Characterization of the female reproductive cycle in the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Gender and biological sex are important variables in biomedical research, and a female’s reproductive status is an important factor that plays a role in and impacts health outcomes. Understanding how the female reproductive cycle affects behavior may help in the development of treatments that can be implemented in a clinical setting. Following Dr. Orsini\u27s protocol, published in 1961, to identify and document the different stages of the female hamsters’ 4-day estrous cycle, we characterized the female hamsters’ estrus cycle by inspecting vaginal discharge phenomena. Orsini (1961) named day 1 discharge of the cycle as translucent (TS), day 2 as postestrus (PO), day 3 as a waxy plug (WP), and day 4 as negative (NEG). We cycled 20 female hamsters from our colony to replicate Orsini’s findings and we also tested the hypothesis that there are individual differences in the pattern of the estrous cycle. We found that over a 29-day period, the hamsters were in TS on average 3.2 days (standard error = 0.337); in PO 4.55 days (SE= 0.344); in WP 2.65 days (SE= 0.365); and in NEG 14.1 days (SE= 0.566). These data support our hypothesis that there are individual differences in the pattern of the female cycle. Next, we conducted a 10-minute open-field experiment to investigate sex differences in anxiety-like and exploratory behaviors. We found that female hamsters traveled an average 41.5 m, which was significantly higher vs males that traveled 33.6m (p\u3c0.05), whereas males spent significantly more time immobile (mean = 157.7) compared to females (mean= 103.6) (p\u3c0.05). We also plan to determine how each stage of their cycle affects them during experiments versus male hamsters. Our goal is to develop the female hamster as a model to study how reproductive status impacts behavior, cognitive function, and health outcomes

Sex differences in stress reactivity and responses to novelty in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

Introduction: Investigating how exposures to stress and novel environments influence behavior is important for translational research that aims to improve mental health. Previous studies have focused on reactions to novelty and revealed changes in defense reactions and exploratory behavior. (Pisula et al., 2012). Objective: The focus of the present study is to investigate sex differences in behavioral responses to novel environments and restraint stress in the gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica). Using the Monodelphis is innovative because it is a non-traditional animal model that is ideal for developmental research. Methods: Using AnyMaze video tracking software, animals’ behaviors (6 males, 6 females) in the restraint stress task (3 min) and open field task (10 min) were recorded. AnyMaze and JWatcher were used to quantify movements, both locomotor and non-locomotor, and finally the data collected analyzed using SPSS. Restraint was used to inflict stress in the subjects, and the reactions were movements in paw, tail, and head. Reactions to a novel environment were assessed via exploratory and locomotor behaviors in an open field. Results: The results of a t-test revealed that the movement of the head was significantly different between sexes when considering p\u3c0.05 cutoff, with the female showing higher reactivity than their male counterparts (t(10)= 2.278, p\u3c 0.05). There were no sex differences in the other behaviors. To further compare the results, an open field paradigm was used, where subjects were introduced to a new environment and their reactions were reviewed. Our preliminary observations indicate that males were more prone to vast exploration of the new environment and at a faster pace, while females exhibit slower movements and limited exploration, mainly focusing in the areas closer to the walls. Discussion: We are currently conducting additional experiments with more subjects to determine if the behavior exhibited by females are a consequence of them feeling stressed by the novelty of the environment. If the results favor our hypothesis, then we could conclude that females are more susceptible to experiencing stress. To further analyze the data collected from both experiments, we are taking into consideration the age of the subjects, as considering this variable can help understand their behavior and stress reactivity at different stages of life. Conclusions: Clinical and epidemiological research have identified major gender/sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders, and stress is a major contributor to mental health problems. Our results support the hypothesis that sex differences in stress reactivity and responses to novelty are present in Monodelphis, suggesting that sex differences have a biological component and that animal models can be used to study mechanisms that underlie sex differences in stress responses

The impact of biological sex on motor function and responses to novel environments in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

Background: Understanding the different stress reactions in different environments can help us understand stress factors. Studying animal behavior is important for translational research for mental health improvement. Previous literature has shown that stress is a risk factor for higher cancer incidence and poorer cancer survival. (Klejbor & Turlejski., 2012), as well as mental health outcomes. Understanding of how stress is related to cancer can help improve therapeutic outcomes as preventive measures (Glaser et al., 1987). Methods: Using the Rota Rod apparatus, 12 animals (3 males, 9 females) were tested at 36 rpm for a maximum of 400 seconds (Madroñal et al., 2010). Open field apparatus was used to test 8 animals (4males, 4 females), their locomotor and non-locomotor behaviors were recorded using AnyMaze. Data collected from both experiments were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The preliminary results showed sex differences, female’s average number of revolutions (44.54) was higher than their male counterparts (26.15). Results from the open field showed females exhibit less immobile episodes (f(1)=6.000. p Conclusions: Previous literature has shown stress is a risk factor and a major contributor to mental and physical health problems. Preliminary results support the hypothesis that there is a biological component in stress reactivity to novel environments in the Monodelphis, and that animal models are a good alternative to study sex differences in stress responses and motor function. Further research is needed to test housing effects in the short-tailed opossums

Vegetative Change on South Padre Island, Texas, over Twenty Years and Evaluation of Multispectral Videography in Determining Vegetative Cover and Species Identity

A comparative vegetation analysis of an island-wide transect of South Padre Island, Texas, was conducted in 1997 using aerial multispectral digital videography and line intercept ground truth techniques to assess the usefulness of videography in estimating vegetative cover and species identifications. Ground truth data were used to assess vegetative change occurring in the 20 years since the report of Judd et al. (1977) on the vegetation of South Padre Island. Estimates of total cover by ground truth and remote sensing techniques were similar (2.45% difference) on South Padre Island. Thus, airborne multispectral digital videography is an effective technique for assessing changes in total vegetative cover of Texas barrier islands. This technique will be an effective tool for documenting changes in total cover on barrier islands due to natural perturbations such as hurricanes and human disturbances including vehicular traffic. Imagery obtained at altitudes of 200 m or greater did not permit discrimination of dominant species in each of an island\u27s topographic zones. However, acquisition of imagery at a time of the year when dominant species are in specific phenological stages, such as flowering, and at a lower altitude may facilitate their recognition. Comparison of data from a single trans-island transect in 1997 with data from three trans-island transects and 18 transects across the foreshore, backshore, and primary dunes in 1977 suggests that there has been a marked decrease in species richness of the backshore and primary dune zones of South Padre Island. There also was a change in dominant species in the backshore zone. These changes in species richness and dominance may be largely attributable to vehicular traffic in these zones. - Un análisis comparativo de la vegetación de un transecto transinsular de la isla South Padre en el estado de Texas fue realizado en 1997 usando videografía aérea multiesprectral digital y técnicas de validación de intercepción linear terrestre para evaluar la utilidad de la videografía en la estimación de la cobertura vegetal e identificación de especies. Los datos de estudios de validación terrestre fueron utilizados para evaluar el cambio vegetativo que ocurrió durante 20 años después del informe de Judd et al (1977) sobre la vegetación de la isla South Padre. Las estimaciones de la cobertura total mediante técnicas de validación terrestres y de medición remota fueron similares (2.45% de diferencia) en la isla South Padre. Por lo tanto, la videografía multiesprectral digital aérea se considera una técnica eficaz para evaluar cambios en la cobertura vegetal de las islas barrera de Texas. Esta técnica será una herramienta efectiva para documentar los cambios de cobertura total en las islas barrera debido a las perturbaciones naturales tales como huracanes y disturbios humanos como tráfico vehicular. Las imágenes obtenidas en altitudes de 200 metros o mayores no permitieron la discriminación de las especies dominantes de las varias zonas topográficas de una isla. Sin embargo, la adquisición de imágenes de una época del año en que las especies dominantes están en etapas fenológicas específicas, tales como la floración, y desde una altitud menor, puede facilitar su reconocimiento. Al comparar datos de un transecto transinsular de 1977 con los de tres transectos transinsulares y de 18 transectos correspondientes a la parte frontal, trasera, y de las dunas primarias de la isla en 1977, se sugiere que ha habido una marcada disminución en la riqueza de especies en la parte trasera y en la zona de dunas primarias de la isla South Padre. También hubo un cambio de especies dominantes en la zona trasera. Estos cambios en la riqueza y dominancia de especies pueden ser atribuidos en gran parte al tráfico vehicular en estas zonas

Desarrollo de instrumentación virtual para uso en carreras de ingeniería

Las prácticas de laboratorio son una actividad indispensable en la formación integral de un estudiante de carreras tecnológicas. Bajo esta concepción, el equipo de trabajo que integra el proyecto, viene trabajando en el desarrollo tecnológico y pedagógico de instrumental de laboratorio que permita al estudiante “ver” lo que estudia mediante la construcción de los ensayos y el uso de una interfaz gráfica, como apoyo al proceso de visualizar señales y parámetros no visibles al ojo. Si bien originalmente se propuso la construcción de un “Laboratorio Portátil de Escritorio”, la pandemia del COVID-19, que impidió la realización de actividades educativas presenciales durante todo el año 2020 y posiblemente afecte a gran parte del año 2021, puso de manifiesto la importancia de disponer de instrumentación virtual, que permitan a nuestros estudiantes ser artífices de su propio aprendizaje, y realizar prácticas de laboratorio aun en sus hogares. Ante esta realidad, se consideró oportuno adaptar el proyecto original y, a partir del uso de software libre, encarar el desarrollo de instrumentos virtuales para que alumnos que cursan asignaturas de los primeros años de carreras de ingeniería o similares conozcan y aprendan a utilizar instrumental que luego usarán en asignaturas de años posterioresEje: Tecnología Informática aplicada en Educación.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informátic

Fortalecimiento Socio-Organizativo en pequeñas poblaciones. La Aguadita. Departamento Capital de la Provincia de Catamarca

En este trabajo se describe el fortalecimiento social para la organización de una localidad con identidad cultural histórico-industrial, con potencial turístico, y  de la población para el desarrollo local. Esta situación solo es posible, en la vinculación de la Universidad Nacional de Catamarca en conjunto el Plan Estratégico, en el apoyo al desarrollo socio-cultural de la comunidad catamarqueña. Esta comunicación se desprende del proyecto Caracterización de los Materiales Pétreos de Edificación, que tiene el objetivo de contribuir a la utilización racional y sustentable de los recursos en actividades del geoturismo. A tal fin sociabiliza un encuentro, una acción conjunta de la Universidad, el equipo técnico del proyecto, al grupo gestor para lo cual se define en primera instancia desarrollar las capacidades de información y capacitación que necesita, así como el respectivo asesoramiento técnico para el desarrollo de productos y su conservación en itinerarios. La metodología es acorde a las necesidades del grupo meta, que se ajusta al nivel de aprendizaje del medio, se orienta a fortalecer las capacidades y potencialidades de los recursos humanos en competencia, a la capacidad de organización y de gestión  de los recursos para operar actividades turísticas, de tal forma que estos grupos se integren a la oferta del turismo urbano. Aplica herramientas de fácil comprensión, presenta experiencias locales sobre los temas a capacitar y sobre todo trabajar con actividades prácticas en donde el grupo se integra y su aprendizaje es mucho más eficaz. Dentro de aspectos metodológicos citados es importante resaltar el enfoque geológico y, turístico que deberá cumplir cada materia a impartir, ya que la formación no puede ser aislada de los objetivos del proyecto matriz. Bajo este enfoque se ha iniciado el trabajo y se tienen resultados de su primera fase, identificación de los recursos, valorización de estructuras geológicas-arquitectónicas, identificación y caracterización de los actores, diagnóstico de diferentes perspectivas e identificación de las posibles maneras de involucramiento al futuro desarrollo geoturistico. El objetivo fundamental es hacer que estos actores claves generen desde sus recursos, proyectos turísticos como ejes fundamentales y dinamizadores del desarrollo local en colaboración interinstitucional que consideren al turismo como una actividad social-cultural para el desarrollo económico de su región.

LANDSAT-2 Data for Inventorying Rangelands in South Texas

A 81,000-ha rangeland area in Kenedy and Willacy Counties, Texas, was used to test LANDSAT-2 MSS data from October 17 and December 10, 1975 for inventorying rangeland and various other land-use categories. Computer land-use classification percentages of land cover for each overpass were compared with photo-estimated percentages from a ground correlated 1:100,000 scale LANDSAT color composite print. We found a highly significant correlation (r = 0.977**) between the photo- and computer-estimated hectarages for the October LANDSAT-2 overpass. The correlation was not significant for the December overpass largely because about half of the most extensive rangeland category (mixed brush) was misclassified as grassland, probably because the woody species were dormant and freeze damage had weakened the herbaceous vegetation reflectance. Computer estimates of level I land-use (rangeland, wetland, agricultural land, water, and barren land) hectarage from both overpasses resembled photo-estimated hectarages, indicating the feasibility of estimating level I land-use categories in either October or December. Computer estimates of level II land-use (grasslands, mixed brush, and live oak rangelands) hectarages agreed with photo-estimated hectarages only in October, indicating that living vegetation is needed to spectrally discriminate between level II rangeland categories

Liver desaturase activities and FA composition in monkeys: effect of a low-protein diet

The aim of the present study was to measure ∆9-, ∆6-, and ∆5-desaturase activities in liver microsomes, as well as phospholipid FA composition of liver and erythrocytes in monkeys fed a control or low-protein diet during the postweaning period. Ten Saimiri sciureus boliviensis (Cebidae) of both sexes were employed; at 12 mon of age they were separated into two groups fed ad libitum on a control or a low-protein diet for 24 mon. Saimiri sciureus had active ∆9, ∆6, and ∆5 liver desaturase enzymes, and these activities were influenced by the diet. A low-protein diet produced a significant reduction in ∆5-desaturation capacity, an increase in ∆9-desaturase activity, and no change in ∆6-desaturase activity (P < 0.05). These changes, evoked by protein deprivation, were reflected in the liver phospholipid FA composition. Increases in the proportion of saturated FA and in monounsaturated oleic acid (18:1n-9) and a decrease in the proportion of PUFA of the n-6 and n-3 series were produced in the animals fed a low-protein diet (P < 0.0001). Differences between the two dietary groups were less pronounced in the FA composition of erythrocyte phospholipidsInstituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La PlataFacultad de Ciencias Veterinaria