Analysis of milk adulteration by means of a potentiometric electronic tongue.

The adulteration of milk presents significant challenges in the food industry, promoting the need for efficient detection methods. This study introduces a potentiometric electronic tongue for rapid and accurate milk adulteration detection. Utilizing polymeric membranes integrated with various additives, the electronic tongue distinguishes between different milk types and detects common adulterants. Experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness in discriminating raw, pasteurized, and medicated cow milk, as well as goat milk. Moreover, it successfully identifies adulterants like water and bovine milk in goat milk samples. Chemometric analyses, including Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares regression, correlate sensor responses with traditional milk parameters such as fat, protein, and lactose content with up to a 0.97 R2 on the validation step. Strong correlations validate the electronic tongue's potential for rapid milk quality assessment. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective, reliable solution for detecting milk adulteration in contrast with current techniques that require numerous, time consuming experiments.

Zygomorphic flowers last longer: the evolution of floral symmetry and floral longevity.

Floral longevity, the length of time a flower remains open and functional, is a phylogenetically conserved trait that balances floral costs against the rate at which flowers are pollinated. Floral symmetry has long been considered a key trait in floral evolution. Although zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetric) flowers typically receive fewer floral visitors than actinomorphic (radially symmetric) flowers, it is yet to be determined whether this could be associated with longer floral longevity. Using newly collected field data combined with data from the literature on 1452 species in 168 families, we assess whether floral longevity covaries with floral symmetry in a phylogenetic framework. We find that zygomorphic flowers last on average 1.1 days longer than actinomorphic flowers, a 26.5% increase in longevity, with considerable variation across both groups. Our results provide a basis to discuss the ecological and evolutionary costs of zygomorphy for plants. Despite these costs, zygomorphy has evolved numerous times throughout angiosperm history, and we discuss which rewards may outweigh the costs of slower pollination in zygomorphic flowers.

E-consults between primary care and internal medicine: implementation, accessibility, benefits, and implications.

AIM: This work aims to evaluate whether electronic consultations (e-consults) are a clinically useful, safe tool for assessing patients between primary care and internal medicine. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all e-consults ordered by the Primary Care Department to the Internal Medicine Department between September 2019 and December 2023. The results of initial consultations, emergency department visits and subsequent admissions, and survival were assessed and complaints and claims filed were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 11,434 e-consults were recorded (55.4% women) with a mean age of 62.1 (SD19.4) years and a wide range (15-102 years). The mean response time was 2.55 (SD 1.6) days. As a result of the e-consults, 5645 patients (49.4%) were given an in-person appointment. For the remaining 5789 (50.6%), a written response was provided. Among those given appointments, the time between the response and in-person appointment was less than five days (95% of cases). Compared to those not given appointments, in-person appointments were older (p < 0.0001), visited the emergency department more times (one month: p = 0.04; three months: p = 0.001), were admitted to the hospital more times (one month: p = 0.0001; three months: p = 0.0001), and had higher mortality at one year (12.7% vs. 9.8% p = 0.0001). In the Cox analysis, only in-person appointments (RR = 1.11; p = 0.04)) and age (RR = 1.09; p < 0.01) were independent factors of mortality. No complaints or claims of any kind were registered. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that e-consults are a clinically useful, safe tool for assessing patients referred from primary care to internal medicine departments.

Conceptos de criobiología y fisiología ovárica en la preservación de la fertilidad / Concepts of cryobiology and ovarian physiology in fertility preservation

La criobiología se enfoca en entender cómo reaccionan los materiales biológicos a temperaturas muy bajas. Este campo ha experimentado avances significativos, particularmente en el ámbito de la reproducción asistida, donde se han desarrollado programas para preservar la fertilidad. Estos desarrollos revisten importancia crítica para quienes exploran alternativas en materia de fertilidad y preservación de gametos. Por otro lado, la preservación de la fertilidad tiene como objetivo proteger la capacidad reproductiva de una persona por diferentes condiciones de salud, tratamientos médicos o razones sociales que la puedan comprometer. Las técnicas aceptadas para la preservación de fertilidad en humanos son la criopreservación de gametos y de embriones. Existe evidencia prometedora creciente sobre distintas técnicas experimentales dentro de este campo, como la crioconservación del tejido gonadal, o estrategias de maduración in vitro, así como nuevas metodologías en los protocolos criogénicos que supondrán una optimización de los resultados y un punto de inflexión dentro del campo de la reproducción asistida. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar el estado del arte de las estrategias actuales ofrecidas a las mujeres en el contexto de preservación de la fertilidad, revisar los avances en criobiología y su papel en la evolución de este ámbito.(AU)

Cryobiology focuses on understanding how biological materials react to very low temperatures. This field has experienced significant advances, particularly in the field of assisted reproduction, where programs have been developed to preserve fertility. These developments are of critical importance for those exploring alternatives in fertility and gamete preservation. Fertility preservation aims to protect a person's reproductive capacity under various health conditions, medical treatments, and social reasons that may compromise it. Accepted techniques for human fertility preservation include the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. There is growing promising evidence on different experimental techniques within this field, such as cryopreservation of gonadal tissue or in vitro maturation strategies, as well as new methodologies in cryogenic protocols that will optimize results and mark a turning point in the field of assisted reproduction. This work aims to explore the current state-of-the-art strategies offered to women in the context of fertility preservation, review advances in cryobiology, and its role in the evolution of this area.(AU)

Preservación de la fertilidad en personas transgénero del espectro masculino. Revisión narrativa de la literatura / Fertility preservation in transmasculine people: Narrative review

La terapia hormonal de afirmación de género con testosterona (GAHT, por sus siglas en inglés) permite, a las personas transgénero del espectro masculino, modificar las características sexuales secundarias del sexo asignado al nacer, aliviando así los síntomas de la disforia de género durante el proceso denominado transición. Sin embargo, se debe tener presente que se desconoce, en la actualidad, el efecto de la GAHT sobre la fertilidad a largo plazo, y el potencial efecto gonadotóxico de la misma. La demanda de un correcto asesoramiento reproductivo y la opción de realizar técnicas de preservación de la fertilidad (PF) han aumentado de forma exponencial en los últimos años, comportando cambios profundos en el manejo clínico de estas personas. En este artículo se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre el efecto de la GAHT a nivel reproductivo y en la fertilidad, junto con las técnicas de PF disponibles en este colectivo, principalmente la vitrificación de ovocitos. Además, realizamos un análisis de los resultados reproductivos publicados hasta la fecha tras el uso de técnicas de preservación, y exponemos los últimos avances de laboratorio en relación con la criopreservación de tejido ovárico y la maduración in vitro de ovocitos, junto con las opciones de futuro en población transgénero del espectro masculino.(AU)

Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in transmasculine people (individuals who identify as men or on the masculine spectrum and were assigned female sex at birth) makes it possible to modify the secondary sexual characteristics of the sex assigned at birth, thus alleviating the symptoms of gender dysphoria, during the process called transition. However, it is necessary to highlight that the effect of GAHT on long-term fertility and its potential gonadotoxic effects are currently unknown. Knowledge of the effects of testosterone on fertility and reproduction has increased recently, whilst the request for comprehensive reproductive counselling and the option of performing fertility preservation (FP) techniques have increased exponentially in recent years, leading to profound changes in the clinical management of this population. In this review, we analyzed all the information published regarding the effect of GAHT on reproduction and the FP techniques available in this group, mainly oocyte vitrification. In addition, we carry out an exhaustive analysis of the reproductive results published to date after the use of preservation techniques and present the latest laboratory advances concerning ovarian tissue cryopreservation and in vitro oocyte maturation, together with future options in the transmasculine people.(AU)

Clinical suspicion, diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis: update document and executive summary.

In recent years, the interest in cardiac amyloidosis has grown exponentially. However, there is a need to improve our understanding of amyloidosis in order to optimise early detection systems. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate solutions to improve the suspicion, diagnosis and follow-up of cardiac amyloidosis. In this sense, we designed a tool following the different phases to reach the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, as well as an optimal follow-up: a) clinical suspicion, where the importance of the "red flags" to suspect it and activate the diagnostic process is highlighted; 2) diagnosis, where the diagnostic algorithm is mainly outlined; and 3) follow-up of confirmed patients. This is a practical resource that will be of great use to all professionals caring for patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis, to improve its early detection, as well as to optimise its accurate diagnosis and optimal follow-up.

Effects of internet and smartphone addiction on cognitive control in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of fMRI studies.

BACKGROUND: Internet Addiction (IA) refers to excessive or uncontrolled behaviors related to Internet access, causing impairment or distress. Similarly, Smartphone Addiction (SPA) involves the excessive use of smartphones, disrupting users' daily lives. Cognitive control plays a relevant role in the development of IA and SPA, with executive functions and rewards processing being particularly important. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide a synthesis of scientific evidence on the differential effects of IA and SPA on cognition in young adults and adolescents, using fMRI. METHODS: Relevant articles published between 2013 and May 2023 were identified following the PRISMA protocol. RESULTS: Included studies (n = 21) revealed that both behavioral addictions were associated with impairments in cognitive control related to reward processing (ACC, insula, amygdala) and executive function (DLPFC, frontal, parietal lobes) in adolescents and young adults. CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence for neuroanatomical similarities between IA and SPA in young adults and adolescents related to executive functions and rewards processing. However, differential effects of SPA and IA on cognitive control were not found in this study. Future research should explore the relationship between these addictions with other cognitive domains to further expand our understanding within this field. While both IA and SPA involve the excessive use of online technology, SPA could involve a higher risk, given that smartphones allow internet connectivity anytime.

Meningoencephalitis caused by Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae in an infant from southern Spain.

Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) is an emergent pathogen that mainly causes gastroenteritis. Also, it causes ear, wound infections, and bacteremia but the nervous system is rarely affected. We report on a case of NOVC meningoencephalitis in an infant that recovered after antimicrobial therapy but later presented neurologic sequelae.

Biting rhythms and infection rates of anthropophilic sand fly species (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in sites with different land use in southern Mexico.

Could tropical forest conversion shape sand fly (Diptera: Phlebotominae) biting rhythms and Leishmania infection rates? Using a Shannon trap, we estimated the bite rate and infection prevalence among anthropophilic sand flies at sites with different land use in southern Mexico. We estimated the expected monthly infection rate of the Leishmania parasite along the gradient and generated information on the biting rhythm of sand flies in a poorly characterized cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic region. We used generalized mixed linear and mixed additives models to evaluate differences in the biting rate, nocturnal activity, and inoculation rate of female sand flies, as well as their relationship with the loss of forest cover and environmental disparities recorded throughout the study area. Our results show that the loss of forest cover influences the biting rhythm of sand fly species and the potential number of infectious bites with Leishmania, but the greatest entomological and potential epidemiological risk continues to be associated with sylvatic areas (amplification events). Despite this, we detected that the effect of forest cover (%) on the entomological exposure seems to be also dependent on the sand fly species, and that, albeit to a lesser extent, Leishmania parasite is circulating in disturbed landscapes through generalist and competent sand fly vector species. We also found that land use change did not affect the nocturnal activity, however we detected that important vector species were active most of the time. Contrary to our expectation, temperature and humidity did not shape the biting rhythm of sand fly species. We discuss the limitations and epidemiological implications of our findings regarding the risk of contracting leishmaniasis in southern Mexico.

REALMS: Resilient exploration and lunar mapping system.

Space resource utilisation is opening a new space era. The scientific proof of the presence of water ice on the south pole of the Moon, the recent advances in oxygen extraction from lunar regolith, and its use as a material to build shelters are positioning the Moon, again, at the centre of important space programs. These worldwide programs, led by ARTEMIS, expect robotics to be the disrupting technology enabling humankind's next giant leap. However, Moon robots require a high level of autonomy to perform lunar exploration tasks more efficiently without being constantly controlled from Earth. Furthermore, having more than one robotic system will increase the resilience and robustness of the global system, improving its success rate, as well as providing additional redundancy. This paper introduces the Resilient Exploration and Lunar Mapping System, developed with a scalable architecture for semi-autonomous lunar mapping. It leverages Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping techniques on multiple rovers to map large lunar environments. Several resilience mechanisms are implemented, such as two-agent redundancy, delay invariant communications, a multi-master architecture different control modes. This study presents the experimental results of REALMS with two robots and its potential to be scaled to a larger number of robots, increasing the map coverage and system redundancy. The system's performance is verified and validated in a lunar analogue facility, and a larger lunar environment during the European Space Agency (ESA)-European Space Resources Innovation Centre Space Resources Challenge. The results of the different experiments show the efficiency of REALMS and the benefits of using semi-autonomous systems.

Relevance of subclinical right ventricular dysfunction measured by feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) is associated with cardiovascular events. To analyze the feasibility of assessing RV myocardial deformation by feature tracking (FT)-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and its usefulness as a prognostic marker. METHODS: Retrospective study of NICM patients undergoing CMR. Longitudinal FT-RV free wall (LFT-RVFW) and fractional area change (FAC) were obtained. Correlation with standard RV parameters was studied. An association with combined event (heart failure (HF), ICD implantation or cardiovascular death) was assessed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: 98 patients (64 ± 13 years) were included. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function (LVEF 29.5 ± 9.6%, 47% with LVEF ≥ 30%) and RV (RVEF 52.2 ± 14.6%, 72% with RVEF ≥ 45%). Follow-up of 38 ± 17 months, 26.5% presented at least one admission for HF. An excellent correlation of LFT-RVFW (r = 0.82) and FAC (r = 0.83) with RVEF was evident. No association of RV-FT parameters with prognosis entire study population was found. However, in patients with LVEF ≥ 30%, admissions for HF were associated with lower LFT-RVFW (-21.6 ± 6.6% vs -31.3 ± 10%; p = 0.006) and FAC (36.6 ± 9.6% vs 50.5 ± 13.4%; p < 0.001) values. Similar differences were observed when only patients with RVEF ≥ 45% were considered. An LFT-RVFW cut-off point of -19.5% and FAC of 36.5% showed good prognostic performance. Decreased LFT-RVFW or FAC represented an independent predictor of combined event in patients with LVEF ≥ 30%. CONCLUSIONS: In NICM patients without severe LV dysfunction, decreased values of LFT-RVFW and/or FAC were associated with HF admissions, independently of RVEF.

Pain extent is associated with Central Sensitization Inventory but not widespread pressure pain sensitivity or psychological variables in women with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between pain extent, as a clinical sign of central sensitization, and clinical, psychological, and pressure sensitivity in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHOD: In this study, 126 females with FMS completed demographic (age, gender, body mass index, height, weight), clinical (pain history, and pain intensity at rest and during daily living activities), psychological (depression and anxiety levels), and neurophysiological [pressure pain threshold (PPT)] assessments. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was also used to collect self-reported symptoms of sensitization. Pain extent and frequency maps were obtained from pain drawings using customized software. After conducting a multivariable correlation analysis to determine the relationships between variables, a stepwise linear regression model analysis was performed to identify variables associated with pain extent. RESULTS: Pain extent was positively associated with age (r = 0.17), years with pain (r = 0.27), pain during daily life activities (r = 0.27), and CSI (r = 0.42) (all p < 0.05). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 27.8% of the pain extent was explained by CSI, age, and years with pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that larger pain extent was associated with self-reported outcomes, i.e. CSI, but not neurophysiological outcomes, i.e. PPTs, of sensitization in women with FMS. Older age and a longer history with pain symptoms were also associated with larger pain extent.

Effect of growing forage legumes on the migration and survival in the pasture of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.

In order to identify types of forage that inhibit pasture contamination, an evaluation was performed of the effect of the forage legumes Trifolium repens (white clover), Trifolium pratense (red clover) and Lotus corniculatus (bird's-foot-trefoil) on the survival and migration of infective larvae (L3) of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep. An experimental area of 441 m2 was divided into four blocks, subdivided into areas of 1.20 × 1.20 in which the three forage legumes were separately overseeded. After growth of the forage in each subdivision, experimental units were established that were later artificially contaminated with sheep faeces containing GIN eggs. Between October and December 2018, pasture, faecal and soil samples were collected on four occasions during weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 after the deposition of faeces. In week 6, the forage legumes in all the experimental units were mown to simulate grazing. The number of L3 was quantified to determine their survival in the pasture, faeces and soil. In addition, the horizontal migration of L3 was measured at two distances from the faecal pellets (10 and 30 cm), as well as their vertical migration at two heights of the plant stems, that is, lower half and upper half. Larvae vertical migration was affected by the forage species (P < 0.001), in that bird's-foot-trefoil contained fewer larvae in the upper stratum. Bird's-foot-trefoil restricted the migration of L3 to the upper stratum of the plant, which could potentially decrease the risk of infection by intestinal nematodes in grazing sheep.

EMMPRIN is an emerging protein capable of regulating cancer hallmarks.

EMMPRIN, also known as Basigin or CD147, is a transmembrane glycoprotein member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed basally in cells that regulate physiological processes of the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. However, EMMPRIN is also capable of interacting with different proteins, like VEGFR, SMAD4, Integrin, MCT, CyPA, GLUT1, CAIV, Annexin II, Cav-1, CAML, etc., and regulating signaling pathways that stimulate the cell processes of proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, adhesion, invasion, migration, metastasis, tumor immune response, and angiogenesis processes, which favors the development of different types of cancer. EMMPRIN is the first protein reported that favors cancer development due to its ability to interact with extracellular, intracellular, and membrane proteins. In conclusion, EMMPRIN regulates several proteins associated with the development of tumor processes. Therefore, blocking the expression of EMMPRIN can be a therapeutic target, and the analysis of its expression can be used as an important biomarker in cancer.

Telemedicina en retinopatía del prematuro: Atravesando fronteras en la salud visual pediátrica. Estudio TELEROP / Telemedicine in retinopathy of prematurity: Crossing borders in pediatric vision health. TELEROP study

Objetivo general Evaluar la precisión y validez de imágenes vía teléfono inteligente en comparación con el sistema RetCam® para el diagnóstico de retinopatía del prematuro (ROP). Metodología Estudio observacional, de corte longitudinal y enmascarado realizado en el hospital Dr. Elías Santana. Se incluyeron infantes con peso al nacer ≤ 1.500 g, edad gestacional ≤ 30 semanas y/o pacientes expuestos a factores de riesgo o complicaciones ligadas a ROP. Estos sujetos fueron tamizados empleando imágenes vía teléfono inteligente o RetCam®, ambos comparados con la fondoscopía convencional. Se utilizó la clasificación de ICROP para la estadificación. Los resultados principales analizados fueron sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos e índice kappa. Resultados Se obtuvieron 915 imágenes (n = 121), distribuidas en grupo teléfono inteligente (50,4%) y grupo RetCam® (49,6%) entre agosto del 2020 y marzo del 2021. Los sujetos que presentaron ROP tuvieron menor edad gestacional (30,2 sem ± 2.8), peso al nacer (1.361 g ± 398) y mayor exposición a oxigenoterapia (12,8 días ± 11,3). El grupo RetCam® presentó sensibilidad = 80%, especificidad = 78%, valor predictivo positivo = 90% e índice kappa = 0,70. El grupo teléfono inteligente presentó sensibilidad = 88%, especificidad = 90%, valor predictivo positivo = 93,75% e índice kappa = 0,81. Conclusiones Ambos métodos diagnósticos fueron precisos para identificar ROP. El grupo teléfono inteligente obtuvo resultados superiores con una excelente resolución, representando un método costo-efectivo para crear un impacto global en la reducción de la ceguera prevenible en población pediátrica (AU)

General objective To evaluate the accuracy and validity of images with smartphone compared to the RetCam® system for the diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methodology Observational, longitudinal and masked study carried out at the Dr. Elías Santana hospital. Infants with birth weight ≤ 1500 g, gestational age ≤ 30 weeks and/or patients exposed to risk factors or complications linked to ROP were included. These subjects were screened using images with smartphone or RetCam®, both compared to conventional fundoscopy. The ICROP classification was used for staging. The main results analyzed were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and kappa index. Results 915 images (n = 121) were obtained, distributed in smartphone group (50.4%) and RetCam® group (49.6%) between August 2020 and March 2021. Subjects with ROP had lower gestational age (30.2 sem ± 2.8), birth weight (1361 g ± 398), and greater exposure to oxygen therapy (12.8 days ± 11.3). The RetCam® group presented sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 78%, positive predictive value = 90% and kappa index = 0.70. The smartphone group presented sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 90%, positive predictive value = 93.75% and kappa index = 0.81. Conclusions Both diagnostic methods were accurate to identify ROP. The smartphone group obtained superior results with excellent resolution, representing a cost-effective method to create a global impact on reducing preventable blindness in the pediatric population (AU)

Telemedicine in retinopathy of prematurity: Crossing borders in pediatric vision health. TELEROP study.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and validity of images with smartphone compared to the RetCam® system for the diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODOLOGY: Observational, longitudinal and masked study carried out at the Dr. Elías Santana hospital. Infants with birth weight ≤1500 g, gestational age ≤30 weeks and/or patients exposed to risk factors or complications linked to ROP were included. These subjects were screened using images with smartphone or RetCam®, both compared to conventional fundoscopy. The ICROP classification was used for staging. The main results analyzed were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and kappa index. RESULTS: 915 images (n = 121) were obtained, distributed in smartphone group (50.4%) and RetCam® group (49.6%) between August 2020 and March 2021. Subjects with ROP had lower gestational age (30.2 sem ± 2.8), birth weight (1361 g ± 398), and greater exposure to oxygen therapy (12.8 days ± 11.3). The RetCam® group presented sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 78%, positive predictive value = 90% and kappa index = 0.70. The smartphone group presented sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 90%, positive predictive value = 93.75% and kappa index = 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: Both diagnostic methods were accurate to identify ROP. The smartphone group obtained superior results with excellent resolution, representing a cost-effective method to create a global impact on reducing preventable blindness in the pediatric population.

Biomechanical characteristics of the ovarian cortex in POI patients and functional outcomes after drug-free IVA.

PURPOSE: There is increasing evidence that the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in follicle development. The rigidity of the cortical ECM limits expansion of the follicle and consequently oocyte maturation, maintaining the follicle in its quiescent state. Quiescent primordial, primary, and secondary follicles still exist in primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients, and techniques as in vitro activation (IVA) and drug-free IVA have recently been developed aiming to activate these follicles based on the Hippo signaling disruption that is essential in mechanotransduction. In this context, we analyze the effect of drug-free IVA in POI patients, comparing the relationship between possible resumption ovarian function and biomechanical properties of ovarian tissue. METHODS: Nineteen POI patients according to ESHRE criteria who underwent drug-free IVA by laparoscopy between January 2018 and December 2019 and were followed up for a year after the intervention. A sample of ovarian cortex taken during the intervention was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in order to quantitatively measure tissue stiffness (Young's elastic modulus, E) at the micrometer scale. Functional outcomes after drug-free were analyzed. RESULTS: Resumption of ovarian function was observed in 10 patients (52.6%) and two of them became pregnant with live births. There were no differences in clinical characteristics (age and duration of amenorrhea) and basal hormone parameters (FSH and AMH) depending on whether or not there was activation after surgery. However, ovarian cortex stiffness was significantly greater in patients with ovarian activity after drug-free IVA: median E = 5519 Pa (2260-11,296) vs 1501 (999-3474); p-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanical properties of ovarian cortex in POI patients have a great variability, and higher ovarian tissue stiffness entails a more favorable status when drug-free IVA is applied in their treatment. This status is probably related to an ovary with more residual follicles, which would explain a greater possibility of ovarian follicular reactivations after treatment.