Efecto de Tropaeolum Tuberosum o "Mashua" (tropaeolaceae) sobre la expresión génica relacionada a espermatogénesis en ratón

Introducción: Tropaeolum tuberosum, conocido comomashua, es un tubérculo andino que tiene un valor tanto económico como nutritivo para las poblaciones de pocos recursos. Se cree que afecta la fertilidad masculina, porque los hombres andinos lo relacionan con impotencia y disminución de la capacidad fecundante. Estudios hechos en ratas que se alimentaron con mashua demostraron que hubo un 45% de decrecimiento de la tasa testosterona/dihidrotestosterona. El efecto de esta planta en la reproducción está relacionada a su contenido de isotiocianatos, compuestos que se unen covalentemente a las proteínas, las cuales pueden estar directa o indirectamente involucradas en el proceso espermatogénico. El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto del extracto acuoso de la mashua sobre la espermatogénesis y la fisiología reproductiva de ratones. Métodos: Se evaluaron los parámetros morfofuncionales in vivo de espermios de ratones (espermatograma) y se cuantificó la expresión de: Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, proteína reguladora de esteroidogénesis aguda, ciclina y protamina, relacionados a la espermatogénesis. Resultados: A los 7, 14 y 21 días de dosificación, se vio afectado el conteo de espermatozoides, así como su motilidad progresiva (MP); por otra parte, se observó un retardo en la maduración de los mismos. En cuanto a la expresión génica, no se encontró diferencias significativas entre la expresión de los dos genes estudiados (cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, ciclina). Conclusión: El efecto de la mashua no se da a nivel de la expresión de los genes involucrados en la espermatogénesis, sino a nivel de sus funciones como proteína.

Introduction: Tropaeolum tuberosum, known as "mashua" is an Andean tuber that holds both economic and nutritional value for low-income populations. It is believed that it affects male fertility because Andean men associate it with impotence and decreased fertility. Studies conducted on rats fed with "mashua" showed that there was a 45% decrease in the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio. The effect of this plant on reproduction is related to its content of isothiocyanates, compounds that covalently bind to proteins, which may be directly or indirectly involved in the spermatogenic process. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of "mashua" on spermatogenesis and reproductive physiology of mice. Methods: In vivo morphofunctional parameters of mouse sperm (spermatogram) were evaluated and the expression of Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, acute steroidogenesis regulatory protein, cyclin, and protamine related to spermatogenesis was quantified. Results: The results indicated that at 7, 14 and 21 days of dosing, the sperm count was affected, as well as their progressive motility (PM), on the other hand, a delay in their maturation was observed. Regarding gene expression, no significant differences were found between the expression of the two genes studied (Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, Cyclin). Conclusion: The effect of "mashua" does not occur at the level of gene expression involved in spermatogenesis, but at the level of its functions as a protein.

COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among Rural Residents in Mexico: Validation of a Questionnaire.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new vaccines, in an attempt to reach herd immunity and stop the SARS-CoV-2 from spreading. However, to ensure vaccination among the general population, COVID-19 vaccine intention must be measured. So far, no studies have focused on rural residents in Latin America, which represent approximately 20% of the population of this geographical region. In this study, we present the validation of a self-developed questionnaire, which was validated in a pilot study with 40 Spanish-speaking Mexican rural residents in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. In this study, we describe the chronological validation of the questionnaire, including the assessment of its internal consistency and temporal reliability, which we measured with the Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, respectively. After the psychometrical analysis, we were able to validate a 20-item questionnaire, which intends to assess vaccine intention among the rural population. Aiming to develop a comprehensive policy and vaccination strategies, we hope this instrument provides valuable insight regarding COVID-19 vaccination willingness across rural communities in Mexico and Latin America. Finally, if we want to reach worldwide herd immunity, it is important to understand rural residents' position towards COVID-19 vaccination.

Efecto del extracto acuoso de "Mashua" Tropaeolum Tuberosum "en la calidad del esperma y su implicancia en el desarrollo preimplantacional embionario. Prueba pre clínica / Effect OF 'Mashua' Tropaeolum tuberosum' aqueous extract in sperm quality and its implication in the preimplantacional development of mouse embryos. Pre clinic trial

RESUMEN Introducción: La "mashua", Tropaeolum tuberosum, es una especie vegetal nativa del Perú. Investigaciones realizadas han comprobado sus efectos sobre la fertilidad de mamíferos. Objetivo: Evaluar la acción biológica de la solucion acuosa deT. tuberosumen el desarrollo de los embriones preimplantacionales deMus musculus y la capacidad reproductiva de Mus musculus macho. Métodos: Estudio experimental preclínico de casos y controles. La muestra estuvo conformada por 32 ratones, el grupo casos lo conformó 24 ratones agrupados en tres grupos, cada uno de 8 ratones, a quienes se les administró extracto acuoso ad libitum, en una concentración de 50 g/Kg de peso corporal durante 8, 16 y 35 días respectivamente, el grupo control lo integró 8 ratones, quienes recibieron sólo agua de grifo. Cada grupo de machos se cruzaron con hembras de edad fértil, la presencia de tapón vaginal nos indicó el día 0 de desarrollo embrionario. A las 72 h se perfusionaron los cuernos uterinos y oviductos y se evaluó el grado de desarrollo, condición y morfología embrionaria preimplantacional deMus musculushasta alcanzar el estadío blastocisto. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de casos y control. Nuestros resultados demuestran que la administración de solución acuosa deT. tuberosuma ratones machos, altera la calidad reproductiva del ratón afectando la capacidad del embrión para desarrollarse normalmente hasta el estadio de blastocisto. Conclusión: El extracto acuoso deTropaeolum tuberosum (mashua)afecta el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional y la capacidad reproductiva enMus musculusmacho.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The "mashua", Tropaeolum tuberosum, is a plant species native to Peru. Research carried out has proven its effects on the fertility of mammals. Objective: To evaluate the biological action of the aqueous solution of T. tuberosum in the development of preimplantation embryos of Mus musculus and the reproductive capacity of male Mus musculus. Methods: Preclinical experimental study of cases and controls. The sample consisted of 32 mice, the case group was made up of 24 mice grouped into three groups, each one of 8 mice, to whom aqueous extract was administered ad libitum, at a concentration of 50 g / Kg of body weight for 8, 16 and 35 days respectively, the control group consisted of 8 mice, who received only tap water. Each group of males were crossed with females of fertile age, the presence of a vaginal plug indicated day 0 of embryonic development. At 72 h the uterine horns and oviducts were perfused and the degree of development, condition and preimplantation embryonic morphology of Mus musculus were evaluated until reaching the blastocyst stage. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the case and control groups. Our results show that the administration of aqueous solution of T. tuberosum to male mice alters the reproductive quality of the mouse, affecting the ability of the embryo to develop normally until the blastocyst stage. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua) affects preimplantation embryonic development and reproductive capacity in male Mus musculus

Efecto de la solucion acuosa de "mashua" en la capacidad reproductiva de mus musculus machos y su implicancia en el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional. Prueba preclínica / Effect Of The Aqueous Solution Of "Mashua" On The Reproductive Capacity Of Male Mus Musculus And Its Implication In Preimplantation Embryonic Development. Preclinical Test

La "mashua", Tropaeolum tuberosum, es una especie vegetal nativa del Perú y un recurso de gran valor nutricional. Además, son varias las investigaciones realizadas en la última década en las cuales se ha comprobado sus efectos sobre la fertilidad de mamíferos. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del extracto acuoso de T. tuberosum en el desarrollo de los embriones preimplantacionales de Mus musculus. Métodos; Se administró el extracto acuoso ad libitum, en una concentración de 50 g/Kg de peso corporal a tres grupos de ratones (n=32 ­ 8 por grupo caso y 7 control) durante 8, 16 y 35 días; el grupo control tomo solo agua. Cada grupo de machos se cruzaron con hembras de edad fértil, la presencia de tapón vaginal nos indicaba el día 0 de desarrollo embrionario. A las 72 h se perfusionaron los cuernos uterinos y se evaluó el grado de desarrollo, condición y morfología embrionarias. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos control y tratamiento. Discusión: Nuestros resultados demuestran que el extracto acuoso de T. tuberosum altera la calidad del espermatozoide de ratón afectando la capacidad del embrión para desarrollarse normalmente hasta el estadio de blastocisto.

The "mashua", Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón, 1802 is a plant species native from Peru and a resource of great nutritional value. In addition, there are several investigations carried out in the last decade in which its effects on mammal fertility have been verified. In this work, we evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of T. tuberosum on the development of the preimplantation embryos of Mus musculus. The aqueous extract was administered ad libitum, in a concentration of 50 g / Kg of body weight, to three groups of mice (n = 24) during 8, 16 and 35 days; the control group drank only tap water. Each group of males were crossed with females of fertile age, the presence of a vaginal plug indicated the 0th day of embryonic development. At 72 h the uterine horns were perfused and the stage of development, condition and embryonic morphology were evaluated. Differences were found between the control and treatment groups. Our results demonstrate that the aqueous extract of T. tuberosum alters the quality of the mouse sperm, affecting the ability of the embryo to develop normally to the blastocyst stage.

Heavy metals in iron ore tailings and floodplain soils affected by the Samarco dam collapse in Brazil.

In November 2015, the Fundão Dam collapsed releasing about 35 million m-3 of iron ore tailings into the environment, which covered approximately 15 km2 of floodplain soils. Four years later, there is still great concern and controversy regarding contamination by heavy metals in the affected areas. Thus, the present study sought to evaluate the heavy metal contents and its distribution in tailings and non-affected soils. Tailings samples were collected in the stretch between Bento Rodrigues and the Candonga hydroelectric plant, in addition to a sample inside the Fundão Dam. Non-affected soils and river sediments from the same region were also collected as a control group. The heavy metal contents in the tailings were lower than in non-affected samples from the same area, discarding the hypothesis of contamination by the tailings mud. The non-affected samples presented high levels of As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn, with at least one sample exceeding the quality reference values (QRV's) established for Minas Gerais state, which indicated a scenario of pre-disaster contamination for the Doce River watershed. Most of the elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, V and Zn) were extracted in the residual fraction of the BCR sequential extraction, presenting low risk of release in nature. The health risk assessment for As estimated that all the non-affected soils and sediments from Gualaxo do Norte, Carmo and Doce rivers have carcinogenic risk higher than the acceptable value for children. From our results, it is more likely to conclude that the deposited tailings are not a time-bomb for heavy metals contamination in the region.

Anestesia regional guiada por ultrasonido en territorio del nervio pudendo / Regional anesthesia guided by ultrasound in the pudendal nerve territory

Abstract Introduction: Pudendal nerve blocks have a wide range of clinical applications for the management of acute post-operative pain in urologic, gynecological surgery, in coloproctology, as well as in pain medicine for differential diagnosis, and for the management of pudendal neuropathies. However, despite its benefits it is infrequently used. Objective: To perform a detailed description of the most recent ultrasound-guided techniques with the aim of encouraging safe and reproducible learning. Materials and methods: We have performed a broad, non-systematic review of the literature through Medline, Embase and Science Direct between 1985 and 2016, to evaluate the most relevant articles, using the following key words: pudendal nerve anatomy, pudendal nerve, pudendal nerve blocks, pudendal nerve ultrasound, pudendal neuralgia, nerve entrapment, chronic pain, Alcock canal, and pelvic pain. The search was limited to articles published in Spanish, English and French. Results: Recent descriptions were found of a large number of anatomic variants, which are described in detail and shown in graphic documents in order to facilitate the sonoanatomic correlation of nerve location as a guide for the performance of the pudendal nerve block through the different approaches. Conclusions: The deep and detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the pudendal nerve and its variations is essential for the realization of Regional Anesthesia techniques guided by images. These promising techniques should continue to be evaluated with clinical studies.

Resumen Introducción: Los bloqueos del nervio pudendo poseen un amplio rango de utilidades clínicas en el manejo agudo de dolor POP en cirugía urológica, ginecológica, en coloproctología, así como en medicina del dolor en diagnóstico diferencial y manejo de las neuropatías del nervio pudendo. Sin embargo, su aplicación es relativamente infrecuente a pesar de los beneficios. Objetivo: Realizar una descripción detallada de las técnicas más recientes guiadas por ultra-sonografía con el objeto de motivar su aprendizaje de una manera segura y reproducible. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión amplia, no sistemática de la literatura a través de Medline, Embase y Science Direct desde 1985 hasta 2016, evaluando los artículos más relevantes, utilizando las palabras clave: anatomía del nervio pudendo, nervio pudendo, bloqueos del nervio pudendo, ultrasonido del nervio pudendo, neuralgia del pudendo, atrapamiento nervioso, dolor crónico, canal de Alcock y dolor pélvico. La búsqueda se limitó a artículos publicados en español, inglés y francés. Resultados: Se encontraron recientes descripciones de una gran cantidad de variantes anatómicas, que se describen en detalle y muestran en documentos gráficos con el propósito de facilitar la correlación sonoanatómica de la localización del nervio como guía para la realización de bloqueos de nervio pudendo a través de los diferentes abordajes. Conclusiones: El conocimiento profundo y detallado de la anatomía del nervio pudendo y sus variaciones es esencial para la realización de técnicas de anestesia regional guiada por imágenes. Estas técnicas promisorias deben continuar evaluándose con estudios clínicos.

Anticoagulant therapy in very old patients.

Older patients are less likely than younger patients to receive anticoagulation and are more likely to be underanticoagulated. Although the use of warfarin in the elderly has been increasing, fewer than half of eligible patients take warfarin. Evidence suggests that stroke recurrence in patients on oral anticoagulation is mainly ischemic, and hemorrhagic complications that derive from oral anticoagulation would be related to overdosing. Several risk factors for developing hemorrhagic complications have been described, and clinical criteria have been designed to help clinicians in decision-making concerning the start of anticoagulation treatment. Finally, given the promising results of recent studies on new anticoagulant drugs, it is possible that vitamin K antagonists will be replaced in the coming years.

Variations in the survival probabilities of the PVC-protected red mangrove propagules: testing the encased replanting technique

The EcoEléctrica Mangrove Planting Project, a five-year voluntary effort, has the purpose of testing a recently developed mangrove planting technique at the EcoEléctrica site in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. The goal of the project is to provide empirical validation to promote or improve the technique to be used in recovering mangrove ecosystems in Puerto Rico and United States. The research presented herein analyzed the information collected on the first two years of the project. The proportions of remaining casings and seeds per study zone were compared using the chi-square distribution. Zone 1 had the least pipes lost while Zone 4 had the most (p < 0.05). Forty-three percent of the seeds in Zone 1 remained in the casing, while 26 percent remained in Zone 2 (p = 0.03). Median growth rates of seeds per study zone showed that Zone 1 had the highest median growth rates. Survival analysis described the survival experience of the seeds, and differences in survival probabilities were compared with the log-rank test. Zone 1 seeds had a better survival experience compared to Zones 2, 3 and 4 (p < 0.0001). Survival probabilities for being free of spots were over 60 percent during the whole study period. No significant differences were observed in the survival experience with the use-or-no use of casing extensions (p = 0.40), and the use-or-no use of nursed seeds (p = 0.26). Differences in survival probabilities might be attributed to variations in wave energy, depth or substrate conditions. This hypothesis will be evaluated in the second phase of the study.