In vitro and in vivo development of domestic cat embryos generated by in vitro fertilization after eCG priming and oocyte in vitro maturation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in the domestic cat, the effect of ovarian stimulation with eCG prior to oocyte in vitro maturation (priming) on in vitro and in vivo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). For this purpose, oocyte donors were either 1) treated with a single dose of 200 IU eCG four days before oocyte recovery (eCG group), or, 2) given no treatment before oocyte recovery (control group). Ovaries of both groups were collected by ovariohysterectomy (OVH) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered by slicing. Immature COCs from both groups were matured in vitro (IVM) for 26-28 h. IVF was done with refrigerated epididymal sperm. After 24 h co-incubation, presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro for eight days. The rates of cleavage, morulae, blastocyst development and hatching were estimated. Some blastocysts were stained for total cell counting and others were used for gene expression analysis of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) and differentiation markers (CDX2 and GATA6). Additionally, to evaluate in vivo development, embryos from the eCG group were transferred at Day 5 and Days 7 or 8 of IVC to synchronized cat recipients. The results showed that, eCG priming increased significantly the rate of blastocyst development as compared to the control group (37.9 and 25.6%, respectively) (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in total cell number of blastocysts and hatching blastocysts (mean ± SD) between the eCG and control groups (420.6 ± 193.6 and 347.0 ± 237.1, respectively) (P > 0.05). In the gene expression analysis, blastocysts generated in the eCG group had higher expression of OCT4 than blastocysts from the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the relative expression of SOX2, NANOG, CDX2 and GATA6 (P > 0.05). Additionally, six embryo transfer (ET) procedures were done, three with Day 5 embryos and three with Day 7 or 8 embryos. Recipients from both ET groups delivered live kittens. The total pregnancy rate was 4/6 (67%), meanwhile the live birth rate was 2/6 (33%). In conclusion, eCG priming improved the rate of blastocyst development in vitro and increased relative expression of OCT4. These results demonstrate that eCG priming of oocytes donors before IVM improves oocyte competence, enhance in vitro embryo development and allows live births of healthy offspring after ET.

Satisfacción en pacientes con disfunción eréctil usuarios de prótesis de pene maleable, en el periodo 2014 - 2017 en el Hospital Carlos Van Buren / Satisfaction in patients with erectile dysfunction users of malleable penile prosthesis, in the period 2014 - 2017 at Carlos Van Buren Hospital

RESUMEN Introducción: La disfunción eréctil es una patología que afecta, en torno al 20 por ciento de la población masculina que ocasiona un importante deterioro en su calidad de vida. La DE moderada, completa aumenta en relación a la edad. La población en Chile está envejeciendo y su vida sexual se puede ver afectada. El implante de una prótesis de pene maleable es la alternativa cuando los tratamientos médicos no cumplen las expectativas del paciente. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes usuarios de prótesis de pene maleable como tratamiento de Disfunción Eréctil. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo analítico mediante recopilación de historias clínicas de pacientes con disfunción eréctil usuarios de prótesis de pene maleable en el HCVB en el lapso de tiempo comprendido entre mayo 2014 y julio 2017. La satisfacción del tratamiento se valoró empleando una entrevista personal, utilizando el cuestionario EDITS. Resultados: Se encuestaron a 32 pacientes usuarios de prótesis de pene maleable. La media de edad para el uso de prótesis fué de 64,5 (48 ­ 81) años. Según la escala de satisfacción EDITS el uso de las prótesis de pene 84,9 por ciento de los pacientes se encuentran satisfechos con el uso de este tratamiento. 87 por ciento de satisfacción en relación al cumplimiento de las expectativas. La maniobrabilidad y la técnica de uso una satisfacción del 90 por ciento. El 81 por ciento desea continuar usando la prótesis. El 90 por ciento de los pacientes se sienten con mayor confianza al mantener sus relaciones sexuales. El 84 por ciento de las parejas se encuentras satisfechas con el tratamiento de su pareja. Conclusión: La experiencia de nuestro servicio muestra resultados elevados de satisfacción en el uso de prótesis de pene maleables tanto para el paciente como para su pareja en el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil. Estos resultados nos alientan a seguir con el tratamiento con prótesis maleable para pacientes beneficiarios de nuestro sistema público de salud.(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is a pathology affecting about 20 pertcent of the male population that causes a significant deterioration in their quality of life. Moderate, complete ED increases with age. The population in Chile is aging and their sex life may be affected. The implantation of a malleable penile prosthesis is the alternative when the medical treatments do not meet the expectations of the patient. Objective: To evaluate the degree of satisfaction of patients with malleable penile prosthesis as a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Patients and Methods: An analytical retrospective study by means of the compilation of clinical records of patients with erectile dysfunction users of malleable penile prostheses in the HCVB in the time span between May 2014 and July 2017. The satisfaction of the treatment was assessed using a personal interview, using the EDITS questionnaire. Results: We surveyed 32 patients with malleable penile prosthesis. The mean age for prosthesis use was 64.5 (48 ­ 81) years. According to the EDITS satisfaction scale the use of penile prostheses 84.9 pertcent of patients are satisfied with the use of this treatment. 87 pertcent satisfaction in relation to the fulfillment of expectations. The maneuverability and the technique of use a satisfaction of 90 pertcent. 81pertcent want to continue using the prosthesis. 90 pertcent of patients feel more confident about having sex. 84 pertcent of couples are satisfied with their partner's treatment. Conclusion: The experience of our service shows high satisfaction results in the use of malleable prostheses for both the patient and his partner in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These results encourage us to continue with the treatment with malleable prosthesis for patients who are beneficiaries of our public health system.(AU)

Cell cycle synchronization and analysis of apoptosis-related gene in skin fibroblasts from domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and kodkod (Leopardus guigna).

The kodkod population is in constant decrease and the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) might help to preserve the genetic pool of this species. The cell cycle synchronization of donor cells plays a crucial role in SCNT. The objective of this research was to evaluate two different methods for quiescence induction, serum starvation (SS) and contact inhibition (CI), both for 1, 3 and 5 days, on skin fibroblast from domestic cat and kodkod. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that in domestic cat, SS and CI, both at 3 and 5 days, increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to growing cells (GC) (p < .05). In kodkod, only SS for 3 and 5 days and CI for 1 and 3 days increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to GC (p < .05). Viability analysis by differential staining revealed that SS for 5 days decreased the proportion of live fibroblasts in domestic cat and kodkod (p < .05). Regarding gene expression analysis, in domestic cat fibroblasts, no differences were found in the BAX/BCL2 ratio in SS and CI (both at 1, 3 and 5 days) compared to GC. In kodkod fibroblasts, BAX/BCL2 ratio was increased in CI at 3 and 5 days compared to SS at 3 and 5 days (p < .05). In conclusion, in kodkod fibroblasts SS for 5 days and CI after 3 days might have a negative impact on cellular viability. According to these results, we suggest SS for 3 days for cell cycle synchronization in kodkod fibroblasts.

Sistema de visión global en laparoscopia / Global vision system in laparoscopy

Objetivo: La principal dificultad en la cirugía laparoscópica o robótica es la estrechez del campo de visión, restringido por el puerto de acceso del endoscopio. A ello se suma la dificultad en el manejo de los instrumentos, debida no solo al puerto de acceso, sino a la pérdida de la profundidad de campo y de la perspectiva por la ausencia de una iluminación natural. En este artículo describimos un sistema de visión global y explicamos la experiencia inicial en un modelo porcino. Material y métodos: El sistema de visión global consta de una serie de dispositivos intraabdominales, que aumentan el campo de visión y que ayudan a recuperar la perspectiva mediante la simulación de sombras naturales. Consta de una serie de cámaras de alta definición y de luces LED, que son introducidas y fijadas a la pared mediante imanes. La eficacia del sistema se ha evaluado en una varicocelectomía y en una nefrectomía. Resultado: Las diferentes cámaras intraabdominales ofrecen más puntos de visión intuitivos del área operatoria en comparación con el telescopio convencional y parece ser similar a la visión en cirugía abierta. Incluso se pueden alcanzar áreas inaccesibles al telescopio habitual. Las fuentes de luz adicionales crean sombras que aumentan la perspectiva del campo operatorio. Conclusión: Este sistema parece aumentar las posibilidades de la cirugía laparoscópica o robótica, ya que al ofrecer una visión instantánea de casi la totalidad del abdomen puede permitir realizar procedimientos más complejos, que hoy en día requieren una vía abierta

Objective: The main difficulty in laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery is the narrow visual field, restricted by the endoscope's access port. This restriction is coupled with the difficulty of handling the instruments, which is due not only to the access port but also to the loss of depth of field and perspective due to the lack of natural lighting. In this article, we describe a global vision system and report on our initial experience in a porcine model. Material and methods: The global vision system consists of a series of intraabdominal devices, which increase the visual field and help recover perspective through the simulation of natural shadows. These devices are a series of high-definition cameras and LED lights, which are inserted and fixed to the wall using magnets. The system's efficacy was assessed in a varicocelectomy and nephrectomy.: Results The various intraabdominal cameras offer a greater number of intuitive points of view of the surgical field compared with the conventional telescope and appear to provide a similar view as that in open surgery. Areas previously inaccessible to the standard telescope can now be reached. The additional light sources create shadows that increase the perspective of the surgical field. Conclusion: This system appears to increase the possibilities for laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery because it offers an instant view of almost the entire abdomen, enabling more complex procedures, which currently require an open pathway

Global vision system in laparoscopy. / Sistema de visión global en laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: The main difficulty in laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery is the narrow visual field, restricted by the endoscope's access port. This restriction is coupled with the difficulty of handling the instruments, which is due not only to the access port but also to the loss of depth of field and perspective due to the lack of natural lighting. In this article, we describe a global vision system and report on our initial experience in a porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The global vision system consists of a series of intraabdominal devices, which increase the visual field and help recover perspective through the simulation of natural shadows. These devices are a series of high-definition cameras and LED lights, which are inserted and fixed to the wall using magnets. The system's efficacy was assessed in a varicocelectomy and nephrectomy. RESULTS: The various intraabdominal cameras offer a greater number of intuitive points of view of the surgical field compared with the conventional telescope and appear to provide a similar view as that in open surgery. Areas previously inaccessible to the standard telescope can now be reached. The additional light sources create shadows that increase the perspective of the surgical field. CONCLUSION: This system appears to increase the possibilities for laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery because it offers an instant view of almost the entire abdomen, enabling more complex procedures, which currently require an open pathway.

Hippocampal structural and functional changes associated with electroconvulsive therapy response.

Previous animal models and structural imaging investigations have linked hippocampal neuroplasticity to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) response, but the relationship between changes in hippocampal volume and temporal coherence in the context of ECT response is unknown. We hypothesized that ECT response would increase both hippocampal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity and hippocampal volumes. Patients with major depressive disorder (n=19) were scanned before and after the ECT series. Healthy, demographically matched comparisons (n=20) were scanned at one-time interval. Longitudinal changes in functional connectivity of hippocampal regions and volumes of hippocampal subfields were compared with reductions in ratings of depressive symptoms. Right hippocampal connectivity increased (normalized) after the ECT series and correlated with depressive symptom reduction. Similarly, the volumes of the right hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA2/3), dentate gyrus and subiculum regions increased, but the hippocampal subfields were unchanged relative to the comparison group. Connectivity changes were not evident in the left hippocampus, and volume changes were limited to the left CA2/3 subfields. The laterality of the right hippocampal functional connectivity and volume increases may be related to stimulus delivery method, which was predominately right unilateral in this investigation. The findings suggested that increased hippocampal functional connectivity and volumes may be biomarkers for ECT response.

Instrumentation for diagnostics and control of laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams.

Suitable instrumentation for laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams is critical for development of integrated, laser-driven ion accelerator systems. Instrumentation aimed at beam diagnostics and control must be applied to the driving laser pulse, the laser-plasma that forms at the target and the emergent proton (ion) bunch in a correlated way to develop these novel accelerators. This report is a brief overview of established diagnostic techniques and new developments based on material presented at the first workshop on 'Instrumentation for Diagnostics and Control of Laser-accelerated Proton (Ion) Beams' in Abingdon, UK. It includes radiochromic film (RCF), image plates (IP), micro-channel plates (MCP), Thomson spectrometers, prompt inline scintillators, time and space-resolved interferometry (TASRI) and nuclear activation schemes. Repetition-rated instrumentation requirements for target metrology are also addressed.

Soft-x-ray harmonic comb from relativistic electron spikes.

We demonstrate a new high-order harmonic generation mechanism reaching the "water window" spectral region in experiments with multiterawatt femtosecond lasers irradiating gas jets. A few hundred harmonic orders are resolved, giving µJ/sr pulses. Harmonics are collectively emitted by an oscillating electron spike formed at the joint of the boundaries of a cavity and bow wave created by a relativistically self-focusing laser in underdense plasma. The spike sharpness and stability are explained by catastrophe theory. The mechanism is corroborated by particle-in-cell simulations.

Effect of lattice structure on energetic electron transport in solids irradiated by ultraintense laser pulses.

The effect of lattice structure on the transport of energetic (MeV) electrons in solids irradiated by ultraintense laser pulses is investigated using various allotropes of carbon. We observe smooth electron transport in diamond, whereas beam filamentation is observed with less ordered forms of carbon. The highly ordered lattice structure of diamond is shown to result in a transient state of warm dense carbon with metalliclike conductivity, at temperatures of the order of 1-100 eV, leading to suppression of electron beam filamentation.

Modified proton radiography arrangement for the detection of ultrafast field fronts.

The experimental arrangement for the investigation of high-field laser-induced processes using a broadband proton probe beam has been modified to enable the detection of the ultrafast motion of field fronts. It is typical in such experiments for the target to be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the principal axis of the probe beam. It is demonstrated here, however, that the temporal imaging properties of the diagnostic arrangement are altered drastically by placing the axis (or plane) of the target at an oblique angle to the transverse plane of the probe beam. In particular, the detection of the motion of a laser-driven field front along a wire at a velocity of (0.95+/-0.05)c is described.

Laser-driven ultrafast field propagation on solid surfaces.

The interaction of a 3x10;{19} W/cm;{2} laser pulse with a metallic wire has been investigated using proton radiography. The pulse is observed to drive the propagation of a highly transient field along the wire at the speed of light. Within a temporal window of 20 ps, the current driven by this field rises to its peak magnitude approximately 10;{4} A before decaying to below measurable levels. Supported by particle-in-cell simulation results and simple theoretical reasoning, the transient field measured is interpreted as a charge-neutralizing disturbance propagated away from the interaction region as a result of the permanent loss of a small fraction of the laser-accelerated hot electron population to vacuum.