Lagartijas del fin del mundo: una nueva especie melánica de Phymaturus del clado patagonicus de roquedales en la estepa noroeste de la provincia de Chubut, Patagonia Argentina (Reptilia: Iguania: Liolaemidae)

A new Phymaturus species is described as a new member of the “patagonicus” group of the genus. The Patagonian lizard genus Phymaturus is regarded as a candidate for non-adaptive radiation given the tendency toward non-overlapping distributions among its phenotypically and ecologically similar species (i.e., niche conservatism). In this paper, we provide the description of a sexually monomorphic species new to this clade. It is distinguished from other members of the patagonicus group by having metric and meristic differences, as well as by a peculiar, almost homogeneous, black colour pattern over the whole body. It lives at about 1000 m of altitude in very dark basalt rocky outcrops, in northwestern Chubut Province, Argentina. The new species is morphologically compared with the closely related species of the patagonicus group, and its distribution and natural history are highlighted.Se describe una nueva especie perteneciente al grupo “patagonicus” del género Phymaturus. Las lagartijas de este género patagónico son consideradas como candidatos de una radiación no adaptativa dada la tendencia a no tener sobreposición de su distribución entre especies fenotípica y ecológicamente similares (ejemplo de conservación del nicho). En este trabajo, se provee la descripción de una nueva especie sexualmente monomórfica de este clado. Ella puede ser distinguida de otros miembros del grupo patagonicus por tener diferencias métricas y merísticas, además de un peculiar color negro casi homogéneo en todo su cuerpo. Ellos viven a una altitud alrededor de 1000 msnm en roquedales basálticos muy oscuros, en el noroeste de la provincia de Chubut, Argentina. La nueva especie se compara morfológicamente con las especies cercanamente relacionadas del grupo patagonicus, y se destaca su distribución e historia natural.Fil: Scolaro, Jose Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia ; ArgentinaFil: Corbalán, Valeria Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto Arg.de Inv.en Zonas Aridas (i); ArgentinaFil: Tappari, Osvaldo Fabián. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia ; ArgentinaFil: Obregon Streitenberger, Rosa Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentin

appraisal of clinical complications after 23 827 oocyte retrievals in a large assisted reproductive technology program

Objective To assess complications encountered after transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedures. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting University hospital, fertility center. Patient(s) A total of 23,827 consecutive transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedures in 12,615 patients. Intervention(s) Oocyte retrieval procedures performed between June 1996 and October 2016. Main Outcome Measure(s) All oocyte retrieval complications. Those requiring hospital admission for at least 24 hours were considered severe. Result(s) A total of 96 patients (0.76 %) suffered complications, with hospital admission necessary for 71 patients (0.56 %). When calculated per retrieval, the overall complication rate was 0.4%, whereas 0.29% was the admission rate, with an average duration of hospital stay of 2.77 ± 2.5 days. A surgical procedure was necessary for 24 patients (0.1% per retrieval and 0.19% per patient). Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between complications and women age, body mass index (BMI), the number oocyte retrieved, and the mean time to complete oocyte retrieval. The incidence of complications was significantly higher for physicians who had performed 250 retrievals (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.99). Conclusion(s) Oocyte retrieval can be considered a safe procedure but is not without risks. The most important, identifiable, risk factors for the occurrence of complications are: [1] high number of oocytes retrieved, [2] a long duration of the procedure and mean time per oocyte retrieved, [3] inexperience of the surgeon, [4] younger patients with a lesser BMI, and [5] history of prior abdominal or pelvic surgery or pelvic inflammatory disease. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT03282279

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Una nueva especie del género Phymaturus del grupo flagelliger del centro-oeste de Mendoza, Argentina (Reptilia: Iguania: Liolaemidae)

Se describe una nueva especie de Phymaturus del grupo flagellifer (= palluma), que habita la Reserva Laguna del Diamante (San Carlos, provincia de Mendoza), bajo el binomio Phymaturus gynechlomus. Los caracteres merísticos y morfométricos son comparados con las especies vecinas geográficas del mismo grupo. La nueva especie se destaca por la coloración dorsal uniforme de la hembra, con ausencia del patrón de manchas, ocelos o estrías oscuras irregulares que la diferencia de las hembras de las restantes especies conocidas de este grupo.A new Phymaturus species of the flagellifer (= palluma) group inhabiting the Reserve Laguna del Diamante (San Carlos, Mendoza province) is described herein as Phymaturus gynechlomus. The meristic and morphometric characters of this new specie are compared to the equivalent set of traits of other geographically close species of the same group. The new species stands out for the uniform dorsal colour of females, with an absence of a pattern of spots, dark irregular ocellus or grooves which differentiate it from the females of the other known species of the group.Fil: Corbalán, Valeria Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Scolaro, Jose Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Debandi, Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

DNA Barcoding of Phymaturus Lizards Reveals Conflicts in Species Delimitation within the patagonicus Clade

Under the DNA Barcode initiative, we used the mitochondrial locus cytochrome c oxidase I to test if this molecular marker would reliably distinguish among lizard species of the patagonicus clade of Phymaturus. Using 18 described species and two populations of unidentified species, we calculated intra- and interpopulation genetic distances for all operational taxonomic units and performed phylogenetic reconstructions using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. We identified different species that share the same barcode index number (BIN). We recorded only 12 of the 18 previously described species and one candidate species from the new population. By comparing our results with published morphological and molecular phylogenies, as well as with previous debates, we propose possible explanations for this. In some cases (such as the group with the same BIN formed by Phymaturus spurcus, Phymaturus spectabilis, Phymaturus excelsus, and Phymaturus agilis), where other authors debated the identity of the species, we suggest that the low genetic distances could be attributable to the presence of one species with high polymorphism. On the other hand, in geographically isolated species such as the group formed by Phymaturus payuniae and Phymaturus nevadoi, the group formed by Phymaturus somuncurensis and Phymaturus ceii, and the group formed by Phymaturus indistinctus and Phymaturus videlai, the topology of the phylogenetic trees indicates that the low genetic distances (also found by other authors analyzing cytochrome b) could be attributable to shared ancestral polymorphism resulting from incomplete lineage sorting.EEA JunínFil: Corbalán, Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Corbalán, Valeria. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentina.Fil: Debandi, Guillermo Oscar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Junín; Argentina.Fil: Scolaro, José Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Scolaro, José Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Ojeda, Agustina A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Ojeda, Agustina A. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentina

Description of Phymaturus katenke, a new species of lizard (Iguania: Liolaemidae) discovered through DNA barcoding

We describe a new sexually monomorphic species of the Phymaturus patagonicus group, called Phymaturus katenke. It lives at about 800 m altitude on basaltic outcrops, in the central steppe of Chubut Province, Argentina. Here, we morphologically compared individuals of the studied population with the phylogenetically related and geographically neighbouring congenerics from the patagonicus group. Its distribution and natural history are pointed out.Fil: Scolaro, Jose Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Corbalán, Valeria Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Obregón Streitenberger, Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Tappari, Osvaldo Fabián. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentin

Antifouling Systems Based on Copper and Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Silica, Titania, and Silica/Titania Mixed Oxides

Silica, titania, and mixed silica–titania powders have been used as supports for loading 5 wt% Cu, 5 wt% Ag, and 2.5 wt% Cu-2.5 wt% Ag with the aim of providing a series of nanomaterials with antifouling properties. All the solids were easily prepared by the wetness-impregnation method from commercially available chemical precursors. The resulting materials were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, and temperature-programmed reduction measurements. Four selected Cu and Ag SiO2- and TiO2-supported powders were tested as fillers for the preparation of marine antifouling coatings and complex viscosity measurements. Titania-based coatings showed better adhesion than silica-based coatings and the commercial topcoat. The addition of fillers enhances the resin viscosity, suggesting better workability of titania-based coatings than silica-based ones. The ecotoxicological performance of the powders was evaluated by Microtox luminescence tests, using the marine luminescent bacterium Vibrio fisheri. Further investigations of the microbiological activity of such materials were carried out focusing on the bacterial growth of Pseudoalteromonas sp., Alteromonas sp., and Pseudomonas sp. through measurements of optical density at 600 nm (OD600nm)

Effect of a new oral contraceptive with estradiol valerate/dienogest on carbohydrate metabolism

Background: Insulin resistance may be induced by both the estrogen and progestin component in hormonal contraception. When estrogen dose is reduced from 50 to 20 mcg, the extent of hyperinsulinemia decreases. Recently, the oral combination contraceptive (COC) containing estradiol valerate (E2V) in combination with dienogest (DNG) was developed in a new estrogen step-down, progesterone step-up dosing strategy (Qlaira, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals). This study was conducted to evaluate of the effect of a 3-month treatment with E2V/DNG on carbohydrate metabolism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. Study Design: Study consisted of subjects attending the gynecological clinic of Siena or Pisa, with PCOS and insulin resistance, and without contraindications for the use of COCs. PCOS females (n=20) aged 18 to 33 years were treated with a contraceptive formulation containing E2V/DNG for 3 months. Before treatment and during the third month of therapy, body mass index (BMI) measurement and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. Results: Median values of insulin after treatment were lower than median values before treatment. In particular, the median value of insulin at To was reduced by 54.6% (p<.001), and the mean difference between time 0 and 30 min was significantly reduced [42.96 (9.99) mU/mL vs 38.00 (15.10) mU/mL; p<.05]. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly decreased following treatment. OGTT after treatment revealed median fasting glucose levels to be stable (p=.895) at T-0. At T-30, T-60, T-120 and T-180 min, glucose median values were moderately reduced in comparison to median values before treatment. No significant difference was observed between median BMI values before [26 (4.8) kg/m(2)] and after treatment [26 (3.7) kg/m(2)]. Conclusions: Median insulin levels at T-0 and the mean difference between time 0 and 30 of insulin following OGTT were significantly reduced than values before treatment with E2V/DNG for 3 months. Median BMI and glucose levels were not significantly modified. Natural estradiol and nonandrogenic progestogen in the Qlaira formulation could be recommended as an oral contraceptive in women with PCOS who are insulin resistant or who are overweigh

Hormone replacement therapy in menopause and in premature ovarian insufficiency

Menopause is defined by world health organization (WHO) as the permanent cessation of menstruating resulting from a loss of ovarian follicular activity, after one year of amenorrhea. It signifies the last menstrual cycle and the end of women's fertile and reproductive life. The average age for a women to undergo menopause is 51 years; unlike menarche, whose average age has decreased over the past decades, the age of menopause has remained unchanged. We can distinguish: 1) premenopause, the time interval leading up to menopause; 2) climacteric, the time interval between the reproductive e non-reproductive life; 3) premature menopause, that occurs in 1% of women. Menopause can also be induced iatrogenically as a result of surgery, medical therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Beyond the life the number of oocytes falls until there are no more suitable follicles for reproduction and the menopause ensues. At the same time, the ability of the ovary to produce hormones falls, leading to an increasing pulsatile release of FSH in order to stimulate the ovary to produce oestrogens. Menopause is characterized by different symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, dispareunia, prolapse, vulval itching due to vaginal atrophy and dryness, urinary incontinence, dysuria, and also the psychological aspects don't should be underestimated because of many women suffer of depression, mood instability, insomnia, fatigue and decreased libido. Long term symptoms include osteoporosis, cardiovascular and neuro-degenerative diseases. The main aim of different treatments was symptoms relief. Pharmacological agents and psychological support represent the goal for menopause treatmen