The journey of mammalian sperm through the female genital tract requires the existence of a myriad of mechanisms that allow cells to reach the oviduct in a timely manner from the place of semen deposition. Several biochemical mechanisms such as signaling through molecules like bicarbonate, neurotransmitters or even glycosaminoglycanes are known and have been studied by several relevant groups worldwide. However, biophysical mechanisms for sperm transport are much less studied and understood. Thermotaxis, for example, is a powerful, physical signaling system that is known to direct sperm inside the female genital tract, although the intimate mechanisms by which this effect is launched are yet to be elucidated. This review is focuses on the analysis of thermotaxis and its possible relationship with another phenomenon that has been observed in sperm from a variety of species, namely photostimulation. An overall review on sperm thermotaxis and putative mechanism/s that can be involved in this phenomenon is developed, followed by a description of the most recent findings on the mechanisms underlying sperm photostimulation, highlighting its possible relationship with thermotactic mechanisms. Finally, an overview regarding some practical implications of the phototactic/thermotactic phenomenon has been included in order to evaluate the possible use of techniques based on these phenomena as tools for improving pig reproduction.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.031 | DOI Listing |
Anal Chim Acta
February 2025
Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Bioanalítica, Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil. Electronic address:
Background: Distinct classes of environmental contaminants - such as microplastics, volatile organic compounds, inorganic gases, hormones, pesticides/herbicides, and heavy metals - have been continuously released into the environment from different sources. Anthropogenic activities with unprecedented consequences have impacted soil, surface waters, and the atmosphere. In this scenario, developing sensing materials and analytical platforms for monitoring water and air quality is essential to supporting worldwide environmental control agencies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Nutr
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, MOST; Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA; Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control; College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Electronic address:
Cultured meat technology represents an innovative food production approach that enables the large-scale cultivation of animal cells to obtain muscle, fat, and other tissues, which are then processed into meat products. Compared to traditional meat production methods, cell-cultured meat may significantly reduce energy consumption by 7% to 45%, greenhouse gas emissions by 78% to 96%, land use by 99%, and water use by 82% to 96%. This technology offers several advantages, including a shorter production cycle and enhanced environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and overall sustainability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Orthop Trauma Surg
January 2025
Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036, Graz, Austria.
Introduction: Liquid biopsy as a non-invasive method to investigate cancer biology and monitor residual disease has gained significance in clinical practice over the years. Whilst its applicability in carcinomas is well established, the low incidence and heterogeneity of bone and soft tissue sarcomas explains the less well-established knowledge considering liquid biopsy in these highly malignant mesenchymal neoplasms.
Materials And Methods: A systematic literature review adhering to the PRISMA guidelines initially identified 920 studies, of whom 68 original articles could be finally included, all dealing with clinical applicability of liquid biopsy in sarcoma.
Can Assoc Radiol J
January 2025
Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Contrast media, including iodinated contrast media and gadolinium-based contrast agents, are commonly administered pharmaceuticals with excellent safety profiles. However, a minority of the population may experience a hypersensitivity reaction following intravenous administration. Hypersensitivity reactions can be immediate or delayed, and range from mild, such as urticaria, to severe, including anaphylaxis.
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