Novel method for determining when a field-collected donor unit is sufficiently full

BACKGROUND

Whole blood (WB) collections can occur downrange for immediate administration. An important aspect of these collections is determining when the unit is sufficiently full. This project tested a novel method for determining when a field collection is complete.

METHODS

The amount of empty space at the top of WB units, destined to become LTOWB or separated into components, that were collected at blood centers or hospitals was measured by holding a WB unit off the ground and placing the top of a piece of string where the donor tubing entered the bag. The string was marked where it intersected the top of the column of blood in the bag and measured from the top. The WB units were also weighed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 different bags, two of which were measured in two different filling volumes, from 15 hospitals or blood centers were measured and weighed. The most commonly used blood bag, Terumo Imuflex SP, had a median string length of 9 mm (range: 2-24 mm) and weighed a median of 565.1 g (range: 524.8-636.7 g).

CONCLUSION

Pieces of string can be precut to the appropriate length depending on the type of bag before a mission where field WB collections might be required and a mark placed on the bag before the collection commences to indicate when the unit is full.

Comparison of Fetal Crown-Rump Length Measurements between Thawed and Fresh Embryo Transfer

Background and Objectives: Neonates born from thawed embryo transfers tend to have a significantly higher birthweight compared to those from fresh embryo transfers. The aim of this study was to compare the crown-rump length (CRL) between thawed and fresh embryos to investigate the potential causes of different growth patterns between them. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study (July 2010-December 2023) conducted at the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. In total, 3082 assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies (4044 embryos) underwent a routine scan at 11+0-13+6 gestational weeks and were included in the study. Maternal age, the type of embryo transfer (thawed vs. fresh, donor vs. their own oocytes), CRL, twin and singleton gestations were analyzed. Results: The mean maternal age in thawed was significantly higher than in fresh embryos (39.8 vs. 35.8 years, p-value < 0.001). The mean CRL z-score was significantly higher in thawed compared to fresh embryo transfers (0.309 vs. 0.199, p-value < 0.001). A subgroup analysis on singleton gestations showed that the mean CRL z-score was higher in thawed blastocysts compared to fresh (0.327 vs. 0.215, p-value < 0.001). Accordingly, an analysis on twins revealed that the mean CRL z-score was higher in thawed blastocysts (0.285 vs. 0.184, p-value: 0.015) and in oocytes' recipients compared to own oocytes' cases (0.431 vs. 0.191, p-value: 0.002). Conclusions: The difference in CRL measurements between thawed and fresh embryos may be a first indication of the subsequent difference in sonographically estimated fetal weight and birthweight. This finding highlights the need for additional research into the underlying causes, including maternal factors and the culture media used.

Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to Identify a Myriad of Carbapenemase Genes in Fresh Cow Dung in Bangladesh

Introduction The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by the selection pressure of frequent uses of antimicrobial agents in healthcare, the food chain, agriculture, fishery, and the food animal industry, which poses a serious health risk for transmission-linked humans and the surrounding environment. Livestock, particularly cattle, play an essential role in the food sector in Bangladesh. The food-animal chains can be the potential routes of exposure to AMR-microorganisms for every domain of one health. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can impart a reservoir of AMR within the food supply chain, even without pathogenic microorganisms. This study investigated the history of infection for the last six-month period of antimicrobials utilized in cattle farms and the distribution of selected carbapenemase resistance genes, namely, bla-KPC, bla-IMP, bla-VIM, bla-NDM-1, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, bla-SPM, and bla-SME, in cattle feces in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to analyze ARGs in fresh cow dung samples collected from commercial farms and individual houses in four Bangladesh districts, namely, Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj, and Tangail. Types of cattle breeds, their existing diseases, recent antimicrobial uses, and vaccine uses were recorded. DNA was extracted from each cow dung sample using commercial kits (Qiagen GmbH, Germany). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA. The eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA were assessed by RT-qPCR using the qTOWER3 thermal cycler (Analytik Jena GmbH, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 07745 Jena, Germany). Results Group A carbapenemase, bla-KPC, was detected in 66.7% of the samples. However, no bla-SME was identified in all of the test samples. Group B metallo carbapenemase, bla-IMP, bla-NDM-1, bla-VIM, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, and bla-SPM, were in 66.7% (80/120), 49.2% (59/120), 48.3% (58/120), 68.3% (82/120), 58.3% (70/120), and 12.5% (15/120), respectively. Only 8.3% of the tested samples contained no MBL gene; 10% carried a single-type carbapenemase gene; and the remaining 81.7% carried two or more carbapenemase genes concurrently. Co-carriage of four or more genes was found in over 59% of samples. As many as seven genes were found together in 6.7% of samples. ARG detection in commercial cattle samples and household feces is not statistically significant. Conclusions Substantial carbapenem-resistance ARGs were detected in commercially farmed cow dung and household cattle samples. Frequent use of antibiotics for cattle for treatment and prophylactic purposes may influence the high acquisition of ARGs. Bangladeshi cattle farms are reservoirs and routes of AMR, posing a significant threat to the country's public health.

The effect of cartilage dehydration and rehydration on quantitative ultrashort echo time biomarkers

Background

The effect of dehydration of ex vivo cartilage samples and rehydration with native synovial fluid or normal saline on quantitative ultrashort echo time (UTE) biomarkers are unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of cartilage dehydration-rehydration on UTE biomarkers and to compare the rehydration capabilities of native synovial fluid and normal saline.

Methods

A total of 37 cartilage samples were harvested from patients (n=5) who underwent total knee replacement. Fresh cartilage samples were exposed to air to dehydrate for 2 hours after baseline magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, then randomly divided into two groups: one soaking in native synovial fluid (n=17) and the other in normal saline (n=20) to rehydrate for 4 hours. UTE-based biomarkers [T1, adiabatic T1r (AdiabT1r), macromolecular fraction (MMF), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and T2*] and sample weights were evaluated for fresh, dehydrated, and rehydrated cartilage samples. Differences and agreements between groups were assessed using the values of fresh cartilage samples as reference standard.

Results

Dehydrating in air for 2 hours resulted in significant weight loss (P=0.000). T1, AdiabT1r, and T2* decreased significantly while MMF and MTR increased significantly (all P<0.02). Non-significant differences were observed in cartilage weights after rehydrating in both synovial fluid and normal saline, with P values being 0.204 and 0.769, respectively. There were no significant differences in T1, AdiabT1r, MMF, and MTR after rehydrating in synovial fluid (P>0.0167, with Bonferroni correction) while T2* (P=0.001) still had significant differences compared with fresh samples. However, no significant differences were detected for any of the evaluated UTE biomarkers after rehydrating in normal saline (all P>0.05). No differences were detected in the agreement of UTE biomarker measurements between fresh samples and samples rehydrated with synovial fluid and normal saline.

Conclusions

Cartilage dehydration resulted in significant changes in UTE biomarkers. Rehydrating with synovial fluid or normal saline had non-significant effect on all the evaluated UTE biomarkers except T2* values, which still had significant differences compared with fresh samples after rehydrating with synovial fluid. No significant difference was observed in the rehydration capabilities of native synovial fluid and normal saline.

The impact of cryopreserved sperm on intrauterine insemination outcomes: is frozen as good as fresh?

Introduction

Frozen sperm utilization might negatively impact cycle outcomes in animals, implicating cryopreservation-induced sperm damage. However, in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination (IUI) in human studies are inconclusive.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of 5,335 IUI [± ovarian stimulation (OS)] cycles from a large academic fertility center. Cycles were stratified based on the utilization of frozen (FROZEN, n = 1,871) instead of fresh ejaculated sperm (FRESH, n = 3,464). Main outcomes included human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) positivity, clinical pregnancy (CP), and spontaneous abortion (SAB) rates. Secondary outcome was live birth (LB) rate. Odds ratios (OR) for all outcomes were calculated utilizing logistic regression and adjusted (adjOR) for maternal age, day-3 FSH, and OS regimen. Stratified analysis was performed based on OS subtype [gonadotropins; oral medications (OM): clomiphene citrate and letrozole; and unstimulated/natural]. Time to pregnancy and cumulative pregnancy rates were also calculated. Further subanalyses were performed limited to either the first cycle only or to the partner's sperm only, after excluding female factor infertility, and after stratification by female age (<30, 30-35, and >35 years old).

Results

Overall, HCG positivity and CP were lower in the FROZEN compared to the FRESH group (12.2% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001; 9.4% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.001, respectively), which persisted only among OM cycles after stratification (9.9% vs. 14.2% HCG positivity, p = 0.030; 8.1% vs. 11.8% CP, p = 0.041). Among all cycles, adjOR (95% CI) for HCG positivity and CP were 0.75 (0.56-1.02) and 0.77 (0.57-1.03), respectively, ref: FRESH. In OM cycles, adjOR (95% CI) for HCG positivity [0.55 (0.30-0.99)] and CP [0.49 (0.25-0.95), ref.: FRESH] favored the FRESH group but showed no differences among gonadotropin and natural cycles. SAB odds did not differ between groups among OM and natural cycles but were lower in the FROZEN group among gonadotropin cycles [adjOR (95% CI): 0.13 (0.02-0.98), ref.: FRESH]. There were no differences in CP and SAB in the performed subanalyses (limited to first cycles or partner's sperm only, after excluding female factors, or after stratification according to female age). Nevertheless, time to conception was slightly longer in the FROZEN compared to the FRESH group (3.84 vs. 2.58 cycles, p < 0.001). No significant differences were present in LB and cumulative pregnancy results, other than in the subgroup of natural cycles, where higher LB odds [adjOR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.05-1.12)] and higher cumulative pregnancy rate (34% vs. 15%, p = 0.002) were noted in the FROZEN compared to the FRESH group.

Conclusion

Overall, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between frozen and fresh sperm IUI cycles, although specific subgroups might benefit from fresh sperm utilization.

Mechanical Behavior of Crushed Waste Glass as Replacement of Aggregates

In this study, ground glass powder and crushed waste glass were used to replace coarse and fine aggregates. Within the scope of the study, fine aggregate (FA) and coarse aggregate (CA) were changed separately with proportions of 10%, 20%, 40%, and 50%. According to the mechanical test, including compression, splitting tensile, and flexural tests, the waste glass powder creates a better pozzolanic effect and increases the strength, while the glass particles tend to decrease the strength when they are swapped with aggregates. As observed in the splitting tensile test, noteworthy progress in the tensile strength of the concrete was achieved by 14%, while the waste glass used as a fractional replacement for the fine aggregate. In samples where glass particles were swapped with CA, the tensile strength tended to decrease. It was noticed that with the adding of waste glass at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 50% of FA swapped, the increase in flexural strength was 3.2%, 6.3%, 11.1%, and 4.8%, respectively, in amount to the reference one (6.3 MPa). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis consequences also confirm the strength consequences obtained from the experimental study. While it is seen that glass powder provides better bonding with cement with its pozzolanic effect and this has a positive effect on strength consequences, it is seen that voids are formed in the samples where large glass pieces are swapped with aggregate and this affects the strength negatively. Furthermore, simple equations using existing data in the literature and the consequences obtained from the current study were also developed to predict mechanical properties of the concrete with recycled glass for practical applications. Based on findings obtained from our study, 20% replacement for FA and CA with waste glass is recommended.

The effects of polyphenols on fresh quality and the mechanism of partial freezing of tilapia fillets

BACKGROUND

Fish is one of the most popular foods for consumers because of its abundant nutrition, tenderness and delicious taste. With increasing demand for tilapia fillets, practical preservation is widely used to maintain quality and safety during long-distance transportation and storage. Thus the effects of polyphenols (2 g L^-1 ) on color, flavor quality and mechanism of tilapia fillets were studied during 49 days of partial freezing (-4 °C).

RESULTS

Treatment with carnosic acid (CA), procyanidin (PA), quercetin (QE) and resveratrol (RSV) inhibited water migration, myoglobin oxidation and psychrophilic bacteria stability during partial freezing storage. Aeromonas and Acinetobacter were the dominant bacteria of tilapia fillets during -4 °C storage. The relative abundance of aromatic substances (T70/2) in the polyphenol groups (>20%) was richer than in the control (CON) group (17%). Partial least squares discriminant analysis results showed that the different odors of the control and polyphenol groups were completely separated. Moreover, 35 fatty acids were identified by gas chromatographic analysis. On 49 days, the ratios of unsaturated fatty acids in the PA group (58.64%), QE group (57.70%) and RSV group (57.25%) were higher than in the control group (57.19%), and the PA group was the highest.

CONCLUSION

Polyphenol treatment effectively maintained freshness and improved the quality of tilapia fillets during partial freezing. The polyphenol treatment comprehensively sustained the color and flavor quality of tilapia fillets found in the proposed mechanism. In particular, PA treatment was considered a potential method for preserving the freshness of fillets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pro: Fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. Is frozen embryo transfer the future?

Embryo cryopreservation has been an integral part of ART for close to 40 years and vitrification has boosted overall ART efficacy and safety. Recently, there has been a vivid scientific discussion on whether elective cryopreservation of all embryos (freeze-all) should be pursued for most patients, with a fresh embryo transfer taking place only in selected cases. In terms of efficacy, the available evidence suggests that the freeze-all strategy leads to higher live birth rates after the first embryo transfer compared to the conventional strategy in high responders, while there is no difference in normal responders. There is no evidence to suggest that the freeze-all strategy is inferior to the conventional strategy of fresh transfer when comparing cumulative live birth rates using data from all available randomized controlled trials. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-all policy. However, regarding obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes, the evidence suggests that each strategy is associated with certain risks and, therefore, there is no approach that could be unequivocally accepted as safer. Similarly, limited evidence does not support the notion that patients would be universally against freeze-all owing to the inevitable delay in pregnancy achievement. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of freeze-all is likely to vary in different settings and there have been studies supporting that this policy can be, under certain conditions, cost-effective. Adoption of the freeze-all policy can also allow for more flexible treatment strategies that have the potential to increase efficacy, reduce cost and make treatment easier for patients and clinics. Importantly, freeze-all does not require the use of any experimental technologies, further training of personnel or the costly acquisition of new equipment. For these reasons, transitioning to the freeze-all policy for most patients appears to be the next logical step in ART.

Effect of Fortification with Mushroom Polysaccharide β-Glucan on the Quality of Ovine Soft Spreadable Cheese

In the present work, a fresh spreadable cheese from ovine milk with or without (control) fortification with β-glucan was manufactured. β-Glucan was extracted from the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and its concentration in the cheese was 0.4% (w/w). The composition, biochemical, and sensory properties of the cheeses during 21 days of storage were determined. At the end of storage, cheese fortified with beta-glucan had 75.26% moisture content, 10.30% fat, 1.71% salt, and 8.50% protein. Generally, the addition of β-glucan at this concentration did not significantly affect the composition, color, and viscosity measurements or the level of proteolysis and lipolysis and the antioxidant activity of the cheeses. However, cheese fortified with β-glucan showed a higher moisture content than control cheese on the 1st and 21st day of storage while the levels of proteolysis and the sensory properties of the cheeses were unaffected. During the sensory evaluation, panelists evaluated cheese with β-glucan with higher scores regarding the flavor characteristic compared to control cheese. The major free fatty acid was acetic acid in both cheeses and its concentration was higher in cheese with β-glucan. The results of the present study could be used by the dairy industry for manufacturing new products with improved health benefits.

Testicular sperm retrieval: What should we expect from the fresh and subsequent cryopreserved sperm injection?

We sought to compare ICSI outcomes of cycle using fresh versus thawed TESE spermatozoa obtained during the previous fresh TESE. All consecutive couples undergoing ICSI cycles using fresh TESE spermatozoa, followed by ICSI cycle using cryopreserved sperm remaining from the previous fresh TESE procedure were included. Ovarian stimulation (OS)/laboratory variables and cycle outcome were assessed and compared between those utilising fresh versus thawed TESE spermatozoa. Seventy-five couples were evaluated, with no in-between groups differences in OS nor embryological variables. While implantation and LBR per embryo transfer were nonsignificantly higher in the frozen as compared to the fresh TESE, there was a trend towards higher LBRs per patient in the frozen TESE group. The cumulative miscarriage rate (4% versus 14.7%, p < .022 respectively) was significantly lower and the cumulative LBR (34.7% versus 16%, p < .007 respectively) was significantly higher using frozen TESE spermatozoa. Moreover, significantly higher proportion of frozen TESE sperm samples used pentoxifylline to enhance sperm motility. In conclusion, the results of ICSI cycles using frozen TESE spermatozoa are as good, or even better than using fresh TESE spermatozoa. Further studies are required to explore the factors responsible for the improved ICSI outcome, while using frozen versus fresh TESE sperm samples.

Development of a Sensory Flavor Lexicon for Mushrooms and Subsequent Characterization of Fresh and Dried Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutritious versatile ingredient in many food products. They are low in calories and have various potential medicinal properties as well. Surprisingly, little research on their descriptive sensory properties has been conducted. The objectives of this study were to a) establish a descriptive sensory flavor lexicon for the evaluation of fresh, dried, and powdered mushrooms and 2) use that lexicon to compare a selection of different mushrooms of various species and in fresh dried and powdered forms. A lexicon for describing mushroom was developed using a consensus profile method. A highly trained, descriptive sensory panel identified, defined, and referenced 27 flavor attributes for commercially available mushroom samples prepared as “meat” and broth. Attributes could be grouped in categories such as musty (dusty/papery, earthy/humus, earthy/damp, earthy/potato, fermented, leather (new), leather (old), mold/cheesy, moldy/damp, mushroomy), and other attributes such as fishy, shell fish, woody, nutty, brown, green, cardboard, burnt/ashy, potato, umami, protein (vegetable), yeasty, bitter, salty, sweet aromatics, sour, and astringent. Samples were then tested in three replications and mean values were compared statistically. In addition, principal component analysis was used to understand the characteristics of mushrooms evaluated. Dried mushrooms showed bitter, burnt, musty/dusty, astringent, old leather, and fresh mushroom characteristics and fresh mushroom showed umami, sweet, earthy/potato, earthy/damp, yeasty, and fermented. Mushrooms were grouped and differentiated in similar ways regardless of whether they were tested as broth or “meat”. Mushroom growers, product developers, chefs and other culinary professionals, sensory scientists, researchers, the food industry, and ultimately consumers will benefit from this lexicon describing a wide variety of mushroom flavor properties.

Spermatozoa retrieved by electroejaculation: Should we prefer fresh or cryopreserved spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection?

We aim to evaluate our experience, comparing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes of cycle using fresh versus thawed electroejaculated spermatozoa. All consecutive couples undergoing ICSI cycles using electroejaculated spermatozoa, during a 16-year period, were evaluated. Embryological/laboratory variables of the ICSI cycles were assessed and compared between those utilising fresh (fresh group) versus thawed (thawed group) electroejaculated spermatozoa. Fifty-seven couples were evaluated, 30 used a fresh electroejaculated spermatozoa in 55 ICSI cycles, while 27 used a thawed sperm sample in 41 ICSI cycles. There were no in-between group differences in the mean numbers of oocytes retrieved per oocyte retrieval nor the percentage of MII oocytes. The fresh group demonstrated significantly higher fertilisation (71.5% vs. 64.1%, respectively, p < .05), top-quality embryos (66.5% vs. 54.9%, respectively, p < .02), clinical pregnancy per transfer (41.3% and 21.2%, respectively, p < .05) and cumulative clinical pregnancy (58.2% vs. 26.8%, respectively, p < .001) rates, as compared to the thawed group. Independent of the source of spermatozoa used, no pregnancy was achieved following ICSI utilising immotile spermatozoa. In conclusion, ICSI cycles using ejaculated spermatozoa of patients suffering from neurologic or psychogenic anejaculation are reassuring. The use of fresh ejaculated spermatozoa retrieved on the day of the female spouse oocyte retrieval might improve outcome. Whenever a thawed electroejaculated spermatozoa yield no motile spermatozoa, emergency electroejaculation is mandatory.

Frozen blastocyst transfer reduces incidence of ectopic pregnancy compared with fresh blastocyst transfer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the main cause of maternal death during early pregnancy. Blastocyst transfer (BT) reduces EP rates compared with cleavage stage embryo transfer (ET), and frozen ET reduces EP rates compared with fresh ET. However, data comparing the EP rate of fresh BT and frozen BT are limited. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether frozen BT decreases the EP rate compared with fresh BT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for papers with no limitation on language and publication year. A systemic literature search identified 14 studies which met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. EP rate is our only outcome measure. All statistical analyses were carried out using RevMan software [version 5.3]. Random effects models were chosen to calculate the odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

Fourteen retrospective studies (n = 251,762 cycles) were finally analyzed, including 154,214 and 97,548 cycles undergoing fresh and frozen BT, respectively. Compared with fresh BT, the frozen BT was associated with an decrease in EP rate [OR = 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37-2.34, heterogeneity was 71%], the EP rate was 1.74% (2683/154,214 pregnancies) for fresh BT and 0.97% (949/97,548 pregnancies) for frozen BT. The number of embryos transferred in subgroup analysis found that the incidence of EP in frozen BT is lower than fresh BT (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.38-1.91), the EP rate was 1.2% (206/16,610 pregnancies) for one fresh BT and 0.8% (153/19,569 pregnancies) for one frozen BT, also the EP rate was 1.9% (78/4043 pregnancies) for two fresh BT and 1.1% (19/1790 pregnancies) for two frozen BT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis found that frozen BT was associated with an decrease in EP rate compared with fresh BT in IVF/ICSI patients. We also found that a single frozen BT is the better choice as a method to reduce the incidence of EP.

Single fresh blastocyst transfer or single cryopreserved-thawed blastocyst transfer: which is preferable for infertile patients in IVF/ICSI cycles? A meta-analysis

PURPOSES

Nowadays, an increasing number of studies have proposed single embryo transfer (SET), especially single blastocyst transfer (SBT). To compare the clinical outcomes of single fresh blastocyst transfer (BT) and single cryopreserved-thawed BT in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from the start dates until February 2018. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and embryo implantation rate (IR). The secondary outcomes were multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), live birth rate (LBR), and miscarriage rate (MR). Using the Mantel-Haenszel random effects model to analyze summary risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity scores were assessed with the standard Cochrane's Q test and I² statistic.

RESULTS

In total, eight studies (two prospective studies, six retrospective studies) were included in our analysis. There was no statistically significant difference regarding clinical pregnancy (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.91-1.55) and embryo implantation (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.77-1.41). Regarding secondary outcomes, there was no significant difference regarding miscarriage (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.60-1.03) and multiple pregnancy (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.75-2.04). However, single fresh BT is associated with an increased live birth (RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.05-1.57) compared with single cryopreserved-thawed BT.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that single cryopreserved BT might not be the best choice compared with single fresh BT in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles.

Design of a solar dryer for small-farm level use and studying fig quality

BACKGROUND

In the mountain areas of south-east Morocco, farmers are engaged in the solar drying of figs using traditional processes. However, this practice leads to losses in quality. This study aims to improve this drying method by designing and studying the performance of a natural convection solar dryer and the quality of fresh and dried figs.

METHODS

An indirect solar dryer was designed and its performance was studied. The TSS content, moisture, firmness and morphological parameters of fresh and dried figs were determinated.

RESULTS

The average difference (inside/outside) in the temperature of the dryer is +8.3&deg;C. This will allow&nbsp; a decrease in the mean drying duration from 10 days (traditional drying) to 4 days. This duration is signifi- cantly correlated with air humidity (R2 = 0.84) and temperature (R2 = 0.63). The relationship between the degree of dehydration (%) and time follows a polynomial model with a determination coefficient of 0.98. Fig-drying yield is 38.7% and dried figs have a high (TSS) content with 63.7% and a firmness of 6.03 kg/cm2. The water content was approximately 25.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The solar dryer with natural convection designed in this study can be an alternative to traditional drying practised by small farmers in the mountainous regions of Errachidia.

Systematic Study of the Content of Phytochemicals in Fresh and Fresh-Cut Vegetables

Vegetables and fruits have beneficial properties for human health, because of the presence of phytochemicals, but their concentration can fluctuate throughout the year. A systematic study of the phytochemical content in tomato, eggplant, carrot, broccoli and grape (fresh and fresh-cut) has been performed at different seasons, using liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. It was observed that phenolic acids (the predominant group in carrot, eggplant and tomato) were found at higher concentrations in fresh carrot than in fresh-cut carrot. However, in the case of eggplant, they were detected at a higher content in fresh-cut than in fresh samples. Regarding tomato, the differences in the content of phenolic acids between fresh and fresh-cut were lower than in other matrices, except in winter sampling, where this family was detected at the highest concentration in fresh tomato. In grape, the flavonols content (predominant group) was higher in fresh grape than in fresh-cut during all samplings. The content of glucosinolates was lower in fresh-cut broccoli than in fresh samples in winter and spring sampling, although this trend changes in summer and autumn. In summary, phytochemical concentration did show significant differences during one-year monitoring, and the families of phytochemicals presented different behaviors depending on the matrix studied.

Hysteroscopy in patients with repeated implantation failure improves the outcome of assisted reproductive technology in fresh and frozen cycles

AIM

Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is still a problem for many patients and their physicians. Some interventions have been practiced to overcome the problem; one is uterine cavity assessment before assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hysteroscopy in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure with apparently normal uterine cavity before assisted reproductive techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cohort study with historical controls conducted in a university hospital. A total of 353 women with RIF undergoing ART with normal hysterosalpingography and transvaginal ultrasound were evaluated. The intervention group underwent hysteroscopy with a rigid, 30°, 4-mm hysteroscope in the menstrual cycle just before ART; in the control group hysteroscopy was not performed. Basal characteristics, stimulation parameters and pregnancy rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Chemical pregnancy occurred in 58.5% of women in the hysteroscopy group versus 34.1% of control women (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-4.2; P < 0.001). Clinical pregnancy occurred in 50.7% and 30.3% of women in the hysteroscopy and control groups, respectively (OR: 2.4; 95%CI: 1.5-3.7; P < 0.001). Delivery rate was 35.5% in hysteroscopy women and 21.1% in control women (OR: 1.9; 95%CI: 1.2-3.1; P = 0.008). The results of hysteroscopy were normal in 103 women (72.5%), and they revealed inflammation in 22 (15.5%), polyp in 16 (11.3%) and Asherman syndrome in one patient (0.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopy in the menstrual cycle before ovarian stimulation in fresh cycles and before endometrial preparation in frozen thawed cycles in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure with apparently normal uterine cavity significantly increases the pregnancy rates in fresh and frozen cycles, respectively.

Differentiation of Deboned Fresh Chicken Thigh Meat from the Frozen-Thawed One Processed with Different Deboning Conditions

This study was performed to evaluate the quality characteristics of three deboned categories of chicken thigh meat: one which was slaughtered and deboned in the same plant (fresh); one which was slaughtered, deboned, frozen, and thawed in the same plant (frozen-thawed); and the last which was slaughtered in a plant, deboned in a different plant, but then transferred to the original plant (fresh-outside). Surface color, drip loss, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, sensory evaluation, and total aerobic bacterial counts of the chicken samples were determined. Moreover, the torrymeter was used to measure the differences in freshness of the chicken meat. The surface color and the TBARS values did not show significant differences among the three categories. However, the total aerobic bacterial counts of fresh-outside and frozen-thawed chicken meat were significantly higher than the fresh chicken meat on the first storage day, and the drip loss of frozen-thawed chicken meat was significantly higher than the fresh-outside and fresh chicken meat. In addition, the sensory evaluation of frozen-thawed chicken meat was significantly lower than the fresh-outside and fresh chicken meat. Torrymeter values were higher in fresh chicken meat than fresh-outside and frozen-thawed chicken meat during the storage period. These results indicate that the quality of frozen-thawed chicken meat is comparatively lower than the fresh chicken meat, and the torrymeter values can accurately differentiate the fresh-outside and frozen-thawed chicken meat from the fresh ones.

Health promoting compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of raw and decoctions of Gnetum aficanum Welw

Objective

To investigate the effect of Gnetum africanum on its pharmacopotency as well as its nutritional properties.

Methods

The total chlorophyll, carotenoids, proximates, phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins as well as antioxidant assays were performed using standard techniques.

Results

The raw leaves of the vegetable (Gnetum africanum) possessed significant amounts of proximates, phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll as well as antioxidant activity, but had low levels of carbohydrates and energy value. The cooking method adopted resulted in insignificant loss of lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, chlorophyll, significant loss of energy and carotenoids (P<0.05), insignificant increase in moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, Ca, Fe, Zn, but significant increase in ash, Mg and P (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The conventional method of cooking the raw Gnetum africana in Nigeria results in insignificant loss of its lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, chlorophyll, significant loss of its energy and carotenoids (P<0.05), insignificant increase in its moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, Ca, Fe, Zn, but significant increase in its ash, Mg and P contents as well as its antioxidant capacity which confers high pharmaco potency to the cooked form of this vegetable, justifying its usage in the dietary management of a wide array of diseases in Nigeria. The results obtained are discussed from a biochemical point of view.

Adult motor axons preferentially reinnervate predegenerated muscle nerve

Preferential motor reinnervation (PMR) is the tendency for motor axons regenerating after repair of mixed nerve to reinnervate muscle nerve and/or muscle rather than cutaneous nerve or skin. PMR may occur in response to the peripheral nerve pathway alone in juvenile rats (Brushart, 1993; Redett et al., 2005), yet the ability to identify and respond to specific pathway markers is reportedly lost in adults (Uschold et al., 2007). The experiments reported here evaluate the relative roles of pathway and end organ in the genesis of PMR in adult rats. Fresh and 2-week predegenerated femoral nerve grafts were transferred in correct or reversed alignment to replace the femoral nerves of previously unoperated Lewis rats. After 8 weeks of regeneration the motoneurons projecting through the grafts to recipient femoral cutaneous and muscle branches and their adjacent end organs were identified by retrograde labeling. Motoneuron counts were subjected to Poisson regression analysis to determine the relative roles of pathway and end organ identity in generating PMR. Transfer of fresh grafts did not result in PMR, whereas substantial PMR was observed when predegenerated grafts were used. Similarly, the pathway through which motoneurons reached the muscle had a significant impact on PMR when grafts were predegenerated, but not when they were fresh. Comparison of the relative roles of pathway and end organ in generating PMR revealed that neither could be shown to be more important than the other. These experiments demonstrate unequivocally that adult muscle nerve and cutaneous nerve differ in qualities that can be detected by regenerating adult motoneurons and that can modify their subsequent behavior. They also reveal that two weeks of Wallerian degeneration modify the environment in the graft from one that provides no modality-specific cues for motor neurons to one that actively promotes PMR.