Effect of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E Supplementation on Testicular Morphology and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Goats Following Scrotal Insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods & Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely processed and embedded in glycol methacrylate, stained with toluidine blue/1% sodium borate and evaluated qualitative and quantitatively. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay at the time of the orchiectomy. Scrotal circumference was greater (P < 0.05) in goats of the SE group (23.0 ± 1.00 cm) than those of the control group (20.0 ± 1.00 cm) at the end of the scrotal insulation period (Day 18).  At the end of the experimental period (Day 42 post-scrotal insulation (PSI)), the seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium height were greater (P < 0.05) in the SE group than in control. Histological changes associated with testicular degeneration were detected after 18 days of scrotal insulation in the goats of the control group. The animals of SE group had some histological changes of seminiferous tubules but the majority of them had normal association of germ cells. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation did not seem to avoid testicular damage caused by scrotal insulation but accelerated testicular recovery after the removal of insulation. Testosterone serum levels were not changed in the animals submitted to scrotal insulation, with or without dietary supplementation with selenium and vitamin E.Discussion: In the current study, scrotal insulation for 18 days caused testicular degeneration in both groups. However, selenium and vitamin E supplementation were capable of maintaining the scrotal circumference on the 18th day of insulation in the SE group. Previous reports suggested that selenium and vitamin E could protect cell membranes against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. However, the histopathological changes and morphometric data observed in the both groups after 18 days of insulation demonstrated that supplementation with these antioxidants did not prevent the damage caused by heat stress.  In turn, at 42 days after the removal of insulation, the tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium height was greater in animals supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. In addition, the animals that received supplementation had most of seminiferous tubules with cell associations of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Vitamin E and selenium may reduce testicle sensitivity to heat and thereby shorten the spermatogenesis recovery time by 10 to 20 days. Selenium plus vitamin E added to feed was unable to prevent the degeneration of the testicular parenchyma in these animals. Nonetheless, the supplementation with both antioxidants hastened the recovery of spermatogenesis after the thermal injury

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Efeito da suplementação alimentar com selênio + vitamina “E” em caprinos submetidos à insulação escrotal

Objetivando verificar o efeito da suplementação alimentar com Selênio e Vitamina E (Selevit E®) nos parâmetros testiculares e seminais de caprinos submetidos a estresse térmico induzido por insulação escrotal (IE), utilizou-se 12 animais com idade variando entre 7 e 8 meses, os quais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (G1= Controle; G2= Selênio e Vitamina E - Selevit E), passando por um período de adaptação de 60 dias, período no qual os animais foram submetidos a duas colheitas de sêmen e pesados a cada sete dias para correção alimentar de dieta de mantença e correção da suplementação para o G2. Antes de serem colocadas as bolsas para IE, realizou-se a mensuração da circunferência escrotal dos animais de ambos os grupos. Animais de ambos os grupos foram induzidos a IE durante 18 dias, período no qual foram submetidos a duas colheitas de sêmen, uma anterior à IE (0d), uma ao término da IE (18d) e quatro no período PIE (7, 21, 35 e 42d). Ao término da IE, sortearam-se aleatoriamente três animais de cada grupo para orquiectomia bilateral, mantendo-se a suplementação alimentar com Selênio e Vitamina E nos animais restantes do G2. A dieta de mantença foi fornecida para ambos os grupos por mais 42 dias, correspondendo à fase de pós IE (PIE), no final do qual os animais restantes de G1 e G2 também foram orquiectomizados para registro de parâmetros biométricos e volumétricos do parênquima testicular, onde os testículos direito e esquerdo, assim como o epidídimo direito e esquerdo, foram pesados e preparados para posterior análise biométrica e histométrica. As colheitas de sêmen foram realizadas pelo método de eletroejaculação. O grupo de animais que recebeu Selênio e Vitamina E teve média significativamente maior de circunferência escrotal ao término da IE, enquanto que o grupo controle apresentou-se mais suscetíveis aos efeitos degenerativos da IE. O tempo de IE teve efeito significativo sobre as características quanti-qualitativas do sêmen nos animais de ambos os grupos (G1 e G2), com redução dos parâmetros avaliados (MIP, vigor, concentração espermática, integridade de DNA e de acrosoma), exceto o volume seminal. Da mesma forma, observou-se lesões compatíveis com degeneração testicular nos animais orquiectomizados de ambos os grupos. No entanto, constatou-se diferença significativa para os parâmetros biométricos e volumétricos do parênquima testicular apenas para o parâmetro vaso sanguíneo nesse mesmo período. Em contrapartida, a concentração sérica de testosterona aumentou significativamente ao término da IE e diferiu estatisticamente (P<0,05) entre os grupos. Durante o período PIE (42d PIE) não foi observado efeito de tratamento nos parâmetros seminais, mas constatou-se efeito de dias. No entanto, ao término do período PIE os parâmetros seminais apresentaram-se, em média, com valores próximos aos valores antes da IE. Os parâmetros biométricos e volumétricos do parênquima testicular, ao término do período PIE, evidenciaram diferença significativa para os parâmetros de túbulo seminífero, epitélio seminífero, diâmetro tubular e altura de epitélio. Pode-se observar também variação significativa entre os grupos para a concentração sérica de testosterona. Conclui-se que o suplemento com Selênio e Vitamina E não previniu ou reverteu os efeitos provocados pela técnica de insulação escrotal. Entretanto, a continuação desta suplementação, 42 dias após término da IE, acelerou a recuperação do processo espermatogênico em caprinos.Aiming to evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E (Selevit E®) on the testis and seminal parameters of goats induced to scrotal insulation, it were used 12 animals with age varying between seven and eight months, distributed randomly in two groups (G1= Control; G2= Selenium and Vitamin E) and submitted to adaptation period of 60 days. In this period the animals were submitted to two semen harvests and weighted each seven days to supplement and diet correction on the G2 animals. Before putting the testis plastic bags to SI, it was measured scrotal circumference of all animals. Animals of both groups were induced to SI during 18 days, period of which they were submitted to six semen harvests, one before SI (0d), one at the finish of SI (18d) and four on the post-insulation period (PSI). At the end of SI, it was chosen randomly three animals of each group to be submitted to bilateral orchiectomy. The G2 animals have diet supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E during this period. The maintenance diet was offered to both groups during 42 days, corresponding to post-scrotal insulation (PSI). At the end of this period, the animals of G1 and G2 groups also were orchietomized to have biometric and volumetric testis parameters, where left and right testis as well as left and right epididymis were weighted and prepared to biometric and histometric analyses. The semen harvests were done by eletroejaculation method. The Seleniun and Vitamin E group animals have significantly high scrotal circumference at the end of SI, whereas the Selenium and Vitamin E group had values significantly higher of scrotal circumference at the end of SI, whereas the Control animals were more sensitive to degenerative effects of the SI on the same period. The SI time had significant effect on the quanti-qualitative characteristics of the semen on the animals of both groups (G1 and G2), with reduction of the evaluated parameters (PM, vigor, sperm concentration, acrosoma and DNA integrity), except to semen volume. At the same way it was observed damages like testis degeneration on orchiectomized animals of both groups. However, there was significant difference on the biometric and volumetric parameters of testis parenchyma only to blood vessel volume at this period. In contrast, the serum testosterone concentration increased highly at the end of SI and differed between groups (P<0.05). During the PSI period (36d PSI) there was no treatment effect on the seminal parameters, but it was observed day effect. However, at the end of PSI period the seminal parameters have values close to basal day (0d). The biometric and volumetric parameters of testis parenchyma, at the end of PSI period, have significant difference on the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium, as well as on the tubular diameter and ephitelium height of goats induced to scrotal insulation. It was observed also significant variation between groups to serum testosterone concentration. It can be concluded that the supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E did not prevent drastic alterations caused by scrotal insulation technique. However, the continuous supplementation, 36 days after the end of SI, accelerated the spermatogenic recuperation process on goats.Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNP

Suplementação dietética com Selênio e Vitamina E nos parâmetros seminais de caprinos induzidos à insulação escrotal - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i1.3620

This study evaluated the effect of Selenium and Vitamin E supplementation on the semen parameters of goats induced to scrotal insulation (SI). Twelve animals were used, distributed randomly in two groups (G1 = Control; G2 = Selenium and Vitamin E). Two months after the start of diet supplementation on G2 animals, it was realized SI was induced during 18 days. After this period (SI), supplementation was maintained during 42 days, corresponding to the post-insulation phase (PSI). For semen analysis, six semen collections were performed (before, during and after SI). There was no effect of Selenium and Vitamin E supplementation on the quanti-qualitative characteristics of the semen. With the exception of semen volume, a significant effect (p < 0.05) was observed between collection days for both groups (G1 and G2), with reduction in motility, vigor, sperm concentration, acrosome and DNA integrity. After 42 days of SI, normal values were observed for motility and sperm vigor, acrosome and DNA integrity in one animal per group. It can be concluded that the high temperature of the testes of goats subjected to SI alters semen parameters; Selenium and Vitamin E supplementation on goats, in a concentration of 0.1 mg and 0.3 mg kg-1 BW-1, respectively, was not sufficient to minimize the deleterious effects of induced scrotal insulationAvaliou-se o efeito da suplementação alimentar com Selênio e Vitamina E sobre os parâmetros seminais de caprinos submetidos à insulação escrotal (IE). Utilizaram-se 12 animais distribuídos, aleatoriamente, em grupos-controle (G1) e Selênio e Vitamina E (G2). Dois meses após o início da suplementação alimentar nos animais do G2, realizou-se IE durante 18 dias. Após este período (IE), a suplementação foi mantida por mais 42 dias (fase pós-insulação escrotal, PIE). Para análise seminal, foram efetuadas seis colheitas de sêmen (antes, durante e após a IE). Não foi observado efeito da suplementação com Selênio e Vitamina E nas características quanti-qualitativas do sêmen. Com exceção do volume seminal, foi observada diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre os dias de colheita para ambos os grupos, com redução de motilidade, vigor, concentração espermática, integridade do acrossoma e de DNA. Decorridos 42 dias da IE, observou-se normalidade de motilidade, vigor espermático, integridade de acrossoma e de DNA em um animal de cada grupo. Conclui-se que a temperatura elevada nos testículos de caprinos submetidos à IE altera os parâmetros seminais; a suplementação com Selênio e Vitamina E, nas concentrações de 0,1 e 0,3 mg kg-1 PV, respectivamente, não é suficiente para minimizar os efeitos deletérios da insulação escrotal induzida

Effect of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E Supplementation on Testicular Morphology and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Goats Following Scrotal Insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely processed and embedded in glycol methacrylate, stained with toluidine blue/1% sodium borate and evaluated qualitative and quantitatively. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay at the time of the orchiectomy. Scrotal circumference was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in goats of the SE group (23.0 ± 1.00 cm) than those of the control group (20.0 ± 1.00 cm) at the end of the scrotal insulation period (Day 18).  At the end of the experimental period (Day 42 post-scrotal insulation (PSI)), the seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium height were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the SE group than in control. Histological changes associated with testicular degeneration were detected after 18 days of scrotal insulation in the goats of the control group. The animals of SE group had some histological changes of seminiferous tubules but the majority of them had normal association of germ cells. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation did not seem to avoid testicular damage caused by scrotal insulation but accelerated testicular recovery after the removal of insulation. Testosterone serum levels were not changed in the animals submitted to scrotal insulation, with or without dietary supplementation with selenium and vitamin E.Discussion: In the current study, scrotal insulation for 18 days caused testicular degeneration in both groups. However, selenium and vitamin E supplementation were capable of maintaining the scrotal circumference on the 18th day of insulation in the SE group. Previous reports suggested that selenium and vitamin E could protect cell membranes against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. However, the histopathological changes and morphometric data observed in the both groups after 18 days of insulation demonstrated that supplementation with these antioxidants did not prevent the damage caused by heat stress.  In turn, at 42 days after the removal of insulation, the tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium height was greater in animals supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. In addition, the animals that received supplementation had most of seminiferous tubules with cell associations of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Vitamin E and selenium may reduce testicle sensitivity to heat and thereby shorten the spermatogenesis recovery time by 10 to 20 days. Selenium plus vitamin E added to feed was unable to prevent the degeneration of the testicular parenchyma in these animals. Nonetheless, the supplementation with both antioxidants hastened the recovery of spermatogenesis after the thermal injury

Effect of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E Supplementation on Testicular Morphology and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Goats Following Scrotal Insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely processed and embedded in glycol methacrylate, stained with toluidine blue/1% sodium borate and evaluated qualitative and quantitatively. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay at the time of the orchiectomy. Scrotal circumference was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in goats of the SE group (23.0 ± 1.00 cm) than those of the control group (20.0 ± 1.00 cm) at the end of the scrotal insulation period (Day 18).  At the end of the experimental period (Day 42 post-scrotal insulation (PSI)), the seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium height were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the SE group than in control. Histological changes associated with testicular degeneration were detected after 18 days of scrotal insulation in the goats of the control group. The animals of SE group had some histological changes of seminiferous tubules but the majority of them had normal association of germ cells. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation did not seem to avoid testicular damage caused by scrotal insulation but accelerated testicular recovery after the removal of insulation. Testosterone serum levels were not changed in the animals submitted to scrotal insulation, with or without dietary supplementation with selenium and vitamin E.Discussion: In the current study, scrotal insulation for 18 days caused testicular degeneration in both groups. However, selenium and vitamin E supplementation were capable of maintaining the scrotal circumference on the 18th day of insulation in the SE group. Previous reports suggested that selenium and vitamin E could protect cell membranes against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. However, the histopathological changes and morphometric data observed in the both groups after 18 days of insulation demonstrated that supplementation with these antioxidants did not prevent the damage caused by heat stress.  In turn, at 42 days after the removal of insulation, the tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium height was greater in animals supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. In addition, the animals that received supplementation had most of seminiferous tubules with cell associations of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Vitamin E and selenium may reduce testicle sensitivity to heat and thereby shorten the spermatogenesis recovery time by 10 to 20 days. Selenium plus vitamin E added to feed was unable to prevent the degeneration of the testicular parenchyma in these animals. Nonetheless, the supplementation with both antioxidants hastened the recovery of spermatogenesis after the thermal injury

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.13Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Correction to: Comparative effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin K antagonists for atrial fibrillation in clinical practice: GLORIA-AF Registry

International audienceIn this article, the name of the GLORIA-AF investigator Anastasios Kollias was given incorrectly as Athanasios Kollias in the Acknowledgements. The original article has been corrected