Single or repeated immunization against GnRH fails to completely abolish spermatogenesis in dwarf bucks (Capra hircus).

In both captive wildlife and production animals is important to develop strategies for population control. Immunization against GnRH is an easy and inexpensive immunocastration method that reduces the concentration of testosterone and decreases sperm quality. However, its effectiveness depends on the species and repetition of the treatment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single treatment (initial immunization plus a booster with Improvac) vs repeated treatment (six doses of Improvac) to inhibit testicular function and maintain the contraceptive status during long periods in bucks. Three Dwarf bucks (Capra hircus) received two doses of Improvac, the first on Week 0, and the booster 4 weeks later (single immunization, group SI) while three Dwarf bucks received one dose of Improvac every 6 months during 3 consecutive years (repeated immunization, group RI). The other three Dwarf bucks remained untreated (control bucks, group CON). Bucks from RI had a greater decrease in scrotal circumference, testosterone concentration, male odor intensity, and sperm quality than SI bucks. However, there were no differences between SI and CON bucks in any of the variables studied. Overall, repeated treatment of Improvac decreased the testicular function of Dwarf bucks, although did not produce complete infertility. However, the repetition of the treatment produced more intensive negative effects, indicating that the strength of the effects of Improvac is rapidly lost in bucks.

Influence of Prolactin Secretion Changes on Sperm Head Size and Freezability in Ibex and Mouflon.

Aim: This work examined the influence of induced changes in prolactin (PRL) secretion on sperm cryoresistance of ibex and the mouflon. Materials and Methods: PRL secretion was modified in a first experiment by the use of bromocriptine (BCR, dopamine agonist) during the non-breeding season, and in a second experiment by the use of sulpiride (SLP, dopamine D2-receptor antagonist) during the rutting season. Slow and ultra-rapid freezing protocols were used to cryopreserve sperm samples. Results: BCR decreased blood plasma PRL concentrations, whereas SLP increased them. Cryoresistance ratios (CRs) for curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), and average path velocity (VAP) in BCR-treated mouflons were lower than in controls using slow-freezing (p < 0.05), while CRs of motility and morphologically normal sperm of BCR-treated mouflons were greater than controls with ultra-rapid freezing (p < 0.05). BCR increased the head sperm dimensions in ibexes (p < 0.001); conversely, BCR decreased the head dimensions in mouflons (p < 0.001). CR-motility, CR-amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), CR-viability, and CR-acrosome integrity in SLP-treated mouflons were lower than in controls with slow-freezing (p < 0.01); CR-viability and CR-acrosome were lower than controls with ultra-rapid freezing (p < 0.05). In ibexes, CR-ALH was lower for SLP-treated (p < 0.05). SLP treatment increased head dimensions in ibexes (p < 0.001) but did not affect the sperm head of mouflons. Conclusion: Our findings show that high levels of blood plasma PRL negatively affect the cryoresistance of ibex and mouflon sperm.

Expression of Aquaglyceroporins in Spermatozoa from Wild Ruminants Is Influenced by Photoperiod and Thyroxine Concentrations.

This work identified the presence of AQPs in frozen-thawed sperm of wild ruminants and assessed the influence of the interaction between photoperiod and thyroxine on AQP expression, and on testosterone secretion. Thyroxine and melatonin were administered to ibexes. In a second experiment, performed in mouflons, circulating thyroxine was reduced via treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU), and an artificial long day (LD) photoperiod established. In the ibexes, the melatonin treatment increased the blood plasma testosterone concentration, reduced the cryoresistance ratio (CR) for sperm viability and the presence of an intact acrosome, and increased the percentage of sperm with AQP7 in the acrosome and of AQP3 and AQP10 in the midpiece. In the mouflons, neither the PTU treatment, the LD, nor the combination of both affected the CR of any sperm variable. The percentage of sperm with AQP3 increased in the post-acrosome region but decreased in the tail in the LD+PTU group. The percentage of sperm with AQP10 in the principal piece and endpiece was lower in the PTU+LD group than in the control and LD groups. The influence of photoperiod/melatonin on AQP expression might be indirectly exerted through changes in the testosterone concentration, and thus ultimately affect sperm cryoresistance.

Predict the incidence of Guillain Barré Syndrome and arbovirus infection in Mexico, 2014-2019.

The Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV) virus infections have been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS has an estimated lethality of 4% to 8%, even with effective treatment. Mexico is considered a hyperendemic country for DENV due to the circulation of four serotypes, and the ZIKV and CHIKV viruses have also been circulating in the country. The objective of this study was to predict the number of GBS cases in relation to the cumulative incidence of ZIKV / DENV / CHIKV in Mexico from 2014 to 2019. A six-year time series ecological study was carried out from GBS cases registered in the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Epidemiological Surveillance System (ESS), and DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV estimated cases from cases registered in the epidemiological vector-borne diseases surveillance system. The results shows that the incidence of GBS in Mexico is positively correlated with DENV and ZIKV. For every 1,000 estimated DENV cases, 1.45 GBS cases occurred on average, and for every 1,000 estimated ZIKV cases, 1.93 GBS cases occurred on average. A negative correlation between GBS and CHIKV estimated cases was found. The increase in the incidence of GBS cases in Mexico can be predicted by observing DENV and ZIKV cases through the epidemiological surveillance systems. These results can be useful in public health by providing the opportunity to improve capacities for the prevention of arbovirus diseases and for the timely procurement of supplies for the treatment of GBS.

DNA integrity and viability of testicular cells from diverse wild species after slow freezing or vitrification.

Introduction and objective: Cryopreservation of testicular tissues offers new possibilities to protect endangered species, genetically valuable individuals or even the fertility potential of prepubertal individuals who have died unexpectedly. However, the use of this technique still remains a challenge. In this study, slow freezing and vitrification of testicular tissue was investigated to find out which cryopreservation method could better preserve the viability and DNA integrity of testicular germ cells in diverse wild species. Methods: Testes were obtained post-mortem from 18 artiodactyls (wild boar, roe deer, dwarf goat, mhor gazelle, European mouflon, African forest buffalo, Malayan tapir, dorcas gazelle, Iberian ibex, gnu, red river hog), 5 primates (colobus monkey, capuchin monkey, mandrill), 8 carnivores (gray wolf, Persian leopard, binturong, European mink, American black bear, suricata), and 2 rodents (Patagonian mara). The testicles belonged to adult individuals and were cut into small pieces and cryopreserved by needle immersed vitrification or uncontrolled slow freezing using a passive cooling device. After warming or thawing, testicular tissues were enzymatically digested and two germ cell types were differentiated based on their morphology: rounded cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and early spermatids) and elongated cells (elongated spermatids and spermatozoa). Cell viability was assessed by SYBR-14/propidium iodide while DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay with fluorescence microscope. Results and discussion: Our preliminary results revealed that our uncontrolled slow freezing method better preserved the viability and DNA integrity of elongated cells than vitrification. Such trend was observed in all species, being significant in artiodactyls, carnivores, and primates. Similarly, the viability and DNA integrity of rounded cells was also better maintained in primates by uncontrolled slow freezing, while in carnivores, vitrification by needle immersion showed better results in this type of cells. In artiodactyls and rodents both techniques preserved the viability of rounded cells in a similar manner, although the DNA integrity of these cells was greater after needle immersed vitrification in artiodactyls. Conclusions: In conclusion, the effectiveness of each cryopreservation method is affected by the phylogenetic diversity between species and cell type.

Relationship between the seasonal changes in plasma testosterone and thyroxine concentrations with sperm cryoresistance in Gabon bucks.

Gabon buck is a breed with little marked seasonality in our latitude (Uruguay, 35° SL). The role of thyroid hormones on the regulation of their seasonal reproductive activity and sperm cryoresistance is unknown. Seasonal changes in testosterone concentration can affect sperm variables, but the influence of testosterone changes on sperm cryoresistance in other species determines that the recommended time for freezing sperm does not coincide with the period with greater sperm fresh quality. The objectives of the present work were to (i) describe the thyroxine seasonal pattern in bucks in a subtropical area, and its association with annual changes in sperm variables; (ii) relate the seasonal changes of testosterone and thyroxine concentrations with the sperm cryoresistance. For one year, semen of 10 adult Gabon bucks was collected by electroejaculation every two weeks. After sperm selection, the sample was frozen. Testosterone and thyroxine concentrations varied according to the month (P < 0.0001). Testosterone reached the greatest values in April (P < 0.0001) and May (P < 0.0001) and thyroxine reached minimum values (P < 0.0001) in the same months. During these months, a negative correlation ratio (CR) was found between testosterone concentration and CR-functional membrane (R = - 0.50; P < 0.0001). CR values for most sperm variables decreased during March-May, coinciding with the presence of maximum testosterone concentrations. In conclusion, high testosterone levels are associated with the worst sperm response to freezing-thawing process. Thyroxine concentrations have a strong seasonal pattern, but there was no relationship to sperm cryoresistance.

Influence of circulating testosterone concentration on sperm cryoresistance: The ibex as an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have noted that the circulating testosterone concentration may affect the ability of spermatozoa to survive cryopreservation. However, few attempts to confirm such a relationship have been made. Wild ruminant species have very marked seasonal changes in their reproductive function and strong annual changes in their plasma testosterone concentration. OBJECTIVES: The present work examines the influence of induced changes in testosterone secretion on sperm variables following conventional slow freezing and ultra-rapid freezing, using the Iberian ibex as an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a first experiment, testosterone levels were reduced in the middle of the rutting season (December) using the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA). In a second experiment, testosterone levels were increased at the end of the rutting season (January) via the use of the androgen testosterone propionate (TP). RESULTS: During December, the testosterone concentration was found to be higher in the blood and seminal plasma of untreated males than in those of CA-treated males (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Compared with controls, the TP-treated animals had higher blood plasma testosterone concentrations but lower seminal plasma testosterone concentrations during January (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The seminal vesicles of the TP-treated males were larger than those of untreated males (p < 0.05). When CA was administered, sperm viability improved compared with controls (p < 0.05), irrespective of the freezing protocol followed. For the ultra-rapid freezing procedure, the cryoresistance ratio for motility decreased when TP was administered (p < 0.05). The values for fresh sperm morphometric variables decreased during the 50 days after the end of CA treatment (p < 0.001) and increased over the same time after the end of TP treatment (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The circulating testosterone concentration appears to influence sperm cryoresistance. This may explain the seasonal changes seen in sperm freezability in some species, independent of fresh sperm quality.

Cryopreservation of ferret (Mustela putorius furo) sperm collected by rectal massage and electroejaculation: Comparison of a decelerating and an accelerating freezing rate protocol.

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) provides a good model for developing new reproductive technologies for use with threatened related species. Such technologies could also be used in the reproductive management of this pet species. The present work reports an improved freezing protocol for ferret sperm. Semen was collected by electroejaculation plus rectal massage (in an attempt to reduce the electrical stimulation necessary) from five adult male ferrets, and then subjected to one of two freezing protocols: (a) from 5 to -35°C at 40°C/min, then from -35 to -65°C at 17°C/min, and finally from -65 to -85°C at 3°C/min-a decelerating freezing rate; and (b) from 5 to - 10°C at 5°C/min, and then from -10 to -130°C at 60°C/min-an accelerating freezing rate. After thawing, the viability and acrosomal integrity of the sperm frozen via the two-step accelerating method were better than those frozen via the three-step decelerating method (43.3 ± 3.5% and 71.2 ± 3.4% compared with 29.7 ± 3.7% and 58.8 ± 3.4% respectively; p < .05). No differences were seen between the methods with respect to sperm motility variables; most sperm (>90%) remained static with both freezing methods. In conclusion, although the method with accelerating freezing rate was associated with better post-thaw sperm viability and acrosome integrity values, neither of the two freezing methods tested provided adequate motility results after thawing. Combining rectal massage with electrical stimuli seemed to reduce the number of the latter required for successful sperm collection.

Seasonal variation in sperm freezability associated with changes in testicular germinal epithelium in domestic (Ovis aries) and wild (Ovis musimon) sheep.

The aim of this study was to examine ovine sperm cryoresistance during the rutting season (RS) and its association with sperm head area and seminiferous epithelium proliferation. Small ruminants show fluctuating testosterone levels throughout the year, which could interfere with spermatogenesis and sperm cryopreservation. Ejaculates, testicular biopsies and blood were collected during the middle and at the end of the RS (Middle-RS vs End-RS) during periods of high and low testosterone levels in Merino and Mouflon rams. Fresh and frozen-thawed sperm quality, sperm morphometry, seminiferous tubule morphometry and testicular proliferation markers (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, proliferation marker protein Ki-67 and transcription factor GATA-4) were evaluated. Post-thaw sperm viability was higher in the End-RS group in both Merino (69.9±8.2 vs 41.6±7.3%; P=0.020) and Mouflon rams (40.9±3.3 vs 24.2±5.0%; P=0.008). Mouflons had larger sperm head area at the End-RS (38.3±0.2 vs 34.3±0.1µm2; P=0.029), whereas there was no difference between Merino groups (35.7±0.5 vs 34.8±1.0µm2). Seminiferous tubule morphometry and proliferation markers showed higher levels of germinal epithelium proliferation in the Middle-RS of both species. In conclusion, sperm freezability is affected during the RS in domestic and wild rams, which could be correlated with changes that occur during spermatogenesis, since there is an effect of season on cell proliferation in the testis.

[Association of Notified Cases and Treatment Success Rates in Pulmonary Tuberculosis].

Background: Tuberculosis has long been recognized as a public health problem in large cities. The goals of the "Stop TB" strategy of the WHO specifically promote its study at the subnational level. Therefore, we aimed to describe the state of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) at the municipality level in Mexico. Methods: We obtained data on new cases of PTB and treatment success rates (TSRs) per municipality from each state in Mexico, reported by the Mexican Social Security Institute to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System during 2013. Regression model was used to quantify associations between PTB and TSR by the municipality. Results: We included 4090 cases of PTB distributed in 432 municipalities. There were 121 municipalities with TSRs < 85%. Lower TSRs were associated with older age, male sex, and comorbidities. Conclusions: Results suggest a negative outcome of PTB treatment in patients with HIV and in those with malnutrition. The number of reported cases by the municipality was not associated with a negative treatment outcome.

Association of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and HIV in the Mexican Institute of Social Security, 2006-2014.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis and HIV remain a public health problem in developed countries. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence trends of pulmonary TB and HIV comorbidity and treatment outcomes according to HIV during the period 2006 to 2014 in the Mexican Institute of Social Security. METHODS: Analyzed data from this registry including pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged 15 years and older who had been diagnosed during the years 2006 to 2014 in the Mexican Institute of Social Security. The outcomes that we use were incidents rate, failure to treatment and death. Regression models were used to quantify associations between pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 31,352 patients were registered with pulmonary tuberculosis. The incidence rate observed during 2014 was 11.6 case of PTB per 100,000. The incidence rate for PTB and HIV was 0.345 per 100,000. The PTB incidence rate decreased by 0.07%, differences found in the PTB incidence rate by sex since in women decreased by 5.52% and in man increase by 3.62%. The pulmonary TB with HIV incidence rate decreased by 16.3% during the study period (In women increase 4.81% and in man decrease 21.6%). Analysis of PTB associated with HIV by age groups revealed that the highest incidence rates were observed for the 30 to 44 years old group. Meanwhile, the highest incidence rates of PTB without HIV occurred among the 60 and more years old individuals. We did not find statistically significant differences between treatment failure and PTB patients with HIV and without HIV. The treatment failure was associated with sex and the region of the patient. We found a strong association between HIV and the probability of dying during treatment. Our data suggested that patients suffering from both conditions (PTB and HIV) have no difference in the probability of failure of treatment contrary to other reports. Hypotheses to this is adherence to tuberculosis treatment with people living with HIV/AIDS, detection of PTB in patients suffering from HIV/AIDS or PTB patients on antiretroviral therapy were more likely to have successful treatment outcomes than those not on antiretroviral treatment. We have found that PTB and HIV increases the probability of dying during treatment compared to the cases of PTB without HIV, consistent with published other study HIV increases the mortality rates associated with PTB. CONCLUSIONS: No association between pulmonary tuberculosis with HIV and treatment failure was observed, but pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV increases the probability of dying during treatment compared to the pulmonary tuberculosis cases without HIV.

Recent advances in bird sperm morphometric analysis and its role in male gamete characterization and reproduction technologies.

Postcopulatory sexual selection through sperm competition may be an important evolutionary force affecting many reproductive traits, including sperm morphometrics. Environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides, and climate change may affect different sperm traits, and thus reproduction, in sensitive bird species. Many sperm-handling processes used in assisted reproductive techniques may also affect the size of sperm cells. The accurately measured dimensions of sperm cell structures (especially the head) can thus be used as indicators of environmental influences, in improving our understanding of reproductive and evolutionary strategies, and for optimizing assisted reproductive techniques (e.g., sperm cryopreservation) for use with birds. Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASA-Morph) provides an accurate and reliable method for assessing sperm morphometry, reducing the problem of subjectivity associated with human visual assessment. Computerized systems have been standardized for use with semen from different mammalian species. Avian spermatozoa, however, are filiform, limiting their analysis with such systems, which were developed to examine the approximately spherical heads of mammalian sperm cells. To help overcome this, the standardization of staining techniques to be used in computer-assessed light microscopical methods is a priority. The present review discusses these points and describes the sperm morphometric characteristics of several wild and domestic bird species.

Usefulness of an intensive bowel cleansing strategy for repeat colonoscopy after preparation failure.

BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the optimal bowel preparation regimen for patients with poor bowel cleansing at a previous colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the usefulness of an intensive cleansing regimen for repeat colonoscopy after previous failure of bowel preparation. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective observational study was performed in patients undergoing colonoscopy at a university-based, tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Outpatients with inadequate preparation at an index colonoscopy were offered a repeat colonoscopy and instructed to follow an intensive preparation regimen consisting of a low-fiber diet for 72 hours, liquid diet for 24 hours, bisacodyl (10 mg) in the evening of the day before the colonoscopy, and a split dose of polyethylene glycol (1.5 L in the evening before and 1.5 L in the morning on the day of the colonoscopy). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The adequacy of bowel cleansing was assessed according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (0 or 1 on any colon segment = inadequate bowel preparation). Procedural variables, detection rates for polyps and adenomas, compliance, and tolerability of the regimen were assessed. Satisfaction with the regimen was assessed with a 10-point visual analog scale. RESULTS: Of 83 patients with inadequate bowel preparation at colonoscopy, 51 underwent a second colonoscopy and were analyzed; 46 patients (90.2%) had adequate bowel cleansing at the second colonoscopy, with a mean (SD) total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score of 7.43 (1.5) and scores of 2.31 (0.6) for the right colon, 2.49 (0.6) for the transverse colon, and 2.63 (0.6) for the left colon. Polyps, flat lesions, or flat lesions proximal to the splenic flexure were found in significantly more patients at the second colonoscopy than at the index colonoscopy. The global satisfaction score was 6.6 (2.7). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited because of its open observational design, possible patient learning effect for bowel preparation at the repeat colonoscopy, and the inclusion of only outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive regimen consisting of a low-fiber diet, bisacodyl, and a split dose of polyethylene glycol can achieve good colon preparation with an improved detection rate for polyps and adenomas in most patients who have had poor bowel cleansing at a previous colonoscopy.

Freezability of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) spermatozoa according to the glycerolization temperature and plasma testosterone concentration.

Ibex spermatozoa can be successfully frozen using glycerolated media. However, no information is available regarding the most effective method of glycerol addition in this species. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the glycerolization temperature on the response to freezing-thawing of ibex spermatozoa collected by electroejaculation. The effect of the interaction glycerolization temperature x plasma testosterone concentration was also evaluated. The spermatozoa used in this work came from six adult ibexes maintained in captivity. Each ejaculate was divided into two aliquots in a Tris-egg yolk-based medium. One fraction was subjected to single step dilution with 5% glycerol at room temperature (23°C). The other fraction was diluted in two steps, first by dilution at room temperature with an extender identical to that described above but without glycerol, followed by the addition of glycerol after cooling to 5°C. The glycerolization temperature did not affect any sperm variable after thawing. Heterospecific artificial insemination involving domestic goats, revealed no differences in the fertilization rate for frozen-thawed spermatozoa diluted by the one or two step procedures (18.2% vs. 20.0%). The interaction glycerolization temperature x plasma testosterone concentration had no affect on the freezing-thawing of the sperm cells. The results revealed, however, that high plasma testosterone levels during the pre-rutting season may interfere with the freezing-thawing process, having a negative influence on sperm cryosurvival.

Prospective analysis of risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Better knowledge of the risk factors associated with the appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could improve the efficacy of surveillance programs. A total of 463 patients aged 40 to 65 years with liver cirrhosis in Child-Pugh class A or B were included in a program of early diagnosis. The predictive value of different risk factors was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. Thirty-eight patients developed HCC. In the multivariate analysis, 4 variables showed an independent predictive value for the development of HCC: age 55 years or older, antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) positivity, prothrombin activity 75% or less, and platelet count less than 75 x 10(3)/mm(3). According to the contribution of each of these factors to the final model, a score ranging between 0 and 4.71 points was constructed to allow the division of patients into 2 different risk groups. The low-risk group included those with a score of 2.33 points or less (n = 270; 4 with HCC; cumulative incidence of HCC at 4 years, 2.3%), and the high-risk group included those with a score greater than 2.33 (n = 193; 34 with HCC; cumulative incidence of HCC at 4 years, 30.1%) (P =.0001). In conclusion, a simple score made up of 4 clinical and biological variables allowed us to distinguish 2 groups of cirrhotic patients at high and low risk for the development of HCC. We believe this score can be useful in establishing a subset of cirrhotic patients in whom a surveillance program for early detection of HCC could be unjustified.

Trabajo consolidado de la puesta de gestión social / Consolidated wok of the social management setting

Esta propuesta es el resultado de un trabajo realizado por técnicos de la dirección de movilizacón social, donde se reconoce que desde 1982 existe un cambio cualitativo en la comprensión de salud y la participación popular, donde la salud es asumida como el derecho, esto determina la nesecidad de incorporar a las organizaciones de base mas representativas a partir de las organizaciones de base mas representativas apartir de la organización de los C.P.S. y los R.O.S...