Low oxygen tension during in vitro embryo production improves the yield, quality, and cryotolerance of bovine blastocysts.

Mammalian oocytes undergo maturation and fertilization in the low-oxygen (O2) environment of the oviduct. To evaluate the effect of O2 tension during in vitro maturation and fertilization on embryo yield, quality, cryotolerance, and gene expression, we matured and fertilized bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes under low (5%) or high (20%) O2 tension. Presumptive zygotes from both groups were cultured at 5% O2 for 8 days. Blastocysts were vitrified, and then warmed, and cultured for further 24 h to assess their cryotolerance. Our findings indicate that low O2 during maturation and fertilization enhances embryo development and cell count in both fresh and vitrified/warmed blastocysts. In this study, the interaction of O2 tension and status (fresh or vitrified/warmed) affected the transcript abundance of SOD2, AQP3, and BAX in blastocysts. These results highlight the role of low O2 tension during bovine maturation and fertilization and provide support to using 5% O2 throughout all stages of bovine in vitro embryo production.

Intervenciones hacia la Prueba de Antígeno Prostático: Una revisión rápida de literatura / Interventions for Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing: A Rapid Literature Review

Objetivo: Identificar la mejor evidencia disponible relacionada a las intervenciones dirigidas hacia la aceptación de la prueba de antígeno prostático. Metodología: Revisión rápida de literatura, siguiendo los pasos establecidos por Tapia-Benavente, los cuales son: 1.- pregunta de investigación, para lo cual se utilizó la estructura PICO acotada a la definición del problema, intervención y resultado; 2.- búsqueda de bibliografía en bases de datos reconocidas; 3.- selección de estudios y extracción de datos; 4.- evaluación del riesgo de sesgo, para lo cual se utilizó la guía de comprobación de ensayos clínicos del grupo CONSORT; y 5.- la elaboración de la síntesis además de la conclusión de la evidencia encontrada. Resultados: La búsqueda rápida de literatura arrojó un total de 51 publicaciones de tres bases de datos, PubMed (27), EBSCO (13) y SCOPUS (11); de los cuales 11 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. El 100% de los estudios indican un cambio significativo entre el grupo experimental y control (p < .05). Las estrategias más utilizadas incluyen la visita domiciliaria, conferencias, debates en grupo, lluvia de ideas, dinámicas de pregunta y respuesta con diapositivas, así como presentación de folletos educativos, mismos que se ejecutan en un periodo de un día, hasta seis meses. Conclusiones: Se hace evidente el vacío de conocimiento referente al desarrollo e implementación de estrategias para abordar la conducta de prevención relacionada al Cancer de Próstata hacia varones de pueblos originarios, así como la falta de modelos de intervención de enfermería enfocadas en este padecimiento. (AU)

Objective: To identify the best available evidence related to interventions for the acceptance of the prostate-specific antigen test. Methodology: Rapid literature review following the steps established by Tapia-Benavente, which are: 1.- research question, for which the PICO structure limited to the definition of the problem, intervention, and result was used; 2.- bibliography search in recognized databases; 3.- study selection and data extraction; 4.- bias risk assessment, for which the CONSORT group clinical trial verification guidelines were used; and 5.- preparation of a summary and conclusion of the evidence found. Results: The rapid literature search yielded a total of 51 publications from three databases, PubMed (27), EBSCO (13), and SCOPUS (11); 11 of which met the inclusion criteria. One hundred percent of the studies indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p < .05). The most frequently used strategies included home visits, conferences, group discussions, brainstorming, question-and-answer dynamics with slides, as well as the use of educational brochures, and were carried out in a period of one day and up to six months. Conclusions: There is an evident knowledge gap in the development and implementation of strategies for Prostate Cancer prevention behavior directed to indigenous men, as well as a lack of nursing intervention models focused on this disease. (AU)

Effect of creep feeding with rice bran and temporary weaning on cow-calf performance.

This study was conducted to investigate if calves supplemented with rice bran in a creep feeding (CF) system associated with temporary weaning (TW) affects the performance of the cow-calf pair grazing natural grasslands during summer. Two experiments were performed using 275 cow-calf pairs of British breeds and their crosses of different parities (primiparous [n = 188] in Experiment 1 and multiparous [n = 87] in Experiment 2). In both experiments, the factors evaluated were: (1) supplementation of calves with rice bran using CF: yes (+CF) or no (-CF); (2) TW for 14 days using nose plates: yes (+TW) or no (-TW). Four experimental groups were formed in both experiments: -CF - TW, -CF + TW, +CF - TW and +CF + TW. TW decreased the average daily weight gain and live weight of calves independently of the age of their mothers. The use of CF decreased both of these parameters in calves born to primiparous cows, and there was no response in the case of calves born to multiparous cows. A greater proportion of primiparous cows that received +CF conceived in the first 21 days of mating (+CF - TW = 63.5% and +CF + TW = 50%) than the other groups. The final pregnancy rate was similar among groups in both experiments. In conclusion, TW decreased the average daily weight gain and weaning weight of calves. Supplementation of calves born to primiparous cows with rice bran decreased their daily weight gain during the period of TW and their weaning weight, but their dams were conceived earlier.

Principales fitoquímicos con potencial terapéutico en el tratamiento de la retinopatía diabética con fitofármacos / Major Phytochemicals with Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 representa uno de los principales problemas de salud pública a nivel mundial hoy en día. Entre las principales complicaciones generadas por esta enfermedad se encuentra la retinopatía diabética, la cual puede conducir a pérdida de la visión de manera permanente, por lo que investigaciones sobre tratamientos para esta patología van en aumento. Es por esto que tratamientos en base a químicos obtenidos de plantas medicinales están siendo ampliamente investigados debido a que podrían proveer una alternativa más segura, de menor costo y menor toxicidad que la medicina estándar para el tratamiento de esta patología ocular de alta incidencia mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los principales fitoquímicos con potencial para ser usados como tratamiento de la retinopatía diabética. Para lograr este cometido se llevó a cabo una revisión de la literatura publicada entre el enero 2017 y de junio 2021 utilizando las bases de datos WOS, PubMed y Scopus en inglés y español, con el fin de recopilar evidencia científica actualizada sobre el uso y efectos de fitoquímicos en la retinopatía diabética. Diversas familias de fitoquímicos útiles fueron identificadas, entre estas las más comunes fueron las de origen fenólico, aunque menos comunes también se encontraron carotenoides, terpenos y preparaciones constituidas por varias especies de plantas y fitoquímicos. Sus mecanismos de acción también fueron identificados, siendo los más comunes la supresión de la neovascularización mediada por VEGF, la protección y restauración de la barrera hematorretinal, la reducción en la actividad de las especies reactivas del oxígeno y el efecto antiinflamatorio. Dada la evidencia respecto a la utilidad de los fitoquímicos para el tratamiento de la retinopatía diabética, mayores investigaciones deben ser realizadas(AU)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus represents one of the main public health problems worldwide today. Among the main complications generated by this disease is diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. For this reason, research on treatments for this pathology is increasing. This is why treatments based on chemicals obtained from medicinal plants are widely investigated as they could provide a safer, less costly and less toxic alternative to standard medicine for the treatment of this eye disease of high incidence worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the main phytochemicals with potential to be used as treatment for diabetic retinopathy. In order to achieve this purpose, a review of the literature published between January 2017 and June 2021 was conducted using the WOS, PUBMED and Scopus databases in English and Spanish, in order to compile updated scientific evidence on the use and impact of phytochemicals in diabetic retinopathy. Several families of useful phytochemicals were identified. Among these, the most common were those of phenolic origin, although less common were also found carotenoids, terpenes and blends consisting of various plant species and phytochemicals. Their mechanisms of action were also identified, the most common being suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated neovascularization, protection and restoration of the blood-retinal barrier, reduction in reactive oxygen species activity and anti-inflammatory effect. Given the evidence regarding the usefulness of phytochemicals for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, further research should be conducted(AU)

Effect of season on germinal vesicle stage, quality, and subsequent in vitro developmental competence in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes.

Although the reproductive performance of grazing cattle is lower in summer compared to winter, the effect of season on oocyte developmental competence has not been thoroughly examined. We measured the effect of season on oocyte chromatin compaction, cumulus cell quality, and embryonic development after in vitro fertilization. Cumulus oocytes-complexes (COCs) were collected from abattoir cows' ovaries during the winter and summer months. First, we evaluated the degree of chromatin compaction in germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes (GV1 through GV3), which is associated with different degrees of developmental competence. Then, we determined the apoptotic index in cumulus cells from immature and in vitro matured COCs. Finally, in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized to determine blastocyst rate and embryo quality. During the summer months, we observed a significantly lower proportion of oocytes reaching the GV3 stage and higher levels of DNA fragmentation in cumulus cell. As a result, blastocyst yield and quality were reduced during the summer months. In conclusion, summer negatively affected oocyte GV stage progression, cumulus cell quality, and embryo development. Increased cumulus cell DNA fragmentation during summer, may partially explain the reduced oocyte maturation capacity, considering the relevance of cumulus-oocyte communication during this stage.

Heat tolerance in cows of British breeds and their crosses with bonsmara under grazing conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the increasing temperature-humidity index (THI) on the body temperature of cows from different breed groups. Vaginal temperature was monitored in cows from two breed groups: a) British breeds (Hereford, Angus and their crosses, n=4); and b) their crosses with Bonsmara (BO, n=6). Vaginal temperature in cows of British breeds was always higher (P < 0.05), and the higher temperature picks coincide with afternoon hours. British cows maintained stable their vaginal temperature if THI was lower than 72.8, but for higher values, they showed linear increases. Moreover, the threshold THI associated to increase in vaginal temperature in British breeds was 72.8. However, vaginal temperature remained unchanged in Bonsmara crosses. The present work suggests that THI greater than 72.8 could affect the body temperature in grazing cattle of British breeds but not its crosses with Bonsmara.

Effect of Ethanol on Parthenogenetic Activation and α-Tocopherol Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation on Developmental Competence of Summer-Collected Bovine Oocytes.

The use of α-tocopherol during in vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative to minimize the adverse effects of heat stress on oocyte competence. However, α-tocopherol is diluted in ethanol, which can induce oocyte parthenogenetic activation (PA). This study aimed to evaluate the role of ethanol concentration on PA and the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation during IVM on the developmental competence and the expression of key genes in blastocysts derived from summer-collected oocytes. All in vitro embryo production was conducted at 5% O2, 5% CO2 at 38.5 °C. Experiment 1: oocytes were cultured with or without 0.05% ethanol. As positive PA control matured oocytes were subjected to 3% or 7% ethanol for 7 min. Oocytes from all groups were placed in fertilization medium (22 h) and culture medium (9 days). Ethanol at 0.05% during IVM did not induce oocyte PA, however, 3% and 7% ethanol were effective parthenogenetic inductors. Experiment 2: oocytes were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 µM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol. After in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, we assessed blastocyst apoptotic index and the transcription of a panel of genes. The results showed that supplementation with 100 µM α-tocopherol reduced apoptotic index and increased the expression of SOD2. In conclusion, 100 µM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol, can be used during IVM to embryonic quality.

Time-dependent effects of heat shock on the zona pellucida ultrastructure and in vitro developmental competence of bovine oocytes.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different exposure lenght to heat shock (HS) during in vitro maturation (IVM) on zona pellucida (ZP) ultrastructure and developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro (IVM) at 38.5 °C for 24 h (control group, CG), or incubated at 41 °C (HS) for 6 h (HS-6h), 12 h (HS-12h), 18 h (HS-18h), and 22h (HS-22h) followed by incubation at 38.5 °C to complete a full 24-h period of maturation. After IVM, oocytes were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or in vitro fertilization and culture until the blastocyst stage. For heat-shocked oocytes, with exception of those in the HS-6h group, SEM examinations revealed that ZP surfaces were rough and characterized by a presence of spongy network. Oocytes from the HS-22h group displayed an increase in the number of pores, as well as a higher proportion of oocytes with amorphous ZPs. The proportion of oocytes that reached metaphase II (MII) stage decreased in all HS groups, regardless of the duration of exposure to 41 °C. These results provide evidence that HS during IVM for 12-22 h reduces the developmental competence of bovine oocytes, increasing the percentage of oocytes with abnormal chromosomal organization, and reducing fertilization and blastocysts formation rate. The effects of HS were more pronounced for the 22-h exposure group. The damage induced by HS on oocyte function clearly increased upon exposure to elevated temperature.

Ultrastructural Imaging Analysis of the Zona Pellucida Surface in Bovine Oocytes.

The aims of the present study were to: (i) evaluate the ultrastructural differences in the zona pellucida (ZP) surface between immature and mature bovine oocytes, and (ii) describe a new objective technique to measure the pores in the outer ZP. Intact cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from a local abattoir were immediately fixed (immature group) or submitted to in vitro maturation (IVM) at 38.5 °C for 24 h in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air (mature group). Oocytes from both groups were morphologically evaluated via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the images were processed in the Fiji/ImageJ software using a new objective methodology through the Trainable Weka Segmentation plugin. The average number of pores in ZP was greater (p 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, it has been shown that the number of pores highlighted the main ultrastructural change in the morphology of the ZP surface of bovine oocytes during the IVM process. We have described an objective method that can be used to evaluate ultrastructural modifications of the ZP surface during oocyte maturation and early embryo development.

Entomopathogenic nematology in Latin America: A brief history, current research and future prospects.

Since the 1980s, research into entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in Latin America has produced many remarkable discoveries. In fact, 16 out of the 117 recognized species of EPNs have been recovered and described in the subcontinent, with many more endemic species and/or strains remaining to be discovered and identified. In addition, from an applied perspective, numerous technological innovations have been accomplished in relation to their implementation in biocontrol. EPNs have been evaluated against over 170 species of agricultural and urban insects, mites, and plant-parasitic nematodes under laboratory and field conditions. While much success has been recorded, many accomplishments remain obscure, due to their publication in non-English journals, thesis dissertations, conference proceedings, and other non-readily available sources. The present review provides a brief history of EPNs in Latin America, including current findings and future perspectives.

Miniaturized imprinted solid phase extraction to the selective analysis of Coenzyme Q10 in urine.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a potent endogenous antioxidant. CoQ10 deficiency is currently associated with numerous diseases like mitochondrial and neurodegenerative pathologies, in which the earliest diagnosis and treatment with CoQ10 supplementation becomes paramount for patient's treatment. Consequently, the determination of CoQ10 levels in different biological matrices positions as a fundamental tool. Urine is an attractive and non-invasive alternative source to tissue, blood or other biofluids for CoQ10 analysis. However, it poses an analytical challenge, as it generally requires a complex sample preparation, with multiple steps. In this work we developed and validated a molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction (MIP-SPE) followed by a HPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of CoQ10 in urine. The MIP-SPE method developed is simple and fast compared to previously traditional reported methods, with reduced processing time, improved sample cleaning and excellent recovery values, along with its inherent high selectivity. The developed chromatographic method was validated according to FDA guidelines, and demonstrated to be suitable for the analysis of CoQ10 in urine samples with LOQ and LOD values of 0.6 ng/mL and 0.2 ng/mL of CoQ10 in urine respectively. Recovery values at three concentration levels were higher than 90.0%.The proposed method is amenable to be applied in pediatric patients due to the low sample requirement and useful for diagnosis and post-treatment control.

Metabolic Syndrome and Neuroprotection.

Introduction: Over the years the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has drastically increased in developing countries as a major byproduct of industrialization. Many factors, such as the consumption of high-calorie diets and a sedentary lifestyle, bolster the spread of this disorder. Undoubtedly, the massive and still increasing incidence of MetS places this epidemic as an important public health issue. Hereon we revisit another outlook of MetS beyond its classical association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2), for MetS also poses a risk factor for the nervous tissue and threatens neuronal function. First, we revise a few essential concepts of MetS pathophysiology. Second, we explore some neuroprotective approaches in MetS pertaining brain hypoxia. The articles chosen for this review range from the years 1989 until 2017; the selection criteria was based on those providing data and exploratory information on MetS as well as those that studied innovative therapeutic approaches. Pathophysiology: The characteristically impaired metabolic pathways of MetS lead to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and hypoxia, all closely associated with an overall pro-oxidative status. Oxidative stress is well-known to cause the wreckage of cellular structures and tissue architecture. Alteration of the redox homeostasis and oxidative stress alter the macromolecular array of DNA, lipids, and proteins, in turn disrupting the biochemical pathways necessary for normal cell function. Neuroprotection: Different neuroprotective strategies are discussed involving lifestyle changes, medication aimed to mitigate MetS cardinal symptoms, and treatments targeted toward reducing oxidative stress. It is well-known that the routine practice of physical exercise, aerobic activity in particular, and a complete and well-balanced nutrition are key factors to prevent MetS. Nevertheless, pharmacological control of MetS as a whole and pertaining hypertension, dyslipidemia, and endothelial injury contribute to neuronal health improvement. Conclusion: The development of MetS has risen as a risk factor for neurological disorders. The therapeutic strategies include multidisciplinary approaches directed to address different pathological pathways all in concert.

Stevens Johnson como complicación de un síndrome de Sjögren

El síndrome de Stevens Johnson es conceptualizado como una afección inflamatoria aguda que tiene como base etiopatogénica un estado de hipersensibilidad. Clínicamente afecta principalmente la piel y las membranas mucosas. Es un cuadro grave, que pone el peligro la vida del paciente y entre sus principales causas desencadenantes se señala fundamentalmente la administración de ciertos medicamentos y procesos infecciosos. Su asociación con enfermedades reumáticas, aunque no es frecuente, complica más aún el pronóstico y la evolución de la enfermedad reumática. En este trabajo se presenta una paciente de 43 años de edad, con diagnóstico de síndrome de Sjögren, la cual presenta como complicación un síndrome de Stevens Johnson

Stevens Johnson syndrome is conceptualize as an acute inflammatory condition, which has as its basis etiopathogenic a hypersensitive state. Clinically primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is a serious condition that endangers the patient's life and its main precipitating causes are primarily indicates the administration of certain drugs and infectious processes. His association with rheumatic diseases, although not common, further complicating the prognosis and evolution of rheumatic disease. In this work a 43-year-old diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, which presents as a complication of Stevens Johnson syndrome occurs

Efecto in vitro del pentóxido de vanadio (V2O5) sobre la calidad espermática / In vitro effect of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) on sperm quality

El vanadio es un metal pesado considerado como un contaminante ambiental, producto de la manipulación antropogénica, que incide sobre el potencial reproductivo masculino, especialmente sobre la movilidad espermática. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto in vitro del pentóxido de vanadio sobre la calidad espermática. Se incubaron suspensiones de espermatozoides humanos por 24 horas bajo concentraciones de 0, 1 y 2 ppm V2O5, se realizó la valoración de la movilidad y vitalidad espermática, la integridad de membrana, la reacción acrosómica y la integridad de la cromatina espermática. El V2O5 alteró de manera significativa la movilidad espermática, específicamente los patrones de movilidad espermática moderado (p < 0.01), lento (p = 0.01) e inmóvil (p < 0.01). Los grupos tratados con V2O5 presentaron un porcentaje de espermatozoides vivos significativamente mayor al grupo control (p < 0.01). La integridad de membrana y reacción acrosómica no resultaron afectadas por la exposición de espermatozoides humanos a V2O5 (p > 0.05). De igual modo, no se observaron alteraciones del material nuclear (p > 0.05). El vanadio es capaz de alterar la movilidad y vitalidad espermática sin inducir cambios sobre la integridad de membrana y la cromatina espermática.

Vanadium is a heavy metal considered an environmental pollutant product of anthropogenic manipulation; it influences the masculine reproductive potential, especially the sperm motility. This research had the objective of determining the effect of vanadium pentoxide on sperm quality in vitro. Spermatozoa were incubated for 24 hours under 0, 1 and 2 ppm V2O5 concentrations, and sperm motility and vitality, membrane integrity, acrosome reaction and sperm chromatin integrity were assessed. V2O5 altered sperm motility in a significant way, specifically moderated (p < 0.01), slow (p = 0.01), and non motile (p < 0.01) sperm motility patterns. The groups treated with V2O5 had a major percentage of live spermatozoa than the control group (p < 0.01). Membrane integrity and acrosome reaction were not affected by human sperm exposition to V2O5 (p > 0.05). Similarly, we did not observe nuclear material alterations. Vanadium is able to alter sperm motility and viability without inducing changes on membrane and chromatin integrity.

Capacidades, acciones de autocuidado e indicadores de salud en adultos jóvenes universitarios de enfermería / Capacities, actions of self-care and health indicators in young adults college students from nursing programs

ObjetivoIdentificar la relación de las capacidades y acciones de autocuidado con indicadores desalud: colesterol total, triglicéridos, glucemia capilar en ayunas, índice de masa corporal,circunferencia cintura y presión arterial, en un grupo de adultos jóvenes universitarios.MetodologíaDiseño descriptivo, transversal, correlacional. La población de estudio fueron estudiantesde Enfermería. La muestra se calculó mediante el software MacStat 3, obteniendo una n=114. El muestreo fue probabilístico. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron un cuestionario dedatos generales y el instrumento “Uno mismo como encargado del cuidado” de Geden &Taylor. El análisis de los datos fue mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 12.0, seutilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial.ResultadosSe encontraron medias de 17,24 (DE=12,56) y 24.56 (DE=14,69) para los valores decapacidades y acciones de autocuidado; en cuanto a los resultados de laboratorio seobtuvieron medias de colesterol de 169,61 mg/dl (DE= 21,48), triglicéridos 161,96 mg/dl(DE=145,82) y glucosa capilar de 70,30 mg/dl (DE=20,46); promedios de IMC de 23,55(DE=4,44), circunferencia cintura de 82,42cm (DE= 9,64) y presión arterial de 111,35(DE=12,39) y 71,04 mm/Hg (DE=10,90). Se encontró correlación entre las acciones deautocuidado y los valores de glucosa (rho=-.205; p=0.029)ConclusionesLa relación de los conceptos de autocuidado con los indicadores de salud, hace evidente lanecesidad de desarrollar más investigaciones sobre el fenómeno de estudio, para diseñarintervenciones de enfermería encaminadas a mejorar las acciones de autocuidado en losgrupos de este rango de edad.