Morfometría de la gónada masculina y espermatozoides de cobayos (Cavia porcellus) nativo y mejorado del sur de Ecuador

The aim of this research was to describe the morphometry of the testicles and sperm of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of two genetic groups, native and improved, from southern Ecuador. Twenty-two native and 20 improved guinea pigs of the Peru line were used. The animals were reared in elevated cages and fed with forage and concentrate, until reaching the slaughter age of 97 to 112 days. After slaughtering, the testicles and epididymis were removed, and the epididymis was separated of the testis. Measurements of the testicles were done, and sperm was collected from the epididymis by the retrograde flow washing technique. Semen smears were prepared for sperm measurements. The data were processed by GLM analysis of variance and the LSMeans procedure was used to compare the means (SAS v. 9.0). The morphometric parameters of the testes were different (p<0.05) between subpopulations. Opposite testes from the same genetic group were similar, while the ipsilateral ones between subpopulations showed statistical differences (p<0.05). Testicular size was directly related to body weight, and the gonadosomatic index of native guinea pigs was higher than that of improved ones (p<0.05). Spermatozoa were different (p<0.05) between genetic groups in acrosome and head length and in head length / width ratio. In conclusion, this study showed morphological differences in the testes and sperm between the two genetic groups of guinea pigs.El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la morfometría de los testículos y espermatozoides de cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de dos grupos genéticos, nativos y mejorados, del sur de Ecuador. Se utilizaron 22 cuyes nativos y 20 mejorados de la línea Perú, los cuales fueron criados en jaulas elevadas y alimentados con forraje y concentrado, hasta alcanzar la edad de sacrificio de 97 a 112 días. Luego de faenados, se retiraron los testículos y epidídimos, y mediante disección se separó el epidídimo del testículo para tomar sus dimensiones, y recolectar los espermatozoides del epidídimo por la técnica de lavado por flujo retrógrado. Se prepararon frotis de semen para las mediciones de espermatozoides. Los datos se procesaron por análisis de varianza GLM y se utilizó el procedimiento LSMeans para comparar las medias (SAS V.9.0). Los parámetros morfométricos de los testículos fueron diferentes (p<0.05) entre subpoblaciones; testículos opuestos del mismo grupo genético fueron similares, mientras que los ipsilaterales entre subpoblaciones mostraron diferencias estadísticas (p<0.05). El tamaño testicular tuvo relación directa con el peso corporal, y el índice gonadosomático de los cuyes nativos fue mayor que el de los mejorados (p<0.05). Los espermatozoides fueron diferentes (p<0.05) entre grupos genéticos en la longitud del acrosoma y cabeza y en la relación longitud/ancho de cabeza. En conclusión, se encontraron diferencias morfológicas en los testículos y en los espermatozoides entre los dos grupos de cuyes

Preliminary bulk characterization of Picacho tar sands, Pesca municipality (Boyacá, Colombia)

The tar sands are mined in Colombia for paving the local roads. An example of this use is the tar sands of the Picacho Formation, located in the municipality of Pesca, Boyacá. The objective of this study is providing a preliminary bulk characterization to evaluate this resource as a possible source of unconventional hydrocarbons in this area. The study is limited to two fronts of exploitation named the La Emilia and Santa Teresa mines. The methods used comprise elemental analysis, physico-mechanical test, SARA and pyrolysis. The results determine that the unit is composed of siliceous sandstones. The percentages of sulfur are low in most of the samples, except one that reaches 5%, the API gravity between 22.4 and 9.2 indicates that they range between medium and extra heavy crude, the oil fractional composition reflects a higher proportion of resins and asphaltenes, the pyrolysis indicates a high volatile content that completely distill at temperatures below 500ºC.En Colombia las arenas asfálticas las explotan para la pavimentación de vías terciarias, un ejemplo de esto son las areniscas asfálticas de la Formación Picacho, ubicadas en el municipio de Pesca, Boyacá. Este estudio tiene como objetivo una caracterización de las arenas asfálticas con el fin de tener una información preliminar sobre su variación en composición global entre dos frentes de explotación (minas La Emilia y Santa Teresa) con vistas a su posible potencial como fuente de hidrocarburos no convencionales. Los métodos comprenden análisis elementales, físico mecánico, SARA y pirólisis. Los resultados determinan que la unidad está compuesta por areniscas silíceas. Los porcentajes de azufre son bajos en casi todas las muestras, excepto una que alcanza 5%, la gravedad API determina que los crudos presentan un valor de 22,4 y 9,2 indicando que son crudos medios y extra pesados, las fracciones de crudo reflejan una mayor proporción de resinas y asfáltenos, la pirólisis indica un elevado contenido en volátiles que destila a temperaturas por debajo de 500ºC

Análisis morfométrico y funcional de ovocitos bovinos obtenidos de ovarios de matadero y por aspiración folicular transvaginal en vacas criollas del altiplano ecuatoriano

This study assessed the morphometric and functional characteristics of oocytes from 10 native cows to the Ecuadorian Andes, collected by transvaginal follicular aspiration (OPU) and oocytes collected post mortem (PM) from abattoir ovaries. For this purpose, 1157 cumulus-oocyte complexes (CCOs) of the OPU group (n=271) and PM group (n=886) were recovered in 10 repetitions per group by follicular aspiration at 90 mm Hg pressure and classified as A, B or C, according to the characteristics of the cytoplasm and cumulus cells. The activity of the enzyme glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was determined as an indicator of follicular growth and maturation and the integrity of the plasma membrane by staining the CCOs with cresyl brilliant blue (BCB +) and trypan blue, respectively. The size (diameter and volume) of the oocytes was evaluated using CaptaVisio® software v. 5.1. The data were analysed by logistic regression and by the SAS general linear model, and the means were compared by the least square method. The results showed that the oocytes of the PM group had a larger diameter (126.0 ± 0.48 vs. 122.7 ± 0.79 µm; p<0.01) and integrity of the plasma membrane (86.0 vs. 76.8%; p<0.05) than the OPU group. However, quality A and B oocytes did not show significant differences between groups with respect to plasma membrane integrity and BCB + values. The results suggest that, although the fact that the size and viability were more affected in the oocytes aspirated by OPU, those of quality A and B from both sources showed similar values regarding the integrity of the plasma membrane and metabolic condition to continue. maturation.El estudio analizó las características morfométricas y funcionales de ovocitos de 10 vacas nativas de los Andes ecuatorianos, colectados por aspiración folicular transvaginal (OPU) y de ovocitos colectados post mortem (PM) de ovarios de matadero. Para este propósito, 1157 complejos cúmulo-ovocito (CCOs) del grupo OPU (n=271) y PM (n=886) fueron recuperados en 10 repeticiones por grupo por aspiración folicular a 90 mm Hg de presión y clasificados en calidad A, B o C, de acuerdo con las características del citoplasma y células del cúmulo. Se determinó la actividad de la enzima glucosa 6 fosfato deshidrogenasa (G6PD) como indicador de crecimiento folicular y maduración finalizado y la integridad de la membrana plasmática tiñendo los CCOs con azul brillante de cresilo (BCB+) y azul de tripán, respectivamente. Se evaluó el tamaño (diámetro y volumen) de los ovocitos usando un software CaptaVisionÒ (v. 5.1). Los datos se analizaron por regresión logística y por el modelo lineal general del SAS, y las medias se compararon por el método de los mínimos cuadrados. Los resultados mostraron que los ovocitos del grupo PM presentaron mayor diámetro (126.0±0.48 vs 122.7±0.79 µm; p<0.01) e integridad de la membrana plasmática (86.0 vs 76.8%; p<0.05) que el grupo OPU. Sin embargo, los ovocitos de calidad A y B no registraron diferencias significativas entre grupos con respecto a la integridad de la membrana plasmática y valores de BCB+. Los resultados sugieren que, a pesar de que el tamaño y la viabilidad fue más afectada en los ovocitos aspirados por OPU, los de calidad A y B provenientes de ambas fuentes mostraron valores similares con respecto a la integridad de la membrana plasmática y condición metabólica para proseguir la maduración

Influencia del tamaño, la variedad y la proporción de sexos en la producción de huevos de tilapia (Oreochromis spp) en un sistema tropical intensivo al aire libre

The effect of the variety, size of the females and sex ratio in the production of eggs of Chitralada (CH: Oreochromis niloticus) and Taiwanese red (TR: O. mossambicus x O. niloticus) in outdoor concrete tanks were evaluated in a fish production unit located in the Andean foothills of the state of Trujillo, Venezuela. A 2x2x3 factorial arrangement design was used: two varieties (CH and TR), two sizes (large and small) and three female male proportions (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1). CH females produced greater volume and mass of eggs, spawned 2.4-fold more and were more fertile than TR (p<0.01). Large tilapia had 1.6-fold fewer spawning (p<0.05) and produced fewer eggs per 100 females than small ones (p<0.01). In general, the F:M ratio did not affect the reproductive variables. The small females of both varieties had a higher number of spawning than the large ones, and the large CH tilapia spawned 3.9 times more than the TR of the same size (p<0.01), while in the small ones this difference was only 1.7 times (p<0.05). The large CH tilapias were reproductively more efficient than the females of the same category of the TR variety. In conclusion, the CH tilapia and the smaller size and weight females were reproductively more efficient than those of the TR variety and the larger ones. Regardless of the variety, the reproductive activity was not affected by the proportions between females and males.Se evaluó el efecto de la variedad, tamaño de las hembras y relación hembra macho en la producción de huevos de tilapias Chitralada (CH: Oreochromis niloticus) y Taiwanesa roja (TR: O. mossambicus x O. niloticus), en tanques de concreto al aire libre, en una unidad de producción piscícola localizada en el Piedemonte Andino del estado Trujillo, Venezuela. Se utilizó un diseño en arreglo factorial 2x2x3: dos variedades (CH y TR), dos tamaños (grades y pequeñas) y tres proporciones hembra macho (1:1, 2:1 y 3:1). Las hembras CH produjeron mayor volumen y masa de huevos, desovaron 2.4 veces más y fueron más fecundas que las TR (p<0.01). Las tilapias grandes tuvieron 1.6 veces menos desoves (p<0.05) y produjeron menos huevos por cada 100 hembras que las pequeñas (p<0.01). En general, la relación H:M no afectó las variables reproductivas. Las hembras pequeñas de ambas variedades tuvieron un mayor número de desoves que las grandes, y las tilapias CH grandes desovaron 3.9 veces más que las TR del mismo tamaño (p<0.01), mientras que en las pequeñas esta diferencia fue de tan solo 1.7 veces (p<0.05). Las tilapias CH grandes fueron reproductivamente más eficientes que las hembras de la misma categoría de la variedad TR. En conclusión, las tilapias CH y las hembras de menor talla y peso fueron reproductivamente más eficientes que las de la variedad TR y las de mayor tamaño. Independientemente de la variedad, la actividad reproductiva no se vio afectada por las proporciones entre hembras y machos

Return to sport soccer after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: ISAKOS consensus

Many factors can affect the return to pivoting sports, after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Prehabilitation, rehabilitation, surgical and psychological aspects play an essential role in the decision to return to sports. The purpose of this study is to reach an international consensus about the best conditions for returning to sports in soccer-one of the most demanding level I pivoting sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

Reproductive failure, possible maternal infanticide, and cannibalism in wild moustached tamarins, Saguinus mystax

Maternal infanticide in wild non-human primates has only been reported twice. In this paper, we report a possible new case of infanticide and cannibalism within a series of four successive reproductive failures in wild moustached tamarins, Saguinus mystax. Necropsy and genetic analyses of the corpses enabled us to rule out any pathology, and to determine paternity. The mother was seen biting and then eating the head of its own infant during a period when another female was pregnant and gave birth just 1 month later. Before that, the perpetrator had given birth to twins three times successfully when four to five adult and subadult males were present in the group. Although we do not know for certain that the infant was alive when the mother started biting it, our field observations preceding the event suggest it probably was. The possible infanticide case and the two cases of births and early death of the infants occurred while only two to three adult males were present in the group. This could be the second case of maternal infanticide reported in the genus Saguinus and the similar circumstances suggest a common pattern. We discuss these events in the light of the different functional explanations of infanticide and conclude that parental manipulation was the most likely: the mother could have terminated the investment in offspring that had low chances of survival in a group with low availability of helpers

Diversity and ethics in trauma and acute care surgery teams: results from an international survey

Background Investigating the context of trauma and acute care surgery, the article aims at understanding the factors that can enhance some ethical aspects, namely the importance of patient consent, the perceptiveness of the ethical role of the trauma leader, and the perceived importance of ethics as an educational subject. Methods The article employs an international questionnaire promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery. Results Through the analysis of 402 fully filled questionnaires by surgeons from 72 different countries, the three main ethical topics are investigated through the lens of gender, membership of an academic or non-academic institution, an official trauma team, and a diverse group. In general terms, results highlight greater attention paid by surgeons belonging to academic institutions, official trauma teams, and diverse groups. Conclusions Our results underline that some organizational factors (e.g., the fact that the team belongs to a university context or is more diverse) might lead to the development of a higher sensibility on ethical matters. Embracing cultural diversity forces trauma teams to deal with different mindsets. Organizations should, therefore, consider those elements in defining their organizational procedures. Level of evidence Trauma and acute care teams work under tremendous pressure and complex circumstances, with their members needing to make ethical decisions quickly. The international survey allowed to shed light on how team assembly decisions might represent an opportunity to coordinate team member actions and increase performance

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits - the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants - determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits - almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives