P–729 Seasonality and lunar phase impact zona pellucida thickness while assisted reproductive treatment outcome shown no differences between seasons

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Gudleviciute ◽  
P Maldunas ◽  
G Gersvaltaityte ◽  
Z Gudlevicien ◽  
V Paliulyt

Abstract Study question Does seasonal variation impact zona pellucida (ZP) thickness, other assisted reproductive treatment (ART) factors and ART outcome? Summary answer Seasonality and lunar phase impact ZP thickness while specific weather conditions alone do not, however, seasonality does not impact other ART factors or ART outcome. What is known already: Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated seasonal variation in natural pregnancy and birth rate, which varies across geographic regions. It has been suggested that temperature and light may affect the ability to conception via hormonal changes. However, data regarding the seasonal variation during ART is controversial and several studies with conflicting results have been published. One retrospective observational cohort study reported the significant influence of seasonality on fertilization rates with highest ones during the spring and the lowest ones in the autumn. However, another retrospective study did not demonstrate any significant influence of the seasons on ART outcome. Study design, size, duration This retrospective study was performed in the Fertility Center, VUH Santaros Clinics, Lithuania. 959 IVF/ICSI cycles conducted in IVF laboratory between 2017 and 2019 were analysed. The thickness of ZP was measured of 5002 oocytes retrieved between 2017 and 2018. Degenerated oocytes were excluded from the study. Average temperature (AT), precipitation (AP) and sunshine hours (ASH) of every month were taken from Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service database. Lunar phase (LP) data was collected using Google Calendar. Participants/materials, setting, methods IVF/ICSI cycles were divided into four seasonal groups according to the day of oocyte pick-up. The number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos, fertilization and pregnancy rates were compared among groups. Then, to avoid bias in fertilization rate, ICSI cycles were excluded and only IVF cycles were analysed. Measurements of ZP thickness were taken using NIS-Elements F software. It was evaluated if AT, AP, ASH, LP and seasonality had an effect on ZP thickness. Main results and the role of chance The mean number of retrieved oocytes and fertilized oocytes as well as the percentage of women who conceived was highest in the spring and lowest in the summer without statistical significance among all seasonal groups (p > 0.05). The fertilization rate was lowest in the spring (66.60%) and highest in the autumn (68.76%) without statistical significance among all four groups. The odds were 1.49 times higher to conceive in spring compared to summer and this result was statistically significant (95% CI 1.01–2.21; p = 0.046), however, when comparing all four seasons together, the difference was not significant. The calculations with only IVF cycles followed the same pattern except that the odds ratio results were not significant and the fertilization rate was highest in the winter. None of the weather conditions (average temperature, average precipitation and average sunshine hours) had an impact on ZP thickness. However, the mean ZP thickness was lowest in the summer (18.86 ± 3.08 µm) and highest in the autumn (19.43 ± 2.98 µm) and the difference among all four seasons was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean ZP thickness was lowest during the first quarter lunar phase and highest during the new moon phase with statistical significance among groups (p < 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation of our study is unequal number of the IVF/ICSI procedures between months/seasons (e.g., the sample size of autumn was 340 while the sample size of summer was only 161). Also, the measurements of ZP were taken manually therefore there could be some errors. Wider implications of the findings: Understanding possible effects of external factors on ART outcome is important for the best treatment results. Even though seasonality and lunar phase significantly impact ZP thickness, we could not demonstrate any significant seasonal influence on other ART factors or ART outcome. Further studies with higher number of patients are required. Trial registration number Not applicable

Author(s):  
Enes Sari ◽  
Levent FAZLI Umur

BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to evaluate the information quality of YouTube videos on hallux valgus. METHODS:A YouTube search was performed using the keyword 'hallux valgus' to determine the first 300 videos related to hallux valgus. A total of 54 videos met our inclusion criteria and evaluated for information quality by using DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and hallux valgus information assessment (HAVIA) scores. Number of views, time since the upload date, view rate, number of comments, number of likes, number of dislikes, video power index (VPI) values were calculated to determine video popularity. Video length (sec), video source and video content were also noted. The relation between information quality and these factors were statistically evaluated. RESULTS:The mean DISCERN score was 30.35{plus minus}11.56 (poor quality) (14-64), the mean JAMA score was 2.28{plus minus}0.96 (1-4), and the mean HAVIA score was 3.63{plus minus}2.42 (moderate quality) (0.5-8.5). Although videos uploaded by physicians had higher mean DISCERN, JAMA, and HAVIA scores than videos uploaded by non-physicians, the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, view rates and VPI values were higher for videos uploaded by health channels, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between video length and DISCERN (r= 0.294, p= 0.028), and HAVIA scores (r= 0.326, p= 0.015). CONCLUSIONS:This present study demonstrated that the quality of information available on YouTube videos about hallux valgus was low and insufficient. Videos containing accurate information from reliable sources are needed to educate patients on hallux valgus, especially in less frequently mentioned topics such as postoperative complications and healing period.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziyang Chen ◽  
Kai-Ming Chen ◽  
Ying Shi ◽  
Zhao-Da Ye ◽  
Sheng Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract AimTo investigate the effect of orthokeratology (OK) lens on axial length (AL) elongation in myopia with anisometropia children.MethodsThirty-seven unilateral myopia (group 1) and fifty-nine bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were involved in this 1-year retrospective study. And bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were divided into group 2A (diopter of the lower SER eye under − 2.00D) and group 2B(diopter of the lower SER eye is equal or greater than − 2.00D). The change in AL were observed.The datas were analysed using SPSS 21.0.Results(1) In group 1, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eye were 24.70 ± 0.89 mm and 23.55 ± 0.69 mm, respectively. In group 2A, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 24.61 ± 0.84 mm and 24.00 ± 0.70 mm respectively. In group 2B, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 25.28 ± 0.72 mm and 24.70 ± 0.74 mm. After 1 year, the change in AL of the L eyes was faster than the H eyes in group 1 and group 2A (all P<0.001).While the AL of the H eyes and L eyes had the same increased rate in group 2B. (2) The effect of controlling AL elongation of H eyes is consistent in three groups (P = 0.559).The effect of controlling AL elongation of L eyes in group 2B was better than that in group 1 and group 2A (P < 0.001). And the difference between group 1 and group 2A has no statistical significance. (3) The AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 1.16 ± 0.55mm to 0.88 ± 0.68mm after 1 year in group 1.And in group 2A, the AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 0.61 ± 0.34mm to 0.48 ± 0.28mm. There was statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). In group 2B, the baseline AL difference in H eyes and L eyes has no significant difference from that after 1 year (P = 0.069).ConclusionsMonocular OK lens is effective on suppression AL growth of the myopic eyes and reduce anisometropia value in unilateral myopic children. Binocular OK lenses only reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye under − 2.00D. Binocular OK lenses cannot reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye equal or greater than − 2.00D. Whether OK lens can reduce refractive anisometropia value is related to the spherical equivalent refractive of low refractive eye in bilateral myopia with anisometropia children after 1-year follow-up.


1969 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Krzanowska

Two inbred strains of mice differing in the mean percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal heads were used: KE (16·1%) and CBA (5·9%). The F1 resulting from the crosses exhibited a heterosis effect, while in the backcrosses an obvious segregation of genotypes was observed; both generations showed a reciprocal difference, depending on the source of the Y chromosome. The character of sperm head abnormality seems to be polygenically determined, one of the genes being located on chromosome Y.Seven generations of backcrosses were performed in which the Y chromosome from CBA was introduced to the genetical background of the KE strain. In the seventh generation 10·2% of abnormal spermatozoa were found, which is significantly lower than in the KE strain. The difference shows the net effect of the Y-linked locus. A correlated difference was found in the fertilization rate, indicating that a factor influencing male fertility is located on chromosome Y. It does not seem to influence the shape of normal spermatozoan heads.Karyotype analysis did not reveal gross abnormalities in the KE strain.


1973 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 587-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Seth ◽  
G. W. Pennington

ABSTRACT The respective mean 24 h urinary excretions of sulphoconjugated 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 16-oxo-androstenediol, and dehydroepiandrosterone were found to be 1040, 230, and 668 μg/24 h for normal males, and 621, 209, and 304 μg/24 h for normal non-pregnant females. None of the differences in mean steroid excretions between males and non-pregnant females was statistically significant according to the usual criterion for significance (P < 0.05). The mean excretions of sulphoconjugated 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 16-oxo-androstenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone between the 10th week of normal pregnancy and term were 1300, 505 and 226 μg/24 h respectively. No significant trend in the excretions of these neutral steroid sulphates between the 10th week of pregnancy and term could be detected. The increased excretion of both C-16 oxygenated steroid sulphates in pregnancy was highly significant (P < 0.001). In contrast, the statistical significance of the difference in excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate between pregnant and non-pregnant females could not be established. There did not appear to be any relationship between the excretion of 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and oestriol in normal pregnancy. The results are considered to be consistent with a limited transplacental passage of neutral steroids from the foetoplacental to maternal circulation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-131
Author(s):  
Wafaa Mohammed Abed ◽  
Mohammed Oda Selman

To explore whether dual triggering for final oocyte maturation using a low dose of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) is as effective as the standard dose of recombinant hCG triggering alone in term of a total number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization and pregnancy rate in fresh autologous antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. 80 infertile women undergoing ICSI, aged ˂ 40 years, 18˂ Body mass index ˂30 Kg/m2 included in fresh autologous antagonist ICSI cycles. 40 women received a Standard dose of recombinant hCG (500 µg) alone and 40 women received GnRH-a (0.2 mg triptorelin plus 250 µg recombinant hCG) were used for final oocytes maturation. This study was conducted at the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Al Nahrain University. The mean total number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy rate were measured. The mean total oocyte number being statistically higher in the dual trigger group. The mean number of fertilized oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates was higher in the dual trigger group than in the control group, but the difference showed borderline statistical significance. Furthermore, fertilization rates show no statistical difference between the control group and the dual trigger group. Results of the study confirm that dual triggers show favorable improvement in fresh autologous antagonist ICSI cycles with the use of GnRH agonists plus hCG compared with hCG alone for triggering of final oocyte maturation.


1933 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Jenkins ◽  
C. S. D. Don

The determination of the mean normal haemoglobin concentration has re ceived more attention in America than in this country. Recently Price-Jones (1931) has compared the values in London with those found in America. He used the Haldane haemoglobinometer and his results are as accurate as is possible having regard to the method employed. In America his results were 3 percent. above those of the Haldane gas analysis apparatus (1901) by which theclinical instrument is supposed to be calibrated. Twenty comparisons were made in America and showed that the Haldane gas apparatus gave results averaging 2·6 per cent. below those of the Van Slyke apparatus. Price-Jones considers this to have no statistical significance. From the standpoint of experimental accuracy the difference is appreciable, as all methods for the measurement of oxygen combined with Hb are essentially pragmatic.


2008 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard S. Feldt ◽  
Richard A. Charter

Suppose one has a battery of K subtests and a composite for the battery is defined as the mean of the K standardized subtest scores. An individual's single-subtest deviation score is the difference between the individual's score on any single subtest and his composite score. A cluster deviation score is the difference between an examinee's average for a small set (cluster) of subtests and his composite. Formulas are given for the test of statistical significance of the individual's subtest or cluster deviation score and the internal consistency reliability of such deviation scores.


2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 338-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tariq Yousuf ◽  
Taylor Brinton ◽  
Ghulam Murtaza ◽  
Daniel Wozniczka ◽  
Khansa Ahmad ◽  
...  

End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring is useful in many situations. However, ETCO2 monitoring is unreliable in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to widespread lung inflammation. In our study, we attempt to establish the gradient between the arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and ETCO2 in patients with ARDS, which we defined as the PaETCO2 gradient. The main objective of the study was to establish a PaETCO2 gradient in each severity of ARDS. We analyzed 35 patients with ARDS and a total of 88 arterial blood gases were included. PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2 and ETCO2 were measured. Patients were stratified into mild, moderate and severe ARDS as classified by the Berlin ARDS criteria. PaCO2 and ETCO2 were compared at each severity stratification. The mean PaCO2 was 50.0, the mean ETCO2 was 26.6 and the gradient among all samples was 23.24 (±12.02). The mean gradient for each severity is as follows: mild: 19.3 (±9.9), moderate: 27.9 (±13.2) and severe: 23.9 (±7.8). The difference between the PaETCO2 gradient of the mild to moderate (p=0.001) and mild to severe groups (p=0.01) reached statistical significance. However, the difference between the moderate to severe groups did not reach statistical significance (p=0.48). We found the gradient between PaCO2 and ETCO2 in patients with ARDS is vast and tends to worsen with increasing severity of ARDS. This indicates that the gradient between the 2 may be used as an indicator of increasing severity of ARDS.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon C. Yson ◽  
Edward Rainier G. Santos ◽  
Jonathan N. Sembrano ◽  
David W. Polly

Object In this paper the authors sought to determine the segmental lumbar sagittal contour change after bilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods Between March 2007 and October 2010, 42 consecutive patients (57 levels) underwent bilateral TLIF. Standard preoperative and 6-week postoperative standing lumbar spine radiographs were examined. Preoperative and postoperative segmental lordosis was determined by manual measurements using the Cobb method. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative values were calculated and analyzed for statistical significance. Results The mean preoperative segmental alignment was 8.1°. The mean postoperative alignment was 15.3°, with a mean correction of 7.2° per segment. The largest gain in lordosis was obtained at the L5–S1 level (10.1°). There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative values (p = 5 × 10−9). There was no significant difference in mean segmental correction between levels. Improvement in lordosis was higher in multilevel fusions (9.8°) than in single-level fusions (5.2°) (p = 0.047). There was an inverse correlation between preoperative sagittal lordosis measurement and change in lordosis (r = −0.599). Conclusions A significant improvement in lumbar lordosis can be gained by preforming bilateral facetectomies in TLIF with posterior compression. This procedure provides an additional option to a spine surgeon's armamentarium in dealing with significant lumbar sagittal plane deformities.


2020 ◽  
pp. 036354652095044
Author(s):  
Ioanna K. Bolia ◽  
Hansel Ihn ◽  
Hyunwoo P. Kang ◽  
Cory K. Mayfield ◽  
Karen K. Briggs ◽  
...  

Background: Previous studies have established a classification of sports based on hip mechanics: cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead. No previous review has compared the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) using this classification. Purpose: To determine whether the rate of return to sport differs among cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy for FAIS. We also aimed to identify differences in patient characteristics, intraoperative procedures performed, and time to return to play among the 6 sport categories. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstract, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that reported the rate of return to sport (defined by the number of hips) after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in athletes of all levels. Data collected were patient age, sex, body mass index, type of sport, rate and time to return to sport, and intraoperative procedures performed. A mixed effects model was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 29 articles and 1426 hip arthroscopy cases were analyzed with 185 cutting, 258 impingement, 304 contact, 207 endurance, 116 flexibility, and 356 asymmetric/overhead athletes. The mean age was similar among the 6 subgroups ( P = .532), but the proportion of female athletes was significantly higher in flexibility, endurance, and asymmetric/overhead sports as compared with impingement and contact athletes. Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS (94.8%), whereas contact athletes had the lowest rate (88%). The longest mean ± SD time (8.5 ± 1.9 months) to return to sport was reported in cutting sports, while endurance athletes returned faster than the rest (5.4 ± 2.6 months). The difference in rate and time to return to sport, as well as the intraoperative procedure performed, did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity, and the mean Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score was 13 ± 2.6. Conclusion: Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, while endurance athletes returned the fastest. The difference in rate and time to return to sport and intraoperative procedures performed did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. These results are limited by the evidence of publication bias and should be interpreted with caution. Laboratory-based studies are necessary to validate the classification of sports based on hip mechanics.


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