Objective: To determine tissue concentrations of E 2 , estrone, P, and estrogens metabolites (EMs... more Objective: To determine tissue concentrations of E 2 , estrone, P, and estrogens metabolites (EMs) 2-methoxyestradiol, 2-methoxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, and 16-ketoestradiol in corpus luteum (CL) of different ages, and after hCG administration; and to examine the effects of EMs on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and angiogenic activity released by cultured luteinizing granulosa cells in the presence and absence of hCG. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University. Patient(s): Thirty-two healthy women of reproductive age. Intervention(s): Corpus luteum was collected at the time of minilaparotomy for tubal sterilization, at varying stages of the luteal phase (LP). Late-LP CL was collected 24 hours after IM administration of 10,000 IU hCG. Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates obtained from healthy women participating in our IVF program for male factor infertility. Main Outcomes Measure(s): Estrogen metabolite concentrations were determined in CL tissue, and VEGF was assessed in conditioned medium. The angiogenic activity was analyzed by bioassay. Result(s): Concentrations of EMs with proangiogenic activity (16-ketoestradiol and 4-hydroxyestrone) were higher in early and mid-LP CL vs. late-LP CL. These EMs and hCG increased VEGF production and angiogenic activity. Conversely, late-LP CL had significantly higher levels of 2-methoxyestrone and 2-methoxyestradiol, which have antiangiogenic activity. Administration of hCG reduced the production of these EMs. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that the EMs are important paracrine modulators of CL function. Administration of hCG increases the production of EMs with proangiogenic activity and reduces the secretion of those EMs with antiangiogenic action, suggesting a novel mechanism by which the late-LP CL is rescued in conception cycles. (Fertil Steril Ò 2016;106:230-7. Ó2016 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Septic shock is a highly lethal condition. Early recognition of tissue hypoperfusion and its reve... more Septic shock is a highly lethal condition. Early recognition of tissue hypoperfusion and its reversion are key factors for limiting progression to multiple organ dysfunction and death. Lactate-targeted resuscitation is the gold-standard under current guidelines, although it has several pitfalls including that non-hypoxic sources of lactate might predominate in an unknown proportion of patients. Peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation might provide a real-time response to increases in flow that could lead to a more timely decision to stop resuscitation, thus avoiding fluid overload and the risks of over-resuscitation. This article reports the rationale, study design and analysis plan of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Study. ANDROMEDA-SHOCK is a randomized controlled trial which aims to determine if a peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation is associated with lower 28-day mortality compared to a lactate-targeted resuscitation in patients with septic shock with less than 4 h of diagnosis....
Simulation models have been developed in order to foresee characteristics of networks, systems or... more Simulation models have been developed in order to foresee characteristics of networks, systems or protocols when carrying out tests in laboratories is very expensive or even impossible. This paper presents a simulation model of a multiprocessor network traffic analysis system. The model, which is based on closed networks of queues, evaluates the efficiency of the system depending on the hardware/software platform features. Therefore, this model is able to estimate performance early in the design and development stages simulating a multiprocessor architecture in charge of analysing network traffic. The goodness of the model will be checked by comparing analytical results with practical ones obtained in laboratory using a traffic analysis system that runs on a multiprocessor platform.
Objective: To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine signaling pathways ... more Objective: To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine signaling pathways between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and human corpus luteum (CL); to examine the major paracrine and autocrine mechanisms and the key genes and proteins involved in CL development, function, and regression in natural cycles; to review the endocrine and molecular response of the midluteal phase CL to in vivo administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); and to describe the ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluation of the ovary and endometrium throughout the luteal phase. Design: Published data in the literature, including the basic and clinical research studies of the authors. Setting: University-affiliated hospital and research centers. Patient(s): None. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical and molecular analysis of human CL function. Result(s): The endocrine function of the subpopulations of luteal cells is critical for the maintenance of CL function, including neovacularization and steroid hormones production. We consider the key genes and proteins that favor development of luteal structure and function throughout the menstrual cycle and in our model of hCG treatment resembling early pregnancy. Conclusion(s): These data indicate that the functional lifespan of the CL depends on paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Therefore, the significance of the key genes and proteins that we analyze in lutein cells during CL development, function, demise, and rescue by hCG is likely to bring new therapeutic applications for the management of fertility defects and the control of fertility.
Objective: To study in vivo the progesterone receptor (PR) expression levels in human granulosa c... more Objective: To study in vivo the progesterone receptor (PR) expression levels in human granulosa cells (GCs) during the periovulatory period and the affect of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway on PR expression and cathepsin-L expression-activation. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University research unit. Patient(s): Twenty-five women of reproductive age. Intervention(s): Follicular fluid and GCs obtained from spontaneous cycles before and during the normal luteinizing hormone surge, and samples obtained 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Main Outcome Measure(s): To determine PR, cathepsin-L messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis via real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein of PR, cathepsin-L, and PKA in human GCs. Result(s): The Western blot analysis revealed that bands of PR (isoform A) were the most abundant and that mRNA (PR-A and PR-B) have a temporal pattern of expression throughout the periovulatory period. The protein levels of PR and cathepsin-L were up-regulated by hCG. The abundance of PR was diminished in the presence of PKA inhibitor, and cathepsin-L with PR receptor antagonist. Conclusion(s): The transient expression of PR in human GCs of the preovulatory follicle suggests that PR and its ligand play a role in the activation of cathepsin-L, which is presumably involved in the degradation of the follicular extracellular matrix during human ovulation. (Fertil Steril Ò 2012;97: 707-13. Ó2012 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Study question Is progesterone receptor (PGR) downregulation disrupted within endometrial epithel... more Study question Is progesterone receptor (PGR) downregulation disrupted within endometrial epithelial compartment, during embryo receptivity phase in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles? Summary answer PGR is not downregulated in endometrial epithelial cells from ART cycles during embryo receptivity phase. What is known already Progesterone (P4) promotes the downregulation of its own progesterone receptor (PGR). During the mid-luteal phase, PGR is downregulated in endometrial epithelial cells (EEC), a critical process for embryo implantation. Embryos are unable to attach to the maternal surface when PGR expression is sustained in EEC. Non-physiologic ovarian steroid produced or employed in ART cycles may alter endometrial development compromising its receptivity. Scarce information is available whether PGR is downregulated in EEC from ARTs including ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or hormonal endometrial preparation for frozen thawed embryo trans...
Pacient dona de 68 anys que consulta per dolor toràcic mecànic de 15 dies d'evolució. DESCRIPCIÓ ... more Pacient dona de 68 anys que consulta per dolor toràcic mecànic de 15 dies d'evolució. DESCRIPCIÓ DEL CAS Pacient amb antecedents patològics de HTA, Neoplàsia de mama en remissió completa. Osteoporosi des de l'any 2012 i Hèrnies discals cervicals. Viu amb el marit, autònoma per a les Activitats Bàsiques de la Vida Diària, fills independitzats. No presenta antecedents familiars patològics. Es dirigeix a la nostra consulta per dolor toràcic que s'exacerba amb la tos, la inspiració profunda i el moviment. Durant l'exploració física presenta dolor a la palpació del terç distal de l'esternó, sense crepitació, la resta resulta anodina. Com a exploracions complementàries demanem: Radiografia de tòrax que mostra una fractura al 1/3 mig de l'esternó.
The newly created Kawésqar National Park (KNP) and National Reserve (KNR) in southern Chile consi... more The newly created Kawésqar National Park (KNP) and National Reserve (KNR) in southern Chile consists of diverse terrestrial and marine habitats, which includes the southern terminus of the Andes, the Southern Patagonia Ice Fields, sub-Antarctic rainforests, glaciers, fjords, lakes, wetlands, valleys, channels, and islands. The marine environment is influenced by wide ranging hydrological factors such as glacier melt, large terrigenous inputs, high precipitation, strong currents, and open ocean water masses. Owing to the remoteness, rugged terrain, and harsh environmental conditions, little is known about this vast region, particularly the marine realm. To this end, we conducted an integrated ecological assessment using SCUBA and remote cameras down to 600 m to examine this unique and largely unexplored ecosystem. Kelp forests (primarily Macrocystis pyrifera) dominate the nearshore ecosystem and provide habitat for myriad benthic organisms. In the fjords, salinity was low and both tu...
STUDY QUESTION Do alterations in pro- and anti-angiogenic estrogen metabolites in follicular flui... more STUDY QUESTION Do alterations in pro- and anti-angiogenic estrogen metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) contribute to the follicular growth arrest and anovulation associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER FF of PCOS women with anovulation have reduced levels of pro-angiogenic estrogen metabolites (EMs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to that of fertile women with regular menstrual cycles, but exogenous gonadotropins increase the pro-angiogenic EMs and VEGF levels in PCOS women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is characterized by the arrest of follicular development that leads to chronic anovulation. Follicular arrest is generally associated with elevated plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), androgens and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). There is also reduced angiogenesis in the follicles of PCOS women compared to those of normal cycling women. It is known that angiogenesis is a critical factor during follicular development. We and other in...
The kelp forests of southern South America are some of the least disturbed on the planet. The rem... more The kelp forests of southern South America are some of the least disturbed on the planet. The remoteness of this region has, until recently, spared it from many of the direct anthropogenic stressors that have negatively affected these ecosystems elsewhere. Re-surveys of 11 locations at the easternmost extent of Tierra del Fuego originally conducted in 1973 showed no significant differences in the densities of adult and juvenile Macrocystis pyrifera kelp or kelp holdfast diameter between the two survey periods. Additionally, sea urchin assemblage structure at the same sites were not significantly different between the two time periods, with the dominant species Loxechinus albus accounting for 66.3% of total sea urchin abundance in 2018 and 61.1% in 1973. Time series of Landsat imagery of the region from 1998 to 2018 showed no long-term trends in kelp canopy over the past 20 years. However,~4-year oscillations in canopy fraction were observed and were strongly and negatively correlated with the NOAA Multivariate ENSO index and sea surface temperature. More extensive surveying in 2018 showed significant differences in benthic community structure between exposed and sheltered locations. Fish species endemic to the Magellanic Province accounted for 73% of all nearshore species observed and from 98-100% of the numerical abundance enumerated at sites. Fish assemblage structure varied significantly among locations and wave exposures. The recent creation of the Yaganes Marine Park is an important step in protecting this unique and biologically rich region; however, the nearshore waters of the region are currently not included in this protection. There is a general lack of information on changes in kelp forests over long time periods, making a global assessment difficult. A complete picture of how these ecosystems are responding to human pressures must also include remote locations and locations with little to no impact.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 2018
Study Objective: To compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reprodu... more Study Objective: To compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reproductive technology (AcART) and adolescents who were conceived spontaneously (AcSP). Design: Multicenter study of ovarian function in AcART because of male or tubal infertility. Setting: University Hospital. Participants: We evaluated 22 AcART and 53 AcSP at 1-2 years after menarche. The participants were born at term ($37 weeks of gestation) with normal birth weights ($2500 g) from singleton pregnancies. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Differences in ovulation, reproductive hormones, and ovarian morphology. Results: AcART had an older age of menarche than that of AcSP, even after adjusting for maternal age at menarche, gestational age, and birth weight (P 5 .027). AcART had lower incidence of ovulation (P 5 .021) and higher luteinizing hormone serum levels (P 5 .01) than those of AcSP. The incidence of oligomenorrhea and the cycle length were similar between AcART and AcSP. AcART had levels of anti-M€ ullerian hormone, inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and androgens similar to those of AcSP. The ovarian morphology, ovarian volume, and follicle counts were similar in both groups. Conclusion: AcART had later menarche, lower ovulation rates, and higher luteinizing hormone levels than those of AcSP. Future studies should investigate whether these findings are indicative of a risk of ovarian dysfunction later in life for AcART.
The vast and complex coast of the Magellan Region of extreme southern Chile possesses a diversity... more The vast and complex coast of the Magellan Region of extreme southern Chile possesses a diversity of habitats including fjords, deep channels, and extensive kelp forests, with a unique mix of temperate and sub-Antarctic species. The Cape Horn and Diego Ramírez archipelagos are the most southerly locations in the Americas, with the southernmost kelp forests, and some of the least explored places on earth. The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera plays a key role in structuring the ecological communities of the entire region, with the large brown seaweed Lessonia spp. forming dense understories. Kelp densities were highest around Cape Horn, followed by Diego Ramírez, and lowest within the fjord region of Francisco Coloane Marine Park (mean canopy densities of 2.51 kg m-2, 2.29 kg m-2, and 2.14 kg m-2, respectively). There were clear differences in marine communities among these sub-regions, with the lowest diversity in the fjords. We observed 18 species of nearshore fishes, with average sp...
In the previously published article "Clinical consequences of using the new SCORE OP cardiovascul... more In the previously published article "Clinical consequences of using the new SCORE OP cardiovascular risk tables in patients aged over 65 years" (Med Clin [Barc] 2016;147:381-386) an error in the surname of one of the authors has been detected. "Alex Muñox" should have appeared as "Alex Muñoz".
Objective: To determine tissue concentrations of E 2 , estrone, P, and estrogens metabolites (EMs... more Objective: To determine tissue concentrations of E 2 , estrone, P, and estrogens metabolites (EMs) 2-methoxyestradiol, 2-methoxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, and 16-ketoestradiol in corpus luteum (CL) of different ages, and after hCG administration; and to examine the effects of EMs on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and angiogenic activity released by cultured luteinizing granulosa cells in the presence and absence of hCG. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University. Patient(s): Thirty-two healthy women of reproductive age. Intervention(s): Corpus luteum was collected at the time of minilaparotomy for tubal sterilization, at varying stages of the luteal phase (LP). Late-LP CL was collected 24 hours after IM administration of 10,000 IU hCG. Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates obtained from healthy women participating in our IVF program for male factor infertility. Main Outcomes Measure(s): Estrogen metabolite concentrations were determined in CL tissue, and VEGF was assessed in conditioned medium. The angiogenic activity was analyzed by bioassay. Result(s): Concentrations of EMs with proangiogenic activity (16-ketoestradiol and 4-hydroxyestrone) were higher in early and mid-LP CL vs. late-LP CL. These EMs and hCG increased VEGF production and angiogenic activity. Conversely, late-LP CL had significantly higher levels of 2-methoxyestrone and 2-methoxyestradiol, which have antiangiogenic activity. Administration of hCG reduced the production of these EMs. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that the EMs are important paracrine modulators of CL function. Administration of hCG increases the production of EMs with proangiogenic activity and reduces the secretion of those EMs with antiangiogenic action, suggesting a novel mechanism by which the late-LP CL is rescued in conception cycles. (Fertil Steril Ò 2016;106:230-7. Ó2016 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Septic shock is a highly lethal condition. Early recognition of tissue hypoperfusion and its reve... more Septic shock is a highly lethal condition. Early recognition of tissue hypoperfusion and its reversion are key factors for limiting progression to multiple organ dysfunction and death. Lactate-targeted resuscitation is the gold-standard under current guidelines, although it has several pitfalls including that non-hypoxic sources of lactate might predominate in an unknown proportion of patients. Peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation might provide a real-time response to increases in flow that could lead to a more timely decision to stop resuscitation, thus avoiding fluid overload and the risks of over-resuscitation. This article reports the rationale, study design and analysis plan of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Study. ANDROMEDA-SHOCK is a randomized controlled trial which aims to determine if a peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation is associated with lower 28-day mortality compared to a lactate-targeted resuscitation in patients with septic shock with less than 4 h of diagnosis....
Simulation models have been developed in order to foresee characteristics of networks, systems or... more Simulation models have been developed in order to foresee characteristics of networks, systems or protocols when carrying out tests in laboratories is very expensive or even impossible. This paper presents a simulation model of a multiprocessor network traffic analysis system. The model, which is based on closed networks of queues, evaluates the efficiency of the system depending on the hardware/software platform features. Therefore, this model is able to estimate performance early in the design and development stages simulating a multiprocessor architecture in charge of analysing network traffic. The goodness of the model will be checked by comparing analytical results with practical ones obtained in laboratory using a traffic analysis system that runs on a multiprocessor platform.
Objective: To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine signaling pathways ... more Objective: To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine signaling pathways between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and human corpus luteum (CL); to examine the major paracrine and autocrine mechanisms and the key genes and proteins involved in CL development, function, and regression in natural cycles; to review the endocrine and molecular response of the midluteal phase CL to in vivo administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); and to describe the ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluation of the ovary and endometrium throughout the luteal phase. Design: Published data in the literature, including the basic and clinical research studies of the authors. Setting: University-affiliated hospital and research centers. Patient(s): None. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical and molecular analysis of human CL function. Result(s): The endocrine function of the subpopulations of luteal cells is critical for the maintenance of CL function, including neovacularization and steroid hormones production. We consider the key genes and proteins that favor development of luteal structure and function throughout the menstrual cycle and in our model of hCG treatment resembling early pregnancy. Conclusion(s): These data indicate that the functional lifespan of the CL depends on paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Therefore, the significance of the key genes and proteins that we analyze in lutein cells during CL development, function, demise, and rescue by hCG is likely to bring new therapeutic applications for the management of fertility defects and the control of fertility.
Objective: To study in vivo the progesterone receptor (PR) expression levels in human granulosa c... more Objective: To study in vivo the progesterone receptor (PR) expression levels in human granulosa cells (GCs) during the periovulatory period and the affect of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway on PR expression and cathepsin-L expression-activation. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University research unit. Patient(s): Twenty-five women of reproductive age. Intervention(s): Follicular fluid and GCs obtained from spontaneous cycles before and during the normal luteinizing hormone surge, and samples obtained 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Main Outcome Measure(s): To determine PR, cathepsin-L messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis via real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein of PR, cathepsin-L, and PKA in human GCs. Result(s): The Western blot analysis revealed that bands of PR (isoform A) were the most abundant and that mRNA (PR-A and PR-B) have a temporal pattern of expression throughout the periovulatory period. The protein levels of PR and cathepsin-L were up-regulated by hCG. The abundance of PR was diminished in the presence of PKA inhibitor, and cathepsin-L with PR receptor antagonist. Conclusion(s): The transient expression of PR in human GCs of the preovulatory follicle suggests that PR and its ligand play a role in the activation of cathepsin-L, which is presumably involved in the degradation of the follicular extracellular matrix during human ovulation. (Fertil Steril Ò 2012;97: 707-13. Ó2012 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Study question Is progesterone receptor (PGR) downregulation disrupted within endometrial epithel... more Study question Is progesterone receptor (PGR) downregulation disrupted within endometrial epithelial compartment, during embryo receptivity phase in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles? Summary answer PGR is not downregulated in endometrial epithelial cells from ART cycles during embryo receptivity phase. What is known already Progesterone (P4) promotes the downregulation of its own progesterone receptor (PGR). During the mid-luteal phase, PGR is downregulated in endometrial epithelial cells (EEC), a critical process for embryo implantation. Embryos are unable to attach to the maternal surface when PGR expression is sustained in EEC. Non-physiologic ovarian steroid produced or employed in ART cycles may alter endometrial development compromising its receptivity. Scarce information is available whether PGR is downregulated in EEC from ARTs including ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or hormonal endometrial preparation for frozen thawed embryo trans...
Pacient dona de 68 anys que consulta per dolor toràcic mecànic de 15 dies d'evolució. DESCRIPCIÓ ... more Pacient dona de 68 anys que consulta per dolor toràcic mecànic de 15 dies d'evolució. DESCRIPCIÓ DEL CAS Pacient amb antecedents patològics de HTA, Neoplàsia de mama en remissió completa. Osteoporosi des de l'any 2012 i Hèrnies discals cervicals. Viu amb el marit, autònoma per a les Activitats Bàsiques de la Vida Diària, fills independitzats. No presenta antecedents familiars patològics. Es dirigeix a la nostra consulta per dolor toràcic que s'exacerba amb la tos, la inspiració profunda i el moviment. Durant l'exploració física presenta dolor a la palpació del terç distal de l'esternó, sense crepitació, la resta resulta anodina. Com a exploracions complementàries demanem: Radiografia de tòrax que mostra una fractura al 1/3 mig de l'esternó.
The newly created Kawésqar National Park (KNP) and National Reserve (KNR) in southern Chile consi... more The newly created Kawésqar National Park (KNP) and National Reserve (KNR) in southern Chile consists of diverse terrestrial and marine habitats, which includes the southern terminus of the Andes, the Southern Patagonia Ice Fields, sub-Antarctic rainforests, glaciers, fjords, lakes, wetlands, valleys, channels, and islands. The marine environment is influenced by wide ranging hydrological factors such as glacier melt, large terrigenous inputs, high precipitation, strong currents, and open ocean water masses. Owing to the remoteness, rugged terrain, and harsh environmental conditions, little is known about this vast region, particularly the marine realm. To this end, we conducted an integrated ecological assessment using SCUBA and remote cameras down to 600 m to examine this unique and largely unexplored ecosystem. Kelp forests (primarily Macrocystis pyrifera) dominate the nearshore ecosystem and provide habitat for myriad benthic organisms. In the fjords, salinity was low and both tu...
STUDY QUESTION Do alterations in pro- and anti-angiogenic estrogen metabolites in follicular flui... more STUDY QUESTION Do alterations in pro- and anti-angiogenic estrogen metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) contribute to the follicular growth arrest and anovulation associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER FF of PCOS women with anovulation have reduced levels of pro-angiogenic estrogen metabolites (EMs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to that of fertile women with regular menstrual cycles, but exogenous gonadotropins increase the pro-angiogenic EMs and VEGF levels in PCOS women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is characterized by the arrest of follicular development that leads to chronic anovulation. Follicular arrest is generally associated with elevated plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), androgens and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). There is also reduced angiogenesis in the follicles of PCOS women compared to those of normal cycling women. It is known that angiogenesis is a critical factor during follicular development. We and other in...
The kelp forests of southern South America are some of the least disturbed on the planet. The rem... more The kelp forests of southern South America are some of the least disturbed on the planet. The remoteness of this region has, until recently, spared it from many of the direct anthropogenic stressors that have negatively affected these ecosystems elsewhere. Re-surveys of 11 locations at the easternmost extent of Tierra del Fuego originally conducted in 1973 showed no significant differences in the densities of adult and juvenile Macrocystis pyrifera kelp or kelp holdfast diameter between the two survey periods. Additionally, sea urchin assemblage structure at the same sites were not significantly different between the two time periods, with the dominant species Loxechinus albus accounting for 66.3% of total sea urchin abundance in 2018 and 61.1% in 1973. Time series of Landsat imagery of the region from 1998 to 2018 showed no long-term trends in kelp canopy over the past 20 years. However,~4-year oscillations in canopy fraction were observed and were strongly and negatively correlated with the NOAA Multivariate ENSO index and sea surface temperature. More extensive surveying in 2018 showed significant differences in benthic community structure between exposed and sheltered locations. Fish species endemic to the Magellanic Province accounted for 73% of all nearshore species observed and from 98-100% of the numerical abundance enumerated at sites. Fish assemblage structure varied significantly among locations and wave exposures. The recent creation of the Yaganes Marine Park is an important step in protecting this unique and biologically rich region; however, the nearshore waters of the region are currently not included in this protection. There is a general lack of information on changes in kelp forests over long time periods, making a global assessment difficult. A complete picture of how these ecosystems are responding to human pressures must also include remote locations and locations with little to no impact.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 2018
Study Objective: To compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reprodu... more Study Objective: To compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reproductive technology (AcART) and adolescents who were conceived spontaneously (AcSP). Design: Multicenter study of ovarian function in AcART because of male or tubal infertility. Setting: University Hospital. Participants: We evaluated 22 AcART and 53 AcSP at 1-2 years after menarche. The participants were born at term ($37 weeks of gestation) with normal birth weights ($2500 g) from singleton pregnancies. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Differences in ovulation, reproductive hormones, and ovarian morphology. Results: AcART had an older age of menarche than that of AcSP, even after adjusting for maternal age at menarche, gestational age, and birth weight (P 5 .027). AcART had lower incidence of ovulation (P 5 .021) and higher luteinizing hormone serum levels (P 5 .01) than those of AcSP. The incidence of oligomenorrhea and the cycle length were similar between AcART and AcSP. AcART had levels of anti-M€ ullerian hormone, inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and androgens similar to those of AcSP. The ovarian morphology, ovarian volume, and follicle counts were similar in both groups. Conclusion: AcART had later menarche, lower ovulation rates, and higher luteinizing hormone levels than those of AcSP. Future studies should investigate whether these findings are indicative of a risk of ovarian dysfunction later in life for AcART.
The vast and complex coast of the Magellan Region of extreme southern Chile possesses a diversity... more The vast and complex coast of the Magellan Region of extreme southern Chile possesses a diversity of habitats including fjords, deep channels, and extensive kelp forests, with a unique mix of temperate and sub-Antarctic species. The Cape Horn and Diego Ramírez archipelagos are the most southerly locations in the Americas, with the southernmost kelp forests, and some of the least explored places on earth. The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera plays a key role in structuring the ecological communities of the entire region, with the large brown seaweed Lessonia spp. forming dense understories. Kelp densities were highest around Cape Horn, followed by Diego Ramírez, and lowest within the fjord region of Francisco Coloane Marine Park (mean canopy densities of 2.51 kg m-2, 2.29 kg m-2, and 2.14 kg m-2, respectively). There were clear differences in marine communities among these sub-regions, with the lowest diversity in the fjords. We observed 18 species of nearshore fishes, with average sp...
In the previously published article "Clinical consequences of using the new SCORE OP cardiovascul... more In the previously published article "Clinical consequences of using the new SCORE OP cardiovascular risk tables in patients aged over 65 years" (Med Clin [Barc] 2016;147:381-386) an error in the surname of one of the authors has been detected. "Alex Muñox" should have appeared as "Alex Muñoz".
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