em reprodução de mamíferos não-domésticos, selvagens e em extinção

For nearly forty years, at three institutions, our team conducted studies to advance the use of ARTs for propagating threatened and endangered mammalian species. The initial studies began in 1978 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, moving in the mid-1980’s to The Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo and lastly at the Audubon Center for Research in Endangered Species (ACRES) in New Orleans from 1996 to 2015. Our collaborative endeavors with more than two dozen zoological and academic institutions resulted in the births of ET offspring in two non-human primate species, four non-domestic bovid species and seven non-domestic felid species, six of which were interspecies transfers (Table 1). Origin of embryos that were successfully transferred ranged from those flushed from the uterus of mated females (baboon and bovids) to those generated by IVF, ICSI, and SCNT (gorilla and non-domestic felids). Additionally, embryos of five species underwent cryopreservation (baboon, common eland, African wildcat, caracal, black-footed cat) before successful transfer.

Forty years of assisted reproduction research in non-domestic, wild and endangered mammals / 40 anos de pesquisa em reprodução de mamíferos não-domésticos, selvagens e em extinção

For nearly forty years, at three institutions, our team conducted studies to advance the use of ARTs for propagating threatened and endangered mammalian species. The initial studies began in 1978 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, moving in the mid-1980s to The Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo and lastly at the Audubon Center for Research in Endangered Species (ACRES) in New Orleans from 1996 to 2015. Our collaborative endeavors with more than two dozen zoological and academic institutions resulted in the births of ET offspring in two non-human primate species, four non-domestic bovid species and seven non-domestic felid species, six of which were interspecies transfers (Table 1). Origin of embryos that were successfully transferred ranged from those flushed from the uterus of mated females (baboon and bovids) to those generated by IVF, ICSI, and SCNT (gorilla and non-domestic felids). Additionally, embryos of five species underwent cryopreservation (baboon, common eland, African wildcat, caracal, black-footed cat) before successful transfer.(AU)

Embrioteca: espacio para la investigación científica y la docencia en la universidad médica villaclareña / Embrioteca: space for scientific research and teaching at the medical university of Villa Clara

Las embriotecas humanas son valiosas colecciones de material embrionario humano que honran las instituciones que las poseen. Entre las más citadas actualmente están prestigiosas embriotecas en España, Estados Unidos y Argentina. Resultan de un laborioso trabajo de recolección y procesamiento de delicadas muestras embrionarias con potencialidades de uso docente e investigativo. Han sido múltiples las aportaciones al conocimiento científico a partir del estudio de sus series, además del inestimable valor didáctico de las imágenes que atesoran. La Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara presenta la modesta colección que posee, abierta a nuevas contribuciones y a los interesados en su consulta. El objetivo de esta revisión es exponer su relevancia científica y docente en un contexto de revisión histórica y actualidad.

Human embryos are valuable collections of human embryonic material that honor the institutions that own them. Among the most cited are currently prestigious embryos in Spain, the United States and Argentina. They result from a laborious work of collection and processing of delicate embryonic samples with potential for teaching and research use. There have been many contributions to scientific knowledge from the study of their series, in addition to the invaluable didactic value of the images they treasure. The University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara presents the modest collection that it has, open to new contributions and to those interested in its consultation. The objective of this review is to expose its scientific and teaching relevance in a context of historical review and current affairs.

Efeitos tóxicos de compostos de vanádio sobre os parâmetros biológicos de embriões e adultos de zebrafish (Danio rerio) / Toxic effects of vanadium compounds on biological parameters of embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Foram avaliados os efeitos tóxicos do metavanadato de sódio (MV), pentóxido de vanádio (PV) e sulfato de oxovanádio (SV), potenciais fármacos antidiabéticos, em embriões e adultos de zebrafish (Danio rerio). Os embriões foram expostos a concentrações de 10-1000µg/mL para avaliação da CL50 96h e seus efeitos teratogênicos. Os adultos foram expostos a 10 e 20µg/mL dos mesmos compostos para se avaliarem alterações comportamentais relacionadas à exposição química e à mortalidade. A CL50 96h foi de 22,48, 53,62 e 74,14µg/mL para MV, SV e PV, respectivamente. Houve 100% de mortalidade nas concentrações de 400-1000µg/mL dos três compostos. Os efeitos teratogênicos mais observados (P<0,05) nos embriões foram edemas de pericárdio e saco vitelínico. Foram constatados, nos animais adultos expostos aos compostos de vanádio, maior batimento opercular e congestão nos arcos branquiais. A exibição dos comportamentos Flutuar e Descansar nos adultos expostos foi significativa (P<0,05), como também a exibição do comportamento Respiração Aérea. Pode-se concluir que a exposição química aos compostos de vanádio causou efeitos tóxicos em embriões e adultos de zebrafish com alta mortalidade. Diante disso, o seu uso como potencial fármaco antidiabético deve ser mais bem estudado em razão do efeito tóxico dessas substâncias.(AU)

The toxic effects of sodium metavanadate (MV), vanadium pentoxide (PV) and oxovanadium sulfate (SV), potential antidiabetic drug, on embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were evaluated. Embryos were exposed to concentrations of 10-1000µg/mL for evaluation of 96-h LC50 and their teratogenic effects. Adults were exposed to 10 and 20µg/mL of the same compounds to evaluate behavioral changes related to chemical exposure and mortality. The 96-h LC50 were 22.48, 53.62, and 74.14µg/mL for MV, SV, and PV, respectively. Mortality of 100% was observed at the concentrations of 400-1000µg/mL of the three compounds. The teratogenic effects most observed (P<0.05) were pericardial and yolk sac edemas. Adult animals exposed to the vanadium compounds had higher opercular beats and congestion in the gill arches. The exhibition of behaviors Floating and Resting in the exposed adults was significant (P<0.05), as well as the Air breathing behavior. Chemical exposure to vanadium compounds caused toxic effects in embryos and adults of zebrafish with high mortality. In conclusion, its use as a potential antidiabetic drug should be better studied due to the toxic effect.(AU)

Efeitos tóxicos de compostos de vanádio sobre os parâmetros biológicos de embriões e adultos de zebrafish (Danio rerio) / Toxic effects of vanadium compounds on biological parameters of embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Foram avaliados os efeitos tóxicos do metavanadato de sódio (MV), pentóxido de vanádio (PV) e sulfato de oxovanádio (SV), potenciais fármacos antidiabéticos, em embriões e adultos de zebrafish (Danio rerio). Os embriões foram expostos a concentrações de 10-1000µg/mL para avaliação da CL50 96h e seus efeitos teratogênicos. Os adultos foram expostos a 10 e 20µg/mL dos mesmos compostos para se avaliarem alterações comportamentais relacionadas à exposição química e à mortalidade. A CL50 96h foi de 22,48, 53,62 e 74,14µg/mL para MV, SV e PV, respectivamente. Houve 100% de mortalidade nas concentrações de 400-1000µg/mL dos três compostos. Os efeitos teratogênicos mais observados (P<0,05) nos embriões foram edemas de pericárdio e saco vitelínico. Foram constatados, nos animais adultos expostos aos compostos de vanádio, maior batimento opercular e congestão nos arcos branquiais. A exibição dos comportamentos Flutuar e Descansar nos adultos expostos foi significativa (P<0,05), como também a exibição do comportamento Respiração Aérea. Pode-se concluir que a exposição química aos compostos de vanádio causou efeitos tóxicos em embriões e adultos de zebrafish com alta mortalidade. Diante disso, o seu uso como potencial fármaco antidiabético deve ser mais bem estudado em razão do efeito tóxico dessas substâncias.(AU)

The toxic effects of sodium metavanadate (MV), vanadium pentoxide (PV) and oxovanadium sulfate (SV), potential antidiabetic drug, on embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were evaluated. Embryos were exposed to concentrations of 10-1000µg/mL for evaluation of 96-h LC50 and their teratogenic effects. Adults were exposed to 10 and 20µg/mL of the same compounds to evaluate behavioral changes related to chemical exposure and mortality. The 96-h LC50 were 22.48, 53.62, and 74.14µg/mL for MV, SV, and PV, respectively. Mortality of 100% was observed at the concentrations of 400-1000µg/mL of the three compounds. The teratogenic effects most observed (P<0.05) were pericardial and yolk sac edemas. Adult animals exposed to the vanadium compounds had higher opercular beats and congestion in the gill arches. The exhibition of behaviors Floating and Resting in the exposed adults was significant (P<0.05), as well as the Air breathing behavior. Chemical exposure to vanadium compounds caused toxic effects in embryos and adults of zebrafish with high mortality. In conclusion, its use as a potential antidiabetic drug should be better studied due to the toxic effect.(AU)

COST-Action GEMINI and EPICONCEPT: what we learned after 8 years?

Scientific societies have a major role in facilitating and disseminating scientific discoveries. Here, we are all members of societies related to reproductive biology, such as AETE (European Association of Embryo Transfer), SRF (Society for Reproduction and Fertility) or ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology). However, many of you may be unfamiliar with COST Actions. These are atypical, EU-funded temporary societies, that can have a huge impact upon the lives and careers of their members. The objective of the present paper was to capture the influence that one specific COST Action, EPICONCEPT, and to a lesser extent also the earlier COST Action GEMINI, has had on European scientists involved in animal reproduction and embryo transfer. We discuss the intrinsic value of belonging to EPICONCEPT, we focus on how EPICONCEPT advanced the careers of the scientists involved and the lessons learned. We conclude that such specific short-lived societies as granted by COST can be the basis of permanent collaborative ties and networking within Europe. Moreover, EPICONCEPT has been a very useful tool to raise awareness about epigenetics among animal scientists and breeders.(AU)

Brazilian embryo industry in context: pitfalls, lessons, and expectations for the future

The aim of this review is to provide a brief description of the current situation of the embryo industry in Brazil, in the context of the national and international livestock production scenario. Total number of embryos produced (375,894) declined in 2015 in comparison with the previous years. B. Taurus dairy breeds and crossbreds accounted for 51.8% of the total embryo production. Moreover, the percentage of frozen-tawed embryos transferred reached 22.8% in 2015, the highest value in a decade. A greater proportion of embryos were produced in vitro, both in dairy (97.2%) and beef (90.2%) breeds. The use of embryo technologies in Brazil has remarkably increased 726.5% in the past 20 years, but still represents only 0.33% of the number of cows and heifers at reproductive age. Nonetheless, embryo transfer (ET)accounted for an estimated 19.7% of all purebred calves born and registered by the Brazilian Zebu Cattle Breeders Association in the period 2005-2015, highlighting the importance of ET for animal breeding and genetic improvement of the herd. In the world ́s context, Brazil is the largest producer of bovine in vitro produced (IVP) embryos, but is ranked only 11th based on an index of intensity of use of embryo technologies, below Canada, USA and various European countries. This scenario demonstrates a potential for further increases in embryo production in Brazil, mainly associated with the expected adoption of new technologies by a large proportion of dairy and beef farms; the use of embryo technologies for large scale production of crossbreds; and to eventual increases in the international embryo import/export activity.(AU)

Brazilian embryo industry in context: pitfalls, lessons, and expectations for the future

The aim of this review is to provide a brief description of the current situation of the embryo industry in Brazil, in the context of the national and international livestock production scenario. Total number of embryos produced (375,894) declined in 2015 in comparison with the previous years. B. Taurus dairy breeds and crossbreds accounted for 51.8% of the total embryo production. Moreover, the percentage of frozen-tawed embryos transferred reached 22.8% in 2015, the highest value in a decade. A greater proportion of embryos were produced in vitro, both in dairy (97.2%) and beef (90.2%) breeds. The use of embryo technologies in Brazil has remarkably increased 726.5% in the past 20 years, but still represents only 0.33% of the number of cows and heifers at reproductive age. Nonetheless, embryo transfer (ET)accounted for an estimated 19.7% of all purebred calves born and registered by the Brazilian Zebu Cattle Breeders Association in the period 2005-2015, highlighting the importance of ET for animal breeding and genetic improvement of the herd. In the world ́s context, Brazil is the largest producer of bovine in vitro produced (IVP) embryos, but is ranked only 11th based on an index of intensity of use of embryo technologies, below Canada, USA and various European countries. This scenario demonstrates a potential for further increases in embryo production in Brazil, mainly associated with the expected adoption of new technologies by a large proportion of dairy and beef farms; the use of embryo technologies for large scale production of crossbreds; and to eventual increases in the international embryo import/export activity.

COST-Action GEMINI and EPICONCEPT: what we learned after 8 years?

Scientific societies have a major role in facilitating and disseminating scientific discoveries. Here, we are all members of societies related to reproductive biology, such as AETE (European Association of Embryo Transfer), SRF (Society for Reproduction and Fertility) or ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology). However, many of you may be unfamiliar with COST Actions. These are atypical, EU-funded temporary societies, that can have a huge impact upon the lives and careers of their members. The objective of the present paper was to capture the influence that one specific COST Action, EPICONCEPT, and to a lesser extent also the earlier COST Action GEMINI, has had on European scientists involved in animal reproduction and embryo transfer. We discuss the intrinsic value of belonging to EPICONCEPT, we focus on how EPICONCEPT advanced the careers of the scientists involved and the lessons learned. We conclude that such specific short-lived societies as granted by COST can be the basis of permanent collaborative ties and networking within Europe. Moreover, EPICONCEPT has been a very useful tool to raise awareness about epigenetics among animal scientists and breeders.

Valoración de la adopción de embriones humanos congelados desde el punto de vista de la filosofía moral, la ética laica y dos religiones monoteístas / Valuating frozen human embryo adoption from a moral philosophical point of view, lay ethics and two monotheist religions / Valoração da adoção de embriões humanos congelados do ponto de vista da filosofia moral, a ética laica e duas religiões monoteístas

La búsqueda de la eficacia en la fecundación in vitro hace que se produzcan más embriones que los que se implantarán, lo que produce un excedente de embriones, que es congelado. Esto hace que ineludiblemente el número de embriones humanos congelados aumente. Entre las soluciones para dichos embriones humanos congelados está la donación/adopción de los mismos. Ineludiblemente esta práctica conlleva objetivos problemas éticos. En este trabajo se evalúa la eticidad de la donación/adopción de embriones humanos congelados desde la perspectiva de la filosofía moral, lo que podríamos llamar una "ética laica" y dos de las religiones monoteístas: la musulmana y la judía.

The search for IVF efficacy leads to a higher embryo production than it is necessary for implantation; this results in an excess of embryos which are kept frozen. This amount of frozen embryos inevitably increases. The donation/adoption are among the possible solutions for these frozen embryos. However, this practice has objective ethical problems. This article considers the ethical aspects of the donation / adoption of frozen human embryos from the point of view of moral philosophy, from what we could call "secular ethics" and from two monotheistic religions: Muslim and Jewish.

A busca da eficácia na fecundação in vitro faz com que se produzam mais embriões dos que se implantarão, o que produz um excedente de embriões, que é congelado. Isto faz com que inquestionavelmente o número de embriões humanos congelados aumente. Entre as soluções para os ditos embriões humanos congelados está na doação/adoção dos mesmos. Ineludivelmente esta prática implica objetivos problemas éticos. Neste trabalho se avalia a eticidade da doação/adoção de embriões humanos congelados a partir da perspectiva da filosofia moral, o que poderíamos chamar uma "ética laica" e duas religiões monoteistas: a mulçumana e a judia.