A Low-fidelity Simulator for the Development of Vascular Ligation Skills.

Training simulators can facilitate the acquisition and development of basic surgical skills, and they constitute a safe and humane method that does not harm animals in the process. The objective of this work was to create and evaluate a low-cost simulator to help undergraduate students of veterinary medicine acquire and practise vascular ligation skills. A training model was made by using easily accessible and inexpensive materials. Fifteen students, without prior surgical experience, each performed the orchiectomy technique on the simulator seven times. The emphasis was on performing vascular ligatures in both testicles of the simulator (n = 14), in two different scenarios: firstly, with the contents of the blood vessels not under pressure; and secondly, with the syringe plunger depressed by 1 ml to pressurise the blood vessels. The outcomes of the procedure in the simulator were based on three qualitative criteria: Correct (no 'bleeding'), Sufficient (light 'bleeding') and Incorrect (heavy 'bleeding'). After the seventh attempt, all participants were able to perform vascular ligatures with at least a score of Sufficient in both scenarios. By the 10th ligature attempt, they were all able to perform the procedure with a score of Correct (p < 0.05). There was a trend toward a decrease in the time taken to carry out the procedure as learning progress was made during training, with this being significant from the 12th attempt (p < 0.05). The use of this low-cost simulator represents a useful didactic tool, which supports the acquisition and practise of manual skills by using methods that do not involve the use of animals. In addition, this training simulator could be useful in distance learning, in view of the ready accessibility of the materials required for its construction.

Exhaustion of mitochondrial and autophagic reserve may contribute to the development of LRRK2 G2019S -Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial and autophagic dysfunction has been described as etiologic factors in different experimental models of PD. We aimed to study the role of mitochondria and autophagy in LRRK2 G2019S -mutation, and its relationship with the presence of PD-symptoms. METHODS: Fibroblasts from six non-manifesting LRRK2 G2019S -carriers (NM-LRRK2 G2019S ) and seven patients with LRRK2 G2019S -associated PD (PD-LRRK2 G2019S ) were compared to eight healthy controls (C). An exhaustive assessment of mitochondrial performance and autophagy was performed after 24-h exposure to standard (glucose) or mitochondrial-challenging environment (galactose), where mitochondrial and autophagy impairment may be heightened. RESULTS: A similar mitochondrial phenotype of NM-LRRK2 G2019S and controls, except for an early mitochondrial depolarization (54.14% increased, p = 0.04), was shown in glucose. In response to galactose, mitochondrial dynamics of NM-LRRK2 G2019S improved (- 17.54% circularity, p = 0.002 and + 42.53% form factor, p = 0.051), probably to maintain ATP levels over controls. A compromised bioenergetic function was suggested in PD-LRRK2 G2019S when compared to controls in glucose media. An inefficient response to galactose and worsened mitochondrial dynamics (- 37.7% mitochondrial elongation, p = 0.053) was shown, leading to increased oxidative stress. Autophagy initiation (SQTSM/P62) was upregulated in NM-LRRK2 G2019S when compared to controls (glucose + 118.4%, p = 0.014; galactose + 114.44%, p = 0.009,) and autophagosome formation increased in glucose media. Despite of elevated SQSTM1/P62 levels of PD-NM G2019S when compared to controls (glucose + 226.14%, p = 0.04; galactose + 78.5%, p = 0.02), autophagosome formation was deficient in PD-LRRK2 G2019S when compared to NM-LRRK2 G2019S (- 71.26%, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced mitochondrial performance of NM-LRRK2 G2019S in mitochondrial-challenging conditions and upregulation of autophagy suggests that an exhaustion of mitochondrial bioenergetic and autophagic reserve, may contribute to the development of PD in LRRK2 G2019S mutation carriers.

Novel Waddlia Intracellular Bacterium in Artibeus intermedius Fruit Bats, Mexico.

An intracellular bacterium was isolated from fruit bats (Artibeus intermedius) in Cocoyoc, Mexico. The bacterium caused severe lesions in the lungs and spleens of bats and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in cell cultures. Sequence analyses showed it is related to Waddlia spp. (order Chlamydiales). We propose to call this bacterium Waddlia cocoyoc.

Viability of in vitro preserved sperm of Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus).

Harris hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) are the raptors with more anthropogenic use, which makes it necessary to improve their reproduction either natural or assisted for sustainable use even though they are not endangered. The aim of this study was to determine fresh and thawed P. unicinctus sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction parameters as indicators of sperm viability in ejaculates of birds with injuries. A total of 30 ejaculates were analyzed as fresh and thawed samples. Basic sperm evaluations as well as in vitro acrosomal reaction capability through the presence and distribution of Ca2+ and N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid using chlortetracycline and agglutinin-fluorescein isothiocyanate Triticum vulgaris were performed, respectively. Tagged samples were observed using epifluorescence microscopy. The results indicated 30.00% decrease in sperm viability following freeze-thaw, while rate of capacitated sperms (10.00%) and the percentage of sperm with acrosomal reaction (40.00%) were increased. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the post-thaw viability of the obtained sperm may be an alternative for use in artificial insemination.

Harris's hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) hematological parameters in different tropical locations.

This work described and compared the hematological findings of 25 clinically healthy Harris's hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) in captivity at two different tropical locations: 16 samples from Aguascalientes, which altitude is 1878 mean sea level, and nine samples from Amecameca which altitude is 2650 mean sea level. Blood samples were collected from the brachial vein of each raptor under physical restraint. Significant differences between the two locations were found in some parameters including total, erythrocytes, heterophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. When the results were compared to the reference values, the population of Amecameca showed decreased values of hematocrit (32.21 ± 13.72%), hemoglobin (107.40 ± 45.60 g L-1) and erythrocytes (1.98 ± 0.63 ×1012 per µL). This work contributed to the knowledge of variations in blood parameters of clinically healthy captive Harris`s hawks at different tropical locations and sex. The information will enable clinicians to provide appropriate veterinary diagnostics and care to ensure the health and welfare of raptors kept in captivity.

Testicular development induced by GnRH-IS in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Nowadays, the third part of parrots in the world is endangered or vulnerable; an alternative for their preservation is assisted reproduction in captivity through hormonal manipulation. In birds, GnRH is the main hormone which controls reproductive physiology, it is known there are three types: GnRH-I, GnRH-II and GnRH-III, involved in the release or inhibition of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulant hormone to control gonadal and gametic development. The objective of this study was, to evaluate the effect of administrating synthetic GnRH-I in the testicular development of Melopsittacus undulatus. Twenty-eight adult budgerigars were randomly divided in two groups: control (n=14) and treated (n=14) with a unique dose of synthetic GnRH-I. Testicular development was assessed through ultrasonography and density was evaluated with pixels. Germinal diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium were determined with histology; there were identified and countified different cellular strains in seminiferous tubules therefore spermatobioscopy. Results. Ecographic density was: control group: 76 ± 7 pixels, treated group 41 ± 3 pixels. Thickness of germinal epitellium, 51.5 ± 2.9µm and 73.1 ± 3.1µm, for control group and treated group respectively. Sperm concentration in the treated group was 300% superior than in control group. It is concluded that the administration of synthetic GnRH-I, is a viable alternative to be used as part of the assisted reproductive techniques to induce reproduction.

Phytoestrogen treatment induces testis alterations in dogs. Potential use in population control.

Dog overpopulation is considered a human health risk; they are the terrestrial vector of rabies and reservoirs for other human diseases. Surgical neutering and intratesticular injections have been used in male dogs. Physiological and morphological alterations in reproductive organs can be induced by phytoestrogens. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of oral coumestrol on dog ejaculates and testis histology. Two groups of 5 healthy adult dogs were used. One coumestrolcontaining biscuit was given once a week for a 4 week period to the experimental group. Ejaculates were obtained and evaluated. After treatment, testis were obtained and processed for histology. Compared to controls, treated dogs have reduced tubules (462 +/- 1.4 vs 336 +/- 2 micron(2)), spermatogenic epithelium (49.1 +/- 0.01 vs 13.3 +/- 0.01 micron(2)), and lumen opening (891 +/- 1.4 vs 530 +/- 26.9 micron). Ejaculates from treated animals have increased numbers of abnormal spermatozoa and reduced sperm concentration.

Eimeria spp. in broiler rabbit: seasonal prevalence in the backyard farms of the State of Mexico.

The cuniculture has become an important source of animal protein in many countries. The coccidiosis is the most common parasitic disease of the rabbits and is responsible for severe economic losses for breeders. Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by 11 species of the genus Eimeria, which vary considerably in terms of their morphology and pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of Eimeria spp in backyard farms from Mexico during annual seasons. Cross-sectional sampling was performed in young rabbits (20 to 60 days of age) with diarrhea history, from three municipalities located in the south-east region from the State of Mexico. Flotation and Mc Master techniques were performed; oocysts were sporulated and measured for morphometric identification. The highest prevalence of Eimeria was found in autumn (75%) in Temamatla and winter (88%) in Amecameca, being the lower prevalence in spring (5%) in Temamatla. In terms of their pathogenicity  E. itestinalis was the more pathogen found in this study, being the annual prevalence of 11.3%. It is important to continue with studies of prevalence in other regions of the State of Mexico, in order to understand the pattern of presentation and distribution of the Eimeria spp infection.

Fluorescence and inmunohistological detection of estrogen receptors in dog testis and epidydimis after oral coumestrol administration.

INTRODUCTION: Estrogens are well recognized as important hormones in male reproduction and act as ligands to alpha and beta estrogen receptors. Both estrogen receptors could interact with estrogen-mimicking compounds such as the fluorescent phytoestrogen coumestrol, which acts both in an agonist or antagonist fashion. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of Coumestrol-Estrogen Receptor complexes by fluorescence in testis and epididymis, its effect in the ER expression by immunostain in the same tissues and the effect of this binding in the testis histological characteristics. DESIGN: Adult healthy and sexually active dogs were assigned to either the experimental or control group .Coumestrol impregnated dog biscuits were given to each animal from the experimental group once a week for a 4 week period. The control group received a biscuit with no Coumestrol, also once a week and for the same period. Testis morphology, ER immunodetection, and coumestrol-receptor binding were evaluated. SETTING: The experiment was done in the facilities of the Mexico City canine shelter. Animals were caged individually with food and water ad libitum and having at least two daily hours for exercise. RESULTS: Morphological alterations in testis after oral administration of coumestrol were detected. The main alterations include decreased germinal epithelium in tubule, and the loss of a continuous proliferation and differentiation gamete layer. Fluorescence signals in testis interstitial Leydig cells and epididymus indicating ER-coumestrol complexes were detected at the same points to those Immunohystochemically detected ER. CONCLUSIONS: Coumestrol administration induces testis alterations and coumestrol-ER complexes can be co-localized by binding-enhanced fluorescence and immunoprecipitation.