Infertility in goats related to testicular atrophy

Summary Testicular atrophy in the goat is described as a principal factor in goat infertility. The clinical features of the condition are apparent in reduced testicular size and altered testicular shape. The semen picture is markedly affected: there are reduced numbers of sperms and an associated high incidence of abnormal sperm forms.

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Sumario Se describe a la atrofia testicular en cabras como un factor principal en la infertilidad de los caprinos. Las características clínicas de la condición son aparentes por el tama?o testicular reducido y por la alteración de la forma testicular. El cuadro del semen esta marcadamente afectado, habiendo un número reducido de espermatozoides, con una alta incidencia de formas de espermatozoides anormales.

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Résumé L'atrophie testiculaire est, chez le bouc, la cause majeure de son infertilité. Cliniquement elle se traduit par la diminution sensible du volume des testicules et l'altération de leur forme. L'image du sperme est caractérisée par la pauvreté en spermatozoides avec un nombre élevé de formes anormales.

     

Functions of platelet activating factor (PAF) in mammalian reproductive processes: a review

Platelet activating factor, PAF, (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero3-phosphorylcholine) is a naturally occurring compound of membrane phospholipid. The aim of this article was to briefly review current research on the significant role of PAF in mammalian reproductive functions. The involvement of this phospholipid in the female reproductive processes may indicate that it plays an important role in ovarian follicular development, reproductive cycle and pregnancy. A full understanding of PAF functions in sperm motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction is mandatory to correctly interpret its role in the male reproductive processes. This review also addressed the importance of the mechanism regulating PAF metabolism, PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), during the membrane fusion events associated with fertilization.     

An exercise in leadership training for veterinary students aiming for careers in biomedical research

A group discussion on the theme of "leadership" has been a central event in the annual Cornell Leadership Program for Veterinary Students since 1990. However, these discussions were often unfocused and did not readily demonstrate the leadership skills of distinguished guests who were invited to participate. Since 1998, a new format for this session has been developed in which students and guests are assigned individual roles in a scenario that is unfolded by a moderator over two to three hours. This role-playing exercise ensures that every student is obliged to participate and has an opportunity to practice such leadership skills as critical thinking, verbal communication, and decision making under pressure and with inadequate information. The distinguished guests, in their assigned roles, are able to interact freely with the student fellows and thus demonstrate their expertise as experienced leaders. This challenging experience has become an enjoyable part of the 10-week Leadership Program and one that shows the importance of leadership skills for those who aspire to careers in the biomedical sciences.