Dietary proteins modulate high-density lipoprotein characteristics in a sex-specific way in Apoe-deficient mice.

OBJECTIVES: The type and amount of dietary protein have become a topic of renewed interest, considering their involvement in several diseases. However, little attention has been devoted to the effect of avian proteins despite their wide human consumption. In a previous study, we saw that compared with soybean protein, the consumption of avian proteins, depending on sex, resulted in similar or lower atherosclerosis with a higher paraoxonase 1 activity, an antioxidant enzyme carried by high-density lipoproteins (HDL). This suggests that under these conditions, the HDL lipoproteins may undergo important changes. The aim of this research was to study the influence of soybean, chicken, and turkey proteins on the characteristics of HDL. METHODS: Male and female Apoe-deficient mice were fed purified Western diets based on the AIN-93 diet, differing only in the protein source, for 12 wk. After this period, blood and liver samples were taken for analysis of HDL composition and hepatic expression of genes related to HDL metabolism (Abca1, Lcat, Pltp, Pon1, and Scarb1). Depending on sex, these genes define a different network of interactions. Females consuming the turkey protein-containing diet showed decreased atherosclerotic foci, which can be due to larger very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) calculated by molar ratio triacylglycerols/VLDL cholesterol and higher expression of Lcat. In contrast, in males, a higher ratio of paraoxonase1 to apolipoprotein A1 decreased the oxidative status of the different lipoproteins, and augmented Abca1 expression was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The source of protein has an effect on the development of atherosclerosis depending on sex by modifying HDL characteristics and the expression of genes involved in their properties.

Multi-model chain for climate change scenario analysis to support coastal erosion and water quality risk management for the Metropolitan city of Venice.

Under the influence of anthropogenic climate change, hazardous climate and weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, with wide-ranging impacts across ecosystems and landscapes, especially fragile and dynamic coastal zones. The presented multi-model chain approach combines ocean hydrodynamics, wave fields, and shoreline extraction models to build a Bayesian Network-based coastal risk assessment model for the future analysis of shoreline evolution and seawater quality (i.e., suspended particulate matter, diffuse attenuation of light). In particular, the model was designed around a baseline scenario exploiting historical shoreline and oceanographic data within the 2015-2017 timeframe. Shoreline erosion and water quality changes along the coastal area of the Metropolitan city of Venice were evaluated for 2021-2050, under the RCP8.5 future scenario. The results showed a destabilizing trend in both shoreline evolution and seawater quality under the selected climate change scenario. Specifically, after a stable period (2021-2030), the shoreline will be affected by periods of erosion (2031-2040) and then accretion (2041-2050), with a simultaneous decrease in seawater quality in terms of higher turbidity. The decadal analysis and sensitivity evaluation of the input variables demonstrates a strong influence of oceanographic variables on the assessed endpoints, highlighting how the factors are strongly connected. The integration of regional and global climate models with Machine Learning and satellite imagery within the proposed multi-model chain represents an innovative update on state-of-the-art techniques. The validated outputs represent a good promise for better understanding the varying impacts due to future climate change conditions (e.g., wind, wave, tide, and sea-level). Moreover, the flexibility of the approach allows for the quick integration of climate and multi-risk data as it becomes available, and would represent a useful tool for forward-looking coastal risk management for decision-makers.

Delayed radiation myelopathy: a case and treatment algorithm proposal.

Delayed radiation myelopathy is a rare but severe complication that causes progressive and irreversible patient deterioration. Although it is an exclusion diagnosis, there are factors associated with radiation doses and administration areas that may reduce the risk of its incidence. To date, there is no known first-line and effective treatment available to alleviate the symptoms.

Effectiveness of a group intervention using pain neuroscience education and exercise in women with fibromyalgia: a pragmatic controlled study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Very positive effects have been described in the application of pain neuroscience education (PNE) to chronic pain and migraine. However, there are few data on the applicability of this therapeutic approach in actual clinical practice in a primary care (PC) setting. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy in fibromyalgia (FM) of an intervention based on PNE and exercise compared to treatment as usual (TAU). METHODS: Pragmatic nonrandomised controlled trial set in 5 healthcare centres and one physiotherapy centre in PC. Fifty-three women with FM (2010 American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia) were studied, 35 in the intervention group (IG) and 18 in the control group (CG). The women in the IG were interviewed individually and then received 6 weekly sessions plus one review session (1 month later): those in the CG received their TAU. The subject assignation to the CG or the IG was determined according to their availability to attend the sessions. They all filled in several questionnaires (prior to and 1 year after the intervention) to evaluate the impact of FM in their daily lives, catastrophism, anxiety and depression, severity and impact of pain in daily personal performance and functional capacity. RESULTS: The reductions (improvements) in the scores of all tests (baseline-final) were greater in the IG (p < 0.05) when adjusted for age and baseline values, with moderate or high effect size. After 1 year, 20% (CI - 1 to 42%) more women in the IG, compared to the CG, had a FIQ score < 39 (mild functional impairment). 17/38 (49%) women in the IG no longer met FM criteria at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention based on PNE and exercise in patients with FM is feasible and seems effective in PC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial Registration NCT04539171 ), on 04/09/2020.

Measurement of Practices-Knowledge-Attitudes of the Nursing Process: Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the literature available on the psychometric properties of the instruments to measure knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the nursing care process. METHODS: This was a narrative-type review conducted by following the recommendations of the PRISMA declaration. The search strategy was executed in two stages; through the search in databases by two reviewers and - thereafter - three reviewers identified independently the studies and evaluated the methodological quality of the measurement instruments by using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) property checklist boxes. RESULTS: Of 71 studies identified for the full-text review, only seven complied with the inclusion criteria that represent four instruments (Q-DIO, D-CATCH, NP-CDSS, PNP). It was found that the instruments continue in their validation and appropriation processes to reality in health services. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the evident evolution of the instruments to evaluate the implementation of the nursing care process, the need is still valid for an instrument that measures aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in every stage of the process.

Measurement of Practices-Knowledge-Attitudes of the Nursing Process: Systematic Review / Medición de prácticas-conocimientos-actitudes del proceso de enfermería: Revisión sistemática / Medição das práticas, conhecimentos e atitudes do processo de enfermagem: revisão sistemática

Objective. To analyze the literature available on the psychometric properties of the instruments to measure knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the nursing care process. Methods. This was a narrative-type review conducted by following the recommendations of the PRISMA declaration. The search strategy was executed in two stages; through the search in databases by two reviewers and ­ thereafter ­ three reviewers identified independently the studies and evaluated the methodological quality of the measurement instruments by using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) property checklist boxes. Results. Of 71 studies identified for the full-text review, only seven complied with the inclusion criteria that represent four instruments (Q-DIO, D-CATCH, NP-CDSS, PNP). It was found that the instruments continue in their validation and appropriation processes to reality in health services. Conclusion. In spite of the evident evolution of the instruments to evaluate the implementation of the nursing care process, the need is still valid for an instrument that measures aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in every stage of the process

Objetivo. Analizar la literatura disponible sobre las propiedades psicométricas de los instrumentos para medir Conocimientos, Actitudes y Prácticas del Proceso de Cuidado de Enfermería. Métodos. Revisión de tipo narrativa según las recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA. La estrategia de búsqueda se realizó en dos etapas; a partir de la búsqueda en bases de datos por parte de 2 revisores y, posteriormente, tres revisores identificaron de forma independiente los estudios y evaluaron la calidad metodológica de los instrumentos de medición utilizando la COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Resultados. De 71 estudios identificados para la revisión de texto completo, solo 7 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión que representan 4 instrumentos diferentes (Q-DIO, D-CATCH, NP-CDSS, PPE). Se encontró que los instrumentos continúan en procesos de validación y apropiación de los mismos a la realidad en los servicios de salud. Conclusión. A pesar de la evidente evolución de los instrumentos para evaluar la implementación del Proceso de Cuidado de Enfermería, aún sigue vigente la necesidad de un instrumento que mida los aspectos de Conocimientos, Actitudes y Prácticas en todas las etapas del proceso.

Objetivo. Analisar a literatura disponível sobre as propriedades psicométricas dos instrumentos de medida de Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Práticas do Processo de Cuidar de Enfermagem. Métodos. Revisão narrativa realizada de acordo com as recomendações da declaração PRISMA. A estratégia de busca foi realizada em duas etapas; por meio da busca nas bases de dados CINAHL, MEDLINE, BVS e Google Scholar por 2 revisores e, posteriormente, três revisores identificaram os estudos de forma independente e avaliaram a qualidade metodológica dos instrumentos de medição usando a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Resultados. Dos 71 estudos identificados para revisão de texto completo, apenas 7 preencheram os critérios de inclusão representando 4 instrumentos diferentes (Q-DIO, D-CATCH, NP-CDSS, PPE). Constatou-se que os instrumentos continuam em processos de validação e apropriação dos mesmos à realidade nos serviços de saúde. Conclusão. Apesar da evidente evolução dos instrumentos de avaliação da implementação do Processo de Cuidar em Enfermagem, persiste a necessidade de um instrumento que mensure os aspectos de Conhecimento, Atitudes e Práticas em todas as etapas do processo

Dietary Avian Proteins Are Comparable to Soybean Proteins on the Atherosclerosis Development and Fatty Liver Disease in Apoe-Deficient Mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The type and amount of dietary protein has become a topic of renewed interest in light of their involvement in metabolic diseases, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. However, little attention has been devoted to the effect of avian proteins despite their wide human consumption. The aim was to investigate the influence of chicken and turkey as sources of protein compared with that of soybean on atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To this purpose, male and female Apoe-deficient were fed purified Western diets differing in their protein sources for 12 weeks. After this period, blood, liver, aortic tree and heart base samples were taken for analyses of plasma lipids and atherosclerosis. Plasma triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, esterified cholesterol levels and radical oxygen species in lipoproteins changed depending on the diet and sex. Females consuming the turkey protein-containing diet showed decreased atherosclerotic foci, as evidenced by the en face atherosclerosis analyses. The presence of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in plaques were not modified, and no changes were observed in hepatic lipid droplets in the studied groups either. Paraoxonase activity was higher in the group consuming turkey protein without sex differences, but only in females, it was significantly associated with aortic lesion areas. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to soybean protein, the consumption of avian proteins depending on sex resulted in similar or lower atherosclerosis development and comparable hepatic steatosis.

Evaluation of the Nursing Care Offered during the Parturition Process. Controlled Clinical Trial of an Intervention based on Swanson's Theory of Caring versus Conventional Care.

OBJECTIVES: This work sought to compare the evaluation of the nursing care provided during the parturition process in the intervention group based on Swanson's theory of caring versus that of the control group that received conventional care. METHODS: Preventive-type controlled clinical trial conducted in a tier II hospital in San Gil, Santander (Colombia). During the parturition process, the intervention group received care based on Swanson's theory of caring (n=20) and the control group received conventional care (n=23). During immediate postpartum, the mothers were applied the Professional care rating scale by Swanson, validated into Spanish in Colombia. RESULTS: Assessment of professional care in the intervention group was Excellent with an average for the scale total of 59.8 points of a possible maximum of 60 points, while in the control group it was Good with 50.2 (p<0.0001). In the 15 items that make up the scale and in both subscales (Compassionate Healer and Competent Healer) higher scores were also observed in the intervention group compared to those of the control group. Conclusion. The intervention derived from Swanson's theory of caring was associated to a better evaluation of professional nursing care by women during the parturition process.

Valoración del cuidado de Enfermería brindado durante el proceso de parto. Ensayo clínico controlado de una intervención basada en la Teoría de Swanson versus cuidado convencional / Valorização do cuidado de Enfermagem brindado durante o processo de parto. Ensaio clínico controlado de uma intervenção baseada na Teoria de Swanson versus cuidado convencional / Evaluation of the Nursing Care Offered during the Parturition Process. Controlled Clinical Trial of an Intervention based on Swanson's Theory of Caring versus Conventional Care

Objective. This work sought to compare the evaluation of the nursing care provided during the parturition process in the intervention group based on Swanson's theory of caring versus that of the control group that received conventional care. Methods. Preventive-type controlled clinical trial conducted in a tier II hospital in San Gil, Santander (Colombia). During the parturition process, the intervention group received care based on Swanson's theory of caring (n=20) and the control group received conventional care (n=23). During immediate postpartum, the mothers were applied the Professional care rating scale by Swanson, validated into Spanish in Colombia. Results. Assessment of professional care in the intervention group was Excellent with an average for the scale total of 59.8 points of a possible maximum of 60 points, while in the control group it was Good with 50.2 (p<0.0001). In the 15 items that make up the scale and in both subscales (Compassionate Healer and Competent Healer) higher scores were also observed in the intervention group compared to those of the control group. Conclusion. The intervention derived from Swanson's theory of caring was associated to a better evaluation of professional nursing care by women during the parturition process.(AU)

Objetivo. Comparar la valoración del cuidado de enfermería brindado durante el proceso de parto en el grupo de Intervención basada en la Teoría de Swanson versus la del grupo de Control que recibió cuidado convencional. Métodos. Ensayo clínico controlado de tipo preventivo realizado en un hospital de segundo nivel de atención en San Gil, Santander (Colombia). Durante el proceso de parto el grupo de Intervención recibió cuidado basado en la Teoría de Swanson (n=20) y al grupo de Control se le practicó el cuidado convencional (n=23). En el postparto inmediato se aplicó a las madres la Escala de Valoración del cuidado profesional de Swanson, validada al español en Colombia. Resultados. La valoración del cuidado profesional en el grupo de Intervención fue Excelente con un promedio para el total de la escala de 59.8 puntos de un máximo posible de 60, mientras que en el grupo de Control fue Bueno con 50.2 (p<0.0001). En los 15 ítems que conforman la escala y en las dos subescalas (Sanador Compasivo y Sanador Competente) también se observaron mayores puntajes en el grupo de Intervención comparados con los del grupo de Control. Conclusión. La intervención derivada de la teoría de Swanson se asoció a una mejor valoración del cuidado profesional de enfermería por parte de las mujeres durante el proceso de parto. (AU)

Objetivo. Comparar a valorização do cuidado de enfermagem brindado durante o processo de parto no grupo de Intervenção baseada na Teoria de Swanson versus a do grupo de Controle que recebeu cuidado convencional. Métodos. Ensaio clínico controlado de tipo preventivo realizado num hospital de segundo nível de atenção em San Gil, Santander (Colômbia). Durante o processo de parto o grupo de Intervenção recebeu cuidado baseado na Teoria de Swanson (n=20) e ao grupo de Controle se lhe praticou o cuidado convencional (n=23). No pós-parto imediato se aplicou às mães a Escala de Valorização do cuidado profissional de Swanson, validada ao espanhol na Colômbia. Resultados. A valorização do cuidado profissional no grupo de Intervenção foi Excelente com uma média para o total da escala de 59.8 pontos de um máximo possível de 60, enquanto que no grupo de Controle foi Bom com 50.2 (p<0.0001). Nos 15 itens que conformam a escala e nas duas sub-escalas (Curador Compassivo e Curador Competente) também se observaram maiores pontuações no grupo de Intervenção comparados com os do grupo de Controle. Conclusão. A intervenção derivada da teoria de Swanson se associou a uma melhor valorização do cuidado profissional de enfermagem por parte das mulheres durante o processo de parto.(AU)

Detección y seguimiento de desnutrición en ancianos no institucionalizados por el farmacéutico comunitario en las Islas Baleares / Detection and monitoring of malnutrition among non-institutionalized elderly people, by community pharmacists in the Balearic Islands

Introducción: La desnutrición es un factor de morbi-mortalidad que frecuentemente pasa desapercibido. La detección precoz y un tratamiento adecuado pueden mejorar el pronóstico. En este sentido el farmacéutico comunitario puede ser un agente sanitario útil. Objetivos: Comparar el estado nutricional de personas mayores de 65 años no institucionalizadas en Baleares, antes y después de la intervención del farmacéutico comunitario, y estimar la prevalencia y factores de riesgo de desnutrición en la comunidad. Material y método: Se realizó un cribado mediante el cuestionario MNA entre personas mayores de 65 años usuarias de farmacias comunitarias. En caso de resultar desnutrición o riesgo de padecerla, el farmacéutico comunitario realizó una acción de educación nutricional y se emplazó a los pacientes a dos revisiones a los 3 y 6 meses. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 392 encuestas de las cuales resultó una prevalencia de malnutrición de 0,8% y un riesgo de malnutrición de 12,2%. De los pacientes incluidos en seguimiento solo 14 acabaron el programa. No es un resultado representativo estadísticamente, sin embargo se obtuvo una mejora del estado nutricional en el 45% de ellos. Discusión y conclusiones: El farmacéutico comunitario puede contribuir a detección precoz de la desnutrición, la mejora y el seguimiento del estado nutricional de los pacientes. A pesar de que la mejora en el estado nutricional de los pacientes se debió a la intervención del farmacéutico, se necesitan más estudios para confirmar el efecto de dicha intervención farmacéutica (AU)

Introduction: Malnutrition is a factor of morbidity and mortality that goes unnoticed. For that reason, an early detection and treatment can improve evolution and prognosis. Pharmacist can be a useful piece in early detection and monitoring of malnutrition Objective: To compare nutritional status of elderly non- institutionalized people over the age of 65 in Balearic Island before and after pharmaceutical intervention and to estimate prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition in that segment of the population. Material and methods: A screening was conducted using the MNA questionnaire, between elderly non-institutionalized people over 65 years that came to the pharmacy. In case of risk of malnutrition or malnutrition, the pharmacist gave patients some nutritional recommendations and monitored them at third and sixth month Results: 392 surveys were collected and it was estimated at 0,8% of malnutrition and a 12,2% of risk of malnutrition. Only 14 patients finished the whole follow-up study and 45% of them improved their nutritional status, but those results were not statistically significant. Discussion and conclusions: Pharmacist can contribute in early detection of malnutrition and can improve and monitor nutritional status of malnourished patients. Even tough, improvement of nutritional status was due to pharmaceutical intervention, more studies are needed to confirm the effect of such intervention (AU)

Valoración del cuidado de Enfermería por mujeres en proceso de parto después de una intervención / Assessment of nursing care for women in labor after an intervention

Con el objetivo de determinar la valoración del cuidado de enfermería, que realizan mujeres en proceso de parto, después de una intervención de cuidado basado en la Teoría de Swanson, en un Hospital de segundo nivel de atención en San Gil, Santander, se realizó un estudio experimental aleatorizado para comparar los resultados de ésta intervención entre dos grupos de mujeres, llamados grupo control y grupo intervención. Para la valoración del cuidado profesional, se aplicó a los dos grupos durante la etapa de postparto inmediato, la Escala de Valoración de cuidado profesional que cuenta con estudios de validez y confiabilidad en el contexto colombiano. Se realizó análisis de datos sociodemográficos y gineco obstétricos y se encontró diferencia significativa en la valoración del cuidado profesional entre los dos grupos, así como el reconocimiento al cuidado de enfermería a las mujeres en proceso de parto. Se hacen observaciones sobre las subescalas del instrumento en relación con los puntajes dados por las mujeres, mostrando la subescala más favorecida por la aplicación de la intervención. Se encontraron asociaciones de la intervención de cuidado propuesta con el tiempo en trabajo de parto y el uso de oxitocina. La valoración del cuidado de enfermería por mujeres en proceso de parto después de la intervención de cuidado propuesta en este estudio fue favorable, el grupo intervención reportó valoración excelente en contraste con el grupo control que reportó cuidado profesional considerado bueno.

With the objective to determine the assessment of nursing care performed by women in the process of delivery, after a care intervention based on the Swanson Theory, a second-level hospital in San Gil, Santander, Randomized experimental study to compare the results of this intervention between two groups of women, called control group and intervention group. For the assessment of professional care, the Professional Care Rating Scale was applied to the two groups during the immediate postpartum phase, which has studies of validity and reliability in the Colombian context. We analyzed sociodemographic and obstetric gynecological data and found a significant difference in the assessment of professional care between the two groups, as well as the recognition of nursing care for women in childbirth. Observations are made on the subscales of the instrument in relation to the scores given by the women, showing the subscale most favored by the application of the intervention. We found associations of the care intervention proposed over time in labor and the use of oxytocin. The assessment of nursing care by women in childbirth after the care intervention proposed in this study was favorable, the intervention group reported excellent assessment in contrast to the control group who reported good professional care.

Intervillous and uteroplacental circulation in normal early pregnancy and early pregnancy loss assessed by 3-dimensional power Doppler angiography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intervillous and uteroplacental circulation in early normal pregnancies and miscarriages. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred normal pregnancies and 46 delayed miscarriages were evaluated by 3-dimensional vaginal ultrasound and power Doppler angiography. Volumes of the early placenta and the subplacental area were obtained between 5 and 12.6 weeks' gestation. The placental volume, vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index was calculated. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.961 for placental volume to 0.885 for intervillous flow index. Intervillous power Doppler signals were not detected before the sixth week. Placental volume (R(2) = 0.68), intervillous vascularization index (R(2) = 0.30), flow index (R(2) = 0.33) and vascularization flow index (R(2) = 0.35), uteroplacental flow index (R(2) = 0.34), and vascularization flow index (R(2) = 0.17) increase significantly (P < .001) throughout the first trimester of normal pregnancies. Uteroplacental vascularization index was not significantly related to gestational age. Intervillous vasculariztion index, flow index, and vascularization flow index were significantly raised in miscarriages, but there were no significant differences for uteroplacental vascularization index, flow index, or vascularization flow index. CONCLUSION: Intervillous and uteroplacental blood flow increases throughout the first trimester of normal pregnancies. Intervillous circulation is abnormally increased when a miscarriage is diagnosed.

Three-dimensional volume sonographic study of fetal anatomy: intraobserver reproducibility and effect of examiner experience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D) sonography in assessing fetal anatomy and to determine the intraobserver reproducibility and the effect of examiner experience. METHODS: Three-dimensional volumes of the head, face, thorax, and abdomen were obtained for 40 fetuses. The volume data sets obtained were explored offline with multiplanar navigation and tomographic ultrasound imaging on a personal computer. Each case was examined twice by the same observer at least 3 months apart. The percentage for identification of fetal anatomic structures, 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D measurements, and the time spent on 2D and 3D examinations were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of fetal anatomic structures were identified with multiplanar navigation and tomographic ultrasound imaging. The genitals, the entry of the vena cava, and the ears were visualized in less than 70% of cases. Tomographic ultrasound imaging allowed viewing of 14 structures not seen in the multiplanar study. Intraobserver agreement for anatomic examinations was good (kappa = 0.78). Intraobserver agreement for fetal measurements showed differences between both examinations that approached 0 and intraclass correlation indices close to 0.9. The mean 2D scanning time +/- SD was 10.11 +/- 2.5 minutes, and the acquisition time for the 3D volumes was 1.54 +/- 0.35 minutes. The total time for the second 3D study was 7.23 +/- 1.17 minutes, significantly shorter than the 9.96 +/- 1.53 minutes spent on the first study (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional volumes are highly effective for complete fetal anatomic surveys. They show excellent intraobserver reproducibility and take less time to study as the examiner's experience increases.

Are endometrial parameters by three-dimensional ultrasound and power Doppler angiography related to in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer outcome?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether endometrial parameters by three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography (3D US-PDA) can predict in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcome. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Assisted reproduction unit in a referral hospital. PATIENT(S): Eighty women who underwent IVF cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial 3D US-PDA evaluated by VOCAL software (plane C and 9 degrees of rotational steps). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Endometrial pattern, endometrial thickness (ET), endometrial volume (EV), and PDA indexes of vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. These measurements were related to IVF/ICSI and embryo transfer outcome. RESULT(S): In the pregnant group, EV, VI, FI, and FVI but not triple-line pattern and ET were statistically significantly higher. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was statistically significant for EV (0.746), VI (0.724), FI (0.828), and VFI (0.800) when no grade 1 embryos or only one were transferred (43 cycles, 14 pregnancies) but not when two or three grade 1 embryos were transferred. Moreover, these parameters were statistically significant in predicting a normal pregnancy outcome (no early pregnancy loss) but were not related to multiple pregnancies. CONCLUSION(S): In IVF/ICSI cycles, 3D US-PDA is useful for evaluating endometrial receptivity. Endometrial volume and 3D power Doppler indexes are statistically significant in predicting the cycle outcome when one grade 1 or no grade 1 embryos are transferred, which could be helpful data in a single-embryo transfer policy.

Prediction of ovarian response and IVF/ICSI outcome by three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate whether three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and power Doppler angiography (PDA) measurements can predict ovarian response and/or are associated with IVF/ICSI outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study in 65 women undergoing IVF cycles. Ovarian volume (OV), number of antral follicles > or =2mm (NAF) and PDA indices: vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularisation flow index (VFI) were evaluated by 3D-US and PDA on the day of pituitary suppression control. These measurements, age and BMI were correlated with the number of follicles>10mm on the hCG day and the number of oocytes retrieved. RESULTS: Ovarian volume, NAF, VI, FI and FVI correlate significantly (P<0.01) with the number of follicles and oocytes recovered. Ovarian volume and the number of antral follicles predicted significantly the number of follicles (R=0.67; adjusted R(2)=0.43) and oocytes retrieved (R=0.63; adjusted R(2)=0.37). The oestradiol peak and the number of follicles, oocytes and Grade 1 embryos transferred were higher in the pregnant group. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ultrasound and PDA make it easier to evaluate all the sonographic parameters implied in ovarian response. Ovarian volume and the number of antral follicles are the only independent predictors of the number of follicles developed and oocytes retrieved.

Assessment of the ovarian volume, number and volume of follicles and ovarian vascularity by three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography on the HCG day to predict the outcome in IVF/ICSI cycles.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether ovarian blood flow is related to embryological parameters and whether it could be a predictor of outcomes of IVF/ICSI. METHODS: Eighty infertile women underwent ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins after a long protocol with GnRH agonists. The ovarian volume (OV), number of follicles (NF) and follicular volume (FV) of all follicles >10 mm and vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were obtained by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography (PDA) on the day of HCG administration. These parameters were tested for their relation with IVF laboratory parameters. RESULTS: The OV, FV, VI, FI and VFI were significantly greater in the pregnant group. The NF and FV were the only independent predictors of the number of oocytes retrieved, mature and fertilized, and the number of embryos developed and their cumulative embryo score. Nevertheless, the number of grade 1 embryos depends on the NF and the VI. The ovarian FI and the number of transferred grade 1 embryos can predict gestation in 76% of IVF patients. A low FI and non-grade 1 embryo transferred are also associated with an increased pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION: 3D ultrasonography and PDA allow for an easier ovarian assessment in IVF cycles. The predictive value of IVF outcome suggests a high clinical usefulness of this new technique.

Assessment of placental vascularization by three-dimensional power Doppler "vascular biopsy" in normal pregnancies.

AIM: To describe the evolution of placental vascularization during a normal course of gestation and the blood flow 3D power Doppler indices obtained by "placental vascular biopsy." METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 99 normal singleton pregnancies from 14 to 40 weeks. Placental vascularization was evaluated by 3D power Doppler ("placental biopsy"). The spherical volume acquired was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program (Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis). Three vascular indices, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI), were calculated. Equations and regression coefficients for placental volume and vascular indices (VI, FI, VFI) of the placental biopsy were calculated according to gestational age. Relationships between 3D placental flow indices and fetal growth parameters: biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, estimated fetal body weight, maximum systolic velocity (US), and resistance index in the umbilical artery (URI) were evaluated by calculating their correlation coefficients. RESULTS: All 3D Doppler indices had a significant relationship with gestational age. The most significant relationship was observed for FI, and the least significant for VI (r=0.58, r=0.29, respectively; P<0.01 for both). The FI increased linearly with gestation, whereas the VI showed a dispersion of values with a plateau from the 30th week onwards and a decrease from 37th week to the end of pregnancy. The VFI behaved as a combination of both VI and FI indices from which it was derived. All 3D Doppler indices were significantly related to fetal biometric parameters, except VI and fetal weight. A significant correlation was observed between 3D Doppler indices and maximum systolic velocity and URI. CONCLUSIONS: 3D power Doppler technique of placental vascular "biopsy" is an appropriate tool for routine evaluation of the human placental vascular tree during gestation. 3D Doppler indices change as pregnancy progresses and are significantly related with fetal biometry and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.

Reproducibility of the study of placental vascularization by three-dimensional power Doppler.

AIMS: To assess the reproducibility of 3D power Doppler study of placental vascularization in order to establish its methodological bases for its further application in normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: A prospective study was carried on 30 normal singleton pregnancies from 14 to 40 weeks. To evaluate placental vascularization 3D power Doppler was applied to obtain a "placental biopsy". The spherical volume acquired was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program. Two consecutive measurements were taken from each patient by a single observer, obtaining a total of 60 datasets. Placental volume (PV), Mean Gray (MG), Vascularization Index (VI), Flow Index (FI) and Vascularization Flow Index (VFI) were calculated. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and intra-observer agreement was evaluated. RESULTS: PV and MG presented an ICC of 0.98 and 0.94 respectively, with differences approaching zero. All 3D power Doppler vascular indices (VI, FI and VFI) showed a correlation greater than 0.85, with a better intra-observer agreement for the flow indices (FI and VFI). CONCLUSIONS: Placental vascular biopsy through 3D power Doppler is a new and simple tool to routinely study placental vascularization in human pregnancy. Our results provide the validation of the technique demonstrating a good reproducibility of the 3D power Doppler parameters when applied to the study of the placental vascular tree in normal pregnancies.

uso de esteroides en la ruptura prematura de membranas pretérmino

Se hace un corto recuento sobre la forma como se descubrió el surfactante, el desarrollo morfológico del pulmón fetal y la composición del surfactante. Se pasa luego a enunciar lo que se conoce sobre la acción de los esteroides en la maduración pulmonar y los posibles efectos adversos a éstos sobre el feto y el neonato. Con el objeto de tener elementos de juicio que permitan concluir sobre el efecto benéfico o no de los esteroides sobre la maduración pulmomar en pacientes con R.P.M. pretérmino, se hace un resumen de los principales trabajos que se han efectuado en los últimos años sobre este aspecto