Effects of Mating and Social Exposure on Cell Proliferation in the Adult Male Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster).

Microtus ochrogaster is a rodent with a monogamous reproductive strategy characterized by strong pair bond formation after 6 h of mating. Here, we determine whether mating-induced pair bonding increases cell proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ), rostral migratory stream (RMS), and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus in male voles. Males were assigned to one of the four groups: (1) control: males were placed alone in a clean cage; (2) social exposure to a female (SE m/f): males that could see, hear, and smell a sexually receptive female but where physical contact was not possible, because the animals were separated by an acrylic screen with small holes; (3) social exposure to a male (SE m/m): same as group 2 but males were exposed to another male without physical contact; and (4) social cohabitation with mating (SCM): males that mated freely with a receptive female for 6 h. This procedure leads to pair bond formation. Groups 2 and 3 were controls for social interaction. Male prairie voles were injected with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) during the behavioral tests and were sacrificed 48 h later. Brains were processed to identify the new cells (BrdU-positive) and neuron precursor cells (neuroblasts). Our principal findings are that in the dorsal region of the SVZ, SCM and SE m/f and m/m increase the percentage of neuron precursor cells. In the anterior region of the RMS, SE m/f decreases the percentage of neuron precursor cells, and in the medial region SE m/f and m/m decrease the number of new cells and neuron precursor cells. In the infrapyramidal blade of the subgranular zone of the DG, SE m/m and SCM increase the number of new neuron precursor cells and SE m/m increases the percentage of these neurons. Our data suggests that social interaction, as well as sexual stimulation, leads to pair bonding in male voles modulating cell proliferation and differentiation to neuronal precursor cells at the SVZ, RMS, and DG.

The First Mating Experience Induces New Neurons in the Olfactory Bulb in Male Mice.

In rodents, neurogenesis in the olfactory bulbs (OBs) is enhanced by exposure to olfactory enriched environments including sexually relevant odors. In the present study we evaluated whether sexual stimulation in male mice increases the number of newly generated cells that reach the OB and whether these cells differentiate into neurons. To this end, we used sexually naive male C57BL mice randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control, in which animals were left alone in their home cages; (2) exposure, in which animals were exposed to a receptive female precluding any physical contact; and (3) mating, in which males copulated with females. Males were given three injections of the DNA synthesis marker 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 2 h before, at the end and 2 h after the test. Fifteen days after BrdU administration, brains were removed and processed to identify new cells and evaluate if they had differentiated into neurons in the granular (GR), mitral (MI) and glomerular (GL) cell layers of the main and accessory OB (MOB and AOB, respectively). We found an increase in the percentage of new cells that differentiate into neurons in the GL cell layer of the MOB of males from the mating group compared with those from the exposure and control groups. No differences were found in the number of new cells or percentage of new neurons in the rest of the analyzed regions. In male mice, the first sexual experience increases the percentage of new cells that differentiate into neurons in the GL cell layer of the MOB.

Mating and social exposure induces an opioid-dependent conditioned place preference in male but not in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

In rodents, sexual stimulation induces a positive affective state that is evaluated by the conditioned place preference (CPP) test. Opioids are released during sexual behavior and modulate the rewarding properties of this behavior. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are a socially monogamous species, in which copulation with cohabitation for 6h induces a pair bond. However, the mating-induced reward state that could contribute to the establishment of the long-term pair bond has not been evaluated in this species. The present study aimed to determine whether one ejaculation or cohabitation with mating for 6h is rewarding for voles. We also evaluated whether this state is opioid dependent. Our results demonstrate that mating with one ejaculation and social cohabitation with mating for 6h induce a CPP in males, while exposure to a sexually receptive female without mating did not induce CPP. In the female vole, mating until one ejaculation, social cohabitation with mating, or exposure to a male without physical interaction for 6h did not induce CPP. To evaluate whether the rewarding state in males is opioid dependent, the antagonist naloxone was injected i.p. The administration of naloxone blocked the rewarding state induced by one ejaculation and by social cohabitation with mating. Our results demonstrate that in the prairie vole, on the basis of the CPP in the testing conditions used here, the stimulation received with one ejaculation and the mating conditions that lead to pair bonding formation may be rewarding for males, and this reward state is opioid dependent.

Bergmann's Rule rules body size in an ectotherm: heat conservation in a lizard along a 2200-metre elevational gradient.

Bergmann's Rule predicts larger body sizes in colder habitats, increasing organisms' ability to conserve heat. Originally formulated for endotherms, it is controversial whether Bergmann's Rule may be applicable to ectotherms, given that larger ectotherms show diminished capacity for heating up. We predict that Bergmann's Rule will be applicable to ectotherms when the benefits of a higher conservation of heat due to a larger body size overcompensate for decreased capacity to heating up. We test this hypothesis in the lizard Psammodromus algirus, which shows increased body size with elevation in Sierra Nevada (SE Spain). We measured heating and cooling rates of lizards from different elevations (from 300 to 2500 m above sea level) under controlled conditions. We found no significant differences in the heating rate along an elevational gradient. However, the cooling rate diminished with elevation and body size: highland lizards, with larger masses, have a higher thermal inertia for cooling, which allows them to maintain heat for more time and keep a high body temperature despite the lower thermal availability. Consequently, the net gaining of heat increased with elevation and body size. This study highlights that the heat conservation mechanism for explaining Bergmann's Rule works and is applicable to ectotherms, depending on the thermal benefits and costs associated with larger body sizes.

Behavioral characterization of non-copulating male mice.

Non-copulating (NC) males are those animals that do not mate in spite of repeated testing with sexually receptive females. They have been observed in several species including rats and mice. The present experiment was designed to perform a detailed behavioral characterization of NC male mice. Thus, we evaluated their sexual incentive motivation for a sexually receptive female or a sexually active male, olfactory preference for volatile and non-volatile odors from females or males, and olfactory discrimination between female and male volatile odors and food related odors (milk versus vinegar). We compared the activity of the accessory olfactory system (AOS) in copulating (C) and NC males in response to estrous bedding using the induction of Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) as a measure of neuronal activation. We also determined if estradiol or dopamine treatment could induce sexual behavior in NC males. Finally, we compared the testis weight and the number of penile spines in C, NC, and gonadectomized males. In the sexual incentive motivation test C males spend significantly more time in the female incentive zone than in the male incentive zone. On the other hand, NC males spend the same amount of time in both incentive zones. In tests of olfactory preference, NC males spent less time investigating estrous odors than C males. As well, NC males discriminate urine from conspecifics but they spend less time smelling these odors than C males. In addition, no increase in Fos expression is observed in NC males when they are exposed to odors from estrous females. Our data also suggest that the deficits observed in NC males are not due to lower circulating levels of gonadal hormones, because estradiol supplementation does not induce sexual behavior in these animals, and their testis weight and the number of penile spines are normal. The results suggest that NC males are not sexually motivated by the receptive females and their odors.

[Radiologic study on postnatal ossification of the first metatarsal bone]. / Estudio radiológico sobre la osificación postnatal del primer metatarsiano.

BACKGROUND: Classical descriptions of the ossification of the first metatarsal bone show the existence of a single proximal secondary ossification nucleus, mimicking the typical ossification of a phalanx. However, there are studies that show the presence of a second distal ossification nucleus and discuss its nature: epiphysis or pseudoepiphysis. The objective of the study is to establish the prevalence of such distal nucleus, determine its role in the growth of the radius and its relation with different qualitative variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study that included 971 dorsoplantar images from 225 patients. We analyzed the presence of such nucleus, the age of appearance and closure, the relation with different qualitative variables and their contribution to the longitudinal growth of the first metatarsal bone. RESULTS: The distal ossification nucleus appears in 40% of all images and in 81.1% of cases ages 4-7 years. Mean age of appearance is 3.07 years, while physeal closure occurs at a mean of 7.67 years. We found a significantly higher frequency of physeal closure in children, patients with Egyptian type foot, flat foot, and index-plus and Egyptian type foot combinations. The definitive length of the first metatarsal bone is greater in patients with a distal ossification nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: We may state the presence of the distal ossification nucleus of the first metatarsal bone that behaves as a fertile growth cartilage.

Estudio anatómioo de la amplitud de los discos ntervertebrales y de la zona fooraminal a nivel toracolumbar en perros adultos / Antomical study of intervertebral disc width and dog´s foraminal zone

La columna vertebral del perro ha sido utilizada como modelo experimental en medicina humana, y es uno de los animales domésticos más estudiados en medicina veterinaria. Sin embargo, existen limitados datos sobre la amplitud del disco intervertebral (DIV) y el foramen intervertebral (FIV). El propósito de este trabajo es medir cuantitativamente la amplitud de los DIV y FIV, e igualmente, la distancia entre la emergencia de los nervios espinales lumbares y el borde anterior del cuerpo vertebral caudal adyacente o altura del triángulo de seguridad de Kambin (ATK). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en cinco cadáveres de perros. Se midieron: los diametros discales ventrales, la distancia entre la emergencia de los nervios espinales y el borde anterior del cuerpo vertebral caudal adyacente (CVCA), y los diámetros de los FIV de los niveles toracolumbares T12 - L6. La amplitud del DIV en el borde ventral fue en promedio de 7,34 mm (SD± 2,209), y la distancia entre los nervios espinales y el borde posterior del DIV, de 3,56 mm (SD 1,366). Los diámetros promedio del FIV fueron en su aspecto craneocaudal de 5,24 mm (SD 1,838) y dorsoventral de 4,73 mm (SD 1,098). Se evidenció para esta muestra una correlación gráfica entre la ATK y la ADIV, y una longitud máxima de todas las estructuras medidas en el segmento L4 - L5. Además, se plantea la posibilidad del desarrollo de instrumentales intradiscales y transforaminales con un diámetro de 3 mm, hechos a medida para caninos a partir de los 10 kg de peso.

Dog´s spine has been used as an experimental model in human medicine and is also one of the most studied animals in veterinary medicine. However, there are limited descriptions of intervertebral disc IV and intervertebral foramen IF width. The purpose of this study is to measure the width of the IV (IVW) and IF and its relations with the exit of the spinal nerves. A descriptive study was performed in 5-dogs´ cadavers. Were measured IV width, distance between emerging spinal nerve and the adjacent vertebral body (KTH), and the IF diameters. The IV ventral width average was 7.34 mm (SD 2.209) and distance from the spinal nerve and the posterior edge of IV was 3.56 mm (SD 1.366). The average diameters were, in craniocaudal aspect IF was 5.24 mm (SD 1.838) and dorsoventral was 4.73 mm (SD 1.098). The anatomical relationships of ID and IF are fundamental in the development of approaches and instruments for minimally invasive surgery. For this sample, it showed a graphical relationship between KTH and IDW and a maximum length of all measured structures in L4 - L5. This study raises the possibility of developing instrumental for canine dorsolateral percutaneous approach, made ​​for dogs from 10 kg.

[Peritoneal dialysis outcome. The Andalusian Registry Peritoneal Dialysis: 1999-2008]. / Diez años de diálisis peritoneal en Andalucía (1999-2008): datos epidemiológicos, tipos de tratamiento, peritonitis, comorbilidad y supervivencia de pacientes y técnica.

In this study we show the results derived from the processing of the data of the Registry of the patients on peritoneal dialysis that initiated renal replacement therapy in Andalucía between January of 1999 and December of 2008. All the information comes from the base of the Registry of Renal Patients of the Andalucia s Health Service. The results show demographic data, distribution by provinces, etiology of the end stage renal disease, reason for election of the peritoneal dialysis, inclusion or not in list of renal transplant, catheter data, withdraws and their causes, and peritonitis data of 2008. We also analyze in the report, from 1999-2008: annual incidence, diabetes, automatic peritoneal dialysis and peritonitis incidence. Finally we have studied patient and technique survival and factors affecting mortality on peritoneal dialysis, the initial comorbid conditions and its impact in the patient s survival.

Olfactory discrimination and incentive value of non copulating and sexually sluggish male rats.

Some apparently healthy male rats fail to copulate despite being tested on repeated occasions with receptive females and are called non copulating (NC) rats. NC rats sniff and lick the female genitals, and show normal erectile and ejaculatory functions and hormonal levels. Sexually sluggish (S) male rats take a long time to ejaculate or sometimes they don't achieve ejaculation when tested repeatedly with receptive females. The aim of the present study was to determine if NC and S males can discriminate sexually relevant olfactory cues such as urine from estrous or anestrous female and urine from sexually experienced males. We also tested odors like amyl acetate and mint using an olfactory discrimination test. In a second experiment we evaluated if a sexually receptive female has a preference for a copulating (C) male, for a NC male, or for a S male in a sexual incentive motivation test. This would let us determine if a NC and an S male are equally attractive than a C male to a sexually receptive female. The olfactory test revealed that C, NC and S males have the same ability to discriminate sexually relevant odors. As well, all males clearly discriminate non sexual odors like amyl acetate and mint suggesting that NC and S male rats do not have alterations in their olfactory system. With respect to the sexual incentive motivation test, females spend the same time in the incentive zone of the NC and C males. As well, females spent the same time in the incentive zone of S and C males. These results demonstrate that NC, S and C males are equally attractive to receptive females.

Evaluation of voice pathology based on the estimation of vocal fold biomechanical parameters.

Voice disorders are a source of increasing concern as normal voice quality is a social demand for at least one third of the population in developed countries in cases where voice is an essential resource in professional exercise. In addition, the growing exposure to certain pathogenic factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, air pollution, and acoustic contamination, and other problems such as gastro-esopharyngeal reflux or allergy as well as aging, aggravate voice disorders. Voice pathologies justify the assignment of larger resources to prevention policies, early detection, and less aggressive treatments. Traditional pathology detection relies on perceptive evaluation methods (GRABS), acoustic analysis, and visual inspection (indirect laryngoscopy, and modern fibro-endo-stroboscopy). This article describes a method for voice pathology detection based on the noninvasive estimation of vocal cord biomechanical parameters derived from voice using specific signal processing methods. Preliminary results using records from patients showing four frequent causes of voice pathology (nodules, polyps, chronic laryngitis, and Reinke's edema) are given. The results show that the alteration (distortion, unbalance, or deviation) of cord biomechanical parameters may serve as an indicator of pathology. Statistical methods based on hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis reveal that combining biomechanical estimates with classic perturbation parameters increases the accuracy of acoustic analysis, improving the detection of voice pathology. This research could open new possibilities for noninvasive screening of vocal fold pathologies and could be used in the implantation of e-health voice care services.

The role of the dorsolateral tegmentum in the control of male sexual behavior: a reevaluation.

The medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH) plays a key role in the control of male sexual behavior. Independently of the type, MPOA/AH lesions permanently eliminate male sexual behavior in the rat. The MPOA/AH projects among other structures to the dorsolateral tegmentum (DLT). Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the DLT or the unilateral electrolytic destruction of the MPOA/HA combined with a contralateral electrolytic lesion of the DLT eliminate male sexual behavior. In the present experiment, we evaluated if neurotoxic lesions of the DLT produce the same behavioral deficits as those observed after electrolytic lesions. This would allow us to evaluate if neurons of the DLT or the fibers passing through this area are important in the control of male sexual behavior. To this aim, sexually experience male rats were tested for socio-sexual behavior, partner preference and motor execution in order to determine if the possible behavioral changes could be attributed to alterations in sexual motivation or motor execution. One week after the bilateral DLT lesions the animals were evaluated in the same behavioral tests. The lesions were identified by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclear protein (Neu-N) immunohistochemistry. No significant consistent effects upon sexual behavior were observed in any of the groups, including the group with clear bilateral damage of the DLT. A reduction in the percentage of males displaying ejaculation in the first post-lesion test was observed for all groups injected with quinolinic acid. No effects upon partner preference or motor coordination were observed after the lesion in any of the groups. The lack of effect of DLT neurotoxic lesions upon mating suggests that neurons of this structure are not involved in the control of male sexual behavior.

The alternative supply of the pectoralis major flap based medially in cases with previous surgical use of the internal thoracic artery: an anatomical study.

In the present study we analyzed the anatomical basis for the use of the pectoralis major muscle based on alternative pedicles in order to evaluate its clinical applications in cases of potential lesion of the internal thoracic artery. The patterns of blood supply depending on the internal thoracic artery, previously dissected for coronary by-pass surgery, were studied in both sides of five embalmed cadavers and five anterior thoracic walls taken from autopsies. The secondary vascular pedicles depending on the internal thoracic artery for the pectoralis major muscle were dissected and injected with physiological saline stained solution in the embalmed cadavers. Moreover, studies of intravascular injection by means of radio-opaque contrast and physiological saline stained solution were carried out in the anterior thoracic walls obtained from clinical autopsies. The results showed that complete injection of the pectoralis major muscle was achieved depending exclusively on the two proximal perforating branches of the two first intercostal spaces, which represented the vascular pedicle for medial transposition of the pectoralis major flap, in cases with previous dissection of the internal thoracic artery for coronary by-pass.

Diaphyseal nutrient foramina in the first metatarsals in normal and hallux valgus feet: location and surgical implications.

We examined 47 first metatarsals from amputated lower limbs to determine the situation of the main diaphyseal nutrient foramina (NFs) in normal and hallux valgus feet. All the NFs, excepting one, were in a plantar-fibular location. The NF situation was analyzed by means of the foraminal index and three minimum distances: from NF to proximal extremity, from NF to the shaft dorsal face (NFDS) and from NF to the border of the cartilaginous coating of the metatarsal head. We found a constant location of the NF in the middle of the total metatarsal length and sexual dimorphism in NFDS (lower in females); there were no differences by side, neither by digital or metatarsal types, nor between normal and hallux valgus types. Vascular complications in some osteotomies are discussed. In the surgical design, the NF situation can be estimated from either the total or physiological metatarsal length by means of the corresponding equations as reported here.

Análisis isocinético de la flexo-extensión de la rodilla y su relación con la antropometría del miembro inferior / Isokinetic analysis of flexion-extension of the knee and its relationship with the anthropometry of the lower limb

En este trabajo estudiamos la fuerza muscular isocinética de la articulación de la rodilla y las variables antropométricas más significativas de los individuos analizados. La muestra fue de 60 sujetos jóvenes voluntarios y sanos (30 hombres,30 mujeres). Se determinaron: 1º) Momento máximo de fuerza (Nm) y momento máximo/peso corporal ( por ciento), en la extensión y en la flexión a 60º/s en ambos miembros inferiores mediante test isocinéticos (dinamómetro Biodex). 2º) Perímetro de muslo, perímetro de pierna y longitud de miembro inferior. Se realizó un estudio comparativo entre extremidad derecha e izquierda (t de Student) y entre sexos (ANOVA), además se analizaron las correlaciones entre variables isocinéticas y antropométricas. Aparecieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las variables a favor del lado derecho menos en la variable longitud del miembro inferior. Igualmente el factor sexo determinó diferencias en todas las variables a excepción del perímetro del muslo, siendo estas mayores en los varones. Por último, el análisis de correlación entre las distintas variables, permitió constatar algunas interdependencias entre las variables morfológicas y de actividad muscular que pueden ser aplicadas en el campo clínico. (AU)

Population structure and genetic diversity of Botrychium pumicola (Ophioglossaceae) based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR).

Species of Botrychium reproduce by spores that form subterranean gametophytes and a few, like B. pumicola, also reproduce asexually with subterranean sporophytic gemmae. The goal of this study was to examine the genetic diversity of B. pumicola populations and to better understand the role of gemmae. Ninety-nine individuals from three monitored populations were sampled. The technique of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) produced 15 polymorphic loci and identified 71 ISSR genotypes. Sixteen of the ISSR genotypes were shared by more that one individual in a population, representing potential clones. Ten of the 16 shared genotypes were not limited to clusters of plants (groups of plants growing from the same point). The ten potential clones were disjunct (separated by other genotypes) and not in patches as might be expected for an underground propagule. There is a high probability that these shared genotypes arose from independent sexual events suggesting they were not clones. These results suggest that the long-distance dispersal of gemmae is at best a rare event.

Methylguazone, vindesine and cisplatin for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory malignant lymphoma: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study (PA482).

A new regimen not cross-resistant with standard regimens was developed for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The regimen consisted of cisplatin, 70 mg/M2 given intravenously on day 1, vindesine, 3 mg/M2 given intravenously on days 1 and 8 (and also on day 15 of the first cycle only), and methylguazone, 600 mg/M2 given intravenously on days 8 and 15. Courses were repeated every 21 days. Thirty-nine patients (35 with non-Hodgkin's and 4 with Hodgkin's lymphoma) were treated and all were evaluable for response and toxicity. There were 5 complete and 14 partial responses for a total response rate of 49% (C.I. = 35%-63%). The median durations of partial and complete response were only 2.8 and 4.2 months, respectively. Only one patient remained in complete response for more than a year. There was one treatment-related death from renal failure on the study. Although this regimen was, in general. well tolerated the results are disappointing and seem no better than those obtained with many other salvage regimens for lymphoma.

Densitometric analysis of the human calcaneus.

A densitometric study was performed on 50 dry calcanei to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in the constituent regions of the bone. In the lateral projection, the area with the highest BMD was the anterosuperior region, where the greatest concentration of trabeculae occurs. The areas with the least BMD were the intermediate or retrothalamic and the anteroinferior regions, where the neutral triangle is situated. In the dorsoplantar projection, a greater BMD was observed in the intermediate and middle regions, whereas the anterior region showed the lowest BMD. These results conform to the arrangement previously described for the trabecular system. It is concluded that bone densitometry, measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry, is useful for assessing trabecular architecture of the calcaneus.

Comparison of tendo-Achilles lengthening alone and combined with neurectomy of the gastrocnemius muscle in the treatment of equinus deformity of the foot associated with clonus in children with cerebral palsy.

In a prospective study of 12 children with spastic cerebral palsy and equinus deformity (21 extremities) complicated by clonus, the results of two surgical techniques were compared. Six children had tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) alone and six had TAL combined with neurectomy of the gastrocnemius muscle. The equinus deformity was corrected in all children, but of those with neurectomy clonus subsided in 50%, compared to only 27% in those with TAL alone.

Venous segmentation of the spleen.

The authors conducted a study of the human splenic venous system by corrosion cast. The existence of two main venous territories or lobes separated by an avascular plane is confirmed. Smaller territories or segments, drained systematically by segmentary veins, and also separated by avascular planes, are defined in them. Their number ranged from four to eight, the mean being five segments. Four different ways of confluence of intrasplenic vessels forming the splenic vein are described.