15 research outputs found
Morphokinetic parameters of early embryo development via time lapse monitoring and their effect on embryo selection and ICSI outcomes: a prospective cohort study
PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of embryos selected via time lapse monitoring
(TLM) versus those selected with conventional methods of selection in subfertile
women undergoing ICSI.
METHODS: The study population (239 women) was classified into two groups, based
on the monitoring method used: Group 1 (TLM) and Group 2 (conventional
monitoring). Groups were compared according to the clinical and ICSI cycle
characteristics and reproductive outcomes, while transfers were performed at day
2 or 3. Subgroup analyses were performed, in women of both groups according to
age and clinical parameters, and in embryos of Group 1 based on their cellular
events.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the two study
groups with regard to the outcome parameters, favoring Group 1 and especially in
women >40 years of age. No differences were found in subgroup analyses in
participants of both groups, regarding the stimulation protocol used, number of
the oocytes retrieved and type of subfertility, while in Group 1 the percentages
of "in range" cellular events were higher in certain divisions in ages 35-40,
non-smokers, and the GnRH-agonist group, and in embryos that resulted in
pregnancy.
CONCLUSION: Morphokinetic parameters of early embryo development via TLM are
related to the characteristics of subfertile patients and associated with ICSI
outcomes
Hygienic quality of dehydrated aromatic herbs marketed in Southern Portugal
Dehydrated aromatic herbs are highly valued ingredients, widely used at home level and by food processing industry, frequently added to a great number of recipes in the Mediterranean countries. Despite being considered low-moisture products and classified as GRAS, during pre and post-harvesting stages of production they are susceptible of microbial contamination. In Europe an increasing number of food recalls and disease outbreaks associated with dehydrated herbs have been reported in recent years. In this study the microbial quality of 99 samples of aromatic herbs (bay leaves, basil, coriander, oregano, parsley, Provence herbs, rosemary and thyme) collected from retails shops in the region of Algarve (Southern Portugal) was assessed. All the samples were tested by conventional methods and were assayed for the total count of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci and filamentous fungi. Almost 50 % of the herbs did not exceed the aerobic mesophilic level of 104 CFU/g. The fungi count regarded as unacceptable (106 CFU/g) was not found in any of the tested herbs, while 84 % of the samples ranged from ≤102 to 104 CFU/g. No sample was positive for the presence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and staphylococci. The results are in compliance with the European Commission criteria although they point out to the permanent need of surveillance on the good standards of handling/cooking practices as well as the importance of avoiding contamination at production, retailing and distribution. The microbiological hazards associated with the pathogenic and toxigenic microbiota of dried herbs remain as a relevant public health issue, due to the fact that they are added to foods not submitted to any following lethal procedure. Control measures should be adopted in order to ensure that all phases of their supply chain respect the food safety standards.FCT: UID/BIA/04325/2019.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio