Population dynamics of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeidae) in south-eastern Brazil

The population dynamics, including the sex ratio, reproductive period, individual growth and longevity, and population structure of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, are described. The shrimps were collected monthly from July 2005 to June 2007 at four sites in Ubatuba Bay, Brazil. The salinity, temperature, depth, organic matter content and sediment grain size were measured at each site. Specimens were quantified and sexed, their carapace length measured and their gonads were classified according to the stage of maturation. A von Bertalanffy model was used to estimate the individual growth, and longevity was calculated using its inverted formula. In total, 6 470 individuals were examined and the number of males and females differed significantly in favour of females. During some periods, the segregation could be related to the reproductive period. Reproductive females were captured throughout the sampled period, and there were biannual peaks that were followed by peaks of juveniles. Carapace growth was less for males than for females, which is likely related to oocyte production and the higher fecundity of the females. The higher probability of female capture can be related to their longer foraging to sustain the enhanced food requirement during the ovarian maturation period. © 2013 Copyright NISC (Pty) Ltd.

Ovarian morphology and oogenesis of Leptodesmus dentellus (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae)

This study presents the ovarian morphology and the dynamics of the vitellogenesis process in the oocytes of the diplopod Leptodesmus dentellus. The oocytes are arranged in clusters called ovisacs which are distributed in pairs along the midline of the body forming the ovary. Regions similar to the germarium appear paired in the anterior region of the ovary; however, the development of the oocytes of this species does not follow a regionalisation in the reproductive organ. Cells in three developmental stages are found throughout the length of the ovary. Calcium, proteins, lipids and neutral polysaccharides were detected in the oocytes of L. dentellus. The polysaccharides and the proteins found in the oocytes have a double origin: endogenous, with the participation of the germinative vesicle, and exogenous, from follicular epithelium. The origin of the lipids is exogenous, i.e., they are incorporated into the oocytes, probably derived from the perivisceral fat body, which are highly developed in this region. The deposition of calcium is pre-vitellogenic and probably functions as a reserve during the juvenile stages. © 2012 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden.

Differential expression of members of the IGF system in OPU-derived oocytes from Nelore (Bos indicus) and Holstein (Bos taurus) cows

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is related to quality of oocytes and embryos. The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA levels of IGF1 and IGF2 and their receptors, IGFR1 and IGFR2, as well as IGFBP2, IGFBP4, and PAPP-A in oocytes from Nelore compared to Holstein cows. Pools of oocytes (20 oocytes/pool) from Nelore (n=8 pools) and Holstein (n=4 pools) were obtained via ovum pick-up (OPU, 10 sessions) and cumulus cells and zona pellucida were removed. The pools were submitted to total RNA extraction. Expression of members of the IGF system was assessed by real time RT-PCR. The mRNA expression of IGF1 and IGF2, IGFR1 and IGFR2, IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 was significantly higher (P<0.01) in oocytes from Holstein whereas the expression of PAPP-A was significantly higher (P<0.05) in oocytes from Nelore cows. The high PAPP-A expression and the low expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 are associated with more efficient degradation of IGFBPs, which results in greater bioavailability of IGF in Nelore oocytes when compared to the Holstein. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Cost-effectiveness comparison between pituitary down-regulation with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist short regimen on alternate days and an antagonist protocol for assisted fertilization treatments

Objective: To compare cost-effectiveness between pituitary down-regulation with a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) short regimen on alternate days and GnRH antagonist (GnRHant) multidose protocol on in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. Design: Prospective, randomized. Setting: A private center. Patient(s): Patients were randomized into GnRHa (n = 48) and GnRHant (n = 48) groups. Intervention(s): GnRHa stimulation protocol: administration of triptorelin on alternate days starting on the first day of the cycle, recombinant FSH (rFSH), and recombinant hCG (rhCG) microdose. GnRHant protocol: administration of a daily dose of rFSH, cetrorelix, and rhCG microdose. Main Outcome Measure(s): ICSI outcomes and treatment costs. Result(s): A significantly lower number of patients underwent embryo transfer in the GnRHa group. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower and miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the GnRHa group. It was observed a significant lower cost per cycle in the GnRHa group compared with the GnRHant group ($5,327.80 ± 387.30 vs. $5,900.40 ± 472.50). However, mean cost per pregnancy in the GnRHa was higher than in the GnRHant group ($19,671.80 ± 1,430.00 vs. $11,328.70 ± 907.20). Conclusion(s): Although the short controlled ovarian stimulation protocol with GnRHa on alternate days, rFSH, and rhCG microdose may lower the cost of an individual IVF cycle, it requires more cycles to achieve pregnancy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT01468441. © 2013 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Acupuntura: Um auxílio efetivo em procedimentos de fertilização in vitro?

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization outcomes of patients undergoing acupuncture during embryo transfer. A retrospective study was realized with records of 30 patients undergoing acupuncture and 108 patients not undergoing acupuncture during embryo transfer. The data was compared to verify the differences onto fertilization, embryo cleavage, pregnancy and abortion rate. To the statistical evaluation the X2 Test was performed, set as significant p<0.05. There was no statistical significance difference in any feature analyzed among the groups, although the acupuncture group presented higher pregnancy rate and lower abortion rate. Acupuncture did not presented positive or negative statistical relevant effects into the outcomes of in vitro fertilization procedures. Regardless this result, the present study did not exclude the possibility of acupuncture administration as a tool to pain relief during other procedures, as the transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval. © Todos os direitos reservados a.

Uma pesquisa sobre a opinião pública sobre incentivos financeiros para doação de óvulos no Brasil

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the opinions of the Brazilian population about incentives for oocyte donation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive approach was used to consult the Brazilian public. The data collection involved the use of a structured questionnaire about legal and ethical issues surrounding oocyte donation. Individuals were randomly selected from the general population using different e-mail lists. Potential participants were contacted by e-mail and invited to participate in the study by completing an online web survey. Results: A total of 1,565 people completed the survey, including 1,284 women(82%) and 281 men(18%). Among the respondents, 1,309(83.6%) were university graduates, 1,033(66%) had a personal income ≥1,250 US dollars/month, 1,346(86%) considered themselves to be religious and 518 (33.1%) were health professionals. While many participants believed that women may donate their oocytes for altruistic reasons, the majority believed that a lack of oocyte donations is due to the prohibition of payments(64.3%) and that incentives would facilitate the decision to donate oocytes(84.7%). The majority of the participants(65.3%) agreed that a financial incentive(i.e., paying the donor) would be the most practical solution for increasing the number of oocyte donations. These results tended to be independent of gender, age, income, religion, education level and profession. Conclusion: While the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine prohibits payments for oocyte donation, the majority of study participants had no objection to compensating oocyte donors. Moreover, most of the participants agreed that a financial incentive is the most practical solution to increasing the number of oocyte donations.

Índice preditor de reserva ovariana (ORPI) para controle de estimulação ovariana individualizado

Objective: to expand the evaluation of a new ovarian response prediction index (ORPI), which was based on the AMH, AFC and age, and to verify its reability as a predictor of ovarian response to stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Methods: A total of 129 patients enrolled in the ICSI programme were included. The ORPI values were calculated by multiplying the AMH level (ng/ml) by the number of antral follicles (2-9 mm), and the result was divided by the age (years) of the patient (ORPI=(AMH × AFC)/Patient age). Results: Spearman's test revealed significant correlations (P<0.0001) between the ORPI and the number of oocytes collected and the number of follicles. Logistic regression revealed that ORPI values were significantly associated with the likelihood of collecting ≥4 oocytes (OR=45.56), ≥4 MII oocytes (OR=6.01) and ≥15 oocytes (OR=6.15; P<0.0001). Based on the ROC curves, the ORPI accurately predicted a low ovarian response (<4 oocytes retrieved; area under the curve (AUC):0.91), collection of ≥4 MII oocytes (AUC:0.85) and an excessive ovarian response (≥15 oocytes retrieved; AUC:0.89). Conclusions: The ORPI exhibited an excellent ability to predict a low ovarian response and a good ability to predict a collection of ≥ 4 MII oocytes, an excessive ovarian response. The ORPI might be used to improve the cost-benefit ratio of ovarian stimulation regimens by guiding the selection of medications and by modulating the doses and regimens according to the actual needs of the patients. © Todos os direitos reservados a SBRA - Sociedade Brasileira de Reprodução Assistida.

Dimerization of aurein 1.2: Effects in structure, antimicrobial activity and aggregation of Cândida albicans cells

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising solution to face the antibiotic-resistant problem because they display little or no resistance effects. Dimeric analogues of select AMPs have shown pharmacotechnical advantages, making these molecules promising candidates for the development of novel antibiotic agents. Here, we evaluate the effects of dimerization on the structure and biological activity of the AMP aurein 1.2 (AU). AU and the C- and N-terminal dimers, (AU)2K and E(AU)2, respectively, were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Circular dichroism spectra indicated that E(AU)2 has a coiled coil structure in water while (AU)2K has an α-helix structure. In contrast, AU displayed typical spectra for disordered structures. In LPC micelles, all peptides acquired a high amount of α-helix structure. Hemolytic and vesicle permeabilization assays showed that AU has a concentration dependence activity, while this effect was less pronounced for dimeric versions, suggesting that dimerization may change the mechanism of action of AU. Notably, the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast decreased with dimerization. However, dimeric peptides promoted the aggregation of C. albicans. The ability to aggregate yeast cells makes dimeric versions of AU attractive candidates to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans to biological targets and medical devices, preventing disease caused by this fungus. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien.

Effect of immersion and inoculation in ovo of Lactobacillus spp. in embryonated chicken eggs in the prevention of Salmonella enteritidis after hatch

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Slimmer or Fertile? Pharmacological Mechanisms Involved in Reduced Sperm Quality and Fertility in Rats Exposed to the Anorexigen Sibutramine

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Optimal single-embryo mass spectrometry fingerprinting

In pre-implantation embryos, lipids play key roles in determining viability, cryopreservation and implantation properties, but often their analysis is analytically challenging because of the few picograms of analytes present in each of them. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) allows obtaining individual phospholipid profiles of these microscopic organisms. This technique is sensitive enough to enable analysis of individual intact embryos and monitoring the changes in membrane lipid composition in the early stages of development serving as screening method for studies of biology and biotechnologies of reproduction. This article introduces an improved, more comprehensive MALDI-MS lipid fingerprinting approach that considerably increases the lipid information obtained from a single embryo. Using bovine embryos as a biological model, we have also tested optimal sample storage and handling conditions before the MALDI-MS analysis. Improved information at the molecular level is provided by the use of a binary matrix that enables phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols and phosphoethanolamines to be detected via MALDI(±)-MS in both the positive and negative ion modes. An optimal MALDI-MS protocol for lipidomic monitoring of a single intact embryo is therefore reported with potential applications in human and animal reproduction, cell development and stem cell research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tuning the nanostructure of DODAB/nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine bilayers in LbL films

Nanostructured films of dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (NiTsPc) were layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled to achieve a synergistic effect considering the distinct properties of both materials. Prior to LbL growth, the effect of NiTsPc on the structure of DODAB vesicles in aqueous medium was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Therefore, DODAB/NiTsPc LbL films were prepared using NiTsPc at concentrations below and above the limit concentration of vesicle formation according to our DSC experiments. As a result, LbL films with distinct nanostructures were obtained, which were studied at micro and nanoscales by micro-Raman and atomic force microscopy, respectively. A linear growth of the LbL films was observed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. However, the bilayer thickness and the surface morphology of the LbL films were radically affected depending on NiTsPc concentration. The electrostatic interaction between DODAB and NiTsPc was identified via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy as the main driving force responsible for LbL growth. Because LbL films have been widely applied as transducers in sensing devices, DODAB/NiTsPc LbL films having distinct nanostructures were tested as proof-of-principle in preliminary sensing experiments toward dopamine detection using impedance spectroscopy (e-tongue system). The real capacitance vs. dopamine concentration curves were treated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and an equivalent electric circuit, revealing the role played by the LbL film nanostructure and the possibility of building calibration curves. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Reproductive biology of two macrourid fish, Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus, inhabiting the NW Mediterranean continental margin (400-2000m)

Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus are abundant species on the upper and lower continental slopes, respectively, in the Mediterranean Sea. A study on the reproductive strategy of the two species was conducted on the Catalan margin (NW Mediterranean). The reproductive cycle of both species was investigated using visual analyses of gonads and histological screening. The shallower species, N. aequalis, showed continuous reproduction with a peak of spawning females in winter months. In contrast, the deeper-living species, C. mediterraneus, showed semi-continuous reproduction with a regression period during the spring. Juveniles of N. aequalis were present in all seasons, but most abundant in the spring. Only two juveniles of C. mediterraneus were found. Both species had asynchronous oocyte development. The average fecundity of N. aequalis was 10,630 oocytes per individual, lower than known for the same species in the Atlantic Ocean. The fecundity of C. mediterraneus was measured for the first time in this study, with an average of 7693 oocytes per individual. Males of both species appear to have semi-cystic spermatogenesis. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Fat body, hemolymph and ovary routes for delivery of substances to ovary in Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides: Differences among castes through the use of electron-opaque tracers

The yolk protein precursor, vitellogenin (Vg), in bees is synthesized in the fat body trophocytes, delivered to the hemolymph and ultimately absorbed from there during the vitellogenic phase of oocytes in the active ovary. The routes tracing the material exchange that occurs between the trophocytes and the hemolymph, in addition to the transportation from the hemolymph to the ovarian follicles, were marked by alkaline phosphatase and lanthanum nitrate (LN). Active ovaries from nurse workers and physogastric queens, as well as inactive ovaries of virgin queens, were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The LN permitted better visualization of the routes of exchanges between the organs and the hemolymph. Both methods demonstrate the apparent differences between the phases of the ovary and the bee caste. In inactive ovaries of the virgin queens, the routes from the follicular epithelium to the oocyte remain closed; conversely, they are open in active ovaries of the nurse workers and physogastric queens. The differences between the methods and classes of bees are discussed. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy]. All rights reserved.

STEAP1 protein overexpression is an independent marker for biochemical recurrence in prostate carcinoma

Aims: To investigate the prognostic value of expression levels of the genes STEAP1 and STEAP2, and of STEAP1 protein, in prostate carcinomas (PCa). Methods and results: STEAP1 and STEAP2 transcript levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR in samples from 35 PCa, 24 adjacent non-neoplastic prostate (AdjP) tissues, five cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and two histologically normal prostates (N). STEAP1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in samples from 198 PCa, 76 AdjP, 22 BPH, and two N. The findings were compared with clinical and pathological parameters and patient outcome. STEAP1 and STEAP2 transcript analysis showed no differences between the groups tested. Although not significant, higher STEAP1 mRNA levels were detected in tumours with high Gleason scores and in patients who presented with biochemical recurrence (BCR). STEAP1 overexpression was detected in PCa, and was significantly associated with high-grade Gleason scores, seminal vesicle invasion, BCR, and worse outcome (metastasis or PCa-specific death). STEAP1 overexpression was significantly associated with shorter BCR-free survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that STEAP1 is an independent marker for BCR. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that STEAP1 is a biomarker of worse prognosis in PCa patients. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.