Addition of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid to Improve Methanol Production in Polyamine-Assisted CO2 Capture and Conversion Systems Using Pincer Catalysts.

Ionic liquids have been studied as CO2 capture agents. However, they are rarely used in combined CO2 capture and conversion processes. Utilizing imidazolium-based ionic liquids, the conversion of CO2 to methanol was greatly improved in polyamine assisted systems catalyzed by homogeneous pincer catalysts with Ru and Mn metal centers. Among the ionic liquids tested, [BMIM]OAc was found to perform the best under the given reaction conditions. Among the polyamine tested, pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) led to the highest conversion rates. Ru-Macho and Ru-Macho-BH were the most active catalysts. Direct air capture utilizing PEHA as the capture material was also demonstrated and produced an 86 % conversion of the captured CO2 to methanol in the presence of [BMIM]OAc.

Mejoría de la inmunidad y la esperanza de vida en ratones maduros, genéticamente deficientes en la síntesis de catecolaminas, tras convivir con controles durante dos meses / Improved immunity and mean lifespan in mature mice genetically deficient in catecholamine synthesis after living with wild type for two months

Introducción: Los ratones hemicigotos en la tirosina hidroxilasa (TH-HZ), enzima limitante en la síntesis de catecolaminas, muestran una inmunosenescencia prematura, que en hembras se asocia con menor esperanza de vida que los correspondientes controles (WT). La convivencia de los TH-HZ con WT permite, en la edad adulta, una normalización de la función inmunitaria tanto en machos como en hembras. Objetivo: Comprobar si la convivencia durante dos meses de machos maduros TH-HZ con WT produce una mejoría de la función inmunitaria de los primeros y si esto repercute en una mayor esperanza de vida media. Material y métodos: Ratones macho ICR-CD1 maduros (13 ± 1 meses) TH-HZ convivieron con WT (proporción 2:4 por jaula) dos meses. Al inicio, al mes y a los dos meses de convivencia se extrajeron los leucocitos peritoneales de los animales y se valoró la capacidad fagocítica de macrófagos, la quimiotaxis de macrófagos y linfocitos, la actividad antitumoral natural killer (NK) y la capacidad linfoproliferativa en respuesta a los mitógenos concanavalina A y lipopolisacarido. Los animales se mantuvieron en esas condiciones hasta su muerte natural. Resultados: Los TH-HZ parten, en general, con peor función inmunitaria y menor longevidad que los WT, observando una mejoría de esta tras la convivencia, alcanzándose valores similares a los controles. En la actividad NK esa mejoría se observó al mes de convivencia. Conclusión: La convivencia de los ratones macho TH-HZ con los WT durante dos meses, en la edad madura, permite mejorar la respuesta inmunitaria y la longevidad de esos animales genéticamente modificados. (AU)

Introduction: Mice hemizygous in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH-HZ), the limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis, show premature immunosenescence, which in females is associated with a shorter lifespan than the corresponding controls (WT). The coexistence of TH-Hz with WT improves the immune function in both males and females in adulthood. Objective: To test whether cohabitation for two months of mature male TH-HZ with WT improves the immune function of the former and whether this impacts the lifespan. Material and methods: Mature male ICR-CD1 mice (13 ± 1 months) TH-HZ coexisted with WT (2:4 ratio in each cage) for two months. Peritoneal leukocytes were extracted from all animals at baseline, one month, and two months after cohabitation, and macrophage phagocytic capacity, macrophage and lymphocyte chemotaxis, natural killer (NK) antitumor activity, and lymphoproliferative capacity in response to the mitogens concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were assessed. The animals were maintained under these conditions until their natural death. Results: The TH-HZ, which start, in general, with lower values than the WT in the immune functions studied, improved them after two months of cohabitation, becoming similar to those of the controls. This improvement was already observed in NK activity after one month of cohabitation. The TH-HZ presented lower mean longevity than WT, but when they cohabited with WT, it was similar to the latter. Conclusion: The coexistence of TH-HZ male mice with WT mice for two months at mature age improves these genetically modified animals’ immune response and longevity. (AU)

[Improved immunity and mean lifespan in mature mice genetically deficient in catecholamine synthesis after living with wild type for two months]. / Mejoría de la inmunidad y la esperanza de vida en ratones maduros, genéticamente deficientes en la síntesis de catecolaminas, tras convivir con controles durante dos meses.

INTRODUCTION: Mice hemizygous in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH-HZ), the limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis, show premature immunosenescence, which in females is associated with a shorter lifespan than the corresponding controls (WT). The coexistence of TH-Hz with WT improves the immune function in both males and females in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: To test whether cohabitation for two months of mature male TH-HZ with WT improves the immune function of the former and whether this impacts the lifespan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mature male ICR-CD1 mice (13 ± 1 months) TH-HZ coexisted with WT (2:4 ratio in each cage) for two months. Peritoneal leukocytes were extracted from all animals at baseline, one month, and two months after cohabitation, and macrophage phagocytic capacity, macrophage and lymphocyte chemotaxis, natural killer (NK) antitumor activity, and lymphoproliferative capacity in response to the mitogens concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were assessed. The animals were maintained under these conditions until their natural death. RESULTS: The TH-HZ, which start, in general, with lower values than the WT in the immune functions studied, improved them after two months of cohabitation, becoming similar to those of the controls. This improvement was already observed in NK activity after one month of cohabitation. The TH-HZ presented lower mean longevity than WT, but when they cohabited with WT, it was similar to the latter. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of TH-HZ male mice with WT mice for two months at mature age improves these genetically modified animals' immune response and longevity.

Absorción mineral y retención ósea en ratas normales en crecimiento por el consumo de un yogur experimental reducido en lactosa que contiene galactooligosacáridos (GOS) / Mineral absorption and bone retention in normal growing rats by consumption of an experimental lactose-reduced yogurt containing galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Introducción: Los GOS son prebióticos naturales presentes en la leche materna que pue-den obtenerse enzimáticamente a partir de la lactosa de leche de vaca durante la fabricación de yogur. El producto lácteo resultante será reducido en lactosa y contendrá prebióticos y bacterias potencialmente probióticas. Sin embargo, mantendrá la baja relación Ca/Pi que aporta la leche de vaca, lo que podría alterar el remodelamiento óseo y la mineralización. Objetivo: comparar si un yogur reducido en lactosa que contiene GOS (YE) ofrece ventajas adicionales respecto de un yogur regular sin GOS (YR) sobre las absorciones (Abs) de Ca y Pi, retención y calidad ósea durante el crecimiento normal. Al destete, ratas machos fueron divididas en 3 grupos alimentados con AIN ́93-G (C), YE o YR durante 28 días. Resultados: YE mostró el mayor aumento de lactobacilos fecales; producción de ácidos grasos de cadena corta especialmente p, profundidad de las criptas colónicas y menor pH cecal. El %AbsCa y %AbsPi aumentó en el siguiente órden: YE> YR> C (p < 0,05). El contenido de Ca y Pi en fémur, la densidad y contenido mineral óseos y los parámetros biomecánicos fueron similares en YE y C, mientras que YR mostró valores significativa-mente menores (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: YE aumentó las Abs y biodisponibilidad de minerales, alcanzando la retención y calidad ósea de C. El aumento en las Abs observado en YR no logró obtener la retención y calidad ósea de C. Conclusión: YE habría contrarrestado el efecto negativo del mayor aporte de Pi de la leche de vaca y sería una buena estrategia para lograr el pico de masa ósea y calidad del hueso adecuados, especialmente en individuos intolerantes a la lactosa. (AU)

Breast milk contains an optimal calcium/phosphate (Ca/Pi) ratio and GOS. These natural prebiotics can be enzymatically produced via cow's milk lactose inyogurt manufacture. This milk product is low in lactose and contains prebiotics and potentially probiotic bacteria but maintains a low Ca/Pi ratio that could alter bone remodeling and mineralization. We evaluated if a lactose-reduced yogurt containing GOS (YE) offers additional advantages over regular yogurt without GOS (YR) on Ca and Pi absorption (Abs), bone retention and quality during normal growth. Weaning male rats were divided into 3 groups fed AIN'93-G (C), YE or YR for 28 days. Results: YE showed the highest increase in fecal lactobacilli; short-chain fatty acids production, especially propionate and butyrate; intestine crypt depth, and the lowest cecal pH. AbsCa% and AbsPi% increased in this order: YE> YR> C (p <0.05). Ca and Pi content in femur, bone density and mineral content, and biomechanical parameters were similar in YE and C, while YR showed the significantly lowest value (p < 0.05). Conclusions: YE increased mineral Abs reaching the retention and bone quality of C. Although YR increased Abs, bone retention and quality did not achieve C values. Seemingly, YE compensated for the negative effect of the higher Pi supply and would be a good strategy to achieve adequate peak bone mass and bone quality, especially in lactose intolerant individuals. (AU)

The effect of maternal treatment with diclofenac sodium and thymoquinone on testicular parameters in rat offspring.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Diclofenac sodium (DS) can have toxic effects on various tissues and organs, as well as causing foetal and new-born malformations. Thymoquinone (TQ), the basic bioactive compound of black seed oil, is an antioxidant and antineoplastic substance. The aim of our study was to explore the effects of DS and TQ exposure during gestation on offspring rat testicular histology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mother pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control, saline, DS, TQ and DS plus TQ (DS+TQ) four animals for each group. They were then treated as follows between day of 5 and 15 of gestation: the control group received no treatment. The saline group received physiological saline (1mg/kg/d) via the intraperitoneal (IP) route; the DS group received an intramuscular (IM) injection of DS (6.1mg/kg/d); the TQ group received TQ (5mg/kg/d) dissolved in drinking water; and the DS+TQ group received DS (6.1mg/kg/d) and TQ (5mg/kg/d) dissolved in water. After birth, the male rats were fed for four weeks, and at the end of this period offspring were sacrificed. Stereological methods, physical disector and Cavalieri principle were used for particle counting and volume estimation respectively. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant decrease in the total number of Sertoli and Leydig cells in 4-week-old rats in the DS group (p<0.05), and TQ not have provide protection against this adverse effect of DS. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, DS at a dose of 6.1mg/kg, equivalent to a dose of 1mg/kg in humans, decreased the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells, and TQ did not have a protective effect against the adverse effect of DS during the gestation period. These results show that new dose depend studies on TQ and DS interaction are requested to see protective effect of TQ.

Severe mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia due to single injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate in two male cats / Hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária felina secundária à aplicação única de acetato de medroxiprogesterona em dois felinos machos

ABSTRACT: Thirty and forty days after a 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, respectively, two mixed-breed, 7 and 8-month-old entire male cats presented diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal mammary glands, with ulceration, abscessation and necrosis. One patient was treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone, antibiotic therapy, analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound; however a worse enlargement of mammary glands, necrosis and clinical condition was noted two days after antiprogestin injection. The second patient was submitted to surgical procedure without previous medical treatment. A partial bilateral mastectomy and conventional orchiectomy were performed, and both patients presented no clinical abnormalities 10 days after surgical treatment. In the male cat, the interruption of progesterone associated mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia cannot be based in gonadectomy, being antiprogestin treatment the primary approach. Mastectomy can be a treatment option in selected cases, such as the two cases presented here, in case of antiprogestin treatment failure or in case of extensive ulceration, necrosis and risk of sepsis.

RESUMO: Trinta e quarenta dias após aplicação de acetato de medroxiprogesterona, dois gatos SRD machos não castrados, de sete e oito meses respectivamente, apresentaram aumento difuso de volume em glândulas mamárias torácicas e abdominais, com ulceração, abscedação e necrose. Um paciente foi tratado com 10 mg/kg de aglepristone, terapia antimicrobiana, analgésicos e anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal. Entretanto, apresentou piora dos sinais clínicos, da abscedação e necrose dois dias após a aplicação. O outro paciente foi submetido a procedimento cirúrgico sem tratamento clínico prévio. Mastectomia parcial bilateral e orquiectomia convencional foram realizadas e, ambos os pacientes se apresentaram sem alterações clínicas e receberam alta após 10 dias do procedimento cirúrgico. No felino macho, a interrupção da ação da progesterona associada à ocorrência de hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária, não pode ser obtida por meio de gonadectomia, portanto, o tratamento de eleição deve ser realizado com utilização de antiprogestágeno. Em alguns casos, mastectomia parcial ou total é recomendada quando o tratamento clínico com antiprogestágeno falha ou, em casos de sepse, ulceração extensa e necrose, como nos pacientes deste relato.

Pandemic and macho organizations: Wake-up call or business as usual?

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges of our generation. The global spread of the virus is affecting societies' gender dynamics in general and in organizations in particular. Based on ethnographic research being carried out in a police organization in Brazil, this piece discusses how COVID-19 is impacting hegemonic masculinity in organizations. Police organizations are prototypical hegemonic masculinity organizations. I argue that the COVID-19 pandemic at first encouraged the performance of the typical police macho masculinity, but as the disease progressed, it created a situation that challenged it. I explore that even though the pandemic threatens macho masculinity in organizations, it is still unclear if an alternative gender dynamic will emerge from this crisis in macho organizations.

Influence of the terminal left domain on horizontal and vertical transmissions of tomato planta macho viroid and potato spindle tuber viroid through pollen.

Viroids can be transmitted vertically and/or horizontally by pollen. Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd) has a high rate of horizontal transmission by pollen, whereas potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) does not. To specify the domain(s) involved in horizontal transmission, four viroid chimeras were created by exchanging the terminal left (TL) and/or pathogenicity (P) domains between PSTVd and TPMVd. PSTVd-based chimeras containing TPMVd-TL and P, or TPMVd-TL alone, displayed a high rate of horizontal transmission. TPMVd-based chimeras containing PSTVd-TL and P lost infectivity, and those containing PSTVd-TL alone displayed a low rate of horizontal transmission. In addition, the vertical transmission rate was also higher in the mutants containing TPMVd-TL than in the others. These findings indicate that the sequences or structures in the TL and P (although the role is limited) domains are important not only for horizontal but also for vertical transmission by pollen.

Monuments to Cajal in Madrid, Spain: Rejection of public tributes.

During Santiago Ramón y Cajal's lifetime, two monuments to him were erected in Madrid. However, Cajal excused himself from attending their inaugurations for reasons that have so far remained unexplained. The present report has therefore investigated the political context and personal circumstances that might account for his behavior. The first monument is a fountain in El Retiro Park, the work of sculptor Victorio Macho, inaugurated in 1926 during a major confrontation between progressive intellectuals and physicians against the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera. An official press release warned of a prison sentence for those who attempted a second (illegal) inauguration. The second monument appeared in 1931, barely a month after the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic. This full-body statue, standing>3m (around 10ft) high on a narrow pedestal, was financed by medical students and sculpted by Lorenzo Domínguez, a Chilean medical student. Its unlikely height and thinness earned it the nickname 'The Pencil'. At present, it flanks the entrance to Cajal's old classroom at the Madrid College of Physicians. Closer inspection reveals fractures as evidence of its having been broken into pieces at some point, presumably during bombings that took place in 1936. The calcareous Novelda stone used in its construction and its exposure to the elements may also partly explain its deterioration. A few metres away, a second sculpture, apparently a replica of the original, was inaugurated in 1998. Cajal's excuses for not attending the inaugurations of both his monuments may have different explanations. Regarding the fountain, it was probably a gesture of solidarity against those (many of whom were doctors) opposing the dictatorship whereas, when The Pencil was inaugurated, Cajal was 79 years old, and his physical limitations might have accounted for his inability to attend the ceremony. Thus, given the different political context in which each inauguration took place, Cajal's attitude was presumably in line with his politics, but also the result of his age-related infirmities.

Vertical and Horizontal Transmission of Pospiviroids.

Viroids are highly structured, single-stranded, non-protein-coding circular RNA pathogens. Some viroids are vertically transmitted through both viroid-infected ovule and pollen. For example, potato spindle tuber viroid, a species that belongs to Pospiviroidae family, is delivered to the embryo through the ovule or pollen during the development of reproductive tissues before embryogenesis. In addition, some of Pospiviroidae are also horizontally transmitted by pollen. Tomato planta macho viroid in pollen infects to the ovary from pollen tube during pollen tube elongation and eventually causes systemic infection, resulting in the establishment of horizontal transmission. Furthermore, fertilization is not required to accomplish the horizontal transmission. In this review, we will overview the recent research progress in vertical and horizontal transmission of viroids, mainly by focusing on histopathological studies, and also discuss the impact of seed transmission on viroid dissemination and seed health.

Histology of the testis and the epididymal ducts from hoary fox Lycalopex vetulus (Lund, 1842) / Histologia dos testículos e ductos epididimários da raposa-do-campo Lycalopex vetulus (Lund, 1842)

The hoary fox Lycalopex vetulus (Lund, 1842) is a small canid, endemic to Brazil, belonging to the Canidae family, widely distributed in the country, occurring records in different regions and habitats. The objective of this study is to describe morphologically the testicles and epididymal ducts of hoary fox. The animals, coming from the zoo of Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil, had died by natural causes. The male reproductive system was dissected to collect the testicles. The samples were fragmented and histologically examined. Microscopically, the testes were coated by the vaginal and albuginea tunic, formed by modeled dense connective tissue with large amount of collagen fibers. Into the organ, convoluted seminiferous tubules were surrounded by a basement membrane characterized by the presence of myoid and Sertoli cells and germinative epithelium composed by Between the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue composed of connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels and Leydig cells in polyhedral shape was present. The epididymal ducts showed pseudostratified columnar epithelium with secretory cells, in which stereocilia located on a basement membrane filled by myoid cells were found. The structures observed by us are very similar to those described for other mammals.(AU)

A raposa-do-campo Lycalopex vetulus (Lund, 1842) é um canídeo de pequeno porte, endêmico do Brasil, pertencente a família Canidae, com ampla distribuição no país, ocorrendo registros em várias regiões e habitats diferentes. Com base nessa informação, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar morfologicamente os testículos e ductos epididimários da raposa-do-campo. O animal, oriundo do zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brasil, veio a óbito por causas naturais e o sistema reprodutor masculino foi dissecado para coleta dos testículos. As amostras retiradas foram fragmentadas e histológicamente examinadas. A partir das análises microscópicas dos testículos foram identificados: a túnica vaginal e albugínea, formada por tecido conjuntivo denso modelado, com grande quantidade de fibras colágenas; túbulos seminíferos enovelados e revestidos por epitélio germinativo e células de Sertoli, envolvidos por uma membrana basal com presença de células mioides; tecido intersticial entre os túbulos seminíferos constituído de tecido conjuntivo, vasos sanguíneos e linfáticos, e células de Leydig em formato poliédrico. Os ductos epididimários apresentaram epitélio cilíndrico pseudoestratificado com células secretoras dos quais projetam estereocílios, situados sobre uma membrana basal repleta por células mióides. As estruturas por nós observadas possuem muita semelhança com as demais descrições para mamíferos.(AU)

Pospiviroid Infection of Tomato Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Flower and Fruit Development.

Viroids are unencapsidated, single-stranded, covalently-closed circular, highly structured, noncoding RNAs of 239⁻401 nucleotides that cause disease in several economically important crop plants. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Rutgers), symptoms of pospiviroid infection include stunting, reduced vigor, flower abortion, and reduced size and number of fruits, resulting in significant crop losses. Dramatic alterations in plant development triggered by viroid infection are the result of differential gene expression; in our study, we focused on the effect of tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd) and Mexican papita viroid (MPVd) infection on gene networks associated with the regulation of flower and fruit development. The expression of several of the genes were previously reported to be affected by viroid infection, but two genes not previously studied were included. Changes in gene expression of SlBIGPETAL1 (bHLH transcription factor) and SlOVA6 (proline-like tRNA synthetase) are involved in petal morphology and fertility, respectively. Expression of SlOVA6 was down-regulated in flowers of TPMVd- and MPVd-infected plants, while expression of SlBIGPETAL1 was up-regulated in flowers. Up-regulation of SlBIGPETAL1 and down-regulation of SlOVA6 were positively correlated with symptoms such as reduced petal size and flower abortion. Expression analysis of additional tomato genes and a prediction of a global network association of genes involved in flower and fruit development and impacted by viroid infection may further elucidate the pathways underlying viroid pathogenicity.

Methotrexate changes the testicular tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression and seminal vesicle epithelia of adult rats / El metotrexato cambia la expresión de la proteína testicular-tirosina fosforilada y el epitelio vesicular seminal en ratas adultas

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant but its adverse effect on male reproductive system is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MTX on structure and functional proteins of testis and seminal vesicle. Adult male rats were divided into control and MTX groups (n =12). In 30 experimental days, the treated animals were injected with MTX (tail i.v., 75 mg/KgBW) at days 8 and 15. Then, the reproductive parameters and histology of both groups were examined. Thickness of seminal seminal vesicle epithelia was analyzed. Also, the expressions of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein were investigated. The results showed that MTX could significantly decrease epididymal sperm concentration. In addition, the germ cell degeneration, increased spaces of interstitial tissues, and low epididymal sperm mass density were observed in MTX group. The thickness of seminal vesicle epithelia in MTX group was significantly lower than that of control group. Moreover, the intensity of testicular phosphorylated proteins of 31, 32, 72, and 85 kDas was significantly increased while of 42 and 47 kDas in MTX group was decreased as compared to control. The expression of testicular StAR protein in MTX group was also significantly decreased as compared to the control. In conclusion, MTX affects testicular and seminal tissues and changes testicular functional proteins in adult rats.

El metotrexato (MTX) se usa comúnmente como agente de quimioterapia y supresor del sistema inmunitario, pero su efecto adverso en el sistema reproductor masculino sigue siendo limitado. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del MTX sobre la estructura y las proteínas funcionales del testículo y la vesícula seminal. Ratas macho adultas se dividieron en grupos control y grupo con MTX (n = 12). En 30 días experimentales, a los animales tratados se les inyectó MTX (cola i.v., 75 mg / KgBW) los días 8 y 15. Luego, se examinaron los parámetros reproductivos y la histología de ambos grupos. Se analizó el espesor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal. Además, se investigaron las expresiones de la proteína tirosina testicular fosforilada y de la proteína reguladora aguda esteroidogénica (StAR). Los resultados mostraron que el MTX podría disminuir significativamente la concentración de espermatozoides epididimarios. Además, se observó la degeneración de las células germinales, el aumento de los espacios de los tejidos intersticiales y la baja densidad de masa del espermatozoide epididimal en el grupo de MTX. El grosor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal en el grupo MTX fue significativamente menor que el del grupo control. Además, la intensidad de las proteínas testiculares fosforiladas de 31, 32, 72 y 85 kDas aumentó significativamente, mientras que la de 42 y 47 kDas en el grupo MTX disminuyó en comparación con el control. La expresión de la proteína StAR testicular en el grupo MTX también se redujo significativamente en comparación con el control. En conclusión, el MTX afecta los tejidos testiculares y seminales y cambia las proteínas funcionales testiculares en ratas adultas.

Relationship of serum testosterone, sperm production, and testis traits with fertility of Mangalarga Marchador stallions / Relación entre testosterona sérica, producción espermática y características testiculares con la fertilidad en sementales Mangalarga Marchador / Relação entre testosterona sérica, produção espermática e características testiculares com fertilidade em garanhões Mangalarga Marchador

Abstract Background: Assessing breeding soundness is important to predict the potential fertility of stallions. Objective: To investigate the association of testis traits, total number of spermatozoa, and testosterone with fertility of Mangalarga Marchador breed stallions. Methods: The traits measured were testicular length, width and height, right and left testicular volume and total testicular volume. We also evaluated the total number of spermatozoa (TNS), serum testosterone concentration and fertility of stallions (by embryo recovery from donor mares) in the breeding and non-breeding seasons during 1 year. Analysis of variance was performed to verify the effects of age category (AC; young/adult) and reproductive season on the traits. Correlations and repeatability of the traits were also calculated. Results: The AC did not influence testis traits (p>0.05). Reproduction season affected left testicular length, left testicular height, right testicular width and height (p<0.05). The AC and season affected testis volume (p<0.05). There were no effects of AC and season on TNS and testosterone (p>0.05). We observed strong correlations between all testicular measurements and testicular volume (0.53 to 0.75), medium correlation between TNS and testis volume (0.32), and low correlation between testosterone and testis traits (0.20). Repeatability of the characteristics of left and right testis was medium to high (0.22 to 0.78). Embryo recovery rate was 60% and its correlation with TNS was 0.44. Conclusion: Testis size evaluation is recommended over the evaluation of serum testosterone concentration to predict sperm output. Sperm output (TNS) is a good predictor of stallion fertility.

Resumen Antecedentes: Es importante realizar examen andrológico de sementales para predecir su potencial reproductivo. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre características testiculares, número total de espermatozoides y testosterona con la fertilidad de sementales de raza Mangalarga Marchador. Métodos: Las características medidas fueron: longitud testicular, ancho y altura del testículo. También fue calculado el volumen testicular derecho, izquierdo y total, así como el número total de espermatozoides (TNS), concentración sérica de testosterona y fertilidad (por recuperación embrionaria de las yeguas) de los sementales dentro y fuera de la temporada reproductiva durante un año. Se realizó análisis de varianza para evaluar el efecto de categoría de edad (AC) y estación reproductiva sobre las características. Resultados: La AC no influenció las características testiculares (p>0,05). La estación reproductiva influenció la longitud del testículo izquierdo, la altura del testículo izquierdo, y el ancho y altura del testículo derecho (p<0,05). La AC y la estación reproductiva influenciaron el volumen testicular (p<0,05). No hubo efecto de AC y estación reproductiva en el TNS y testosterona (p>0,05). Se observó una alta correlación entre todas las características testiculares y el volumen testicular (0,53 a 0,75), mediana correlación entre TNS y el volumen testicular (0,32), y una baja correlación entre las medidas testiculares y la testosterona (0,20). La repetitividad de las medidas testiculares fue media a alta (0,22 a 0,78). La tasa de recuperación embrionaria fue de 60% y la correlación con TNS fue 0,44. Conclusión: Para predecir la producción espermática se recomienda evaluar las características testiculares, sin necesidad de medir testosterona. La producción espermática es un buen predictor de la fertilidad de los sementales.

Resumo Antecedentes: Realizar o exame andrológico no garanhão, é importante para predizer seu potencial reprodutivo. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação das características testiculares, número total de espermatozoides, testosterona e fertilidade de garanhões Mangalarga Marchador. Métodos: As características mensuradas foram: comprimento do testículo, largura do testículo e altura do testículo. Também foi calculado o volume testicular, direito, esquerdo e total, assim como calculado o número total de espermatozoides (TNS), concentração sérica de testosterona e fertilidade dos garanhões (pela recuperação embrionária das éguas doadoras) durante e fora da estação reprodutiva durante um ano. Foi feita análise de variância para verificar efeito da categoria de idade (AC) e estação reprodutiva sobre as características. Resultados: A AC não influenciou nas características testiculares (p>0,05). Estação reprodutiva influenciou no comprimento testicular esquerdo, altura testicular esquerda, largura e altura testicular direita (p<0,05).A AC e estação reprodutiva influenciaram no volume testicular (p<0,05). Não houve efeito da AC e estação reprodutiva no TNS e testosterona (p>0,05). Foi observado alta correlação entre todas características testiculares e volume testicular (0,53 a 0,75), media correlação entre TNS e volume testicular (0,32), e baixa correlação entre medidas testiculares e testosterona (0,20). A repetitividade das medidas testiculares foi meia a altas (0,22-0,78). A taxa de recuperação embrionária foi 60% e a correlação com TNS foi de 0,44. Conclusão: É recomendada a avaliação das características testiculares para predizer a produção espermática sem necessidade de mensurar testosterona. A produção espermática é um bom preditor da fertilidade dos garanhões.

Ascidian Zic Genes.

Ascidians are tunicates, which constitute the sister group of vertebrates. The ascidian genome contains two Zic genes, called Zic-r.a (also called Macho-1) and Zic-r.b (ZicL). The latter is a multi-copy gene, and the precise copy number has not yet been determined. Zic-r.a is maternally expressed, and soon after fertilization Zic-r.a mRNA is localized in the posterior pole of the zygote. Zic-r.a protein is translated there and is involved in specification of posterior fate; in particular it is important for specification of muscle fate. Zic-r.a is also expressed zygotically in neural cells of the tailbud stage. On the other hand, Zic-r.b is first expressed in marginal cells of the vegetal hemisphere of 32-cell embryos and then in neural cells that contribute to the central nervous system during gastrulation. Zic-r.b is required first for specification of mesodermal tissues and then for specification of the central nervous system. Their upstream and downstream genetic pathways have been studied extensively by functional assays, which include gene knockdown and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Thus, ascidian Zic genes play central roles in specification of mesodermal and neural fates.

Effects of transgenic soybean and organic soybean on rat penis morphology during the aging process / Efectos de los frijoles de soja transgénica y de soja orgánica en la morfología del pene de rata durante el proceso de envejecimiento

The contents of soybean can modify the structure of the reproductive system, especially, when consumed for prolonged periods. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the consumption of transgenic soybean on rat penis morphology after prolonged use. Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups according to diet: Transgenic Soybean (TS) group, Organic Soybean (OS) group and Control (C) group. After 455 days of intake, the rats were sacrificed and the penises were excised and fixed in formalin for subsequent histological processing. The samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin stain, and picrosirius red with polarization. The images were scanned for the histomorphometric analyses of the corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, erectile tissue, and tunica albuginea as well as the measurement of the thickness of the tunica albuginea. The diameter and areas of the penile arteries with the intima and media tunica were also measured. The elastic fibers of the tunica albuginea, corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum were quantified using stereological methods. No significant differences were observed in the collagen and elastic components among the groups. We concluded that no statistically significant differences were found among the groups, demonstrating that the prolonged consumption of OS and TS does not affect the penile structure.

El contenido de frijoles de soja puede modificar la estructura del sistema reproductivo, especialmente, cuando se consume durante períodos prolongados. En este estudio, se evaluaron los efectos del consumo de frijoles de soja transgénica en la morfología del pene de rata después de un uso prolongado. Las ratas Wistar (n = 30) se dividieron en tres grupos según la dieta: grupo de frijoles de soja transgénica (TS), grupo de frijoles de soja orgánica (OS) y grupo control (C). Después de 455 días de ingesta, se sacrificaron las ratas y se extirparon los penes y se fijaron en formalina para posterior procesamiento histológico. Las muestras se tiñeron con hematoxilina y eosina, tinción de resorcina-fucsina de Weigert y rojo de picrosirius con polarización. Las imágenes fueron escaneadas para análisis histomorfométrico de los cuerpos cavernosos, cuerpo esponjoso, tejido eréctil y túnica albugínea, así como para la medición del espesor de la túnica albugínea. También se midieron el diámetro y las áreas de las arterias penianas con las túnicas íntima y media. Se cuantificaron las fibras elásticas de la túnica albugínea, cuerpos cavernosos y cuerpos esponjosos utilizando métodos estereológicos. No se observaron diferencias significativas en los componentes colágenos y elásticos entre los grupos. Se concluyó que no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos, lo que demuestra que el consumo prolongado de OS y TS no afecta a la estructura del pene.

Tecnologias integradas para controle biológico, mecânico e genético de Aedes aegypti / Integrated technologies for biological, mechanical and genetic control of Aedes aegypti

Duas tecnologias alternativas para o controle de Aedes aegypti foram avaliadas: a aplicação espacial de larvicida biológico-Bti em potenciais criadouros peridomiciliares, e a liberação de machos estéreis para inviabilização reprodutiva das fêmeas do mosquito. As ações foram realizadas pelos Agentes dos Serviços de Saúde em 15 vilas da Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, e em uma área (900 imóveis) no bairro da Várzea/Recife/Pernambuco. A efetividade dos métodos foi avaliada por indicadores entomológicos,estimados pela presença, quantidade e viabilidade de ovos do mosquito, coletados em armadilhas, e por marcadores genéticos. A aplicação de Bti, com atomizador costal, ocorreu a cada 30 dias em ambas as áreas. Uma redução importante e sustentável da população de A. aegypti,por este método, foi alcançada em 2015/2016 na Várzea e, em 2016, na Ilha, onde a remoção de 18 toneladas de resíduos sólidos em 2015 contribuiu possivelmente para os resultados. Machos esterilizados com radiação gama foram produzidos em massa no laboratório e liberados em uma das vilas da Ilha. A análise espaço-temporal dos indicadores, de dez/2015a ago/2016, revelou redução expressiva da densidade populacional do mosquito e da diversidade genética da população local. Ambas as abordagens parecem ter reduzido o contato homem-vetor e os riscos de transmissão de arboviroses na Ilha, apesar da elevada competência vetorial da população local do mosquito para os vírus Zika e Dengue. Os métodos testados se mostraram eficientes e passíveis de serem integradas às ações do SUS voltadas ao controle de A. aegypti.

Two alternative technologies were evaluated for Aedes aegypti control:the spraying of a biological larvicide (Bti) in potential peridomiciliarybreeding sites and the release of sterile males to promote reproductionblockage in wild females. Actions were carried out by Agents of theHealth Services, in 15 villages of the Fernando de Noronha Island and in 900 properties from the district of Várzea, Recife-PE. The effectiveness of both methods was evaluated by entomological indicators, estimatedby the presence, quantity and viability of eggs from the mosquito collectedin traps and through genetic markers. Bti was delivered by backpacksprayer every 30 days in both areas. A significant and sustainablereduction of the A. aegypti population as a result of this technique wasachieved in 2015/2016 in Várzea and in 2016 in the Island, where it wasstrengthened by the removal of 18 tons of solid waste in 2015. Malessterilized with gamma radiation were mass-produced in the laboratoryand released in one village of the Island. The spatiotemporal analysis ofthe indicators, from Dec/2015 to Aug/2016, revealed a significant reductionin mosquito density, which impacted on the genetic diversity of thelocal population. Both approaches seem to have reduced human-vectorcontact and the risk of arbovirus transmission in the Island, althoughlocal mosquito population presented high vector competence to Zikaand Dengue virus. These methods were efficient and could be integratedinto SUS actions directed to A. aegypti control.

[Premature immunosenescence in catecholamines syntesis deficient mice. Effect of social environment]. / Inmunosenescencia prematura en ratones con una deficiencia en la síntesis de catecolaminas. Efecto del ambiente social.

INTRODUCTION: Healthy state depends on the appropriate function of the homeostatic systems (nervous, endocrine and immune systems) and the correct communication between them. The functional and redox state of the immune system is an excellent marker of health, and animals with premature immunosenescence show a shorter lifespan. Since catecholamines modulate the function of immune cells, the alteration in their synthesis could provoke immunosenescence. The social environment could be a strategy for modulating this immunosenescence. AIM: To determine if an haploinsufficiency of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the limiting enzyme of synthesis of catecholamines, may produce a premature immunosenescence and if this immunosenescence could be modulated by the social environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult (9±1 months) male ICR-CD1 mice with deletion of a single allele (hemi-zygotic: HZ) of the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme (TH-HZ) and wild-type (WT) mice were used. Animals were housed in four subgroups: WT>50% (in the cage, the proportion of WT mice was higher than 50% in relation to TH-HZ), WT<50%, TH-HZ<50% and TH-HZ>50%. Peritoneal leukocytes were collected and phagocytosis, chemotaxis and proliferation of lymphocytes in the presence of lipopolysaccharide were analyzed. Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio were studied. RESULTS: TH-HZ>50% mice showed a deteriorated function and redox state in leukocytes respect to WT>50% and similar to old mice. However, TH-HZ<50% animals had similar values to those found in WT<50% mice. CONCLUSION: The haploinsufficiency of TH generates premature immunosenescence, which appears to be compensated by living together with an appropriate number of WT animals.

A single base pair in the right terminal domain of tomato planta macho viroid is a virulence determinant factor on tomato.

Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd), including isolates previously designated as Mexican papita viroid (MPVd), causes serious disease on tomatoes in North America. Two predominant variants, sharing 93.8% sequence identity, incited distinct severe (MPVd-S) or mild (MPVd-M) symptoms on tomato. To identify virulence determinant factor, a series of chimeric infectious clones were generated using synthetic DNA approach to progressively replace each structural domain between the two variants. In bioassays on tomato 'Rutgers', three chimeras containing Terminal Left and Pathogenicity (MPVd-H1), Central (MPVd-H2), or Variable (MPVd-H3) of MPVd-S, incited mild to intermediate symptoms. However, a chimera containing Terminal Right (TR) of MPVd-S (MPVd-H4) incited severe symptoms. Only one base-pair mutation in the TR domain between MPVd-M (176U:A185) and MPVd-S (174G:C183) was identified. A reciprocal mutant (MPVd-H5) rendered the chimeric viroid mild on tomato. This single base-pair in the TR domain was determined as the virulence determinant factor for TPMVd.

Germinative cells and spermatogenesis of the lizard Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae) from a urban area in the cerrado biome of the brazilian midwest / Células germinativas e espermatogênese do lagarto Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae) de uma área urbana no bioma cerrado do centro-oeste brasileiro

Tropidurus comprises a Neotropical genus of lizard that currently has about 30 species widely distributed in the South American. Among these species, Tropidurus torquatus, which has the characteristic of great physiological plasticity, occupying a variety of habitats in open areas and urbanized environments. Considering this, the aim of the study was to investigate the germinative cells and spermatogenesis of a population of T. torquatus in an urban area under Cerrado Biome influences to understand how to establish the temporal development of germinative cells and spermatogenesis during a period of one year. Individuals were obtained in the Zoological Collection of Vertebrates at the Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), and the germinative cells and full spermatogenesis were described with light microscopy. Tropidurus torquatus presented germ cells with similar characteristics already documented for the other species of lizards and reptiles. Spermatogonia type A and B, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids were present in almost all months evaluated. The gonadosomatic ratio presented its highest value in October, moment in which spermatogenesis presented all the germinative cells and spermatozoa in the lumen, of the seminiferous tubules. In the seasonal climate of the Cerrado Biome, we observe discontinuous spermatogenesis in T. torquatus with the production of spermatozoa in almost every month of the year, however with sperm storage in the epididymis during the phase of testicular regression.

O gênero de lagartos neotropicais Tropidurus tem cerca de 30 espécies amplamente distribuídas no continente sul-americano. Entre essas espécies, Tropidurus torquatus é a que apresenta grande plasticidade fisiológica, ocupando uma variedade de hábitats em áreas abertas e ambientes urbanizados. Considerando isso, o objetivo do estudo foi investigar as células germinativas e a espermatogênese de uma população de T. torquatus em uma área urbana sob a influência do Bioma Cerrado para entender como é estabelecido o desenvolvimento temporal das células germinativas e a espermatogênese durante o período de um ano. Indivíduos foram obtidos na Coleção Zoológica de Vertebrados da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT). A caracterização das células germinativas e da espermatogênese foi realizada através de microscopia de luz. Tropidurus torquatus apresentou células germinativas com características similares às já documentadas para outras espécies de lagartos e répteis. Espermatogônias do tipo A e B, espermatócitos primários e secundários e espermátides estiveram presentes praticamente em todos os meses. A razão gonadossomática apresentou seu valor máximo em outubro, momento em que a espermatogênese apresentou todas as células germinativas e espermatozoides no lúmen do túbulo seminífero. No clima sazonal do Bioma Cerrado observamos espermatogênese descontínua em T. torquatus com a produção de espermatozoides em quase todos os meses do ano, porém com estocagem nos epidídimos durante a fase de regressão testicular.