¿Es necesario utilizar protectores de gónadas durante la realización de radiografías de tórax en los lactantes? / Is the use of gonad protection protectors necessary during infants chest radiography?

Introducción y objetivos: Comparar las dosis de radiación en las gónadas con y sin protector gonadal y optimizar el uso de estos protectores al realizar radiografías de tórax a lactantes. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizan 2 maniquíes antropomórficos pediátricos, un sistema de rayos X KXO-50SS/DRX-3724HD, y un sistema de radiografía digital CALNEO Smart C12, con y sin protector de gónadas durante la realización de radiografías de tórax. Se coloca un dosímetro cutáneo en tiempo real en el sistema de rayos X y se inserta un dosímetro cutáneo en tiempo real en la cara anterior de la glándula mamaria, en la cara anterior y posterior de la pelvis verdadera, y en los ovarios y testículos. El sistema de rayos X se irradia 15 veces con maniquíes, con y sin el protector de gónadas. Se comparan los valores de las dosis de entrada del paciente medidos por el dosímetro cutáneo en tiempo real para cada maniquí, con y sin el protector de gónadas. Resultados: Los valores medios de las dosis a la entrada del paciente medidos para la cara anterior a nivel de la pelvis verdadera, con y sin el protector, son 10,00 y 5,00μGy en el recién nacido, y 10,00 y 0,00μGy al año, respectivamente. Los valores medios de las dosis a la entrada del paciente medidos para la cara posterior a nivel de la pelvis verdadera con y sin el protector son de 0,00 y 0,00μGy tanto en el recién nacido como al año, respectivamente. Las dosis a la entrada del paciente medidas no se pueden detectar en los ovarios y los testículos ni con el protector ni sin él. No se observan diferencias significativas en los valores de las dosis a la entrada del paciente medidas en la cara anterior y posterior de la pelvis, los ovarios y los testículos en el recién nacido y al año, con y sin el protector (p>0,05).(AU)

Introduction and objectives: To compare gonad doses with and without a gonad protector and to optimize the use of gonadal protectors in infants thorax radiography. Materials and methods: Two pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms are used: an X-ray system for KXO-50SS/DRX-3724HD, and a digital radiography system for CALNEO Smart C12, with and without a gonad protector during infants thorax radiography. A real time skin dosimeter is placed on the X-ray system, and a real time skin dosimeter is inserted on the front side of the mammary gland, the front and back sides of the true pelvis level, and on the ovaries and testes. The X-ray system is irradiated 15 times using phantoms with and without a gonad protector. The measured entrance patient doses values of for the real time skin dosimeter are compared for each phantom, with and without the gonad protector. Results: The medium of measured entrance patient doses values for front side dose of the true pelvis level with and without the protector are 10.00 and 5.00μGy at newborn, and 10.00 and 0.00μGy at one year, respectively. The medium of measured entrance patient doses values for the back side dose of the true pelvis level with and without the protector are 0.00 and 0.00μGy at both newborn one year, respectively. The measured entrance patient doses cannot be detected in the ovaries and testes with or without the protector. No significant differences are observed in the measured entrance patient doses values for the front and back side doses of the pelvis, ovaries, and testes at newborn and one year, with and without the protector (p>0.05). Conclusions: No significant difference was observed in gonad dose measurements with and without the gonad protector during infants chest radiography. We believe that gonadal protector wearing is not necessary.(AU)

Is the use of gonad protection protectors necessary during infants chest radiography?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To compare gonad doses with and without a gonad protector and to optimize the use of gonadal protectors in infants thorax radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms are used: an X-ray system for KXO-50SS/DRX-3724HD, and a digital radiography system for CALNEO Smart C12, with and without a gonad protector during infants thorax radiography. A real time skin dosimeter is placed on the X-ray system, and a real time skin dosimeter is inserted on the front side of the mammary gland, the front and back sides of the true pelvis level, and on the ovaries and testes. The X-ray system is irradiated 15 times using phantoms with and without a gonad protector. The measured entrance patient doses values of for the real time skin dosimeter are compared for each phantom, with and without the gonad protector. RESULTS: The medium of measured entrance patient doses values for front side dose of the true pelvis level with and without the protector are 10.00 and 5.00 µGy at newborn, and 10.00 and 0.00µGy at one year, respectively. The medium of measured entrance patient doses values for the back side dose of the true pelvis level with and without the protector are 0.00 and 0.00 µGy at both newborn one year, respectively. The measured entrance patient doses cannot be detected in the ovaries and testes with or without the protector. No significant differences are observed in the measured entrance patient doses values for the front and back side doses of the pelvis, ovaries, and testes at newborn and one year, with and without the protector (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was observed in gonad dose measurements with and without the gonad protector during infants chest radiography. We believe that gonadal protector wearing is not necessary.

The morphology of paca (Cuniculus paca) testis with high dose of letrozole an aromatase inhibitor / La morfología del testículo de paca (Cuniculus paca) con altas dosis de letrozol, un inhibidor de la aromatasa

SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Diagnosis and hormonal treatment of male infertility. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento hormonal de la infertilidad masculina.

Male infertility is a frequently observed medical condition that is related to the functioning of extremely complex organs such as the pituitary gland and the gonads. The diagnosis and proper management of infertile men is challenging for modern medicine, given the high expectations and demands of current patients, mainly due to the economic and emotional expenses aroused by this "relationship issue". In many cases, patients should receive therapies aimed at improving the functioning of that complex hormonal axis, instead of treating their underlying problem; thus, seeking to optimize the production of gametes with better conditions and improve fertilization rates without requiring assisted procedures.

Ultraestructura del ovocito maduro y en reabsorción de Spondylus limbatus G. B. Sowerby II, 1847 (= S. calcifer ) (Bivalvia: Spondylidae) / Ultrastructure of the mature and in resorption oocytes of Spondylus limbatus G. B. Sowerby II, 1847 (= S. calcifer ) (Bivalvia: Spondylidae)

Spondylus limbatus es una especie bajo protección especial en México, de la que existe poca información biológica y nada sobre estudios histológicos o de ultraestructura del ovario. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la morfología ultraestructural de los gametos femeninos maduros y en degeneración. La gónada femenina de S. limbatus en estado de madurez presentó ovocitos postvitelogénicos de 60-70 µm de diámetro, que presentan el aspecto característico de células metabólicamente activas y altamente sintetizadoras. La membrana citoplasmática posee especializaciones destinadas a aumentar la superficie de absorción de la célula, las microvellosidades; el citoplasma presenta numerosos sistemas membranosos relacionados con la síntesis de material de reserva y secreción; y el patrón de organización nuclear altamente lobulado, y por consiguiente con una gran superficie que asegura el intercambio núcleo-citoplasma, se incorpora de forma estructural al proceso de vitelogénesis. Finalmente, se describen los cambios ultraestructurales resultantes de la lisis de los ovocitos: colapso de las membranas nuclear y citoplásmica, y presencia de células hemocíticas macrófagas.

Spondylus limbatus is a species under special protection in Mexico, of which there is little or no information in the literature of biological, histological or ultrastructural studies of the ovary. The objective of this research was to characterize the ultrastructural morphology of mature and degenerating female gametes. The female gonad of S. limbatus in mature state presented post-vitellogenic oocytes 60-70 µm in diameter, which have characteristics of metabolically active and highly synthesizing cells. The cytoplasmic membrane has specializations designed to increase the absorption surface of the cell, the microvilli; the cytoplasm presents numerous membranous systems related to synthesis of reserve and secretion material as well as the highly lobed nuclear organization pattern; a large surface that ensures core-cytoplasm exchange, is structurally incorporated into the vitellogenesis process. Finally, ultrastructural changes resulting from the lysis of the oocytes are described: collapse of nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes, and the presence of macrophage hemocytic cells.

Ovarian radiographic and direct measurements of Japanese Quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) submitted to light restriction / Medidas ovarianas radiográficas e diretas de codorna-japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submetida à restrição luminosa

Often, in pet birds, any stimulus to lay eggs is unwanted in order to reduce reproductive diseases and disorders. The objectives of this study were: to determine the time necessary to promote ovary involution after an eight hour photoperiod using laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica); to connect the ovarian radiographic measurements with egg production; and to compare these measurements with direct ovary data obtained at necropsy. Birds were separated into three groups: 12h/24d (control group - 12h photoperiod for 24 days), 8h/24d and 8h/36d (8h photoperiod for 24 and 36 days). After euthanasia, all cadavers were x-rayed to measure ovary length and height. Birds were necropsied to measure ovarian length and weight. Results: radiographic ovary length demonstrated strong and positive correlation (r=0.96) with direct ovary length of all three groups; laying quails showed higher ovary height (p=0.025) and length (p=0.009) than non-laying quails; eight hours of artificial light per day promotes ovary length (p=0.025) and weight (p=0.009) reduction. Conclusions: radiography can estimate the ovary measure and indicate posture; an eight hour photoperiod of 24 days is not enough to promote ovarian regression, while the use of reduced photoperiod for 36 days promotes significant ovary involution.(AU)

Em aves de estimação, geralmente se opta pela redução de estímulos para a postura de ovos visando reduzir a ocorrência de doenças e alterações reprodutivas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: determinar o tempo necessário para a involução ovariana após um fotoperíodo de oito horas de iluminação usando codornas-japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) na fase de postura; relacionar as medidas radiográficas com a postura de ovos; e comparar estas com as medidas diretas obtidas à necropsia. As aves foram divididas em três grupos: 12h/24d (controle - fotoperíodo de 12 horas por 24 dias), 08h/24d e 08h/36d (fotoperíodo de oito horas por 24 e 36 dias). Após a eutanásia, os cadáveres foram radiografados para mensuração do comprimento e da altura do ovário. Foi efetuada a necropsia para aferição das medidas e pesagem dos ovários. Os resultados mostraram que: o comprimento ovariano obtido por meio de imagem radiográfica apresentou forte correlação positiva (r=0,96) com o comprimento direto do ovário das aves dos três grupos; as aves em período de postura apresentaram maiores medidas de altura do ovário (P=0,025) e comprimentos ovarianos (P=0,009) do que as aves fora de postura; a restrição de luminosidade com oito horas diárias de luz artificial promoveu redução do comprimento ovariano (P=0,025) e da massa ovariana (P=0,009). Conclusões: a radiografia pode estimar a medida do ovário e indicar postura; um fotoperíodo de oito horas de luz por 24 dias não é satisfatório para obter uma regressão ovariana, enquanto 36 dias com o fotoperíodo reduzido promovem uma significativa redução ovariana.(AU)

Immunohistochemical localization of estrogen receptor in the embryonic gonad of male quail embryo during gonadal differentiation / Localización inmunohistoquímica del receptor de estrógeno en la gónada embrionaria en el embrión de codorniz macho durante la diferenciación gonadal

In birds, male embryo the gonads develop bilateral testes, in which both left and right sides produce functional spermatozoa, whereas female embryo, only the left gonad develops into a functional ovary. Estrogen plays a key role in avian sex determination in both sexes by binding to the estrogen receptor (ER). Surprisingly, chicken estrogen receptor (cER) mRNA is expressed in both sexes; moreover; its expression is only expressed in the left male gonad. The present study aimed to localize ER protein in the left gonad of male quail embryo using immunohistochemistry. The 8-day-old male quail embryos whose embryonic sex distinguished by gonadal morphology were studied. Histology of the left male gonad displayed thin cortex containing 1 to 2 layers of the germinal epithelium, while testicular cords were observed in the medulla. ER-immunoreactive cells were only found in the germinal epithelium but not in the medulla. Localization of ER was detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the germinal epithelial cells. The number of ER-immunoreactive cells counted in upper, lateral, and lower regions of the germinal epithelium was 18.20±1.892, 17.60±1.887, and 16.20±1.290, respectively. This study shows the first evidence for expression of ER protein in the left male gonad of the avian embryo, indicating that ER plays a role in avian gonadal sex differentiation.

En las aves, la gónada embrionaria en los machos se desarrolla bilateralmente, ambos testículos producen espermatozoides funcionales, mientras que en el embrión hembra, sólo la gónada izquierda se convierte en un ovario funcional. El estrógeno juega un papel clave en la determinación del sexo aviar, en ambos sexos, mediante la unión al receptor de estrógeno (RE). Fuertemente los receptores de estrógenos de pollo (cRE) el ARNm se expresan en ambos sexos; además, su expresión sólo se produce en la gónada izquierda del macho. El objetivo fue localizar proteínas del RE en la gónada izquierda de embriones de codorniz macho mediante inmunohistoquímica. Se estudiaron embriones de codorniz machos a los 8 días de edad, cuyo sexo embrionario se distinguió por la morfología de las gónadas. La histología de la gónada izquierda estuvo representada por la corteza delgada que contiene de 1 a 2 capas del epitelio germinal, mientras que se observaron cordones testiculares en la médula. El RE se encontró en células inmunorreactivas del epitelio germinal, pero no en la médula. Se detectó la localización de RE en el núcleo y el citoplasma de las células epiteliales germinales. El número de células RE-inmunorreactivas en las regiones superior, lateral e inferior del epitelio germinal fue de 18,20±1,892, 17,60±1,887 y 16,20±1,290, respectivamente. Este estudio muestra la primera evidencia de expresión de la proteína de RE en la gónada izquierda del embrión aviar macho, lo que indica que el RE desempeña un papel en la diferenciación sexual de la gónada aviar.

Quality and shelf life of the gonad of lion's paw scallop transported and stored whole in refrigeration / Qualidade e vida de prateleira da gônada do bivalve pata de leão, transportado e armazenado inteiramente em refrigeração

The effect of refrigerated 48h transport and 4 days storage on the quality and shelf life of the whole lion's paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus gonad was evaluated. Proximal composition, adenosine 5´triphosphate (ATP) and related products, K-value, total volatile bases (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA-N), pH, fatty acid profile and microbiological analyses were quantified. Gonad holds a significant composition of essential fatty acids while levels of gonadal ATP were initially low; moreover, K-value of the gonad remained constant. With respect to TVB-N and TMA-N, only the former exceeded allowed limits. The pH level showed no significant variation during storage and, despite the high level of TVB-N, according to the TMA-N as well as microbiological analyses it was demonstrated innocuity after 4 days under the transportation and storage conditions utilized.

Avaliou-se o efeito do transporte em refrigeração por 48 horas e quatro dias de armazenamento sobre a qualidade e vida de prateleira da gônada do bivalve pata de leão, Nodipecten subnodosus. Determinou-se a composição centesimal, a adenosina 5'trifosfato (ATP) e afins, o índice K, bases voláteis totais (TVB-N), trimetilamina (TMA-N), pH, perfil de ácidos graxos e análise microbiológica. A Gônada apresentou uma importante composição de ácidos graxos essenciais e baixos níveis iniciais de ATP, enquanto o índice K manteve-se constante. Quanto a TVB -N e TMA- N, apenas as primeiras ultrapassaram os limites admissíveis. Os valores de pH não mostraram nenhuma mudança significativa durante o armazenamento e, apesar dos altos níveis de TVB -N, de acordo com a análise quantitativa e microbiológica TMA- N, a segurança do produto foi demonstrada após quatro dias sob as condições de transporte e armazenamento utilizado.

Reproductive dynamics of Leporinus obtusidens captured downstream from an important hydropower Station in Brazil / Dinâmica reprodutiva de Leporinus obtusidens capturados a jusante de uma importante usina hidrelétrica no Brasil

This study evaluated the reproductive dynamics and gonadal morphology of piaparas (Leporinus obtusidens) captured downstream from the Funil Hydroelectric Power Station. The 107 piaparas evaluated were captured monthly from Sep 2006 to Aug 2007. The data were stratified among the seasons to evaluate gonad maturation and the reproductive period was determined by assessing the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, abdominal fat index (AFI), weight:length ratio, condition factor and sexual proportion. The reproductive period lasted from winter to summer (Jul-Mar) in females and from spring to autumn (Sept-Jun) in males. AFI was high during and after the reproductive period in females and only during the reproductive period in males. The highest HIS values for males and females were obtained in spring and summer (Sept-Mar). The females observed did not spawn and showed follicular atresia. These characteristics suggest that L. obtusidens does not use the study area as a reproductive site and probably migrates for this purpose.

Este estudo avaliou a dinâmica reprodutiva e a morfologia gonadal de piaparas (Leporinus obtusidens) capturados a jusante de uma usina hidrelétrica. Os 107 exemplares avaliados foram capturados mensalmente, de setembro de 2006 a agosto de 2007. Os dados foram estratificados entre as estações do ano para se avaliar a maturação gonadal, e o período reprodutivo foi determinado por meio da avaliação do índice gonadossomático, índice hepatossomático, índice de gordura abdominal (AFI), relação peso:comprimento, fator de condição e proporção sexual. O período reprodutivo foi observado do inverno para o verão, julho-março, para as fêmeas, e da primavera para o outono, setembro-junho, para os machos. AFI foi alto durante e após o período reprodutivo em fêmeas e apenas durante o período reprodutivo em machos. Os maiores valores para machos e fêmeas foram obtidos na primavera e no verão. As fêmeas observadas não desovaram e mostraram atresia folicular. Essas características sugerem que L. obtusidens não usa a área de estudo como sítio reprodutivo e, provavelmente, realiza migração.

Hermafroditismo funcional de la gónada de Fissurella crassa (Mollusca: Fissurellidae) / Functional hermaphrodite gonad in Fissurella crassa (Mollusca: Fissurellidae)

La costa del Pacífico sudoriental es el hábitat de las 13 especies de lapas descritas del subgénero Fissurella Brugière. En estas especies no existe dimorfismo sexual, los animales son dioicos, el sexo se reconoce explorando directa o indirectamente las gónadas y no tienen procesos de reversión sexual. La presencia de un organismo de Fissurella crassa con gónada formada por porciones de ovario y otras de testículo con capacidad para generar óvulos y espermatozoides, evidencia la potencialidad que los organismos de Fissurella poseen para desarrollar el hermafroditismo funcional. Sin embargo, el presente hallazgo no permite inferir si el agente desencadenante del desarrollo sincrónico funcional de la gónada hermafrodita es un factor endógeno y/o asociado a algún evento exógeno medio ambiental.

The coast of the Southeastern Pacific is the habitat for 13 species of described keyhole limpets of the subgenus Fissurella Brugière. In these species sexual dimorphism does not exist, the animals are dioicos, the sex is recognized exploring directly or indirectly the gonads and they do not have processes of sexual reversion. The presence of an organism Fissurella crassa with portions of ovary and testicle with ability to generate ova and sperms, demonstrates the potential that Fissurella's organisms possess to develop functional hermaphroditism. Nevertheless, the present find does not allow to infer if the trigger agent of the synchronous functional development of the hermaphrodite gonad is a factor endogenous and/or associated with any exogenous environmental event.

Diferenciación sexual en la langosta de agua dulce Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) / Sexual differentiation in the freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

Determinamos el momento del desarrollo postembrionario en que se produce la diferenciación sexual primaria en la langosta Cherax quadricarinatus. Esta es evidenciada por la presencia de las gónadas y sus respectivos conductos. También determinamos la diferenciación sexual definida por la aparición de los caracteres sexualessecundarios. Se observaron 797 machos, 506 hembras y 456 individuos intersexos de 0.02 a 89.96 g (de criadero y laboratorio). Disecamos una submuestra de 106 machos, 69 hembras y 59 individuos intersexos para la caracterización macroscópica de la estructura gonadal. La diferenciación de los gonoporos se inicia aproximadamente a los 0.10 g, en sincronía con la diferenciación del sistema reproductor en machos, hembras e intersexos. La adquisición de la forma definitiva de ovario, oviducto, testículo y vaso deferente son posteriores. El appendix masculina iniciasu diferenciación a los 0.12-0.2 g y adquiere los rasgos característicos del appendix de los adultos a partir de 1-2 g.La diferenciación de la mancha roja (red patch) ocurre a partir de los 2.3 g.

We determined the earliest stage of postembryonic development at which primary and secondary sexual differentiations occur in the freshwater (“red claw”) crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. For this purpose,797 males, 506 females and 456 intersex specimens within a weight range of 0.02-89.96 g were observed under stereoscopic microscope to determine the presence of the genital openings at the basis of the third (females) or fifth (males) pair of pereiopods. Animals presenting both pairs of genital openings were considered as intersex. A subsample of 106 males, 69 females and 59 intersex were dissected for the macroscopic characterization of gonad morphology. The development of the genital openings began approximately at 0.10 g, simultaneously with the differentiation of the reproductive system in females, males and intersex. Although the differentiation of the reproductive system started very early in the postembryonic development, the definitive form and colour of ovaries, oviducts, testes and vasa deferentia was acquired later. The differentiation of the appendix masculina began at 0.12-0.2 g and acquired the elongated shape of the adult at 1-2 g. The soft red patch characteristic of adult males started at 2.3 g of body weight in both chelipeds.