Impact of heat stress on bovine sperm quality and competence

Áreas de pesquisa: Agriculture ; Veterinary Sciences ; Zoology - REVIEWGlobal warming has negatively influenced animal production performance, in addition to animal well-being and welfare, consequently impairing the economic sustainability of the livestock industry. Heat stress impact on male fertility is complex and multifactorial, with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa affected by several pathways. Among the most significative changes are the increase in and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing lipid peroxidation and motility impairment. The exposure of DNA during the cell division of spermatogenesis makes it vulnerable to both ROS and apoptotic enzymes, while the subsequent post-meiotic DNA condensation makes restoration impossible, harming later embryonic development. Mitochondria are also susceptible to the loss of membrane potential and electron leakage during oxidative phosphorylation, lowering their energy production capacity under heat stress. Although cells are equipped with defense mechanisms against heat stress, heat insults that are too intense lead to cell death. Heat shock proteins (HSP) belong to a thermostable and stress-induced protein family, which eliminate protein clusters and are essential to proteostasis under heat stress. This review focuses on effects of heat stress on sperm quality and on the mechanisms leading to defective sperm under heat stress.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of upper-limit water temperatures on the dispersal of the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea

Temperature is a determinant environmental variable in metabolic rates of organisms ultimately influencing important physiological and behavioural features. Stressful conditions such as increasing temperature, particularly within high ranges occurring in the summer, have been suggested to induce flotation behaviour in Corbicula fluminea which may be important in dispersal of this invasive species. However, there has been no experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis. It was already proven that C. fluminea drift is supported by a mucilaginous drogue line produced by mucocytes present in the ctenidia. Detailed microscopic examination of changes in these cells and quantification of clam flotation following one, two and three weeks of exposure to 22, 25 and 30°C was carried out so that the effects of increasing water temperatures in dispersal patterns could be discussed. Results show that changes in temperature triggered an acceleration of the mucocytes production and stimulated flotation behaviour, especially following one week of exposure. Dilution of these effects occurred following longer exposure periods. It is possible that these bivalves perceive changing temperature as a stress and respond accordingly in the short-term, and then acclimate to the new environmental conditions. The response patterns suggest that increasing water temperatures could stimulate C. fluminea population expansion.publishe

Effects of the association of an opioid with epidural analgesia for labor and delivery

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the association bupivacaine with sufentanil for labor and delivery analgesia through a continuous epidural blockade, for both mother and the neonate. A randomized double blind prospective clinical trial was performed including sixty nulliparous women at the Maternity of CAISM/UNICAMP. When requesting analgesia, the women were randomly allocated to two groups: BS, receiving 12.5 mg of bupivacaine with adrenaline plus 30 µg of sufentanil and BP, receiving 12.5 mg of bupivacaine with adrenaline plus placebo. The parameters concerning the quality and duration of analgesia, duration of labor, and also possible effects on the neonate were evaluated. The results showed the superiority of the addition of sufentanil regarding the degree of analgesia during the time of action of the first dose of the local anesthetic. There was no increase in the duration of labor after the onset of analgesia when comparing both groups, nor any difference in the route of delivery. Concerning neonate evaluation, there were no differences between the two groups. It is concluded that the association of 30 µg of sufentanil with the first dose of bupivacaine is safe and efficacious. It improved the quality of analgesia, increased its duration, and did not affect the progress of labor and neonatal outcome.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da associação bupivacaína com sufentanil para a analgesia no trabalho de parto e do parto por meio de um bloqueio peridural contínuo. Realizou-se um ensaio clínico duplo-cego, prospectivo e aleatório, incluindo sessenta mulheres nulíparas da Maternidade do CAISM/UNICAMP. No momento da analgesia, as mulheres foram aleatoriamente alocadas em dois grupos: BS, recebendo 12,5 mg de bupivacaína com adrenalina mais 30 µg de sufentanil e BP, recebendo 12,5 mg de bupivacaína com adrenalina mais placebo. Foram avaliados os parâmetros relativos à qualidade e duração da analgesia, duração do trabalho de parto e também possíveis efeitos sobre o recém-nascido. Os resultados mostraram a superioridade da adição do sufentanil sobre o grau de analgesia durante o tempo de ação da primeira dose de anestésico local. Não houve aumento na duração do trabalho de parto depois do início da analgesia quando se compararam ambos os grupos, nem qualquer diferença quanto à via de parto. Não houve também diferenças entre os grupos com relação à avaliação dos recém-nascidos. Conclui-se que a associação de 30 µg de sufentanil à primeira dose de bupivacaína é segura e eficaz, melhorando a qualidade da analgesia, sua duração e não afetando a progressão do trabalho de parto e o resultado neonatal.32533

Dispersal of Corbicula fluminea: factors influencing the invasive clam's drifting behavior

Corbicula fluminea, is one of the most successful invasive species in fresh and brackish waters. Dispersal is one of the most determinant steps in the invasive process, and the full understanding of the mechanisms involved in this step is critical for adequate pest management both in the wild and in industries affected by this species' biofouling activity. A mucous drogue line produced by mucocytes packed along the inner demibranchs of the clams' gills seem to play an important role in assisting drifting and hence dispersal. Two Asian clam populations geographically separated (one in the USA and the other in Portugal), investigated at different times of the year, were reported to differ in terms of mucous drogue line production and floating. In this study, genetics and seasonality effects were hypothesized to explain the difference between the populations. To test these hypotheses, the two populations were genetically compared, and the Portuguese one was followed for 14 months to record the animals' mucous drogue line production and flotation capabilities and locate the population reproductive periods. Our results signal a possible scenario of micro-evolution with consequences on the production of the clams' mucilaginous drogue line. Although some authors advocate a link between mucous threads formation and reproduction events, such a relationship was not observed in this study. By contributing to the understanding of a physiological trait of the Asian clam that is important for dispersal, this study may be of practical relevance for pest monitoring and control

Daily Eagle June 2012

Daily Eagle, a daily college newsletter for the month of June 2012

Epidural Block for Cesarean Section. A Comparative Study between 0.5% Racemic Bupivacaine (S50-R50) and 0.5% Enantiomeric Excess Bupivacaine (S75-R25) Associated with Sufentanil

SummaryBackground and objectivesEpidural 0.5% racemic bupivacaine associated with opioids is a technique used in cesarean sections; however, its toxicity has been questioned. 50% Enantiomeric excess bupivacaine has lower cardio- and neurotoxicity. The efficacy of epidural 0.5% racemic bupivacaine and 0.5% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine associated with sufentanil in parturients undergoing cesarean sections was evaluated.MethodsFifty gravida at term, undergoing elective cesarean section under epidural block, were divided in two groups according to the local anesthetic used: Group I – 0.5% racemic bupivacaine with vasoconstrictor; and Group II – 0.5% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine (S75-R25) with vasoconstrictor. In both groups, the local anesthetic (100 mg) was associated with sufentanil (20 μg), and a total of 24 mL of the solution was used. The following parameters were evaluated: latency of the sensitive blockade; maximal level of the sensitive blockade; degree for motor blockade; time of motor blockade regression; duration of analgesia; maternal side effects; and neonatal repercussions.ResultsLatency, maximal level of sensitive blockade, degree of motor blockade, and duration of analgesia were similar in both groups; the mean time for regression of the motor blockade was significantly smaller in Group II. The incidence of side effects was similar in both groups. Maternal cardiocirculatory changes and neonatal repercussions were not observed.ConclusionsEpidural racemic bupivacaine and 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine provided adequate anesthesia for cesarean sections. 50% Enantiomeric excess bupivacaine is a promising alternative for this procedure, since it has faster regression of the motor blockade, which is desirable in obstetric patients

Osteossíntese de úmero em um gato-maracajá (Leopardus Wiedii) / Humeral osteosynthesis in a margay (Leopardus Wiedii)

Os felídeos selvagens são os mamíferos mais admirados pelo ser humano, mas a maior causa do declínio desses animais na natureza é a destruição e a fragmentação dos seus habitats. A espécie Leopardus wiedii, de nome popular gato-maracajá, está listada como Quase Ameaçada pela Lista Vermelha de Espécies Ameaçadas da IUCN. Em felídeos selvagens, as correções de fraturas oriundas de traumatismos são uma das intervenções cirúrgicas mais comuns. Logo, o objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar um gato maracajá com fratura de úmero, do qual optou-se pelo tratamento cirúrgico com dois pinos de Steinmann intramedulares. Ressalta-se a eficácia do método escolhido, que foi avaliado aos 30, 45 e 60 dias do pós-operatório e alta clínica da paciente aos 60 dias, com ganho de 700 gramas de massa corporal

Missões de teledermatologia em Palmares Do Sul / Teledermatology missions in Palmares Do Sul

Introdução: A Telemedicina abrange o uso de telecomunicações e informática na área da saúde; dessa forma, permite assistência médica remota a pacientes, leva agilidade à consulta com especialistas, reduz gastos no cuidado terapêutico e traz benefício e conforto à população. A Teledermatologia, ramo da telemedicina, insere-se, nesse contexto, como adjuvante no cuidado à população, por facilitar o contato com médicos especialistas e por possibilitar o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce de afecções de pele. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar a experiência de atendimentos de teledermatologia, realizados por meio de Missões promovidas pela Liga Acadêmica de Telessaúde da PUCRS (LITESA), no Hospital São José, localizado na cidade de Palmares do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.Metodologia: Os teleatendimentos de dermatologia ocorreram no Hospital São José de Palmares do Sul, onde as consultas foram realizadas por estudantes de medicina da PUCRS, integrantes da LITESA - após treinamento prévio realizado pela liga - que identificaram, examinaram, descreveram e fotografaram as lesões de pele, às quais foram armazenadas na eHealth Platform - Online. Os dados clínicos e fotografias das alterações cutâneas ficaram  disponíveis para posterior avaliação diagnóstica e parecer de orientação terapêutica por dermatologistas do Hospital São Lucas (HSL) da PUCRS.Resultados: Foram avaliados 33 pacientes (24% homens, 76% mulheres; média 37 anos de idade). As queixas dermatológicas mais frequentes foram de prurido, secreção, descamação e dor. Já as características das lesões de pele fotografadas foram, em sua maioria, do tipo mácula, seguido por lesões papulosas, pustulosas e eritemato-descamativas.Conclusão: As teleconsultas dermatológicas se tornaram uma possibilidade para auxiliar locais com falta de profissionais especializados e podem ser uma ferramenta legítima para reduzir o tempo de espera dos pacientes por atendimento dermatológico. Assim, a teledermatologia tem o potencial de levar o acesso, para uma determinada população, a atendimentos especializados, reduzir custos de saúde pública e melhorar a qualidade dos atendimentos clínicos gerais

FTIR Screening to Elucidate Compositional Differences in Maize Recombinant Inbred Lines with ContrastingSaccharification Efficiency Yields

With a high potential to generate biomass, maize stover arises as an outstanding feedstock for biofuel production. Maize stover presents the added advantage of being a multiple exploitation of the crop as a source of food, feed, and energy. In this study, contrasting groups of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a maize multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population that showed variability for saccharification efficiency were screened by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to explore compositional differences between high and low saccharification yielders. High and low saccharification efficiency groups differed in cell wall compositional features: high saccharification RILs displayed higher proportions of S subunits, aromatic compounds, and hemicellulose as opposed to low saccharification efficiency groups in which FTIR predicted higher proportions of lignin, more precisely lignin being richer in subunits G, and greater proportions of crystalline cellulose and acetyl methyl esters. The application of FTIR-ATR spectroscopy in this material allowed us to obtain a rapid and broad vision of cell wall compositional features in contrasting groups of saccharification efficiency. These results helped us to deepen our knowledge into the relationship between cell wall composition and biorefining potential; they also allowed us to establish new targets for future research regarding lignocellulosic bioconversion

Inquérito sobre o HIV entre HSH no Brasil em 2016 usando respondent-driven sampling (RDS) : descrição dos métodos e dos diagnósticos do RDS

Introdução: Este artigo detalha os métodos utilizados na segunda Pesquisa Nacional de Vigilância Biológica e Comportamental (BBSS) do HIV, sífilis e hepatite B e C entre os homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil. Métodos: O método Respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) foi utilizado em 12 cidades em 2016. A amostra foi iniciada com cinco a seis sementes em cada cidade. Testes rápidos para o HIV, sífilis e Hepatite B e C foram oferecidos aos participantes. O software RDS Analyst com o estimador de amostragem sucessiva (SS) de Gile foi utilizado para ajustar os resultados como recomendado, gerando um peso para cada indivíduo para análises. Osdados das 12cidades foram unidos em um único banco e analisados usando as ferramentas de dados complexos do Stata 14.0, com cada cidade sendo tratada como seu próprio estrato. Resultados: A duração da coleta de dados variou de 5,9 a 17,6 semanas e 4.176 homens foram recrutados nas 12 cidades. Dois sites não alcançaram o tamanho da amostra alvo devido a uma demora de seis meses na aprovação local do Comitê de Ética. Todas as cidades atingiram a convergência na principal variável estudada (HIV). Conclusão: O BBSS foi representativo e concluído conforme planejado e dentro do orçamento. A descrição dos métodos aqui é mais detalhada do que o habitual, devido às novas ferramentas e requisitos de diagnóstico das novas diretrizes do STROBE-RDS.Introduction: This paper details the methods used in the second national Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BBSS) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Brazil. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used in 12 cities in 2016. The targeted sample size was initiated with five to six seeds in each city. HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C rapid tests were offered to participants. RDS Analyst with Gile’s successive sampling (SS) estimator was used to adjust results as recommended and a weight for each individual was generated for further analysis. Data for the 12 cities were merged and analyzed using Stata 14.0 complex survey data tools with each city treated as its own stratum. Results: Duration of data collection varied from 5.9 to 17.6 weeks. 4,176 men were recruited in the 12 cities. Two sites failed to achieve targeted sample size due to a six-month delay in local IRB approval. No city failed to reach convergence in our major outcome variable (HIV). Conclusion: The comprehensive BBSS was completed as planned and on budget. The description of methods here is more detailed than usual, due to new diagnostic tools and requirements of the new STROBE-RDS guidelines