Analysis of Uterine Blood Flow in Breeding Sows through the Estrus and Early Diestrus, and after Artificial Insemination

This study aimed to determine uterine blood flow indices by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound in sows (n = 18) under different conditions: (i) sows after estrus detection (day 0, D0); (ii) sows 2 h after artificial insemination (AI), performed 24 h after detection of estrus (day 1, D1); (iii) sows in early diestrus (day 5, D5). Moreover, three different types of seminal doses were used for AI depending on the ejaculate fraction included (F1: doses containing only the rich fraction of the ejaculate; F2: F1 + the transition fraction between rich and poor fractions; F3: F2 and poor fraction). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in some indices regarding the period of analysis (D0, D1, and D5). Diastolic velocity and mean velocity showed lower values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p 0.05). Neither insemination per se nor the type of ejaculate fraction used immediately modified the uterine vascularity, but some indices are affected by the stage of the estrus cycle (estrus vs. early diestrus).This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-106380RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)

Should All Fractions of the Boar Ejaculate Be Prepared for Insemination Rather Than Using the Sperm Rich Only?

Boar ejaculate is released in several well-characterized fractions, differing in terms of sperm concentration, seminal plasma volume, and composition. However, the inclusion of the last part of the ejaculate for artificial insemination (AI) purposes is still under debate due to its controversial effects. Thus, there is a need to study the potential synergistic impact of the different ejaculate fractions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of accumulative ejaculate fractions on sperm conservation, AI performance, and offspring health. Ejaculates (n = 51) were collected and distributed as follows: F1: sperm-rich fraction; F2: sperm-rich + intermediate fractions; F3: sperm-rich + intermediate + poor fractions. Each group was diluted in a commercial extender, packaged in seminal doses (2000 × 106 sperm/60 mL), and stored at ~16 °C. On day 3 of conservation, sperm were analyzed and used for AI (n = 174). High sperm quality was observed after storage without a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences were obtained for AI performance (pregnancy and farrowing rates, and litter size; p > 0.05) and offspring health (growth and blood analysis; p > 0.05). Conclusively, the presence of all ejaculate fractions within the seminal doses does not impair the reproductive performance, reporting important economic savings according to the economic model included here.This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-106380RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)

Presencia de los padres durante procedimientos pediátricos invasivos: ¿De qué depende?

Objective: family-centered care during invasive procedures has been endorsed by many professional health care organizations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health professionals’ attitudes towards parental presence during their child’s invasive procedure. Method: pediatric healthcare providers (divided in professional categories and range of ages) from one of the Spain’s largest hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire and write free-text comments. Results: 227 responded the survey. Most (72%) participants, in their answers, reported that parents are sometimes present during interventions, although there were differences between professional categories in this respect. The procedures in which the parents were present were those considered “less invasive” (96% of cases), while only 4% were present in those considered “more invasive”. The older the professional, the less necessary parental presence was considered. Conclusion: the attitudes towards parental presence during pediatric invasive procedure are influenced by the professional category, the age of the healthcare provider and the invasiveness of the procedure.Objetivo: o atendimento centrado na família durante procedimentos invasivos tem sido endossado por muitas organizações profissionais de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as atitudes dos profissionais de saúde em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento invasivo realizado em seus filhos. Método: os prestadores de serviços de saúde pediátricos (divididos em categorias profissionais e faixa etária) de um dos maiores hospitais da Espanha foram solicitados a preencher um questionário e escrever comentários de texto livre. Resultados: a pesquisa foi respondida por 227 pessoas. A maioria (72%) dos participantes, em suas respostas, relatou que os pais algumas vezes estão presentes durante as intervenções, embora houvesse diferenças entre as categorias profissionais a esse respeito. Os procedimentos em que os pais estavam presentes eram aqueles considerados “menos invasivos” (96% dos casos), enquanto apenas 4% estavam presentes naqueles considerados “mais invasivos”. Quanto mais velho o profissional, a presença dos pais foi considerada menos necessária. Conclusão: as atitudes em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento pediátrico invasivo são influenciadas pela categoria profissional, a idade do prestador de serviço de saúde e a invasividade do procedimento.Objetivo: la atención centrada en la familia durante procedimientos invasivos ha sido respaldada por muchas organizaciones profesionales dedicadas al cuidado de la salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las actitudes de los profesionales de la salud con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos realizados en niños. Método: a los prestadores de atención médica en Pediatría (divididos en categorías profesionales y rangos de edad) de uno de los hospitales más importantes de España se les solicitó que respondieran un cuestionario y redactaran comentarios de texto libre. Resultados: un total de 227 profesionales respondieron la encuesta. En sus respuestas, la mayoría (72%) de los participantes informó que, en ocasiones, los padres están presentes durante las intervenciones, aunque se registraron diferencias entre las distintas categorías profesionales al respecto. Los procedimientos en los que los padres estuvieron presentes se consideraron como “menos invasivos” (96% de los casos), mientras que solamente el 4% estuvo presente en los considerados “más invasivos”. A mayor edad de los profesionales, menos necesaria se consideró la presencia de los padres. Conclusión: las actitudes con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante procedimientos pediátricos invasivos se vieron influenciadas por la categoría profesional, la edad del prestador de salud y la invasividad de los procedimientos

Uso del simulador informático PhysioEX en la asignatura de Fisiología Veterinaria: valoración del alumnado

[SPA]El empleo de animales, material biológico y otros materiales/reactivos de laboratorio conlleva, en muchos casos, ciertas dificultades y un coste elevado, por lo que cada día se hace más extenso el uso de diferentes métodos como alternativas docentes. Entre ellas se encuentran los simuladores informáticos, que permiten de una forma sencilla y económica extrapolar la metodología del laboratorio a un ordenador, con las ventajas que ello supone en cuanto a tiempo de uso, posibilidad de repetición de los ejercicios o acceso ilimitado. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue conocer la opinión de los alumnos (planes de estudio de Licenciatura y Grado en Veterinaria ) sobre el uso del simulador informático PhysioEx en la asignatura de Fisiología Veterinariacomo complemento a los contenidos teóricos y prácticos. Para ello, los alumnos contestaron tras realizar la práctica una breve encuesta de 6 preguntas. En total se analizaron 249 encuestas. Los resultados obtenidos fueron muy positivos ya que aproximadamente el 90% de los alumnos consideraron satisfactorio o muy satisfactorio el uso de estos simuladores en la impartición de la asignatura de Fisiología. [ENG]The use of animals, biological material and other laboratory materials/reagents causes, in many cases, certain difficulties and a high cost. Nowadays the widespread use of different teaching methods as alternatives is increasing. These methods include computer simulators, which allow a simple and affordable method for computer usage as an alternative to laboratory methodologies. The benefits of this usage are the possibility of repeating the exercises as often as students like and unlimited access and use of the program. The aim of our study was to determine students´ point of view on the use of computer simulation “PhysioEx” on Physiology teaching as a complement to the theoretical and laboratory sessions. To this end, students were asked to complete a survey made up of 6 questions. In total 249 surveys were analyzed. The results were very positive since approximately 90% of students considered good or very good the use of these simulators in the teaching of Physiology.Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci

Analysis of Minor Proteins Present in Breast Milk by Using WGA Lectin

Breast milk is a complex and dynamic biological fluid and considered an essential source of nutrition in early life. In its composition, the proteins have a relevant biological activity and are related to the multiple benefits demonstrated when compared with artificial milks derived from cow’s milk. Understanding human milk composition provides an important tool for health care providers toward the management of infant feeding and the establishment of breastfeeding. In this work, a new technique was developed to increase the knowledge of human milk, because many of the components remain unknown. To isolate minor proteins present in breast milk by using WGA lectin, breast milk was centrifuged to remove cells and separate the fat phase from the serum phase. The serum obtained was separated into two groups: control (n = 3; whole serum sample from mature milk) and WGA lectin (n = 3; sample processed with WGA lectin to isolate glycosylated proteins). The samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). A total of 84 different proteins were identified from all of the samples. In the WGA lectin group, 55 different proteins were isolated, 77% of which had biological functions related to the immune response. Of these proteins, there were eight WGA lectin group exclusives, and two had not previously been described in breast milk (polyubiquitin-B and POTE ankyrin domain family member F). Isolation by WGA lectin is a useful technique to detect minor proteins in breast milk and to identify proteins that could not be observed in whole serum

Productive output of post-cervical insemination in porcine : study of sperm selection in the female genital tract through backflow analysis = Rendimiento productivo de la inseminación post-cervical en la especie porcina : estudio de la selección espermática en el tracto genital de la hembra a través del análisis del reflujo

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue el estudio y rentabilidad de la aplicación de la inseminación post-cervical en granja así como el estudio de la influencia de distintas poblaciones espermáticas con diferentes características en su selección en el útero de la cerda; para ello se analizaron los espermatozoides que fueron expulsados en el reflujo tras la inseminación y aquellos que llegaron a la unión útero-tubárica. Los resultados se reflejan en la publicación de cuatro artículos. En el artículo I, los resultados mostraron que la aplicación de inseminación post-cervical tiene unos rendimientos reproductivos similares o superiores que la inseminación cervical, siendo los rendimientos mayores cuando se inseminan cerdas con 2-3 o ≥6partos.Al mismo tiempo se realizó un estudio económico detallado de la aplicación de la inseminación post-cervical en granja, siendo éste sustancialmente beneficioso al aplicar dicha técnica en comparación con la inseminación tradicional. Además, se pudo observar que tanto el volumen (%) como el número de espermatozoides (%) en el reflujo eran superiores cuando se utilizaba la inseminación cervical en relación a la post-cervical. Por otro lado, la calidad espermática se encontraba reducida en aquellos espermatozoides recogidos en el reflujo comparados con la dosis seminal inicial. En el artículo II, se evaluó la influencia de diferentes niveles de motilidad espermática en la dosis de inseminación sobre el % de cerdas con reflujo, el volumen (%), concentración espermática (%) y tipo de espermatozoides (%) (basados en sus características mótiles) recolectados en el reflujo a diferentes tiempos tras la inseminación post-cervical. Los resultados mostraron que no había diferencias en el % de cerdas que presentaban reflujo independientemente de la dosis de inseminación recibida (motilidad baja, media o alta). De la misma manera no se observaron diferencias en relación al volumen (%) y número de espermatozoides (%) entre los diferentes grupos experimentales a los distintos tiempos de recogida. Sin embargo, el % de espermatozoides de media o baja motilidad recolectados en el reflujo eran mayores que si presentaban una motilidad alta. Este hecho se observó a partir de los 16 minutos tras la inseminación, indicando un proceso de expulsión de espermatozoides aleatorio en los primeros momentos tras la inseminación (0-15 min) mientras que entre los 16-60 minutos, la eliminación espermática se correspondía a un proceso selectivo descartando en mayor medida espermatozoides con una capacidad mótil disminuida. En el artículo III, se evaluó la diferencia morfométrica entre los espermatozoides recolectados en el reflujo y en los que se encontraron en la unión útero-tubárica con aquellos que conformaban la dosis seminal de inseminación. Los resultados mostraron que el reflujo está formado por poblaciones espermáticas con una determinada dimensión y forma, siendo los de un tamaño de cabeza y longitud del flagelo menor los que tienden a ser encontrados en el reflujo. Además se comprobó que ni el fluido uterino, ni la alteración de acrosomas ni la osmolaridad estaban implicados en los cambios morfométricos. Por otro lado, se observó que el lugar de deposición espermático influía en el tamaño del espermatozoide que se recolectaba en el reflujo. Además, los datos obtenidos muestran que los espermatozoides que alcanzan la unión útero-tubárica presentan la misma longitud del flagelo que aquellos presentes en la dosis inicial de inseminación. En el artículo IV, barajamos la hipótesis de que los espermatozoides con morfoanomalías podían ser descartados o modificados por el ambiente uterino tras la deposición en el tracto genital de la hembra. Los resultados mostraron un mayor % de espermatozoides con morfoanomalías en el reflujo que en la dosis seminal y prácticamente la totalidad de la población espermática que colonizaba la unión útero-tubárica presentaban una morfología normal. Por otro lado, se observó que el fluido uterino no tenía ninguna influencia en cambios morfológicos de los espermatozoides eyaculados, sin embargo, cuando el fluido uterino se incubó con espermatozoides epididimarios se produjo una drástica reducción de las morfoanomalías. En conclusión, la presente tesis doctoral muestra que la inseminación artificial post-cervical es una técnica viable para su uso en las granjas. De hecho las ventajas obtenidas tanto a nivel reproductivo como económico son claras, siendo su implementación y aplicación a nivel de campo unarealidad. Por otro lado, se ha comprobado que los eyaculados son poblaciones heterogéneas con diversas características de motilidad, morfología y morfometría, y que estas particularidades propias de cada espermatozoide, influyen en su interacción con el tracto genital de la hembra una vez que son depositados. La mayor parte de los espermatozoides son eliminados en su trayecto hacia el lugar de fecundación, y esa discriminación parece ser un proceso selectivo o debido a modificaciones de algunas de las características propias del espermatozoide que sufren en su interacción con el útero. The main objective of this work was to study the viability of applying post-cervical insemination on the farm, as well as to the study the influence of different spermatozoa populations - with different characteristics - on the selection that takes place in the sow uterus; for this we analyzed spermatozoa which were expelled in the reflux after insemination and those which did reach the utero-tubal junction. In article I, the results showed that the use of post-cervical insemination produces a very similar or even higher reproductive yield than cervical insemination, the yield being much higher when inseminating sows with 2-3 or ≥6 births. At the same time, a detailed economic study of post-cervical insemination on the farm showed that this method produced substantially greater benefits than traditional insemination. Moreover, we were able to observe that the volume (%) as well as the number of spermatozoa (%) in the reflux was higher when using cervical insemination compared to post-cervical. On the other hand, the sperm quality was lower in those spermatozoa collected from the reflux compared to the initial insemination quality. In article II, we evaluated the influence of different levels of sperm motility in the insemination dose on the percentage of sows with reflux, the volume (%), sperm concentration (%), and type of spermatozoa (%) (based on the motility characteristics) collected from the reflux at different times after post-cervical insemination. The results showed that there were no differences in the % of sows which had reflux, regardless of the insemination dose received (low, medium or high motility). In the same way, there were no observable differences as regards the volume (%) and number of spermatozoa (%) between the different experimental groups at different times of collection. However, the % of spermatozoa of medium or low motility collected in the reflux was higher than those of higher motility. This observation was made 16 minutes after insemination, indicating the expulsion of random spermatozoa in the first moments following insemination (0-15 min), while at 16-60 minutes sperm elimination was a selective process, whereby spermatozoa with a low motility were expelled. In article III, we evaluated the morphometric differences between spermatozoa collected in the reflux and utero-tubal junction and those that formed the initial insemination dose. The results showed that the reflux was formed of sperm populations with a certain size and shape, mainly those with a small head and flagellum. It was also demonstrated that the uterine fluid, acrosome alteration and osmorality were not involved in these morphometric changes. On the other hand, we observed that the sperm deposition place was related with the size of the spermatozoa collected during reflux. Moreover, the data obtained showed that spermatozoa which reached the utero-tubal junction had the same length as those in the initial insemination dose. In article IV, we considered the hypothesis that the spermatozoa with morphoanomalies could be eliminated or modified by the uterine environment after deposition in the female genital tract. The results showed a higher % of spermatozoa with morphoanomalies in the reflux than in the seminal dose, while practically the whole spermatozoa population which colonized the utero-tubal junction had a normal morphology. Moreover, it was seen that the uterine fluid had no effect on the morphological changes that occurred in the ejaculated spermatozoa, although when the uterine fluid was incubated with epididymal spermatozoa, there was a drastic decrease in the number morphoanomalies. In conclusion, this PhD thesis shows that post cervical artificial insemination is a viable technique for use in farms, where the advantages are clear from both reproductive and economic points of view. Indeed, its implementation and application on farms is firmly established. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ejaculations are heterogeneous populations with a diverse motility, morphology and morphometry, and that these particularities - characteristics of each spermatozoon - influence any interaction with the genital tract of the female once deposited. Most spermatozoa are eliminated during their journey to the site of fecundation in what seems to be a selective process of discrimination or due to modifications in some of the characteristics of each individual spermatozoon as it interacts with the uterus

Control integral del PRRSv mediante el concepto de las 5 fases: revisión crítica: Aproximación integral al control de PRRS

Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes important economic and productive losses, affecting reproduction in pregnant sows, semen quality in boars and, causing respiratory disease in growing and fattening piglets, reducing pig growth and causing increased mortality. This syndrome is caused by several pathogenic strains, many of which are not included in current vaccines. Consequently, pigs will never be completely protected against this disease, due to the permanent recombination and mutation capacity of the virus. The five-phase process is the result of experience and the search to develop methodologies that unify criteria and tools for diagnosis, prevention and biosecurity for the control of this disease. In conclusion, the 5-phases platform makes it possible to approach the disease as a whole, providing it as an integral tool for success on this disease.El Síndrome Reproductivo y Respiratorio Porcino (PRRSV) es una enfermedad viral que causa importantes pérdidas económicas y productivas, afectando la reproducción en cerdas gestantes, la calidad del semen en verracos y, ocasionando enfermedad respiratoria en lechones en transición y cebo, reduciendo el crecimiento de los cerdos y provocando un aumento de la mortalidad. Este síndrome cuenta con diversas cepas patógenas, muchas de ellas no incluidas en las actuales vacunas. En consecuencia, los cerdos nunca estarán completamente protegidos frente a esta enfermedad, debido a la capacidad permanente de recombinación y mutación propia del virus. El proceso de las 5 fases surge fruto de la experiencia y la búsqueda de desarrollar metodologías que unifiquen criterios y herramientas de diagnóstico, prevención y bioseguridad para el control de esta enfermedad. En conclusión, la plataforma de las 5 fases hace posible el abordaje en conjunto de la enfermedad, sirviendo como herramienta integral de utilidad para el control exitoso de esta enfermedad

Comprehensive control of PRRSV through the 5-phase concept: critical review

El Síndrome Reproductivo y Respiratorio Porcino (PRRSV) es una enfermedad viral que causa importantes pérdidas económicas y productivas, afectando la reproducción en cerdas gestantes, la calidad del semen en verracos y, ocasionando enfermedad respiratoria en lechones en transición y cebo, reduciendo el crecimiento de los cerdos y provocando un aumento de la mortalidad. Este síndrome cuenta con diversas cepas patógenas, muchas de ellas no incluidas en las actuales vacunas. En consecuencia, los cerdos nunca estarán completamente protegidos frente a esta enfermedad, debido a la capacidad permanente de recombinación y mutación propia del virus. El proceso de las 5 fases surge fruto de la experiencia y la búsqueda de desarrollar metodologías que uni-fiquen criterios y herramientas de diagnóstico, prevención y bioseguridad para el control de esta enfermedad. En conclusión, la plataforma de las 5 fases hace posible el abordaje en conjunto de la enfermedad, sirviendo como herramienta integral de utilidad para el control exitoso de esta enfermedadPorcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes important economic and productive losses, affecting reproduction in pregnant sows, semen quality in boars and, causing respiratory disease in growing and fattening piglets, reducing pig growth and causing increased mortality. This syndrome is caused by several pathogenic strains, many of which are not included in current vaccines. Consequently, pigs will never be completely protected against this disease, due to the permanent recombination and mutation capa-city of the virus. The five-phase process is the result of experience and the search to develop methodologies that unify criteria and tools for diagnosis, prevention and biosecurity for the control of this disease. In conclusion, the 5-phases platform makes it possible to approach the disease as a whole, providing it as an integral tool for success on this diseas

A presença dos pais durante procedimentos pediátricos invasivos: depende de quê?

Objective: family-centered care during invasive procedures has been endorsed by many professional health care organizations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health professionals’ attitudes towards parental presence during their child’s invasive procedure. Method: pediatric healthcare providers (divided in professional categories and range of ages) from one of the Spain’s largest hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire and write free-text comments. Results: 227 responded the survey. Most (72%) participants, in their answers, reported that parents are sometimes present during interventions, although there were differences between professional categories in this respect. The procedures in which the parents were present were those considered “less invasive” (96% of cases), while only 4% were present in those considered “more invasive”. The older the professional, the less necessary parental presence was considered. Conclusion: the attitudes towards parental presence during pediatric invasive procedure are influenced by the professional category, the age of the healthcare provider and the invasiveness of the procedure.Objetivo: la atención centrada en la familia durante procedimientos invasivos ha sido respaldada por muchas organizaciones profesionales dedicadas al cuidado de la salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las actitudes de los profesionales de la salud con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos realizados en niños. Método: a los prestadores de atención médica en Pediatría (divididos en categorías profesionales y rangos de edad) de uno de los hospitales más importantes de España se les solicitó que respondieran un cuestionario y redactaran comentarios de texto libre. Resultados: un total de 227 profesionales respondieron la encuesta. En sus respuestas, la mayoría (72%) de los participantes informó que, en ocasiones, los padres están presentes durante las intervenciones, aunque se registraron diferencias entre las distintas categorías profesionales al respecto. Los procedimientos en los que los padres estuvieron presentes se consideraron como “menos invasivos” (96% de los casos), mientras que solamente el 4% estuvo presente en los considerados “más invasivos”. A mayor edad de los profesionales, menos necesaria se consideró la presencia de los padres. Conclusión: las actitudes con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante procedimientos pediátricos invasivos se vieron influenciadas por la categoría profesional, la edad del prestador de salud y la invasividad de los procedimientos.Objetivo: o atendimento centrado na família durante procedimentos invasivos tem sido endossado por muitas organizações profissionais de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as atitudes dos profissionais de saúde em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento invasivo realizado em seus filhos. Método: os prestadores de serviços de saúde pediátricos (divididos em categorias profissionais e faixa etária) de um dos maiores hospitais da Espanha foram solicitados a preencher um questionário e escrever comentários de texto livre. Resultados: a pesquisa foi respondida por 227 pessoas. A maioria (72%) dos participantes, em suas respostas, relatou que os pais algumas vezes estão presentes durante as intervenções, embora houvesse diferenças entre as categorias profissionais a esse respeito. Os procedimentos em que os pais estavam presentes eram aqueles considerados “menos invasivos” (96% dos casos), enquanto apenas 4% estavam presentes naqueles considerados “mais invasivos”. Quanto mais velho o profissional, a presença dos pais foi considerada menos necessária. Conclusão: as atitudes em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento pediátrico invasivo são influenciadas pela categoria profissional, a idade do prestador de serviço de saúde e a invasividade do procedimento