Acute and subchronic effects of ibuprofen on the ten spotted live-bearer fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Jenyns, 1842).

Ibuprofen (IBP) is an anti-inflammatory drug found in aquatic environments, potentially toxic for the biota. We exposed the test fish C. decemmaculatus to two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 100 µg IBP/L) for 4 and 12 d and evaluated the effect on some biomarkers. Micronucleus test, nuclear abnormality test and comet assay indicated cyto-genotoxicity at both concentrations and exposure periods. Oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers were not affected, excepting muscle AChE activity for 4 d. Muscle metabolic biomarkers showed significant decrease in ETS, lipid and protein content, while carbohydrate content was not affected. The CEA index increased at the lower IBP concentration for 4 and 12 d, possibly due to changes in body energy reserves. A full-factorial GLM performed to assess the effects of IBP and exposure times showed that the metabolic and genotoxicity biomarkers were the most sensitive to IBP toxicity, mainly at 50 µg IBP/L for 4 d.

Review: Pig-based bioconversion: the use of former food products to keep nutrients in the food chain.

The primary challenge of agriculture and livestock production is to face the growing competition between food, feed, fibre, and fuel, converting them from resource-intensive to resource-efficient. A circular economy approach, using agricultural by-products/co-products, in the livestock production system would allow to reduce, reuse, and redistribute the resources. Former food products (FFPs), also named ex-foods, could represent a valid option in strengthening resilience in animal nutrition. FFPs have a promising potential to be included regularly in animal diets due to their nutritive value, although their potential in animal nutrition remains understudied. A thorough investigation of the compositional and dietary features, thus, is essential to provide new and fundamental insights to effectively reuse FFPs as upgraded products for swine nutrition. Safety aspects, such as the microbial load or the presence of packaging remnants, should be considered with caution. Here, with a holistic approach, we review several aspects of FFPs and their use as feed ingredients: the nutritional and functional evaluation, the impact of the inclusion of FFPs in pigs' diet on growth performance and welfare, and further aspects related to safety and sustainability of FFPs.

Exploring porcine kidney explants as a model for the study of nephrotoxins and the therapeutic potential of phytic acid.

The use of in vivo models to assess nephrotoxicity has faced ethical limitations. A viable alternative is the ex vivo model that combines the 3 R principles with the preservation of tissue histology. Here, we established a gentamicin nephrotoxicity model using pigs` kidney explants and investigated the effect of phytic acid (IP6) against gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 360 kidney explants were divided into control, gentamicin (10 mM), IP6 (5 mM), and gentamicin+IP6 groups. The activity of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine levels, histological assessment, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. Exposure to gentamicin induced an increase in GGT activity, creatinine levels, lesion score, lipoperoxidation and IL-8 expression. Explants exposed to IP6 remained like the control. The addition of IP6 to gentamicin prevented tissue damage, increasing the antioxidant status and gene expression of IL-10. This model proved to be an adequate experimental approach for identifying nephrotoxins and potential products to modulate the toxicity.

Descriptive analyses of maternally-derived antibody levels against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in 3- and 21-day-old piglets from farms of four European countries using different vaccination protocols in sows.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, information on the levels of maternally-derived antibodies (MDA) against PCV-2 in suckling piglets born to sows vaccinated with different strategies is scarce in the literature. In the present observational study, the PCV-2-specific MDA titres from piglets from 109 farms (thirty 3-day-old and thirty 21-day-old piglets per farm) across four different European countries (France n = 30, Germany n = 27, Italy n = 22 and Spain n = 30) using different sow vaccination strategies (during gestation, as a gilt, as a piglet or never) were assessed. RESULTS: In all four countries, mean log PCV-2 MDA titres were higher in 3-day-old piglets than in the 3-week-old ones, being significant in most of all the comparisons performed. Within each country, the highest PCV-2-specific MDA titres were observed in the 3-day-old piglets born to sows vaccinated during gestation. Indeed, in the four countries, more than 60% of this subpopulation (3-day-old piglets from sows vaccinated during pregnancy) had the highest log PCV-2 titres detectable with the ELISA technique used in this study. The lowest MDA titres were more variable. Whereas in France and Germany the lowest titres corresponded to 21-day-old piglets born from sows vaccinated as a piglet, in Italy, they corresponded to 21-day-old piglets derived from sows vaccinated as a gilt and in Spain to 21-day-old piglets born from non-vaccinated sows. In this study, PCV-2-specific MDA titres at 3 and 21 days of age were not affected by sow parity. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained could be considered as a European global overview of PCV-2-specific MDA titres present in the pre-vaccinated piglet populations in different European countries, with titres tending to be higher in younger piglets, but with values variable among countries and sow vaccination strategies.

Sugary vs salty food industry leftovers in postweaning piglets: effects on gut microbiota and intestinal volatile fatty acid production.

Awareness of the need to improve the sustainability of livestock by reducing the loss of natural resources has increased significantly. This study investigated the effects of two categories of food industry leftovers, also referred to as former foodstuff products (FFPs), on pig gut microbiota and intestinal volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Thirty-six female postweaning piglets (28 days old, Large White × Landrace, 6.5 ±â€¯1.1 kg) were separated into three groups and fed a conventional diet (CTR), and diets in which cereals were partially replaced (30% w/w) by sugary confectionery products (FFPs-C) or salty bakery products (FFPs-B), respectively. After 42 days of dietary treatments, faeces were collected from the rectal ampulla, snap-frozen, and used for next-generation sequencing to analyse the composition and the alpha and beta diversity indexes of the microbial population. The concentration of VFAs in the intestinal content collected at the slaughterhouse was also analysed. The study demonstrated that balanced diets can be obtained by the inclusion of both FFPs-C and FFPs-B, with a similar chemical composition compared to traditional diets. Neither the FFPs-C nor FFPs-B diets affected the abundance and biodiversity indexes of the microbial community. Only a few taxa, normally attributed to a healthy gut, increased with FFPs-C and FFPs-B compared to the CTR. The experimental diets had no impact on the production of the VFAs in the faeces. Lastly, the inclusion at 30% (w/w) of both categories of FFP diets slightly affected the faecal microbiota. FFPs could thus be used as a promising alternative to traditional ingredients in pig diets; however, additional analyses are needed to further investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The effects of such ingredients on other markers of gut health, and on product quality when used in the fattening period also need to be investigated.

Effect of environmental variables and their interaction on gordiid hairworm larvae (Nematomorpha).

The different stages of the life cycle of parasites are important components of ecosystems. Changes in environmental conditions may affect free-living stages, host-parasite interactions and ecosystem functioning. The larvae of Chordodes nobilii, which belongs to the parasitic phylum Nematomorpha, are susceptible to extreme temperatures and different pollutants, but the effects of pH and moderate temperature variations have not been evaluated yet. Our objective was to assess the effect of temperature, pH and their interaction on the infectivity of C. nobilii larvae to Aedes aegypti larvae over time. Larvae were treated with factorial combinations of temperature (18, 23 and 28°C), pH (7, 8 and 9) and time periods (24 and 48 h). Results show a highly significant interaction among all variables. The highest infectivity was recorded at 18°C and pH 7 at 24 and 48 h, and the lowest one at 28°C and pH 8 at 24 and 48 h. Infectivity differed significantly among the three temperatures only at pH 8 and 48 h, decreasing with increasing temperature. Our study is the first report of the effect of pH on a Nematomorpha species and suggests that the infectivity of C. nobilii larvae may be affected negatively by an increase in temperature and its interaction with pH and time. Since parasites must be considered for a better understanding of the effects of stressors on freshwater ecosystems, our results may help in the design and analysis of studies of anthropogenic impact.

Maternal exposure to air pollutants, PCSK9 levels, fetal growth and gestational age - An Italian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to airborne pollutants during pregnancy appears to be associated with uterine growth restriction and adverse neonatal outcome. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type (PCSK9), the key modulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism, increases following particulate matter (PM10) exposure. Because maternal cholesterol is required for fetal growth, PCSK9 levels could be used to evaluate the potential impact of airborne pollutants on fetal growth. DESIGN: A cohort of 134 healthy women during early pregnancy (11-12 weeks of gestational age) was studied. RESULTS: A significant association between circulating PCSK9 levels and three tested air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, nitric oxide (NO2)) was found. Of importance, gestational age at birth was reduced by approximately 1 week for each 100 ng/mL rise in circulating PCSK9 levels, an effect that became more significant at the highest quartile of PM2.5 (with a 1.8 week advance in delivery date for every 100 ng/mL rise in circulating PCSK9; p for interaction = 0.026). This finding was supported by an elevation of the odds ratio for urgent cesarean delivery for each 100 ng/mL rise in PCSK9 (2.99, 95% CI, 1.22-6.57), similar trends being obtained for PM10 and NO2. CONCLUSIONS: The association between exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy and elevation in PCSK9 advances our understanding of the unforeseen influences of environmental exposure in terms of pregnancy associated disorders.

Trichoderma strains accelerate maturation and increase available phosphorus during vermicomposting enriched with rock phosphate.

AIMS: To suggest microbial inoculation as a tool to shorten organic residues stabilization and increase rock phosphate (RP) solubilization through vermicomposting, thus increasing nutrient content in plants and making it more appealing to farmers. Two Trichoderma strains were inoculated alone or combined in a RP apatite-enriched vermicompost. Stability and plant-available phosphorus levels were monitored for 120 days. METHODS AND RESULTS: Observable higher total organic carbon reduction in the treatment with the combined Trichoderma strains, followed by the inoculation with T. asperellum and T. virens. Combined Trichoderma and inoculation with T. virens increased humic acids (HA) content in 38·2 and 25·0%, respectively; non-inoculated vermicompost with T. asperellum increased it by 15·0%. The combined Trichoderma strains and T. virens achieved the stability index based on the humic/fulvic acids (HA/FA) ratio after 120 days. T. asperellum, combined Trichoderma and T. virens increased the citric acid soluble-P content in 83·2, 62·2 and 49·5%, respectively, compared to the non-inoculated vermicompost. CONCLUSIONS: Inoculation with combined T. asperellum and T. virens efficiently accelerated vermicompost stabilization; T. asperellum increased the citric acid soluble-P in the final product. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Combined Trichoderma inoculation and RP enrichment improves the vermicompost quality, increasing HA and citric acid soluble-P, recycling organic waste nutrients and reducing agricultural dependence on phosphate fertilizers.

Psycho-social characteristics in patients with discopathy: Quality of Life, coping strategy and mood state.

The pathologies of the musculoskeletal apparatus are the most common cause of chronic diseases, with a huge impact on people and society. Scientific literature has discovered how experiencing chronic pain directly affects peoples' well-being, lifestyle, social relationships and can also cause psychological distress. The present study aims to investigate pain experience in patients with hernias or protrusions of the cervical and lumbosacral tract on a sample of 120 patients, recruited from patients of Poliambulatorio Oberdan, medical centre in Brescia (Italy) specialized in physical rehabilitation and CT-guided oxygen ozone therapy. In a bio-psychosocial perspective, the research aimed to investigate how the perception of pain, the mood state associated with it, the coping strategies adopted and the quality of life differ according to each patient's gender and to the more or less prolonged use of pain medication. The data were collected by means of medical and psychological anamnestic interviews and self-report tests (WHOQOL-BREF, COPE-NVI, POMS). The quantitative analysis, carried out through SPSS 25 (2017) software, showed how functional impairment of one's autonomy (walking, driving) affects mood states. In particular, the female sample expressed a more deflected mood, despite the greater use of relational and/or transcendent support (coping strategies) compared to men. The study suggests that the greater impairment of the moods of women can be attributed both to the caregiving role they play, which often results in a greater fatigue and difficulties in redefining this role following the algic condition, and more general differences in the expression of suffering, which, on a cultural level, sees men emotionally coerced. The analysis also shows how taking pain medication for a long period of time has a negative impact on the quality of life. The results suggest that the patients treated with analgesic therapy tend to adopt avoidant coping styles, which usually escalate into postponement of the time when dealing with a stressful situation and, if used in the long run, may lead to worsening health condition.

Impairment of postnatal epididymal development and immune microenvironment following administration of low doses of malathion during juvenile and peripubertal periods of rats.

Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide widely used for agricultural crops and for vector control of Aedes aegypti. Humans are exposed to this environmental contaminant by ingesting contaminated food. The juvenile and peripubertal periods are critical for the postnatal development of the epididymis and are when animals are most vulnerable to toxic agents. Since juveniles and adolescents are developing under exposure to the insecticide malathion, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to low doses of malathion on postnatal epididymal development in rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed to malathion daily via gavage at doses of 10 mg kg-1 (M10 group) or 50 mg kg-1 (M50 group) for 40 days (postnatal days (PNDs) 25-65). The control group received the vehicle (0.9% saline) under the same conditions. On PND 40, the epididymides were removed, weighed and used for histological analysis and determination of the inflammatory profile and sperm count. Sperm from the vas deferens were subjected to sperm motility analysis. The M50 group showed tissue remodelling in the caput and cauda epididymides and increased neutrophil and macrophage migration in the caput epididymis. The M10 group showed decreased motile spermatozoa and IL-6 levels in the caput epididymis. Both doses decreased the IL-1ß level and altered the morphology of the same region. These results show that malathion exposure may impair postnatal epididymal development. Furthermore, alterations of the immune system in the epididymal environment are presented as new findings regarding the action of malathion on the epididymis.

Synthesis of mesoscale ordered two-dimensional π-conjugated polymers with semiconducting properties.

Two-dimensional materials with high charge carrier mobility and tunable band gaps have attracted intense research effort for their potential use in nanoelectronics. Two-dimensional π-conjugated polymers constitute a promising subclass because the band structure can be manipulated by varying the molecular building blocks while preserving key features such as Dirac cones and high charge mobility. The major barriers to the application of two-dimensional π-conjugated polymers have been the small domain size and high defect density attained in the syntheses explored so far. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of mesoscale ordered two-dimensional π-conjugated polymer kagome lattices with semiconducting properties, Dirac cone structures and flat bands on Au(111). This material has been obtained by combining a rigid azatriangulene precursor and a hot dosing approach, which favours molecular diffusion and eliminates voids in the network. These results open opportunities for the synthesis of two-dimensional π-conjugated polymer Dirac cone materials and their integration into devices.

Antimicrobial activity, toxicity and accumulated hard-tissue debris (AHTD) removal efficacy of several chelating agents.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial, toxicity and cleaning effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and maleic acid (MA) alone and combined with cetrimide (CTR). METHODOLOGY: Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were assessed on Chinese hamster cells V79 using the MTT, clonogenic and micronucleus assays, respectively. The bacterial inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively) were determined on a strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial tests were performed on a biofilm model after treatment with the chelating agents by using a biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) assays. Quantification of cell biomass and percentage of live and dead cells in the biomass were assessed for each group. The percentage reduction of accumulated hard-tissue debris (AHTD) after root canal preparation and final irrigation protocols was evaluated by micro-CT. Statistical tests of one-way analysis of variance (anova), Bonferroni test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's multiple comparison test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests were used. RESULTS: Cetrimide alone as well as in combination with EDTA and MA at dilutions of 1/10 and 1/100 was significantly more toxic as compared to untreated controls (P < 0.001). All tested mixtures were nontoxic at a dilution of 1/1000. EDTA retained a weak inhibitory and bactericidal effect against planktonic cells, whilst MA inhibited cells growth and killed 99.9% of the cells when diluted. CTR revealed the most prominent effect, being inhibitory and bactericidal, also when diluted. Cetrimide alone or combined with EDTA was able to remove, respectively, 40% (P < 0.01) and 60% (P < 0.001) of the entire biomass after 1 min. Conversely, MA alone and in combination with CTR did not have a significant effect on biomass reduction. After final irrigation, the AHTD volume was significantly decreased in all groups (P < 0.05). EDTA + CTR and MA + CTR were associated with a significant reduction in the percentage of AHTD on the entire root canal compared to the same solutions without surfactant. CONCLUSIONS: 7% MA was less cytotoxic in comparison with 17% EDTA. The addition of cetrimide to EDTA and MA removed accumulated hard-tissue debris effectively from the canal walls and increased their antimicrobial activity when compared to the same solutions without detergents.

Particulate matter exposure shapes DNA methylation through the lifespan.

Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) has been associated with detrimental health effects. DNA methylation represents the most well-studied epigenetic factor among the possible mechanisms underlying this association. Interestingly, changes of DNA methylation in response to environmental stimuli are being considered for their role in the pathogenic mechanism, but also as mediators of the body adaptation to air pollutants.Several studies have evaluated both global and gene-specific methylation in relation to PM exposure in different clinical conditions and life stages. The purpose of the present literature review is to evaluate the most relevant and recent studies in the field in order to analyze the available evidences on long- and short-term PM exposure and DNA methylation changes, with a particular focus on the different life stages when the alteration occurs. PM exposure modulates DNA methylation affecting several biological mechanisms with marked effects on health, especially during susceptible life stages such as pregnancy, childhood, and the older age.Although many cross-sectional investigations have been conducted so far, only a limited number of prospective studies have explored the potential role of DNA methylation. Future studies are needed in order to evaluate whether these changes might be reverted.

Modulation of the somatotropic axis, adiponectin and cytokine secretion during highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 1 (HP-PRRSV-1) infection.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is known to be clinically responsible for reproductive failure in sows and post-weaning respiratory disease in growing piglets. During the last years, highly pathogenic PRRSV isolates have been discovered. In Italy, a PRRSV-1 subtype 1 strain (namely PR40/2014) characterized by high pathogenicity was isolated and experimental infection was characterized in terms of virological/clinical features and immune modulation (Canelli et al., 2017; Ferrari et al., 2018). The present study was performed in 4-week-old pigs experimentally infected with the highly pathogenic PRRSV1_PR40/2014 (HP-PR40) or with the conventional PRRSV1_PR11/2014 (PR11). The aim was to evaluate the interrelation between plasmatic hormones and cytokines in infected pigs compared to uninfected controls in order to address potential effects on the course of an experimental infection. The time-related changes of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels appear to be modulated by the infection depending on the PRRSV isolate (HP-PR40 vs. PR11). In particular, in HP-PR40 infected animals, the association between high GH levels and viremia may testify the need to block the anabolic action of GH in order to shift available energy towards the immune response. This need appeared to be delayed in PR11 animals, given the lower pathogenicity of the isolate. Adiponectin, IL-6 and TNF-α course supports the hypothesis of GH resistance mechanisms to guarantee homeostasis in HP-PR40 animals and underlines the key role of energy availability in events leading to an effective response to the virus.

Particulate Air Pollution, Blood Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, and Telomere Length in Mothers in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: Effects on Fetal Growth.

Growing evidences have shown that particulate matter (PM) exposures during pregnancy are associated with impaired fetal development and adverse birth outcomes, possibly as a result of an exaggerated systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere length (TL) is strongly linked to biological age and is impacted by oxidative stress. We hypothesized that PM exposure during different time windows in the first trimester of pregnancy influences both mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), an established biomarker for oxidative stress, and TL. Maternal blood TL and mtDNAcn were analysed in 199 healthy pregnant women recruited at the 11th week of pregnancy by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also examined whether maternal mtDNAcn and TL were associated with fetal growth outcomes measured at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (fetal heart rate, FHR; crown-rump length, CRL; and nuchal translucency, NT) and at delivery (birth weight, length, head circumference). The possible modifying effect of prepregnancy maternal body mass index was evaluated. PM10 exposure during the first pregnancy trimester was associated with an increased maternal mtDNAcn and a reduced TL. As regards ultrasound fetal outcomes, both FHR and CRL were positively associated with PM2.5, whereas the association with FHR was confirmed only when examining PM10 exposure. PM10 was also associated with a reduced birth weight. While no association was found between mtDNAcn and CRL, we found a negative relationship between mtDNAcn and fetal CRL only in overweight women, whereas normal-weight women exhibited a positive, albeit nonsignificant, association. As abnormalities of growth in utero have been associated with postnatal childhood and adulthood onset diseases and as PM is a widespread pollutant relevant to the large majority of the human population and obesity a rising risk factor, our results, if confirmed in a larger population, might represent an important contribution towards the development of more targeted public health strategies.

Vaginal birth after prior myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of vaginal birth in case of pregnancies achieved after prior myomectomy. We also analyzed how operative characteristics at the time of surgery might influence the choice of obstetricians about mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed retrospectively all women who underwent laparoscopic (LPS) or laparotomic (LPT) myomectomy between January 2002 and December 2014, in a network of three Institutions belonging to the University of Milano Bicocca, Italy. Women were contacted by phone interview and only cases with available follow-up data and who had a subsequent pregnancy were included. Operative characteristics and subsequent obstetrical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: 469 women who underwent myomectomy were contacted by phone interview, and 152 pregnancies were achieved after surgery, 96 after LPS and 56 after LPT. A total of 110 pregnancies ended in deliveries at ≥24 weeks. Seventy-three (66.4%) women had trial of labor after myomectomy (TOLAM), while 24 (21.8%) had a planned cesarean delivery (CD). Sixty-six (90.4%) of the TOLAM cases successfully accomplished vaginal delivery. No cases of uterine rupture (UR) were reported, and all deliveries ended in live births. The incidence of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission was 14.5% (16/110), with no cases of perinatal death. Comparing the surgical details at the time of myomectomy, the incidence of uterine cavity entered was significantly higher in planned CD group compared to TOLAM cases (p < 0.001). No other significant difference between the two groups was reported. CONCLUSIONS: A successful vaginal delivery was accomplished by 90.4% of women who had TOLAM, without any case of UR or severe maternal and perinatal complications. TOLAM may be considered and offered as feasible and relatively safe option. Obstetricians' attitude toward mode of delivery after prior myomectomy seems to be influenced by the reported entry into the uterine cavity at the time of surgery.

Bone metastases in biliary cancers: A multicenter retrospective survey.

•Natural history of biliary cancers metastatic to bone•The role of skeletal events in patients with biliary cancer•Biliary cancer and bone metastases: role of bisphosphonates.

Vertebroplastia percutánea guiada por tomografía para el manejo del dolor en pacientes con fractura del cuerpo vertebral / CT-guided Vertebroplasty for Painful Vertebral Fractures

Objetivo Describir la técnica y resultados en cuanto a la mejoría del dolor y complicaciones al realizar este procedimiento mediante guía por tomografía computada. Materiales y Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo de una serie de 108 pacientes a quienes se les realizó vertebroplastia percutánea guiada por tomografía computada realizadas en dos hospitales universitarios, entre mayo 2007 y mayo 2017. Todos los procedimientos se realizaron de forma ambulatoria con anestesia local y se valoró el dolor mediante la escala visual análoga. Resultados Se realizaron 125 vertebroplastias, en el 87,9% de los pacientes (n = 95) se realizó el procedimiento en un cuerpo vertebral, en el 8,3% (n = 9) y 3,7% (n = 4) de los pacientes se cementaron 2 y 3 vertebras respectivamente. El rango de dolor según la escala visual análoga (EVA) previo al tratamiento varió entre 5 y 10, donde un 94% (n = 102) de los pacientes manifestaban una intensidad 10/10. En el postratamiento el rango de dolor varió entre 0a7dondeel 98% de la población reportó un valor menor o igual a 3. Se presentaron 3 complicaciones: tromboembolismo pulmonar por metil-metacrilato, extravasación al plexo de Batson y extravasación al espacio interdiscal, cada una en tres pacientes diferentes. Conclusión La vertebroplastia percutánea guiada por TC ofrece una indiscutible mejora inmediata del dolor en pacientes con fractura de uno o más cuerpos vertebrales, con una baja tasa de complicaciones.

Objetive Describe the technique, results in terms of pain improvement and complications to perform this procedure by computed tomography. Materials and Methods A descriptive observational study of a 108 cases series of percutaneous vertebroplasty guided by computed tomography performed in two university hospitals between May 2007 and May 2017. All procedures were performed with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, pain was assessed by means of the Visual analogue scale (VAS). Results A total of 125vertebroplasties were performed. In 87.9% (n = 95) of the patients, the procedure was performed in one vertebral body, in 8.3% (n = 9) and 3.7% (n = 4) of the patientshad two or three vertebrae cemented respectively. The range of pain according to VAS prior to treatment varied between 5 and 10, where 94% (n = 102) of the patients manifested a 10/10 intensity; after treatment, the range of pain varied between 0 to 7 where 98% of the population reported a value less than or equal to 3. Three complications were reported, one pulmonary thromboembolism due to methylmethacrylate, one extravasation in to the Batson plexus and one extravasation of cement to the interdiscal space. Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty offers an undeniable immediate improvement of pain in patients with fracture of one or more vertebral bodies, with a low rate of complications.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens as an atypical form of cystic fibrosis: reproductive implications and genetic counseling.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is found in 1% to 2% of males with infertility and is present in 6% of obstructive azoospermia cases. Nearly 95% of men with cystic fibrosis (CF, an autosomal recessive disorder) have CBAVD. There are genetic links between CBAVD and CF. Some mutations in the gene encoding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can lead to CBAVD as a monosymptomatic form of CF. With the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), especially testicular or epididymal sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and in vitro fertilization, it is possible that men with CBAVD can produce offspring. Therefore, genetic counseling should be offered to couples undergoing ART to discuss the probability of having offspring that carry CFTR gene mutations. The aim of this review was to present the main cause of CBAVD, to call attention to its implications for assisted reproduction, and to show the importance of genetic counseling for couples where men have CBAVD, as they can have offspring with a lethal disease.