Traditional and new trend strategies to enhance pigment contents in microalgae.

Microalgae are a source of a wide variety of commodities, including particularly valuable pigments. The typical pigments present in microalgae are the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins. However, other types of pigments, of the family of water-soluble polyphenols, usually encountered in terrestrial plants, have been recently reported in microalgae. Among such microalgal polyphenols, many flavonoids have a yellowish hue, and are used as natural textile dyes. Besides being used as natural colorants, for example in the food or cosmetic industry, microalgal pigments also possess many bioactive properties, making them functional as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical agents. Each type of pigment, with its own chemical structure, fulfills particular biological functions. Considering both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, some species within the four most promising microalgae groups (Cyanobacteria, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta) are distinguished by their high contents of specific added-value pigments. To further enhance microalgae pigment contents during autotrophic cultivation, a review is made of the main related strategies adopted during the last decade, including light adjustments (quantity and quality, and the duration of the photoperiod cycle), and regard to mineral medium characteristics (salinity, nutrients concentrations, presence of inductive chemicals). In contrast to what is usually observed for growth-related pigments, accumulation of non-photosynthetic pigments (polyphenols and secondary carotenoids) requires particularly stressful conditions. Finally, pigment enrichment is also made possible with two new cutting-edge technologies, via the application of metallic nanoparticles or magnetic fields.

New cut-off points of PHQ-9 and its variants, in Costa Rica: a nationwide observational study.

The PHQ-9 questionnaire is a screening test worldwide used to measure depression. But it cannot be used in Costa Rica, due to the fact that it has not previously been validated for its population. The present study aims to show the validation of the PHQ-9 questionnaire and its variants (PHQ-2, PHQ-4, PHQ-8) in a population sample of adults residing in Costa Rica. A sample was collected (n = 1162) using a self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) were tested. One factor was found that explained 73.33% of the variance with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.928). Goodness-of-fit measures were adequate (RMSEA = 0.107; CFI = 0.948), as was diagnostic power at a cut-off of 10 (78.60 for Sensitivity and 27.95 for 1-Specificity). External validation indices were good (r = 0.843 with GAD-7, r = - 0.647 with RS14, and r = 0.301 with FCV19S), and the model showed invariance by sex (∆χ2 = 27.90; df = 27; p < 0.001). Additionally, new cut-off points were proposed for PHQ-9 and its variants for Costa Rican male, female, and general populations. The PHQ-9 and its variants (PHQ-2, 4, and 8) are valid tools for detecting depression (and anxiety for PHQ-4) in Costa Rican population. In addition, new cut-off points differentiated by sex are proposed.

Short-term tuning of microalgal composition by exposition to different irradiance and small doses of sulfide.

Suitability of microalgae valorization mainly depends on its biochemical composition. Overall, among all microalgal derivatives, pigments currently stand out as the major added-value component. While it is well recognized that microalgal growth conditions strongly affect biomass composition, final tuning of already grown microalgae has been scarcely studied. Herein, pigment crude extract and debris biomass composition of an already grown microalgal consortium was evaluated after a short-term exposure (90 min) to different levels of irradiance (15, 50, 120 µmol m-2 s-1) and sulfide concentrations (0, 3.2, 16 mg L-1). Although lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents of debris biomass were not decisively modified by the short-term exposures, pigments content of the crude extracts were strongly modified after 90-min exposure at given sulfide and irradiance conditions. Particularly, a higher content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids was estimated at an optimal sulfide concentration of 5 mg L-1, and the higher irradiance of 120 µmol m-2 s-1. Contrarily, the average irradiation level of 50 µmol m-2 s-1 and the absence of sulfide stimulated the production of phycoerythrin and phycocyanin which could be increased by 65 and 50%, respectively. Thus, a final qualitative and quantitative tuning of pigment content is plainly achievable on grown microalgal biomass, in a reduced exposure time, at given irradiance or sulfide conditions.

Microalgae Biomass as a New Potential Source of Sustainable Green Lubricants.

Lubricants are materials able to reduce friction and/or wear of any type of moving surfaces facilitating smooth operations, maintaining reliable machine functions, and reducing risks of failures while contributing to energy savings. At present, most worldwide used lubricants are derived from crude oil. However, production, usage and disposal of these lubricants have significant impact on environment and health. Hence, there is a growing pressure to reduce demand of this sort of lubricants, which has fostered development and use of green lubricants, as vegetable oil-based lubricants (biolubricants). Despite the ecological benefits of producing/using biolubricants, availability of the required raw materials and agricultural land to create a reliable chain supply is still far from being established. Recently, biomass from some microalgae species has attracted attention due to their capacity to produce high-value lipids/oils for potential lubricants production. Thus, this multidisciplinary work reviews the main chemical-physical characteristics of lubricants and the main attempts and progress on microalgae biomass production for developing oils with pertinent lubricating properties. In addition, potential microalgae strains and chemical modifications to their oils to produce lubricants for different industrial applications are identified. Finally, a guide for microalgae oil selection based on its chemical composition for specific lubricant applications is provided.

Comparative analysis of the pregnancy rate via in vitro fertilization vs. previous artificial insemination in patients with unexplained infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical pregnancy rate among patients undergoing direct in vitro fertilization vs. in vitro fertilization after two cycles of intrauterine insemination in couples with unexplained infertility. METHODS: Comparative cross-sectional, retrospective study from 2016 to 2019, from the Centro Mexicano de Fertilidad Doctor Alberto Kably. The patients with unexplained infertility were divided into two groups, direct in vitro fertilization and a group of in vitro fertilization after intrauterine insemination, and we compared the rate of pregnancy and live births in both cases. RESULTS: 89 couples with unexplained infertility were included, the in vitro fertilization after intrauterine insemination group (n=46) and direct in vitro fertilization group (n=43). The direct in vitro fertilization group resulted in a higher clinical pregnancy rate throughout the study compared to the other group (55.8% vs. 34.8%, OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.008 - 5.57, p=0.046). However, there was no difference in the rate of live newborns (p=0.12). When analyzing the data by cycle, we noticed a statistical difference in both, the clinical pregnancy rate in the direct in vitro fertilization group (38.7% vs. 16.7%, OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.50-6.62), as well as the rate of live newborns (32.3 % vs. 14.6%, OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.28-6.07, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In the in vitro fertilization group, as first-line treatment for unexplained infertility, the patients had a higher pregnancy rate.

Cirugía transumbilical asistida versus multipuerto en pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda / Assisted versus multiport transumbilical surgery for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients

Introducción. La prevención de las complicaciones en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda sigue siendo un reto para el cirujano pediatra; por lo que es de gran importancia comparar las opciones de manejo quirúrgico, para saber si es posible prevenir dichos resultados, que finalmente llevan a un aumento en el uso de recursos necesarios para tratar a un paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las complicaciones postoperatorias y los costos de la laparoscopia transumbilical asistida y la laparoscopia multipuerto, en pacientes pediátricos en un hospital general de cuarto nivel de la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre octubre de 2011 y enero de 2019. Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, con muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes entre 0 y 16 años de edad, con historia clínica completa y diagnóstico postquirúrgico de apendicitis aguda, los cuales fueron intervenidos mediante cirugía laparoscópica transumbilical asistida o por multipuerto. Se hizo un análisis descriptivo univariado y bivariado. Resultados. De los 850 pacientes operados en ese periodo, la técnica quirúrgica más usada fue multipuerto (n=528, 62,1%) y se presentaron complicaciones en 59 (6,94%) de los pacientes. El diagnóstico postquirúrgico más frecuente fue apendicitis no perforada (n=762, 89,6%). Al comparar los dos grupos se encontró un valor de p de 0,9685 para la edad, 0,5364 para el diagnóstico postquirúrgico, 0,1127 para las complicaciones postoperatorias y 0,0085 para el costo. Discusión. El costo de hospitalización y las complicaciones de los pacientes a quienes se les practicó apendicectomía transumbilical asistida es similar a la técnica por multipuerto

Introduction. The prevention of complications in the management of acute appendicitis remains a challenge for the pediatric surgeon. Therefore, it is of great importance to compare the surgical management options, to know if it is possible to prevent these results, which ultimately lead to an increase in the use of resources necessary to treat a patient. The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative complications and costs of assisted transumbilical laparoscopy and multiport laparoscopy in pediatric patients. Method. Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling, where patients between 0 and 16 years old with a complete medical history, with a postsurgical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, who underwent assisted transumbilical surgery or by multiport performed at a fourth level general hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, between October 2011 and January of 2019. A descriptive univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. Results. Of the 850 patients operated on in this period, the most used surgical technique was multiport (n=528; 62.1%) and complications occurred in 59 (6.94%) of the patients. The most frequent postsurgical diagnosis was non-perforated appendicitis (n=762; 89.6%). Comparing the two groups, a p-value of 0.9685 was found for age, 0.5364 for postsurgical diagnosis, 0.1127 for postoperative complications, and 0.0085 for cost. Discussion. The cost of hospitalization and complications for patients who underwent assisted transumbilical appendectomy is similar to the multiport technique

Strategies for decreasing the O2 content in the upgraded biogas purified via microalgae-based technology.

Microalgae-bacteria consortium based technology using a High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) interconnected to an Absorption Bubble Column (ABC) has emerged as an environmentally friendly promising option to upgrade biogas. However, the oxygenic photosynthesis of microalgae induces oxygen contamination in upgraded biogas, which could limit its further applications. Several strategies were proposed to favor the oxygen desorption and oxygen uptake in parts and accessories of the upgrading system. The effect of the volumetric ratio liquid recirculation rate/biogas rate (L/G = 5.0, 1.0 y 0.5) was evaluated in conjunction with the application of a novel accessory called Open Trickling Column (OTC). The O2 content in upgraded biogas was around 2.1%v, attaining CO2 removal efficiencies around 90%, at L/G ratio of 1.0 during diurnal and nocturnal periods. The inclusion of an OTC at the previous L/G, enhanced 54% the removal of O2 by stripping and uptake compared with the basal condition. Mass balances of H2S and methane showed that L/G > 1.0 favored the complete oxidation of H2S but promoted the loss of methane in dissolved form. Additionally the effect of increasing linear velocity of liquid broth in the lab-scale HRAP (from 15 cm s-1 to 20 cm s-1) showed to improve the O2 stripping with a consequential increase of biomass concentration under steady-state (from 0.7 to 1.4 g L-1) besides achieving O2 content in the upgraded biogas around 1.5%v.

Assessing the Impact of Lean Healthcare on Inpatient Care: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare services are facing challenges in increasing their efficiency, quality of care, and coping with surges in demand. To this end, some hospitals have implemented lean healthcare. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of lean healthcare (LH) interventions on inpatient care and determine whether patient flow and efficiency outcomes improve. The review was performed according to PRISMA. We used six databases to search for studies published from 2002 to 2019. Out of 5732 studies, 39 measuring one or more defined outcomes were included. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was measured in 23 studies, 16 of which reported a reduction, turnover time (TOT) decreased in six out of eight studies, while the turnaround time (TAT) and on-time starts (OTS) improved in all five and seven studies, respectively. Moreover, eight out of nine studies reported an earlier discharge time, and the boarding time decreased in all four cases. Meanwhile, the readmission rate did not increase in all nine studies. Lastly, staff and patient satisfaction improved in all eight studies. Our findings show that by focusing on reducing non-value-added activities, LH contributed to improving patient flow and efficiency within inpatient care.

Phospholipid Signaling Is a Component of the Salicylic Acid Response in Plant Cell Suspension Cultures.

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule involved in plant defense. While many proteins play essential roles in SA signaling, increasing evidence shows that responses to SA appear to involve and require lipid signals. The phospholipid-generated signal transduction involves a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or phosphorylation of phospholipids in membranes to generate signaling molecules, which are important in the plant cellular response. In this review, we focus first, the role of SA as a mitigator in biotic/abiotic stress. Later, we describe the experimental evidence supporting the phospholipid-SA connection in plant cells, emphasizing the roles of the secondary lipid messengers (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidic acid (PA)) and related enzymes (phospholipase D (PLD) and phospholipase C (PLC)). By placing these recent finding in context of phospholipids and SA in plant cells, we highlight the role of phospholipids as modulators in the early steps of SA triggered transduction in plant cells.

Técnica de doble disparo (doubble trigger) en pacientes normorrespondedoras con bajo porcentaje de ovocitos maduros / Doubble Trigger in patients with a normal response with a low percentage of mature oocytes

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto del doble disparo en pacientes con un ciclo previo con menos de 65% de ovocitos maduros respecto de los ovocitos capturados, en una población con respuesta normal a la inducción de la ovulación con hCG recombinante o urinaria. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, prospectivo, efectuado en pacientes con diagnóstico de infertilidad, en tratamiento con fertilización in vitro, evaluadas en el Centro Mexicano de Fertilidad (Hospital Ángeles Lomas) entre 2017 y 2019. El tratamiento se llevó a cabo en la misma paciente, en cuyo ciclo previo convencional con esquema de antagonista e inducción de la ovulación con hCG tuvo respuesta ovárica subóptima y captura ovocitaria con menos de 65% en fase M2 (Grupo 1). Posteriormente se les indicó un segundo ciclo con el mismo esquema de gonadotropinas e inducción de la ovulación con doble disparo: acetato de triptorelina 1 mg + 5000 UI de hCG urinaria 40 y 34 horas previas a la captura (Grupo 2). Se evaluaron el porcentaje y la cantidad de ovocitos capturados en fase M2. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 34 pacientes en quienes se llevaron a cabo 68 ciclos. La cantidad de ovocitos capturados fue mayor en el grupo 2 (agonista de GnRH + hCG urinaria; p = 0.03). El doble disparo aumentó el porcentaje de ovocitos maduros (65.4 ± 21.3 vs 74.6 ± 20.2; p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONES: La técnica de doble disparo es valiosa para el tratamiento de pacientes con captura de ovocitos deficiente, aun con desarrollo folicular normal y concentraciones de estradiol adecuadas y óptimas de hCG el día de la captura. Se requieren estudios prospectivos de gran tamaño para dilucidar la recomendación mencionada de la técnica de "doble disparo".

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of double trigger in patients with a previous cycle with less than 65% of mature oocytes compared to the captured oocytes, in a normorresponding population with induction of ovulation with recombinant or urinary hCG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study, conducted in patients diagnosed with infertility, treated with in vitro fertilization, evaluated at the Mexican Fertility Center (Hospital Angeles Lomas) between 2017 and 2019. The treatment was carried out in the same patient, in whose previous conventional cycle with antagonist scheme and induction of ovulation with hCG had suboptimal ovarian response and oocyte capture with less than 65% in M2 phase (Group 1). Subsequently, a second cycle was performed with the same scheme of gonadotropins and induction of ovulation with double shot: 1 mg triptorelin acetate + 5000 IU of urinary hCG 40 and 34 hours prior to capture (Group 2 or double trigger). Percentage and quantity of oocytes captured in M2 phase were evaluated. RESULTS: 34 patients were registered, in whom 68 cycles were performed. The number of oocytes captured was greater in group 2 (agonist of GnRH + urinary hCG; p = 0.03). The double shot increased the percentage of mature oocytes 65.4 ± 21.3 vs 74.6 ± 20.2 (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The double trigger technique is valuable for the treatment of patients with poor oocyte capture, even with normal follicular development and adequate and optimal hCG estradiol concentrations on the day of capture. Large prospective studies are required to elucidate the aforementioned recommendation of the "double shot" technique.

Photorespiration in an outdoor alkaline open-photobioreactor used for biogas upgrading.

The rates of oxygenic and carbon fixation photosynthetic processes of a microalgae consortium were simultaneously evaluated under steady-state performance in an bench scale alkaline open-system exposed to outdoor conditions in Mexico City. A synthetic methane-free gaseous stream (SMGS) similar to biogas was used as inorganic carbon source and model of biogas upgrading. The microalgae CO2 fixation rates were calculated through a novel methodology based on an inorganic carbon mass balance under continuous scrubbing of a SMGS similar to biogas, where the influence of pH and temperature time-depended oscillations were successfully incorporated into the mass balances. The oxygenic activity and carbon fixation occurred at different non-stoichiometric rates during the diurnal phase, in average carbon fixation predominated over oxygen production (photosynthesis quotient PQ≈ 0.5 mol O2 mol-1 CO2) indicating photorespiration occurrence mainly under dissolved oxygen concentrations higher than 10 mg L-1. The oxygen and inorganic carbon mass balances demonstrated that photorespiration and endogenous respiration were responsible for losing up to 66% and 7% respectively of the biomass grew at diurnal periods under optimal conditions. In favoring photorespiration conditions, the microalgae biomass productivity (CO2 effectively captured) can be severely decreased. A kinetic mathematical model as a function of temperature and irradiance of the oxygenic photosynthetic activity indicated the optimal operation zone for this outdoor alkaline open-photobioreactor, where irradiance was found being the most influential parameter.

Evaluation of a hybrid physicochemical/biological technology to remove toxic H2S from air with elemental sulfur recovery.

The removal of toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the air at pilot-scale with elemental sulfur recovery was evaluated using Fe-EDTA chelate as a single treatment at a pH of about 8.5. This was later combined with a compost biofiltration process for polishing the pre-treated air. Experiments were performed in a unique container system that allowed deploying either Fe-EDTA chelate or Fe-EDTA chelate/biofiltration treatment (hybrid system). The results showed the feasibility of H2S removal at concentrations between 200 and 5300 ppmv (H2S loading rates of 7-190 g m-3 h-1) present in fouled air. The Fe-EDTA chelate as a single treatment was able to remove nearly 99.99% of the H2S at inlet concentrations ≤ 2400 ppmv (107 g m-3 h-1), while the hybrid system archived undetectable outlet H2S concentrations (<1 ppmv) at inlet levels of 4000 and 5300 ppmv. At 5300 ppmv, the Fe-EDTA chelate process H2S removal efficiency decreased to 99.20% due to the limitation of oxygen mass transfer in the Fe(III) regeneration reaction. Under the previous conditions, the pH was required to be controlled by the addition of NaOH, due to the likely occurrence of undesirable parallel reactions. The elemental sulfur yield attained in the physicochemical module was 75-93% with around 80% recovered efficiently as a solid.

Correlación entre las concentraciones séricas de hormona antimülleriana y la edad de la mujer con la tasa de recuperación ovular y embarazo / Correlation of the serum levels of Anti-müllerian Hormone and woman age with the rate of ovular recovery and Pregnancy

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar los desenlaces en la recuperación de ovocitos y la tasa de embarazo en pacientes en protocolo de fertilización in vitro de acuerdo con las concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana y la edad de la mujer. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio restrospectivo, transversal, comparativo y observacional efectuado en pacientes en tratamiento de fertilización in vitro en un centro privado de reproducción asistida (enero 2013-enero 2018). La población se dividió en grupo 1 (concentraciones menores de 1 ng/mL de hormona antimülleriana) y grupo B (concentraciones mayores de 1 ng/mL de hormona antimülleriana) para determinar la asociación entre la edad y las concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana y la respuesta a la cantidad de ovocitos recuperados y tasa de embarazo; estos grupos se subdividieron por edades (≤ 29, 30-34, 35-39 y ≥ 40 años). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 282 pacientes de las que se eliminaron 35 por expediente incompleto; quedaron 247; 93 en el grupo 1 y 154 en el grupo 2. En el grupo 1 se recuperaron 4.61 vs 7.9 ovocitos (p < 0.001). En las pacientes menores de 29 años con concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana menores de 1 ng/mL la cantidad promedio de ovocitos recuperados fue mayor: 7.8 ovocitos versus los otros grupos de edad con menos de 1 ng/mL. La tasa de embarazo en las pacientes con concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana mayores de 1 ng/mL fue mayor en los grupos de edad menores de 29 años y de 30 a 34 años (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONES: Independientemente de la edad, cuando las concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana son mayores de 1 ng/mL se logra recuperar mayor cantidad de ovocitos que en quienes tienen menos de esa concentración. Las pacientes menores de 35 años con concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana mayores de 1 ng/mL tienen mayor tasa de embarazo que las de menos de 1 ng/mL. Cuando la edad de la mujer es mayor de 35 años las concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana no influyen en las tasas de embarazo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes in oocyte retrieval and the pregnancy rate in patients under in vitro fertilization protocol according to anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and the age of the woman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, comparative and observational study carried out in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment in a private assisted reproduction center (January 2013- January 2018). The population was divided into group 1 (lower concentrations of 1 ng / mL of antimülleriana hormone) and group B (concentrations higher than 1 ng / mL of antimülleriana hormone) to determine the association between the age and the antimülleriana hormone concentrations and the answer to the amount of recovered oocytes and pregnancy rate; these groups were subdivided by age (≤ 29, 30-34, 35-39 and ≥ 40 years). RESULTS: We studied 282 patients, of which 35 were eliminated due to incomplete records; there were 247; 93 in group 1 and 154 in group 2. In group 1, 4.61 vs 7.9 oocytes were recovered (p <0.001). In patients younger than 29 years old with antimüllerian hormone concentrations lower than 1 ng / mL, the average number of oocytes retrieved was higher: 7.8 oocytes versus the other age groups with less than 1 ng / mL. The pregnancy rate in patients with antimüllerian hormone concentrations greater than 1 ng / mL was higher in the age groups under 29 years and 30 to 34 years (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, when antimüllerian hormone concentrations are greater than 1 ng/mL, more oocytes are recovered than in those less than that concentration. Patients younger than 35 years old with antimüllerian hormone concentrations lower than 1 ng/mL have a higher pregnancy rate than those less than 1 ng/mL. When the age of the woman is over 35 years old, anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations do not influence pregnancy rates.

Valor de la cuenta folicular antral como predictor de éxito en ciclos de fertilización in vitro / Value of the antral follicular count as a predictor of success in in vitro fertilization cycles

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La asociación entre pruebas de reserva ovárica y respuesta a la estimulación está debidamente establecida aunque su capacidad para predecir embarazo clínico y recién nacido vivo es limitada. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad clínica de la cuenta folicular antral para predecir embarazo clínico y recién nacido vivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, efectuado en el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, entre 2011 y 2016 en ciclos de fertilización in vitro en fresco. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de infertilidad a quienes se efectuó, in vitro, transferencia de embriones en fresco. Variables de estudio: edad, cuenta folicular antral, concentración basal de FSH y cantidad de ovocitos capturados. Se elaboró un modelo de regresión logística. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Se consideró significativa la probabilidad de error alfa menor de 5%. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 923 ciclos de fertilización in vitro. La cuenta folicular antral tiene predicción para detectar embarazo clínico con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0.59 y para recién nacido vivo de 0.57. El número óptimo con mayor porcentaje de embarazo clínico (9%) y recién nacido vivo (10.4%) tuvo cuenta folicular antral ≥ 8. CONCLUSIONES: Cuando la cuenta folicular antral es más o menos mayor de 8 folículos se espera mayor cantidad de embarazos clínicos y de recién nacidos.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The association between ovarian reserve test and ovarian response is well established, however, its ability to predict clinical pregnancy and the live birth is limited. OBJETIVE: Evaluate the clinical usefulness of the antral follicle count (AFC) to predict clinical pregnancy and live newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was made. In fresh IVF cycles, performed at INPer between 2011-2016. Including patients diagnosed with infertility, who underwent in vitro fertilization with fresh embryo transfer. The study variables were age, antral follicle count, basal FSH concentration and number of oocytes captured. A binary logistic regression model was performed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the statistical analysis. The probability of error alpha <5% was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 923 in vitro fertilization cycles were included. The antral follicle count has a prediction for clinical pregnancy (ABC 0.59) and live birth (ABC 0.57). The optimal cut-off value with the highest percentage of clinical pregnancy (9%) and live birth (10.4%) was presented with a CFA ≥ 8. A higher pregnancy rate is reported when there is a follicular count above ≥8 follicles. CONCLUSIONS: It is expected the highest number of clinical pregnancy and live birth when the antral follicle count is for ≥8 follicles.

A study of photosynthetic biogas upgrading based on a high rate algal pond under alkaline conditions: Influence of the illumination regime.

Microalgal-bacterial processes have emerged as environmental friendly systems for the cost-effective treatment of anaerobic effluents such as biogas and nutrients-laden digestates. Environmental parameters such as temperature, irradiation, nutrient concentration and pH effect the performance of the systems. In this paper, the potential of a microalgal-bacterial photobioreactor operated under high pH (≈9.5) and high alkalinity to convert biogas into biomethane was evaluated. The influence of the illumination regime (continuous light supply vs 12h/12h light/dark cycles) on the synthetic biogas upgrading efficiency, biomass productivity and nutrient removal efficiency was assessed in a High-Rate Algal Pond interconnected to a biogas absorption bubble column. No significant differences in the removal efficiency of CO2 and H2S (91.5±2% and 99.5%±0.5, respectively) were recorded regardless of the illumination regime. The high fluctuations of the dissolved oxygen concentration during operation under light/dark cycles allowed to evaluate the specific growth rate and the specific partial degradation rate of the microalgae biomass by photosynthesis and respiration, respectively. The respiration reduced the net microalgae biomass productivity under light/dark cycles compared with process operation under the continuous light supply.

Diurnal changes of arterial oxygen saturation and erythropoietin concentration in male and female highlanders.

In Caucasians and Native Americans living at altitude, hemoglobin mass is increased in spite of erythropoietin concentrations ([Epo]) not markedly differing from sea level values. We hypothesized that a nocturnal decrease of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) causes a temporary rise of [Epo] not detected by morning measurements. SaO2 (continuous, finger oximeter) and [Epo] (ELISA, every 4 h) were determined in young highlanders (altitude 2600 m) during 24 h of usual daily activity. In Series I (six male, nine female students), SaO2 fell during the night with the nadir occurring between 01:00 and 03:00; daily means (range 92.4-95.2%) were higher in females (+1.7%, P < 0.01). [Epo] showed opposite changes with zenith occurring at 04:00 without a sex difference. Mean daily values (22.9 ± 10.7SD U/L) were higher than values obtained at 08:00 (17.2 ± 9.5 U/L, P < 0.05). In Series II (seven females), only SaO2 was measured. During follicular and luteal phases, SaO2 variation was similar to Series I, but the rhythm was disturbed during menstruation. While daily [Epo] variations at sea level are not homogeneous, there is a diurnal variation at altitude following changes in SaO2 Larger hypoventilation-dependent decreases of alveolar PO2 decreases during the night probably cause a stronger reduction of SaO2 in highlanders compared to lowlanders. This variation might be enlarged by a diurnal fluctuation of Hb concentration. In spite of a lower [Hb], the higher SaO2 in women compared to men led to a similar arterial oxygen content, likely explaining the absence of differences in [Epo] between sexes.

Idiopathic meconium peritonitis as a surgical emergency: A case report in a newborn / Peritonitis meconial idiopática como urgencia quirúrgica. Reporte de caso en una recién nacida

Meconium peritonitis is a rarely described condition that is typically found in fetal and perinatal patients. It manifests in different ways and requires an early diagnosis. In this case report, a clinical suspicion of the disease was made at the antenatal period through an obstetric ultrasound scan showing an abdominal mass in both the bottom and top right quadrants. The patient initial symptoms were those of acute intestinal obstruction. Nevertheless, these symptoms improved after surgical approach was timely performed. Based on this outcome, it can be concluded that a favorable outcome to this pathology depends on its early diagnosis, since an early diagnosis decreases morbidity and mortality chances.

La peritonitis meconial es una entidad poco descrita, propia de la edad fetal y perinatal, que se presenta de diversas formas y requiere un diagnóstico temprano. En el presente caso se realiza sospecha clínica desde el periodo antenatal, por medio de una ecografía obstétrica que muestra una masa abdominal ocupando el cuadrante derecho inferior y superior. La paciente inicia con síntomas agudos de obstrucción intestinal que mejoran luego de un abordaje quirúrgico oportuno. De acuerdo a lo anterior, se concluye que un desenlace favorable en esta patología depende de un diagnóstico temprano, pues a través del mismo se disminuyen las probabilidades de morbilidad y mortalidad

Nevus lipomatosus superficialis in sacrococcygeal region. Case report in an infant / Nevo lipomatoso superficial solitario en región sacrococcígea. Reporte de caso en una lactante menor

Nevus lipomatosus superficialis is a benign tumor characterized by the presence of mature adipocytes located in the superficial layer of the dermis; its management is surgical and most of the time is reported in adults. This case presents a malformation from birth in the sacrococcygeal region over the lateral line to the right, which is why, after obtaining imaging studies to rule out an associated hidden dysraphism, surgery was decided for total resection of the mass, without complications. Finally, the pathology report diagnoses nevus lipomatosus superficialis, which constitutes a rare and unusual case based on the differential diagnoses and presentation.

El nevo lipomatoso superficial es un tumor benigno caracterizado por la presencia de adipocitos maduros localizados en la capa superficial de la dermis, su manejo es quirúrgico y la mayoría de veces se reporta en adultos. En el presente caso se evidencia una mal-formación desde el nacimiento en la región sacrococcígea sobre la línea media lateralizada hacia la derecha, razón por la cual, después de hacer estudios imagenológicos para descartar un disrafismo oculto asociado, se decide llevar a cirugía para resección total de la masa, sin presentarse complicaciones. Al final se recibe el reporte de patología donde se diagnostica nevo lipomatososo supercial, el cual, con los diagnósticos diferenciales y la forma de presentación, se convierte en un caso raro e inusual.

[Assessment of progesterone levels on the day of the hCG administration as a predictor of success of antagonist stimulation protocols for IVF]. / Evaluación de la concentración de progesterona el día de la administración de hCG como predictor de éxito en protocolos de estimulación con antagonista para fertilización in vitro.

BACKGROUND: There are reports of deleterious effect when progesterone concentration is high during the follicular phase in cycles of in vitro fertilization. In our environment has not carried out a study to evaluate the pregnancy rate compared with progesterone concentration on the day of application of hCG. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pregnancy rate and outcome of in vitro fertilization cycle according to serum progesterone concentration on the day of application of hCG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 486 cycles of in vitro fertilization was done in the Centro Mexicano de Fertilidad of CEPAM (Hospital Angeles de las Lomas) from January 2009 to February 2014. We included all cases where it was used a stimulation protocol GnRH antagonist flexible scheme. RESULTS: When levels of progesterone are high, those of estradiol are also high and the number of retrieved oocytes and oocyte quality are lower. There was no difference in the percentage of fertilization, but at higher concentration of progesterone lower percentage of embryonic segmentation. Difference was recorded in the pregnancy rate only when progesterone concentration on the day of hCG application was > 4 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy rate decreases when the concentration of progesterone on the day of hCG application is ≥ 4 ng/mL.