Attachment styles predict personality traits according to a pilot study of patients with anxiety and mood disorders / Los estilos de apego predicen los rasgos de la personalidad según un estudio piloto de pacientes con trastornos de ansiedad y del ánimo

Abstract Introduction The mother and child attachment could have an important and long-lasting impact. An insecure attachment could lead to emotional development difficulties. It has been suggested that maternal care in infants is associated with personality. However, more studies in adults are needed. Objective To determine if attachment styles in subjects with affective or anxiety disorders are associated with the expression of personality traits, and if this effect can be modulated by the presence of the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Method Our sample included 87 patients with mood or anxiety disorders. The NEO-PI-R questionnaire and the Adult Attachment questionnaire by Melero were used. Results Insecure attachment styles were associated with a higher expression of neuroticism, and a lower expression of extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, especially in individuals with the most insecure attachment. An interaction was identified between the attachment style and the 5-HTTLPR genotype on the expression of agreeableness. Higher neuroticism, and lower extraversion and conscientiousness tended to be present in carriers of the S allele. Discussion and conclusion There was a significant association between the attachment styles and the expression of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness-responsibility according to the Big Five Model. The short allele may be associated with the modulation of certain aspects of personality. Prevention strategies should be established to promote adequate attachments between infants and caregivers to avoid a possible risk factor for future maladaptive personality traits.

Resumen Introducción El apego entre la madre y el hijo puede tener un impacto importante. Un apego inseguro podría afectar el desarrollo emocional. Se ha sugerido que los cuidados de la madre en la infancia temprana se asocian a la personalidad. Sin embargo, se requieren más estudios en adultos. Objetivo Determinar si los estilos de apego en personas con trastornos del afecto o ansiedad se asocian a la expresión de rasgos de personalidad y si esta expresión es modulada por la presencia del alelo corto del polimorfismo 5-HTTLPR. Método Se incluyeron 87 pacientes. Se emplearon los cuestionarios NEO-PI-R y el de Apego en el Adulto de Melero. Resultados Los estilos de apego inseguro se asociaron con una expresión mayor de neuroticismo y menor de extroversión, conciencia y amabilidad, especialmente en los individuos con el estilo de apego más inseguro. Se identificó una interacción entre el estilo de apego y el genotipo del 5-HTTLPR en la expresión de amabilidad. En los portadores del alelo corto hubo una tendencia hacia mayores valores de neuroticismo y menores niveles de extroversión y conciencia. Discusión y conclusión Los estilos de apego se asocian con la expresión de neuroticismo, extroversión, amabilidad y conciencia/responsabilidad. El alelo corto del 5-HTTLPR podría asociarse con la modulación de algunos aspectos de la personalidad. Los resultados sugieren la importancia de promover un apego adecuado entre los niños y sus cuidadores primarios para evitar posibles riesgos que se asocien con rasgos desadaptativos de la personalidad.

Identification of candidate microRNAs from Ostreid herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) and their potential role in the infection of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas).

Oyster production is an economic activity of great interest worldwide. Recently, oysters have been suffering significant mortalities from OsHV-1infection, which has resulted in substantial economic loses in several countries around the world. Understanding viral pathogenicity mechanisms is of central importance for the establishment of disease control measures. Thus, the present work aimed to identify and characterize miRNAs from OsHV-1 as well as to predict their target transcripts in the virus and the host. OsHV-1 genome was used for the in silico discovery of pre-miRNAs. Subsequently, viral and host target transcripts of the OsHV-1 miRNAs were predicted according to the base pairing interaction between mature miRNAs and mRNA 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Six unique pre-miRNAs were found in different regions of the viral genome, ranging in length from 85 to 172 nucleotides. A complex network of self-regulation of viral gene expression mediated by the miRNAs was identified. These sequences also seem to have a broad ability to regulate the expression of host immune-related genes, especially those associated with pathogen recognition. Our results suggest that OsHV-1 encodes miRNAs with important functions in the infection process, inducing self-regulation of viral transcripts, as well as affecting the regulation of Pacific oyster transcripts related to immunity. Understanding the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions can help mitigate the recurrent events of oyster mass mortalities by OsHV-1 observed worldwide.

A Glycosaminoglycan-Rich Fraction from Sea Cucumber Isostichopus badionotus Has Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties In Vitro and In Vivo.

Sea cucumber body wall contains several naturally occurring bioactive components that possess health-promoting properties. Isostichopus badionotus from Yucatan, Mexico is heavily fished, but little is known about its bioactive constituents. We previously established that I. badionotus meal had potent anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. We have now screened some of its constituents for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Glycosaminoglycan and soluble protein preparations reduced 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells while an ethanol extract had a limited effect. The primary glycosaminoglycan (fucosylated chondroitin sulfate; FCS) was purified and tested for anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. FCS modulated the expression of critical genes, including NF-ĸB, TNFα, iNOS, and COX-2, and attenuated inflammation and tissue damage caused by TPA in a mouse ear inflammation model. It also mitigated colonic colitis caused in mice by dextran sodium sulfate. FCS from I. badionotus of the Yucatan Peninsula thus had strong anti-inflammatory properties in vivo.

Genomic Signatures Among Acanthamoeba polyphaga Entoorganisms Unveil Evidence of Coevolution.

The definition of a genomic signature (GS) is "the total net response to selective pressure". Recent isolation and sequencing of naturally occurring organisms, hereby named entoorganisms, within Acanthamoeba polyphaga, raised the hypothesis of a common genomic signature despite their diverse and unrelated evolutionary origin. Widely accepted and implemented tests for GS detection are oligonucleotide relative frequencies (OnRF) and relative codon usage (RCU) surveys. A common pattern and strong correlations were unveiled from OnRFs among A. polyphaga's Mimivirus and virophage Sputnik. RCU showed a common A-T bias at third codon position. We expanded tests to the amoebal mitochondrial genome and amoeba-resistant bacteria, achieving strikingly coherent results to the aforementioned viral analyses. The GSs in these entoorganisms of diverse evolutionary origin are coevolutionarily conserved within an intracellular environment that provides sanctuary for species of ecological and biomedical relevance.

Toxicidad, actividad antioxidante in vitro e hipoglicemiante in vitro e in vivo del extracto acuoso de Juglans neotropica Diels (nogal peruano) / Toxicity, in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vitro / in vivo hypoglicemiant activity of Juglans neotropica Diels (Peruvian walnut) aqueous extract

Objetivos: Evaluar la toxicidad, actividad antioxidante e hipoglicemiante del extracto acuoso liofilizado de Juglans neotropica Diels "nogal peruano". Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una caracterización fitoquímica mediante cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas. La toxicidad fue medida en larvas de Artemia salina. La actividad antioxidante fue medida usando el test de 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH). La actividad hipoglicemiante in vitro fue evaluada mediante la prueba de inhibición de α-glucosidasa; e in vivo mediante el uso de 36 ratas albinas divididas en cuatro grupos de acuerdo a la dosis suministrada (Glibenclamida 10 mg/kg, J.neotropica 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg y 500 mg/kg).Resultados: Dentro de los fitoconstituyentes se encontraron compuestos piranos, carbohidratos y fenoles. Con respecto a la letalidad, se encontró una CL50 de 3108 ug/mL. La mayor actividad antioxidante con el test de DPPH fue encontrada en la concentración de 20 mg/mL (86.68 ± 0.71%) con una IC50: (3.8 ± 0.31 mg/mL). La concentración de 2000 ug/mL y 1750 ug/mL mostraron la mejor actividad inhibitoria de la α-glucosidasa (IC50: 399.39 ug/mL). Se observó que había diferencia significativa (p<0.05) al comparar el grupo glibenclamida con la dosis de Juglans neotropica D 250 mg/kg (CIC: 0.95; IC95%: 0.59-0.99) y 500 mg/kg. Conclusiones: El extracto acuoso liofilizado de Juglans neotropica Diels "nogal peruano" no es tóxico, tiene buena capacidad antioxidante y actividad hipoglicemiante in vitro e in vivo a unas concentraciones de 2000 ug/mL y 250 mg/kg, respectivamente.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, mutagenicity, and Microtox® acute toxicity testing of Peruvian crude oil and oil-contaminated water and sediment.

The oil industry is a major source of contamination in Peru, and wastewater and sediments containing oil include harmful substances that may have acute and chronic effects. This study determined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations by GC/MS, mutagenicity using TA98 and TA100 bacterial strains with and without metabolic activation in the Muta-ChromoPlate™ test, and Microtox® 5-min EC50 values of Peruvian crude oil, and water and sediment pore water from the vicinity of San José de Saramuro on the Marañón River and Villa Trompeteros on the Corrientes River in Loreto, Peru. The highest total PAH concentration in both areas was found in water (Saramuro = 210.15 µg/ml, Trompeteros = 204.66 µg/ml). Total PAH concentrations in water from San José de Saramuro ranged from 9.90 to 210.15 µg/ml (mean = 66.48 µg/ml), while sediment pore water concentrations ranged from 2.19 to 70.41 µg/ml (mean = 24.33 µg/ml). All water samples tested from Saramuro and Trompeteros sites, and one out of four sediment pore water samples from Trompeteros, were found to be mutagenic (P < 0.001). One sediment pore water sample in Saramuro was determined to have a measurable toxicity (Microtox EC50 = 335.1 mg/l), and in Trompeteros, the EC50 in water and sediment pore water ranged from 25.67 to 133.86 mg/l. Peruvian crude oil was mutagenic using the TA98 strain with metabolic activation, and the EC50 was 17.18 mg/l. The two areas sampled had very high PAH concentrations that were most likely associated with oil activities, but did not lead to acute toxic effects. However, since most of the samples were mutagenic, it is thought that there is a greater potential for chronic effects.

Toxoplasma gondii presence in women with spontaneous abortion in Yucatan, Mexico.

The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and DNA of women with spontaneous abortions in 2 hospitals located in Yucatan, Mexico. Between June 2008 and May 2009, blood samples were taken from 100 women with spontaneous abortion attending the Ticul City Communitarian Hospital and the Merida Mother-Kid Hospital. The sera were tested for anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Blood samples (5 ml with anticlotting agent) were also used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, to detect T. gondii DNA. Forty-two of the 100 samples were negative. Of the positive samples (n = 58), 32 were positive to IgG, 2 to IgM, 5 to IgG and IgM, 6 to IgG and PCR, 1 to IgM and PCR, and 12 to IgG, IgM, and PCR. Accordingly, 55% of the women were seropositive to at least IgG, 20% to at least IgM, and 19% via PCR. Differences between hospitals were significant (P < 0.05) only for IgM. The risk of infection (IgM positive) was 2.85 (odds ratio [OR] 95%, confidence interval [CI]; 1.03-7.87) times greater in women patients at the Merida Mother-Kid Hospital, than those at the Ticul Communitarian Hospital. More studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this disease and to establish strategies to follow in order to reduce congenital toxoplasmosis in the populations at risk.

[Preliminary results of effectiveness of two schemes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols with recombinant foliculle stimulating hormone in intrauterine insemination cycles]. / Resultados preliminares del estudio de eficacia de dos esquemas de hiperestimulación ovarica controlada con hormona folículo estimulante recombinante en ciclos de inseminación intrauterina.

BACKGROUND: The intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the first line treatment in different infertility situations. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two protocols of controlled ovarian hyper stimulation (COHS) with recombinant Follicle Stimulating hormone (rFSH) (75 vs. 150 UI/day) plus IUI, in terms of pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome and ovarian stimulation features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study, sequential assignment, included 35 patients that had 44 cycles of IUI. They were assigned in to two groups, group 1 that started controlled ovarian hiperestimulation with 75 and 2 with 150 UI/day of recombinant rFSH. RESULTS: We found statistically significant difference between groups in: dose of rFSH, amount of stimulation days, number of mature follicles and estradiol blood levels on the day of use of the GnRHant and hCG injection day. The pregnancy rate between group 1 and 2 were 9.1 vs. 27.2%, respectively. Of the 8 pregnancies, 75% were achieving in group 2. The twin pregnancy rate was 2.2% and there were no cases of OHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Although without significant difference between groups we found a clear trend to achieve a better pregnancy rate with the 150 UI/day protocol without a significant raise in multiple pregnancy rate nor OHSS. The multifollicular development was associated to group 2 seems to be related to the better pregnancy rate achieved by the same group.

Host-feeding preference of the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, in Yucatan State, Mexico.

Studies were conducted to determine the host-feeding preference of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in relation to the availability of human and domestic animals in the city of Merida, Yucatan State, Mexico. Mosquitoes were collected in the backyards of houses using resting wooden boxes. Collections were made five times per week from January to December 2005. DNA was extracted from engorged females and tested by PCR using universal avian- and mammalian-specific primers. DNA extracted from avian-derived blood was further analyzed by PCR using primers that differentiate among the birds of three avian orders: Passeriformes, Columbiformes and Galliformes. PCR products obtained from mammalian-derived blood were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion to differentiate between human-, dog-, cat-, pig-, and horse-derived blood meals. Overall, 82% of engorged mosquitoes had fed on birds, and 18% had fed on mammals. The most frequent vertebrate hosts were Galliformes (47.1%), Passeriformes (23.8%), Columbiformes (11.2%) birds, and dogs (8.8%). The overall human blood index was 6.7%. The overall forage ratio for humans was 0.1, indicating that humans were not a preferred host for Cx. quinquefasciatus in Merida.

[Effect of the Gly972Arg, SNP43 and Prol2Ala polymorphisms of the genes IRS1, CAPN10 and PPARG2 on secondary failure to sulphonylurea and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes in Yucatán, México]. / Efecto de los polimorfismos Gly972Arg del gen IRS1, SNP43 del gen CAPN10 y Prol2Ala del gen PPARG2 sobre la falla secundaria a sulfonilureas y metformina en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de Yucatán, Mexico.

In Yucatán, 52% of patients with type 2 diabetes (DT2) present secondary failure to treatment associated with sulphonylurea and metformin. A possible explanation may be due to polymorphisms in the genes IRS1, CAPN10, PPARG2, which are involved in pancreatic beta cell dysfunction and a poor response to the action of insulin. The association of the polymorphisms Gly972Arg, SNP43, and Pro12Ala, of the genes IRS1, CAPN10, PPARG2, with the risk of failure to sulphonylurea and metformin therapies was determinated in patients with DT2 in Yucatán, México. One hundred and thirty and two subjects with DT2 were classified in groups of responders (HbA1c < 8%) and non-responders (HbA1c > 8%) to the treatment, according to the control of hyperglucemia with sulphonylurea and metformin. Demographic, anthropometric and metabolic data were obtained from each subject. The polymorphisms were identified by means of DNA analysis by PCR/RFLP and PCR/OAL. Genotypic and allelic frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were determined. Statistical analyses consisted of X2 and multiple logistic regression tests (Epi-Info 2000 and SPSS version 12). Obese subjects carrying the genotype AA SNP43 showed 4.69 times more risk of failure to respond to treatment (p = 0.027), when compared with subjects sharing GA genotype: X2 (OR = 4.69, IC: 1.15-20.59) and multiple logistic regression, p = 0.048, (OR = 3.72, IC: 1.009-13.718). The interaction between genotype AA and the BMI > 27 showed also a significant difference (p = 0.009). The findings suggest the fact that polymorphism SNP43 may influence the response to treatment with sulphonylurea and metformin, the expression being dependent on obesity.

Efecto de los polimorfismos Gly972Arg del gen IRS1, SNP43 del gen CAPN10 y Pro12Ala del gen PPARG2 sobre la falla secundaria a sulfonilureas y metformina en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de Yucatán México / Effect of the Gly972Arg, SNP43 and Pro12Ala polymorphisms of the genes IRS1, CAPN10 and PPARG2 on secondary failure to sulphonylurea and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes in Yucatán México

La diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) es elevada en Yucatán; 52% de los afectados presentan falla al tratamiento con sulfonilureas y metformina. Una posible explicación es por polimorfismos en los genes IRS1, CAPN10, PPARG2, involucrados en la disfunción de la célula b pancreática y respuesta baja a la acción de insulina. Se determinó la asociación de los polimorfismos Gly972Arg, SNP43 y Pro12Ala con el riesgo a la falla al tratamiento con sulfonilurea y metformina, en pacientes con DT2 de Yucatán, México. Se estudiaron ciento treinta y dos pacientes, clasificados con base al control de la hiperglucemia con sulfonilureas y metformina, en grupos de respondedores (HbA1c<8%) y no respondedores (HbA1c > 8%) al tratamiento. De cada sujeto, se obtuvieron datos demográficos, antropométricos, clínicos y metabólicos. Los polimorfismos se identificaron mediante el análisis del ADN por PCR/RFLP y PCR/OAL. Se calcularon las frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas y el equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg. Se analizó estadísticamente con X² y regresión logística múltiple (Epi-Info 2000 y SPSS versión 12). Se observó diferencia significativa (p = 0,027) en el riesgo a la falla al tratamiento 4,69 veces mayor en sujetos obesos con genotipo AA SNP43, comparado con sujetos con genotipo GA: X² (OR= 4,69, IC: 1,15-20,59) y regresión logística múltiple, p= 0,048, (OR= 3,72, IC: 1,009-13,718). Se identificó interacción entre el genotipo AA y el IMC>27 (p=0,009). Los hallazgos sugieren que el polimorfismo SNP43 podría influir en la respuesta al tratamiento con sulfonilureas y metformina, con expresión dependiente de obesidad.

In Yucatán, 52% of patients with type 2 diabetes (DT2) present secondary failure to treatment associated with sulphonylurea and metformin. A possible explanation may be due to polymorphisms in the genes IRS1, CAPN10, PPARG2, which are involved in pancreatic b cell dysfunction and a poor response to the action of insulin. The association of the polymorphisms Gly972Arg, SNP43, and Pro12Ala, of the genes IRS1, CAPN10, PPARG2, with the risk of failure to sulphonylurea and metformin therapies was determinated in patients with DT2 in Yucatán, México. One hundred and thirty and two subjects with DT2 were classified in groups of responders (HbA1c< 8%) and non-responders (HbA1c> 8%) to the treatment, according to the control of hyperglucemia with sulphonylurea and metformin. Demographic, anthropometric and metabolic data were obtained from each subject. The polymorphisms were identified by means of DNA analysis by PCR/RFLP and PCR/OAL. Genotypic and allelic frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were determined. Statistical analyses consisted of X² and multiple logistic regression tests (Epi-Info 2000 and SPSS version 12). Obese subjects carrying the genotype AA SNP43 showed 4.69 times more risk of failure to respond to treatment (p=0.027), when compared with subjects sharing GA genotype: X² (OR= 4.69, IC: 1.15-20.59) and multiple logistic regression, p= 0.048, (OR= 3.72, IC: 1.009-13.718). The interaction between genotype AA and the BMI> 27 showed also a significant difference (p=0.009). The findings suggest the fact that polymorphism SNP43 may influence the response to treatment with sulphonylurea and metformin, the expression being dependent on obesity.

[Intrauterine insemination versus programmed intercourse in cycles of controlled ovaric hyperstimulation]. / Inseminación intrauterina versus coito programado en ciclos de hiperestimulación ovárica controlada.

BACKGROUND: Assisted reproduction techniques are used more and more frequently in the treatment of coulples with infertility diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the intrauterine insemination (IUI) value in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles (COH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytic, comparative, retrospective and longitudinal case-control study was performed. COH with IUI (group I) or with timed intercourse (TI) (group II) cycles from January 1st 2004 to December 31st 2006 were analyzed. Infertile patients aged between 24 and 42 years (group I) and between 23 and 36 years (group II) were included. The following variables were analyzed: Age, type, etiology and duration of infertility, sperm density and motility after capacitation or seminal analysis, number of total and mature follicles, endometrial thickness, gonadotropin type and dosage, insemination or TI cycle day. Pregnant vs non pregnant and pregnancies in both groups were analyzed. Results were analyzed with the STATA 7.0 and SPSS 12.0 programs. RESULTS: 873 COH+I UI cycles in 539 couples and 246 COH+ TI in 138 patients were analyzed the pregnancy rates per cycle were 13.1% and 5.2% for each group respectively. The mean woman's age was of 32.9 +/- 3.5 and 31.8 +/- 2.7 years for groups I and II respectively. There were significant differences in sperm density in both groups. The remaining variables showed no statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: IUI versus TI do not seems to be superior with respect to the pregnancy rates in COH cycles.

[Effect of intramural and subserous myomas on in vitro fertilization cycles and their perinatal results]. / Efecto de los miomas intramurales y subserosos en los ciclos de fertilización in vitro y sus resultados perinatales.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intramural and subserous myomas in in vitro fertilization cycles, as well as its perinatal results. TYPE OF STUDY: Cases and controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the IVF cycles between October 1999 and December 2004 were included. The variables of size and type of myomas, as well as variables of IVF cycles, implantation and pregnancy rates, and perinatal results were analyzed. We calculated the chi-square test to analyze the relationship between myomas and pregnancy. The t-Student test was used to establish the difference in the average between both groups regarding the studied variables. In the logistic regression analysis we controlled confusing variables. RESULTS: We analyzed 431 cycles made in 364 patients divided into two groups: study cases (with myomas-65 cycles) and control cases (without myomas-366 cycles). Age was two years older in the study group (35.7 vs 33.5, p < 0.001). There was no difference in: duration, type of infertility, days of stimulation, gonadotrophin dose, total and mature follicles, and fertilization and implantation rates. We only observed a difference in the recovered oocytes (8.0 vs 9.7, p = 0.027). The pregnancy, abortion and live-born children rates were of 20.0 vs 23.2, 46.1 vs 29.4, and 46.1 vs 58.8%, respectively (study and control groups; p > 0.05). Logistic regression showed that myomas do not affect the possibility of getting pregnant. CONCLUSION: Intramural and subserous myomas < 5 cm do not seem to have an effect in the IVF cycles nor in its perinatal results. In women with myomas < 5 cm that no dot distortion the uterine cavity it is questionable the usefulness of a myomectomy prior to IVF cycles.

[Prognostic factors of pregnancy in intrauterine insemination]. / Factores pronóstico de embarazo en inseminación intrauterina.

BACKGROUND: The artificial insemination is the introduction of spermatozoa in the feminine genital tract without carrying out sexual contact and with the purpose of obtaining the pregnancy. The insemination intrauterine has improved its rate of success thanks to the technological advances and the best knowledge of human reproductive physiology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic factors for the pregnancy success and calculate the cumulative rate per cycle in IUI (intrauterine insemination). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was descriptive, retrospective, analytic, and longitudinal. The cycles of IUI were analyzed from January 1st 2003 to December 31st 2005. Couples 24-41 years old with primary and secondary infertility were included. The following variables were studied: age of participant, type of infertility, length of infertility, aetiology, postcapacitation sperm density and motility, number of follicles, endometrial thickness, and the cycle number in which the IUI was performed. Patients carried out a protocol of ovarian stimulation and follicular follow up. The results were analyzed with 11.0 SPSS, continuous variables were analyzed and reported as means +/- SD with univariate logistic regression to determine statistic significance. Categoric variables were reported in frequencies and percentages. ROC curves were calculated to determine optimal cutting points. RESULTS: 668 cycles were analyzed in 391 couples. The pregnancy rate per cycle and couple was of 13.0 and 21.7% respectively. Means +/- SD patient age was 33.5 +/- 3.4 years old. The three variables with p < 0.05 were: the infertility duration, sperm motility and the cycle number in which IUI was performed. No statistical significance was found in the remaining variables. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest success in IUI will be achieved with infertility of 4 years or less, with sperm motility of 77.6% and in the first two cycles of treatment.

[Perinatal results in pregnancies obtained with embryo transfer in vitro fertilization: a case-control study]. / Resultados perinatales de embarazos por fertilización in vitro con transferencia de embriones (FIVTE): un estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND: In 1978 the first successfull birth by in vitro fertilization took place and this assisted reproduction technique became alternative of treatment in the couples with infertility that had not obtained pregnancy with conventional treatments. The conditions of clinical treatment and laboratory improved, which were in greater number of pregnancies. In 1985 the first study was published that showed adverse perinatal results in pregnancies obtained with fertilization in vitro. Some researchers attributed these results to the increase in the number of multiple pregnancies, pregnant patients older than 35 years, and to the antecedents of infertility. OBJECTIVE: To compare the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies obtained by in vitro IVFET vs spontaneous pregnancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study. All pregnancies obtained after IVF ET from October 1st 1999 to November 30th 2004 were compared with a control group of naturally conceived pregnancies and matched by maternal age and the number of fetus. Data concerning obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes were recorded and matched with their control. RESULTS: We analyzed 26 vs 52 singleton, 10 vs 20 twins, 5 vs 5 triplet pregnancies, there were no controls for the quadruplet and quintuplet pregnancies. The mean gestational age at delivery and Capurro score in the singleton pregnancies were 37.8 vs 38.8 y 38.2 vs 39.4 weeks for the study and control groups respectively (p < 0.05), the female sex was more frequent in singleton pregnancies obtained by FIVTE (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant difference in the premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta accreta, preterm delivery and low birth weight. The mean birth weight of the pregnancies obtained by IVF were of 2,962.8, 2,100 and 1,532 g for singleton, twin, and triplet respectively. A higher incidence of preterm delivery was found in twin pregnancies but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of adverse perinatal outcomes of the pregnancies after IVF were not higher than pregnancies conceived spontaneously. Twin pregnancies have a greater risk to cause preterm delivery not related to the IVFET procedure.

[Perinatal result of an institutional assisted reproduction program]. / Resultado perinatal de un programa de reproducción asistida institucional.

BACKGROUND: Assisted reproductive technology manipulates masculine gametes, embryos and implantation. It also aids the known or unknown factor of sterility without having the base problem correction as a target. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer are among these techniques. OBJECTIVE: To describe the overall outcome and the final perinatal offspring after in vitro fertilization cycle in an institutional third level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IVF cycles were retrospectively analyzed from October 1999 to May 2004. Several variables were described like: age, fertilization rate, implantation and pregnancy rate, fetal status, time of gestation during labor, miscarriage follicle-stimulating hormone rate and take-home baby rate. Patients underwent hypophyseal supression with GnRH analog, using a long luteal phase protocol and stimulated with recombinant FSH. Overall data is expressed as average +/- standard deviation and percentage. RESULTS: 365 cycles were analyzed in 314 patients, average age was of 34 +/- 3.7 years, tubal factor was diagnosed in 63.3%, fertilization rate was of 60.4%, implantation rate of 37.1%, per transfer pregnancy rate of 25.1%, per transfer live born rate of 21.7%, multiple pregnancy rate of 29.3%, miscarriage rate of 28% and ectopic pregnancy rate of 4.8%. In 87.8% of the cases caesarean operation was made; multiple pregnancy offspring weighted more than 1250 g in 70% of them; 70.5% was born after 32 weeks of pregnancy; 90% was born live and with good prognosis. Glucose metabolism alterations were the most frequent maternal complication. CONCLUSION: Although the results obtained were similar to those of assisted reproduction centers, it suggests improving multiple pregnancy rate and abortion rate.

[Estrogen role in the luteal phase support in in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer cycles]. / Papel de los estrógenos en el soporte de la fase lútea en ciclos de fertilización in vitro con transferencia de embriones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of estradiol administration for luteal phase support and to describe the progesterone and estradiol behavior in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer luteal phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and using gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist. They were divided at random into two groups: group 1 would receive progesterone alone, and group 2 would take estrogen and progesterone. Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were measured on days 7 and 14 post-embryo transfer. RESULTS: We examined 52 patients; 24 received progesterone alone and 28 took estrogen and progesterone. Significantly higher estradiol and progesterone concentrations on day 14 were found in pregnant women. It was not on day 7. A significant increment of estrogen was found in the estrogen and progesterone group. Progesterone did not increase significantly. Pregnancy rate was the same in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, the addition of estradiol to the progesterone support regimen does not have beneficial effects in terms of pregnancy rate. On day 7 neither progesterone nor estradiol are good predictors of pregnancy.

Method development for the analysis of trans-fatty acids in hydrogenated oils by capillary electrophoresis.

A novel capillary electrophoresis methodology using UV indirect detection (224 nm) for the analysis of trans-fatty acids in hydrogenated oils was proposed. The electrolyte consisted of a pH 7 phosphate buffer at 15 mmol x L(-1) concentration containing 4 mmol.L(-1) sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 10 mmol x L(-1) polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether (Brij 35), 2% 1-octanol and 45% acetonitrile. Under the optimized conditions, ten fatty acids, C12:0, C13:0 (internal standard), C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:1t, C18:2cc, C18:2tt and C18:3ccc were baseline-separated in less than 12 min. The proposed methodology was applied to monitor the formation of trans-fatty acids during hydrogenation of Brazilnut oil. A crude oil sample (42.1% linoleic acid, 37.3% oleic acid, 13.4% palmitic acid, and 7.0% stearic acid) was mixed with 0.25% of a nickel-based catalyst and submitted to two independent hydrogenation conditions: 175 degrees C, 3 atm, 545 rpm for 60 min (GH(1) sample), and 150 degrees C, 1 atm, 545 rpm for 30 min (GH(2) sample). For the most severe hydrogenation condition (higher temperature and pressure, under longer reactional period), a more complete conversion of linoleic and oleic acids into stearic acid occurred with concomitant formation of the trans-species, elaidic acid (C18:1t). For the milder hydrogenation procedure that generated sample GH(2), larger amounts of linoleic and oleic acids remained, in addition to the transformations already observed in the GH(1) sample.

Clinical-epidemiological study of leptospirosis in humans and reservoirs in Yucatan, Mexico

A leptospirosis clinical-epidemiological study was made in humans and reservoirs in the state of Yucatßn, MÚxico. Interviews and serological analyses were made on 400 persons from an open population, 439 probable cases of leptospirosis and 1060 animal reservoirs (cows, pigs, dogs, rats and opossums). IgM Leptospira DipstickTM and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used to detect human antibodies to leptospiras and serovar respectively. Leptospirosis incidence in humans was 2.2/100,000 inhab. in 1998, 0.7/100,000 in 1999 and 0.9/100,000 in 2000. Overall seroprevalence was 14.2 percent, relatively unchanged from seroprevalences observed 20 years ago. Highest seropositivity was found in people over 56 years of age, predominating males over females. Predominant serovars in the open population were tarassovi, hardjo, pomona and panama. Leptospirosis cases were most frequent in rural areas, and the anicteric course predominated over the icteric. The panama, icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona serovars predominated in both anicteric and icteric courses. Dogs, pigs and rodents had the highest seropositivity among the reservoirs. Contact with rodents and natural water sources were significant factors (p ú 0.05). Human cases (74 percent) occurred during the rainy season. It is concluded that leptospirosis is still a serious illness with important clinical and epidemiological implications in the state of Yucatßn, Mexico