Extracellular cAMP elicits contraction of rat vas deferens: Involvement of ecto-5'-nucleotidase and adenosine A1 receptors.

AIMS: It is well established that intracellular cAMP contributes to the relaxation of vas deferens smooth muscle. In many tissues, intracellular cAMP is actively transported to the extracellular space, where it exerts regulatory functions, via its metabolite adenosine. These actions take place through the cAMP conversion to adenosine by ectoenzymes, a process called "extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway". Herein, we investigated whether, in addition to ATP, extracellular cAMP might be an alternative source of adenosine, influencing the contraction of vas deferens smooth muscle. MAIN METHODS: The effects of cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP and adenosine were analyzed in the isometric contractions of rat vas deferens. cAMP efflux was analyzed by measuring extracellular cAMP levels after exposure of vas deferens segments to isoproterenol and forskolin in the presence or absence of MK-571, an inhibitor of MRP/ABCC transporters. KEY FINDINGS: While 8-Br-cAMP, a cell-permeable cAMP analog, induced relaxation of KCl-precontracted vas deferens, the non-permeant cAMP increased the KCl-induced contractile response, which was mimicked by adenosine, but prevented by inhibitors of ecto-5'-nucleotidase or A1 receptors. Our results also showed that isoproterenol and forskolin increases cAMP efflux via an MRP/ABCC transporter-dependent mechanism, since it is inhibited by MK-571. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data show that activation of ß-adrenoceptors and adenylyl cyclase increases cAMP efflux from vas deferens tissue, which modulates the vas deferens contractile response via activation of adenosine A1 receptors. Assuming that inhibition of vas deferens contractility has been proposed as a strategy for male contraception, the extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway emerges as a potential pharmacological target that should be considered in studies of male fertility.

Exploring Morphometric Features of the Female Reproductive Tract in Brazilian Pantanal Cattle / Un Análisis de las Características Morfométricas del Tracto Reproductivo Femenino en el Ganado del Pantanal Brasileño

SUMMARY: The cattle in the Pantanal region show a notable influence from Bos indicus breeds and their crossbreeds. However, a comprehensive biometric assessment of the reproductive system in these animals is currently lacking. This study evaluated the effects of breed, age, carcass weight, and estrous cycle phase on female reproductive system morphometry. A total of 124 healthy, non-pregnant reproductive tracts (83 Nelore and 41 Crossbred) were collected at a slaughterhouse. Neither the volume and weight of the ovaries nor the majority of uterine dimensions were affected by breed. Compared to heifers, cows showed longer uterine horns, a larger external caudal diameter of the uterine horns and body, and a greater external cranial diameter and internal caudal diameter of the cervix. The carcass weight (below vs. within commercial weight) affected the length of the uterine horns, uterine body, and cervix. Ovaries with a corpus luteum presented higher volume and weight than those with only follicles. Although the uterine measurements in the luteal phase were increased, the cycle stage did not affect the uterine morphometry. The average number of cervical rings was 5.0, independent of weight or breed. Crossbred animals presented a higher first cervical ring. Age didn´t influence the number, height, or distance between cervical rings. Deviation from the normal alignment of the cervix was recorded in 14.29 % of the animals, with a higher occurrence among Nelore cattle; deviation from the median axis was the most common (30%). This study emphasizes various parameters influencing the morphometry of the female reproductive system in Nelore cattle and their crosses, which could be crucial for implementing reproductive biotechnology techniques better suited to the morphological characteristics of zebu breeds.

El ganado de la región del Pantanal muestra una notable influencia de las razas Bos indicus y sus cruces. Sin embargo, actualmente falta una evaluación biométrica exhaustiva del sistema reproductivo de estos animales. Este estudio evaluó los efectos de la raza, la edad, el peso de la canal y la fase del ciclo estral sobre la morfometría del sistema reproductivo de la hembra. En un matadero se recogieron un total de 124 tractos reproductivos sanos y no preñados (83 Nelore y 41 cruzados). Ni el volumen ni el peso de los ovarios ni la mayoría de las dimensiones del útero se vieron afectados por la raza. En comparación con las novillas, las vacas mostraron cuernos uterinos más largos, un diámetro caudal externo más grande de los cuernos y del cuerpo uterino, y un diámetro craneal externo y un diámetro caudal interno más grandes del cuello uterino. El peso de la canal (por debajo versus dentro del peso comercial) afectó la longitud de los cuernos uterinos, el cuerpo uterino y el cuello uterino. Los ovarios con cuerpo lúteo presentaron mayor volumen y peso que aquellos con solo folículos. Aunque las medidas uterinas en la fase lútea aumentaron, la etapa del ciclo no afectó la morfometría uterina. El número promedio de anillos cervicales fue de 5,0, independientemente del peso o la raza. Los animales mestizos presentaron un primer anillo cervical más alto. La edad no influyó en el número, altura o distancia entre anillos cervicales. La desviación de la alineación normal del cuello uterino se registró en el 14,29 % de los animales, con mayor ocurrencia en el ganado Nelore; la desviación del eje de la mediana fue la más común (30%). Este estudio enfatiza varios parámetros que influyen en la morfometría del sistema reproductor de las hembras en el ganado Nelore y sus cruces, lo que podría ser crucial para implementar técnicas de biotecnología reproductiva más adecuadas a las características morfológicas de las razas cebú.

Alternative amplicon-PCR protocol for maximizing bacterial and fungal sequencing in low-biomass samples.

Determining bacterial and fungal communities from low-biomass samples remains a challenge for high-throughput sequencing. Due to the low microbial load and host contamination, some sites, including the female upper reproductive tract and the lower respiratory tract, were even considered sterile until recent years. Despite efforts to improve sampling and DNA isolation protocols, some samples provide insufficient microbial DNA input for library preparation and sequencing. Herein, we propose an alternative amplicon-PCR protocol to be used in bacterial and fungal sequencing in low-biomass samples, targeting 16S-rDNA and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), respectively. Similar to a nested-PCR, we performed two sequential PCR reactions to maximise the target amplicon. We compared metagenomic results from the original Illumina protocol (Protocol 1 - P1) and the alternative one (Protocol 2 - P2), using a mock community and clinical samples with different microbial loads. Our findings showed no significant differences in data generated by P1 and P2, indicating that the second amplification round does not bias the microbiota diversity rates. Thus, the alternative protocol can be applied for low-biomass samples when the original protocol results in spurious output, preventing library preparation and sequencing.

Effects of early weaning on productive and reproductive performance of Nelore heifers.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of early weaning on the productive and reproductive characteristics of Nelore heifer progeny. Ninety-five calves from primiparous (PRI) and multiparous (MUL) dams were assigned to one of two weaning strategies; 1) early weaning at 150 d (149 ±â€…1.97) of age (EW; n = 16 from PRI and 31 from MUL); or 2) conventional weaning at 240 d (247 ±â€…2.41) of age (CW; 16 from PRI and 32 from MUL). All heifers received ~5 g/kg of body weight (BW) of creep-feed as fed from 90 d of age until weaning. After weaning, each group of heifers was transferred to a Brachiaria spp. paddock and received 5 g/kg of BW of a protein-energy supplement until 12 mo of age. Then, heifers were confined and fed a diet with a ratio of 79:31 (corn silage: concentrate) for 4 mo, during which they were submitted to a hormonal protocol to induce puberty and timed artificial insemination (TAI). Reproductive tract score (RTS, 1 to 5 scale: 1 being infantile and 5 being cyclic) and endometrial thickness were determined at 12 mo of age, rump fat thickness (RFT), and BW every 28 ±â€…4 d through the breeding season, and plasma concentrations of IGF-I were evaluated at 12, 14, and 16 mo. At 15.6 mo of age heifers were submitted to a P4/E2 protocol for TAI at day 0 (D0), and a second TAI was performed at D22 in nonpregnant heifers. Ultrasound was used to determine the presence of corpus luteum on D10 and dominant follicle (DF) diameter and blood perfusion on D2 and D0. Data were analyzed using SAS by ANOVA or logistic regression. Though heifers from EW were lighter (P < 0.05) than CW at postweaning time points and CW presented a greater (P = 0.002) RFT than EW heifers from 11 to 15 mo, weaning strategy did not affect (P > 0.1) body condition score at TAI. Concentrations of IGF-I did not differ (P > 0.1) between heifers weaned at 150 and 240 d. The proportion of pubertal heifers, endometrium tone and thickness, and RTS at 16 mo did not differ (P > 0.1) between EW and CW groups. The diameter of DF on D2 and D0 and follicular blood perfusion on D0 were greater (P < 0.05) for heifers in the CW group than EW group, but P/AI at first and second TAI did not differ (P > 0.1) between groups. In conclusion, early weaning in Nelore heifers moderately reduces postweaning growth but does not affect puberty and reproductive performance before the breeding season when submitted to confinement.

In beef cattle operations, heifers represent the most current genetic improvement and are integral to the future of the herd. Factors such as age and weight at weaning and average daily gains impact fertility and longevity of beef heifers. The present study compared the effects of two weaning strategies (150 d of age vs. 240 d of age) on the growth and reproductive characteristics of Nelore Heifers. Comparing the weaning strategies of Nelore heifers, the present study indicates that: 1) heifers weaned at 150 d were lighter than heifers weaned at 240 d; and 2) puberty, concentration of IGF-I, and reproductive tract development and performance did not differ between weaning strategies. Shows that early weaning in Nelore heifers moderately reduces postweaning growth but does not affect reproductive performance.

Thermal Stress and Adult Fitness in a Drosophila suzukii Neotropical Propagule.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura 1931) is a cosmopolitan horticultural pest originally from temperate East Asia; yet, its recent introduction in southeast and central Brazil raises the possibility it might expand into warmer climatic zones. In theoretical terms, the adaptive potential of invasive species can be impaired by the lack of genetic variation, but, on the other hand, phenotypic plasticity might play an important role in the adaptation to the new environment. In this context, we investigated the effects of temperature variation (18°C, 22°C, and 28°C) on fitness traits and size of male reproductive organs (accessory glands and testis) in a natural D. suzukii population recently introduced in the neotropical region. Development time decreased significantly with increasing temperature, but egg-to-adult survival was not affected, attaining rates around 50% for the three temperatures. Development at 28°C affected differentially adult male and female biological performance: males displayed higher mortality and severe and permanent reduction in offspring production, whereas females showed the same mortality as controls and a temporary decrease in offspring production, followed of a clear recovery. Finally, reproductive organs size in immature and mature males was affected by developmental temperature variation in the following ways. Testis length decreased with body size (i.e., at higher temperatures) and increased with maturation time after adult hatching, whereas for accessory glands there was no significant difference between different temperatures, resulting in proportionally larger glands for smaller body sizes. These results show differences in developmental dynamics of reproductive tract structures due to temperature variation.

Asociación entre la exposición a violencia íntima de pareja contra la mujer y el reporte de secreción y úlceras genitales

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la violencia íntima de pareja emocional, física y sexual con el auto reporte de secreción y úlcera genital en mujeres participantes de una encuesta poblacional. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar del Perú, 2021. Los criterios de inclusión fueron tener 15 a 49 años, ser casadas o convivientes, y estar seleccionadas y entrevistadas para el módulo de violencia doméstica. Se estimó la prevalencia de auto reporte de secreción y úlcera genital. La asociación con la violencia íntima de pareja fue realizada mediante regresión logística binaria con la estimación de la razón de momios, considerando el diseño muestral complejo. Resultados: La prevalencia del reporte de úlcera o secreción genital fue 10,0%. La razón de momios para reportar secreción o úlcera genital entre las mujeres que sufrieron violencia física leve comparado con las no expuestas fue 2,25 (IC95%: 1,72 a 2,94), el riesgo incrementó a 3,42 (IC95%; 2,39 a 4,90) entre las mujeres que sufrieron violencia física severa. La razón de momios generada por la exposición a violencia sexual para reportar secreción o úlcera fue mayor (OR: 3,84, IC95%: 2,47 a 5,96). Conclusiones: Las mujeres expuestas a cada uno de los tres tipos de violencia íntima de pareja tuvieron mayor chance de reportar secreción o úlcera genital en los últimos 12 meses. El riesgo se incrementa cuando coexisten la forma física y sexual.

Objective: To assess the association between emotional, physical, and sexual intimate partner violence with self-reported discharge and genital ulcer in women from participants in a population-based survey. Methods: An analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru, 2021 was performed. Inclusion criteria were 15-49 years of age, married or cohabiting, and selected and interviewed for the domestic violence module. The prevalence of self-reported discharge and genital ulcer was estimated. The association with intimate partner violence was performed by binary logistic regression with odds ratio estimation, considering the complex sample design. Results: The prevalence of reporting genital ulcer or discharge was 10.0%. The odds ratio for reporting genital discharge or ulcer among women who suffered mild physical violence compared with those not exposed was 2.25 (95%CI: 1.72-2.94), the risk increased to 3.42 (95%CI: 2.39-4.90) among women who suffered severe physical violence. The odds ratio generated by exposure to sexual violence for reporting discharge or ulcer was higher (odds ratio: 3.84, 95% CI: 2.47-5.96). Conclusions: Women exposed to each of the three types of intimate partner violence had a higher chance of reporting genital discharge or ulcer in the last 12 months. The risk increases when physical and sexual violence coexist.

Morphology and Morphometry of the Reproductive Tract of the Cotton Boll Weevil after Prolonged Feeding on Alternative Diets.

Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) survives on alternative diets; however, this induces reproductive diapause. The objective was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the reproductive tract of this weevil after feeding on alternative diets. The experimental design was completely randomized with 160 replications and treatments arranged in a factorial design 3 × 3, represented by A. grandis adults fed on 3 food types (fragments of banana (T1) or orange (T2) endocarp, or with cotton squares of cultivar BRS 286 (T3, control)) and three evaluation periods (30, 60, and 90 days) and after each of these periods they were fed with cotton squares for 10 days. The reproductive tract of 100% of A. grandis females fed banana endocarp, orange endocarp, and cotton squares for 30 and 60 days and then cotton squares were morphologically adequate for reproduction, and after 90 days, only 50% of those fed cotton squares were in this condition. The length of the ovarioles and the width of the mature oocyte were greater for A. grandis fed on cotton squares and smaller in those with banana and orange endocarps. Histological sections reveal that male testes even with strong degenerative signals are already producing spermatozoa. On the other hand, females displayed ovaries with nurse cells in the tropharium and some maturing oocytes in the vitellarium. The body length was longer and the testis area and diameter smaller in males fed on cotton squares than in those with banana and orange endocarp. Anthonomus grandis females fed for ≥90 days with alternative food sources do not recover the functionality of their reproductive tract, even after consuming, for 10 days, a diet that favors reproduction. On the other hand, the males remain with their reproductive organs functional with this condition.

Evidence of Spreading Zika Virus Infection Caused by Males of Different Species.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA flavivirus and is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This arbovirus has had a significant impact on health in recent years by causing malformations, such as microcephaly in babies and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Some evidence indicates that ZIKV can be sexually transmitted and may persist in the male reproductive tract for an extended period in humans. Knockout and vasectomized mice have been used as models to reveal ZIKV infection in the male reproductive tract as a virus source. ZIKV presence in male and female mosquito reproductive tracts and eggs point to venereal and vertical/transovarian transmission, again demonstrating that the reproductive tract can be involved in the spread of ZIKV. Moreover, eggs protected by eggshells have the potential to be a ZIKV reservoir. Given the +-lack of vaccines and therapies for Zika fever and the underestimated prevalence rate, an understanding of ZIKV infection and its spread from the reproductive tract, which is protected from the immune system and potentially active for virus transmission, is imperative. We must also develop cheaper, more efficient techniques for virological surveillance inside vectors and humans, control vectors with ecofriendly insecticides, and promote condom use to avoid ZIKV contamination during sexual intercourse, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Reproductive Technologies Used in Female Neo-Tropical Hystricomorphic Rodents.

This is the second of two literature reviews that focuses on the female reproductive anatomy and reproductive technologies used in selected neo-tropical hystricomorphic rodents. The rodents chosen included the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and the paca (Cuniculus paca). Over seventy references were used, spanning the years 1919-2021. Knowledge of the reproductive tract is important in understanding any unique features, which may affect the use of reproductive technologies. Some unique characteristics common to these species included the presence of a vaginal closure membrane and a lobulated placenta with a vascular sub-placenta. The capybara had hyperpigmentation of the vagina that was unique to each individual, while the agouti and paca had accessory corpora lutea, in addition to the main one. Some reproductive technologies have been used, with attempts at estrous induction and synchronization taking place within the past five years. Even though most work has been done over the past twenty years, there is still a dearth of information.

Heme Oxygenase 1 in Vertebrates: Friend and Foe.

HO-1 is the inducible form of the enzyme heme-oxygenase. HO-1 catalyzes heme breakdown, reducing the levels of this important oxidant molecule and generating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic byproducts. Thus, HO-1 has been described as an important stress response mechanism during both physiologic and pathological processes. Interestingly, some findings are demonstrating that uncontrolled levels of HO-1 byproducts can be associated with cell death and tissue destruction as well. Furthermore, HO-1 can be located in the nucleus, influencing gene transcription, cellular proliferation, and DNA repair. Here, we will discuss several studies that approach HO-1 effects as a protective or detrimental mechanism in different pathological conditions. In this sense, as the major organs of vertebrates will deal specifically with distinct types of stresses, we discuss the HO-1 role in each of them, exposing the contradictions associated with HO-1 expression after different insults and circumstances.

Characterization of the reproductive tract bacterial microbiota of virgin, mated, and blood-fed Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus females.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are vectors of numerous arboviruses that adversely affect human health. In mosquito vectors of disease, the bacterial microbiota influence several physiological processes, including fertility and vector competence, making manipulation of the bacterial community a promising method to control mosquito vectors. In this study, we describe the reproductive tract tissue microbiota of lab-reared virgin Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus males, and virgin, mated, and mated + blood-fed females of each species, comparing the bacterial composition found there to the well-described gut microbiota. METHODS: We performed metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA isolated from the gut, upper reproductive tract (URT; testes or ovaries), and lower reproductive tract (LRT; males: seminal vesicles and accessory glands; females: oviduct, spermathecae, and bursa) for each species, and evaluated the influence of host species, tissue, nutritional status, and reproductive status on microbiota composition. Finally, based on the identified taxonomic profiles of the tissues assessed, bacterial metabolic pathway abundance was predicted. RESULTS: The community structure of the reproductive tract is unique compared to the gut. Asaia is the most prevalent OTU in the LRTs of both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. In the URT, we observed differences between species, with Wolbachia OTUs being dominant in the Ae. albopictus URT, while Enterobacter and Serratia were dominant in Ae. aegypti URT. Host species and tissue were the best predictors of the community composition compared to reproductive status (i.e., virgin or mated) and nutritional status (i.e., sugar or blood-fed). The predicted functional profile shows changes in the abundance of specific microbial pathways that are associated with mating and blood-feeding, like energy production in mated tissues and siderophore synthesis in blood-fed female tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus have distinct differences in the composition of microbiota found in the reproductive tract. The distribution of the bacterial taxonomic groups indicates that some bacteria have tissue-specific tropism for reproductive tract tissue, such as Asaia and Wolbachia. No significant differences in the taxonomic composition were observed in the reproductive tract between virgin, mated, and mated + blood-fed females, but changes in the abundance of specific metabolic pathways were found in the predicted microbial functional profiles in mated and blood-fed females.

Identification and Removal of Potential Contaminants in 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Data Sets from Low-Microbial-Biomass Samples: an Example from Mosquito Tissues.

The bacterial microbiota of the mosquito influences numerous physiological processes of the host. As low-microbial-biomass ecosystems, mosquito tissues are prone to contamination from the laboratory environment and from reagents commonly used to isolate DNA from tissue samples. In this report, we analyzed nine 16S rRNA data sets, including new data obtained by us, to gain insight into the impact of potential contaminating sequences on the composition, diversity, and structure of the mosquito tissue microbial community. Using a clustering-free approach based on the relative abundance of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in tissue samples and negative controls, we identified candidate contaminating sequences that sometimes differed from, but were consistent with, results found using established methodologies. Some putative contaminating sequences belong to bacterial taxa previously identified as contaminants that are commonly found in metagenomic studies but that have also been identified as part of the mosquito core microbiota, with putative physiological relevance for the host. Using different relative abundance cutoffs, we show that contaminating sequences have a significant impact on tissue microbiota diversity and structure analysis. IMPORTANCE The study of tissue-associated microbiota from mosquitoes (primarily from the gut) has grown significantly in the last several years. Mosquito tissue samples represent a challenge for researchers given their low microbial biomass and similar taxonomic composition commonly found in the laboratory environment and in molecular reagents. Using new and published data sets that identified mosquito tissue microbiota from gut and reproductive tract tissues (and their respective negative controls), we developed a simple method to identify contamination microbiota. This approach uses an initial taxonomic identification without operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering and evaluates the relative abundance of control sample sequences, allowing the identification and removal of purported contaminating sequences in data sets obtained from low-microbial-biomass samples. While it was exemplified with the analysis of tissue microbiota from mosquitos, it can be extended to other data sets dealing with similar technical artifacts.

Effects of Dietary Crude Glycerin Concentration on Testicular Morphology and Oxidative Stress Markers and on Plasma Testosterone Concentrations.

We evaluated the effects of feeding 6%, 12% or 18% crude glycerin, containing 80.5% glycerol, on testicular histomorphometry and markers of oxidative stress and on plasma testosterone concentrations in lambs. Body weight, testicular biometric measurements, gonadosomatic index and net weight of the testicles were higher for the treated groups (P <0.05) compared with a control group that did not receive dietary glycerin. The mean total length of seminiferous tubules was higher in the 6% group (P <0.05), while the mean total tubular and seminiferous epithelium volumes increased in all treated groups (P <0.05). The volume of Leydig cells increased in the 12% group, while their number per gram of testicle decreased (P <0.05). There was a decrease in mean nuclear diameter and mean volume of Leydig cells, and an increase in the mean number of these cells per gram of testicle, in the 18% group (P <0.05). Plasma testosterone concentrations were unaffected. There was desquamation of seminiferous epithelium and vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the treated groups. Variable degrees of spermatocyte necrosis and the presence of giant cells were seen in all groups and there was intense vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the 12% and 18% groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase production increased most in the 12% and 18% groups (P <0.05), while glutathione production was higher in the 18% group (P <0.05). Mean nitric oxide concentration decreased in all treated groups (P <0.05), while malondialdehyde production was higher in the 18% group than in the control and 6% groups (P <0.05). We conclude that the inclusion of 6% glycerin in the diet of lambs results in changes in testicular morphology that have been previously associated with improved reproductive function, but without evidence of oxidative stress.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de la mujer infértil / Epidemiological-clinical characterization of infertile women

RESUMEN Fundamento: la infertilidad es la incapacidad para tener hijos, pero con posibilidad de embarazo que no llega a término. En el mundo existen 187 millones de parejas afectadas. Objetivo: caracterizar las mujeres atendidas en la consulta municipal de infertilidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional y retrospectivo en Policlínico Docente Emilio Daudin Bueno, de la provincia Guantánamo, durante el periodo enero de 2017 a junio de 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por las 128 mujeres infértiles de 19-39 años atendidas en consulta. Fueron evaluadas variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. La información de cada variable estudiada se obtuvo de las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas en consulta. Resultados: predominaron las féminas de 25-29 años con infertilidad secundaria; las infecciones genitales como factor causal predominante, seguido de los antecedentes obstétricos desfavorables y en la mayoría de las pacientes el peso saludable como evaluación nutricional. Se pudo percibir que del total de las pacientes, en algunas existió algún grado de aumento del peso corporal. Conclusiones: la consulta de infertilidad cumple el objetivo de lograr la concepción de las féminas según las causas que impiden la misma, la actuación de cada profesional de la salud al incorporar los conocimientos necesarios a emplear en su adecuado seguimiento, permitirá concretarlo desde la Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT Background: infertility is the inability to have children, but with the possibility of pregnancy, which does not reach term. There are one hundred and eighty-seven million affected couples in the world. Objective: to characterize women treated in the municipal consultation of infertility. Methods: an observational and retrospective descriptive study was carried out in Emilio Daudinot Bueno Docent Polyclinic, Guantánamo, during the period January 2017 to June 2020. The universe was made up of 128 infertile women who met the inclusion criteria: 19-39 years old, seen in infertility consultation and fulfill the concept of infertility. Qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated. The primary data was obtained from the medical records of the patients seen. Results: females aged 25-29 years with secondary infertility predominated; genital infections as the predominant cause factor, followed by unfavorable obstetric history and, in most patients, healthy weight as a nutritional assessment. It was possible to perceive that of the total number of patients, in some there was some degree of increase in body weight. Conclusions: the infertility consultation fulfills the objective of achieving the conception of women by attenuating the causes that prevent it, the performance of each health professional by incorporating the necessary knowledge to be used in its adequate follow-up, will allow specifying it from Primary Care of health.

Actualización de la infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en mujeres / Update of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women

La infección por Chlamydia trachomatis es la infección de transmisión sexual bacteriana más frecuente en el mundo. En este artículo se revisa la prevalencia reportada en Chile, cuadro clínico, diagnóstico, tratamiento, prevención y complicaciones a largo plazo en mujeres.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is known to be the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection world-wide. This article reviews the prevalence reported in the Chilean population, as well as the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and complications in women

A Review of Ureaplasma diversum: A Representative of the Mollicute Class Associated With Reproductive and Respiratory Disorders in Cattle.

The Mollicutes class encompasses wall-less microbes with a reduced genome. They may infect plants, insects, humans, and animals including those on farms and in livestock. Ureaplasma diversum is a mollicute associated with decreased reproduction mainly in the conception rate in cattle, as well as weight loss and decreased quality in milk production. Therefore, U. diversum infection contributes to important economic losses, mainly in large cattle-producing countries such as the United States, China, Brazil, and India. The characteristics of Mollicutes, virulence, and pathogenic variations make it difficult to control their infections. Genomic analysis, prevalence studies, and immunomodulation assays help better understand the pathogenesis of bovine ureaplasma. Here we present the main features of transmission, virulence, immune response, and pathogenesis of U. diversum in bovines.

Reproductive Technologies Used in Male Neo-Tropical Hystricomorphic Rodents.

This review, which is the first of two, focuses on the male reproductive anatomy and reproductive technologies used in Neo-tropical hystricomorphic rodents with the potential for domestication, which are the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and the paca (Cuniculus paca). We consider over seventy references spanning from 1965 to 2020, with the majority of work being done in the past twenty years. Knowledge of the reproductive tract and reproductive technologies is critical to the conservation and preservation of these species. Although all three animals had similarities in their anatomy, such as no overt scrotums and testes located intra-abdominally in the inguinal region, some had unique features-for example, the agouti and the paca had penile spines, and two lateral penile cartilages. High spermatogenic efficiency was noted in the agouti and the paca, making them good candidates for increasing their reproductive performance in conservation programs. A review of the literature has shown that there is increasing work taking place on the reproductive technologies used in these animals; however, a lot of work is still lacking, as, to the author's knowledge, standard protocols and artificial insemination procedures are yet to be established.

Size and position of the reproductive tract impacts fertility outcomes and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows.

There are multiple factors that contribute to reduced fertility in lactating dairy cows. Recently, a reproductive tract size and position score (SPS) system was developed as a management tool to identify dairy cows with decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the SPS on fertility outcomes such as ovulation failure, pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), concentration of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. Primiparous and multiparous lactating Holstein cows (n = 869) were enrolled at two locations. Location 1 (Loc. 1) in Minas Gerais, Brazil (n = 613) and location 2 (Loc. 2) in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada (n = 256). At the time of AI (d 0), cows were classified as SPS (small [SPS1], medium [SPS2], or large [SPS3] sized reproductive tract) and ovulation failure was determined at 48 h and 7 d post-AI via ultrasonography (Loc. 2 only). Blood samples were collected on d 24 and 31 of gestation for quantification of PAGs and pregnancy diagnosis was performed via ultrasonography at d 31 and 60 post-AI (Loc. 1) and at d 31 ± 3 and 60 ± 3 post-AI (Loc. 2). Cows diagnosed pregnant at d 31 post-AI but not pregnant at d 60 were defined to have undergone late embryonic pregnancy loss. Parity was found to impact SPS (P < 0.01), as primiparous cows had a higher frequency of SPS1 and lower frequency of SPS3 when compared with multiparous cows (SPS1: 42.6 vs. 15.0%; SPS3: 7.0 vs. 22.0%, respectively). Cows classified as SPS3 had greater ovulation failure at 48 h (P = 0.04) and 7 d post-AI (P = 0.05). Cows classified as SPS1 had greater P/AI when compared to SPS2 and SPS3 (45.9 ± 3.3 vs. 37.4 ± 2.6 and 29.1 ± 3.5%, respectively; P = 0.004). There was no interaction between parity and SPS on P/AI. Pregnancy loss between 31 and 60 d post-AI was increased in cows classified as SPS3 compared to SPS2 and SPS1 (24.3 ± 0.05 vs. 11.6 ± 0.02 and 9.4 ± 0.02%, respectively; P = 0.04). Cows classified as SPS1 and SPS2 had greater concentrations of PAGs at 31 d post-AI when compared to SPS3 at both Loc.1 (P < 0.01) and Loc. 2 (P < 0.01). There was no interaction between SPS and pregnancy loss on PAGs at 24 and 31 d post- AI for either Loc. 1 (P = 0.75 and P = 0.76, respectively) or Loc. 2 (P = 0.61 and P = 0.81, respectively). In conclusion, cows that were classified as SPS3 had greater ovulation failure, reduced P/AI, similar concentrations of PAG on d 24, but decreased on d 31, and a greater incidence of pregnancy loss. Thus, size and position of the reproductive tract is associated with fertility and this scoring system could be used to make reproductive management decisions on dairy operations.

Association of spontaneous abortion and Ureaplasma parvum detected in placental tissue.

Spontaneous abortion is considered a public health problem having several causes, including infections. Among the infectious agents, bacteria of the vaginal microbiota and Ureaplasma parvum have been associated with abortion, but their participation needs to be further elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the influence of Mollicutes on the development of spontaneous abortion. Women who underwent spontaneous abortion and those with normal birth (control) were studied. Samples of cervical mucus (CM) and placental tissue were collected to identify Mollicutes using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology. Eighty-nine women who had a miscarriage and 20 women with normal pregnancies were studied. The presence of Mollicutes in placental tissue increased the chance of developing miscarriage sevenfold. The prevalence of U. parvum in women who experienced spontaneous abortion was 66.3% in placental tissue. A positive association was observed between the detection of U. parvum in samples of placental tissue and abortion. There was a significant increase in microbial load in placental tissue for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum compared to the control group. Detection of U. parvum in CM in pregnant women can ascend to the region of the placental tissue and trigger a spontaneous abortion.