Endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells improve regeneration of injured endometrium in mice

Background The monthly regeneration of human endometrial tissue is maintained by the presence of human endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC), a cell population co-expressing the perivascular markers CD140b and CD146. Endometrial regeneration is impaired in the presence of intrauterine adhesions, leading to infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and placental abnormalities. Several types of somatic stem cells have been used to repair the damaged endometrium in animal models, reporting successful pregnancy. However, the ability of endometrial stem cells to repair the damaged endometrium remains unknown. Methods Electrocoagulation was applied to the left uterine horn of NOD/SCID mice causing endometrial injury. Human eMSC or PBS was then injected into the left injured horn while the right normal horn served as controls. Mice were sacrificed at different timepoints (Day 3, 7 and 14) and the endometrial morphological changes as well as the degree of endometrial injury and repair were observed by histological staining. Gene expression of various inflammatory markers was assessed using qPCR. The functionality of the repaired endometrium was evaluated by fertility test. Results Human eMSC successfully incorporated into the injured uterine horn, which displayed significant morphological restoration. Also, endometrium in the eMSC group showed better cell proliferation and glands formation than the PBS group. Although the number of blood vessels were similar between the two groups, gene expression of VEGF-α significantly increased in the eMSC group. Moreover, eMSC had a positive impact on the regeneration of both stromal and epithelial components of the mouse endometrium, indicated by significantly higher vimentin and CK19 protein expression. Reduced endometrial fibrosis and down-regulation of fibrosis markers were also observed in the eMSC group. The eMSC group had a significantly higher gene expression of anti-inflammatory factor Il-10 and lower mRNA level of pro-inflammatory factors Ifng and Il-2, indicating the role of eMSC in regulation of inflammatory reactions. The eMSC group showed higher implantation sites than the PBS group, suggesting better endometrial receptivity with the presence of newly emerged endometrial lining. Conclusions Our findings suggest eMSC improves regeneration of injured endometrium in mice.

Fallo en la regulación de la fertilidad posparto en mujeres en vulnerabilidad social en Colombia / Failured to regulate postpartum fertility in vulnerable women in Colombia

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de fallo en la regulación de la fertilidad posparto y la asociación con otros factores en un municipio colombiano (2017). Método: Estudio observacional de corte transversal con 148 mujeres. Se aplicó un muestreo no aleatorio para incluir mujeres que hubieran tenido un parto en los últimos 5 años. Se calcularon la prevalencia y las razones de prevalencia. Se exploró la asociación con la prueba χ2 o la prueba exacta de Fisher bajo una significancia estadística de 0,05. Resultados: Se encontró una prevalencia de fallo de la regulación de la fertilidad posparto del 40,5%. La prevalencia se asoció con ejercer oficios del hogar, tener uno o dos hijos, no planificar o no acceder a métodos de planificación y haber tenido un embarazo con periodo intergenésico menor de 2 años (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Es necesario implementar estrategias para identificar barreras de acceso a la planificación, impactando en el espaciamiento entre embarazos y el acceso a los servicios. Lo anterior para generar múltiples beneficios para la madre, su hijo/a, el sistema de salud y la sociedad.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of regulated postpartum fertility failure and possible associated factors in a Colombian municipality (2017). Method: Cross-sectional observational study of 148 women. A non-random sampling method was used to include women who had given birth to a child in the last five years. Prevalence and prevalence ratios were calculated. Associations were examined at 0.05 statistical significance using χ2 test or Fishers exact test. Results: The prevalence of postpartum fertility failure was found to be 40.5%. The prevalence was associated with household work, having one or two children, not planning, or not having access to planning methods, and having a pregnancy with an interval between pregnancies of less than 2 years (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It is necessary to implement strategies to identify barriers to access to planning, which have an impact on the spacing between pregnancies and access to services. This will have multiple benefits for mother, child, health system and society.

El árbol Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) facilita la recuperación de áreas mineras en la selva lluviosa del Chocó, Colombia

Introducción: Las áreas impactadas por minería en bosques tropicales requieren de la aplicación de estrategias de restauración ecológica, pero este proceso, muchas veces involucra el uso de especies vegetales exóticas, desconociendo los efectos sobre la regeneración ecológica de los sitios donde se introducen. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de las plantaciones de Acacia mangium (planta exótica) sobre la rehabilitación ecológica temprana (suelo y vegetación) de áreas impactadas por minería de oro a cielo abierto en la selva pluvial tropical del Chocó, Colombia. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 16 áreas mineras como unidades de muestreo (ocho reforestadas con A. mangium y ocho en sucesión natural) en dos localidades. En cada unidad de muestreo se estableció una parcela de 2 × 50 m (cuatro parcelas por escenario de muestreo y localidad), donde se analizó la fertilidad del suelo (parámetros físicos y químicos) y se cuantificó el número de individuos de cada especie de planta vascular. Resultados: Se registraron 73 especies (69 géneros, 45 familias). La densidad de individuos fue mayor en áreas de sucesión natural que en aquellas reforestadas con A. mangium; por el contrario, la riqueza y diversidad de especies fueron superiores bajo las plantaciones de A. mangium. La similitud florística fue baja entre escenarios sucesionales (especies compartidas 35.6 %). El suelo mostró mejores condiciones (especialmente, N-NHO3) en áreas con A. mangium que en áreas en regeneración natural. Conclusiones: Las plantaciones de A. mangium parecen facilitar la rehabilitación temprana de la fertilidad del suelo y la vegetación en las minas abandonadas; por lo tanto, esta especie puede jugar un papel importante para la implementación de estrategias de restauración ecológica de áreas impactadas por minería de oro a cielo abierto en el Chocó y otros sistemas forestales tropicales con condiciones ambientales y de perturbación similares.

Introduction: Mining-impacted areas in tropical forests require the application of ecological restoration strategies, but this process often involves use of exotic plant species ignoring the effects on the ecological regeneration of the sites where they are introduced. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Acacia mangium plantations (exotic plant) on early ecological rehabilitation (soil and vegetation) of areas impacted by open-pit gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia. Methods: 16 mining areas were selected as sampling units (eight reforested with A. mangium and eight in natural succession) in two locations. In each sampling unit, a 2 × 50 m plot was established (four plots per sampling scenario and locality), where soil fertility (physical and chemical parameters) was analyzed and the number of individuals of each vascular plant species was quantified. Results: 73 species (69 genera, 45 families) were recorded. The density of individuals was higher in areas of natural succession than in those reforested with A. mangium; conversely, species richness and diversity were higher under the A. mangium plantations. Floristic similarity was low between successional scenarios (shared species 35.6 %). The soil showed better conditions (especially N-NHO3) in mining areas with A. mangium than in those in natural regeneration. Conclusions: A. mangium plantations appears to facilitate the early rehabilitation of soil fertility and vegetation in abandoned mines; therefore, this species can play an important role in the implementation of ecological restoration strategies in areas impacted by open-pit gold mining in the Chocó and other tropical forest systems with similar environmental and disturbance conditions.

O hormônio antimulleriano e a reserva ovariana: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / The anti-mullerian hormone and the ovarian reserve: an integrative literature review

O hormônio antimulleriano é secretado pelas células da granulosa dos folículos que estão em desenvolvimento no ovário. Por meio da sua dosagem, é possível avaliar a reserva ovariana. A mulher tem seu número máximo de oócitos no perío- do fetal, mas, conforme o tempo passa, existe uma queda do número de células germinativas. Desse modo, para mulheres que têm o desejo de engravidar, a dosa- gem de hormônios e a avaliação da reserva ovariana podem ajudar no processo. O objetivo do estudo foi encontrar evidências na literatura que comprovem que o hormônio antimulleriano é o melhor marcador da reserva ovariana. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa, classificada como qualitativa; a busca de da- dos foi realizada no PubMed, utilizando a seguinte palavra-chave: "hormônio anti- mulleriano (HAM)". Foram encontrados oito artigos que abordavam diretamente o tema, e há evidências que corroboram a hipótese de que o hormônio antimulleria- no é um bom marcador da reserva ovariana, sendo necessários mais estudos para determinar a sua superioridade.

The anti-mullerian hormone is secreted by the granulosa cells of follicles that are developing in the ovary. Though its dosage is possible to evaluate the ovarian re- serve. Women have their maximum number of oocytes in the fetal period, but there is a decrease in the number of germinative cells as time goes by. Thus, women that desire to get pregnant can have hormones dosed and the ovarian reserve evalua- ted to help them with this process. The objective of this study was to find evidence in the literature that proves that the anti-mullerian hormone is the best marker of ovarian reserve. For this purpose, an integrative review was conducted, using the key word: "anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)". Eight articles were found on the subject and there is evidence that proves the hypothesis of the anti-mullerian hormone as a good marker, however more studies are needed to determine its superiority.

Desfechos reprodutivos e de sobrevida em adolescente tratada com cirurgia preservadora de fertilidade por tumor borderline de ovário em estádio avançado: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Reproductive and survival outcomes in an adolescent treated with fertility- sparing surgery for advanced stage borderline ovarian tumor: case report and review of the literature

Existem poucos dados na literatura sobre os resultados obstétricos e oncológicos de adolescentes com tumores borderline de ovário em estádio avançado trata- das com cirurgia preservadora da fertilidade. Uma adolescente de 15 anos com diagnóstico de tumor borderline de ovário estádio IIIc foi inicialmente tratada com tumorectomia ovariana bilateral e quimioterapia adjuvante com esquema de platina/taxano (seis ciclos). Durante o seguimento, foi submetida a outras três tumorectomias devido a tumor borderline de ovário (duas vezes) e cistadenoma ovariano (uma vez). Outra recidiva de tumor borderline de ovário ocorreu seis anos após o diagnóstico inicial, quando ela estava grávida; foi tratada com tumorecto- mia realizada durante a cesariana. Em sua última consulta ambulatorial, a mulher de 27 anos não apresentava evidência da doença e tinha um filho saudável. Mesmo em estádio avançado, a cirurgia de preservação da fertilidade foi segura e factível nessa paciente com tumor borderline de ovário.

There are few data in the literature regarding obstetric and oncological outcomes of adolescents with advanced-stage borderline ovarian tumors treated with fertility spa- ring surgery. A 15 years old adolescent who was diagnosed with a stage IIIc borderline ovarian tumor, was treated with bilateral ovarian tumorectomies and adjuvant chemotherapy with platinum/taxane regimen (six cycles). During follow up she was submitted to other three tumorectomies due to borderline ovarian tumor(twice) and ovarian cysta- denoma (once). Another borderline ovarian tumorrecurren- ce occurred six years after initial diagnosis, when she was pregnant; treated with tumorectomy performed during ce- sarean section. At her last outpatient visit, the 27-year-old woman had no evidence of disease and a had healthy child. Even at an advanced stage, fertility sparing surgery was safe and feasible in this patient with borderline ovarian tumor.

Embarazo ectópico en cicatriz de cesárea: reporte de un caso

La gestación extrauterina se denomina embarazo ectópico, esta es una emergencia obstétrica del primer trimestre, que cada vez está teniendo una incidencia mayor. Una de las localizaciones en las que se pueden generar estas gestaciones es la cicatriz de cesárea previa, lo cual supone un reto para el ginecólogo tratante debido a su dificultad diagnóstica y opciones terapéuticas. Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 37 años que ingresó por el servicio de emergencia con 6 semanas de amenorrea, y con el antecedente de 2 cesáreas. Se le realizó un legrado uterino que se complicó y terminó en la realización de una histerectomía. El embarazo ectópico en cicatriz de cesárea es raro, sin embargo, es importante pensar en esta opción diagnóstica en gestantes con sangrado en el primer trimestre con antecedente de cesárea para poder buscar signos ecográficos en la evaluación.

Extrauterine gestation is called ectopic pregnancy, this is an obstetric emergency of the first trimester, which is having an increasing incidence. One of the locations in which these pregnancies can be generated is the scar from a previous cesarean section, which is a challenge for the treating gynecologist due to its diagnostic difficulty and therapeutic options. We report the case of a 37-year-old patient who was admitted to the emergency service with 6 weeks of amenorrhea, and with a history of 2 cesarean sections. She underwent a uterine curettage that was complicated and ended in a hysterectomy. Ectopic pregnancy in cesarean section scar is rare, however, it is important to consider this diagnostic option in pregnant women with bleeding in the first trimester with a history of cesarean section to be able to look for ultrasound signs in the evaluation.

Perfil reprodutivo de uma população de alta vulnerabilidade / Reproductive profile of a high vulnerability population

Introdução: padrões sexuais e reprodutivos são influenciados por fatores biopsicossociais. Dentre esses fatores, há a vulnerabilidade, conceito amplo, complexo e que determina maior atenção das políticas públicas. Objetivo: conhecer o perfil reprodutivo das mulheres que residem em uma área de alta vulnerabilidade na cidade de Curitiba-PR. Metodologia: descritivo, documental de caráter analítico observacional transversal. Coleta e análise de dados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos (DNV) na Unidade de Saúde do Capanema e análise de dados públicos fornecidos pelo IBGE. Resultados: foram analisados 1199 DNVs, sendo 1011 mulheres com idades entre 13 e 49 anos, compreendidos entre os anos de 2003 a 2018. Foi possível a análise da Taxa de Fecundidade Total (TFT), via de parto, estado civil e escolaridade das parturientes. Discussão: a menor TFT foi apresentada na faixa etária de 13 a 15 anos (1,05 filhos/mulher) e a maior entre 36 a 49 anos (4,47 filhos/mulher). A via de parto vaginal correspondeu a 64% dos partos, enquanto que a via cirúrgica por cesárea aconteceu em 36% dos casos. Em relação à escolaridade, 3% apresentaram-se como analfabetas; 48% possuíam nível fundamental; 40% nível médio completo e 9% possuíam nível superior completo ou incompleto. Houve 0,5% de omissão da que escolaridade no momento do preenchimento dos dados. Os dados coletados sobre o estado civil foram considerados inconclusivos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a Taxa de Fecundidade da população estudada está acima da Taxa de Fecundidade Total projetada para 2015 no Brasil nas faixas etárias acima de 19 anos e da taxa de fecundidade ideal para que haja uma reposição da população segundo o DATASUS (2021). Tais dados podem estar relacionados com a vulnerabilidade da comunidade em questão, corroborando com estudos que relatam maiores taxas de fecundidade relacionada a menor renda e menor escolaridade.

Introduction: sexual and reproductive patterns are influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Among these factors, there is vulnerability, a broad and complex concept that requires greater attention from public policies. Objective: to know the reproductive profile of women who live in an area of high vulnerability in the city of Curitiba-PR. Methodology: descriptive, documental, cross-sectional observational analysis. Collection and analysis of data from the Birth Certificates (BC) at the Capanema Health Unit and analysis of public data provided by the IBGE. Results: 1199 BCs were analysed, with 1011 women aged between 13 and 49 years old, between the years 2003 and 2018. It was possible to analyse the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), mode of delivery, marital status and level of education of the parturients. Discussion: the lowest TFR was observed in the age group from 13 to 15 years old (1.05 children/woman) and the highest between 36 to 49 years old (4.47 children/woman). Vaginal delivery corresponded to 64% of deliveries, while surgical caesarean section occurred in 36% of cases. Regarding schooling, 3% were illiterate; 48% had a fundamental level; 40% completed high school and 9% had completed or incomplete higher education. There was 0.5% omission of schooling attainment at the time of filling in the data. Data collected on marital status were considered inconclusive. Conclusion: it is concluded that the Fertility Rate of the studied population is above the Total Fertility Rate projected for 2015 in Brazil in the age groups above 19 years and the ideal fertility rate so that there is a replacement of the population according to DATASUS (2021). Such data may be related to the vulnerability of the community in question, corroborating with studies that report higher fertility rates related to lower income and lower education.

Estudio exploratorio de las motivaciones para la criopreservación de ovocitos en forma electiva / An exploratory study of motivations for elective oocyte cryopreservation

Introducción La vitrificación de óvulos es un avance científico que ha cambiado la perspectiva reproductiva de la sociedad humana. Este procedimiento se ha ofrecido como alternativa a la postergación voluntaria del embarazo, confiriéndole a la mujer una nueva perspectiva en su autonomía reproductiva. El número de mujeres que consultan y luego optan por congelar ovocitos ha aumentado en forma casi exponencial en Chile y en todo el mundo. En nuestro país, hay poco conocimiento acerca de la motivación, experiencia y resultados de la criopreservación electiva de ovocitos en Chile. El objetivo fue conocer la motivación, experiencia y el deseo reproductivo futuro de este grupo de mujeres sometidas a esta técnica. Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal, basado en un cuestionario enviado por correo electrónico en el que participaron mujeres que se habían sometido previamente a criopreservación electiva de ovocitos entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2019 en Clínica Alemana, Santiago de Chile. Resultados De 342 mujeres que habían completado un ciclo de criopreservación electiva de ovocitos, 193 aceptaron participar y de estas, 98 (51%) de las mujeres contestaron la encuesta en forma satisfactoria. Se establecieron criterios de exclusión a aquellas mujeres que se habían sometido a este procedimiento por indicación médica como la endometriosis, el cáncer y la baja reserva ovárica. El motivo más frecuente para realizarse el procedimiento fue la edad (44%). En relación al procedimiento; el 94% no se arrepiente de haberlo realizado y 74% de las mujeres cree que utilizará sus ovocitos en algún momento de su vida. Por último, desde que se realizaron la criopreservación de ovocitos a la fecha, el 11% de las mujeres encuestadas ha usado sus ovocitos vitrificados y 27% ha logrado embarazarse con estos. Conclusión Las mujeres que se someten a criopreservación electiva de ovocitos por razones sociales, son principalmente mujeres sin pareja que tiene como motivación principal su edad reproductiva y la gran mayoría de ellas no se arrepienten de haberlo realizado.

Introduction Oocyte vitrification is a scientific advance that has changed the reproductive perspective of human society. This procedure has been offered as an alternative to the voluntary postponement of pregnancy, giving women a new perspective on their reproductive autonomy. The number of women who consult and then choose to freeze oocytes has increased almost exponentially in Chile and throughout the world. There is little knowledge about the motivation, experience, and results of elective oocyte cryopreservation in Chile. The objective was to know the motivation, experience, and future reproductive desire of the women who underwent this technique. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study based on a questionnaire sent by e-mail in which females who had previously undergone elective oocyte cryopreservation between January 2011 and December 2019 at Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile, participated. Results Of 342 women who had completed a cycle of elective oocyte cryopreservation, 193 agreed to participate, and of these, 98 (51%) answered the survey satisfactorily. Women who underwent this procedure for medical indication, including endometriosis, cancer, and low ovarian reserve, were excluded. The most frequent reason for the procedure was age (44%). Concerning the procedure: 94% do not regret having it done, and 74% of the women believe that they will use their oocytes at some point in their lives. Finally, from the time of oocyte cryopreservation to date, 11% of the surveyed women have used their vitrified oocytes, and 27% have become pregnant. Conclusions Women who undergo elective oocyte cryopreservation for social reasons are mainly women without a partner whose main motivation is their reproductive age. The vast majority do not regret doing so.

Intervenção psicossocial para mulheres com histórico de tentativas de gravidez / Psychosocial intervention for women with a history of pregnancy attempts / Intervención psicosocial para mujeres con antecedentes de intentos de embarazo

OBJETIVO: A dificuldade ou impossibilidade para engravidar representa um problema vivenciado por mulheres no mundo inteiro, o que necessita de ações na área da saúde. OBJETIVO: Descrever um relato de experiência de uma intervenção psicossocial para mulheres com histórico de tentativas de gravidez. MÉTODO: Foram realizados seis encontros por meio do sistema remoto com o auxílio do Google Meet. Participaram sete mulheres, na faixa etária entre 30 e 37 anos, casadas, e com histórico de tratamentos para engravidar. Utilizou-se metodologia da Investigação Ação Participante (IAP) e os encontros iniciavam-se com uma temática proposta para discussão buscando fomentar o compartilhamento de experiências. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que as discussões possibilitaram a expressão de suas angústias provenientes das dificuldades para engravidar, o que inclui pressões sociais, percepções de inferioridade, incompletude, e falta de realização pessoal. CONCLUSÃO: O grupo de discussão representou uma estratégia promotora de mudanças e de reflexão/ação. Este espaço permitiu construir o apoio social para o enfrentamento dos desafios inerentes ao projeto maternal. Sugere-se a continuidade destas intervenções nas unidades de saúde e centros especializados para fomentar a promoção da saúde integral, assim como intervenções futuras que focalizem a inclusão dos cônjuges.

OBJECTIVE: The difficulty or impossibility of getting pregnant represents a problem experienced by women all over the world, which requires actions in the health area. OBJECTIVE: To describe an experience report of a psychosocial intervention for women with a history of pregnancy attempts. METHOD: Six meetings were held through the remote system with the help of Google Meet. Seven women participated, aged between 30 and 37 years old, married, and with a history of treatments to get pregnant. Participating Action Research (PAR) methodology was used and the meetings began with a proposed theme for discussion, seeking to encourage the sharing of experiences. RESULTS: It was observed that the discussions made it possible to express their anxieties arising from difficulties in getting pregnant, which includes social pressures, perceptions of inferiority, incompleteness, and lack of personal fulfillment. CONCLUSION: The discussion group represented a strategy to promote changes and reflection/action. This space made it possible to build social support to coping challenges inherent to the maternal project. It is suggested that these interventions be continued in health units and specialized centers to foster the promotion of comprehensive health, as well as future interventions that focus on the inclusion of spouses.

OBJETIVO: La dificultad o imposibilidad de quedar embarazada representa un problema vivido por mujeres de todo el mundo, que requiere acciones en el área de la salud. OBJETIVO: Describir un relato de experiencia de una intervención psicosocial para mujeres con antecedentes de intentos de embarazo. MÉTODO: Se realizaron seis reuniones a través del sistema remoto con la ayuda de Google Meet. Participaron siete mujeres, con edades entre 30 y 37 años, casadas y con antecedentes de tratamientos para quedar embarazadas. Se utilizó la metodología de Investigación Acción Participativa (IAP) y las reuniones comenzaron con una propuesta de tema de discusión, buscando incentivar el intercambio de experiencias. RESULTADOS: Se observó que las discusiones permitieron expresar sus angustias derivadas de las dificultades para quedar embarazada, que incluye presiones sociales, percepciones de inferioridad, incompletitud y falta de realización personal. CONCLUSIÓN: El grupo de discusión representó una estrategia para promover cambios y reflexión/acción. Este espacio permitió construir apoyo social para enfrentar los desafíos inherentes al proyecto materno. Se sugiere continuar con estas intervenciones en unidades de salud y centros especializados para promover la promoción de la salud integral, así como futuras intervenciones que se centren en la inclusión de los cónyuges.

Ligadura temporal laparoscópica de arterias uterinas en un caso de vasculatura miometrial aumentada relacionada con el embarazo / Laparoscopic temporary uterine artery ligation in a case of pregnancy-related increased myometrial vasculature

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La vasculatura miometrial aumentada es una afección poco común, con alto riesgo de hemorragia masiva. Su fisiopatología se relaciona con una remodelación inadecuada del endometrio y miometrio, posterior a un evento obstétrico. El tratamiento convencional, en caso de sangrado masivo, es la histerectomía. En la actualidad, los tratamientos con enfoque conservador que permiten el embarazo espontáneo, ofrecen una opción segura para estas pacientes. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 20 años, primigesta, con deseo gestacional a futuro, llevada a la sala de urgencias debido a una hemorragia uterina profusa, con datos clínicos de bajo gasto, antecedente de aborto completo de 10 semanas de gestación un mes antes. En el ultrasonido Doppler se observó una imagen anecoica irregular en el fondo uterino que interrumpía la interfase endometrio-miometrial asociada con flujo sistólico alto. Para el control vascular se indicó cirugía conservadora de útero, con ligadura temporal laparoscópica de las arterias uterinas; además aspiración uterina. Estos procedimientos trascurrieron sin complicaciones. El reporte histopatológico del material aspirado fue de tejido trofoblástico asociado con ectasia vascular. CONCLUSIÓN: La ligadura temporal laparoscópica de las arterias uterinas es un procedimiento eficaz, en casos seleccionados, de control vascular durante la extracción del tejido trofoblástico remanente, en casos de vasculatura miometrial aumentada, relacionada con el embarazo, con recuperación completa de la irrigación uterina y preservación del útero.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Enlarged myometrial vasculature is a rare condition with a high risk of massive haemorrhage. Its pathophysiology is related to inadequate remodelling of the endometrium and myometrium following an obstetric event. The conventional treatment for massive haemorrhage is hysterectomy. Currently, conservative management approaches that allow spontaneous pregnancy offer a safe option for these patients. CLINICAL CASE: 20-year-old primigravida with future pregnancy aspirations, presented to the emergency department with heavy uterine bleeding, clinical data of low output, history of complete abortion at 10 weeks' gestation one month earlier. Doppler ultrasound showed an irregular anechoic image in the uterine fundus interrupting the endometrial-myometrial interface associated with high systolic flow. For vascular control, uterine-sparing surgery with laparoscopic temporary ligation of the uterine arteries and uterine aspiration was indicated. These procedures were performed without complications. The histopathological report of the aspirated tissue was trophoblastic tissue associated with vascular ectasia. CONCLUSION: Temporary laparoscopic ligation of the uterine arteries is an effective procedure in selected cases for vascular control during removal of the remaining trophoblastic tissue, in cases of pregnancy-related increased myometrial vasculature, with complete recovery of uterine irrigation and preservation of the uterus.

Effects on the sex hormone profile in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery / Efectos en el perfil hormonal sexual en pacientes obesos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica

We aimed to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of bariatric surgery on fertility in men with obesity. To assess the methodological quality of the included studies, the Cochrane-ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies was used. Three hundred and eighty-four articles were found. A statistically significant improvement in total testosterone levels was evidenced in all the patients; some studies did not find a correlation between this increase and the improvement in seminal parameters. Only one article showed a slight increase in estradiol levels (not statistically significant, 33.3-32 pg/mL, p: 0.68). Normal or low levels of LH and FSH were present both before and after the procedure. The total sperm count decreased at 6 months and was significantly lower at 12 months. There was not evidence of changes in seminal volume, sperm motility, and vitality. Although our systematic review shows changes on sexual hormonal parameters in men, with an increase in total testosterone levels, a negative one was also found on semen quality. More prospective and randomized studies are required, hopefully of the Latin American population, which can help confirm this association

Nuestro objetivo fue realizar una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis de los efectos de la cirugía bariátrica sobre la fertilidad en hombres con obesidad. Para evaluar la calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos, se utilizó la herramienta Cochrane-ROBINS-I para estudios no aleatorios. Se encontraron 384 artículos. Se evidenció una mejoría estadísticamente significativa en los niveles de testosterona total en todos los pacientes; algunos estudios no encontraron una correlación entre este aumento y cambios en los parámetros seminales. Solo un artículo mostró un ligero aumento en los niveles de estradiol (no estadísticamente significativo, 33,3 a 32 pg/ml, p: 0,68). Los niveles normales o bajos de LH y FSH estaban presentes tanto antes como después del procedimiento. El recuento total de espermatozoides disminuyó a los 6 meses y fue significativamente menor a los 12 meses. No hubo evidencia de cambios en el volumen seminal, la motilidad y la vitalidad de los espermatozoides. Aunque nuestra revisión sistemática muestra cambios sobre los parámetros hormonales sexuales en hombres, con un aumento de los niveles de testosterona total, también se encontró uno negativo sobre la calidad seminal. Se requieren más estudios prospectivos aleatorizados, ojalá en población latinoamericana, que ayuden a confirmar esta asociación.

Exploring cross-country heterogeneity in the relation between female labor force participation and fertility in Latin America / Explorando a heterogeneidade entre países na relação entre participação feminina na força de trabalho e fecundidade na América Latina / Explorando la heterogeneidad entre países en la relación entre participación laboral de las mujeres y fecundidad en América Latina

Abstract In Latin America, despite an apparent convergence on the relation between female labor force participation (FLFP) and total fertility rates (TFR), there are differences between and within countries that must be considered. This paper aimed to understand the heterogeneity in the relation between the FLFP rate and the TFR in Latin American from 1990 to 2018 in order to identify cross-country patterns. Using World Bank data for the 20 countries in Latin America, clustering longitudinal data was performed, and mixed-effect models were fitted to quantify the heterogeneity. Three patterns of relationship were observed in Latin American countries: low TFR and intermediate FLFP, high TFR and high FLFP, and high TFR and low FLFP. The heterogeneity identified suggests the diversity of socio-economic and cultural factors influences the dynamics of the relation between FLFP and TFR in Latin America.

Resumo Na América Latina, apesar de uma aparente convergência na relação entre taxas de fecundidade total (TFT) e participação feminina na força de trabalho (PFFT), existem diferenças entre e dentro dos países que devem ser consideradas. Este artigo objetiva entender a heterogeneidade na relação entre a PFFT e a TFR na América Latina de 1990 a 2018, a fim de identificar padrões entre países. Usando dados do Banco Mundial para os 20 países da América Latina, dados de agrupamento longitudinal foram realizados e modelos de efeito misto foram ajustados para quantificar a heterogeneidade. Três padrões de relacionamento foram observados nos países latino-americanos: TFT baixa e PFFT intermediária; TFT alta e PFFT alta; e TFR alta e PFFT baixa. A heterogeneidade identificada sugere que a diversidade de fatores socioeconômicos e culturais influencia a dinâmica da relação entre PFFT e TFT na América Latina.

Resumen En América Latina, a pesar de una aparente convergencia en la relación entre las tasas globales de fecundidad (TGF) y la participación de femenina en la fuerza de trabajo (PFFT), hay diferencias entre y dentro de los países de la región, que deben ser consideradas. El objetivo de este trabajo es entender la heterogeneidad en la relación entre la tasa de PFFT y la TGF en América Latina desde 1990 hasta 2018, con el fin de identificar patrones entre países. Utilizando datos del Banco Mundial para los veinte países de América Latina, se agruparon datos longitudinales y se ajustaron modelos de efectos mixtos para cuantificar la heterogeneidad. Se observaron tres patrones de relación en los países de América Latina: baja TGF y PFFT intermedia; alta TGF y alta PFFT, y alta TGF y baja PFFT. La heterogeneidad identificada sugiere que la diversidad de factores socioeconómicos y culturales influye en la dinámica de la relación entre la PFFT y la TGF en América Latina.

Intenções de fecundidade: uma revisão da literatura acerca da variável em países de renda alta e no Brasil / Fertility intentions: a literature review on high-income countries and Brazil / Intenciones de fecundidad: una revisión de la literatura sobre la variable en países de ingresos altos y en Brasil

Resumo A literatura sobre intenções de fecundidade tem ganhado crescente relevância em estudos demográficos porque, sendo um determinante próximo da fecundidade, auxilia o entendimento do comportamento reprodutivo de diferentes populações. Contudo, esta literatura não foi ainda organizada segundo os principais e mais recorrentes aspectos dispersos na literatura. Estudos geralmente utilizam uma única característica acerca das intenções de fecundidade, seja por meio dos seus conceitos, das principais teorias ou de principais indicadores. Este trabalho possui, portanto, o objetivo de organizar e articular os principais e mais recorrentes aspectos presentes nos estudos sobre intenções de fecundidade. Ao longo da discussão, aprofunda-se na relação existente entre intenções de fecundidade e fecundidade observada. A princípio, foca-se nos países de renda alta, sobre e para os quais a literatura referente ao tema foi desenvolvida. Contudo, também são abordados países de renda média e fecundidade baixa, com ênfase no Brasil, para os quais a produção, especialmente a partir de uma abordagem teórica, ainda é incipiente.

Abstract The literature on fertility intentions has gained increasing relevance in demographic studies because, as a close determinant of fertility, it helps understand the reproductive behavior of different populations. However, this literature has not yet been organized according to the main and most recurrent aspects covered. Studies generally use one single aspect of fertility intentions, whether through its concepts, main theories or main indicators. Therefore, the goal of this work is to organize and articulate the main and most recurrent aspects present in studies on fertility intentions. It begins by presenting the main concepts. Then, it discusses important theoretical approaches on the formation of fertility intentions, as well as its main determinants. Finally, it contextualizes fertility intentions (and their levels) in different scenarios. Throughout the discussion, for each topic presented, the paper delves deeper into the relationship between fertility intentions and observed fertility. Its first focus is on high-income countries covered in the literature on the subject. However, it also discusses middle-income countries with low fertility, focusing on Brazil, for which academic production, especially from a theoretical approach, is still incipient.

Resumen La literatura sobre las intenciones de fecundidad ha ganado relevancia en los estudios demográficos porque, al ser estas determinantes próximos de la fecundidad, ayudan a entender el comportamiento reproductivo de diferentes poblaciones. Sin embargo, esta literatura no se ha organizado según sus aspectos principales y más recurrentes. Así, los estudios trabaja en general sobre un solo aspecto de las intenciones de fecundidad, sea a través de sus conceptos, de sus principales teorías o de sus principales indicadores. El objetivo de este artículo es, por lo tanto, organizar y articular los principales y más recurrentes aspectos presentes en los estudios sobre intenciones reproductivas. Así, comienza presentando sus conceptos principales. Luego, discute importantes corrientes teóricas sobre la formación de intenciones de fecundidad y también analiza sus principales determinantes. Finalmente, contextualiza las intenciones de fecundidad (y sus niveles) en diferentes escenarios. A través de cada tema presentado, se profundiza en la relación entre las intenciones de fecundidad y la fecundidad observada en las poblaciones. Es para ello que se centra, en un primer momento, en los países de ingresos altos, sobre y para los cuales se elaboró la literatura sobre el tema. Sin embargo, también se analizan los países de ingresos medios y de baja fecundidad, con énfasis en Brasil, cuya producción, especialmente desde un enfoque teórico, es aún incipiente.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Abstract Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Resumo Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Research progresses in the radiotherapy effect on ovarian function and its protection / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

The survival rate of cancer patients was improved due to the development of cancer treatment techniques, and thus the fertility protection for young female cancer patients has attracted increasing attention. Radiotherapy, as one of the comprehensive cancer treatment, could cause ovarian damage in adolescent and child-bearing women, which leads to fertility decline and a series of side effects. Radiation can cause ovarian damage not only by acting on biological macromolecules directly, but also by increasing oxidative stress between oocytes and ovarian granulosa cells indirectly. At present, the fertility preservation of female cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy mainly includes physical protection, drug protection and biological protection. Recently, the development of new technologies for the preservation of fertility in female cancer patients has also brought new hope, including factors such as protective effects, patient age, and the selection of specific cancer treatment measures, which are the main considerations in the selection process of fertility preservation measures. This article reviews the research progress on radiation-induced ovarian damage, with a focus on the introduction of the fertility preservation measures and new technologies for young female tumor patients receiving radiotherapy.

Progress in adverse effects of sleep deprivation on body fertility / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Sleep is essential for the maintenance of human normal functions.Nowadays,the occurrence of active sleep deprivation(ASD)or passive sleep depriva-tion(PSD)is becoming more and more common due to the inability of the body adapting to the rapid changes in the internal and external environment.SD is not only an action,a brief process or a result,but also a directly or indirectly sustained state,which is associated to sleep time,circadian rhythm or sleep quality.SD can lead to numerous adverse effects on the body,such as sleep-related acute and chronic diseases.Long-term SD increases the risk of neurological and cardiovascular dis-eases as well as immune system dysfunction.In addi-tion,SD may affect the reproductive health of the body,giving rise to a series of potential fertility problems.In recent years,the correlation research and mechanism between SD and the related diseases have become a focus of scholars' attention.Numerous lines of evidence suggest that pathological sleep,such as insomnia and sleep apnea syndrome,is associated with impaired repro-ductive function.Disruptions in the circadian rhythm can also lead to impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal(HPG)axis function and thereby interfere with the repro-ductive process.Our research team has demonstrated that SD significantly affects the fertility of male and female rats and has adverse effects on reproduction.By new generation sequencing(NGS)and RT-PCR verifica-tion,we have identified differently expressed genes that are involved in mediating the effect of SD on fertility.However,the mechanisms and biological macromolecules regulated by SD are worthy of being further explored.This paper provides a brief review of SD research and then focuses on the adverse impact of SD on fertility,conducting a literature review to sort out the ideas and pro-vide references for research in this field.

Development of reproductive motivation scale for infertile women and its reliability and validity / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To preliminarily develop a fertility motivation scale for infertile women (FMS-IW) and test its reliability and validity.Methods:The FMS-IW was developed according to the theory of self-determination and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and the original item pool was established through clinical psychological counseling practice experience, literature review, consulting clinical psychotherapists, interviewing with infertile women and open-ended questionnaires. The original scale was constructed on item analysis and exploratory factor analysis in 257 infertile women. The formal version of FMS-IW was further adapted by Delphi method and tested in another 392 women to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and reliability test. Furthermore, 56 participants of 392 women were randomly retested with FMS-IW after two weeks.SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 software were used for Spearman analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.Results:Exploratory factor analysis showed that the FMS-IW was composed of 16 items consisting of two factors: autonomous fertility motivation and controlled fertility motivation. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.18%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fitted well ( χ2/ df=3.292, RMSEA=0.077, SRMR=0.055, GFI=0.902, AGFI=0.871, IFI=0.938, CFI=0.938, TLI=0.928). The Cronbach's α coefficient of the FMS-IW was 0.908. The Cronbach's α coefficient for autonomous and controlled fertility motivation was 0.911 and 0.928, respectively. The parity split-half coefficient of the formal version of FMS-IW was 0.870. The test-retest reliability of the formal version of FMS-IW was 0.823. Conclusion:The FMS-IW has good reliability and validity, and can be used as an effective tool to measure fertility motivation in infertile women.

Ethical Considerations on Social Egg Freezing for Single Women / 中国医学伦理学

Since the occurrence of the first case of "egg freezing for single women" in China, it has aroused different discussions and thoughts from all walks of life. Through the ethical analysis of the four principles of bioethics, this paper found a reasonable ethical basis for single women’s egg freezing. From the perspective of favorable principle, egg freezing could temporarily preserve women’s fertility, which is conducive to women’s better realization of their own personal value and social values. From the perspective of no harm principle, no harm is relative, and the harm brought by egg freezing technology is within the acceptable and permissible range. From the perspective of justice principle, whether there is gender discriminatory in that men could freeze their sperm but women have many restrictions on egg freezing. From the principle of respect for autonomy, whether to choose egg freezing is a manifestation of women’s autonomy rights, which should be respected. This paper tried to propose corresponding solutions to the ethical and legal issues caused by the permission of egg freezing from the legal perspective, the medical ethics committee’s responsibilities, and the ethical level.

Effects of 21-hydroxylase deficiency on male fertility / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by deficiency of specific enzymes in the adrenocortical hormone synthesis pathway, resulting in impaired corticosteroid synthesis. 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common type of CAH, and the disorder can lead to impaired fertility in patients. Most current studies have focused on fertility problems in female CAH patients. The most common causes of impaired fertility in men with 21-OHD include testicular adrenal rest tumors(TART), low gonadotropin secretion, and inappropriate glucocorticoid therapy. This article reviews the causes of impaired fertility and its treatment in male patients with 21-OHD, with the aim of providing guidance for improving the fertility of male patients with 21-OHD.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.