Secretagogin expression in the mouse olfactory bulb under sensory impairments.

The interneurons of the olfactory bulb (OB) are characterized by the expression of different calcium-binding proteins, whose specific functions are not fully understood. This is the case of one of the most recently discovered, the secretagogin (SCGN), which is expressed in interneurons of the glomerular and the granule cell layers, but whose function in the olfactory pathway is still unknown. To address this question, we examined the distribution, generation and activity of SCGN-positive interneurons in the OB of two complementary models of olfactory impairments: Purkinje Cell Degeneration (PCD) and olfactory-deprived mice. Our results showed a significant increase in the density of SCGN-positive cells in the inframitral layers of olfactory-deprived mice as compared to control animals. Moreover, BrdU analyses revealed that these additional SCGN-positive cells are not newly formed. Finally, the neuronal activity, estimated by c-Fos expression, increased in preexisting SCGN-positive interneurons of both deprived and PCD mice -being higher in the later- in comparison with control animals. Altogether, our results suggest that the OB possesses different compensatory mechanisms depending on the type of alteration. Particularly, the SCGN expression is dependent of olfactory stimuli and its function may be related to a compensation against a reduction in sensory inputs.

Urban birds: An important source of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella strains in Central Spain.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important threats of the 21 st century. Wild birds have been described as reservoirs of AMR in different bacterial species, such as Salmonella spp. Privation of food, climate change and overpopulation have forced many wild species to modify their feeding habits, attending urban areas. In this context, the aim of this study was to study Salmonella presence, as well as related AMR in urban birds that inhabit the city and its surroundings. A total of 300 urban birds were sampled for Salmonella detection according to the ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D) recommendations, and serotyping was carried out according to the White-Kauffman-Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested following 2013/652/EU Decision guides. Wild birds analysed were positive for Salmonella in 12.3 % of cases, with white storks fed in landfills as the most Salmonella prevalent species (p < 0.05). The most common serovars isolated were zoonotic (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium monophasic variant). From Salmonella isolated strains, 40.5 % were resistant to the most prevalent AMRs found in urban birds were ciprofloxacin (36.4 %), nalidixic acid (36.4 %) and colistin (27.3 %). The scientific community, public administration and population in general should work together to control antimicrobial administration and drug waste management in order to decrease the development and spread of AMR.

Factores personales y contextuales implicados en la motivación físico-deportiva adolescente: un estudio a partir del modelo de elección de logro / Personal and contextual factors involved in adolescent physical activity motivation: a study based on achievement-related choices model / Fatores pessoais e contextuais envolvidos na motivação física e desportiva adolescente: um estudo com base no modelo de escolha de realização

En este estudio se somete a verificación un modelo completo de regresión estructural explicativo de la actividad físico-deportiva a partir de los factores motivacionales personales y contextuales centrales del modelo de elección de logro (Eccles, 2011). Participaron en el estudio 429 adolescentes, 233 (54.30 %) hombres y 196 (45.70 %) mujeres, entre 11 y 19 años (M = 14.93; DT = 2.11) de la Comunidad Autónoma Cántabra y País Vasco. Los resultados corroboran la influencia directa de las variables expectativas de éxito y valor subjetivo de la tarea sobre la actividad físico-deportiva. Asimismo, las variables autoconcepto físico y actitudes y comportamientos de los otros significativos aparecen como predictores directos de dicho comportamiento

This study tests the verification of a comprehensive explanatory structural regression model of physical activity based on the key personal and contextual motivational factors of the achievement-related choices model (Eccles, 2011). Participants were 429 adolescents, 233 (54.30%) boys and 196 (45.70%) girls, all aged between 11 and 19 (M = 14.93; SD = 2.11) from the Autonomous Regions of Cantabria and the Basque Country, in Spain. Results corroborate the direct influence of the variables expectations for success and subjective task value on the physical activity of adolescents. The variables general physical self-concept and attitudes and behaviors of significant others were found to be indirect predictors of this same behavior

Neste estudo passa por uma verificação do modelo completo de regressão estrutural que explica a actividade física e desportiva com base nos principais fatores motivacionais pessoais e contextuais do modelo de escolha de realização (Eccles, 2011). 429 adolescentes, 233 (54.30%) homens e 196 (45.70%) mulheres, entre 11e 19 años (M = 14.93; D.E. = 2.11), da Cantábria e País Basco participaram do estudo. Os resultados corroboram a influência direta das variáveis expectativas de sucesso e valor subjetivo da tarefa sobre a actividade física e desportiva. Também, as variáveis auto-conceito físico e atitudes e comportamentos dos outros significativos previram diretamente o mesmo comportamento

Relaciones entre el autoconcepto físico y la actividad físico-deportiva adolescente / Relationships between adolescent physical self-concept and physical activity

El objetivo de este estudio es someter a prueba dos modelos contrapuestos sobre las relaciones entre las autopercepciones físicas y la actividad físico-deportiva en la adolescencia: mientras que un modelo postula la influencia de la actividad física sobre el autoconcepto físico, el modelo alternativo propone al autoconcepto físico como factor influyente en la actividad físico-deportiva. Participan en la investigación 704 estudiantes, 394 (55.96 %) hombres y 310 (44.04 %) mujeres entre 11 y 19 años (M = 14.91; D.T. = 2.13), residentes en dos Comunidades Autónomas (Cantabria y País Vasco) de España. Los resultados indican que las influencias entre el autoconcepto físico y la actividad físico-deportiva se producen de forma bidireccional si bien ajusta mejor el modelo que propone al autoconcepto físico como factor influyente. Se comprueban diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en el modelo. Por otro lado, la autopercepción de atractivo físico mantiene una relación negativa con la actividad físico-deportiva (AU)

The aim of this study is to test two opposing models of the relationship between physical self-perceptions and physical activity during adolescence: one which postulates that physical activity influences physical self-concept, and another one which proposes that physical self-concept influences physical activity. Participants were 704 students aged between 11 and 19 (M = 14.91; SD = 2.13) from two different Autonomous Regions in Spain (Cantabria and the Basque Country). 394 (55.96%) were male and 310 (44.04%) were female. The results indicate that the influences between physical self-concept and physical activity are bidirectional in nature, although the model that proposes physical self-concept as an influencing factor was found to have a better fitness. Differences were found in the model between male and female students. Furthermore, self-perception of physical attractiveness was found to be negatively related to physical activity (AU)

Contribution of Ldace1 gene to acetylcholinesterase activity in Colorado potato beetle.

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata is an important economic pest of potato worldwide. Resistance to organophosphates and carbamates in CPB has been associated in some cases to point mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene Ldace2, an orthologue of Drosophila melanogaster Dmace2. In this paper we report cloning and sequencing of Ldace1, an orthologue of Anopheles gambiae Agace1 that was previously unknown in CPB. The Ldace1 coding enzyme contains all residues conserved in a functionally active AChE. Ldace1 is expressed at higher levels (between 2- and 11-fold) than Ldace2 in embryos, in the four larval instars and in adults. Specific interference of Ldace1 by means of dsRNA injection resulted in a reduction of AChE activity to an approximate 50% compared to control, whilst interference of Ldace2 reduced AChE activity to an approximate 85%. Analysis of zymograms of AChE activity after interference indicates that LdAChE1 is the enzyme predominantly responsible for the activity visualised. Interference of Ldace1 in CPB adults caused a significant increase in mortality (43%) as early as three days post-injection (p.i.), suggesting the essential role of Ldace1. Interference of Ldace2 also caused a significant increase in mortality (29%) compared to control, although at seven days p.i. The effect of the interference of Ldace1 on susceptibility to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos points out that LdAChE1 could be a main target for this insecticide. In the light of our results, studies associating resistance in CPB to mutations in Ldace2 should be reviewed, taking into consideration analysis of the Ldace1 gene.

Follicular, oocyte and embryo features related to metabolic status in primiparous lactating does fed with high-fibre rearing diets.

Fertility of primiparous lactating does in the early postpartum (pp) period is very low mainly due to pronounced deficient energy intake, influencing oocyte and embryo developmental competence. The hypothesis used in this work was that high-lignin fibre diet supplied during the rearing period could increase feed intake and, consequently, improve the reproductive physiology and metabolic status of primiparous does in the early pp period. Diets with high-lignin [HL: 15.8% dry matter (DM)] or standard-lignin content (SL: 4.9% DM) were supplied until parturition time. No diet effects in serum oestradiol, progesterone concentrations and follicle categories were found in the histological study. Metaphase II rate of in vitro-matured oocytes was significantly higher in the SL vs the HL group (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmically degenerated oocytes (in terms of abnormal distribution of cortical granules) and follicular atresia rate were significantly lower in the SL group than in the HL group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005 respectively). In addition, HL-fed does showed lower number of viable embryos and higher rate of retarded in vivo-recovered embryos compared with the SL group (p < 0.05). Neither in vitro embryo development of viable embryos nor conception rate was significantly different between groups. Feed intake increased during the first pregnancy in the HL group (p < 0.05), but not during early lactation. Serum protein, non-esterified fatty acid and leptin concentrations, as well as estimated body composition were similar in does fed with both diets. In conclusion, the enhancement of reproductive management by using highly lignified products in rearing diets does not seem to report physiological reproductive benefits affecting oocyte maturation rate and embryo viability in primiparous lactating does.

RNAi of ace1 and ace2 in Blattella germanica reveals their differential contribution to acetylcholinesterase activity and sensitivity to insecticides.

Cyclorrhapha insect genomes contain a single acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene while other insects contain at least two ace genes (ace1 and ace2). In this study we tested the hypothesis that the two ace paralogous from Blattella germanica have different contributions to AChE activity, using RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown each one individually. Paralogous-specific depletion of Bgace transcripts was evident in ganglia of injected cockroaches, although the effects at the protein level were less pronounced. Using spectrophotometric and zymogram measurements, we obtained evidence that BgAChE1 represents 65-75% of the total AChE activity in nerve tissue demonstrating that ace1 encodes a predominant AChE. A significant increase in sensitivity of Bgace1-interfered cockroaches was observed after 48 h of exposure to chlorpyrifos. In contrast, Bgace2 knockdown had a negligible effect on mortality to this organophosphate. These results point out a key role, qualitative and/or quantitative, of AChE1 as target of organophosphate insecticides in this species. Silencing the expression of Bgace1 but not Bgace2 also produced an increased mortality in insects when synergized with lambda-cyhalothrin, a situation which resembles the synergistic effects observed between organophosphates and pyrethroids. Gene silencing of ace genes by RNAi offers an exciting approach for examining a possible functional differentiation in ace paralogous.

Influence of metabolic status on oocyte quality and follicular characteristics at different postpartum periods in primiparous rabbit does.

Low reproductive performance of high-yield primiparous animals is closely associated with the metabolic stress caused by a simultaneous gestation and lactation. The aim of this work was (1) to analyze body composition and metabolic environment at three time points along lactation (at parturition time; in the lactation period [Day 11 postpartum]; and in the postweaning period [Day 32 postpartum]) of primiparous rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and (2) to investigate the ovarian status at insemination time and the possible link with metabolic environment and with their reproductive performance. To this end, does were either submitted to a semi-intensive reproductive rhythm (Group S, inseminated on Day 11 postpartum) or an extensive rhythm (Group E, inseminated on Day 32 postpartum). Body energy (P<0.05) and protein content (P<0.001) as well as serum leptin (P<0.05) and protein concentrations (P<0.001) increased significantly along the postpartum period. At parturition, body lipid content was significantly lower and serum nonesterified fatty acids concentrations were significantly higher than that on Days 11 postpartum and 32 postpartum. Concerning ovarian status at insemination time, no significant differences were found in mean follicular stages, serum estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin (PRL) concentrations or in prolactin receptor (PRL-R) immunostaining. However, follicles in Group S showed a significantly higher apoptosis index than that of Group E (P<0.001). The nuclear and cytoplasmic oocyte maturation rates of Group S were also significantly lower than that in Group E. In addition, conception rate and prolificacy were improved in Group E (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). In conclusion, in the early postpartum period, metabolic status seems to impact negatively on ovarian follicle and oocyte quality leading to a poor reproductive outcome in primiparous rabbit does.

Influence of different reproductive rhythms on serum estradiol and testosterone levels, features of follicular population and atresia rate, and oocyte maturation in controlled suckling rabbits.

The aim of the current work was to analyze the features of ovarian follicular population and their quality in New Zealand white rabbit does synchronized by 24-h controlled doe-litter separation before artificial insemination (AI) during all their reproductive cycles. Synchronized animals were allocated systematically in two groups. A total of 73 rabbit does (group A) were submitted to a 35-day intensive rhythm (AI on day 4 post-partum [pp] and weaning at 25 days of lactation), and 108 rabbit does (group B) were submitted to a 42-day semi-intensive rhythm (AI on day 11 pp and weaning at 35 days of lactation) during 9 months. At the mid-end of their reproductive life, a total of 26 does (5.4 parturitions), under intensive (n=15) or semi-intensive rhythm (n=11) were either treated in each group with 25 IU eCG 48 h before laparotomy to recover their ovaries (n=7 for group A and n=6 for group B) (according to the Bioethics Committee of the University) or not synchronized with the hormonal treatment (n=8 for group A and n=5 for group B). Blood samples were collected at the moment of ovary recovery; morphometrical parameters, number of total follicles and number of follicles >or=1mm in size in the ovarian surface were recorded. Oocytes from follicles of one ovary were recovered and matured in TCM 199 supplemented with 10 ng/ml EGF, 100 ng/ml IGF-I and 10% FCS. The counterpart ovaries were fixed in paraformaldehyde solution for histological studies. Detection of cell apoptosis was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labelling (TUNEL) technique. Reproductive performance was affected by the rhythm used, with lower reproductive parameters in the intensive group. The average ovary height and width, the mean number of >or=1mm follicles and the number of total follicles were similar between groups. Serum concentrations of estradiol (E(2)) and testosterone (T) were significantly lower in group A vs. B (E(2): 232.4+/-56.1 vs. 399.7+/-53.0 pg/ml; P<0.05 and T: 1.07+/-0.10 vs. 1.68+/-0.23 ng/ml; P<0.05). No significant differences were found in follicular population or in the mean follicular apoptosis index between groups. Metaphase II rate was significantly lower in group A vs. B (48.5+/-3.3 vs. 67.6+/-3.7%; P<0.01), as well as the migration rate of cortical granules (12.7+/-2.7 vs. 38.2+/-6.6%; P<0.001). On the other hand, neither follicular population, nuclear maturation rate nor apoptosis rate were affected by the eCG treatment, but cytoplasmic maturation was higher in animals treated with eCG in group A (29.2% vs. 5.5%; P<0.01). In conclusion, rabbit does under transient litter separation during their reproductive life have both their serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations and oocyte quality influenced by the intensive rhythm, leading to a decrease in reproductive parameters. Also, both intensive and semi-intensive rhythms seem to be less receptive to eCG treatment than expected.

[Surgical sterilization: 10 years' experience]. / Esterilización quirúrgica: experiencia en 10 años.

PIP: A sample of 1003 records of surgical sterilizations was studied from among the 9400 performed between July 1972-June 1982 at a university hospital in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. 12 patients were aged 15-19, 104 were 20-24, 244 were 25-29, 291 were 30-34, 267 were 35-39, and 85 were 40-45. Not all patients met the recommended conditions of being at least 25 years old and/or having at least 3 pregnancies. 11.6% of the patients were sterilized because of psychiatric problems, multiparity, 2 previous cesarean sections or on request of the spouse. 95.5% of the women were married, 2.1% were single, 1.6% lived in free union and .8% were widowed. 14.0% were illiterate, 57.7% had incomplete primary educations, 19.3% had completed primary school, 2.5% had incomplete secondary or technical schooling, and .3% had professional studies. 27 women had had 0-2 pregnancies, 336 had 3-5, 336 had 6-8, 198 had 9-11, and 106 had 12 or more. The maximum number of pregnancies was 20 and the average was 7.1/woman. 6 women had preoperative hemoglobin levels of 6.0 g or less, 12 had 7.0 g, 44 had 8.0, 119 had 9.0 g, 756 had 10.0, and 566 had 11.0 g or higher. Transfusions were given to all women with less than the minimum level of 10.0 g. 460 of the operations were postpartum, 334 were transcesarean, and 209 were interval procedures. 696 operations were done by the Pomeroy method, 52 by modified Pomeroy, 27 by fimbriectomy, 16 by salpingectomy, and 2 by the Uchida method. Among laparoscopic methods, 82 were done by cauterization and 128 with Yoon rings. 392 postpartum and 286 transcesarean operations were performed using the Pomeroy technique, while 82 interval sterilizations were done using cauterization and 107 using Yoon rings. Epidural anesthesia was used in 457 postpartum and 325 transcesarean procedures, while general anesthesia was used in 175 interval sterilization. There were few transoperative complications. There were 2 cases of failure to achieve salpingoclasy, 4 cases of hemorrhage, 1 case of burning of the visceral wall, 1 case of anesthetic accident, and 12 cases of other complications. Among postoperative complications there were 15 cases of abdominal pain, 1 each of fever and infection, and 1 of other complication. There was 1 pregnancy among the 1003 cases. All the procedures were performed by physicians in training.^ieng