Analysis of outcomes of emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Few surgical studies have provided adjusted comparative postoperative outcome data among contemporary patients with and without COVID-19 infection and patients treated before the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of performing emergency surgery in patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Patients who underwent emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery from March to June 2020, and from March to June 2019 in 25 Spanish hospitals were included in a retrospective study (COVID-CIR). The main outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and failure to rescue (mortality among patients who developed complications). Propensity score-matched comparisons were performed between patients who were positive and those who were negative for COVID-19; and between COVID-19-negative cohorts before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: Some 5307 patients were included in the study (183 COVID-19-positive and 2132 COVID-19-negative during pandemic; 2992 treated before pandemic). During the pandemic, patients with COVID-19 infection had greater 30-day mortality than those without (12.6 versus 4.6 per cent), but this difference was not statistically significant after propensity score matching (odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95 per cent c.i. 0.88 to 2.74). Those positive for COVID-19 had more complications (41.5 versus 23.9 per cent; OR 1.61, 1.11 to 2.33) and a higher likelihood of failure to rescue (30.3 versus 19.3 per cent; OR 1.10, 0.57 to 2.12). Patients who were negative for COVID-19 during the pandemic had similar rates of 30-day mortality (4.6 versus 3.2 per cent; OR 1.35, 0.98 to 1.86) and complications (23.9 versus 25.2 per cent; OR 0.89, 0.77 to 1.02), but a greater likelihood of failure to rescue (19.3 versus 12.9 per cent; OR 1.56, 95 per cent 1.10 to 2.19) than prepandemic controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 infection undergoing emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery had worse postoperative outcomes than contemporary patients without COVID-19. COVID-19-negative patients operated on during the COVID-19 pandemic had a likelihood of greater failure-to-rescue than prepandemic controls.

Revision of "Aemilia" pagana Species-Group (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae), with a Description of a New Endemic Species and Comments on the Conservation Status.

A taxonomical rearrangement of "Aemilia" pagana species-group is proposed: Leucanopsis pagana (Schaus in Proc Zool Soc London 1894:225-243, 1894) comb. nov. and L. ninae (Orfila in Rev Soc Entomol Argent 21:67-70, 1959) comb. nov. A new endemic species from Pampa de Achala, Córdoba, Argentina, closer to both species, is described: Leucanopsis navarroi sp. nov. These three species can be recognized because the color pattern is the darkest among species of Leucanopsis. Characteristics of male genitalia suggest the nomenclatural rearrangement proposed. Leucanopsis pagana comb. nov. has a wide distribution from the center of Brazil to northeastern Argentina, including southern Paraguay. The known distribution and geospatial analysis suggest that this species is not in danger. Leucanopsis ninae comb. nov. is restricted to only one known locality (Villa Gesell, Buenos Aires). The restricted known distribution, the different land use practices, and geospatial analysis suggest that this species could be endangered. Leucanopsis navarroi sp. nov. is endemic to the high plateau present in the center of Argentina called Pampa de Achala. The known distribution and geospatial analysis suggest that this species could be endangered. Further studies are necessary to determine effectively the conservation status of these three species.

High-sulfate water consumption determines intake and metabolic responses to protein supplementation in lambs consuming low-quality forage.

Twenty Hampshire lambs (31 ± 4 kg BW) in individual metabolism cages were used in a 10-treatment by 2-period ( = 4) trial to evaluate the interaction between protein supplementation and sulfate water on intake and metabolic responses when lambs were fed low-quality grass hay (; 6.4% CP, 79.5% NDF). The treatment structure was a 2 × 5 factorial: 2 water qualities (WQ; low-sulfate [LS] and high-sulfate [HS]; 442 and 8,358 mg/kg total dissolved solids, respectively) and 5 soybean meal levels (SBM; 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% BW/d). After 15 d of adaptation, periods consisted of 5 d for determination of forage and water intake, nitrogen balance, and digestion measurements (d 16 to 20) and 1 d for blood sampling and determination of ruminal hydrogen sulfide (HS) concentration (d 21). Supplemental SBM × WQ interactions were significant for forage OM intake ( = 0.04) and total OM intake ( = 0.04), whereas a tendency was observed for total tract digestible OM intake ( = 0.07). Intake values of LS lambs were higher than those of HS lambs ( < 0.05) in only the first and second levels of SBM. Water intake increased linearly ( < 0.01) with SBM level but was not affected by WQ ( = 0.39). Water quality and SBM supplementation affected total tract OM digestibility (TTOMD; < 0.01); LS lambs had lower TTOMD than HS lambs ( < 0.01). Plasma urea N increased linearly in response to SBM ( < 0.01) but was not affected by WQ ( = 0.11). Nitrogen balance was not affected by SBM × WQ interaction ( > 0.12), except for N utilization (N retained/N intake ratio; < 0.01). Regardless of WQ, N intake ( > 0.01), N urine ( > 0.01), and N balance increased linearly ( > 0.01) with SBM level. Water quality adversely affected N intake and N balance, although at the highest level of SBM no differences in N balance were observed between LS and HS lambs ( = 0.85). No changes due to WQ were observed for either urea reabsorbed by kidneys ( = 0.63) or glomerular filtration rate ( = 0.30), but renal function was affected by SBM level ( < 0.01). There was a supplemental SBM × WQ interaction for ruminal HS concentration ( < 0.01) due mainly to a greater concentration from 0.25% BW SBM in HS than in LS lambs. In conclusion, these results confirmed the existence of an interaction between sulfate water and supplemental protein, which alters intake and metabolic responses when lambs are fed low-quality grass hay.

A revision of the South American genus Metecia Snellen (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae).

The genus Metecia Snellen (Noctuidae. Noctuinae) from Southern Argentina and Chile is redescribed and three species are recognized: M. cornifrons Snellen, M. lacustris (Köhler) n. comb., and M. hypothetica (Köhler) n. comb. In addition, Euxoa pampeana Köhler is synonymized with Metecia cornifrons. Adults and male and female genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time, and a key to the species is provided.

Cardiovascular morbidity-mortality associated to ankle-brachial index in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. This study has aimed to investigate the association between low ABI and risk of cardiovascular death in a general population attended in a primary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,361 volunteers aged between 60 and 79 years without any evidence of peripheral artery disease who attended a primary care center participated in the study. They underwent a complete physical examination, together with standard blood tests and ABI was determined. The participants were contacted by telephone 4 years later and asked about any cardiovascular problems for that period. Causes of death and hospitalization were confirmed in the medical records in the primary care center and/or hospital. RESULTS: Information was obtained about the clinical evolution of 1,300 participants (mean age 69.9 years, 38.2% men). Mean follow-up was 49.8 months. There were 13 cardiovascular death and 49 major cardiovascular events. Low ABI (<0.9) was associated with a significant higher risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted relative risk 6.83; 95% confidence interval 1.36-34.30, P=.020), and with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events (adjusted relative risk 2.42; 95% confidence interval 0.99-5.91, P=.051). High or uncompressible ABI was not associated with higher cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: A low ABI was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular death in the general population followed-up in a primary care center.

Effect of peanut skin extract on chemical stability and sensory properties of salami during storage.

BACKGROUND: Peanut skin extracts (PSEs) have proven antioxidant properties in different food products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of peanut skin extract as natural preserving compounds on chemical stability and sensory properties of salami during storage. RESULTS: PSE was obtained with ethanol-water and added during the preparation of salami samples. Raw salami samples were cured and stored at 15 °C and 65% relative humidity. Moisture, peroxide value, conjugated dienes, free fatty acids and sensory descriptive attributes were evaluated on the samples. Peroxide values increased during storage in all samples and were 82.9 in control (salami without additives), 18.0 in salami with 0.2 g kg(-1) PSE (E0.02), 13.0 in salami with 1.0 g kg(-1) PSE (E0.1), and 0.63 meqO2 kg(-1) in salami with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) after 42 days of storage. BHT and E0.1 treatments resulted in a lower increase in the intensity of oxidized flavor and a lower decrease in the intensity of salami flavor. CONCLUSION: Chemical indicators and descriptive results indicated that PSE retards lipid oxidation and preserves sensory properties of salami, prolonging its shelf life.

Hierarchical radial and polar organisation of chromosomes in human sperm.

It is well established that chromosomes occupy distinct positions within the interphase nuclei, conferring a potential functional implication to the genome. In addition, alterations in the nuclear organisation patterns have been associated with disease phenotypes (e.g. cancer or laminopathies). The human sperm is the smallest cell in the body with specific DNA packaging and the mission of delivering the paternal genome to the oocyte during fertilisation. Studies of nuclear organisation in the sperm have postulated nonrandom chromosome position and have proposed a chromocentre model with the centromeres facing toward the interior and the telomeres toward the periphery of the nucleus. Most studies have assessed the nuclear address in the sperm longitudinally predominantly using centromeric or telomeric probes and to a lesser extent with whole chromosome paints. To date, studies investigating the radial organisation of human sperm have been limited. The purpose of this study was to utilise whole chromosome paints for six clinically important chromosomes (18, 19, 21, 22, X, and Y) to investigate nuclear address by assessing their radial and longitudinal nuclear organisation. A total of 10,800 sperm were analysed in nine normozoospermic individuals. The results have shown nonrandom chromosome position for all chromosomes using both methods of analysis. We present novel radial and polar analysis of chromosome territory localization within the human sperm nucleus. Specifically, a hierarchical organisation was observed radially with chromosomes organised from the interior to the periphery (chromosomes 22, 21, Y, X, 19, and 18 respectively) and polar organisation from the sperm head to tail (chromosomes X, 19, Y, 22, 21, and 18, respectively). We provide evidence of defined nuclear organisation in the human sperm and discuss the function of organisation and potential possible clinical ramifications of these results in regards to male infertility and early human development.

Formulación de un helado dietético sabor arándano con características prebióticas / Formulation of a diet blueberry ice-cream with prebiotic characteristics

Introducción: La inulina es un prebiótico que posee propiedades nutricionales y tecnológicas, pudiéndose adicionar en productos como los helados. El objetivo del trabajo fue formular un helado dietético sabor arándano (reducido en calorías, valor glucídico y lipídico) con características prebióticas, evaluarlo sensorialmente y analizar su composición físico-química.Material y métodos: Se trabajó con inulina en polvo; leche en polvo descremada; aditivos; clara de huevo deshidratada, arándanos escaldados y procesados. Se elaboraron helados al 20, 40 y 60% de arándanos, para definir porcentaje a utilizar mediante prueba de preferencia (Newel y Mac Farlane). Se mezcló, pasteurizó (63ºC; 30 min), enfrió (4°C; 4,5 min), maduró (4ºC; 2 hs) batió y congeló en máquina heladora (-6ºC; 50 min). Posteriormente se envasó y almacenó (-16ºC; 12 hs). El helado preferido se evaluó sensorialmente mediante aceptabilidad. Se realizaron análisis químicos de humedad; proteína; hidratos de carbono; fibra dietética total; cenizas; calcio; sodio; fósforo y físico: overrun. El rótulo se diseñó según CAA. Resultados: La aceptabilidad se expresó en porcentaje y las determinaciones en promedio y desvío estándar. La concentración de fruta preferida fue 40%. Aceptabilidad 86%. El color atractivo, morado; sabor y aroma dulce-ácido, a arándano; textura cremosa, sin cristales de hielo; consistencia, firme, de fundición lenta y cuerpo, esponjoso. Humedad 68,13; proteína 8,4; Hidratos de carbono 10,51; Fibra Dietética Total 12,51; Insoluble 5,82; Soluble 6,69; cenizas 0,45 g%; calcio 148,56; sodio 133,96 y fósforo 167,50 mg%; overrun 71% respectivamente. Se rotuló: “alimento dietético de valor calórico reducido”; “0% grasas”; “sin agregado de azúcar” y “alto contenido en fibra alimentaria”.Conclusiones: El Helado Dietético Arándano, (reducido en calorías, valor glucídico y lipídico) con inulina fue factible, presentando buenas características nutricionales y sensoriales.

The year's new drugs and biologics--2007.

This annual article presents new drugs and biologics that were launched or approved for the first time during the previous year. In 2007, 30 new medicines--this figure includes both drugs and biologics for therapeutic use as well as new diagnostic agents--reached their first markets. Drug repositioning continues to have a significant impact, with line extensions (new indications, new formulations and new combinations of previously marketed products) accounting for 45% of the new medicines launched in 2007. Several new features were introduced last year, and have been maintained due to a high level of interest from readers: a deeper insight into the three first-in-class drugs launched for the first time last year, providing a better understanding of their novel mechanisms of action; an analysis of the discovery and development periods for the year's new products; a comprehensive overview of drug repositioning as a strategy for extending the life span of medicines; and an analysis of the market for these new medicines. We also provide a brief glimpse at selected drugs and biologics which could reach their first markets in the foreseeable future.

Goat milk feeding causes an increase in biliary secretion of cholesterol and a decrease in plasma cholesterol levels in rats.

The hypocholesterolemic effect of goat milk with respect to cow milk observed in a previous study led us to examine the influence of goat and cow milk in the diet on certain aspects of biliary physiology in normal rats. The fat content in all diets was 10% but the lipid quality was varied: the standard diet was based on virgin olive oil, and the other 2 diets included fat obtained from lyophilized cow milk and goat milk. We characterized the bile secretion, including biliary phospholipid, cholesterol, and bile acid outputs, the interrelation between bile acids and bile lipids, and the lithogenic index. The consumption of goat milk in the diet, compared with that of cow milk, caused an increase in the biliary secretion of cholesterol together with a decrease in plasma cholesterol concentration, whereas values for bile phospholipids, biliary acid concentrations, and the lithogenic index remained normal. Moreover, consumption of this type of milk decreased plasma triglyceride concentration and therefore had a positive effect, similar to that of olive oil (standard diet), on the lipid metabolism; hence, it may be recommended for consumption by the general population.

Beneficial effect of goat milk on bioavailability of copper, zinc and selenium in rats.

We studied the effects of dietary inclusion of freeze-dried goat and cow milk on the utilization of copper, zinc and selenium, and on the metabolic fate of copper and zinc, in rats using a standard (non-milk) control diet recommended by the American Institute of Nutrition and diets based on goat or cow milk. For animals given the goat milk diet, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of copper is similar to that obtained with the standard diet and higher than that in animals given the cow milk diet. The copper balance was higher among the rats given the goat milk and the standard diets than among those given cow milk. The ADC and retention of zinc and selenium were higher for the goat milk diet than for the other two diets. The copper content in the kidneys and in the femur was greater when the animals consumed a goat milk diet than a cow milk diet. Zn deposits in femur, testes, liver, kidney, heart and longissimus dorsi muscle were greatest with the goat-milk diet, followed by the standard diet and were lowest for the rats given cow-milk diet. This study shows that the goat-milk has an important and beneficial effect on the bioavailability of copper, zinc and selenium.

Study of nutritive utilization of protein and magnesium in rats with resection of the distal small intestine. Beneficial effect of goat milk.

The search for diets to improve the nutritive utilization of protein and magnesium in malabsorption syndrome led us to study goat milk, because of its particular nutritional characteristics, and to compare it with cow milk, which is most commonly consumed. We studied the nutritive utilization of protein and magnesium in transected rats (control) and in rats with resection of 50% of the distal small intestine. The diets used were the standard diet recommended by the American Institute of Nutrition and diets based on lyophilized goat or cow milk. The consumption of goat milk produces better protein efficiency ratio and food conversion efficiency values, particularly in rats with intestinal resection, together with a higher nutritive utilization of protein. Magnesium apparent digestibility coefficient is not modified by intestinal resection in rats fed with goat milk-based diet, on the contrary to the standard and cow milk diets. Magnesium apparent digestibility coefficient is greater for the goat milk group, which is reflected in the greater quantity of this mineral stored in bone. These results demonstrate the beneficial effect of goat milk on the nutritive utilization of protein and on magnesium bioavailability, especially in animals with resection of the distal small intestine.

Beneficial effect of goat milk on nutritive utilization of iron and copper in malabsorption syndrome.

The search for diets that improve the digestive and metabolic use of iron and copper in malabsorption syndrome led us to study goat milk for particular nutritional characteristics and compare it with cow milk, which is usually supplied. We studied the metabolism of iron and copper in transected rats (control) and in resected rats (resection of 50% of the distal small intestine). The diets used were the standard diet recommended by the American Institute of Nutrition and diets based on goat or cow milk. Intestinal resection reduced the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of iron in the three diets tested. In the transected and resected rats, the ADC of iron was highest with the goat milk diet, followed by the standard diet and lowest with the cow milk diet. The ADC of copper was not affected by intestinal resection in the animals fed the goat milk diet, and was higher than that in the two groups of animals fed the other diets. Intestinal resection reduced the ADC of copper with the standard diet and the cow milk diet. When both groups of animals were fed the goat milk diet, the deposit of iron in the organs was greater than with those fed the cow milk diet and similar to that in those animals given the standard diet. The copper content in the kidneys was lower in the resected than in the transected animals, except in the case of those fed the goat milk diet, in which it was similar to that of the control (transected) rats. This study shows the beneficial effect of goat milk, with respect to cow milk, on the metabolism of iron and copper in control rats, especially those with malabsorption syndrome.

Digestive utilization of goat and cow milk fat in malabsorption syndrome.

We studied the effects of goat and cow milk fat on the digestive utilization of this nutrient and on some of the biochemical parameters that are related to the metabolisim of lipids, using rats with a resection of 50% of the distal small intestine and control animals (transected). The fat content in all the diets was 10% but the lipid quality was varied: the standard diet was based on olive oil, while the other two diets included fat obtained from lyophilized goat milk and cow milk, respectively. The digestive utilization of the fat was lower in the resected animals than in the transected ones for all three diets studied. In both resected and transected animals. the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of the fat was greater with the standard diet (olive oil) than with diets whose fat content was provided by goat or cow milk. The digestive utilization of the fat was greater in the transected and resected rats receiving a diet of goat's milk (rich in medium-chain triglycerides) than those given a cow-milk-based diet and more closely approached the values obtained for olive oil. The consumption of goat milk reduced levels of cholesterol while levels of triglycerides, HDL, GOT and GPT remained with in the normal ranges, for both transected and resected animals. The advantageous effect of goat milk on the metabolisim of lipids with respect to cow milk suggests that the former should be included in the diet in eases of malabsorption snydrome.

Lupus en hombres: comparación con mujeres y con lo descripto en la literatura / Lupus in men: comparation with women and with preview literature

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con 30 pacientes masculinos portadores de LES y 60 mujeres como control. La edad media de inicio del LES fue semejante en ambos grupos (26 años). Serositis fue más frecuente en hombres y rash malar y fotosensibilidad en mujeres (ambas de manera estadísticamente significativa), no así el desorden neurológico (más frecuente en hombres) y linfopenia y FAN (+) (más frecuente en mujeres) que no tuvieron significancia estadística. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la ingesta de antipalúdicos e inmunosupresores entre ambos grupos. Cuando se comparó este grupo LES masculino con lo descripto en la literatura se halló mayor frecuencia de rash malar y leucopenia en nuestra serie y menor frecuencia de FAN, proteinuria, hipocomplementeria y trombocitopenia

Beneficial effect of pollen and/or propolis on the metabolism of iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia.

There has been considerable debate regarding the nutritional benefits of pollen and the propolis produced by bees, although most contributions have lacked scientific soundness. This paper describes the possible beneficial effect of their use in pharmacological products in cases of anemic syndrome. We studied the effect of these two natural products on the digestive utilization of iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, using control rats and rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia. The addition of these products to the diet produced a positive effect on weight gain; this fact could constitute a scientific basis for the application of pollen and propolis as fortifiers. They improve the digestive utilization of iron and the regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin, especially during recovery from an anemic syndrome. They also have a positive effect on phosphocalcic metabolism and maintain an appropiate level of magnesium metabolism. Furthermore, in iron-deficient rats, these natural products palliate, to a large extent, the adverse effects of iron deficiency on calcium and magnesium metabolism as a result of the improvement in the digestive utilization of these minerals.

Serotonergic deficits and impaired passive-avoidance learning in rats by MDEA: a comparison with MDMA.

The serotonergic deficits induced by 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA, "eve"), were examined and compared with 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy"). A single dose of MDEA (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg IP) induced a dose-related hyperthermia, but only the highest dose significantly reduced 5-HT content and 5-HT transporter density in the frontal cortex and in the hippocampus 7 days later. Long-term serotonergic deficits were much more marked when MDEA was given repeatedly (40 mg/kg IP., b.i.d., for 4 consecutive days). Single or repeated administration of MDEA induced no change on 5-HT1A receptor density in the frontal cortex, brain stem, or hippocampus, although 3 h after both treatments plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased. MDEA (5-20 mg/kg, IP) produced significant retention deficits in a passive-avoidance learning task. Conversely, 7 days after the repeated administration of MDEA (40 mg/kg b.i.d., for 4 consecutive days) no effect on passive-avoidance performance was observed unless rats were treated again with another dose of MDEA (20 mg/kg IP) 30 min before the training trial. The 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100635, prevented the impairment in retention performance induced by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), but not by MDEA or MDMA, indicating that the effect of these amphetamine derivates was not mediated by 5-HT1A receptor activation. The results suggest the risk of serotonergic dysfunction associated with MDEA abuse in humans.

Influence of goat and cow milk on the digestive and metabolic utilization of calcium and iron.

The effects of goat and cow milk on the digestive and metabolic utilization of calcium and iron were studied in rats using a standard (non-milk) control diet. The digestive utilization of calcium is greater when the animals consume the goat-milk-based diet rather than that based on cow milk or the standard diet. The digestive utilization of iron, however, is similar for the goat-milk diet and the standard diet, and in both cases superior to that based on cow milk. The calcium content in the femur, sternum and Longissimus dorsi muscle (L.D. muscle) provides an indication of what happens during the utilization of the mineral; more is deposited when the rats consume a milk-based diet, particularly one based on goat milk. The iron content in the reserve organs, namely the liver and the spleen, is greater with the standard diet and the goat milk diet than with that containing cow milk. There is an obviously beneficial effect of goat milk on the metabolism of calcium and iron, which minimizes any interaction between the two minerals.

Nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in follicular fluid and their correlation with fertilization and embryo cleavage.

PROBLEM: Using an IVF model, the goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between follicular fluid (ff) NO and IL-1beta levels, as well as their correlation with fertilization of mature oocytes and embryo cleavage rates. METHOD OF STUDY: Follicular fluid was collected from 17 patients at the time of transvaginal oocyte retrieval following controlled ovarian stimulation. Oocytes harvested from these follicles were followed through fertilization and embryo cleavage. The NO metabolites nitrate/nitrite (NO3/NO2) were measured using the Griess reaction as an indirect assessment of NO activity. IL-1beta was measured using a high sensitivity ELISA system (Amersham, UK). The Student's t-test was utilized for unpaired data with the means considered significantly different when P < or = 0.05. RESULTS: Follicular fluid NO3/NO2 levels were significantly lower in follicles containing mature oocytes that fertilized (n = 30; 9.7 +/- 1.0 microM), versus those that did not fertilize (n = 23; 15.4 +/- 2.4 microM; P < 0.05). Follicles that contained oocytes that fertilized and went on to divide beyond the 6 cell stage had significantly lower ff levels of NO3/NO2 (n = 18; 7.5 +/- 0.9 microM), as compared to ff that contained oocytes that did not fertilize or failed to develop beyond the 5 cell stage (n = 35; 14.6 +/- 1.7 microM; P < 0.01). No correlation was found between ff NO3/NO2 levels (n = 28; 13.8 +/- 2.0 microM) and ff IL-1beta levels (n = 28; 0.5 +/- 0.08 pg/mL). An analysis of ff IL-1beta levels in relation to fertilization and embryo cleavage rates revealed no correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower ff NO3/NO2 levels at the time of oocyte retrieval are associated with adequate fertilization and embryo cleavage rates. In our IVF model, no correlation was found between ff IL-1beta levels and ff NO3/NO2, fertilization, or embryo cleavage rates.

The importance of the proportion of heme/nonheme iron in the diet to minimize the interference with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium metabolism on recovery from nutritional ferropenic anemia.

The digestive utilization of Fe and its nutritive interaction with Ca, P, and Mg were studied in rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia. The diet contained 80% ferric citrate and 20% heme iron (80/20 diet). The weight gain, digestive utilization of Fe, and regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin and seric Fe were higher in iron-deficient rats (ID) fed the 80/20 diet than in iron-deficient rats fed the 50/50 diet (Campos et al., 1996). The phospho-calcic metabolism, which is adversely affected in ferropenic anemia, returned to normal values when iron was added to the diet. The digestive utilization of Mg, which fell with the 50/50 diet (Campos et al., 1996), returned to normal values when the ferropenic anemia was reversed with the 80/20 diet. In a state of iron deficiency, certain parameters related to the glucose and lipid metabolism are affected; the glucose and triglycerides values return to a normal range with the 80/20 diet.