scholarly journals Algorithms with Area under the Curve for Daily Urinary Estrone-3-Glucuronide and Pregnanediol-3-Glucuronide to Signal the Transition to the Luteal Phase

Medicina ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Usala ◽  
María Elena Alliende ◽  
A. Alexandre Trindade
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Natural Family Planning ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Negative Change ◽  
Objective Metrics ◽  
Improve Accuracy ◽  
Specific Increase ◽  
The Mean

Background and Objectives: Home fertility assessment methods (FAMs) for natural family planning (NFP) have technically evolved with the objective metrics of urinary luteinizing hormone (LH), estrone-3-glucuronide (E3G) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PDG). Practical and reliable algorithms for timing the phase of cycle based upon E3G and PDG levels are mostly unpublished and still lacking. Materials and Methods: A novel formulation to signal the transition to the luteal phase was discovered, tested, and developed with a data set of daily E3G and PDG levels from 25 women, 78 cycles, indexed to putative ovulation (day after the urinary LH surge), Day 0. The algorithm is based upon a daily relative progressive change in the ratio, E3G-AUC/PDG-AUC, where E3G-AUC and PDG-AUC are the area under the curve for E3G and PDG, respectively. To improve accuracy the algorithm incorporated a three-fold cycle-specific increase of PDG. Results: An extended negative change in E3G-AUC/PDG-AUC of at least nine consecutive days provided a strong signal for timing the luteal phase. The algorithm correctly identified the luteal transition interval in 78/78 cycles and predicted the start day of the safe period as: Day + 2 in 10/78 cycles, Day + 3 in 21/78 cycles, Day + 4 in 28/78 cycles, Day + 5 in 15/78 cycles, and Day + 6 in 4/78 cycles. The mean number of safe luteal days with this algorithm was 10.3 ± 1.3 (SD). Conclusions: An algorithm based upon the ratio of the area under the curve for daily E3G and PDG levels along with a relative PDG increase offers another approach to time the phase of cycle. This may have applications for NFP/FAMs and clinical evaluation of ovarian function.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

scholarly journals Relationship between large-scale ionospheric field-aligned currents and electron/ion precipitations: DMSP observations

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Xiong ◽  
Claudia Stolle ◽  
Patrick Alken ◽  
Jan Rauberg
Keyword(s):  
Time Distribution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Particle Flux ◽  
Particle Energy ◽  
Lower Latitude ◽  
Particle Precipitation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Meteorological Satellite

Abstract In this study, we have derived field-aligned currents (FACs) from magnetometers onboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Project (DMSP) satellites. The magnetic latitude versus local time distribution of FACs from DMSP shows comparable dependences with previous findings on the intensity and orientation of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By and Bz components, which confirms the reliability of DMSP FAC data set. With simultaneous measurements of precipitating particles from DMSP, we further investigate the relation between large-scale FACs and precipitating particles. Our result shows that precipitation electron and ion fluxes both increase in magnitude and extend to lower latitude for enhanced southward IMF Bz, which is similar to the behavior of FACs. Under weak northward and southward Bz conditions, the locations of the R2 current maxima, at both dusk and dawn sides and in both hemispheres, are found to be close to the maxima of the particle energy fluxes; while for the same IMF conditions, R1 currents are displaced further to the respective particle flux peaks. Largest displacement (about 3.5°) is found between the downward R1 current and ion flux peak at the dawn side. Our results suggest that there exists systematic differences in locations of electron/ion precipitation and large-scale upward/downward FACs. As outlined by the statistical mean of these two parameters, the FAC peaks enclose the particle energy flux peaks in an auroral band at both dusk and dawn sides. Our comparisons also found that particle precipitation at dawn and dusk and in both hemispheres maximizes near the mean R2 current peaks. The particle precipitation flux maxima closer to the R1 current peaks are lower in magnitude. This is opposite to the known feature that R1 currents are on average stronger than R2 currents.

scholarly journals End-to-end convolutional neural network enables COVID-19 detection from breath and cough audio: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-362
Author(s):  
Harry Coppock ◽  
Alex Gaskell ◽  
Panagiotis Tzirakis ◽  
Alice Baird ◽  
Lyn Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Convolutional Neural Network ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Alternative Form ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Audio Signals ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Empirical Performance

BackgroundSince the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019, multidisciplinary research teams have wrestled with how best to control the pandemic in light of its considerable physical, psychological and economic damage. Mass testing has been advocated as a potential remedy; however, mass testing using physical tests is a costly and hard-to-scale solution.MethodsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of an alternative form of COVID-19 detection, harnessing digital technology through the use of audio biomarkers and deep learning. Specifically, we show that a deep neural network based model can be trained to detect symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases using breath and cough audio recordings.ResultsOur model, a custom convolutional neural network, demonstrates strong empirical performance on a data set consisting of 355 crowdsourced participants, achieving an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics of 0.846 on the task of COVID-19 classification.ConclusionThis study offers a proof of concept for diagnosing COVID-19 using cough and breath audio signals and motivates a comprehensive follow-up research study on a wider data sample, given the evident advantages of a low-cost, highly scalable digital COVID-19 diagnostic tool.

ESR and CRP Diagnostic Thresholds for Prosthetic Joint Infection in Hip Hemiarthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Jared A. Warren ◽  
Oliver Scotting ◽  
Hiba K. Anis ◽  
James Bircher ◽  
Alison K. Klika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prosthetic Joint Infection ◽  
Joint Infection ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Musculoskeletal Infection ◽  
Hip Hemiarthroplasty ◽  
Diagnostic Thresholds ◽  
Diagnostic Threshold ◽  
Prosthetic Joint ◽  
The Mean

AbstractDiagnostic thresholds used to standardize the definition for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) have largely focused on total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Established PJI thresholds exist for serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in TJA; however, they do not exist for revision hip hemiarthroplasty (rHHA). The purpose of this study was to establish thresholds for (1) ESR and (2) CRP to diagnose PJI in rHHA. Data were collected on a prospective cohort of 69 rHHA patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery between 1/2017 and 2/2019 in a single health care system. Procedures were categorized as septic or aseptic revisions using Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria (2013). There were 44 ESRs (n = 28 aseptic, n = 16 septic) and 46 CRPs (n = 29 aseptic, n = 17 septic) available for analysis. Two tailed t-tests were performed to compare the mean ESR and CRP in aseptic and septic cases. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to obtain diagnostic cutoff thresholds using the Youden's Index (J) for ESR and CRP. The mean ESR was 50.3 ± 30.6 mm/h versus 15.4 ± 17.7 mm/h (p < 0.001), while the mean CRP was 29.9 ± 24.8 mg/L versus 4.1 ± 8.2 mg/L (p < 0.001) for septic and aseptic revisions, respectively. The diagnostic threshold for PJI determined by the ROC curve was 44 mm/h for ESR (sensitivity = 56.3%; specificity = 100.0%; J = 0.563; area under the curve (AUC) = 0.845), while it was 12.5 mg/L for CRP (sensitivity = 70.6%; specificity = 96.6%; J = 0.672; AUC = 0.896). For patients with HHA, an ESR of 44 mm/h was and a CRP of 12.5 mg/L was highly specific for PJI. The thresholds are similar to the MSIS thresholds currently published. Larger prospective trials are needed to establish more robust and conclusive diagnostic criteria for PJI in HHA, including investigations not only of ESR and CRP but synovial white blood cell count and synovial polymorphonuclear leukocytes % as well.

scholarly journals Pseudosparse neural coding in the visual system of primates

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney R. Lehky ◽  
Keiji Tanaka ◽  
Anne B. Sereno
Keyword(s):  
Neural Coding ◽  
Macaque Monkey ◽  
Implicit Assumption ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Efficient Coding ◽  
Population Responses ◽  
Lateral Intraparietal Cortex ◽  
Neural Populations ◽  
Neurophysiological Data ◽  
The Mean

AbstractWhen measuring sparseness in neural populations as an indicator of efficient coding, an implicit assumption is that each stimulus activates a different random set of neurons. In other words, population responses to different stimuli are, on average, uncorrelated. Here we examine neurophysiological data from four lobes of macaque monkey cortex, including V1, V2, MT, anterior inferotemporal cortex, lateral intraparietal cortex, the frontal eye fields, and perirhinal cortex, to determine how correlated population responses are. We call the mean correlation the pseudosparseness index, because high pseudosparseness can mimic statistical properties of sparseness without being authentically sparse. In every data set we find high levels of pseudosparseness ranging from 0.59–0.98, substantially greater than the value of 0.00 for authentic sparseness. This was true for synthetic and natural stimuli, as well as for single-electrode and multielectrode data. A model indicates that a key variable producing high pseudosparseness is the standard deviation of spontaneous activity across the population. Consistently high values of pseudosparseness in the data demand reconsideration of the sparse coding literature as well as consideration of the degree to which authentic sparseness provides a useful framework for understanding neural coding in the cortex.

scholarly journals The effects of human leptin fragment(126-140) on pituitary functions in man

2003 ◽  
pp. 407-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Hanew
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Pituitary Function ◽  
Gh Secretion ◽  
Combined Administration ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Spontaneous Secretion ◽  
Control Study

OBJECTIVE: The effects of human leptin fragment(126-140) on pituitary function in eight healthy, non-obese men were studied. METHODS AND DESIGN: The effects of the fragment on spontaneous secretion of pituitary hormones and endogenous leptin, as well as on GHRH-induced GH secretion were examined. RESULTS: After the administration of the fragment (50 microg i.v. for 150 min), the mean nadir value and 45 min value were significantly lower than that of the control study. Endogenous leptin levels did not decrease significantly following the administration of the leptin fragment. Other pituitary hormones were not affected by the fragment. The area under the curve of the GH response to GHRH(1-44)NH(2) (10 microg, i.v. from 0 to 75 min) was also significantly inhibited by the combined administration of the leptin fragment (100 microg i.v. from -30 to 75 min) (P<0.001). Three subjects were re-examined with larger doses of the leptin fragment (200-400 microg), and even greater GH suppression was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that human leptin fragment(126-140) has an inhibitory role in GH secretion, since when administered exogenously this fragment significantly suppressed spontaneous and, in a dose-response manner, GHRH-induced GH secretion. Clear effects of the fragment on other pituitary hormones and an inhibitory effect on endogenous leptin secretion were not observed in this study.

scholarly journals Numerical simulations of spreading of the Persian Gulf outflow into the Oman Sea

Ocean Science ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ezam ◽  
A. A. Bidokhti ◽  
A. H. Javid
Keyword(s):  
Persian Gulf ◽  
Bottom Topography ◽  
World Ocean ◽  
Monthly Precipitation ◽  
Boundary Current ◽  
Surface Salinity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Open Boundaries ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Persian Gulf

Abstract. A three dimensional numerical model namely POM (Princeton Ocean Model) and observational data are used to study the Persian Gulf outflow structure and its spreading pathways during 1992. In the model, the monthly wind speed data were taken from ICOADS (International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set) and the monthly SST (sea surface temperatures) were taken from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) with the addition of monthly net shortwave radiations from NCEP (National Center for Environmental Prediction). The mean monthly precipitation rates from NCEP data and the calculated evaporation rates are used to impose the surface salinity fluxes. At the open boundaries the temperature and salinity were prescribed from the mean monthly climatological values from WOA05 (World Ocean Atlas 2005). Also the four major components of the tide were prescribed at the open boundaries. The results show that the outflow mainly originates from two branches at different depths in the Persian Gulf. The permanent branch exists during the whole year deeper than 40 m along the Gulf axis and originates from the inner parts of the Persian Gulf. The other seasonal branch forms in the vicinity of the shallow southern coasts due to high evaporation rates during winter. Near the Strait of Hormuz the two branches join and form the main outflow source water. The results of simulations reveal that during the winter the outflow boundary current mainly detaches from the coast well before Ras Al Hamra Cape, however during summer the outflow seems to follow the coast even after this Cape. This is due to a higher density of the colder outflow that leads to more sinking near the coast in winter. Thus, the outflow moves to a deeper depth of about 500 m (for which some explanations are given) while the main part detaches and spreads at a depth of about 300 m. However in summer it all moves at a depth of about 200–250 m. During winter, the deeper, stronger and wider outflow is more affected by the steep topography, leading to separation from the coast. While during summer, the weaker and shallower outflow is less influenced by bottom topography and so continues along the boundary.

scholarly journals EPID-22. CHARACTERIZATION OF RADIATION-INDUCED MENINGIOMAS IN A BRAIN TUMOR DATABASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii83-ii83
Author(s):  
Nilan Vaghjiani ◽  
Andrew Schwieder ◽  
Sravya Uppalapati ◽  
Zachary Kons ◽  
Elizabeth Kazarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
The Mean

Abstract PURPOSE Radiation-induced meningiomas (RIMs) are associated with previous exposure to therapeutic irradiation. RIMs are rare and have not been well characterized relative to spontaneous meningiomas (SMs). METHODS 1003 patients with proven or presumed meningiomas were identified from the VCU brain tumor database. Chart review classified RIM patients and their characteristics. RESULTS Of the 1003 total patients, 76.47% were female with a mean ± SD age of 67.55 ± 15.50 years. 15 RIM patients were identified (66.67% female), with a mean ± SD age of 52.67 ± 15.46 years, 5 were African American and 10 were Caucasian. The incidence of RIMs was 1.49% in our data set. The mean age at diagnosis was 43.27 ± 15.06 years. The mean latency was 356.27 ± 116.96 months. The mean initiating dose was 44.28 ± 14.68 Gy. There was a significant difference between mean latency period and ethnicity, 258.3 months for African American population, and 405.2 months for Caucasian population (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference between the mean number of lesions in females (2.8) versus males (1.2; p = 0.046). Of the RIMs with characterized histology, 6 (55%) were WHO grade II and 5 (45%) were WHO grade I, demonstrating a prevalence of grade II tumors approximately double that found with SMs. RIMs were treated with combinations of observation, surgery, radiation, and medical therapy. Of the 8 patients treated with radiation, 4 demonstrated response. 8 of the 15 patients (53%) demonstrated recurrence/progression despite treatment. CONCLUSION RIMs are important because of the associated higher grade histology, gender, and ethnic incidences, and increased recurrence/progression compared to SMs. Despite the presumed contributory role of prior radiation, RIMs demonstrate a significant rate of responsiveness to radiation treatment.

scholarly journals Different chest CT scoring systems in patients with COVID-19: could baseline CT be a helpful tool in predicting survival in patients with matched ages and co-morbid conditions?

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110063
Author(s):  
Okan Dilek ◽  
Emin Demirel ◽  
Hüseyin Akkaya ◽  
Mehmet Cenk Belibagli ◽  
Gokhan Soker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Severity Score ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Survival Prediction ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Early Decision ◽  
Age Range

Background Computed tomography (CT) gives an idea about the prognosis in patients with COVID-19 lung infiltration. Purpose To evaluate the success rates of various scoring methods utilized in order to predict survival periods, on the basis of the imaging findings of COVID-19. Another purpose, on the other hand, was to evaluate the agreements among the evaluating radiologists. Material and Methods A total of 100 cases of known COVID-19 pneumonia, of which 50 were deceased and 50 were living, were included in the study. Pre-existing scoring systems, which were the Total Severity Score (TSS), Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score (CT-SS), and Total CT Score, were utilized, together with the Early Decision Severity Score (ED-SS), which was developed by our team, to evaluate the initial lung CT scans of the patients obtained at their initial admission to the hospital. The scans were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists. Area under the curve (AUC) values were acquired for each scoring system, according to their performances in predicting survival times. Results The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 14.85 years (age range = 18–87 years). There was no difference in co-morbidities between the living and deceased patients. The survival predicted AUC values of ED-SS, CT-SS, TSS, and Total CT Score systems were 0.876, 0.823, 0.753, and 0.744, respectively. Conclusion Algorithms based on lung infiltration patterns of COVID-19 may be utilized for both survival prediction and therapy planning.

P–667 Dydrogesterone supplementation in cycles triggered with lone GnRH agonist for final oocyte maturation resulted in an acceptable pregnancy rate

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Safrai ◽  
S Hertsberg ◽  
A Be Meir ◽  
B Reubinoff ◽  
T Imbar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Gnrh Agonist ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Fresh Embryo Transfer ◽  
Luteal Support ◽  
Luteal Phase Support ◽  
Gnrh Agonist Trigger ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Agonist Trigger

Abstract Study question Can luteal oral Dydrogesterone (Duphaston) supplementation in an antagonist cycle after a lone GnRH agonist trigger rescue the luteal phase, allowing the possibility to peruse with fresh embryo transfer? Summary answer Functionality of the luteal phase in an antagonist cycle after a lone GnRH agonist trigger can be restored by adding Duphaston to conventional luteal support. What is known already Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is dramatically reduced when using antagonist cycle with lone GnRH agonist trigger before ovum pick up. This trigger induces short luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) peaks, associated with reduced progesterone and estrogen levels during the luteal phase. They cause an inadequate luteal phase and a significantly reduced implantation rate leading to a freeze all practice in those cycles. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study. The study group (n = 123) included women that underwent in vitro fertilization cycles from January 2017 to May 2020. Patients received a GnRH-antagonist with a lone GnRH-agonist trigger due to imminent OSHH. The control group (n = 374) included patients under 35 years old that, during the same time period, underwent a standard antagonist protocol with a dual trigger of a GnRH-agonist and hCG. Participants/materials, setting, methods Study patients were given Dydrogesterone (Duphaston) in addition to micronized progesterone vaginal pills (Utrogestan) for luteal support (Duphaston group). Controls were treated conventionally with Utrogestan for luteal phase support (hCG group). The outcomes measured were pregnancy rate and OHSS events. Main results and the role of chance Our study was the first to evaluate the addition of Duphaston to standard luteal phase support in an antagonist cycle triggered by a lone GnRH agonist before a fresh embryo transfer. The mean number of oocytes retrieved and estradiol plasma levels were significantly higher in the Duphaston group than in the hCG group (16.9 ±7.7 vs. 10.8 ± 5.3 and 11658 ± 5280 pmol/L vs. 6048 ± 3059 pmol/L, respectively). The fertilization rate was comparable between the two groups. The mean number of embryos transferred and the clinical pregnancy rate were also comparable between groups (1.5 ± 0.6 vs 1.5 ± 0.5 and 46.3% vs 40.9%, respectively). No OHSS event was reported in either group. Limitations, reasons for caution This retrospective study may carry an inherent selection and information bias, derived from medical record coding. An additional limitation was the choice of physician for the lone GnRH trigger, which may have introduced a selection bias and another potential caveat was the relatively small sample size of our study groups. Wider implications of the findings: The addition of Duphaston to conventional luteal support could effectively salvage the luteal phase without increasing the risk for OHSS. This enables, to peruse in those cycle, with fresh embryo transfer, avoiding the need to freeze all the embryos and postponed embryo transfer. Leading to lower psychological burden and costs. Trial registration number 0632–20-HMO

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