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The best technological alternative known so far to reduce emissions into the atmosphere of the largest greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, in the short and medium term, is the capture, utilization and geological storage of CO2 (CCUS). This aspect allows the continued use of fossil fuels while moving towards the massive and comprehensive development of renewable energies. Achieving a significant reduction in CO2 emissions requires knowledge of the available CO2 storage capacity. This research shows a methodology for calculating the geological storage capacity in the part of the porous volume previously occupied by hydrocarbons can be occupied by an equivalent volume of CO2 at reservoir pressure and temperature conditions. The proposed calculation methodology (UCCGCO2) has an estimation efficiency between 90 and 98% was determined to the values obtained currently available methodologies, and its use is simpler than these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Metabolic and inflammatory disorders are widely described in COVID-19 disease by SARS-CoV-2, especially in advanced gravity stages, nevertheless, the increase in inflammatory and tissue damage biomarkers could identify patients with higher mortality risk since early disease stages. Material and Method: A retrospective Cohort study was performed to evaluate the progression pattern and mortality risk of proinflammatory (Ferritin and IL- 6) and damage tissue biomarkers seric levels (LDH, CPK, CPK-MB and TnIc) since the beginning of the disease to end outcome considered, in this study, as death or recovery. Results: We evaluated 120 patients with mean age 51±10 years. The CAT study showed in all patients bilateral polished glass lung lesions. The inflammatory and seric tissue injured biomarkers were significantly higher since the beginning of the hospitalization in patients who died compared with patients that survived (p = 0.01). The myocardial injury biomarkers (CPK-MB and TnIc) were significantly higher in severe gravity stages of deceased patients compared to patients who survived (p = 0.001 and 0.003 respectively) with a global mortality of 38.3% (n = 48). The mortality risk was extremely elevated (RR> 10) when inflammatory and tissue injury biomarkers showed seric levels 2 folds above normal values, showing survival of < 60% after tenth day since the beginning disease. Conclusion: Since the beginning of COVID-19 disease by SARS CoV2 virus, patients show serum elevation in ferritin, LDH and CPK. This seric values were associated with higher mortality risk, when elevated 2 folds above normal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Whole exome sequencing (WES) using NGS (Next-generation sequencing) technology is one of the most requested genetic studies within the approach of patients with intellectual disability with or without other anomalies. As with other procedures and clinical studies, it is convenient for prescribing physicians to have a clear understanding of the scope and limitations of the use of WES, the analysis process of the genetic variants identified, as well as aspects to be evaluated regarding quality and structure of the reports of the NGS studies, with the aim that they can better interpret the results of a study, evaluate its quality, and propose in the best way the correlation of the same with the observed phenotype.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with lipid metabolism and energy balance are implicated in the weight loss response caused by nutritional interventions. Diet‑induced weight loss is also associated with differential global DNA methylation. DNA methylation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for weight loss response. Personalized biomarkers for successful weight loss may inform clinical decisions when deciding between behavioral and surgical weight loss interventions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between global DNA methylation, genetic variants associated with energy balance and lipid metabolism, and weight loss following a non‑surgical weight loss regimen. The present study included 105 obese participants that were enrolled in a personalized weight loss program based on their allelic composition of the following five energy balance and lipid metabolism‑associated loci: Near insulin‑induced gene 2 (INSIG2); melanocortin 4 receptor; adrenoceptor β2; apolipoprotein A5; and G‑protein subunit β3. The present study investigated the association between a global DNA methylation index (GDMI), the allelic composition of the five energy balance and lipid metabolism‑associated loci, and weight loss during a 12 month program, after controlling for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The results demonstrated a significant association between the GDMI and near INSIG2 locus, after adjusting for BMI and weight loss, and significant trends were observed when stratifying by gender. In conclusion, a combination of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers may be used to design personalized weight loss interventions, enabling adherence and ensuring improved outcomes for obesity treatment programs. Precision weight loss programs designed based on molecular information may enable the creation of personalized interventions for patients, that use genomic biomarkers for treatment design and for treatment adherence monitoring, thus improving response to treatment.

Vein of Galen aneurysms are a rare and complex vascular malformation of the brain. Their prevalence is somewhat less than 1 in 25,000 deliveries. Common associated anomalies include ventriculomegaly, cardiomegaly secondary to high cardiac output and enlarged neck vessels, the later being an almost pathognomonic sign. The prognosis for these neonates is poor with a mortality rate of 50% and a high risk for neurologic sequelae. Color flow Doppler studies of the fetal brain vasculature are a reliable method for diagnostic purposes. In this paper we present a case of a vein of Galen malformation diagnosed prenatally at 33 weeks of gestation using both 2D and color Doppler ultrasound modalities.

Placental chorioangiomas are relatively common benign placental tumors occurring with an incidence of approximately 1% of histologically studied placentas. However, they show clinical manifestations in very rare pregnancies usually at a median gestational age of 28 weeks. Our report presents an interesting and rare case of severe hydramnios with consequent preterm labor and delivery in the second trimester leading to neonatal death due to placental chorioangioma. An earlier diagnosis could have led to closer monitoring and prevention of the development of severe hydramnios with resultant preterm labor.

Unlabelled: Several reports on liver transplantation and pregnancy have been published recently. Uncertainty remains regarding appropriate management of these patients., Methods: The study included pregnant women of all ages with liver transplant referred to our center. A total of eight patients were identified and qualified for our study. The following variables were obtained: age, date of liver transplantation, date of conception, reasons for liver transplantation, type of immunosuppressive therapy, complications during pregnancy, gestational age at birth, birth weight, mode of delivery, the interval of time from liver transplantation to conception and co-morbidity., Results: The mean age of our population was 24 years. Four of the eight were nulliparous. The mean time interval from transplantation to pregnancy was eight years. The indication for liver transplantation in 75% of patients was autoimmune hepatitis. Two cases were associated with viral hepatitis. Combination therapy with more than one immunosuppressant was given to 75% of patients. The most prevalent complication was pyelonephritis in (38%), followed by gestational thrombocytopenia and preeclampsia. Most deliveries (75%) were vaginal and at term (88%). The median for gestational age was 39 weeks. The median birth weight was 2,898 grams., Conclusions: This study proves that successful and uneventful pregnancies are likely in liver transplant patients under optimal obstetric management.

Unlabelled: The presence of a major congenital anomaly is a frequent indication for late termination of pregnancy. The possibility of the fetus being born alive is significant, thus, feticide prior to the procedure is desirable. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of lidocaine 1% as a feticidal agent prior to second trimester termination of pregnancy., Methods: We conducted a chart review of all patients who underwent a second trimester termination of pregnancy at our institution between March 2009 and June 2012. We collected data regarding the indication for the termination procedure, gestational age, site of lidocaine injection, dosage of lidocaine, need for additional to produce asystole, and maternal complications., Results: We identified 54 patients who underwent second trimester termination following injection with lidocaine. Forty-six cases (85%) were done for major fetal anomalies and 8 cases (15%) were for maternal indications. The mean gestational age was 22 weeks (SD = 2.3). The mean volume of lidocaine 1% injected was 10.1 mL (range: 5-40 mL). Asystole was achieved in 1-2 minutes following intracardiac administration. Intracardiac injection was successful in 45/46 (98%) of cases. Intrathoracic administration was successful in 5/6 (83%). This approach was chosen when cardiac puncture was not effective. Two fetuses receiving an initial intraabdominal or umbilical vein injection required additional doses of intracardiac lidocaine to produce asystole. There were no maternal complications., Conclusions: Intracardiac administration of lidocaine is an effective method to induce cardiac asystole for second trimester pregnancy termination. Extra-cardiac injection, however, is less effective.

Echogenic intracardiac foci (EIF) are small areas of increased echogenicity inside the fetal ventricles. When isolated, they are considered to be a normal finding with prevalence differing among ethnic groups. It has been described as a weak marker for trisomy 21 and other chromosomal anomalies. Little information exists regarding the incidence of these foci among Hispanic fetuses. We examined prospectively 485 normal fetuses between 14 and 32 weeks of gestation from January through March 2001. Nine cases of isolated intracardiac foci were identified (incidence of 1.8%). None of these cases had a chromosomal anomaly. Our data shows a frequency in our population similar to that reported among Caucasians.

Background: Cesarean section is a common delivery route for breech fetuses < 1000 gm to prevent trauma. However, abdominal and vaginal delivery maneuvers are similar. Cesarean section avoids the risk of head entrapment but long bone trauma can still occur., Cases: We identified three neonates with femoral fractures during a one year period. All mothers were in active labor. All were premature newborns less than 32 weeks gestation, in breech presentation and delivered by a low vertical cesarean section. Review of all cesarean sections done due to mal presentation (n = 26) during that time showed 11 classic and 15 lower segment vertical incisions (both vertical and transverse)., Conclusions: The interest to reduce maternal morbidity may prompt physicians to perform a low segment vertical incision for delivery of a preterm breech. This decision may increase the chances of trauma by providing less area for the required obstetric maneuvers.

Risk assessment for aneuploidy is an integral part of modern obstetrics. However, patients might choose or reject an amniocentesis, based, not on the risk, but on the screening method used. We examined records of patients referred for evaluation of aneuploidy risk from January 1999 to December 2000. Patients found to have a risk above 1/250 were offered amniocentesis. Out of 555 patients found at risk, 336 (60.5%) accepted. Acceptance rate varied depending on risk factor identified: advanced maternal age 178/290 (61.4%), abnormal serum screening 107/198 (54%), sonographic markers 35/48 (72.9%) or a previous child aneuploidy 16/19 (84.2%). The risk assessment method used influences significantly the amniocentesis acceptance rate and may affect sensitivity of testing.

Although highly popularized among obstetricians, there are conflicting results regarding the efficacy of high-resolution ultrasound and other fetal well-being tests on improving neonatal outcome and morbidity. To assess the impact of unrestricted fetal well-being tests and sonographic evaluations on the stillbirth rate, we evaluated a total of 1,810 pregnancies 20 weeks of gestation or more from a single private clinic serving a mixed population of high and low-risk patients. All patients were performed high-resolution sonography during each trimester of pregnancy. In addition, on each prenatal visit, fetal heart rate, position and amniotic fluid index were documented by a limited sonographic scan. Further sonographic studies were done whenever deemed necessary depending on the clinical situation. Biophysical profiles were performed in the third trimester at any time a risk factor was identified, and repeated as frequently as estimated necessary. All cases of fetal death in utero were documented and the associated maternal risk factors assessed. A total of 14 stillbirths occurred among the 1,810 patients. The stillbirth rate for this population was determined to be 7.7/1000 births (U.S. national average of 6.7-7.8/1000 births). The most common associated maternal complications were Diabetes (4 cases) and Antiphospholipid syndrome (3 cases). All except for one fetus lost at 37 weeks had at least one identifiable maternal risk factor. These results prove that intensive fetal surveillance, even when unrestricted by economic concerns, has limited effectiveness in avoiding fetal demise. This is most probably due to acute placental and cord accidents that cannot be detected promptly enough or that are simply unavoidable.

Family planning is essential to most prenatal care programs. It is generally believed that maternal age influences the planning of pregnancy with younger patients having higher incidences of unplanned pregnancies. To test this hypothesis we evaluated 470 consecutive cases of pregnant patients regarding pregnancy planning in their current pregnancy. A total of 170 (36.1%) were planned. The incidence of planned pregnancies was evaluated among three age groups and results were as follows: less than 20 years old, 18/60 (30.0%), patients 20 to 29 years old, 105/270 (37%) and more than 29 years old, 47/140 (33.6%). These differences were not statistically significant. Surprisingly, no differences among age groups regarding pregnancy planning were identified in this study.

A nationwide program directed at stimulating the preconceptional use of folic acid (FA) for the prevention of open neural tube defects has been in effect in Puerto Rico for the last 4 years. To evaluate its effectiveness, 479 questionnaires were distributed among pregnant patients. The average age was 27 (range 14-21), and 64.9% of the pregnancies were unplanned. Preconceptional use of FA was 31.5%, despite 87.7% of patients reporting knowledge about the importance of FA use. Only 35.4% of patients who had knowledge about FA used it prior to conception. Among patients who planned their pregnancies and knew about the importance of FA, 92/168 (54.6%) used it prior to pregnancy. With these dismal results, we believe these campaigns should re-evaluate their educational strategies and consider reduction of unplanned pregnancies as part of their goals.