Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 serum levels, red blood cell folate concentrations, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and risk of recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study in Spain.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation have been postulated as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage (RM). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels among populations around the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia and its causative genetic or acquired factors and RM in Catalonia, a Mediterranean region in Spain. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with ≥ 3 unexplained RM and 30 healthy control women having at least one child but no previous miscarriage were included. Plasma Hcy levels, MTHFR gene mutation, red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in all subjects. Results: No significant differences were observed neither in plasma Hcy levels, RBC folate and vitamin B12 serum levels nor in the prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation between the two groups studied. Conclusions: In the present study RM is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and/or the MTHFR gene mutation

Assessment of the implantation of day-2 human embryos by morphometric nonsubjective parameters

Discuss: You can discuss this article with its authors and with other ASRM members at http:// fertstertforum.com/molinai-implantation-morphometric-nonsubjective/Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of image analysis in designing objective embryonic morphometric variables. Design: Retrospective study of 214 top-quality day-2 embryo photographs from 50 double-embryo transfers resulting in no pregnancy (group 0) and 57 resulting in twin pregnancy (group 1). Setting: Human reproduction unit. Patient(s): Study of 107 in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF ICSI) cycles in women age<36 years with doubleembryo transfer of top-quality embryos. Only the first cycle of IVF ICSI was included. Intervention(s): Standard IVF ICSI protocols. Main Outcome Measure(s): The embryo photographs were analyzed using the ImageJ program. The effects of the embryo variables and the clinical variables on embryo implantation were evaluated using a stepwise dichotomous logistic regression. Result(s): Significant differences were observed, owing to the women's ages, internal perimeter, roundness factor, and zona pellucida thickness. Embryos with smaller internal perimeter, circular shape, and thinner zona pellucida were more likely to implant. Conclusion(s): Morphometric variables lower the subjectivity of the current embryo grading systems. These variables are nonsubjective factors to consider when predicting implantation. Embryo image analysis is an accurate tool that can improve IVF ICSI outcomes and reduce the number of twin pregnancies. (Fertil Steril 2014;102:1022 8. 2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) Key Words: Embryo selection, embryo score, morphological and morphometric embryo variables, images analysis, embryo implantation, embryo grading systemsMolina Botella, MI.; Martinez-Sanchez, JV.; Pertusa, J.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Iniesta, I.; Pellicer, A. (2014). Assessment of the implantation of day-2 human embryos by morphometric nonsubjective parameters. Fertility and Sterility. 102(4):1022-1027. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.026S10221027102

Differences in Inter-Rectus Distance and Abdominopelvic Function between Nulliparous, Primiparous and Multiparous Women

Widening of the inter-rectus distance (IRD) is highly prevalent among postpartum women and can lead to dysfunction of abdominopelvic muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in IRD and abdominopelvic function between nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous women. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 women (25 nulliparous, 25 primiparous and 25 multiparous at 6 months postpartum). The participants underwent ultrasound assessment under three conditions (at rest, abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) and curl-up) at two locations (2 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus). Furthermore, abdominopelvic muscle function was determined by prone, supine and side bridge tests. In all conditions and locations, the IRD were significantly higher (p 0.05) IRD at rest and during ADIM compared to the primiparous women. Regarding abdominopelvic muscle function, differences were only significant (p < 0.05) between the nulliparous with primiparous women in prone and supine conditions. These findings suggest that parity influences IRD: women at 6 months postpartum present greater IRD compared to nulliparous women; multiparous women present greater IRD at rest and during the activation of deep abdominal muscles than primiparous women; and primiparous women exhibit worse abdominopelvic muscle function than nulliparous women

Estudio de las diferencias de costes de producción del cultivo de naranjo convencional, ecológico e integrado en la Comunidad Valenciana mediante el análisis factorial discriminante

[EN] The aim of this paper was to compare orange production costs in the region of Valencia (Spain), which depend on the way they are grown (conventional, IP or organically), identifying at the same time the cost differences between them. With this purpose, and after analysing the three orange populations cultivated in the region, a sample was designed taking into account not only the location of the plots, but also the irrigation system available at the farm level (drip or flow irrigation). Once the field work was completed, a multivariate analysis, concretely a factor discriminant analysis was implemented to reach the objectives of the research. The results obtained were consistent with the degree of adoption of the different alternative citrus production systems in the region studied.[ES] El propósito del presente trabajo es la comparación de los costes de producción del cultivo de naranjo en la Comunidad Valenciana según tres modalidades: cultivo convencional, en agricultura ecológica y en producción integrada, así como la identificación de las partidas de costes responsables de dichas diferencias. Para ello se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de las tres poblaciones de naranjo cultivadas, a partir del cual se ha diseñado una muestra estratificada por comarcas y según tipo de riego disponible en las parcelas. Los objetivos se han completado mediante el empleo de técnicas de análisis multivariante, en concreto del análisis factorial discriminante. Por último, se relacionan los resultados obtenidos con el mayor o menor grado de adopción de las técnicas alternativas en el cultivo del naranjo en la región estudiada.Peris Moll, EM.; Juliá Igual, JF.; Balasch Parisi, S. (2005). Production costs differences between conventional, organic and integrated orange farming systems in the region of Valencia (Spain) through factor discriminant analysis. Economía Agraria y Recursos Naturales - Agricultural and Resource Economics. 5(10):69-87. doi:10.7201/earn.2005.10.04SWORD698751

Influence of age, gender and obesity on pressure discomfort threshold of the foot: A cross-sectional study

[EN] Background: Foot pain is a highly prevalent health problem for which measures such as a pattern of Pressure Discomfort Threshold of the foot plantar surface can provide valuable information for orthosis design. This study aimed to describe such pattern as a tool for the assessment of painful conditions of the feet and to analyse how it modifies according to age, gender and obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with participants allocated in: Group 1 people aged 20 to 35 years, Group 2 aged 50 to 65 years and Group 3 aged over 65. Pressure Discomfort Threshold on twelve points of the foot plantar surface was measured with an adapted manual dynamometer. Inferential analyses of the data were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) considering foot areas, age group, gender and obesity. Findings: 36 participants were analysed. The pattern of Pressure Discomfort Threshold for all individuals showed a significantly higher threshold on the heel and external foot (P < 0.001, eta(2) = 0.124) and was statistical significantly influenced by age (P < 0.001, eta(2) = 0.17), especially in participants aged over 65; by gender, with women having higher values (P < 0.001, eta(2) = 0.13), and by obesity (P < 0.001, eta(2) = 0.19). Interpretation: A Pressure Discomfort Threshold pattern exists in the foot plantar surface. The characteristics of the discomfort pattern of the foot and its association with aging, gender and obesity may have considerable implications for orthosis and footwear design.Dueñas, L.; Arnal-Gómez, A.; Aparicio, I.; Balasch-Bernat, M.; López-Bueno, L.; Gonzalez Garcia, JC.; Solves Camallonga, C.... (2021). Influence of age, gender and obesity on pressure discomfort threshold of the foot: A cross-sectional study. Clinical Biomechanics. 82(105252):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105252S1782105252AKDEMIR, O., BILKAY, U., TIFTIKCIOGLU, Y. O., OZEK, C., YAN, H., ZHANG, F., & AKIN, Y. (2010). New alternative in treatment of callus. The Journal of Dermatology, 38(2), 146-150. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00978.xAnguera, J. A., & Gazzaley, A. (2012). Dissociation of motor and sensory inhibition processes in normal aging. Clinical Neurophysiology, 123(4), 730-740. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2011.08.024Awale, A., Dufour, A. B., Katz, P., Menz, H. B., & Hannan, M. T. (2016). Link Between Foot Pain Severity and Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms. Arthritis Care & Research, 68(6), 871-876. doi:10.1002/acr.22779Bacarin, T. A., Sacco, I. C. N., & Hennig, E. M. (2009). Plantar pressure distribution patterns during gait in diabetic neuropathy patients with a history of foot ulcers. Clinics, 64(2). doi:10.1590/s1807-59322009000200008Barlow, A., Braid, S., & Jayson, M. (1990). Foot problems in the elderly. Clinical Rehabilitation, 4(3), 217-222. doi:10.1177/026921559000400306Betts, R. P., Franks, C. I., & Duckworth, T. (1980). Analysis of pressure and loads under the foot. II. Quantitation of the dynamic distribution. Clinical Physics and Physiological Measurement, 1(2), 113-124. doi:10.1088/0143-0815/1/2/002Bus, S. A., Ulbrecht, J. S., & Cavanagh, P. R. (2004). Pressure relief and load redistribution by custom-made insoles in diabetic patients with neuropathy and foot deformity. Clinical Biomechanics, 19(6), 629-638. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2004.02.010Caravaggi, P., Giangrande, A., Lullini, G., Padula, G., Berti, L., & Leardini, A. (2016). In shoe pressure measurements during different motor tasks while wearing safety shoes: The effect of custom made insoles vs. prefabricated and off-the-shelf. Gait & Posture, 50, 232-238. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.09.013Duckworth, T., Boulton, A., Betts, R., Franks, C., & Ward, J. (1985). Plantar pressure measurements and the prevention of ulceration in the diabetic foot. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 67-B(1), 79-85. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.67b1.3968150Dufour, A. B., Broe, K. E., Nguyen, U.-S. D. T., Gagnon, D. R., Hillstrom, H. J., Walker, A. H., … Hannan, M. T. (2009). Foot pain: Is current or past shoewear a factor? Arthritis & Rheumatism, 61(10), 1352-1358. doi:10.1002/art.24733Von Elm, E., Altman, D. G., Egger, M., Pocock, S. J., Gøtzsche, P. C., & Vandenbroucke, J. P. (2008). The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 61(4), 344-349. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.11.008Fillingim, R. B. (2000). Sex, gender, and pain: Women and men really are different. Current Review of Pain, 4(1), 24-30. doi:10.1007/s11916-000-0006-6Gonzalez JC, García AC, Vivas MJ, Ferrús E, Alcántara E, Forner A. A new portable method for the measurement of pressure discomfort threshold on the foot plant. Fourth symposium of the Technical Group on Footwear Biomechanics. 5–7 August 1999. Canmore, Canada. International Society of Biomechanics.Gorter, K., Kuyvenhoven, M., & de Melker, R. (2000). Nontraumatic foot complaints in older people. A population-based survey of risk factors, mobility, and well-being. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 90(8), 397-402. doi:10.7547/87507315-90-8-397Greenspan, J. D., Craft, R. M., LeResche, L., Arendt-Nielsen, L., Berkley, K. J., Fillingim, R. B., … Traub, R. J. (2007). Studying sex and gender differences in pain and analgesia: A consensus report. Pain, 132(Supplement 1), S26-S45. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2007.10.014Hennig, E. M., & Sterzing, T. (2009). Sensitivity Mapping of the Human Foot: Thresholds at 30 Skin Locations. Foot & Ankle International, 30(10), 986-991. doi:10.3113/fai.2009.0986Hill, C. L., Gill, T. K., Menz, H. B., & Taylor, A. W. (2008). Prevalence and correlates of foot pain in a population-based study: the North West Adelaide health study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 1(1). doi:10.1186/1757-1146-1-2Hills, A., Hennig, E., McDonald, M., & Bar-Or, O. (2001). Plantar pressure differences between obese and non-obese adults: a biomechanical analysis. International Journal of Obesity, 25(11), 1674-1679. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0801785Hong, W.-H., Lee, Y.-H., Chen, H.-C., Pei, Y.-C., & Wu, C.-Y. (2005). Influence of Heel Height and Shoe Insert on Comfort Perception and Biomechanical Performance of Young Female Adults During Walking. Foot & Ankle International, 26(12), 1042-1048. doi:10.1177/107110070502601208Le Johansson, L., Kjellberg, A., Kilbom, A., & Hagg, G. M. (1999). Perception of surface pressure applied to the hand. Ergonomics, 42(10), 1274-1282. doi:10.1080/001401399184947Kwan, R. L.-C., Zheng, Y.-P., & Cheing, G. L.-Y. (2010). The effect of aging on the biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissues. Clinical Biomechanics, 25(6), 601-605. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.04.003Machado, Á. S., Bombach, G. D., Duysens, J., & Carpes, F. P. (2016). Differences in foot sensitivity and plantar pressure between young adults and elderly. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 63, 67-71. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2015.11.005McPoil, T. G., & Cornwall, M. W. (2006). Plantar tactile sensory thresholds in healthy men and women. The Foot, 16(4), 192-197. doi:10.1016/j.foot.2006.07.001Messing, K., & Kilbom, Å. (2001). Standing and very slow walking: foot pain-pressure threshold, subjective pain experience and work activity. Applied Ergonomics, 32(1), 81-90. doi:10.1016/s0003-6870(00)00030-2Mickle, K. J., & Steele, J. R. (2015). Obese older adults suffer foot pain and foot-related functional limitation. Gait & Posture, 42(4), 442-447. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.07.013Mickle, K. J., Munro, B. J., Lord, S. R., Menz, H. B., & Steele, J. R. (2010). Foot Pain, Plantar Pressures, and Falls in Older People: A Prospective Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 58(10), 1936-1940. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03061.xOkifuji, A., Bradshaw, D. H., & Olson, C. (2009). Evaluating obesity in fibromyalgia: neuroendocrine biomarkers, symptoms, and functions. Clinical Rheumatology, 28(4), 475-478. doi:10.1007/s10067-009-1094-2Redmond, A. C., Landorf, K. B., & Keenan, A.-M. (2009). Contoured, prefabricated foot orthoses demonstrate comparable mechanical properties to contoured, customised foot orthoses: a plantar pressure study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2(1). doi:10.1186/1757-1146-2-20Shrout, P. E., & Fleiss, J. L. (1979). Intraclass correlations: Uses in assessing rater reliability. Psychological Bulletin, 86(2), 420-428. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.86.2.420Veves, A., Murray, H. J., Young, M. J., & Boulton, A. J. M. (1992). The risk of foot ulceration in diabetic patients with high foot pressure: a prospective study. Diabetologia, 35(7), 660-663. doi:10.1007/bf00400259Weerasinghe, T. W., Goonetilleke, R. S., & Reischl, U. (2016). Pressure thresholds and stiffness on the plantar surface of the human foot. Ergonomics, 60(7), 985-996. doi:10.1080/00140139.2016.1229042Xiong, S., Goonetilleke, R. S., Witana, C. P., & Rodrigo, W. D. A. S. (2010). An indentation apparatus for evaluating discomfort and pain thresholds in conjunction with mechanical properties of foot tissue in vivo. The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 47(7), 629. doi:10.1682/jrrd.2009.09.0152Xiong, S., Goonetilleke, R. S., & Jiang, Z. (2011). Pressure thresholds of the human foot: measurement reliability and effects of stimulus characteristics. Ergonomics, 54(3), 282-293. doi:10.1080/00140139.2011.552736Xu, R., Wang, Z., Ma, T., Ren, Z., & Jin, H. (2019). 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Unveiling the effect of dietary essential oils supplementation in Sparus aurata gills and its efficiency against the infestation by Sparicotyle chrysophrii

A microencapsulated feed additive composed by garlic, carvacrol and thymol essential oils (EOs) was evaluated regarding its protective effect in gills parasitized by Sparicotyle chrysophrii in Sparus aurata. A nutritional trial (65 days) followed by a cohabitation challenge with parasitized fish (39 days) were performed. Transcriptomic analysis by microarrays of gills of fish fed the EOs diet showed an up-regulation of genes related to biogenesis, vesicular transport and exocytosis, leukocyte-mediated immunity, oxidation–reduction and overall metabolism processes. The functional network obtained indicates a tissue-specific pro-inflammatory immune response arbitrated by degranulating acidophilic granulocytes, sustained by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. The histochemical study of gills also showed an increase of carboxylate glycoproteins containing sialic acid in mucous and epithelial cells of fish fed the EOs diet, suggesting a mucosal defence mechanism through the modulation of mucin secretions. The outcomes of the in vivo challenge supported the transcriptomic results obtained from the nutritional trial, where a significant reduction of 78% in the abundance of S. chrysophrii total parasitation and a decrease in the prevalence of most parasitic developmental stages evaluated were observed in fish fed the EOs diet. These results suggest that the microencapsulation of garlic, carvacrol and thymol EOs could be considered an effective natural dietary strategy with antiparasitic properties against the ectoparasite S. chrysophrii.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unveiling the effect of dietary essential oils supplementation in Sparus aurata gills and its efficiency against the infestation by Sparicotyle chrysophrii

A microencapsulated feed additive composed by garlic, carvacrol and thymol essential oils (EOs) was evaluated regarding its protective effect in gills parasitized by Sparicotyle chrysophrii in Sparus aurata. A nutritional trial (65 days) followed by a cohabitation challenge with parasitized fish (39 days) were performed. Transcriptomic analysis by microarrays of gills of fish fed the EOs diet showed an up-regulation of genes related to biogenesis, vesicular transport and exocytosis, leukocyte-mediated immunity, oxidation–reduction and overall metabolism processes. The functional network obtained indicates a tissue-specific pro-inflammatory immune response arbitrated by degranulating acidophilic granulocytes, sustained by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. The histochemical study of gills also showed an increase of carboxylate glycoproteins containing sialic acid in mucous and epithelial cells of fish fed the EOs diet, suggesting a mucosal defence mechanism through the modulation of mucin secretions. The outcomes of the in vivo challenge supported the transcriptomic results obtained from the nutritional trial, where a significant reduction of 78% in the abundance of S. chrysophrii total parasitation and a decrease in the prevalence of most parasitic developmental stages evaluated were observed in fish fed the EOs diet. These results suggest that the microencapsulation of garlic, carvacrol and thymol EOs could be considered an effective natural dietary strategy with antiparasitic properties against the ectoparasite S. chrysophrii.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unveiling the effect of dietary essential oils supplementation in Sparus aurata gills and its efficiency against the infestation by Sparicotyle chrysophrii

Altres ajuts: Industrial PhD program of Generalitat de Catalunya (Doctorats Industrials) and TECNOVIT-FARMFAES S.L. (No. 2017 DI 017)A microencapsulated feed additive composed by garlic, carvacrol and thymol essential oils (EOs) was evaluated regarding its protective effect in gills parasitized by Sparicotyle chrysophrii in Sparus aurata. A nutritional trial (65 days) followed by a cohabitation challenge with parasitized fish (39 days) were performed. Transcriptomic analysis by microarrays of gills of fish fed the EOs diet showed an up-regulation of genes related to biogenesis, vesicular transport and exocytosis, leukocyte-mediated immunity, oxidation-reduction and overall metabolism processes. The functional network obtained indicates a tissue-specific pro-inflammatory immune response arbitrated by degranulating acidophilic granulocytes, sustained by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. The histochemical study of gills also showed an increase of carboxylate glycoproteins containing sialic acid in mucous and epithelial cells of fish fed the EOs diet, suggesting a mucosal defence mechanism through the modulation of mucin secretions. The outcomes of the in vivo challenge supported the transcriptomic results obtained from the nutritional trial, where a significant reduction of 78% in the abundance of S. chrysophrii total parasitation and a decrease in the prevalence of most parasitic developmental stages evaluated were observed in fish fed the EOs diet. These results suggest that the microencapsulation of garlic, carvacrol and thymol EOs could be considered an effective natural dietary strategy with antiparasitic properties against the ectoparasite S. chrysophrii

Low-frequency atmospheric variability patterns and synoptic types linked to large floods in the lower Ebro river basin

This study analyzes the atmospheric variability that caused the largest floods affecting the town of Tortosa, Spain, in the mouth of the Ebro River (northeast Iberian Peninsula). The Tortosa flood database and flood marks in the nearby town of Xerta are used to define the more relevant flooding episodes (discharges >2900 m3 s-1) of the 1600–2005 period. We explore the atmospheric variability based on low-frequency patterns and synoptic types applying a multivariable analysis to grids at sea level pressure and geopotential at 500 hPa provided by the twentieth-century V3 Reanalysis Project for the instrumental period (since 1836). Output from the Last Millennium Ensemble Project was used to analyze the sea level pressure over the pre-instrumental period (before 1836). Our analysis includes 33 flood episodes.This paper has been partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Innovation (CGL2016-75996-R and CGL2016-75475-R). The work of the Fluvalps-PaleoRisk Research Group (2017 SGR 507) was supported by the Catalan Institution for Research and Advances Studies. Author Schulte was funded by ICREA Academia 2011 and 2019. The authors are also grateful to the following entities: MAGRAMA,Postprint (updated version