Production and characterization of 111Ag radioisotope for medical use in a TRIGA Mark II nuclear research reactor.

Radio Pharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) comes forth as a promising technique to treat a wide range of tumors while ensuring low collateral damage to nearby healthy tissues. This kind of cancer therapy exploits the radiation following the decay of a specific radionuclide to deliver a lethal dose to tumor tissues. In the framework of the ISOLPHARM project of INFN, 111Ag was recently proposed as a promising core of a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical. In this paper, the production of 111Ag via neutron activation of 110Pd-enriched samples inside a TRIGA Mark II nuclear research reactor is studied. The radioisotope production is modeled using two different Monte Carlo codes (MCNPX and PHITS) and a stand-alone inventory calculation code FISPACT-II, with different cross section data libraries. The whole process is simulated starting from an MCNP6-based reactor model producing the neutron spectrum and flux in the selected irradiation facility. Moreover, a cost-effective, robust and easy-to-use spectroscopic system, based on a Lanthanum Bromo-Chloride (LBC) inorganic scintillator, is designed and characterized, with the aim of using it, in the future, for the quality control of the ISOLPHARM irradiated targets at the SPES facility of the Legnaro National Laboratories of INFN. natPd and 110Pd-enriched samples are irradiated in the reactor main irradiation facility and spectroscopically characterized using the LBC-based setup and a multiple-fit analysis procedure. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions of the developed models, showing that inaccuracies in the available cross section libraries prevent an accurate reproduction of the generated radioisotope activities. Nevertheless, models are normalized to our experimental data allowing for a reliable planning of the 111Ag production in a TRIGA Mark II reactor.

Spray-drying encapsulation of microwave-assisted extracted polyphenols from Moringa oleifera: Influence of tragacanth, locust bean, and carboxymethyl-cellulose formulations.

In this work, polyphenols from Moringa oleifera (Mor) leaves were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and encapsulated by spray-drying (SD). Particularly, we explored the influence of tragacanth gum (TG), locust bean gum (LBG), and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as wall-materials on the physicochemical behavior of encapsulated Mor. Single or combined wall-material treatments (100:00 and 50:50 ratios, and total solid content 1%) were tested. The results showed the wall-material had a significant effect on the process yield (55.7-68.3%), encapsulation efficiency (24.28-35.74%), color (yellow or pale-yellow), total phenolic content (25.17-27.49 mg GAE g-1 of particles), total flavonoid content (23.20-26.87 mg QE g-1 of particles), antioxidant activity (DPPH• = 5.96-6.95 mg GAE g-1; ABTS•+ = 5.61-6.18 mg TE g-1 of particles), and particle size distribution (D50 = 112-1946 nm) of the encapsulated Mor. On the other hand, SEM analysis showed smooth and spherical particles, while TGA and DSC analyses confirmed the encapsulation of bioactive compounds based on the changes in thermal peaks. Finally, XRD analysis showed that the particles have an amorphous behavior. The encapsulated Mor produced with individual TG or CMC demonstrated better properties than those obtained from mixed gums. Thus, TG or CMC might be feasible wall materials for manufacturing encapsulated Mor that conserve the phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Reduction-oxidation (redox) system in radiation-induced normal tissue injury: molecular mechanisms and implications in radiation therapeutics.

Every year, millions of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy for treating and destroying abnormal cell growths within normal cell environmental conditions. Thus, ionizing radiation can have positive therapeutic effects on cancer cells as well as post-detrimental effects on surrounding normal tissues. Previous studies in the past years have proposed that the reduction and oxidation metabolism in cells changes in response to ionizing radiation and has a key role in radiation toxicity to normal tissue. Free radicals generated from ionizing radiation result in upregulation of cyclooxygenases (COXs), nitric oxide synthase (NOSs), lipoxygenases (LOXs) as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase), and their effected changes in mitochondrial functions are markedly noticeable. Each of these enzymes is diversely expressed in multiple cells, tissues and organs in a specific manner. Overproduction of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS), reactive hydroxyl radical (ROH) and reactive nitrogen radicals (RNS) in multiple cellular environments in the affected nucleus, cell membranes, cytosol and mitochondria, and other organelles, can specifically affect the sensitive and modifying enzymes of the redox system and repair proteins that play a pivotal role in both early and late effects of radiation. In recent years, ionizing radiation has been known to affect the redox functions and metabolism of NADPH oxidases (NOXs) as well as having destabilizing and detrimental effects on directly and indirectly affected cells, tissues and organs. More noteworthy, chronic free radical production may continue for years, increasing the risk of carcinogenesis and other oxidative stress-driven degenerative diseases as well as pathologies, in addition to late effect complications of organ fibrosis. Hence, knowledge about the mechanisms of chronic oxidative damage and injury in affected cells, tissues and organs following exposure to ionizing radiation may help in the development of treatment and management strategies of complications associated with radiotherapy (RT) or radiation accident victims. Thus, this medically relevant phenomenon may lead to the discovery of potential antioxidants and inhibitors with promising results in targeting and modulating the ROS/NO-sensitive enzymes in irradiated tissues and organ injury systems.

Basal insulin therapy is associated with beneficial effects on postoperative infective complications, independently from circulating glucose levels in patients admitted for cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although hyperglycemia is a strong predictor of postoperative infective complications (PIC), little is known about the effect of basal insulin therapy (BIT) per se on PIC. AIM: To evaluate if there is an association between BIT, independent of glucose levels, and a possible improvement of PIC during the perioperative cardiosurgery period (PCP). METHODS: In 812 patients admitted for cardiac intervention and treated with a continuous intravenous insulin infusion (CIII) for hyperglycemic levels (>130 mg/dl), a retrospective analysis was performed during the PCP (January 2009-December 2011). Upon transfer to the cardiac surgery division, if fasting glucose was ≥130 mg/dl, a basal + premeal insulin therapy was initiated (121 patients, group 1); for <130 mg/dl, a premeal insulin alone was initiated (691 patients, group 2). FINDINGS: Compared with group 2, group 1 showed reductions in PIC (2.48% vs 7.96%, p < 0.049; odds ratio: 0.294; 95% CI: 0.110-0.780), C-Reactive Protein (p < 0.05) and white blood cell (p < 0.05) levels despite glucose levels and CIII that were higher during the first two days after surgery (179.8 ± 25.3 vs 169.5 ± 10.6 mg/dl, p < 0.01; 0.046 ± 0.008 vs 0.037 ± 0.015 U/kg/h, p < 0.05, respectively). Normal glucose levels were achieved in both groups from day 3 before the discharge. The mean length of hospital duration was 18% lower in group 1 than in group 2 (7.21 ± 05.08 vs 8.76 ± 9.08 days, p < 0.007), providing a significant impact on public health costs. CONCLUSIONS: Basal + preprandial insulin therapy was associated with a lower frequency of PIC than preprandial insulin therapy alone, suggesting a beneficial effect of basal insulin therapy on post-surgery outcome.

Total knee implant posterior stabilised by a third condyle: Design evolution and post-operative complications.

BACKGROUND: Despite excellent long-term outcomes, posterior stabilisation by a third condyle continues to receive unwarranted criticism regarding patellar complications and instability. HYPOTHESIS: Complication rates with a tri-condylar posterior-stabilised implant are similar to those with other posterior-stabilised prostheses and have diminished over time due to improvements in prosthesis design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post-operative complications and revision rates were assessed retrospectively in a prospective cohort of 4189 consecutive patients who had primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a tri-condylar posterior-stabilised implant (Wright-Tornier) and were then followed-up for at least 24 months. The analysis included 2844 knees. The prosthesis generations were HLS1®, n=20; HLS2®, n=220; HLS Evolution®, n=636; HLS Noetos®, n=1373; and HLS KneeTec®, n=595. Complications were compared across generations by applying Fisher's exact test, and survival was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: At last follow-up, there had been 341 (12%) post-operative complications in 306 (10.8%) knees, including 168 (5.9%) related to the implant, 41 (1.4%) infections, and 132 (4.6%) secondary complications unrelated to the implant. Re-operation was required for 200 complications (7%), including 87 (3.1%) consisting in revision of the prosthesis. Implant-related complications were stiffness (n=67, 2.4%), patellar fracture (n=34, 1.2%), patellar clunk syndrome (n=25, 0.9%), patellar loosening (n=3, 0.1%), tibial/femoral loosening (n=15, 0.5%), polyethylene wear (n=3, 0.1%), and implant rupture (n=1, 0.04%). Significant differences across generations were found for stiffness (P<0.0001), patellar fracture (P=0.03), clunk syndrome (P=0.03), and polyethylene wear (P=0.004), whose frequencies declined from one generation to the next. Overall 10-year survival was 92% with no significant difference across generations (P=0.1). DISCUSSION: Outcomes of tri-condylar posterior-stabilised TKA are similar to those obtained using other posterior-stabilised implants. Neither patellar complications nor instability are more common, and improvements in implant design have contributed to correct early flaws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, historical cohort, retrospective assessment of prospectively collected data.

Genomic prediction models for grain yield of spring bread wheat in diverse agro-ecological zones.

Genomic and pedigree predictions for grain yield and agronomic traits were carried out using high density molecular data on a set of 803 spring wheat lines that were evaluated in 5 sites characterized by several environmental co-variables. Seven statistical models were tested using two random cross-validations schemes. Two other prediction problems were studied, namely predicting the lines' performance at one site with another (pairwise-site) and at untested sites (leave-one-site-out). Grain yield ranged from 3.7 to 9.0 t ha(-1) across sites. The best predictability was observed when genotypic and pedigree data were included in the models and their interaction with sites and the environmental co-variables. The leave-one-site-out increased average prediction accuracy over pairwise-site for all the traits, specifically from 0.27 to 0.36 for grain yield. Days to anthesis, maturity, and plant height predictions had high heritability and gave the highest accuracy for prediction models. Genomic and pedigree models coupled with environmental co-variables gave high prediction accuracy due to high genetic correlation between sites. This study provides an example of model prediction considering climate data along-with genomic and pedigree information. Such comprehensive models can be used to achieve rapid enhancement of wheat yield enhancement in current and future climate change scenario.

The effect of lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy on leg length.

PURPOSE: Varisation distal femoral osteotomy is a well-described treatment for lateral compartment arthrosis in the young, active patient. This treatment may potentially alter the length of the lower limb . The objective of this study was to quantify the change in leg length following lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy using a blade plate. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2011, 29 lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomies were performed for symptomatic genu valgum with signs of lateral compartment arthrosis or patello-femoral symptoms. The mean age was 44.4 years (±11.3). Average follow-up was 80.2 months (±50.6). RESULTS: The mean osteotomy opening was 8.3° (±2.3). The femoro-tibial mechanical axis (mFTA) was improved significantly, from 187.8° (±3.5) to 180.4° (±2.6) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The pre-operative leg length discrepancy was -0.7 cm, compared to -0.6 cm post-operatively, which was not significant (n.s.). There were five revisions to arthroplasty for disease progression at meantime of 166.6 months post-operatively. The probability of survival at 60 months was 91.4% (95% CI 74.9-100%) with end-point of revision to total knee arthroplasty and 87.6% (95% CI 74.1-100%) of revision for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy, performed for symptomatic genu valgum, has no effect on leg length. This technique allows good correction of the axis of the lower limb; however, the complication rate is not insignificant (14%). Complications occurred mainly in post-traumatic cases and may be avoidable with attention to technique and optimum rehabilitation. The procedure should be reserved for young, active patients with significant symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de fecundación in vitro / Experience of the Monteblanco Clinical Reproductive Medicine Unit with the use of corifollitropin alfa in in vitro fertilization cycles

ANTECEDENTES: La hiperestimulación ovárica controlada (HEOC) es uno de los componentes fundamentales de los ciclos de fecundación in-vitro (FIV). HEOC se ha realizado con gonadotrofinas exógenas de uso diario, agregando un componente de estrés adicional al tratamiento. La aparición de una FSH recombinante de depósito (corifollitropin alfa) permite disminuir el estrés asociado. Los estudios publicados no han mostrados diferencias en el número de ovocitos recuperados ni en las tasas de embarazo clínico. Los estudios existentes han sido financiados en su mayoría por la industria farmacéutica. OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos en pacientes no seleccionadas. MÉTODO: Se analizaron el número de ovocitos recuperados y la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2 en pacientes sometidas a HEOC con corifollitropin alfa, FSH recombinante diaria (rFSH), y la combinación de FSH recombinante y urinaria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 727 ciclos de FIV: 270 con corifollitropin alfa, 33 con rFSH y 333 con combinación de FSH. No hubo diferencias significativas en la recuperación de ovocitos ni en la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2. Al corregir por edad de la mujer y tipo de esquema de HEOC, encontramos que la edad de la mujer se asoció negativamente con el número de ovocitos recuperados, no así el tipo de esquema de HEOC. CONCLUSION: El uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos, no se diferencia significativamente de los otros esquemas de HEOC en la media de ovocitos recuperados ni en la media de ovocitos en metafase 2 obtenidos.

BACKGROUND: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a main component of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. COH have been performed with daily exogenous gonadotropins administered, adding to treatment an additional component of stress. The appearance of a depot recombinant FSH (corifollitropin alfa) helps to reduce stress in patients undergoing IVF. No studies have shown differences in the number of retrieved oocytes or clinical pregnancy rates; however these studies have been funded by the pharmaceutical industry. AIMS: To show the experience of Reproductive Medicine Unit Monteblanco with the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles, in unselected patients. METHODS: Our main outcome was the mean number of oocytes retrieved, and the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2 in patients undergoing COH with corifollitropin alpha, daily recombinant FSH (rFSH), and a combination of rFSH and urinary gonadotropin. RESULTS: We analyzed 727 IVF cycles: 270 cycles with corifollitropin alpha, 33 exclusive rFSH and 333 cycles with rFSH combination and urinary gonadotropins. We did not found any statistically significant difference in the mean number of oocytes recovered nor the proportion of metaphase two oocytes obtained. After adjusting for age, we did not find that the COH protocol influenced the mean number of oocytes recovered. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles does not alter the mean number of oocytes recovered, nor the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2.

Utilidad de la determinación de la reserva ovárica como predictor de la posibilidad de embarazo espontáneo: revisión sistemática / Usefulness of determining ovarian reserve as a predictor of the possibility of spontaneous pregnancy: a systematic review

ANTECEDENTES: En la actualidad, muchos especialistas determinan la reserva ovárica para aconsejar a sus pacientes acerca de su futuro reproductivo. OBJETIVO: Definir, a través de una revisión sistemática, si existe evidencia que justifique la determinación de la reserva ovárica como predictor de la posibilidad de embarazo espontáneo. MÉTODO: Realizamos una revisión sistemática usando las palabras claves "ovarian reserve" y "spontaneous pregnancy" en las bases MEDLINE y EMBASE, entre los años 2000 y 2015. RESULTADOS: Sólo tres artículos cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Si bien difieren en la forma de determinar la reserva ovárica y la población analizada, ninguno de los estudios encontró que la determinación de la reserva ovárica tuviera utilidad clínica en predecir la posibilidad de un embarazo espontáneo. CONCLUSIÓN: No existe evidencia que justifique la determinación de reserva ovárica, en forma rutinaria, para aconsejar a las parejas acerca de sus posibilidades de embarazo espontáneo.

BACKGROUND: Many specialists use ovarian reserve tests to determine their patient's reproductive potential. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the ovarian reserve determine the possibility of spontaneous pregnancy. METHOD: We searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE, articles published between 2000 and 2015, with the keywords "spontaneous pregnancy" and "ovarian reserve". RESULTS: Only three articles complied with the selection criteria. Although the studies have different approaches to evaluate ovarian reserve and study subjects, none of them found that that ovarian-reserve testing have clinical utility in predicting the chance of a spontaneous pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There is no utility to assess ovarian reserve routinely in order to predict chances of spontaneous pregnancy.

Relación de la menarquia precoz con disminución de la reserva ovárica en la vida adulta: Revisión sistemática y meta-análisis / Relationship of early menarche with decreased ovarian reserve in adult life: systematic review and meta-analysis

ANTECEDENTES: La identificación de factores que pudieran afectar la reserva ovárica permitiría predecir el resultado a la hiperestimulación ovárica en las técnicas de reproducción asistida, y en forma independiente a la edad, el éxito de estos procedimientos. Se ha propuesto que la presencia de menarquia precoz, definido como su aparición antes de los 12 años, sería uno de los factores predictivos de baja reserva ovárica. OBJETIVO: Determinar si existe asociación entre menarquia precoz y disminución de la reserva ovárica futura. MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos MEDLINE y EMBASE entre los años 2000 y 2013 con los conceptos "premature menarchae" y "ovarian reserve". Sólo 3 artículos cumplieron los criterios de selección, con un total de 2.470 pacientes. RESULTADO: El meta-análisis mostró una asociación significativa entre menarquia temprana y disminución de la reserva ovárica en la vida adulta (OR 1,89; IC95% 1,52-2,35; p=0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: De confirmarse la relación entre disminución de reserva ovárica en pacientes que presentaron menarquia precoz, será fundamental que ésta información sea debidamente registrada y evaluada dentro de la consejería preconcepcional.

BACKGROUND: The identification of predictors of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation could predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies procedures, and independently of age, predict the success of said procedures. It has been suggested that premature menarchae, i.e. below 12 years of age, predicts diminished ovarian reserve. OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is an association between premature menarche and diminished ovarian reserve. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in MEDLINE and EMBASE, for articles published between 2000 and 2013, with key words "premature menarchae" and "ovarian reserve". Three articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including a total of 2,470 patients. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of the results demonstrated an association between premature menarchae and diminished ovarian reserve (OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.52-2.35; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: If our findings are confirmed, it would be fundamental to include this information in any routine gynecological visit.

Vascular injuries during closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy: A cadaveric angiographic study.

INTRODUCTION: Closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy is a surgical option for patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus knee alignment. Vascular complications are rare, but incriminate the use of oscillating saw or osteotome. It is important to know the steps of this surgery that involve risk of vascular injury and what to do to decrease that risk. HYPOTHESIS: Performing the distal osteotomy cut using an oscillating saw is a step with high risk of vascular injury. A protective device behind the tibia may decrease this risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive angiographic cadaver study, closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy was performed on 6 cadaveric knees in 90° knee flexion, and the distance between the surgical instrument and the popliteal artery was measured on fluoroscopy with artery opacification at the various steps of surgery. RESULTS: Tibial osteotomy with oscillating saw involves high vascular risk: the mean distance between the saw-blade and the popliteal artery is 10.6mm in 90° knee flexion. Using a specific device placed behind the tibia protects the vascular structures. DISCUSSION: High tibial osteotomy is indicated in medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee and can be performed by closing or opening-wedge. Vascular injuries in closing-wedge osteotomy exist and it is recommended to perform this surgery at 90° knee flexion, although some studies report that this does not move the artery out of the way. A risk of vascular lesion should be kept in mind. The oscillation of the saw and the direction of the osteotomy should also be taken into consideration when performing a closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy in order to protect the popliteal artery. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cadaver study. Level IV.

Uso de agonista de GnRH para inducir ovulación en ciclos de hiperestimulación ovárica controlada: experiencia de Clínica Monteblanco, Santiago, Chile / Use of GnRH agonist to induce ovulation cycles controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: experience of Monteblanco Clinic, Santiago, Chile

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva de Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de análogos GnRh para la inducción final de la maduración ovocitaria. Método: Se registraron los casos de IVF/ICSI durante el año 2012 en los que se indujo la maduración final ovocitaria con análogos GnRh (Lupron®). Todos los ciclos fueron estimulados con FSHr (Puregon®) y gonadotrofina urinaria altamente purificada (Menopur®), para la prevención del alza prematura de LH, el día 5° de estimulación se agregó diariamente antagonista de GnRh. La maduración ovocitaria final se realizó con 1,25 mg de acetato de leuprolide (Lupron®), posteriormente se realizó aspiración folicular bajo guía ecográfica. Todos los embriones obtenidos fueron vitrificados y transferidos en ciclos posteriores. Resultados: Entre enero y diciembre del año 2012 se registraron 110 pacientes cuya inducción de maduración final ovocitaria se realizó con acetato de leuprolide. El promedio de ovocitos recuperados fue de 21, la proporción de ovocitos maduros fue de 72 por ciento y la frecuencia de fecundación fue de 64 por ciento. No hubo ningún caso de síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo. Conclusiones: En los casos presentados de inducción de la maduración ovocitaria final con acetato de leuprolida, los resultados obtenidos son óptimos en términos de número de ovocitos en metafase II recuperados y en frecuencia de fecundación, mostrando ser una alternativa eficiente en la prevención del síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo, sin alterar el pronóstico de las pacientes.

Objective: To present the experience of the Reproductive Medicine Unit of Clinica Monteblanco inducing oocyte final maturation by GnRh analogue administration. Methods: We analysed all IVF/ICSI cases performed in 2012, in which final oocyte maturation was induced by administration of GnRH analogue (Lupron®). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was achieved bydaily rFSH (Puregon®) and highly purified urinary gonadotropin (Menopur®) administration. In order to prevent premature LH rise, on the 5th day of stimulation daily GnRH antagonist (Orgalutran®) was added. Final oocyte maturation was induced by the administration of 1.25 mg leuprolide acetate (Lupron®). Follicular aspiration was subsequently performed under ultrasound guidance. All embryos were vitrified and transferred in a subsequent cycle. Results: We registered 110 patients. The mean number of recovered oocytes was 21; the proportion of mature oocytes was 72 percent, and the fecundation rate reached was 64 percent. No case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was recorded. Conclusions: In this cohort, the use of leuprolide acetate for induce final oocyte maturation demonstrated to be an efficient alternative to induce oocyte final maturation, while preventing OHSS.

Edad máxima en la que una mujer puede ser madre con sus propios óvulos: revisión sistemática / Maximum age at which a woman can be a mother: systematic review

Antecedentes: La amplia realización de ciclos de ovodonación, en todo el mundo, se ha traducido en elevadas tasas de embarazos y partos en mujeres de diversas edades, incluyendo a postmenopáusicas tardías. Esto ha generado controversias y desafíos éticos, motivando a que muchos centros en los cuales se practican estas técnicas limiten la edad máxima de las mujeres receptoras. Objetivo: Buscar un criterio biológico y objetivo para definir esta edad, para conocer las edades máximas reportadas, en las cuales la mujer es capaz con sus propios gametos lograr un embarazo espontáneo y parto. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda amplia en las bases de datos de PUBMED y MEDLINE de artículos que reportaran mujeres que concibieron sobre 40 años y que especificaran la edad al momento del último parto, excluyéndose aquellos en los cuales se usaron técnicas de reproducción asistida. Resultados: Sólo dos trabajos completaron los criterios de inclusión y no presentaron los de exclusión. Las máximas edades reportadas fueron 49 y 52 años respectivamente. Conclusión: La edad máxima reportada en la literatura en la cual una mujer ha logrado un embarazo espontáneo y parto es a los 52 años.

Background: The broad use of oocyte donation cycles has resulted in high rates of pregnancy and child birth in women of different ages, including postmenopausal women. This has generated controversy and ethical challenges, motivating many centers to limit the maximum age of oocytes recipients. Aims: To seek a biological and objective criteria to define such maximal age, in which a woman is able to achieve a spontaneous pregnancy and give a birth. Methods: We performed a broad search PUBMED and MEDLINE including articles that reported women who conceived after age40 years and specify the age at last birth, excluding those who received donated eggs. Results: Only two articles presented the inclusion criteria and no exclusion. The maximum reported ages were 49 and 52 years respectively. Conclusion: The maximum age reported in the literature in which a woman has achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and birth with her own gametes is at 52 years.

Early experience with the Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) for the treatment of obesity : the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal (POSE) procedure.

BACKGROUND: We report our initial experience and 6-month outcomes in a single center using the per-oral Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) (USGI Medical) to place transmural plications in the gastric fundus and distal body using specialized suture anchors (the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal [POSE] procedure). METHODS: A prospective observational study was undertaken with institutional Ethics Board approval in a private hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Indicated patients were WHO obesity class I-II, or III, where patients refused a surgical approach. RESULTS: Between February 28, 2011 and March 23, 2012, the POSE procedure was successfully performed in 45 patients: 75.6 % female; mean age 43.4 ± 9.2 SD (range 21.0-64.0). At baseline: mean absolute weight (AW, kg), 100.8 ± 12.9 (75.5-132.5); body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), 36.7 ± 3.8 (28.1-46.6). A mean 8.2 suture-anchor plications were placed in the fundus, 3.0 along the distal body wall. Mean operative time, 69.2 ± 26.6 min (32.0-126.0); patients were discharged in <24 h. Six-month mean AW was 87.0 ± 10.3 (68.0-111.5); BMI decreased 5.8 to 31.3 ± 3.3 (25.1-38.6) (p < 0.001); EWL was 49.4 %; TBWL, 15.5 %. No mortality or operative morbidity. Minor postoperative side effects resolved with treatment by discharge. Patients reported less hunger and earlier satiety post procedure. Liquid intake began 12 h post procedure with full solids by 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: At 6-month follow-up of a prospective case series, the POSE procedure appeared to provide safe and effective weight loss without the scarring, pain, and recovery issues of open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up and further study are required.

Quality and antioxidant properties of a reduced-sugar pomegranate juice jelly with an aqueous extract of pomegranate peels.

In the present study, the production of a reduced-sugar pomegranate juice jelly supplemented with an aqueous extract of pomegranate peel (PE) is described. Influence of different carbohydrate polymers (guar (G), xanthan (X) and tragacanth (T) gums) on rheological properties was studied. Combination GXT presented the most similar rheological behaviour to commercial jelly. Jelly (J) and jelly with PE (JE) were stored at 4°C over an 8week period for physical, chemical, antioxidant, microbiological and sensory analysis. J and JE showed similar values for °Brix, colour and Aw, though the pH of JE was lower than J. Thiol and phenolic compounds were higher in JE than in J. Antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity and autoxidation of linoleic acid) was higher in JE than in J at 0weeks, and were decreasing with time. Pomegranate juice with additives was generally less accepted than J and JE.

Influencia de la abstinencia eyaculatoria en las características del espermiograma: revisión sistemática / Relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics: systematic review of the literature

Antecedentes: La Organización Mundial de la Salud propone que el tiempo de abstinencia eyaculatorio óptimo para evaluar los parámetros seminales del espermiograma sea entre 2 y 7 días. Objetivo: Evaluar la evidencia científica para esta recomendación. Método: Se realizó esta revisión sistemática con el fin de evaluar la relación entre la duración de la abstinencia sexual y las características del espermiograma. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases MEDLINE y PUBMED incluyendo artículos prospectivos y retrospectivos donde se informara la abstinencia eyaculatoria y que el informe del espermiograma cumpliera con los criterios de la OMS. Se descartaron aquellos que incluyera hombres con tratamientos hormonales o con diabetes mellitus. Resultados: Encontramos cuatro trabajos que cumplieron los criterios de selección. De su análisis se desprende que tanto el volumen seminal como la concentración espermática varió con el tiempo de abstinencia, pero no se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros de motilidad ni en la frecuencia de morfologías normales. Conclusión: No encontramos evidencia que apoye la política actual de abstinencia eyaculatoria previo a la evaluación del espermiograma...

Background: The World Health Organization proposed an ejaculatory abstinence to evaluate seminal parameters of 2 to 7 days. Objective: Evaluate the scientific evidence for this recommendation. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature, in order to assess whether there is a relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics. We performed a search in databases MEDLINE and PUBMED including articles reporting ejaculatory abstinence and that met the WHO criteria for seminal analysis. Exclusion criteria included hormonal treatment or diabetes mellitus. Results: Four articles met the inclusion criteria. They reported that both semen volume and sperm concentration differed significantly according to ejaculatory abstinence, however we found no evidence that neither motility parameters nor normal morphology depended on ejaculatory abstinence. Conclusion: We found no evidence to support 2-7 days ejaculatory abstinence prior to perform a semen analysis...

Importancia de alteración cromosómica en parejas, como causa de aborto recurrente: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Chromosomal alterations in couples with recurrent miscarriage: systematic review of the literature

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de alteraciones genéticas en uno o ambos progenitores de parejas con aborto recurrente. Método: Se buscaron artículos en inglés en las bases de datos MEDLINE y PUBMED entre los años 1990 y 2013 que reportaran estudio de cariograma en parejas con aborto recurrente y que no se hubieran sometido a técnicas de reproducción asistida. Resultados: La frecuencia de alteraciones cromosómicas fue variable en los distintos trabajos analizados con variaciones importantes en el número de pacientes incluidos. Aunque los trabajos analizados usaron diferentes números para definir el aborto recurrente, no hubo diferencias en la frecuencia de alteraciones genéticas al considerar 2 o más abortos versus 3 o más. La translocación recíproca fue la alteración más frecuentemente encontrada. Las alteraciones cromosómicas fueron más frecuentes en mujeres que en hombres. Conclusión: El análisis cromosómico es fundamental en el estudio de las parejas con aborto recurrente. En aquellas parejas portadoras de alguna alteración, es esencial que se realice un consejo genético adecuado y se debe sugerir la realización de diagnóstico prenatal en embarazos futuros.

Objective: To determine the frequency of genetic alterations in couples with recurrent miscarriage. Methods: We searched articles in English in MEDLINE and PUBMED databases between 1990 and 2013, which reported karyotype analysis in couples with recurrent miscarriage and that had not been subjected to assisted reproduction techniques. Results: The frequency of chromosomal alterations differ among different studies, furthermore we found a significant variation in the number of patients included. Although articles studied used different numbers to define recurrent miscarriage, there were no significant differences in the frequency of genetic alterations among couples with at least 2 or at least 3 miscarriages. The reciprocal translocation alteration was the most frequently found genetic alteration. Chromosomal alterations were more frequent in women. Conclusion: Chromosomal analysis is essential in the study of couples with recurrent miscarriage. In those couples carriers of some alteration, is essential to perform a genetic counseling and should be offered prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies.

Vitrificación ovocitaria para posponer fecundidad: experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva de Clínica Monteblanco / Oocyte vitrification to postponement of fertility

Antecedentes: Múltiples variables médicas y sociales han llevado al desarrollo de técnicas que permitan a la mujer posponer su fertilidad; dentro de ellas la vitrificación ovocitaria surge como una técnica relativamente sencilla y muy promisoria en este campo. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia del Centro de Medicina Reproductiva de Clínica Monteblanco, en mujeres que han vitrificado sus ovocitos y posteriormente han intentado embarazarse con ellos. Método: Se revisaron todos los casos de vitrificación ovocitaria con posterior intento de embarazo, realizados desde el año 2007 a la fecha. Resultados: Del total de ciclos de vitrificación ovoci-taria, 22 mujeres han intentado un embarazo posterior al procedimiento. La mediana de edad al momento de la vitrificación fue de 36 años. En 10 pacientes no hubo transferencia embrionaria, ya fuera por no fecundación (4 casos) o por detención del desarrollo embrionario (6 casos); 12 pacientes fueron transferidas, la mitad de ellas lograron embarazo. Discusión: En este trabajo se presenta la primera serie nacional de casos de vitrificación de óvulos con posterior intento de embarazo; 12 de 20 pacientes lograron ser transferidas y 6 de ellas lograron el embarazo. Las mujeres más jóvenes vitrificaron un mayor número de ovocitos, tuvieron más embriones y tuvieron una mayor posibilidad de lograr embarazo. Conclusión: Pese a que la vitrificación ovocitaria no es una solución definitiva a la postergación de la fertilidad, representa en estos casos una alternativa válida.

Background: The postponement of pregnancy responds to several medical and social reassons. Oocy-te vitrification is a relatively simple and promising technique for this purpose. Objective: To illustrate the experience at the Reproductive Medicina Unit of Monteblanco of cases of women who underwent oocyte vitrification and attempted later to get pregnant. Methods: We reviewed all cases of oocyte vitrification with later attempt of pregnancy since 2007. Results: In the studied period, 20 cycles of oocyte vitrification were registered, thereof 22 women attempted a pregnancy after that. Median age at vitrification was 36 years old. Ten patient did not underwent embryo transfer, either by fertilization failure (4 patients) or detention of embryonic development (6 patients). Six of 12 patients that underwent embryo transfer, achieved pregnancy. Discussion: We report the first series of vitrification cases with posterior attempt of pregnancy in Chile; 12 of 20 women underwent embryo transfer and 6 of them got pregnant. Young women had a more oocytes, embryos and a better chance to achieve pregnancy. Conclusion: Despite the fact that vitrification is not the final solution for today's postponement of fertility, it represents a useful alternative for these cases.

Motivaciones y actitudes hacia la donación voluntaria de ovocitos: experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva de la Clínica Monteblanco / Motivations and attitudes toward voluntary donation of oocytes

Objetivos: Determinar las motivaciones de mujeres para donar óvulos, y las significaciones que le otorgan a la misma. Método: Entrevista semiestructurada, cualitativa, a 18 mujeres candidatas a donantes de óvulos. Los tópicos analizados incluyeron: experiencias pasadas, fantasías y expectativas en relación a la ovodonación. Resultados: Las edades de las entrevistadas fluctuaron entre 19 y 29 años; 13 eran solteras y 6 tenían al menos un hijo. Más de la mitad estaban estudiando y trabajando al momento de la entrevista. Ninguna tenía antecedente de patología psiquiátrica personal ni familiar. La compensación económica fue la principal motivación para donar, aunque la empatía con las parejas infértiles fue otro importante motivador. Las potenciales donantes refirieron que el anonimato como protector para la donante y la pareja receptora. Las donantes percibieron la maternidad más relacionada con la crianza que con el vínculo genético. Conclusiones: Encontramos que las candidatas para ovodonar perciben la maternidad en función de la crianza y no del vínculo genético. Por lo tanto, asimilaron la donación de ovocitos con la donación de cualquier órgano. Sin embargo, manifiestan su rechazo a tener contacto con la familia receptora. Como era de esperar, la motivación económica fue la principal razón para donar, sin embargo, sentían fuerte empatía con las parejas infértiles.

Aims: To identify the motivating factors of candidates to donate oocytes, and the significance they assign to oocyte donation. Methods: We evaluated 18 volunteers trough a semi-structured interview. Topics discussed included: past experiences, fantasies and expectations towards the process of oocyte donation. Results: The ages fluctuated between 19 and 29 years; 13 were single and 6 had one or more children. More than a half were studying and working at the moment of the interview. None had familiar or personal psychiatric disorders. The economical compensation was the most important reason for the intention to donate, though the empathy with infertile couples was a significant motivator too. Potential donors perceived anonymity as protective for both donor and receptor. They perceived motherhood as rising the child rather than having a genetic link. Conclusions: We found that potential donors perceive motherhood as linked to rising a child, rather than having a genetic link. Therefore, they assimilate oocyte donation to the donation of any other organ. However, they prefer to have no contact with the oocyte receptor. As expected, the main motivator is the economical compensation, however they have strong feelings of empathy towards infertile couples.

Human PrP90-231-induced cell death is associated with intracellular accumulation of insoluble and protease-resistant macroaggregates and lysosomal dysfunction.

To define the mechanisms by which hPrP90-231 induces cell death, we analyzed its interaction with living cells and monitored its intracellular fate. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated hPrP90-231 caused the accumulation of cytosolic aggregates of the prion protein fragment that increased in number and size in a time-dependent manner. The formation of large intracellular hPrP90-231 aggregates correlated with the activation of apoptosis. hPrP90-231 aggregates occurred within lysotracker-positive vesicles and induced the formation of activated cathepsin D (CD), indicating that hPrP90-231 is partitioned into the endosomal-lysosomal system structures, activating the proteolytic machinery. Remarkably, the inhibition of CD activity significantly reduced hPrP-90-231-dependent apoptosis. Internalized hPrP90-231 forms detergent-insoluble and SDS-stable aggregates, displaying partial resistance to proteolysis. By confocal microscopy analysis of lucifer yellow (LY) intracellular partition, we show that hPrP90-231 accumulation induces lysosome destabilization and loss of lysosomal membrane impermeability. In fact, although control cells evidenced a vesicular pattern of LY fluorescence (index of healthy lysosomes), hPrP90-231-treated cells showed diffuse cytosolic fluorescence, indicating LY diffusion through damaged lysosomes. In conclusion, these data indicate that exogenously added hPrP90-231 forms intralysosomal deposits having features of insoluble, protease-resistant aggregates and could trigger a lysosome-mediated apoptosis by inducing lysosome membrane permeabilization, followed by the release of hydrolytic enzymes.