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In industrialized farms, rabbit does undergo intensive production rhythms which overlap lactation and gestation, leading to a high energy mobilization and increasing oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesize that administration of the flavonoid quercetin (QUR) may improve the antioxidant status of young and adult rabbit reproductive females. In this study, the effect of daily oral administration of 300 mg/kg QUR for 8 weeks was assessed on the antioxidant profile of 24 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does, assigned to 4 experimental groups: rearing young (8–16 weeks old) and adult does at the end of their reproductive life (12–14 months old, with at least 3–4 reproductive cycles) treated (YQ and AQ) or not (YC and AC) with QUR, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH), as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured during the experimental period. To assess the health status of the animals, a physical examination was also performed. GSH plasma concentrations were significantly higher in young does at weeks 1 and 4, but not at week 8 of the experiment, irrespectively of QUR administration. An increase in GSH plasma concentration was observed during the 8‐week experiment in both AQ and AC groups. Furthermore, QUR administration did not alter either SOD or MDA serum activity and concentration in any group during the experimental period. Physical examination revealed no differences between the experimental groups. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, QUR did not modify the general clinical or the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ligamentous injuries of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis resulting in its opening are common occurrences in traumatology; however, their diagnosis poses a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The tibioastragaloid mortise radiograph view is the most commonly used method for diagnosing this type of injury, but its reliability is compromised due to variations in ankle positioning during the study, which often depend on the operator. Objective: to demonstrate that the designed device achieves a correct and consistent radiographic image of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in the mortise view. Material and methods: we present a prospective, longitudinal, observational study. We designed a polypropylene device that maintains the ankle at 90 degrees of dorsiflexion and 15 degrees of internal rotation. The device was used to take mortise view radiographs of healthy ankles, and corresponding measurements were taken to assess the syndesmosis. Results: we evaluated a total of 46 radiographs of healthy ankles, with a predominance of left ankles. The obtained measurements were as follows: anterior tibiofibular distance (ATFD) ranged from 3 to 6 mm, posterior tibiofibular distance (PTFD) ranged from 1 to 3 mm, tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) ranged from 2 to 3 mm, and a Merle D'Aubigne ratio of 2:1 was observed in all ankles. When comparing the measurements obtained with those established by Harper and Keller, no statistically significant difference was found (χ² < 5). Conclusion: with the use of the designed device, we achieved a correct and consistent radiographic image of the mortise and the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advantage of the EELS spectra in transmission electron microscopy is the ability to obtain plasmon information of the structure of individual nanoparticles. The EELS analyses of the plasmonic information of gold nanoparticles were obtained before and after irradiation by the convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) technique. The results indicate that before irradiating the gold nanoparticles (35 nm in diameter) by the CBED technique, only the EELS spectrum of carbon is obtained. Nevertheless, the EELS spectra of gold were obtained after CBED irradiation of the nanoparticles. The spectrum of gold shows five plasmonic modes at 15.9, 24.8, 32.8, 45.4, and 63.2 eV, but theoretical surface and bulk plasmons of gold are at 6.378 and 9.020, respectively. When compared with the experimental plasmon peaks, we determined that peaks at energies above 9.026 eV are multiples of the surface and bulk (valence) plasmons of the gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the dislocation acromioclavicular unstable vertically, the surgical treatment is elementary by the plasty of the ligaments coracoclaviculares, with the purpose of recovering its stability and normal function. There are techniques of a single tunnel in the clavicle or two tunnels (anatomical), with biological or synthetic material. Material and methods: It is a longitudinal prospective experimental study; we included 33 patients between 20 and 50 years of age with diagnosis of complete acromioclavicular dislocation with vertical instability. Reconstruction was performed only of the coracoclavicular ligaments with Mazzoca's technique of using autologous tendon graft of the short lateral peroneus. The evaluation of results was with the PENN test. Results: 100% of patients are painless and with an arch of normal shoulder mobility one year after surgery. Radiographically, the coracoclavicular distance compared to the healthy side had an average difference of 1.0 mm at rest and 0.9 mm under load. Discussion: The reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments with anatomical technique by autologous tendon graft of the short lateral peroneus, allows to recover the acromioclavicular stability and the normal function of the shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental competence of in vitro maturation (IVM) oocytes can be enhanced by antioxidant agents. The present study investigated, for the first time in the rabbit model, the effect of adding α-tocopherol (0, 100, 200 and 400 µM) during IVM on putative transcripts involved in antioxidant defence (superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT)), cell cycle regulation and apoptosis cascade (apoptosis tumour protein 53 (TP53), caspase 3, apoptosis-related cysteine protease (CASP3)), cell cycle progression (cellular cycle V-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue 1 (AKT1)), cumulus expansion (gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43 kDa (GJA1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (prostaglandin G/H synthase and cyclo-oxygenase) (PTGS2)) and metabolism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)). Meiotic progression, mitochondrial reallocation, cumulus cell apoptosis and the developmental competence of oocytes after IVF were also assessed. Expression of SOD2 , CAT , TP53 , CASP3 and GJA1 was downregulated in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) after IVM with 100 μM α-tocopherol compared with the group without the antioxidant. The apoptotic rate and the percentage of a non-migrated mitochondrial pattern were lower in COCs cultured with 100 μM α-tocopherol, consistent with better-quality oocytes. In fact, early embryo development was improved when 100 μM α-tocopherol was included in the IVM medium, but remained low compared with in vivo -matured oocytes. In conclusion, the addition of 100 μM α-tocopherol to the maturation medium is a suitable approach to manage oxidative stress and apoptosis, as well as for increasing the in vitro developmental competence of rabbit oocytes. The developmental competence of oocytes matured in vitro can be enhanced by antioxidant agents. This study describes nuclear and cytoplasmic events associated with the maturation process and early embryo development when the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium is supplemented with α-tocopherol. At 100 μM, α-tocopherol effectively minimised oxidative stress and increased the developmental competence of rabbit oocytes in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work attempts to confirm the effect of an enriched diet with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) trying to mitigate the reproductive performances issues such as low conception rate of primiparous rabbits. A total of 127 does were fed ad libitum throughout their two first cycles with two diets with different fat sources: mixed fat in the control and salmon oil in the enriched one, with 3.19 g/100 g (n =63 does) and 28.77 g/100 g (n =64 does) of n-3 of the total fatty acid, respectively. Feed intake was similar between groups (P >0.05). Plasma progesterone concentration was higher in the enriched females than in control ones at 7 (30.9±2.18 v. 23.9±2.30 ng/ml, respectively; P =0.029) and 14 (38.7±2.18 v. 28.2±2.30 ng/ml, respectively; P =0.001) days of first gestation. Considering both cycles, reproductive parameters of mothers (fertility, duration of gestation and prolificacy) and litter parameters (weight at parturition and weaning, mortality and average daily gain (ADG) of kits during lactation) were similar in both groups. However, individual measurements of neonates of enriched group improved 5.87%, 7.10% and 18.01% (P <0.05) in terms of crown-rump length, biparietal and thoracic diameters, respectively, compared to control ones at first parturition. It is noteworthy that at the second insemination, critical point in rabbit, fertility rate of enriched group did not decline as sharply as in the control group (89.7% v. 76.6%, respectively; P =0.067), although ADG and littler weight were slightly lower at the second lactation after PUFA enrichment (P <0.05). Total PUFA and unsaturated index of milk of enriched does group were significantly elevated than in control one (33.3±0.02 v. 23.2±0.02 g/100 g and 1.20±0.00 v. 0.86±0.00, respectively; P <0.05). Finally, plasma progesterone, ovulation rate, fertility and embryo development at 3.5 days after the artificial insemination were similar between diets (P >0.05), but embryo apoptosis rate was higher in control group than in enriched one (31.1±4.56% v. 17.1±3.87%, respectively; P <0.05). In conclusion, dietary PUFA enrichment from the rearing and throughout two productive cycles improved plasma progesterone during pregnancy, fertility, milk fatty acid profile and neonates development of primiparous supporting the beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation in rabbit does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo-matured cumulus-oocyte complexes are valuable models in which to assess potential biomarkers of rabbit oocyte quality that contribute to enhanced IVM systems. In the present study we compared some gene markers of oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) from immature, in vivo-matured and IVM oocytes. Moreover, apoptosis in CCs, nuclear maturation, mitochondrial reallocation and the developmental potential of oocytes after IVF were assessed. In relation to cumulus expansion, gene expression of gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43 kDa (Gjal) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) was significantly lower in CCs after in vivo maturation than IVM. In addition, there were differences in gene expression after in vivo maturation versus IVM in both oocytes and CCs for genes related to cell cycle regulation and apoptosis (V-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue 1 (Akt1), tumour protein 53 (Tp53), caspase 3, apoptosis- related cysteine protease (Casp3)), oxidative response (superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial (Sod2)) and metabolism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh)). In vivo-matured CCs had a lower apoptosis rate than IVM and immature CCs. Meiotic progression, mitochondrial migration to the periphery and developmental competence were higher for in vivo-matured than IVM oocytes. In conclusion, differences in oocyte developmental capacity after IVM or in vivo maturation are accompanied by significant changes in transcript abundance in oocytes and their surrounding CCs, meiotic rate, mitochondrial distribution and apoptotic index. Some of the genes investigated, such as Gja1, could be potential biomarkers for oocyte developmental competence in the rabbit model, helping improve in vitro culture systems in these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the productive, endocrine, and metabomscic responses as well as oxidative stress of rabbit does and their offspring when fed a diet supplemented with n-3 PUFA during their first productive cycle. To this aim, a total of 105 rabbit does were fed ad mscibitum from d 60 to 172 of age 2 isoenergetic and isoproteic diets differing in fatty acid composition. The control diet (n = 52 does) contained 45.9 g/kg of n-3 of the total fatty acids and the enriched diet (n = 53 does) contained 149.2 g/kg of n-3 of the total fatty acids. Both experimental groups had similar feed intake during rearing, pregnancy, and lactation. The enrichment of diet had no effect on ultrasonographic assessment of does on d 9 and 16 of pregnancy, with an embryonic vesicle number and fetus and placenta size similar between groups (P > 0.05). Even though there were no major effects (P > 0.05) on fertimscity, duration of gestation, and number born amscive and stillborn kits at parturition, mscive kits from enriched does were longer (71.6 ± 2.42 vs. 79.5 ± 2.13 mm; P < 0.05) and tended to be heavier (42.5 ± 3.94 vs. 50.8 ± 3.47 g; P = 0.07) than those from control does (P < 0.05). The 2 groups had similar milk production and mortamscity values during lactation; consequently, there were no differences between diets in ADG, mscitter weight, and number of weaned kits (P > 0.05). In enriched does, higher plasma leptin and estradiol concentrations than in control does (P < 0.05) were observed. In addition, enriched females also had lower total and high-density mscipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) than control females during lactation (P < 0.05). Regarding offspring, the enrichment of diet with PUFA caused a hypermscipidemic status (greater values of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL-c; P < 0.05) at 1 d postpartum (dpp), compared with the control group, that disappeared at 32 dpp. Supplemented does before parturition and their offspring at 1 dpp had greater oxidative stress than those in the control group. In conclusion, an increase of n-3 PUFA concentration in the diet of rabbit does and, consequently, of their offspring during a productive cycle alters their mscipid profile and the indicators of oxidative stress, without major endocrine modifications or improvements in the productive variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ibicean rabbit, also known as conill pagès d'Eivissa, is a native breed with very few remaining individuals, because it has been replaced by other more productive breeds. the conservation of this population requires the creation of some germplasm banks, which is necessary to establish their reproductive characteristics. therefore, the aim of this research was to define some reproductive parameters of female Ibicean rabbits. We also compare them to California x New Zealand commercialy crossbred white rabbit does, which are more commonly used in rabbit production. fertility was similar between groups, being 76.8% and 81.3% in crossbred and Ibicean rabbit does respectively, respectively (p>0.05). total newborn, born alive, stillborn, litter weight at 21 days of life, milk production, number of weaned rabbits, litter weight at weaning and average daily gain of the litter were higher in California x New Zealand crossbred rabbits than in the Ibicean rabbits. In contrast, gestation in Ibicean does was longer and their individual weaning weight was higher. It took a few days more for the Ibicean rabbits to achieve their slaughter weight than for the crossbred ones, since their average daily gain was lower and their conversion rate was always higher, except for the last week, when conversion rates decreased and were similar to that of the crossbred individuals. Regarding endocrine parameters, both LH and progesterone concentrations post-ovulation were higher in the crossbred females. finally, the ovarian response data showed crossbred females have a greater number of preovulatory follicles and oocytes per ovary and also a greater number of recovered embryos and corpora lutea, with a greater embryonic development than in the case of the ibicenco females. therefore, it has been experimentally shown that the rabbit from Ibiza, which is a non-selected rare breed, has less improved reproductive characteristics than commercial rabbits. However, it is very important to preserve this breed from the point of view of maintaining genetic biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational Need: The interdisciplinary course: Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) (INTD 5998) responds to the need to provide undergraduate and graduate students of higher education institutions in Puerto Rico (PR), the knowhow in CTR. Method: INTD 5998 is a two-credit course, designed in the hybrid modality, as part of the RCM-UCC Cooperative Title V Project. The course presents the main concepts underlying the performance of CTR through lectures, workshops, and presentations. It was offered from January to May in 2020 and 2021, in a virtual modality responding to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This distance learning mode provided greater accessibility to students from distant geographic areas, including students from other UPR campuses; and allowed for continuity to the teaching and learning process. The learning management system Blackboard Ultra and Teams were used as alternative platforms. Results: 100% of the students (n=23) who completed the course indicated that the course was a good learning experience, it helped them increase their knowledge In CTR, it met their expectations, and that they would recommend other students to take it. Conclusion: INTD 5998 offers a valuable interprofessional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows the X-ray diffraction analysis of the structural changes registered in samples of highly pure aluminum (99.999%) of two different castings and of the aluminum alloy 7075 when they are irradiated at liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperature by protons of 300 keV first and of 700 keV thereafter, from a 0.7 MeV Van de Graff accelerator. The samples were also introduced in a magnetic field, and thereafter irradiated with a laser beam. The results indicated the loss of texture in the samples after proton irradiation and the magnetic field and laser beam treatments were found as contributors in the consolidation of the new structure. Without proton irradiation and without the LN2 temperature, no structural change was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Few data are available on the prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) in Spain, and the existing information shows important variations depending on the geographical setting and the methodology employed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CI in individuals aged over 65 in an urban area, and to analyze its associated risk factors. Methods Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional, home questionnaire-based study; Setting: Populational, urban setting. Participants: The reference population comprised over-65s living in the city of Salamanca (Spain) in 2009. Randomized sampling stratified according to health district was carried out, and a total of 480 people were selected. In all, 327 patients were interviewed (68.10%), with a mean age of 76.35 years (SD: 7.33). Women accounted for 64.5% of the total. Measurements: A home health questionnaire was used to obtain the following data: age, sex, educational level, family structure, morbidity and functionality. All participants completed a neuropsychological test battery. The prevalence data were compared with those of the European population, with direct adjustment for age and sex. Diagnoses were divided into three general categories: normal cognitive function, cognitive impairment - no dementia (CIND), and dementia. Results The prevalence of CI among these over-65s was 19% (14.7% CIND and 4.3% dementia). The age-and sex-adjusted global prevalence of CI was 14.9%. CI increased with age (p < 0.001) and decreased with increasing educational level (p < 0.001). Significant risk factors were found with the multivariate analyses: age (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.03-1.12), anxiety-depression (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.61-7.51) and diabetes (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.02-4.18). In turn, years of education was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.70-0.90). Although CI was more frequent among women and in people living without a partner, these characteristics were not significantly associated with CI risk. Conclusions The observed raw prevalence of CI was 19% (14.9% after adjusting for age and sex). Older age and the presence of diabetes and anxiety-depression increased the risk of CI, while higher educational level reduced the risk.

Abstract Background Studies centered on the detection of cognitive impairment and its relationship to cardiovascular risk factors in elderly people have gained special relevance in recent years. Knowledge of the cardiovascular risk factors that may be associated to cognitive impairment could be very useful for introducing treatments in early stages - thereby possibly contributing to improve patient quality of life. The present study explores cognitive performance in people over 65 years of age in Salamanca (Spain), with special emphasis on the identification of early symptoms of cognitive impairment, with the purpose of detecting mild cognitive impairment and of studying the relationships between this clinical situation and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods/Design A longitudinal study is contemplated. The reference population will consist of 420 people over 65 years of age enrolled through randomized sampling stratified by healthcare area, and who previously participated in another study. Measurement: a) Sociodemographic variables; b) Cardiovascular risk factors; c) Comorbidity; d) Functional level for daily life activities; and e) Study of higher cognitive functions based on a neuropsychological battery especially adapted to the evaluation of elderly people. Discussion We hope that this study will afford objective information on the representative prevalence of cognitive impairment in the population over 65 years of age in Salamanca. We also hope to obtain data on the relationship between cognitive impairment and cardiovascular risk factors in this specific population group. Based on the results obtained, we also will be able to establish the usefulness of some of the screening tests applied during the study, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination and the 7 Minute Screen test. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01327196

The use of progestagen for 14 days in protocols for estrus synchronization has been reported to affect conception rate in sheep. We evaluated the effects of progestagen treatment on the growth pattern and follicular function of preovulatory follicles (PF) and their implication for subordinated follicles (SF). Adult female sheep were randomly assigned to the following estrus synchronization groups: 1) FGA (n= 7), which received an intravaginal device of fluorogestone acetate sponges (Chronogest®, Intervet International, Boxmeer, the Netherlands) for 14 days, or 2) PGF (n= 7), which received 3 i.m. administrations of 125 μg of cloprostenol (Estrumate®, Mallinckrodt Vet GmbH, Friesoythe, Germany) 10 days apart. The third cloprostenol administration in the PGF group was given at the same time of sponge withdrawal in the FGA group (Day 0 = day of sponge withdrawal). Ultrasonographic examinations of the ovaries for assessment of follicular development were carried out daily from Days 0 to 2 by using a scanner (Aloka SSD500) equipped with a 7.5-MHz transducer adapted for transrectal examinations. Follicular function was evaluated in terms of estradiol secretion, and blood samples were taken every 12 h to determine plasma estradiol concentration from Days 0 to 2. Ovaries from all females in both groups were recovered by ovariectomy on Day 2 to determine apoptosis by immunohistochemistry for active caspase-3 in granulosa cells from SF of 3 to 5 mm in diameter. Additionally, SF were histologically classified as healthy, early, or advanced atretic. Data were analyzed by Student t-test and Pearson correlation. The total number of PF observed on Day 2 was 15 and 12 for the PGF and FGA groups, respectively. The 90.9 and 93.3% of PF recorded in the PGF and FGA groups, respectively, on Day 2 was retrospectively identified on Day 0. The 33.6 and 46.6% of those follicles from the PGF and FGA groups, respectively, corresponded to follicles >5 mm in diameter. Although mean diameter of PF was higher in the FGA group than in the PGF group (5.4 ± 0.4 mm v. 4.5 ± 0.4 mm, respectively; P< 0.01) on Day 0, PF diameter was similar between groups on Day 2. Plasma estradiol concentration was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the PGF group on Day 1 (3.1 ± 0.2 pg/mL v. 1.7 ± 0.2 pg/mL in the FGA group) but did not differ between groups on Day 2. The growing pattern of the PF in the PGF group significantly (P< 0.05) affected the total number of SF, and there was a tendency (P= 0.08) for an increase of the total number of healthy follicles in the same group. In addition, advanced atretic follicles from the FGA group were significantly higher than those observed in the PGF group (P< 0.001). Additionally, caspase-3 immunoreactivity was higher in the FGA group than in the PGF group (P< 0.05) and it was associated with the largest SF in both groups. All of these finding are indicative of the presence of aged follicles with an extended permanence in the ovary. We concluded that the use of progestagen for 14 days in protocols for estrus synchronization in sheep affects the growth pattern and functionality of the preovulatory follicle during the follicular phase and may have a deleterious consequence on oocyte competence. CYCITAGL2005-02669 and DID-D-2007-03 UACh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]