Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.

Abstract The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.

Abstract The understanding of the echolocation by studying different auditory nuclei of echolocating bats can be an important link in elucidating questions arising in relation to their foraging behavior. The superior olivary complex (SOC) is the primary center for processing the binaural cues used in sound localization since echo locating bats rely on acoustic cues to navigate and capture prey while in flight. The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the SOC of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit eating). They were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The SOC measured as 640 ± 70 µm in the N. leporinus bat, 480 ± 50 µm in the P. hastatus and 240 ± 30 µm in the C. perspicillata bat. The principal nuclei of the SOC of in all three bats were the LSO, MSO and MNTB. The MSO and LSO were very well developed in N. leporinus bats. The MSO of N. leporinus bat subdivided into DMSO and VMSO. The main cell type of cells present in MSO and LSO are dark staining multipolar cells in all the bats studied. The well-developed MSO and LSO of N. leporinus bats indicate that these bats are highly sensitive to low frequency sounds and interaural intensity differences, which help these bats to forage over water by using various types of echolocation signals. The average size of SOC in P. hastatus and C. perspicillata bats can be attributed to the fact that these bats use vision and smell along with echolocation to forage the food.

Resumo O entendimento da ecolocalização pelo estudo de diferentes núcleos auditivos de morcegos pode ser um elo importante na elucidação das inúmeras questões que surgem em relação ao seu comportamento de forrageamento. O complexo olivar superior (SOC) é o principal centro de processamento das pistas binaurais usadas na localização do som, já que os morcegos ecolocalizadores contam com sinais acústicos para navegar e capturar as presas durante o vôo. O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que morcegos que usam a ecolocalização para diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento irão variar na estrutura, tamanhos relativos e grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial do grupo SOC. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis machos adultos de morcego de cada espécie: Noctilio leporinus (piscívoro), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoros/onívoros) e Carollia perspicillata (frugívoro). Eles foram seccionados em série e transversalmente, cortados e corados com coloração rápida cresil-violeta. tolet. O grupo SOC foi medido como 640 ± 70 µm no morcego N. leporinus, 480 ± 50 µm no P. hastatus e 240 ± 30 µm no morcego C. perspicillata. Os principais núcleos do grupo SOC dos três morcegos foram o LSO e o MSO e o MNTB. O MSO e o LSO foram muito bem desenvolvidos em morcegos N. leporinus. A MSO de N. leporinus foi subdividida em DMSO e VMSO. O principal tipo de células presentes na MSO e LSO são as células multipolares de coloração escura em todos os morcegos. Os MSO bem desenvolvidos e LSO de morcegos N. leporinus indicam que estes morcegos são altamente sensíveis a sons de baixa frequência e diferenças de intensidade interaural, que ajudaram estes morcegos a se alimentarem na superfície da água usando vários tipos de sinais de ecolocalização. O tamanho médio de SOC em morcegos de P. hastatus e C. perspicillata pode ser atribuído ao fato destes morcegos usarem visão e olfato junto com a ecolocalização para forragear.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess cervical cancer prevalence and associated mortality in Grenada, West Indies during 2000–2010. Methods Records of visits to hospital and clinical facilities were obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the Grenada General Hospital. Records were de-identified and electronically compiled. Cervical cancer prevalence was assessed via cross-sectional analysis of this secondary data. Of a total 12 012 records, 2 527 were selected for analysis using sampling without replacement. Cases were matched to corresponding patient data from death registries, where possible, and used to calculate associated mortality rates. Results The observed prevalence of cervical cancer was 52.4 per 100 000 women (ages 15 and above). The highest rates of cervical cancer occurred in the 35–44 age group, with the second highest among 45–64-year-olds. A total of 65 deaths were attributable to cervical cancer during 2000–2010, more than 50% of which were among women > 65 years old. The observed mortality rate was 16.7 per 100 000, almost twice the rate estimated by WHO for the region. Conclusions This study demonstrates the need for a comprehensive cervical cancer-screening program in Grenada. Results should contribute to informing future studies on how to appropriately generate and execute public health policy for education, screening, prevention, and control of cervical cancer in Grenada.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia del cáncer cervicouterino y la mortalidad asociada en Granada, Antillas Menores, entre el 2000 y el 2010. Métodos Se obtuvieron los registros de las visitas al hospital y a consultorios clínicos a partir del laboratorio de histopatología del Hospital General de Granada. Se borraron los datos personales de los registros y se los compiló electrónicamente. La prevalencia de cáncer cervicouterino se evaluó por medio del análisis transversal de estos datos secundarios. De un total de 12 012 registros, fueron seleccionados para el análisis 2 527 mediante un método de muestreo sin reemplazo. Los casos se compararon con los datos correspondientes de pacientes en los registros de defunciones, cuando fue posible, y se usaron para calcular las tasas de mortalidad asociadas. Resultados La prevalencia observada de cáncer cervicouterino fue 52,4 por 100 000 mujeres (de 15 años o más). Las tasas más elevadas de cáncer cervicouterino se observaron en el grupo de edad de 35 a 44 años, seguido por el grupo de 45 a 64 años. Del 2000 al 2010, 65 defunciones fueron atribuibles al cáncer cervicouterino, más del 50% en mujeres mayores de 65 años. La tasa de mortalidad observada fue 16,7 por 100 000, casi el doble de la calculada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para la región. Conclusiones Este estudio indica la necesidad de establecer un programa integral de detección del cáncer cervicouterino en Granada. Los resultados deben servir como base para estudios futuros sobre cómo generar y ejecutar apropiadamente políticas de salud pública para la educación en la materia, la detección, la prevención y el control del cáncer cervicouterino en Granada.

The reproductive activity of small ruminants is influenced by genetic and environmental factors that determine different levels of reproductive seasonality. Due to the large population of goats and the genetic identity of Criollo goats in the province of Neuquén, in Argentina Patagonia, the present study was undertaken to characterize seasonal variations in male reproductive activity. During a period of one year, ten adult males were evaluated on their reproductive parameters. They were kept under extensive management conditions and natural photoperiod (41º S). Body weight (PV), testicular circumference (CT), total sperm in the ejaculate (TEE), percentage of males with serving capacity (PMCS) and mean effective mounts (MME) were monthly determined. The PV and CT showed a marked increase during the spring-summer period, reaching their peak (68.1 kg and 34 cm, respectively) in February, two months after the summer solstice. In the autumn-winter period, two months after testicular circumference reached its maximum development, the TEE evidenced its maximum value in April (5213 millions). The PMCS and the MME varied throughout the year, reaching the highest average values (100% and 3 mounts, respectively) in Autumn (April-June). The lowest average values for these variables (53% and 1.7 mounts, respectively) were registered in Spring (September-November). The variables PV, CT, TEE, PMCS and MME were positively correlated with each other. The reproductive activity of Criollo-Neuquino males exhibited a seasonal variation, showing its highest expression in Autumn (April-June), and evidenced a period of low sexual activity in Spring (September-November).

Debido a la gran población caprina y a la identidad genética del caprino Criollo de la provincia de Neuquén, en la Patagonia Argentina, se consideró la necesidad de profundizar el conocimiento sobre los aspectos reproductivos del macho. Durante un año, diez machos adultos mantenidos bajo condiciones extensivas de manejo y fotoperíodo natural (41º S) fueron evaluados en sus parámetros reproductivos. Se determinaron mensualmente las siguientes variables: peso vivo (PV), circunferencia testicular (CT), total de espermatozoides en el eyaculado (TEE), porcentaje de machos con capacidad de servicio (PMCS) y media de montas efectivas (MME). El PV y la CT presentaron un marcado incremento durante el período primavero-estival, alcanzando sus valores máximos en febrero, a los dos meses después del solsticio de verano (68,1 kg y 34 cm, respectivamente). En el período otoño-invernal, dos meses después que la circunferencia testicular alcanzara su máximo desarrollo, se evidenció el máximo valor del TEE en abril (5213 millones). El PMCS y la MME variaron a lo largo del año, alcanzando los valores medios más altos en el trimestre abril-junio (100% y 3 montas efectivas, respectivamente). Los valores medios más bajos para estas variables se presentaron en el trimestre septiembre-noviembre (53% y 1,7 montas, respectivamente). Las variables PV, CT, TEE, PMCS y MME se correlacionaron en forma positiva entre sí. La actividad reproductiva del caprino Criollo-Neuquino presentó una variación estacional, evidenciando su máxima expresión en el trimestre abril-junio (otoño) y manifestando un período de baja actividad reproductiva en el trimestre septiembre-noviembre (primavera).

We evaluated pregnancy by timed artificial insemination (TAI) with ram semen chilled at 5ºC during 12 or 24 h and insemination doses of 150 or 300 millions spermatozoa. Two hundred adult Merino sheep were randomly divided in 4 groups of 40 animals each, according to a factorial arrangement (2x2) plus a control group. During the breeding season, estrus were synchronized with intravaginal sponges impregnated with 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate inserted for 14 days and administration of 200 UI PMSG at sponge removal. Twelve and 24 h before insemination, semen from adult Merino rams was collected, and after the ejaculates were diluted and chilled. Semen was diluted with the Ovipro extender (Minitüb®, Alemania) using a dilution rate of 1:2 (semen/extender). Control group was inseminated with fresh semen without diluent and an insemination dose of 100 millions spermatozoa. For every group, cervical TAI was performed 54-56 hours after progestational treatment. Preserved semen during 12 hours obtained 25% and 38% pregnancy with an insemination dose of 150 and 300 millions spermatozoa. Semen preserved for 24 hours caused 3% and 19% pregnancy with an insemination dose of 150 and 300 millions spermatozoa respectively. Control group showed a pregnancy of 59%, which evidenced that flock fertility was not affected by nutritional status or management. TAI with ram chilled semen during 12 h, with an insemination dose of 300 millions spermatozoa, was found to provide an acceptable fertility (38%), considering the benefit of carryng semen for long distances and the low operative cost for its implementation.

Se evaluó la preñez resultante de la inseminación artificial sistemática cervical (IASC) con semen ovino refrigerado a 5ºC durante 12 o 24 h y dosis de 150 o 300 millones de espermatozoides. Doscientas ovejas adultas Merino se dividieron al azar en grupos de 40 animales, según arreglo factorial de los tratamientos (2x2) más un grupo control. En la estación reproductiva, los estros fueron sincronizados mediante 14 días con esponjas intravaginales con 60 mg acetato de medroxiprogesterona y 200 UI de eCG al retirar las esponjas. A las 12 y 24 h previas a la IASC se colectaron, diluyeron y refrigeraron los eyaculados. La dilución del semen se realizó con OviPro (Minitüb®, Alemania) en una relación 1:2 (semen/ diluyente). El grupo control fue inseminado con semen fresco sin diluir y dosis de 100 millones de espermatozoides. La IASC se realizó en el orificio uterino externo a las 54-56 h después del tratamiento progestacional. La preservación seminal durante 12 h alcanzó el 25% (10/40) y 38% (15/ 39) de preñez con dosis de 150 y 300 millones de espermatozoides. El semen preservado durante 24 h determinó el 3% (1/37) y 19% (7/37) de preñez con dosis inseminantes de 150 y 300 millones de espermatozoides, respectivamente. El porcentaje de preñez del grupo control (59%) evidenció que las condiciones de la majada no estuvieron afectadas por el estado nutricional o de manejo. La IASC con semen refrigerado ovino durante 12 h y una dosis de inseminación de 300 millones de espermatozoides, permitió obtener una preñez aceptable (38%) considerando el beneficio de poder transportar semen a largas distancias y su bajo costo operativo.

Detailed information on the onset of puberty and sexual maturation are needed for good reproductive management of domestic animals. Most breeds of goat are seasonal breeders and the age of puberty in male differ among them. The purpose of this investigation was to determine in 33 Neuquino Criollo kids, raised and managed under a extensive system (Lat. 41º 02' S Long. 70º 34' W) during April to July (180-270 days of age), the development of break down prepuce membrane and copulation capacity exposed to four females in hormonally induced estrus, for 10 minutes. The respective month rates non prepuce membrane and sexual copulation were 69.6, 78.3, 78.3, 82.6% and 18.7, 50, 61.1, 63.1% during April, May, June and July. For these months the live weight and testicular circumference means were 17.3 ± 0.07, 19.7 ± 0.07, 19.2 ± 0.06, 17.8 ± 0.06 kg and 16.5 ± 0.08, 16.7 ± 0.08, 17.6 ± 0.08, 17.2 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. The relation between testicular circumference and live weight in kids with or without prepuce membrane (April to July) and with or non-copulatory capacity (May to July) determined that kids without prepuce membrane had significantly higher means in live weight and testicular circumference than those with it. Also kids with copulation capacity had significantly higher means in live weight and testicular circumference than those with non-copulation capacity. In conclusion, Neuquino Criollo kids had a progressive lost of their prepuce membrane and increasing copulation capacity during their first breeding season. Sexual development of kids appears to be closely associated with live weight and testicular circumference.

El conocimiento sobre el inicio de la pubertad y la maduración sexual en una raza o biotipo de animal doméstico constituye una herramienta necesaria para realizar un correcto manejo reproductivo. Los machos caprinos de diferentes razas presentan variación en el inicio de su actividad reproductiva. En 33 cabritos Criollos de la provincia del Neuquén, manejados en condiciones extensivas de producción (Lat. 41º 02' S Long. 70º 34' O), durante los meses de abril a julio (180-270 días de edad) se determinó la ruptura de la membrana prepucial y la capacidad de copulación, mediante su permanencia durante 10 minutos con cuatro hembras caprinas inducidas en estro mediante tratamiento hormonal. Durante los meses de abril a julio las tasas mensuales de cabritos que presentaron ruptura de su membrana prepucial y capacidad de copulación fueron 69,6; 78,3; 78,3; 82,6% y 18,7; 50; 61,1; 63,1% respectivamente. Para este período, los pesos vivos y circunferencias testiculares medias mensuales fueron 17,3 ± 0,07; 19,7 ± 0,07; 19,2 ± 0,06; 17,8 ± 0,06 kg y 16,5 ± 0,08; 16,7 ± 0,08; 17,6 ± 0,08; 17,2 ± 0,07 cm, respectivamente. Se determinó mensualmente que los cabritos sin membrana prepucial presentaron valores medios significativamente mayores en su peso vivo y circunferencia testicular con respecto a los cabritos con membrana prepucial. Asimismo, los cabritos con capacidad copulatoria tuvieron valores medios significativamente mayores en peso vivo y circunferencia testicular con respecto a los cabritos sin capacidad copulatoria. Se concluye que los cabritos Criollos Neuquinos presentan una ruptura progresiva de su membrana prepucial y un incremento en su capacidad copulatoria durante su primera estación reproductiva. El desarrollo sexual se presenta como un proceso gradual y estaría considerablemente asociado al peso vivo y a la circunferencia testicular.