A Novel Treatment for Convex Lateral Crura: The Inverted Spanning Suture

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and challenging procedures in plastic surgery, even for experienced surgeons. Among the steps leading to an aesthetic and functional nose, there is the nasal tip improvement. Today's approach to nasal tip is the product of different techniques shifting through time, mainly from a resection tendency, to preservation and suture use to reshape cartilages. Addressing the lateral crura is vital to an aesthetic nasal tip and it is frequently obtained by adequate suture techniques. The alar-spanning suture described by Perkins is one of such. Regardless of its importance, it was not able to improve convex crura in some cases. The inverted alar-spanning suture (ISS) is an adaptation designed to treat those cases with the suture alone. ISS is a novel technique that can lead to better results treating the convex lateral crura by distributing the force vector in a more effective way. New techniques in rhinoplasty have multiplied, bringing this procedure to a new level and keeping up with the updated notion of restoration instead of excision the ISS is a new, precise, approach to an old problem.

In vitro and in vivo embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females

The aim of this study was to compare embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females using ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) or in vivo production (superovulation; SOV) procedures. The study was conducted using a split-plot design, with eight Flemish and eight Holstein non-lactating cycling females. Females were subjected to ten weekly OPU/IVF sessions and/or two SOV/embryo collections sessions at a 63-day interval, for a total of 160 OPU-IVF and 32 SOV sessions. Mean numbers of follicles and corpora lutea, and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) recovery rates were similar between breeds after the OPU and SOV sessions. However, Flemish donors yielded better quality grade II COCs (301, 41.9%) than Holstein females (609, and 202, 33.1%). Also, cleavage and blastocyst rates, and the total number and the mean number of viable embryos obtained after OPU-IVF were higher in Flemish (49.6% and 11.8%, and 63 and 11.8 per donor, respectively) than in Holstein (32.8% and 7.2%, and 34 and 7.2 per donor, respectively) females. Flemish females were also more efficient in yielding viable embryos after SOV (111, 7.3 per donor) than Holstein (48, 3.3 per donor) females. Overall, Flemish donor females had better responses to OPU-IVF or SOV procedures than Holstein counterparts. Irrespective of the breeds, SOV procedures were more efficient than OPU-IVF in yielding more viable embryos, under the conditions of this study. Both reproductive procedures were useful tools for the genetic conservation of the Flemish cattle breed in Southern Brazil.

Ginástica rítmica: experiência baseada nos esportes unificados da Special Olympics

O programa de Esporte Unificado, da Special Olympics, possibilita práticas esportivas para pessoas com e sem deficiência intelectual conjuntamente, visando a promoção da inclusão social. Fundamentado neste programa, foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação objetivando analisar a relação entre atletas com e sem deficiência intelectual em aulas de ginástica rítmica fundamentadas no Esporte Unificado. Para isso, 18 meninas, 12 com deficiência intelectual e 6 sem essa condição, realizaram aulas de ginástica rítmica, conjuntamente, por 12 semanas, com 2 sessões semanais de 2 horas cada, em uma quadra de esportes de Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, Brasil. Ao final  do programa, foi empregada uma entrevista semiestruturada com as meninas sem deficiência, apreciando os dados por análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram que a interação entre atletas com e sem deficiência promoveu melhoras na performance das atletas e possibilitou a construção de conhecimento sobre as diversidades, alcançando atitudes de aceitação e respeito pelas diferenças.

Effects of fusion-activation interval and embryo aggregation on in vitro and in vivo development of bovine cloned embryos

Nuclear reprogramming in somatic cell cloning is one of the key factors for proper development, with variations in the protocol appearing to improve cloning efficiency. This study aimed to determine the effects of two fusion-activation intervals and the aggregation of bovine cloned embryos on subsequent in vitro and in vivo development. Zygotes produced by handmade cloning were exposed to two fusion-activation intervals (2 h or 4 h), and then cultured in microwells either individually (1 × 100%) or after aggregation of two structures (2 × 100%). Zona-intact oocytes and zona-free oocytes and hemi-oocytes were used as parthenote controls under the same fusion-activation intervals. Day-7 cloned blastocysts were transferred to synchronous recipients. Cleavage (Day 2), blastocyst (Day 7) and pregnancy (Day 30) rates were compared by the χ² test (P < .05). Extending fusion-activation interval from 2 to 4 h reduced cleavage (91.0 vs. 74.4%) but not blastocyst (34.8 vs. 42.0%) rates. On a microwell basis, cloned embryo aggregation (2 × 100%) increased cleavage (91.5% vs. 74.4%) and blastocyst (46.0% vs. 31.3%) rates compared to controls (1 × 100%), but did not improve the overall embryo production efficiency on Day 7 (23.0% vs. 31.3%), on a per reconstructed embryo basis, respectively. Treatments had no effects on in vitro developmental kinetics, embryo quality, and in vivo development. In summary, the fusion-activation interval and/or the aggregation of cloned bovine embryos did not affect cloning efficiency based on the in vitro development to the blastocyst stage and on pregnancy outcome.

Developmental Outcome and Related Abnormalities in Goats: Comparison Between Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer- and In Vivo-Derived Concepti During Pregnancy Through Term

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is characterized by low efficiency and the occurrence of developmental abnormalities, which are rather poorly studied phenomena in goats. This study aimed at comparing overall SCNT efficiency in goats by using in vitro-matured (IVM) or in vivo-matured oocytes and fibroblast donor cells (mock transfected, transgenic, or wild type), also characterizing symptoms of the Abnormal Offspring Syndrome (AOS) in development, comparing results with pregnancies produced by artificial insemination (AI) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. The SCNT group had lower pregnancy rate (18.3%, 11/60), total number of concepti (20.0%, 12/60), term births (3.3%, 2/60), and live births (1.7%, 1/60) than both the IVD (77.8%, 7/9; 155.5%, 14/9; 122.2%, 11/9; 88.8%, 8/9) and the AI (71.4%, 10/14; 121.4%, 17/14; 100%, 14/14; 78.5%, 11/14) groups, respectively (p < 0.05). No SCNT pregnancies reached term using IVM oocytes, but in vivo-matured oocytes resulted in two term transgenic cloned kids. The proportion fetal membrane (FM) weight/birth weight reflected an increase in FM size and cotyledonary enlargement in clones, for disproportionally bigger newborns in relation to cotyledonary numbers. Overall, goat cloning showed losses and abnormality patterns similar to the AOS in cloned cattle and sheep, which have not been previously well recognized in goats.

O teste KTK em estudos da coordenação motora

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em realizar uma análise do teste de coordenação corporal KTK para que possamos identificar suas vantagens e desvantagens, suas características técnicas e a possibilidade de sua utilização em nosso contexto, principalmente com pessoas portadoras de deficiência mental. Foi realizado um breve relato de sua origem e evolução, a descrição da estrutura e da forma de administração do KTK, uma analise do processo de validação do teste e por último uma revisão dos estudos realizados com o KTK. Em síntese o teste de coordenação corporal para crianças KTK se mostrou eficiente dentro dos objetivos a que se propõem.Por isso , é um instrumento que pode ser utilizado tanto na educação física regular como na especial, para delinear programas de educação física, diagnosticar crianças com problemas, verificar o desenvolvimento e a aquisição de habilidades motoras globais. Também torna-se interessante e necessário realizar outros estudos utilizando estes instrumentos na prática, para verificar sua adequação em diferentes contextos sociais, econômicos e culturais de nossas escolas.

Gene Expression of Monocarboxylate Transporters and Oocyte-secreted Factors in Bovine Cumulus-oocyte Complexes Selected by Brilliant Cresyl Blue

Oocyte selection based on the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining test has been successfully used to differentiate between competent and incompetent bovine oocytes. Here, the expression of genes involved in transport of monocarboxylates (Mct1-4) and oogenesis specific genes (Bmp15, Gdf9 and Has2) in BCB+ and BCB- selected immature and mature bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) was evaluated. In order to find specific molecular markers to characterize successful oocyte maturation, our study was also aimed at identifying the expression of Mcts and oogenesis specific genes in denuded oocytes and cumulus cells. Immature COCs morphological appropriate were (i) stained with 26 mm BCB for 90 min before IVM, (ii) exposed to same incubation conditions as stained COCs, but without BCB (holding group) or (iii) transferred into a maturation medium immediately after morphological selection (control group). mRNA expression was investigated by RT-PCR in COCs before and after IVM. No relationship was observed in the relative expression of Has2, Gdf9, Bmp15 or Mct1, 2 and 4 transcripts between BCB+ and BCB- COCs. Transcripts analysis showed that Gdf9 and Bmp15 in BCB+, BCB- and holding groups were up-regulated (p < 0.05) before IVM, while Has2 was up-regulated (p < 0.01) after IVM in the control group. Other genes remained stable during maturation (Mct1, 2 and 4). Our results showed, for the first time, Mct1, 2 and 4 expression in bovine COCs. Mct1 and Mct4 transcripts were present in denuded oocytes and cumulus cell, while Mct2 was detected only in cumulus cells. These differences between the three isoforms in localization suggest unique roles for each in monocarboxylate transport during maturation.

Heterologous production of curcuminoids

SUMMARY

Curcuminoids, components of the rhizome of turmeric, show several beneficial biological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Despite their numerous pharmaceutically important properties, the low natural abundance of curcuminoids represents a major drawback for their use as therapeutic agents. Therefore, they represent attractive targets for heterologous production and metabolic engineering. The understanding of biosynthesis of curcuminoids in turmeric made remarkable advances in the last decade, and as a result, several efforts to produce them in heterologous organisms have been reported. The artificial biosynthetic pathway (e.g., in Escherichia coli) can start with the supplementation of the amino acid tyrosine or phenylalanine or of carboxylic acids and lead to the production of several natural curcuminoids. Unnatural carboxylic acids can also be supplemented as precursors and lead to the production of unnatural compounds with possibly novel therapeutic properties. In this paper, we review the natural conversion of curcuminoids in turmeric and their production by E. coli using an artificial biosynthetic pathway. We also explore the potential of other enzymes discovered recently or already used in other similar biosynthetic pathways, such as flavonoids and stilbenoids, to increase curcuminoid yield and activity.

Effect of increased post length due to the presence of the remaining coronal structure on the fracture strength of post-retained restorations

This study evaluated the effects of the remaining coronal tissue and post type on the fracture strength of incisors. Sixty human maxillary central incisors were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction or at 2 mm above this junction. The roots received cast cores and posts, fibre posts, or relined fibre posts (n = 10 each). A compressive load was applied over the cores untilfracture. In the absence of coronal structure, the fracture strength did not differ among the post types evaluated. In the presence of remaining coronal structure, the fracture strength was higher in specimens with cast cores and posts.

The use of a metal container for vitrification of mouse ovaries, as a clinical grade model for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation, after different times and temperatures of transport

PURPOSE

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is paramount for fertility preservation, with important clinical applications, especially for women suffering from an oncological condition. Several cryopreservation methodologies have been tried in search of better outcomes, especially in terms of primor-dial and primary follicles integrity post-cryopreservation. Vitrification has successfully been applied to ovarian tissue using different carriers for tissue exposure to the liquid nitrogen (LN2).

METHODS

We developed an enclosed metal vessel, which has the advantage of a faster heat transfer, when in contact with LN2 avoiding at the same time, the direct contact with tissue. Additionally, we assessed the effect of different times and temperatures of transport between the collection of mouse ovaries and the beginning of cryopreservation, on follicular morphology after vitrification.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that 37 °C and R.T. help to maintain normal primordial and primary follicle morphology for up to 4 hrs after collection and beginning of vitrification in a metal container.

CONCLUSION

These data show that the metal container is an appropriate carrier for mouse ovary vitrification. The rate of morphologically normal primordial follicles up to 4 hrs.

The influence of powdered coconut water (ACP-318®) in in vitro maturation of canine oocytes

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of powdered coconut water (ACP-318(®)) diluted in high glucose (11.0 mM) TCM199 in the achievement of nuclear in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) (n = 632) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups named as group 1 (control group), group 2 (5% powdered coconut water) and group 3 (10% powdered coconut water). The percentage of meiotic resumption (MR) (GVBD to MII) was 39.1% (81/207), 50.2% (108/215) and 46.6% (98/210) for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively (p < 0.05). There were no differences in MR rates among groups 2 and 3. The medium with ACP-318(®) slightly enhanced the nuclear maturation of canine oocytes when a comparison was established with rates of maturation exhibited by oocytes in the experimental group 1 without ACP-318(®) (p < 0.05). The results suggest that oocytes' nuclear morphology integrity and meiosis achievement were positively influenced when exposed to high glucose TCM199 supplemented with 5% powdered coconut water. Further investigation must be performed for a better understanding of powdered coconut water influence in cellular events during IVM of dog oocytes.

Production of bovine hand-made cloned embryos by zygote-oocyte cytoplasmic hemi-complementation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the cytoplast type and activation process on development of cloned embryos. Bovine oocytes (MII) or zygotes at the one-cell stage (IVF) were manually bisected and segregated in MII or IVF hemi-cytoplasts or hemi-karyoplasts. Adult skin cells from a bovine female were used as nucleus donors (SC). Experimental groups were composed of IVF embryos; parthenogenetic embryos; hand-made cloned (HMC) embryos; and reconstructed HMC embryos using IVF hemi-cytoplast + MII hemi-cytoplast + SC (G-I); IVF hemi-cytoplast + IVF hemi-cytoplast + SC (G-II); MII hemi-cytoplast + IVF hemi-karyoplast (G-III); and IVF hemi-cytoplast + IVF hemi-karyoplast (G-IV). Embryos from G-I to G-IV were allocated to subgroups as sperm-activated (SA) or were further chemically activated (SA + CA). Embryos from all groups and subgroups were in vitro cultured in the WOW system. Blastocyst development in subgroup G-I SA (28.2%) was similar to IVF (27.0%) and HMC (31.4%) controls, perhaps due to a to a more suitable activation process and/or better complementation of cytoplasmic reprogramming factors, with the other groups and subgroups having lower levels of development. No blastocyst development was observed when using IVF hemi-karyoplasts (G-III and G-IV), possibly due to the manipulation process during a sensitive biological period. In summary, the presence of cytoplasmic factors from MII hemi-oocytes and the sperm activation process from hemi-zygotes appear to be necessary for adequate in vitro development, as only the zygote-oocyte hemi-complementation was as efficient as controls for the generation of bovine cloned blastocysts.

The influence of oxygen tension on cumulus cell viability of canine COCs matured in high-glucose medium

High in vitro oxygen (O(2)) tensions are associated with enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and cumulus oocyte complex (COC) apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of O(2) tension on cumulus cell (CC) viability from canine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were distributed into three groups (CG, T20 and T5) and two O(2) tension levels (20% and 5%). The control group (CG) was matured in vitro in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO(2) in air in TCM199 with 26.19 mM sodium bicarbonate, 10% (v/v) foetal calf serum (FCS), 0.10 mM gentamicin, 0.20 mM pyruvic acid, 20 microg/ml oestradiol, 0.5 microg/ml follicle-stimulating hormone, 0.03 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin, and 1.0 microg/ml human somatotropin. Groups T20 and T5 were matured under 20% or 5% O(2) tensions respectively in a high-glucose medium, without FCS. T20 and T5 were as CG, and supplemented with 0.1% Polyvinyl Alcohol, and 5.5 mM glucose. After 48 h of IVM, CCs from COCs were stained with propidium iodide (1.50 mM). The results showed that viability of CCs (cytoplasmic features and nuclear morphological integrity) was different for the three groups. Rates of apoptosis were at 57.9% (521/900) for CG, 54.4% (490/900) for T20 and 38.9% (350/900) for T5 (p < 0.001). Predominant features in apoptotic cells (n = 1361) were DNA nuclear fragments (94.0%). It was concluded that CCs of canine COCs cultured in high-glucose medium showed significantly less apoptosis than those cultured in medium with FCS. Low O(2) tension was efficient in reducing apoptosis in canine CCs.

Developmental potential of bovine hand-made clone embryos reconstructed by aggregation or fusion with distinct cytoplasmic volumes

Animal cloning has been associated with developmental abnormalities, with the level of heteroplasmy caused by the procedure being one of its potential limiting factors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the fusion of hemicytoplasts or aggregation of hemiembryos, varying the final cytoplasmic volume, on development and cell density of embryos produced by hand-made cloning (HMC), parthenogenesis or by in vitro fertilization (IVF). One or two enucleated hemicytoplasts were paired and fused with one skin somatic cell. Activated clone and zona-free parthenote embryos and hemiembryos were in vitro cultured in the well-of-the-well (WOW) system, being allocated to one of six experimental groups, on a per WOW basis: single clone or parthenote hemiembryos (1 x 50%); aggregation of two (2 x 50%), three (3 x 50%), or four (4 x 50%) clone or parthenote hemiembryos; single clone or parthenote embryos (1 x 100%); or aggregation of two clone or parthenote embryos (2 x 100%). Control zona-intact parthenote or IVF embryos were in vitro cultured in four-well dishes. Results indicated that the increase in the number of aggregated structures within each WOW was followed by a linear increase in cleavage, blastocyst rate, and cell density. The increase in cytoplasmic volume, either by fusion or by aggregation, had a positive effect on embryo development, supporting the establishment of pregnancies and the birth of a viable clone calf after transfer to recipients. However, embryo aggregation did not improve development on a hemicytoplast basis, except for the aggregation of two clone embryos.

Carvedilol protects against the renal mitochondrial toxicity induced by cisplatin in rats

The clinical use of cisplatin is highly limited by its nephrotoxicity, which has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. We investigated the protective effect of carvedilol, an antihypertensive with strong antioxidant properties, against the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats. Carvedilol was able to counteract the renal damage by preventing the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by cisplatin. The mitochondrial eletrochemical potential, calcium uptake, respiration and the phosphorylative capacity were preserved by the co-administration of carvedilol. The mechanism of protection probably does not involve alterations in the cellular and sub-cellular distribution of cisplatin. The study suggests that carvedilol is a potential drug for the adjuvant nephroprotective therapy during cisplatin chemotherapy.

In-straw cryoprotectant dilution of IVP bovine blastocysts vitrified in hand-pulled glass micropipettes

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two ethylene glycol-based vitrification solutions on in vitro and in vivo survival after in-straw cryoprotectant dilution of vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Day-7 expanded blastocysts were selected according to diameter (> or = 180 microm) and osmotic characteristics and randomly assigned to one of three groups (i) VSa: vitrification in 40% EG+17.1% SUC+0.1% PVA; (ii) VSb: vitrification in 20% EG+20% DMSO; (iii) control: non-vitrified embryos. Vitrification was performed in hand-pulled glass micropipettes (GMP) and cryoprotectant dilution in 0.25 ml straws after warming in a plastic tube. Embryo viability was assessed by re-expansion and hatching rates after 72 h of IVC and by pregnancy rates after direct transfer of vitrified embryos. No differences in re-expansion rates were observed between vitrified groups after 24 h in culture (VSa=84.5%; VSb=94.8%). However, fewer VSa embryos (55.2%, P<0.05) hatched after 72 h than the VSb (75.8%) and control embryos (80.0%). To evaluate in vivo viability, vitrified embryos (VSa=20; VSb=21) were warmed under field conditions and individually transferred to synchronous recipients. Pregnancy rates (day 60) were similar between groups (VSa=20%; VSb=19%). Greater hatching rates occurred after 72 h of IVC for EG+DMSO than EG+SUC+PVA vitrification solutions. However, using a GMP vitrification container and in-tube warming, both solutions provided similar pregnancy rates after the in-straw cryoprotectant dilution and direct embryo transfer.

Effect of maturation medium on in vitro cleavage of canine oocytes fertilized with fresh and cooled homologous semen

This study evaluated the effect of three maturation media on the development of in vitro-matured and in vitro-fertilized dog oocytes. In Experiment 1 (non-comparative experiment) canine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in TCM199 supplemented with estrous cow serum (10%) + gonadotropins + steroid (treatment A), TCM199 + estrous cow serum (10%) (treatment B), or TCM199 + polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (4%) (treatment C). All maturation media contained a final concentration of 1 μg/ml of human somatotropin (hST). Oocytes were fertilized with fresh ejaculated sperm and development was assessed by cleavage. The objective of Experiment 2 (comparative experiment) was to compare the rates of cleavage and developmental capacity of COCs matured in vitro in same medium as in Experiment 1, and fertilized either with fresh ejaculated or with cooled extended homologous spermatozoa. In Experiments 1 and 2, oocytes fertilized with fresh semen were in vitro-matured for 48 h, while in Experiment 2 COCs fertilized with cooled semen were matured in vitro for 72 h. The results of Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that cleavage was not influenced by the oocyte's maturation environment. The results of Experiment 1 showed that pronucleus formation + cleavage (day 7 after IVF) was similar among treatments A, B and C (p = 0.277). Also, in Experiment 2, pronucleus formation + cleavage (day 7 after IVF) was not different for oocytes fertilized in vitro either with fresh or cooled semen and maturated in media A (p = 0.190), B (p = 0.393) or C (p = 0.687). In both experiments, the numbers of embryos that developed to the 6–8-cell stage were higher for oocytes matured in medium A and fertilized with fresh semen, when compared with numbers of oocytes matured in media B and C. Embryo development to the 6–8-cell stage of oocytes fertilized either with fresh or cooled sperm was observed in treatments A and C in Experiment 2. Cumulus cell expansion was similar among treatments in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, cumulus cell expansion among treatments A, B and C was similar after 48 h or 72 h of IVM. In both experiments, the greatest expansion category seen was for category 2 (outer cumulus cells slightly expanded). No correlation between cumulus expansion and cleavage were observed. Polyspermy rates in oocytes matured in medium A, and fertilized with fresh sperm were not significantly different from polyspermy rates observed using media B and C, in both experiments. Our findings indicate that treatments A, B and C are similarly effective for the cleavage of dog oocytes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that canine oocytes matured in vitro could be fertilized by homologous cooled spermatozoa and progress to cleavage.

Can electrons travel through actin microfilaments and generate oxidative stress in retinol treated Sertoli cell?

In early reports our research group has demonstrated that 7 microM retinol (vitamin A) treatment leads to many changes in Sertoli cell metabolism, such as up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, increase in damage to biomolecules, abnormal cellular division, pre-neoplasic transformation, and cytoskeleton conformational changes. These effects were observed to be dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting extra-nuclear (non-genomic) effects of retinol metabolism. Besides 7 microM retinol treatment causing oxidative stress, we have demonstrated that changes observed in cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells under these conditions were protective, and seem to be an adaptive phenomenon against a pro-oxidant environment resulting from retinol treatment. We have hypothesized that the cytoskeleton can conduct electrons through actin microfilaments, which would be a natural process necessary for cell homeostasis. In the present study we demonstrate results correlating retinol metabolism, actin architecture, mitochondria physiology and ROS, in order to demonstrate that the electron conduction through actin microfilaments might explain our results. We believe that electrons produced by retinol metabolism are dislocated through actin microfilaments to mitochondria, and are transferred to electron transport chain to produce water. When mitochondria capacity to receive electrons is overloaded, superoxide radical production is increased and the oxidative stress process starts. Our results suggested that actin cytoskeleton is essential to oxidative stress production induced by retinol treatment, and electrons conduction through actin microfilaments can be the key of this correlation.

The effect of hyaluronan concentrations in hST-supplemented TCM 199 on in vitro nuclear maturation of bitch cumulus–oocyte complexes

In this study, the effect of hyaluronan (HA) on in vitro nuclear maturation of bitch oocytes was evaluated. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 48 h at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Oocytes with one or more layers of intact cumulus cells and dark cytoplasm were allocated to the following treatments: (A) TCM 199 supplemented with 25 mM Hepes/L (v/v), with 10% heat inactivated estrous cow serum (ECS), 50 microg/mL gentamycin, 2.2 mg/mL sodium bicarbonate, 22 microg/mL pyruvic acid, 20 microg/mL estradiol, 0.5 microg/mL FSH, 0.03 IU/mL hCG and 1 microg/mL human somatotropin (hST) (control medium), (B) Treatment A + 0.5 mg/mL HA and (C) Treatment A + 1.0 mg/mL HA. Supplementation with HA did not increase the number of oocytes that resumed meiosis. Additionally, there were no differences among treatments in the cumulus cell expansion of oocytes. In conclusion, the addition of HA to hST-supplemented TCM 199 did not improve the in vitro nuclear maturation of bitch oocytes, and therefore appeared to be unsatisfactory as supplement for in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocytes.

Responses of canine oocytes to in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization outcome

The potential benefits of assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in canids, are linked to the protection and saving of species threatened by extinction due to worldwide habitat destruction and pollution. In both domestic and wild species, these technologies will form the basis for the next leap in reproductive performance by improving fertility rates in valuable middle-aged females, by improving pregnancy rate in infertile or sub-fertile populations and by rescuing biological material to replenish populations of endangered species. In vitro techniques are supposed to answer the reproductive questions of canids, to introduce new methods for contraception and to compete with artificial insemination (AI) as the major or predominant method of embryo production, oocyte- and embryo cryopreservation and cloning. The causes affecting in vitro meiosis of dog oocytes are likely to be diverse. Incomplete understanding of the events associated with oocyte developmental competence are imputed to species reproductive physiology, medium composition and source of ovarian oocyte population used for in vitro maturation. This review addresses some issues on the current state of in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization of canine oocytes.

Gene Expression and Developmental Competence of Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro with Different Serum Concentrations

The objective of this study was to determine the developmental rates and relative abundance of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 transcripts in in vivo- and in vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos in media supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or different oestrous cow serum concentrations. In experiment 1, in vitro maturation and culture media were supplemented with 0.4% BSA or 1, 5, 10 or 20% of oestrous cow serum (ECS). The analysis of the expression of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 was carried out in individual days 7 and 8 embryos by a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. In experiment 2, in vivo-produced morulae were collected on day 7 of the oestrous cycle and employed for the comparison of the relative abundances of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 transcripts with IVP morulae produced using two protein sources (10% ECS or 0.4% BSA). No differences were observed in cleavage rate among groups, but blastocyst formation (27%) and hatching rates (78%) were significantly higher in IVP embryos produced with 20% ECS than the other groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the relative abundances of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 mRNA in days 7 and 8 blastocysts expanded blastocysts between groups. The abundances of mRNA for those genes were similar between IVP and in vivo-produced morulae. In spite of the alterations observed in embryonic development, the presence of serum at distinct concentrations did not appear to alter the relative abundance profiles of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 compared with controls or the BSA supplementation to the IVP media.

Gene expression and developmental competence of bovine embryos produced in vitro under varying embryo density conditions

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of oocyte/embryo density (embryo number:medium volume ratio) on developmental competence and relative transcription of developmentally important genes in in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Using standard procedures, bovine oocytes were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro in groups of 5, 10, 20 or 30 oocytes/embryos per 100 microL medium drop (embryo number/medium volume ratios of 1:20, 1:10, 1:5 and 1:3.3, respectively). A semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay was used to determine the relative abundance of Hsp 70.1 and Glut-1 transcripts in Day-6 morulae, and in Day-7 and Day-8 blastocysts and expanded blastocysts. Cleavage rates (55.9, 49.1, 47.1 and 34.6%, respectively) and blastocyst developmental rates (24.1, 18.9, 20.4 and 12.6%, respectively) were higher in groups containing 5, 10 and 20 embryos versus 30 embryos per drop, but there were no significant differences among groups in hatching rates. The relative abundance of Hsp 70.1 transcripts in Day-7 blastocysts was higher in embryos produced in the 20-embryo than in the 5-embryo groups. There were no differences among embryos from all groups in the amount of Glut-1 mRNA (regardless of embryonic stage). However, there were differences in the pattern of Hsp 70.1 gene expression between distinct stages of embryo development and embryo density; these dissimilarities appeared to be associated with compromised development at higher embryo densities. In conclusion, the increase in embryo density during IVM, IVF, and IVC phases of in vitro embryo production might negatively affect embryo development and the pattern of gene expression of in vitro-produced bovine embryos.

Influence of reproductive status on in vitro oocyte maturation in dogs

In the bitch, oocytes need 48-72 h to complete post-ovulatory maturation to the metaphase II stage in the isthmus of the oviduct, an interval similar to that found in in vitro studies. The effect of estrous cycle stage on in vitro meiotic competence of dog oocytes has been described in several studies. However, there are no reports evaluating the possible effects of pyometra or pregnancy on subsequent potential of oocytes recovered from such females to undergo in vitro maturation. In this study, immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from fresh excised domestic dog ovaries in various reproductive states. The donor females were classified into groups based on stage of the estrous cycle: follicular (proestrus or estrus), luteal (diestrus) or anestrus or at the clinical conditions of pregnancy and pyometra. Grades 1 and 2 oocytes were cultured in vitro at 37 degrees C in TCM-199, supplemented with 25 mM Hepes/l (v/v), and with 10% heat inactived estrous cow serum (ECS), 50 microg/ml gentamicin, 2.2 mg/ml sodium carbonate, 22 microg/ml pyruvic acid, 1.0 microg/ml estradiol, 0.5 microg/ml FSH and 0.03 IU/ml hCG. The nuclear maturation rate was evaluated at 72 h of incubation under Hoechst 33342 (10 microg/ml) staining for fluorescence microscopy. There was no statistical difference in nuclear progression to the MII stage among the various reproductive states (follicular phase, 5.4%; diestrus, 4.2%; anestrus, 4.4%; pyometra, 8.1% and pregnancy, 4.7%). Resumption of meiosis was 24.6% at the follicular phase, 19.6% for diestrus, 16.4% for anestrus, 37.1% for pyometra and 29.2% for pregnancy. Positive and higher numbers of residue above the expected value were observed for the pyometra and pregnancy conditions at the metaphase/anaphase I (MI/AI) stages.Our results indicate that in vitro nuclear maturation of dogs oocytes is not influenced by the in vivo reproductive status of the female. The quality of the oocyte is a more reliable indicator of its potential for meiotic maturation in vitro than the hormonal environment of the donor female at the time of oocyte retrieval.

Meiotic response of in vitro matured canine oocytes under different proteins and heterologous hormone supplementation

The impact of TCM-199 supplemented with different proteins and heterologous hormones on the in vitro maturation (IVM) rate of bitch oocytes was evaluated by nuclear staining under fluorescence microscopy. Oocytes were recovered by slicing of ovaries from bitches presented at various stages of oestrous cycle to ovariohysterectomy. The basic culture medium was TCM-199 supplemented with 25 mM Hepes/l, with 10% heat-inactivated oestrous cow serum (ECS), 50 microg/ml gentamicin, 2.2 mg/ml sodium bicarbonate and 22-microg/ml pyruvic acid, 1.0-microg/ml oestradiol (E 8875; Sigma), 0.5-microg/ml follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (Folltropin-V; Vetrepharm Inc., Ontario, Canada) and 0.03 IU/ml human gonadotropin (hCG) (Profasi HP; Serono, Aubonne, Switzerland). Oocytes were distributed randomly between basic culture medium (control) and the corresponding experimental treatment. Hormone treatments were: oocytes cultured in; (1) medium without FSH, (2) control medium supplemented with 20 microg/ml oestradiol, or (3) medium supplemented with 1 microg/ml human somatotropin (hST; Humatrope, Lilly, Saint Cloud, France). The second experiment consisted of oocytes cultured in medium supplemented with 0.4% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA, fraction V; Gibco Grand Island, NY, USA) instead of ECS, or oocytes cultured in medium with 10% inactivated oestrous bitch serum (EBS) instead of ECS. Oocytes were cultured in 100 microl droplets (up to 25 oocytes per drop) under mineral oil at 37 degrees C in a 100% humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in air. After 72 h of IVM, the highest rates (p < 0.05) of meiotic resumption were achieved with the 0.4% BSA supplementation. A positive influence on the metaphase II (MII) acquisition rate was observed with hST supplement. Oocytes cultured with 10% EBS supplementation did not develop to the MII stage. The results in this study show that the protein and hormone supplements to TCM-199 culture medium tested did not promote the final steps of IVM of bitch oocytes.

Embryonic development of in vitro matured and in vitro fertilized dog oocytes

In several studies, early cleavage stage canine embryos have been derived from in vitro fertilized oocytes cultured under various conditions. Despite these results, IVF protocols for canine oocytes have yielded low fertilization rates. In this study, Experiment I compared the effects of tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with either (A) 1 microg/ml estradiol or (B) 20 microg/ml estradiol + 1 microg/ml human somatotropin (hST) on the in vitro nuclear maturation rate of canine oocytes. Meiotic progression to the metaphase I and II (MI/MII) stages at 72 hr of in vitro culture (IVC) was 10.2% (11/108) in medium A versus 14.1% (30/142) in medium B (P = 0.802). In Experiment II, cleavage rate was determined among oocytes recovered from ovaries of bitches at different reproductive stages. Oocytes (n = 888) were retrieved from bitches at the follicular, anestrous, and luteal stages and selected for high morphological quality. Oocytes were matured for 48 hr in TCM-199 supplemented with 1 microg/ml hST + 20 microg/ml estradiol. Oocytes were in vitro fertilized with fresh canine spermatozoa that had been isolated on a Percoll gradient, and were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) medium with bovine serum albumin (BSA; 4 mg/ml) up to 5 days in 5% CO(2) in air at 37 degrees C. A proportion of oocytes (30.6%) with identifiable nuclear material had cytoplasm penetrated or fertilized by sperm. The percentage of oocytes developing into early stage embryos was 10.1% (27/267). Although pronuclear development was observed to be higher for oocytes recovered at the follicular phase, the cleavage rate was similar among oocytes recovered from bitches at the follicular, anestrus, and luteal stages. There was no correlation between the proportion of capacitated or acrosome reacted spermatozoa and pronuclei formation and/or percent cleavage. It was concluded that TCM-199 supplemented with 1 microg/ml hST and estradiol (20 microg/ml) supports nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of canine oocytes. In this study, meiotic competence was verified by the in vitro production (IVP) and development of embryos up to the 8 cell-stage. Furthermore, the results indicate that, under the described conditions and despite the influence of reproductive status of the bitch on the developmental competence of in vitro fertilized oocytes to the pronuclei stage, cleavage was independent of donor's reproductive estrous cycle stage.

Seasonal variation of goat seminal plasma proteins

The present study describes the investigation of seasonal changes in seminal plasma proteins of Saanen goats under natural conditions in south Brazil. Proteins were isolated by liquid chromatography on heparin Sepharose CL-6B column and characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Important differences were observed in the pattern of heparin-affinity proteins (HAPs), such as a band of 178 kDa unique to the breeding season; a decrease in 119 kDa proteins; and an increase in proteins ranging from 73 to 104 kDa. HAP caused deterioration of sperm motility and acrosome breakage in media containing and not containing skimmed milk; the effect was most remarkable with the proteins from the nonbreeding season. Furthermore, HAP presented phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, which was 4.4-fold higher in nonbreeding season than in breeding season. Binding sites for HAP were identified in the sperm surface, particularly at the middle piece of the spermatozoa. These results indicate that proteins from goat seminal plasma are under seasonal control and associated with sperm function during breeding and nonbreeding seasons.

Current status of sperm cryopreservation: why isn't it better?

Cryopreservation extends the availability of sperm for fertilization; however, the fertilizing potential of the frozen-thawed sperm is compromised because of alterations in the structure and physiology of the sperm cell. These alterations, characteristics of sperm capacitation, are present in the motile population and decrease sperm life-span, ability to interact with female tract, and fertilizing ability. The etiology of such alterations may represent a combination of factors, such as inherited fragility of the sperm cell to withstand the cryopreservation process and the semen dilution. Although the former is difficult to address, approaches that make-up for the dilution of seminal fluid may be sought. The aim of this work is to review aspects of sperm cryopreservation paralleled by events of capacitation and evaluate the possible roles of sperm membrane cholesterol, reactive oxygen species, and seminal plasma as mediators of cryopreservation effects on sperm function.

Splitting and biopsy for bovine embryo sexing under field conditions

Improvements on embryo micromanipulation techniques led to the use of embryo bisection technology in commercial embryo transfer programs, and made possible the direct genetic analysis of preimplantation bovine embryos by biopsy. For example, aspiration and microsection, allow bovine embryos sexing by detection of male-specific Y-chromosome in a sample of embryonic cells. We report on the application of the methodologies of splitting and biopsy of bovine embryos in field conditions, and on the results of embryo sex determination by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pregnancy rates achieved with fresh bisected or biopsied embryos (50 to 60%) were similar to the fresh intact embryos (55 to 61%). The PCR protocol used for embryo sexing showed 92% to 94% of efficiency and 90 to 100% of accuracy. These results demonstrate these procedures are suitable for use in field conditions.

Sperm function and production of bovine embryos in vitro after swim-up with different calcium and caffeine concentration

Frozen semen from bulls was used in artificial insemination programs was submitted to swim-up in Sperm Talp media containing different calcium (1.8, 2.6, 3.6 mM) or caffeine (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 microM) concentrations. The following sperm variables were evaluated: sperm recovery, motility, vigor, morphology, alterations in the pattern of capacitation by chlortetracycline (CTC) staining, and alterations in lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC)-induced acrosome reaction (AR). Sperm obtained from swim-up under different conditions were also tested for in vitro embryo production. No significant differences in the variables motility, vigor, morphology, and LPC-induced AR were observed among the treatments. However, the use of caffeine resulted in greater frequency of sperm with the capacitated pattern by CTC staining, compared to controls without caffeine. The greatest frequency of capacitated sperm (53%) was observed with 7.5 microM caffeine. Different calcium and caffeine concentrations in swim-up resulted in no significant differences in the cleavage rate and embryo development. In summary, micromolar concentrations of caffeine in Sperm Talp may stimulate sperm capacitation.

Development of a Rhodococcus recombinant strain for degradation of products from anaerobic dechlorination of PCBs

The Gram-positive bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1, naturally containing the biphenyl pathway, was electroporated with a broad host range plasmid containing the 4-chlorobenzoate (4-CBA) degradation operon (fcb) isolated from Arthrobacter globiformis strain KZT1. The recombinant strain grew in medium containing 4-CBA and 4-chlorobiphenyl (4-CB) as the only source of carbon, with stoichiometric release of chloride and a molar growth yield on 4-CB that suggested utilization of both biphenyl rings. In resting cell assays, similar rates of degradation were observed for wild-type and recombinant strains for the most common eight congeners from the anaerobic dechlorination of Aroclor 1242, but the recombinant strain accumulated lower amounts of chlorinated meta-cleavage products and no 4-CBA. Recombinant cells inoculated at 10(4) cells/g into nonsterile soil amended with 4-CB grew to 6-10(5) cells/g, a density consistent with the 4-CB consumed. 4-CB was removed only in the inoculated soil, and the recombinant strain did not grow in the same soil when it was not amended with 4-CB. The fcb operon remained stable in the recombinant strain reisolated from soil after 60 days. This work provides proof of concept that a Rhodococcus strain constructed to grow on a PCB would grow in nonsterile soil if the appropriate chlorobiphenyl is available.

Evaluation of a microtomography system with an X-ray microfocus tube

The microfocus radiography system has been realized by means of a microfocus X-ray tube (maximum 160 kV), an image intensifier data collector and a five degree of freedom manipulation table. An 8-bit image acquisition PC-card and software were included to compose the microtomography system. To assemble the system, an image quantitative analysis was carried out by evaluation of the focal spot size, modulation transfer function of the system, and the 'defect discernibility curves'. The 2D microtomographies were carried out using the mean of 10 image central lines in each projection. Image processing techniques were also used to obtain better results. The image reconstruction program is based on a filtered backprojection algorithm using a special window. Images of various types of samples were carried out in order to verify the performance of the system.

Multiple sclerosis in Mexico: hospital cases at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City

The frequency and clinical features of multiple sclerosis (MS) at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Mexico City for the period spanning 1984-1993 is presented. Hospital records of patients with clinically diagnosed MS were selected, the frequency and cumulative frequency of this diagnosis were determined and demographic information and clinical features were recorded. It was found that 70% of the patients were women, 25% were professionals, and 95% were of mixed race. The clinical features of our patients and their neuroimages were consistent with those of MS patients in other populations. Importantly, we found that the frequency of MS has almost doubled over the last 10 years. The reason for this phenomenon is discussed as resulting from better health screening, the availability of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and the cultural, demographic and dietary changes that have occurred due to the rapid urbanization of our country.

Studies on human anti-rabies immunization in Brazil. II--Preliminary evaluation of the 2-1-1 schedule for human pre-exposure anti-rabies immunization, employing suckling mouse brain vaccine

This study reports preliminary results of virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers obtained on different days in the course of human anti-rabies immunization with the 2-1-1 schedule (one dose is given in the right arm and one dose in the left arm at day 0, and one dose is applied on days 7 and 21), recommended by WHO for post-exposure treatment with cell culture vaccines. A variant schedule (double dose on day zero and another on day 14) was also tested, both employing suckling mouse brain vaccine. A complete seroconversion rate was obtained after only 3 vaccine doses, and almost all patients (11 of 12) presented titers higher than 1.0 IU/ml. Both neutralizing response and seroconversion rates were lower in the group receiving only 3 doses, regardless of the sample collecting day. Although our results are lower than those found with cell culture vaccines, the geometry mean of VNA is fully satisfactory, overcoming the lower limit recommended by WHO of 0.5 IU/ml. The 2-1-1 schedule could be an alternative one for pre exposure immunization, shorter than the classical 3+1 regimen (one dose on days 0, 2, 4 and 30) with only three visits to the doctor, instead of four.

[Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in diarrheic syndrome in HIV positive patients]

During the period February 1987-June 1988, we examined 542 stool samples of 271 HIV positive patients both with and without full-blown AIDS. One hundred patients with either acute or chronic diarrhea and 180 patients without diarrhea were studied. The stool samples were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp., other protozoa, helmints, and pathogenic enterobacteria. We found a prevalence of 14.3% of Cryptosporidium sp. in patients with full-blown disease and diarrhea. We encountered no Cryptosporidium sp. among asymptomatic patients. The occurrence of diarrhea was significantly associated with a CD4/CD8 ratio lower than 0.4, with the finding of Cryptosporidium sp. in the stools, being a CDC group IV, and with a positive stool culture for pathogenic enterobacteria. The diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium sp. could not be distinguished, on clinical grounds, from diarrhea caused by other etiologic agents.

The efficiency of two nonsurgical techniques for bovine embryo recovery on days 6 and 7 of the estrous cycle

Two nonsurgical techniques for embryo recovery were employed and used in Days 6 and 7 of the estrous cycle. A significant difference between techniques was observed in both days of collection, with the closed system being more efficient in Day 6 and the opened one more efficient in Day 7. The bacteriological contamination of flushing medium (11% for the closed system and 21% for the opened technique) was of saprophytic bacteria and did not affect the percentage of pregnancies in either system.

31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rat pituitary tumours in vivo

31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were obtained in the living rat from 19 implanted prolactin-secreted pituitary tumours. Seven major peaks were found including those arising from the high energy phosphorus metabolites ATP and phosphocreatine. Intracellular pH of the tumours was measured and a relationship with prolactin secretion was observed, the highest plasma prolactin concentrations being associated with an intracellular pH greater than 7.18. Repeated NMR measurements in three tumours over periods of up to 21 days revealed progressive changes with age, shown by an increase in inorganic phosphate, a decrease in high energy phosphorus metabolites and a decrease in prolactin secretion. It is concluded that NMR spectroscopy provides a useful method of studying intracellular events which accompany hormone secretion in vivo.

VIP enhances TRH-stimulated prolactin secretion of pituitary tumours. Studies with 31P NMR

Intravenous thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) caused a 6.5-fold increase in plasma prolactin (PRL) in rats carrying implanted pituitary tumours. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) had no effect, but TRH given after VIP raised TRH stimulated secretion 13-fold above basal. 31P NMR spectroscopy showed that VIP caused a decrease in high energy metabolites (depleted phosphocreatine, elevated inorganic phosphate and lowered intracellular pH). TRH alone caused a similar but smaller effect; given after VIP, it caused no detectable depletion. We suggest that the changes in high energy metabolite concentrations reflect increased cellular energy consumption consistent with a priming process (stage 1) in PRL secretion, followed by hormone release (stage 2). VIP induces stage 1 whereas RTH induced both stages.