We developed a method to evaluate bovine sperm membranes in normal (1G) and simulated microgravity (Sim-µG). Bovine spermatozoa are used as a model system because they have cellular membranes analogous to those of other cell types, and yet are much simpler because they have no cytoplasm and do not participate in DNA transcription or mRNA translation. They can be cultured as single cells and are easily evaluated for membrane characteristics using flow cytometry. These features make the mammalian spermatozoon a useful model for exploring the principles of membrane structure/function in the presence of a variety of environmental challenges such as simulated microgravity. Cryopreserved, washed beef bull sperm (4-8 × 106 mL −1 ) were incubated under non-capacitating conditions (modified glucose-free Tyrode's medium containing low bicarbonate, HEPES buffer, pyruvate and 3 mg mL −1 BSA V; 23 • C in air), and these spermatozoa remained alive for 24-48 h at 1G. To simulate µG, spermatozoa were incubated under the same conditions, in a HARV 10 rotating wall vessel (RWV, Synthecon, Inc, Houston,TX, USA) at 9 rpms. Spermatozoa were incubated in 1G and Sim-µG environments for 2.5-4.5 h and subsequently exposed to 0, 60 or 80 µg mL For further statistical analysis, and incorporation of non-parametric statistical tools (including pattern recognition using Support Vector Machines), the data were processed using a collection of Perl scripts and C programs. Results: Live/dead status: When Sim-µG + 60 µg mL −1 LC sperm were compared to 1G + 60 µg mL −1 LC, and 80 µg mL −1 LC sperm, their profiles were more similar to the 1G 80 µg mL −1 LC profiles. AR status: the Sim-µG + 60 µg mL −1 LC profiles were similar to the 1G + 60 µg mL −1 LC profiles. Mitochondrial Status: the Sim-µG + 60 µg mL −1 LC profiles were more similar to 1G + 80 µg mL −1 LC profiles. Summary: although Sim-µG sperm lost their motility within 3 h, they were alive. Cell profiles indicate that Sim-µG sperm nuclear membranes are less stable and their mitochondria are less functional than the 1G controls, but their acrosomes are intact indicating that fertilizing potential may remain. Additional experiments are needed to determine the time course for Sim-µG, induced changes, and whether Sim-µG sperm can penetrate eggs.

The goal of thestudy was to evaluate the first CR digital mammography system (® Konica-The goal of thestudy was to evaluate the first CR digital mammography system (® Konica-The goal of thestudy was to evaluate the first CR digital mammography system (® Konica-The goal of thestudy was to evaluate the first CR digital mammography system (® Konica-Minolta) in Mexico in clinical routine for cancer detection in ascreening populationand to determine if Minolta) in Mexico in clinical routine for cancer detection in ascreening populationand to determine if Minolta) in Mexico in clinical routine for cancer detection in ascreening populationand to determine if Minolta) in Mexico in clinical routine for cancer detection in ascreening populationand to determine if high resolution CR digital imaging is equivalent to state-of-the-art screen-film imaging. The high resolution CR digital imaging is equivalent to state-of-the-art screen-film imaging. The high resolution CR digital imaging is equivalent to state-of-the-art screen-film imaging. The high resolution CR digital imaging is equivalent to state-of-the-art screen-film imaging. The mammogramsw ere evaluated by two observers with cytological or histological confirmation for mammogramsw ere evaluated by two observers with cytological or histological confirmation for mammogramsw ere evaluated by two observers with cytological or histological confirmation for mammogramsw ere evaluated by two observers with cytological or histological confirmation for BIRADS 3, 4and 5. Contrast, exposure andartifacts of the images were evaluated. Different details like BIRADS 3, 4and 5. Contrast, exposure andartifacts of the images were evaluated. Different details like BIRADS 3, 4and 5. Contrast, exposure andartifacts of the images were evaluated. Different details like BIRADS 3, 4and 5. Contrast, exposure andartifacts of the images were evaluated. Different details like skin, retromamillary space and parenchymal structures were judged. The detectability of skin, retromamillary space and parenchymal structures were judged. The detectability of skin, retromamillary space and parenchymal structures were judged. The detectability of skin, retromamillary space and parenchymal structures were judged. The detectability of microcalcifications and lesions were compared and correlated to histology.The difference in sensitivity microcalcifications and lesions were compared and correlated to histology.The difference in sensitivity microcalcifications and lesions were compared and correlated to histology.The difference in sensitivity microcalcifications and lesions were compared and correlated to histology.The difference in sensitivity of CR Mammography (CRM) and Screen Film Mammography (SFM) was not statistically significant. of CR Mammography (CRM) and Screen Film Mammography (SFM) was not statistically significant. of CR Mammography (CRM) and Screen Film Mammography (SFM) was not statistically significant. of CR Mammography (CRM) and Screen Film Mammography (SFM) was not statistically significant. Howe...

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Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare, rapidly progressive, and highly aggressive tumor. It has a global annual incidence of 1–2 per million people. It mostly affects older adults and women. The median survival duration after diagnosis does not exceed 6–8 months. Case presentation A 60-year-old female patient of mixed race (Honduran) presented to the local medical service with dysphonia that had started approximately 2 months earlier, accompanied by orthopnea that had started 1 month earlier. On physical examination, a soft mass was palpated within the anterior neck region; it was approximately 4 cm in diameter, painless, and mobile on swallowing, and had irregular margins. Ultrasound and computed tomography of the neck were performed. Subsequently, fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed. The histological diagnosis was anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (stage IVB). She underwent total thyroidectomy and chemotherapy. She is currently in her fifth year of remission after diagnosis and remains under oncologic surveillance. Discussion Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma demonstrates a lethal behavior. Approximately 18% survive for more than a year after diagnosis, and 0–10% survive for 5 years. Different pretherapeutic prognostic factors may affect survival, including age < 70 years, the absence of distant metastases, and complete local resection. Conclusion Conventional treatment improves the quality of life of the patient, but the results are not encouraging for the medium and long term. Only a few patients manage to exceed the average life expectancy of 3–6 months, despite undergoing the currently available therapeutic regimen.