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During spermatogenesis, a substantial proportion of histones are substituted by protamine to condense the genome within the sperm head. Studies indicate that a minority of histones, typically ranging from 1 to 15 %, persist in mammalian sperm post-substitution. The persistence of histones in the zygote facilitates chromatin accessibility to transcription factors in regions crucial for early embryonic development. Nevertheless, the potential causal relationship between retained histones and fertility phenotypes remains uncertain. This study seeks to investigate this relationship. The results indicate that in mature bovine sperm, regions of DNA associated with fertility that bind to histones are primarily concentrated in promoters and transcription start sites, potentially impacting bull fertility and offspring fertility through the regulation of relevant genes. Furthermore, microRNAs and estradiol/ESR are suggested to be the main regulators of the canonical pathways identified, highlighting the need for additional research to investigate their potential utility as biomarkers.
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Fertilidad , Histonas , Espermatozoides , Masculino , Animales , Bovinos/genética , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Fertilidad/genética , Histonas/metabolismo , Histonas/genética , FemeninoRESUMEN
In this research, we aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of an atomized extract of Cnidoscolus diacanthus (Pax & K. Hoffm.) J.F. Macbr., known in Peru as "huanarpo hembra", and its effect on sex hormone levels. Its phytochemical profile was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), while its total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFs) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminum chloride method. Its antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the radical 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6 sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The biological activity of C. diacanthus and its effect on sexual hormones were determined in Holtzman rats of both sexes. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in its leaves and stems, mainly rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and genistein. However, the stem extract contained higher total phenol (464.38 ± 4.40 GAE/g) and flavonoid (369.17 ± 3.16 mg QE/g of extract) contents than the leaf extract (212.38 ± 3.19 mg GAE/g and 121.49 ± 2.69 mg QE/g). For DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was 597.20 ± 5.40 µmol/g, 452.67 ± 5.76 µmol/g, and 535.91 ± 1.56 µmol/g, respectively, for the stems, while for the leaves, it was 462.39 ± 3.99 µmol/g, 202.32 ± 5.20 µmol/g, and 198.13 ± 1.44 µmol/g, respectively. In terms of the values for hormonal levels, at a dose of 100 mg/kg of the extract, testosterone levels of 1.430 ng/mL (with the leaf extract) and 1.433 ng/mL (with the stem extract), respectively, were found in the male rats. Regarding estradiol levels, in the female rats, these were 10.425 ng/mL (leaf extract) and 8.775 ng/mL (stem extract), while their levels of luteinizing hormone were 0.320 mIU/mL (leaf extract) and 0.273 mIU/mL (stem extract). For the follicle-stimulating hormone, levels of 0.858 mIU/mL (leaf extract) and 0.840 mIU/mL (stem extract) were found in the female rats, and levels of 0.220 mIU/mL (leaf extract) and 0.200 mIU/mL (stem extract) were found in the male rats. It is concluded that the C. diacanthus stem extract had a greater antioxidant capacity than the leaf extract, while both extracts had a superior effect on the sex hormone levels in the female rats compared to the male rats.
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Antioxidantes , Extractos Vegetales , Hojas de la Planta , Tallos de la Planta , Animales , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hojas de la Planta/química , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/química , Ratas , Masculino , Tallos de la Planta/química , Flavonoides/análisis , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacología , Femenino , Perú , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/metabolismo , Fenoles/química , Fenoles/análisis , Fenoles/farmacología , Euphorbiaceae/química , Fitoquímicos/farmacología , Fitoquímicos/química , Fitoquímicos/análisisRESUMEN
Embryo transfer in cattle is an increasingly important technique for cattle production. Full attainment of the benefits of the technology will depend on overcoming hurdles to optimal performance using embryos produced in vitro. Given its importance, embryo technology research should become a global research priority for animal reproduction science. Among the goals of that research should be developing methods to increase the proportion of oocytes becoming embryos through optimization of in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization, producing an embryo competent to establish and maintain pregnancy after transfer, and increasing recipient fertility through selection, management and pharmacological manipulation. The embryo produced in vitro is susceptible to epigenetic reprogramming and methods should be found to minimize deleterious epigenetic change while altering the developmental program of the resultant calf to increase its health and productivity. There are widening opportunities to rethink the technological basis for much of the current practices for production and transfer of embryos because of explosive advances in fields of bioengineering such as microfluidics, three-dimensional printing of cell culture materials, organoid culture, live-cell imaging, and cryopreservation.
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This review elucidates the physiological and endocrinological processes intrinsic to puberty and ovulation induction protocols in Bos indicus and Bos taurus beef heifers. Puberty is a complex physiological event involving gonadotropic and metabolic changes that lead to sexual maturity, first ovulation, and regular reproductive cycles, enabling females to reproduce. Exposure to progesterone-based hormonal protocols, with or without additional hormones, can reduce the age at first ovulation and improve sexual maturity through stimuli in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and uterine development. However, inducing puberty differs from inducing ovulation, as it does not ensure the heifer will continue cycling or be ready to establish and maintain pregnancy after hormonal exposure. Regardless of the pharmacological basis, studies consistently report that beef heifers that had a corpus luteum (CL) prior to the timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocol, have greater expression of estrus in response to synchronization and greater pregnancy per AI compared to heifers without a CL. The combination of P4 and E2 significantly impacts uterine development, increasing reproductive efficiency. Exposure to P4 causes a positive effect on inducing ovulation. However, studies indicate that the addition of E2 esters at the time of P4 device removal increases the ovulation rate. In general, the studies showed that fertility varied according to the type of the ovulation induction protocol used, but with inconsistent results. Although ovulation induction protocols are strategic tools to accelerate sexual maturity, a holistic view of the entire system is extremely important, combining integration with genetics and nutrition to enhance the reproductive outcomes of beef heifers. Future research is needed to understand and refine these protocols, driving the efficiency of beef cattle production systems.
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OBJECTIVE: The relevance of the study is determined by the deepening understanding of the global consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, which affect not only lung health but also a wide range of other body systems. In light of new data on the long-term effects of coronavirus infection, this study is highly significant. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of coronavirus infection on the male reproductive system and assess its potential influence on male fertility to refine the mechanisms of damage and provide recommendations for medical care. METHODS: The study utilised a combination of methods, including a meta-analysis of medical organisation databases, analysis of clinical cases, representative sample method, and quantitative survey method. These approaches allowed for a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the problem. RESULTS: The samples of sperm showed a noticeable decrease in progressive motility, sperm concentration, and volume, especially in patients with moderate and severe symptoms of COVID-19, whereas patients with mild symptoms only experienced a decrease in progressive motility and overall sperm motility. The survey identified symptoms of male reproductive system dysfunction after recovering from COVID-19. Predominant symptoms included decreased libido (15%), impotence (13%), and infections of the genital organs (12%). Most surveyed men lacked sufficient awareness of other aspects of male reproductive health, including infections, genetic defects, chronic diseases, and available medical services. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the study, it was concluded that coronavirus infection can have a negative impact on the male reproductive system. The practical value of this study lies in improving approaches to medical care for men who have recovered from COVID-19 and creating preventive programmes.
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OBJECTIVE: Human reproduction presents a challenge for our species, as evidenced by the escalating rates of infertility. This trend has prompted inquiries into diverse strategies aimed at mitigating infertility and enhancing conception rates. Despite the extensive research on advanced maternal age as a risk factor for reproductive outcomes, paternal age has historically garnered comparatively less attention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of paternal age on embryos and its subsequent repercussions on fertilization rate, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate in individuals undergoing assisted reproductive treatment in a public reproductive center located in Brazil. METHODS: This investigation adopted a retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, analytical design, utilizing the analysis of secondary data, covering the period from July 2015 to July 2021. RESULTS: A total of 350 couples grappling with infertility and undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included in the analysis. Examination of age groups revealed a notable correlation between the ages of women and men (correlation coefficient R=0.12, p<0.0001). In the analysis of IVF techniques, a discernible trend towards a negative correlation with paternal age was observed, signifying that higher paternal age was linked to lower fertilization rates (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced paternal age significantly impacts full-term birth rates in IVF procedures, emphasizing the need for preconception public health advisories that underscore the risks associated with delaying parenthood for both men and women, particularly among those necessitating assisted reproductive techniques.
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OBJECTIVE: The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised questions about its potential uses in different sectors of everyday life. Specifically in medicine, the question arose whether chatbots could be used as tools for clinical decision-making or patients' and physicians' education. To answer this question in the context of fertility, we conducted a test to determine whether current AI platforms can provide evidence-based responses regarding methods that can improve the outcomes of embryo transfers. METHODS: We asked nine popular chatbots to write a 300-word scientific essay, outlining scientific methods that improve embryo transfer outcomes. We then gathered the responses and extracted the methods suggested by each chatbot. RESULTS: Out of a total of 43 recommendations, which could be grouped into 19 similar categories, only 3/19 (15.8%) were evidence-based practices, those being "ultrasound-guided embryo transfer" in 7/9 (77.8%) chatbots, "single embryo transfer" in 4/9 (44.4%) and "use of a soft catheter" in 2/9 (22.2%), whereas some controversial responses like "preimplantation genetic testing" appeared frequently (6/9 chatbots; 66.7%), along with other debatable recommendations like "endometrial receptivity assay", "assisted hatching" and "time-lapse incubator". CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that AI is not yet in a position to give evidence-based recommendations in the field of fertility, particularly concerning embryo transfer, since the vast majority of responses consisted of scientifically unsupported recommendations. As such, both patients and physicians should be wary of guiding care based on chatbot recommendations in infertility. Chatbot results might improve with time especially if trained from validated medical databases; however, this will have to be scientifically checked.
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The aims of this study were to evaluate the doxorubicin concentration that induces toxic effects on in vitro culture of isolated mouse secondary follicles and to investigate whether resveratrol can inhibit or reduce this toxicity. Secondary follicles were isolated and cultured for 12 days in control medium (α-MEM+) or in α-MEM+ supplemented with doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) or different concentrations of resveratrol (0.5, 2, or 5 µM) associated with doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) (experiment 1). For experiment 2, follicles were cultured in α-MEM+ alone or supplemented with doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) or different concentrations of resveratrol (5 or 10 µM) associated or not with doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) (experiment 2). The endpoints analyzed were morphology (survival), antrum formation, follicular diameter, mitochondrial activity, glutathione (GSH) levels and DNA fragmentation. In the first experiment, doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) maintained survival and antrum formation similar to the control, while 5 µM resveratrol showed increased parameters, maintained mitochondrial activity and increased GSH levels compared to the control. In the second experiment, doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) reduced survival, antrum formation and follicular diameter compared to the control. Resveratrol at a concentration of 10 µM attenuated the damage caused by doxorubicin by improving follicular survival and did not present DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, supplementation of the in vitro culture medium with 0.3 µg/ml doxorubicin reduced the survival and impaired the development of mouse-isolated preantral follicles. Resveratrol at 10 µM reduced doxorubicin-induced follicular atresia, without DNA fragmentation in the follicles.
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Doxorrubicina , Folículo Ovárico , Resveratrol , Resveratrol/farmacología , Animales , Doxorrubicina/toxicidad , Doxorrubicina/farmacología , Femenino , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/citología , Ratones , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Fragmentación del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Glutatión/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Reproductive outcomes were evaluated in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers submitted to one, two or no ovulation induction protocols based on progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) prior to a timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocol. A total of 1,437 heifers (13.0 ± 0.8 mo old; 3.1 ± 0.1 of body condition score [BCS] and 279.9 ± 25.8 kg of body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 0IND (n = 486): no ovulation induction protocol; 1IND (n = 481): one ovulation induction protocol; or 2IND (n = 470): two ovulation induction protocols. On Day -47, heifers from 2IND received a disinfected intravaginal P4 device (2 g, previously used for 21 d), kept until Day -40, when 0.5 mg of E2 cypionate (EC) was given. On Day -19, heifers from 2IND and 1IND underwent the same protocol. On Day 0, all heifers were submitted to the same TAI protocol, starting with a P4 device (0.5 g), 0.5 mg of cloprostenol sodium (PGF), and 1.5 mg of E2 benzoate. On Day 7, P4 device was removed, 0.5 mg of PGF, 0.5 mg of EC, and 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) were administered. The TAI was performed 2 d later (Day 9). Blood samples were collected on Days -47 and 0, to determine the presence of CL (circulating P4 concentrations ≥ 1.0 ng/mL). Ultrasound was performed on Days 40, 75 and between Day 150 and parturition to assess pregnancy per AI (P/AI) and pregnancy loss (PL). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (a-cP ≤ 0.05; A,B0.05 < P ≤ 0.10). The proportion of heifers with CL on Day -47 was similar among groups (3.4%). A greater proportion of heifers from 1IND had CL on Day 0, followed by 2IND, then 0IND (87.9a; 80.4b; 28.8c%). There was an effect of treatment on expression of estrus (2IND: 66.6a; 1IND: 67.2a; 0IND: 57.4b%), P/AI on Day 40 (2IND: 53.4a; 1IND: 43.9b; 0IND: 46.5b%), P/AI on Day 75 (2IND: 49.8a; 1IND: 40.5b; 0IND: 44.4ab%) and final P/AI (2IND: 45.5a; 1IND: 35.8b; 0IND: 40.5ab%). No differences were observed in PL (40-75 = 6.3%; 75-final = 9.6%; Total = 15.3%). Particularly within lighter heifers, there was an effect of treatment on P/AI on Day 40 (0IND: 39.2b; 1IND: 43.3ab; 2IND: 53.9a%) and on Day 75 (0IND: 36.6B; 1IND: 39.0AB; 2IND: 48.5A%). At the first pregnancy diagnosis, more nonpregnant heifers from 2IND had CL on Day 40 than 0IND, but 1IND did not differ from the other groups (85.4a; 74.8b; 80.8ab%). In conclusion, ovulation induction protocols performed prior to the TAI protocol increased the proportion of heifers with CL on Day 0. The use of two induction protocols resulted in greater fertility, particularly in lighter heifers, and increased cyclicity among nonpregnant heifers. These results indicate that this strategy may be an optimized method for inducing cyclicity and enhancing fertility of prepubertal Nelore heifers raised in pasture-based feeding systems.
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Inseminación Artificial , Inducción de la Ovulación , Progesterona , Animales , Bovinos/fisiología , Femenino , Inseminación Artificial/veterinaria , Inseminación Artificial/métodos , Embarazo , Progesterona/sangre , Progesterona/farmacología , Progesterona/administración & dosificación , Inducción de la Ovulación/veterinaria , Inducción de la Ovulación/métodos , Estradiol/farmacología , Estradiol/sangre , Estradiol/administración & dosificación , Maduración Sexual/efectos de los fármacos , Alimentación Animal/análisisRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The abrupt decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Puerto Rico to 0.9 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, makes the prospect of a sustained population decline a real possibility. Population projections produced by the United States Census Bureau and the United Nations Population Division show that the island population may decline from 3.8 millions in 2000 to slightly above 2 million by 2050, a dramatic population decline of 47% in 50 years. Both population projections assume that all countries with a TFR below replacement level could eventually increase toward or oscillate to 2.1 children per woman and have Puerto Rico's TFR approaching 1.5 by 2050. This assumption has been widely criticized as unrealistic and not supported by evidence. The main objective of our research is to provide an alternative fertility projection for Puerto Rico by 2050 that has more realistic assumptions. METHODS: Our methodology is based on the Bayesian Hierarchical Probabilistic Theory used by the United Nations to incorporate a way to measure the uncertainty and to estimate the projection parameters. We modified the assumptions used by the United Nations by considering 17 countries with TFR similar to Puerto Rico. RESULTS: By 2050, Puerto Rico may have a TFR of 1.1 bounded by a 95% credibility interval (0.56,1.77). CONCLUSION: Under this scenario Puerto Rico can expect to have a larger population decline than that projected by the Census Bureau and the United Nations.
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Teorema de Bayes , Tasa de Natalidad , Puerto Rico , Humanos , Tasa de Natalidad/tendencias , Femenino , PredicciónRESUMEN
Objetivo: Estudiar la relación que existe entre algunos factores predisponente a desarrollar endometriosis y síntomas más frecuentes que manifiestan las pacientes. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal, retrospectivo y descriptivo, mediante la revisión de 455 historias tomadas 560 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de endometriosis y realizando diagnóstico definitivo en el Hospital Universitario "Dr. Ángel Larralde" y consulta privada, en Venezuela, estado Carabobo, en el periodo de enero 2006 a mayo 2023. Resultados: El diagnóstico se realizó en un 47,1 % de las pacientes con edades entre 26 a 35 años. La menarquia se presentó entre los 8 y los 12 años (el 69 %). El 63 % no tenía embarazos. La dismenorrea primaria fue más frecuente en el 63,07 %. El dolor pélvico y dispareunia en el 48 %, los síntomas digestivos en el 21 %. La localización más frecuente fue en ovario (78,7 %). Conclusión: La endometriosis, enfermedad inflamatoria benigna, estrógeno dependiente, se caracteriza por presencia de glándulas y estroma endometrial ectópico, usualmente acompañados de fibrosis. Se manifiesta en el periodo reproductivo, su principal síntoma es el dolor. Se localiza con mayor frecuencia en la pelvis y de esta en los ovarios, en intestino, vejiga, hígado, pulmones, cerebro, pared abdominal y periné. No hay tratamiento para su cura, pero si para los síntomas y retardar su progreso. Su diagnóstico por su desarrollo multifactorial y manifestaciones clínicas en muchas oportunidades se realiza en forma tardía(AU)
Objective: To study the relationship that exists between some predisposing factors to develop endometriosis and the most frequent symptoms manifested by patients. Methods: Longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive observational study, through the review of 455 records taken from 560 patients who attended the endometriosis consultation and made a definitive diagnosis at the "Dr. Ángel Larralde" and private consultation, in Venezuela, Carabobo state, in the period from January 2006 to May 2023. Results: The diagnosis was made in 47.1% of the patients aged between 26 and 35 years. Menarche occurred between 8 and 12 years of age (69%). 63% did not have pregnancies. Primary dysmenorrhea was more frequent in 63.07%. Pelvic pain and dyspareunia in 48%, digestive symptoms in 21%. The most frequent location was in the ovary (78.7%). Conclusion: Endometriosis, a benign, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, is characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma, usually accompanied by fibrosis. It manifests itself in the reproductive period, its main symptom is pain. It is located most frequently in the pelvis and from this in the ovaries, intestine, bladder, liver, lungs, brain, abdominal wall and perineum. There is no treatment to cure it, but there is treatment for the symptoms and slowing its progress. Its diagnosis due to its multifactorial development and clinical manifestations is often made late(AU)
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Humanos , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Pélvico , Dismenorrea , Dispareunia , Endometriosis/etiología , Endometriosis/epidemiología , Útero , Pared Abdominal , GinecologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Including women of childbearing age in a clinical trial makes it necessary to consider two factors from a bioethical perspective: first, the lack of knowledge about the potential teratogenic effects of an investigational product, and also, the principle of justice not to exclude any population from the benefits of research. The most common way to address this issue is by requiring volunteers to use contraceptives before, during, and a few weeks after the clinical trial. This work presents all the strategies used to promote contraception use and prevent pregnancy during the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Autosomal-Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (API ADAD) Colombia clinical trial. Two characteristics of this trial make it of special interest for closely monitoring contraception use. One is that the trial lasted more than 7 years, and the other is that participants could be carriers of the E280A PSEN1 mutation, leading to a mild cognitive impairment as early as their late 30s. METHODS: An individual medical evaluation to select the contraception method that best fits the volunteer was carried out during the screening visit, remitting to the gynecologist when necessary. All non-surgical contraception methods were supplied by the sponsor. Staff were trained on contraception counseling, correctly dispensing contraceptive drugs to volunteers, and identifying, reporting, and following up on pregnancies. Two comprehensive educational campaigns on contraception use were performed, and the intervention included all volunteers. In addition, volunteers were asked on an annual survey to evaluate the dispensing procedure. Finally, the effectiveness of these strategies was retrospectively evaluated, comparing by extrapolation the number of pregnancies presented throughout the trial with the General Fertility Rate in Colombia. RESULTS: A total of 159 female volunteers were recruited. All strategies were implemented as planned, even during the COVID-19 contingency. Ten pregnancies occurred during the evaluation period (2015-2021). Two were planned; the rest were associated with a potential therapeutic failure or incorrect use of contraceptive methods for a contraceptive failure of 0.49% per year. Sixty percent of pregnancies led to an abortion, either miscarriage or therapeutic abortion. However, there was not enough data to associate the pregnancy outcome with the administration of the investigational product. Finally, we observed a lower fertility rate in women participating in the trial compared to the Colombian population. CONCLUSION: The lower rates of contraceptive failure and the decrease in the incidence of pregnancies in women participating in the trial compared to the Colombian population across the 7 years of evaluation suggest that the strategies used in API ADAD Colombia were adequate and effective in addressing contraception use.
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Background: Gonipterus platensis Marelli, 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main defoliating beetles in Eucalyptus plantations. Biological control with egg parasitoids is one of the main control strategies for this pest and a constant supply of fresh host eggs is required to rear the parasitoids. Polyandry can influence Gonipterus oviposition by increasing female fecundity and fertility; however, the high density of individuals in laboratory colonies can lead to male harassment, resulting in lower reproduction rate. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of monoandry and polyandry on the reproduction of G. platensis and the effects of male harassment on laboratory rearing conditions. Methods: Reproductive parameters were compared between three treatments: monoandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with the same male; no choice polyandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with a different male; and polyandry with choice, where the female was allowed to mate daily, but with a choice between five different males. Another experiment varying the density of males was conducted to evaluate the effect of male harassment. Results: Polyandry with choice resulted in the longest period of oviposition, highest fecundity and highest number of eggs per egg capsules when compared to monoandrous females. No negative effect related to male harassment in the laboratory, such as decreased fertility, fecundity, or number of eggs per egg capsule, was detected. Conclusion: Polyandry contributes to mass rearing as it increases fecundity and oviposition period on females and there is no evidence of male harassment on G. platensis.
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Fertilidad , Oviposición , Conducta Sexual Animal , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Oviposición/fisiología , Conducta Sexual Animal/fisiología , Fertilidad/fisiología , Gorgojos/fisiología , Control Biológico de Vectores/métodos , Reproducción/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Hormonal protocols based on progestogens and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) are efficient for estrus and ovulation synchronization in ewes. Although eCG is indispensable during seasonal anestrus, it may not be necessary during the breeding season. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that GnRH is effective in replacing eCG during the breeding season allowing satisfactory ovulation rate, luteal function and conception rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI). Ewes (n = 134) with a minimum body condition score of 2.5 (0-5 scale) were treated with intravaginal devices (IVD) containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for seven days and received 0.26 mg of sodium cloprostenol at the time of IVD removal. In Exp. 1, at IVD removal, ewes (n = 29) were allocated to three groups: eCG (200 IU at IVD removal; n = 10); eCG+GnRH (200 IU eCG at IVD removal and 4 µg of buserelin 36 h later; n = 10); or GnRH (buserelin 36 h after IVD removal; n = 9). Blood samples were collected 2, 6 and 12 days after TAI moment (54 h after IVD removal), for progesterone (P4) analysis. In Exp 2, the ewes were allocated to eCG (n = 10) or GnRH (n = 10) groups, as above described, and ovulation moment was evaluated 54, 66 and 78 h after IVD removal. In Exp 3, TAI was performed in ewes from eCG (n = 45) and GnRH (n = 40) groups using 100 × 106 motile spermatozoa from a pool of semen collected from four rams. In Exp. 1, based on P4 levels, we confirmed that all the ewes ovulated (29/29) and there was no significant effect of group (P = 0.89) or group x day (P = 0.18) on P4 concentration, being observed a significant effect of day (P = 0.0001). In Exp. 2, the maximum DF diameter (P = 0.26) and ovulation moment (P = 0.69) did not differ between groups. In Exp. 3, pregnancy rate was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in GnRH (22.5 %; 9/40) compared to eCG (46.7 %; 21/45). The results indicate that, although ovulation and luteal function were not altered after eCG, eCG+GnRH or GnRH treatment, GnRH alone before TAI cannot be used to replace eCG treatment during the breeding season.
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Gonadotropina Coriónica , Sincronización del Estro , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina , Inseminación Artificial , Animales , Femenino , Inseminación Artificial/veterinaria , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/farmacología , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/administración & dosificación , Ovinos/fisiología , Gonadotropina Coriónica/farmacología , Gonadotropina Coriónica/administración & dosificación , Embarazo , Sincronización del Estro/métodos , Progesterona/sangre , Progesterona/farmacología , Progesterona/administración & dosificación , Estaciones del Año , Acetato de Medroxiprogesterona/administración & dosificación , Acetato de Medroxiprogesterona/farmacología , Ovulación/efectos de los fármacos , Ovulación/fisiología , Gonadotropinas Equinas/farmacología , Gonadotropinas Equinas/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
The female reproductive function is coordinated by the endocrine system driven by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. While not directly part of the female reproductive system, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, including reproductive health. The gut microbiome communicates bidirectionally with the brain via the gut-brain axis, influencing stress levels, mood, and hormonal balance, which can impact reproductive health and fertility. In addition to that, the vaginal and uterine microbiome are directly involved with the reproductive success of farm animals, including female fertility and offspring development. In this paper, we summarize some of the effects of bacterial contamination in the female reproductive tract and their association with reproductive performance in farm animals.
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Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are fundamental for cattle breeding and sustainable food production. Together with genomic selection, these technologies contribute to reducing the generation interval and accelerating genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss advancements in technologies used in the fertility evaluation of breeding animals, and the collection, processing, and preservation of the gametes. It is of utmost importance for the breeding industry to select dams and sires of the next generation as young as possible, as is the efficient and timely collection of gametes. There is a need for reliable and easily applicable methods to evaluate sexual maturity and fertility. Although gametes processing and preservation have been improved in recent decades, challenges are still encountered. The targeted use of sexed semen and beef semen has obliterated the production of surplus replacement heifers and bull calves from dairy breeds, markedly improving animal welfare and ethical considerations in production practices. Parallel with new technologies, many well-established technologies remain relevant, although with evolving applications. In vitro production (IVP) has become the predominant method of embryo production. Although fundamental improvements in IVP procedures have been established, the quality of IVP embryos remains inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Improvements to facilitate oocyte maturation and development of new culture systems, e.g. microfluidics, are presented in this paper. New non-invasive and objective tools are needed to select embryos for transfer. Cryopreservation of semen and embryos plays a pivotal role in the distribution of genetics, and we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field. Finally, machine learning (ML) is gaining ground in agriculture and ART. This paper delves into the utilization of emerging technologies in ART, along with the current status, key challenges, and future prospects of ML in both research and practical applications within ART.
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Locally advanced cervical cancer poses a significant challenge to fertility-sparing treatments. Pelvic radiotherapy impairs reproductive potential owing to ovarian, uterine, and endometrial side effects. This study presents a literature review of the main fertility-sparing therapeutic alternatives for locally advanced cervical cancer and a case report of the first childbirth following uterine transposition for gynecological malignancies.
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Artificial insemination (AI) success in bovine reproduction is vital for the cattle industry's economic sustainability and for advancing the understanding of reproductive physiology. Identify high-fertile animals' fertility is a complex task due to multifactorial traits, including hormonal, age-related, and body condition factors. Early high-fertility identification is crucial for timely interventions and enhancing AI success. In this study, we present the potential use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on blood serum for early identification of high-fertile Nellore female cows for AI protocols. Blood serum FTIR spectra were obtained from Nellore female cows before AI. FTIR spectra underwent data analysis and the results demonstrated successful discrimination between animals that exhibit pregnant and non-pregnant diagnoses 30 days after AI. FTIR spectra revealed consistent vibrational modes, emphasizing Amide I and II bands. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively segregated groups based on molecular information. Linear SVM with C = 10 and 4 PCs achieved 100% accuracy in the group classification. This innovative approach using FTIR spectroscopy and ML algorithms offers a promising means of high-fertile cow identification, potentially improving AI outcomes in Nellore cattle. The study presents valuable insights into advancements in reproductive management practices for this economically significant breed.
Asunto(s)
Fertilidad , Aprendizaje Automático , Animales , Bovinos , Femenino , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Fertilidad/fisiología , Embarazo , Análisis de Componente Principal , Inseminación Artificial/veterinariaRESUMEN
1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance.2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each.3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance.4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks.5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.