Thawing of cryopreserved sperm from domestic animals: Impact of temperature, time, and addition of molecules to thawing/insemination medium.

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in optimizing the protocols intended to sperm cryopreservation in domestic animals. These protocols include initial cooling, freezing, and thawing. While different attempts have been devised to improve sperm cryopreservation, the efficiency of this reproductive biotechnology is still far from being optimal. Furthermore, while much attention in improving cooling/freezing, less emphasis has been made in how thawing can be ameliorated. Despite this, the conditions through which, upon thawing, sperm return to physiological temperatures are much relevant, given that these cells must travel throughout the female genital tract until they reach the utero-tubal junction. Moreover, the composition of the media used for artificial insemination (AI) may also affect sperm survival, which is again something that one should bear because of the long journey that sperm must make. Furthermore, sperm quality and functionality decrease dramatically during post-thawing incubation time. Added to that, the deposition of the thawed sperm suspension devoid of seminal plasma in some species during an AI is accompanied by a leukocyte migration to the uterine lumen and with it the activation of immune mechanisms. Because few reviews have focused on the evidence gathered after sperm thawing, the present one aims to compile and discuss the available information concerning ruminants, pigs and horses.

16s gene metagenomic characterization in healthy stallion semen.

Studies on the bacterial composition of seminal samples have primarily focused on species isolated from semen and their effects on fertility and reproductive health. Culture-independent techniques, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, have revolutionized our ability to identify unculturable bacteria, which comprise >90% of the microbiome. These techniques allow for comprehensive analysis of microbial communities in seminal samples, shedding light on their interactions and roles. In this study, we characterized the taxonomic diversity of seminal microbial communities in healthy stallions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Semen samples were collected from four stallions during the reproductive season, and DNA was extracted for sequencing. The results revealed a diverse array of bacterial taxa, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria being predominant phyla. At the family and genus levels, significant variations were observed among individuals, with individual variability in microbial richness and diversity standing out. Moreover, each stallion showed a distinct microbial fingerprint, indicating the presence of a characteristic microbial core for each stallion. These results underscore the importance of considering individual microbial profiles in understanding reproductive health and fertility outcomes.

Effect of exogenous sperm capacitation inducers on stallion sperm.

Although under appropriate laboratory conditions, sperm from different mammalian species can be capacitated in vitro, the optimal conditions for sperm capacitation in the stallion have been elusive. This study evaluated the effect of different capacitating inducers in Whitten and Tyrode media and assessed their impact on capacitation-related factors. Stallion sperm were incubated with different combinations of capacitating inducers at 38.5 °C in an air atmosphere. Sperm quality variables such as motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium levels were evaluated as early markers of capacitation, while tyrosine phosphorylation events and the sperm's ability to perform acrosomal exocytosis were used as late capacitation markers. Finally, these sperm were evaluated using a heterologous zona pellucida binding assay. The findings confirm that capacitating conditions evaluated increase intracellular calcium levels and membrane fluidity in both media. Similarly, including 2 or 3 inducers in both media increased tyrosine phosphorylation levels and acrosomal exocytosis after exposure to progesterone, confirming that stallion sperm incubated in these conditions shows cellular and molecular changes consistent with sperm capacitation. Furthermore, the zona pellucida binding assay confirmed the binding capacity of sperm incubated in capacitation conditions, a key step for stallion in vitro fertilization success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these conditions on in vitro fertilization in the horse.

Biosynthetic gene clusters with biotechnological applications in novel Antarctic isolates from Actinomycetota.

Actinomycetota have been widely described as valuable sources for the acquisition of secondary metabolites. Most microbial metabolites are produced via metabolic pathways encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many secondary metabolites are not essential for the survival of bacteria, they play an important role in their adaptation and interactions within microbial communities. This is how bacteria isolated from extreme environments such as Antarctica could facilitate the discovery of new BGCs with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to isolate rare Actinomycetota strains from Antarctic soil and sediment samples and identify their metabolic potential based on genome mining and exploration of biosynthetic gene clusters. To this end, the strains were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms. The assemblies were annotated and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Finally, the BGCs present in each genome were identified using the antiSMASH tool, and the biosynthetic diversity of the Micrococcaceae family was evaluated. Taxonomic annotation revealed that seven strains were new and two were previously reported in the NCBI database. Additionally, BGCs encoding type III polyketide synthases (T3PKS), beta-lactones, siderophores, and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) have been identified, among others. In addition, the sequence similarity network showed a predominant type of BGCs in the family Micrococcaceae, and some genera were distinctly grouped. The BGCs identified in the isolated strains could be associated with applications such as antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and plant growth promoters, among others, positioning them as excellent candidates for future biotechnological applications and innovations. KEY POINTS: • Novel Antarctic rare Actinomycetota strains were isolated from soil and sediments • Genome-based taxonomic affiliation revealed seven potentially novel species • Genome mining showed metabolic potential for novel natural products.

Standardization of a Sex-Sorting Protocol for Stallion Spermatozoa by Means of Absolute RT-qPCR.

Sperm sexing is a technology that can generate great economic benefits in the animal production sector. Techniques such as sex-sorting promise over 90% accuracy in sperm sexing. However, for the correct standardization of the technique, some laboratory methodologies are required. The present manuscript describes in detail a standardized equine sperm sex-sorting protocol using an absolute qPCR-based methodology. Furthermore, the results of absolute qPCR were implemented and validated by generating equine/bovine heterologous embryos by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of presumably sexed equine spermatozoa into bovine oocytes using a piezoelectric system (Piezo-ICSI). Our results indicated that equine sex-sorting spermatozoa had a 97% and 94% certainty for X and Y sperm, respectively, while presumptive female and male equine/bovine hybrid embryos, generated by Piezo-ICSI, had an accuracy of 92% with respect to the desired sex. Therefore, it is concluded that the presented methodology is a reliable, cost-effective, and relatively simple option for standardizing sex-sorting of equine spermatozoa. This is supported by the results of the correct sexing of Piezo-ICSI heterologous embryos generated with the sexed spermatozoa, validating the correct sexing and viability of these gametes.

Commonalities between the Atacama Desert and Antarctica rhizosphere microbial communities.

Plant-microbiota interactions have significant effects on plant growth, health, and productivity. Rhizosphere microorganisms are involved in processes that promote physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In recent years, the interest in microorganisms to improve plant productivity has increased, mainly aiming to find promising strains to overcome the impact of climate change on crops. In this work, we hypothesize that given the desertic environment of the Antarctic and the Atacama Desert, different plant species inhabiting these areas might share microbial taxa with functions associated with desiccation and drought stress tolerance. Therefore, in this study, we described and compared the composition of the rhizobacterial community associated with Deschampsia antarctica (Da), Colobanthus quitensis (Cq) from Antarctic territories, and Croton chilensis (Cc), Eulychnia iquiquensis (Ei) and Nicotiana solanifolia (Ns) from coastal Atacama Desert environments by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, we evaluated the putative functions of that rhizobacterial community that are likely involved in nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance of these plants. Even though each plant microbial rhizosphere presents a unique taxonomic pattern of 3,019 different sequences, the distribution at the genus level showed a core microbiome with a higher abundance of Haliangium, Bryobacter, Bacillus, MND1 from the Nitrosomonadaceae family, and unclassified taxa from Gemmatiamonadaceae and Chitinophagaceae families in the rhizosphere of all samples analyzed (781 unique sequences). In addition, species Gemmatirosa kalamazoonesis and Solibacter usitatus were shared by the core microbiome of both Antarctic and Desert plants. All the taxa mentioned above had been previously associated with beneficial effects in plants. Also, this microbial core composition converged with the functional prediction related to survival under harsh conditions, including chemoheterotrophy, ureolysis, phototrophy, nitrogen fixation, and chitinolysis. Therefore, this study provides relevant information for the exploration of rhizospheric microorganisms from plants in extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert and Antarctic as promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

Mammals' sperm microbiome: current knowledge, challenges, and perspectives on metagenomics of seminal samples.

Bacterial growth is highly detrimental to sperm quality and functionality. However, during the last few years, using sequencing techniques with a metagenomic approach, it has been possible to deepen the study of bacteria-sperm relationships and describe non-culturable species and synergistic and antagonistic relationships between the different species in mammalian animals. We compile the recent metagenomics studies performed on mammalian semen samples and provide updated evidence to understand the importance of the microbial communities in the results of sperm quality and sperm functionality of males, looking for future perspectives on how these technologies can collaborate in the development of andrological knowledge.

Cellular and Molecular Consequences of Stallion Sperm Cryopreservation: Recent Approaches to Improve Sperm Survival.

Cryopreservation of stallion semen does not achieve the post-thaw quality or fertility results observed in other species like cattle. There are many reasons for this, but the membrane composition and intracellular changes in stallion sperm predispose them to low resistance to the cooling, freezing, and subsequent thawing process. Damage to the sperm results from different processes activated during cryopreservation, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and structural modifications in the sperm membrane that increase the deleterious effect on sperm. In addition, significant individual variability is observed among stallions in the ability of sperm to survive the freeze-thaw process. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics are making it possible to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes involved in the cryopreservation process, opening new possibilities for improvement. This review addresses the ongoing research on stallion semen cryopreservation, focusing on the cellular and molecular consequences of this procedure in stallions and discusses the new tools currently available to increase the tolerance of equine spermatozoa to freeze-thaw.

Synthesis of Antimicrobial Chitosan-Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Reusable Chitosan Fungal Beads.

Nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), have gained significant attention in recent years as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics for treating infectious diseases due to their ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms effectively. Ag NPs can be synthesized using fungi extract, but the method is not practical for large-scale production due to time and biomass limitations. In this study, we explore the use of chitosan to encapsulate the mycelia of the white-rot fungus Stereum hirsutum and form chitosan fungal beads for use in multiple extractions and nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The analysis revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were composed of chitosan-silver nanoparticles (CS-Ag NPs) with a size of 25 nm. The chitosan fungal beads were reused in three extractions and nanoparticle synthesis before they lost their ability to produce CS-Ag NPs. The CS-Ag NPs showed potent antimicrobial activity against phytopathogenic and human pathogenic microorganisms, including Pseudomonas syringae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, and 4 µg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of CS-Ag NPs was from 2- to 40-fold higher than Ag NPs synthesized using an aqueous extract of unencapsulated fungal biomass. The CS-Ag NPs were most effective at a pH of five regarding the antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that the chitosan fungal beads may be a promising alternative for the sustainable and cost-effective synthesis of CS-Ag NPs with improved antimicrobial activity.

Bacteria and Boar Semen Storage: Progress and Challenges.

Porcine breeding today is based on artificial insemination with chilled semen. This is stored at 5 °C with antibiotic supplementation to avoid bacteriospermia. There are many negative consequences on sperm quality and functionality as a result of bacterial contamination, as well as on the health of the sow. Nowadays, various techniques are being developed to reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and thus avoid the generation of antibiotic resistance genes. This review aims to inform about the bacterial contamination consequences of storing liquid semen from boar and to provide an update on current methods and alternatives to antibiotic use in cold storage.

Bovine ICSI: limiting factors, strategies to improve its efficiency and alternative approaches.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technique mainly used to overcome severe infertility problems associated with the male factor, but in cattle its efficiency is far from optimal. Artificial activation treatments combining ionomycin (Io) with 6-dimethylaminopurine after piezo-ICSI or anisomycin after conventional ICSI have recently increased the blastocyst rate obtained. Compounds to capacitate bovine spermatozoa, such as heparin and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin and compounds to destabilize sperm membranes such as NaOH, lysolecithin and Triton X-100, have been assessed, although they have failed to substantially improve post-ICSI embryonic development. Disulfide bond reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol (DTT), dithiobutylamine and reduced glutathione, have been assessed to decondense the hypercondensed head of bovine spermatozoa, the two latter being more efficient than DTT and less harmful. Although piezo-directed ICSI without external activation has generated high fertilization rates and modest rates of early embryo development, other studies have required exogenous activation to improve the results. This manuscript thoroughly reviews the different strategies used in bovine ICSI to improve its efficiency and proposes some alternative approaches, such as the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as 'biological methods of oocyte activation' or the incorporation of EVs in the in vitro maturation and/or culture medium as antioxidant defence agents to improve the competence of the ooplasm, as well as a preincubation of the spermatozoa in estrous oviductal fluid to induce physiological capacitation and acrosome reaction before ICSI, and the use of hyaluronate in the sperm immobilization medium.

Effect of cholestanol and cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin on stallion sperm function and capacitation post-cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation of stallion semen is less efficient than other species such as bovine. This is mainly because of the greater susceptibility of stallion sperm to the freezing damage that generates oxidative stress and plasma membrane injury, resulting in DNA fragmentation and cell death. These data suggest the need to develop new strategies of sperm cryopreservation that can improve the efficiency of this technique in stallions by reducing or preventing membrane damage and cell death. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding membrane stabilizers to the freezing medium and assess the quality and in vitro capacitation of stallion sperm after thawing. Semen samples from three stallions frozen with membrane stabilizers (cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin and cholestanol-loaded cyclodextrin) were evaluated in two experiments: i) sperm quality and functional analysis after thawing, and ii) sperm quality and functional analysis after 4 h of post-thaw incubation in capacitating conditions. Plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular Ca2+, tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, DNA damage, sperm motility, and binding to the zona pellucida were assessed. The results showed that cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin was the stabilizer that most efficiently reduced the membrane disruption and post-thaw cell damage. In addition, this stabilizer made it possible to obtain in vitro capacitated sperm showing higher plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm motility, binding to the zona pellucida and better response to in vitro capacitating conditions.

Evaluación de la Susceptibilidad Antimicrobiana de Porphyromonas gingivalis Aisladas de Pacientes Periodontales en Población Chilena

RESUMEN: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) es un microorganismo frecuentemente aislado en pacientes con periodontitis, en los que también se incluye los de la población chilena. El modelo de "Keystone bacteria" demostró que P. gingivalis induce la disbiosis del biofilm subgingival y permite el desarrollo de algunas especies sobre otras, modulando la patogenicidad de la comunidad microbiológica completa. El tratamiento de la periodontitis es principalmente mecánico, pero en condiciones específicas es necesario el complemento con antibioterapia. Los estudios globales de antibióticos evaluados en ensayos clínicos y estudios in vitro han mostrado resultados mixtos en cuanto a eficacia y susceptibilidad. Este estudio descriptivo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana in vitro a metronidazol, clindamicina, amoxicilina más ácido clavulánico, moxifloxacino y azitromicina de P. gingivalis aisladas de pacientes periodontales chilenos. Se obtuvieron muestras microbiológicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de periodontitis estadíos III y IV generalizada, las que se sometieron a procesos de identificación mediante un espectrómetro de masas (MALDI-TOF MS). Posteriormente, a cada muestra positiva a P. gingivalis se aplicó el protocolo gold standard de susceptibilidad para los cinco antimicrobianos evaluados (Dilución en Agar Sangre Brucella- McFarland 0.5). Se seleccionaron 50 pacientes (25 mujeres, 25 hombres) entre 34-69 años. Finalmente, se recuperaron 25 cepas de P. gingivalis (50 %) para el análisis de susceptibilidad y todas ellas fueron sensibles a todos los antibióticos evaluados (100 % susceptibilidad). Las cepas de P. gingivalis fueron altamente sensibles a los cinco antibióticos evaluados en esta población, lo que podría implicar contar con diferentes alternativas de tratamiento farmacológico antimicrobi ano como complemento al tratamiento mecánico convencional en pacientes específicos.

ABSTRACT: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a microorganism frequently isolated in patients with periodontitis, which also include those of Chilean population. The "Keystone bacteria" model demonstrated that P. gingivalis induces dysbiosis of the subgingival biofilm and allows the development of some species over others, modulating the pathogenicity of the entire microbiological community. The treatment of periodontitis is mainly mechanical; nevertheless, under specific conditions the complement with antibiotherapy is needed. Global studies of antibiotics evaluated in clinical trials and in vitro studies have shown mixed results in terms of efficacy and susceptibility. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility profile in vitro to metronidazole, clindamycin, amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, moxifloxacin and azithromycin of P. gingivalis isolated from Chilean periodontal patients. Microbiological samples were obtained from patients with a diagnosis of generalized periodontitis stages III and IV, which were exposed to identification processes by a mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS). Subsequently, the gold standard susceptibility protocol for the five antimicrobials evaluated was applied to each P. gingivalis- positive sample (Dilution in Brucella-McFarland Blood Agar 0.5). 50 patients (25 women, 25 men) between 34-69 years old were selected. Finally, 25 P. gingivalis strains (50 %) were recovered for susceptibility testing and all of them were susceptible to all antibiotics tested (100 % susceptibility). P. gingivalis strains were highly susceptible to the five antibiotics evaluated in this population, which could implies counting different antimicrobial pharmacological treatment alternatives as a complement to conventional mechanical treatment in specific patients.

El poder del diagnóstico clínico en las prácticas de terapeutas ocupacionales que trabajan en contextos educativos / O poder do diagnóstico clínico nas práticas de terapeutas ocupacionais que atuam em contextos educacionais / The power of clinical diagnosis in the practices of occupational therapists working in educational contexts

Resumen La Terapia Ocupacional es una disciplina emergente dentro de los equipos educativos multidisciplinarios, por lo que, resulta relevante indagar sobre su rol dentro del contexto educativo chileno. Este artículo presenta una investigación cualitativa cuyo objetivo es analizar desde una perspectiva crítica, cómo influye el diagnóstico clínico en las prácticas de terapeutas ocupacionales que trabajan en contextos educativos, considerando como ejes principales para la investigación, el marco normativo inclusivo vigente en Chile, el discurso de terapeutas ocupacionales a cerca de sus prácticas y las relaciones que se establecen con el diagnóstico clínico en este contexto. La muestra corresponde a diez terapeutas ocupacionales que se desempeñan en establecimientos educativos del sur de Chile, a quienes se les aplicaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Los resultados permiten visualizar que las políticas educativas influyen significativamente en las prácticas de terapeutas ocupacionales, aún cuando la normativa no especifica el rol disciplinar. Además, el diagnóstico circula fuertemente en el discurso de terapeutas ocupacionales, funcionando como un dispositivo de poder al interior de las prácticas profesionales, especialmente con el fin de validar el rol profesional dentro del contexto educativo. Se discute el uso del diagnóstico en relación a la identidad profesional y los efectos que tiene sobre los sujetos de intervención. El artículo concluye con la propuesta de adoptar una visión crítica del propio quehacer de la disciplina, basándose en la acción transformadora que ésta busca generar a través de la práctica.

Resumo A Terapia Ocupacional é uma profissão emergente nas equipes educacionais multidisciplinares, portanto, é relevante indagar sobre seu papel, no âmbito educacional, em contexto chileno. Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa qualitativa cujo objetivo foi analisar, a partir de uma perspectiva crítica, como o diagnóstico clínico influencia nas práticas de terapeutas ocupacionais que atuam em contextos educacionais, considerando como eixos principais para a pesquisa, o marco normativo de inclusão vigente no Chile, o discurso dos profissionais sobre suas práticas e as relações estabelecidas com o diagnóstico clínico. A amostra foi composta de dez terapeutas ocupacionais que atuam em estabelecimentos de ensino no sul do Chile, aos quais foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados demonstraram que as políticas educacionais influenciam significativamente as práticas dos terapeutas ocupacionais, mesmo quando os regulamentos não especificam seu papel disciplinar. Além disso, o diagnóstico circula fortemente no discurso dos terapeutas ocupacionais, atuando como um dispositivo de poder nas práticas profissionais, com o objetivo de validar o papel profissional no contexto educacional. Discute-se sobre o uso do diagnóstico em relação à identidade profissional e seus efeitos nos sujeitos da intervenção. O artigo conclui com a proposta de adotar uma visão crítica do próprio papel do terapeuta ocupacional, a partir da ação transformadora que esta profissional busca gerar através da prática.

Abstract Occupational Therapy is an emerging discipline within multidisciplinary educational teams, therefore, it's relevant to inquire about its role in the Chilean educational context. This article presents research whose aim was to analyze, from a critical perspective, how clinical diagnosis influences the practices of occupational therapists that work in the school system, considering as the main axes for research, the normative framework that governs the educational system in Chile, the discourse of occupational therapists on their practices and the relationships established with the diagnosis in this context. The sample was ten occupational therapists who work in schools from the south of Chile, to whom semi-structured interviews were applied. The results allow us to visualize that educational policies significantly influence the practices of occupational therapists, even when the regulations do not specify the disciplinary role. In addition, clinical diagnosis emerges strongly in the discourse of occupational therapists, functioning as a device of power within professional practices, especially to validate the professional role within the educational context. The use of diagnosis concerning the professional identity and the effects it has on the people they work with is discussed. This article concludes with the proposal of adopting a critical vision of the discipline's task, based on the transformative action that it seeks to generate through practice.

Principales enfermedades según el grupo sanguíneo en población mayor de 60 años en provincia de Cuenca (España) / Main diseases according to blood group in population over 60 years of age in the province of Cuenca (Spain)

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia de enfermedades según el grupo sanguíneo de la población estudiada en la provincia de Cuenca (España). Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal y base poblacional. La muestra de 73 personas (39 varones, 34 mujeres), mayores de 60 años. Se identificaron todos los grupos sanguíneos, estudiándolos por edad y género. Resultados: Los porcentajes de grupos sanguíneos de la población estudiada por género son 42,6% (grupo A); 42,4% (O); 13% (B) y 1,4% (AB). Predomina el A+ (35,6%), seguido del O+ (27,4%). Se estudia la prevalencia de una determinada enfermedad en función del grupo sanguíneo. En este sentido, se detectan diferencias dentro de un mismo grupo, según el fator Rh. Los grupos Rh positivos padecen más de HTA, insomnio y depresión que los Rh negativos. Los grupos A y O padecen mayor aumento de colesterol que los del grupo B. Los del grupo O tienen más HTA que el resto y el O+ padece mayor porcentaje de anemia (Fe), mientras que los A+ anemia (B12). La osteoporosis es mayor en los grupos negativos que en los positivos, salvo en el grupo AB+. Conclusiones: El grupo sanguíneo con el que nacemos puede condicionar las enfermedades que padeceremos a lo largo de nuestra vida. El ser 0 podría predisponerlos a tener HTA, anemia (Fe), colesterol, enfermedades pulmonares e insomnio, mientras que el A depresión, anemia (B12) y problemas de próstata en varones.

SUMMARY Objective: To know the prevalence of diseases according to the blood group of the population studied in the province of Cuenca (Spain). Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and population-based study. The sample is 73 people (39 men and 34 women), over 60 years. All blood groups were identified, studying them by age and gender. Results: The percentages of blood groups of the population studied by gender are 42.6% (group A), 42.4% (O), 13% (B) and 1.4% (AB). A+ predominates (35.6%), followed by O+ (27.4%).The prevalence of a certain disease based on blood group is studied. In this sense, differences are detected within the same group, according to the Rh factor. Rh positive groups suffer more from hypertension, insomnia and depression than Rh negative groups. Groups A and 0 O suffer a greater increase in cholesterol than those of group B. Those in group 0 O have more hypertension than the rest and the 0O + suffer a higher percentage of anemia (Fe), while those A + anemia (B12). Osteoporosis is greater in the negative groups than in the positive ones, except in the AB + group. Conclusions: The blood group with which we are born can condition the diseases that we will suffer throughout our lives. Being 0 could predispose them to have hypertension, anemia (Fe), cholesterol, lung diseases and insomnia, while A could predispose them to have depression, anemia (B12) and prostate problems in men.

Cryopreservation of stallion semen: Effect of adding antioxidants to the freezing medium on sperm physiology.

Cryopreservation of stallion semen has not reached the level of efficiency and positive results described in other species. This is mainly due to the greater sensitivity of stallion sperm to the freezing process, showing higher rates of oxidative stress and plasma membrane damage, which trigger the activation of several cell damage pathways that ultimately culminate in DNA fragmentation and cell death. Therefore, finding molecules that improve the efficiency of this technique in stallion by preventing oxidative stress and cell damage is required. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adding three antioxidants (MnTBAP, NAC and FeTPPS) to the freezing medium on the quality and functional parameters of stallion sperm. Semen samples from three stallions frozen with the antioxidants were evaluated in two conditions: (a) adding the antioxidants before freezing, and (b) before and after freezing. Plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS levels, membrane lipid disorder, DNA damage, sperm motility and binding to the zona pellucida were assessed. The results showed that MnTBAP was the antioxidant treatment that best controlled the oxidative stress process and post-thaw cell damage, showing higher plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm motility, number of spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida of bovine oocytes and lower lipid disorder. Additionally, it was determined that a second post-thaw application of antioxidants is detrimental since induced higher cell damage and lower sperm motility, without showing any beneficial effect on the spermatozoa.

Prevalencia de dermatitis atopica en niños y adolescentes de zonas rurales/urbanas de honduras / Prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents of rural/urban areas of honduras

Introducción: La prevalencia de la Dermatitis Atópica a nivel mundial se sitúa entre el 10 y el 20%, cifra que va en constante aumento. Constituye un problema con una significativa prevalencia teniendo una gran variabilidad entre las distintas zonas geográficas. Por esta razón, es importante la implementación de herramientas novedosas para su estudio; tal como la encuesta del estudio del International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) cuyo fin es el determinar el aumento de esta patología. Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia de Dermatitis Atópica en población pediátrica de tres zonas de Honduras; Comayagua, Santa Rosa de Copán y Cuyali El Paraíso. Asimismo, se comprobó la relación entre la prevalencia de la dermatitis atópica según la edad, sexo; y como ésta afecta la calidad de vida de los que la padecen. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, tomando una muestra de 622 de un universo de 1,351 niños y adolescentes entre las edades de 6 a 7 años y 13 a 14 años. Se obtuvo datos a partir de la aplicación del instrumento de la fase uno del estudio ISAAC en el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre febrero y mayo de 2016. Resultados: Se encontró que la prevalencia total de dermatitis atópica entre los tres lugares fue de 26.5%, siendo más prevalente en el grupo de edad de 6 a 7 años y del sexo masculino. Además, se concluyo que el 20% de los casos presentó afectación importante en la calidad de vida. Conclusión: En nuestra población se comprobó que la dermatitis atópica es una enfermedad con prevalencia alta; sin embargo, cabe mencionar que no se ha recogido datos suficientes para establecer otras posibles comparaciones.

Introduction: It is estimated that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis globally experiences a constant increase, ranging between 10 and 20%. Atopic dermatitis constitutes a problem with a significant prevalence variating considerably among different geographical regions. For this reason and with the aim to study such phenomenon, it is important to implement innovative tools as the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood's (ISAAC) survey results, whose sole purpose is to determine the increase rate of this pathology. Objective: To establish the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population of three Honduran regions: Comayagua, Santa Rosa de Copán and Cuyalí, El Paraíso. Likewise, the research demonstrates the direct relationship between the prevalence of atopic dermatitis with age, sex; while exposes how this disease affects the quality of life of those who suffer it. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out where a sample of 622 was taken from a universe of 1,351 children and adolescents between the ages of 6 to 7 years and 13 to14 years. The data was obtained by applying the ISAAC study’s instrument of phase one during the period between February and May of 2016. Results: The total prevalence of atopic dermatitis among the three places was 26,5%, presenting a higher prevalence in males, and in the age group of 6 to 7 years old. In addition, it was concluded that 20% of the cases had a significant impact in the children's life quality. Conclusion: We conclude that atopic dermatitis is a disease with a high prevalence, though not enough researches have been performed to enable possible comparisons.

Disfunción eréctil en población geriátrica masculina con hipertensión arterial en Tegucigalpa Honduras / Erectile dysfunction in male geriatric population with arterial hypertension in Tegucigalpa Honduras

INTRODUCCIÓN: actualmente se reconoce a la eisfunción eréctil como una enfermedad multifactorial en la que coexisten causas de tipo psicológicas, neurológicas, endocrinológicas, vasculares, traumáticas, estilos de vida, medio ambiente e iatrogénicas. Si bien es cierto es una enfermedad benigna, afecta tanto la salud física como psicosocial, resultando en la afectación de la calidad de vida de quienes la sufren. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia de disfunción eréctil en pacientes masculinos hipertensos que asisten a la consulta externa del Centro de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor. METODOLOGIA: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, tomando una muestra de 210 individuos de un universo de 465, obteniendo datos a partir de la aplicación de dos encuestas a los pacientes masculinos e hipertensos en los meses de octubre y noviembre del año 2013. Las encuestas incluían preguntas de carácter general y el índice internacional de disfunción eréctil (IIEF-5). RESULTADOS: en la muestra se encontró que la prevalencia de disfunción eréctil en los pacientes masculinos hipertensos que asisten a la consulta externa del Centro de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor fue de 58%. CONCLUSIONES: en nuestra población geriátrica masculina e hipertensa que asiste a la consulta externa del Centro de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor hay una prevalencia alta de disfunción eréctil, presentándose con mayor frecuencia en un rango de edad avanzada debido a causa de enfermedades concomitantes.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile Dysfunction is currently recognized as a multifactorial disease in which psychological, neurological, endocrine, vascular, traumatic, life-style, environmental and iatrogenic causes coexist. Although it is a benign disease, it affects both physical and psychosocial health, resulting in the affectation of the quality of life of those who suffer it. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in hypertensive male patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Centro de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor. METHODOLOGY: across-sectional descriptive study was carried out, taking a sample of 210 individuals from a universe of 465, obtaining data from the application of two surveys to male and hypertensive patients in the months of October and November of the year 2013. Surveys Included general questions and the IIEF-5 International Erectile Dysfunction Index. RESULTS: the sample showed that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in hypertensive male patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Centro de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: in our male and hypertensive geriatric population attending the outpatient clinic of the Centro de Atencion Integral del Adulto Mayor, there is a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction, presenting more frequently in a range of advanced age due to concomitant diseases.

Regulation of Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelination by Nuclear Receptors: Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

During development and through adulthood, differentiation of diverse cell types is controlled by specific genetic and molecular programs for which transcription factors are master regulators of gene expression. Here, we present an overview of the role of nuclear receptors and their selective pharmacological modulators in oligodendrocytes linage, their role in myelination and remyelination and their potential use as a therapeutic strategy for demyelinating diseases. We discuss several aspects of nuclear receptors including: (1) the biochemistry of nuclear receptors superfamily; (2) their role on stem cells physiology, focusing in differentiation and cell removal; (3) the role of nuclear receptor in the oligodendrocytes cell linage, from oligodendrocyte progenitors cells to mature myelinating cells; and (4) the therapeutics opportunities of nuclear receptors for specific demyelinating diseases.