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Research-based education at the undergraduate level is ideal for fostering the training of future scientists. In an undergraduate Developmental Biology course, this learning strategy requires the availability of model species and enough research reagents, not only for technique training but also for the development of student original projects. This might be challenging in most countries, where resources are limited. Hence, there is a need to develop low-cost solutions for use in the classroom. In this study, we describe the optimization and use of two low-cost protocols in zebrafish embryos for hands-on practical sessions and project-based learning in a Developmental Biology undergraduate course in Ecuador. These protocols were designed for the practical and experimental learning of vertebrate meroblastic cleavage, gastrulation, and neural crest differentiation. The proposed protocols have been previously described in the literature and use silver nitrate and alcian blue, two relatively inexpensive reagents, to label cell membranes and cartilage. The silver nitrate protocol allows the study of cell contact formation during cleavage and the identification of cellular changes during gastrulation, including yolk internalization and epiboly. The alcian blue staining allows the analysis of cranial mesenchymal differentiation into cartilage. These protocols are ideal for practical sessions due to their ease of application, quick results, adaptability to the class schedule, and robustness in the hands of beginning researchers. Finally, these protocols are adaptable for research-based class projects.
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Nitrato de Prata , Peixe-Zebra , Humanos , Animais , Equador , Azul Alciano , Biologia do DesenvolvimentoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting around 2.8 million people worldwide. Two-thirds are women, and the mean age at diagnosis is about 30 years old. Social trends are moving towards older age at first pregnancy, both in women with and without MS. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) through anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) measurement in women with MS at fertile age and Healthy Females (HF) in Chile. METHODS: Case-control, multicentric, cross-sectional study including relapsing-remitting people with MS (pwMS) between 18 and 40 years and sex and age-matched HF. We obtained a blood sample to determine AMH levels. We defined DOR as AMH <1.5 ng/mL and very-low AMH levels as <0.5 ng/mL. Also, we performed questions regarding reproductive decision-making. RESULTS: We included 79 sex and age-matched HF and 92 pwMS, median age 32(19-40) years, median disease duration 6 (1-17)years, median EDSS 1.0 (0-6), 95% were receiving disease-modifying therapy (DMT), 70% high-efficacy DMT and 37% with a treatment that contraindicates pregnancy. DOR was observed in 24% (n = 22) of the pwMS, compared to 14% (n = 11) of the HF (p = 0.09), while very-low AMH levels were observed in 7.6% (n = 7) of pwMS and none of the HF (p = 0.0166). We observed an inverse correlation between age and AMH levels. Age was the only significant risk factor for low AMH levels in pwMS (OR 1.14 95%CI(1.00-1-31), p = 0.04), including smoking, body mass index (BMI), hormonal contraception, autoimmune comorbidity, high/low-moderate efficacy DMT, and active disease as covariables. We did not find statistically significant differences in age at diagnosis, BMI, disease duration, EDSS, autoimmune comorbidity, use of hormonal contraception, or percentage of active disease between MS women with normal vs DOR. Over 70% of pwMS desired to become pregnant in the future, while 60% considered that the diagnosis of MS was a limitation for pregnancy planning. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in DOR, measured by levels of AMH, were observed between pwMS MS and HF in Chile. As expected, AMH levels were correlated only with ageing. This information may be evaluated early during the disease course to help patients and neurologists with fertility counselling and family planning considerations regarding DMT use.
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Esclerose Múltipla , Reserva Ovariana , Gravidez , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Masculino , Esclerose Múltipla/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Chile/epidemiologia , EnvelhecimentoRESUMO
Andean Toads of the genus Osornophryne are suspected to have direct development on the basis of clutch and egg features. In this work, we describe the morphology of Osornophryne occidentalis embryos from a nest collected in the field. Several traits are similar to those reported in brachycephaloid Eleutherodactylus coqui and other direct-developing lineages. These include the pattern of formation of the body wall and the absence of oral and buccopharyngeal structures. Other features indicate the retention of ancestral larval characters. The development of forelimbs occurs in part within the operculum as in species with biphasic ontogeny; this has been reported in other direct-developing species, and is similar to what is described in African viviparous bufonids. This salient feature, along with the long, low-finned tail and the long and folded intestine early differentiated, gives these embryos a rather tadpole-like appearance. Our data confirm that development in O. occidentalis occurs within terrestrial eggs until advanced stages, and this would satisfy current definitions of direct development. At the same time, morphological differences regarding other species with comparable breeding reinforce interpretations about the wide anatomical and ontogenetic variations associated with endotrophic nutrition.
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Bufonidae , Animais , LarvaRESUMO
It has been suggested that gymnophthalmids, like most semi-fossorial lacertoids, rely more in chemical cues to communicate, in comparison to other groups, like Iguanids, on which communication is mostly based on visual signaling. We present the first description of visual signaling in the Andean lizard Pholidobolusmontium (Gymnophthalmidae) and a complete ethogram based on ex situ observations (34 different types of behaviors including positions and simple movements). Through the design of conspecific stimulus experiments, we were able to recognize leg-waving as a visual signal, as it is only displayed in presence of conspecifics or in presence of a mirror and was one of first and most frequent displays in this context. We also detected other visual displays like neck-arching and tail-undulation which may also be relevant as visual signals. Based on our results, we propose that visual signaling is also possible in semi-fossorial lizards; however, further studies regarding chemical signal recognition and color detection are required to confirm our hypothesis.
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The adaptive role of amphibian oocyte melanic pigmentation and its molecular control are still elusive. Here we present evidence of a polymorphism in egg pigmentation in the emerald glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon. In Ecuadorian natural populations of this species, females can lay dark brown or pale eggs that develop into normal pigmented tadpoles and adults. This trait is a sex-limited phenotype which is inherited like a recessive allele that we called pale eggs like (pel). The pel phenotype is exclusive of oocyte cortical melanic pigmentation, which is reduced in comparison to wild type (wt) dark pigmented oocytes. Consequently, pel early embryos are paler in appearance, with reduced melanic pigmentation distributed to early blastomeres and embryonic ectoderm. However, these embryos form normal melanocyte derived pigmentation. Finally, we discuss the origin of this polymorphism and propose the use of E. prosoblepon as a model to study the adaptive role of egg pigmentation.
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Anuros , Oócitos , Pigmentação , Animais , Anuros/genética , Blastômeros , Feminino , Fenótipo , Pigmentação/genéticaRESUMO
La sobrevida de pacientes con cáncer ha mejorado con el tiempo, especialmente en pacientes en edad fértil. La criopreservación de los ovocitos a través de la estimulación ovárica controlada (EOC) es la técnica más frecuente de preservación de la fertilidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un análisis descriptivo de los ciclos de pacientes que, previo al tratamiento de cáncer, realizaron un tratamiento de preservación de fertilidad. Se analizaron datos demográficos como edad, diagnóstico de ingreso y resultados clínicos, tales como tipo de protocolo de estimulación utilizado, número de ovocitos obtenidos, duración de la estimulación y momento de inicio en el ciclo. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 28.9 años. La duración media de la estimulación fue de 12 días, con un promedio de ovocitos obtenidos en total de 12. Se utilizaron 2 protocolos de estimulación ovárica, obteniendo mejores resultados con el esquema de antagonistas de GnRH asociado a letrozole y doble gatillante. Respecto al momento del ciclo en que se inició la estimulación ovárica, no hubo diferencias. Conclusiones: Es posible realizar preservación de la fertilidad previo a un tratamiento oncológico con buenos resultados en pacientes jóvenes, por lo que sugerimos realizarlo en todos los pacientes con diagnóstico oncológico antes el tratamiento del cáncer. Es recomendable comenzar la estimulación ovárica en cualquier fase del ciclo ya que se obtienen los mismos resultados y permite un pronto inicio de la terapia oncológica.
Survival of patients with cancer has been improving over time, especially in young patient with fertility intention. Cryopreservation of oocytes through controlled ovarian stimulation (EOC) is the most frequent technique of fertility preservation. We analyzed the data obtained from oncological patients who attended IVI Chile between January 2008 and May 2017 in search of fertility preservation. Demographic data were obtained: age, diagnosis of admission, type of stimulation protocol used, number of oocytes obtained, duration of stimulation and pregnancy rate. Results: The average age: 28,9 years; average duration of stimulation:12 days. Number of oocytes obtained in total: 12. Two ovarian stimulation protocols were used. The one with the best results was the protocol with GnRH antagonists associated with letrozole and double triggering. Regarding the moment of the cycle where to start ovarian stimulation, there were no differences. Conclusions: It is possible to carry out a fertility preservation treatment prior to an oncological treatment with good results in young patients, so we suggest the preservation of fertility in all patients with an oncological diagnosis before oncological treatment. It is recommended to start ovarian stimulation at any phase of the cycle since the same results are obtained.
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Humanos , Feminino , Adolescente , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Oócitos/fisiologia , Indução da Ovulação/métodos , Vitrificação , Preservação da Fertilidade/métodos , Neoplasias , Criopreservação/métodos , Medicina ReprodutivaRESUMO
Resumen Introducción El consumo de tabaco es la primera causa prevenible de muerte prematura y enfermedad en todo el mundo; asimismo el uso y abuso de drogas constituye un grave problema de salud pública y de altos costos de atención a la salud. Se aborda el consumo de tabaco y drogas, desde el punto de vista epidemiológico y en materia de salud pública, así como los factores sociodemográficos que influyen en la adicción a ellos. Objetivo Describir las características socio-demográficas y de consumo de tabaco y droga en estudiantes universitarios de Yucatán y Coahuila. Material y métodos Encuesta transversal que incluyó 412 universitarios de Yucatán y 344 de Coahuila. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para las variables numéricas y frecuencias para las cualitativas, estadística inferencial para las coincidencias y diferencias. Resultados La media de edad fue mayor para los estudiantes de Yucatán así como predominio de los hombres, la media de consumidores de tabaco dentro de las personas de su red fue mayor para Coahuila siendo las diferencias estadísticamente significativas p<0.05, no así para las personas de la red respecto al consumo de drogas. Conclusiones El consumo de tabaco en ambos estados fue mayor al esperado para su región, las fumadoras activas estuvieron por encima del promedio nacional, los dos estados se ubicaron arriba del promedio nacional respecto a consumo de drogas y Coahuila por encima del promedio mundial. Se propone un trabajo conjunto para evaluar los spots publicitarios transmitidos en los medios de comunicación y evitar su incorporación al mercado como bienes de consumo.
Abstract Introduction Tobacco consumption is the leading cause of premature preventable death and disease worldwide, as well the drug use and abuse is a serious public health problem and health care high costs. The tobacco and drugs consumption is addressed from the epidemiologic and public health point of view, also the socio-demographic factors influencing addiction to them Objetive Describe the sociodemographic and tobacco and drugs consumption characteristics among college students from Yucatan and Coahuila Materials and methods Cross sectional survey that included 412 college students from Yucatan and 344 from Coahuila. Descriptive statistics were used for the numeric variables, frequencies for the qualitative, inferential statistics for the similarities and differences. Results The mean of the age was higher for Yucatan students and men predominated, the mean of the tobacco consumers within people from their social network was higher for Coahuila being the differences statistically significant p<0.05, not so for the people from their network regarding to drugs consumption Conclusions The tobacco consumption in both states was higher than expected for the region, the active female smokers were above the national mean, the two states were above the national mean regarding to drugs use and Coahuila above the world mean. Joint work is proposed to evaluate the advertising spots broadcast in the media and avoid its incorporation to the market as consumer goods.
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Resumen Introducción Los problemas de la imagen corporal asociados con los riesgos de trastornos alimenticios entre los adolescentes, en particular, la anorexia nerviosa y la bulimia, son considerados temas de salud emergentes a nivel mundial. Las consecuencias que conllevan son físicas, psicológicas y sociales. Objetivo Determinar la concordancia entre el índice de masa corporal y la percepción de la imagen corporal en un grupo de adolescentes. Materiales y Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, transversal realizado en 84 alumnos, 54.1% hombres y 45.9%, mujeres, con edades entre 10 y 17 años, que cursaban educación básica y secundaria en una localidad suburbana de alta marginación, en Yucatán. Se auto-administró a los estudiantes, el pictograma de Stunkard, para registrar la percepción de la imagen corporal. Para calcular el índice de masa corporal (IMC) se registraron medidas antropométricas de peso y talla, usando una báscula digital marca Tanita, modelo TBC 310 y un estadímetro marca SECA de 2 metros de longitud. Los puntos de corte fueron los establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados Los hallazgos, respecto a la percepción de la imagen corporal, mostraron una concordancia insignificante (k= 0.067, p< 0.5); en mujeres es baja, con un valor de k= .223; se perciben normales aun cuando presentan bajo peso, mientras que, las que presentan obesidad, subestiman su estado. En cuanto a los hombres, en los casos de obesidad, la imagen y el IMC son coincidentes, aunque, al mismo tiempo, subestiman la percepción corporal en bajo peso.
Abstract Introduction Body image problems associated with the risk of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are considered emerging health issues among adolescents around the world. These problems have both physical, psychological and social consequences. Objective To determine the correlation between body mass index and the body image perception in a group of teenagers. Material and Methods A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in 84 students, 54.1% men and 45.9% women with an age range between 10 and 17 years who were attending primary or secondary school education in a suburban town of high marginalization in Yucatan. Self-applicable Stunkard pictogram was used to record the body image perceptions. To calculate the body mass index (BMI) anthropometric measurements of weight and height were recorded, using a Tanita brand digital scale, TBC model and a stadiometer SECA 310 2 meters length. The cut-off points were those established by the World Health Organization. Results The findings regarding the perception of body image showed no significant concordance (k = 0.067, p <0.5); for women was a low value of k = 0.223, they perceive themselves as normal despite their low weight, and those with obesity underestimate their status. In the group of men, in cases of obesity, image and BMI are coincident while a body perception underestimates low weight. Conclusion It is important to take into the nutritional diagnosis, contents of emotional aspects as self-esteem and feelings that manifest teenagers about their body image for comprehensive preventive care.
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Objetivo: Describir la epidemiologia local y la experiencia en el manejo de casos de atresia de coanas con la técnica de cirugía endoscópica transnasal e instrumental de poder. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Metodología: Se toman 16 casos con diagnóstico de atresia de coanas, en los que fueron consideradas variables clínicas, método diagnóstico, lateralidad, tipo de atresia, manejo inicial y técnica quirúrgica. Se realizó análisis estadístico en Stata, versión 11.1. Resultados: En esta serie de casos, diez eran mujeres y seis hombres, con una relación mujer-hombre de 1,7:1; 56% de ellos fueron bilaterales, 56% de presentaron anomalías congénitas y la edad al diagnóstico fue postneonatal en el 81%. No se encontró asociación estadística entre sexo, tipo de atresia y lateralidad. El principal método diagnóstico fue la tomografía axial computarizada, en el 87,6% de los estudios. El 94% de los pacientes presentaron buen resultado quirúrgico funcional con la técnica endoscópica
Objective: Describe the local epidemiology and the experience in the management of choanal atresia with endoscopic transnasal approach and power instruments. Methodology: Retrospective study of 16 cases with diagnosis of choanal atresia was considered variable clinics, diagnosis method, laterality, type of atresia, initial management and surgical technique. We performed statistical analysis in Stata, version 11.1. Results: In this series of cases, 10 was women and 6 was men, relation 1,7:1; 56% had associated congenital anomalies, the age of diagnosis was post neonatal 81%. There was no statistical association between sex, type of atresia and latelality. The main method diagnosis was the TAC in 87.6%. 94% of the patients showed a good surgical outcome with functional endoscopic technique. Conclusions: The experience observed in this series of cases with the use of technique endoscopic transnasal and power instrumentation (Shaver - Drill), represent a form of technique minimal invasive approach for this type of nasal congenital pathology with low degree of morbility, complications and excellent functional results
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Humanos , Atresia das Cóanas , Nasofaringe , Síndrome CHARGERESUMO
Atresia de coanas es la obstrucción congénita de la región posterior de las fosas nasales. Múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas han sido empleadas para su reparación. En el presente estudio se recopiló la información de 5 años de trabajo en el Hospital Universitario del Valle en la ciudad Santiago de Cali - Colombia, entre los años 2003 y 2008. Se obtuvo un total de 16 casos.La información demográfica documentada incluyó datos como edad, sexo, síntomas iniciales, método diagnóstico, lateralidad, tipo de atresia de coanas, comorbilidades, tratamiento inicial, edad de intervención quirúrgica, técnica quirúrgica usada. La técnica quirúrgica consistió en el fresado y apertura de la placa atrésica vía endoscópica transnasal utilizando taladro, previa realización de colgajos mucosos en cruz y resecando parcialmente paredes del vómer.La experiencia observada en estos 5 años de trabajo demuestra que el abordaje endoscópico transnasal presenta grandes ventajas, entre ellas la baja tasa de reestenosis.
Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder where the back of the nasal passage is blocked. Many surgical techniques have been used to repair this disorder. In this study we collected information from 5 years of work at the Hospital Universitario del Valle in the city of Santiago de Cali - Colombia, between 2003 and 2008. A total of 16 cases were obtained. The documented data included demographic information like age, sex, initial symptoms, diagnostic methods, laterality, type of atresia, comorbilities, initial treatment and surgical technique used. The surgical technique consisted in endoscopic opening of the atretic plate using drill. Mucosal flaps and resection of partial plate of vomer were made previously.The experience observed in these 5 years of work shows that the endoscopic transnasal approach has major advantages, including low restenosis rate.