Average Repeat Research Articles

Repeatability of regional pulmonary functional metrics of Hyperpolarized 129 Xe dissolved-phase MRI.

MRI of hyperpolarized 129 Xenon (HP 129 Xe) is increasingly utilized for investigating pulmonary function. The solubility of HP 129 Xe in lung tissue, blood plasma (Barrier), and red blood cells (RBC), with unique chemical shifts, enables spectroscopic imaging of potential imaging biomarkers of gas exchange and microstructural pulmonary physiology. To quantify global average and regional repeatability of Barrier:gas, RBC:gas, and RBC:Barrier ratios derived from dissolved-phase 129 Xe imaging and their dependence on intervisit changes in lung inflation volume. Prospective. Fourteen healthy volunteers. One subject was unable to complete the study resulting in 13 subjects for analysis (eight female, five male, ages 24-69, 53.8 ± 13.9). 1.5T. Subjects were imaged using a 3D radial 1-point Dixon method to separate Barrier and RBC component signals, at two different timepoints, with ~1 month between visits. RBC:Gas, Barrier:Gas, and RBC:Barrier measures were compared across time and with pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Repeatablilty was quantified using Bland-Altman plots, coefficient of repeatability, coefficient of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Dependence of imaging measures on PFTs and lung volume was evaluated using Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients, respectively. Statistical significance was determined by F-test for intraclass correlations, and t-test for Spearman correlations and regression. Mean RBC:Gas, Barrier:Gas, and RBC:Barrier had CVs of 19.2%, 20.0%, and 11.5%, respectively, and had significant ICCs, equal to 0.78, 0.79, and 0.92, respectively. Intervisit differences in RBC:Barrier were significantly correlated with intervisit differences in DLCO (r = 0.93, P = 0.007). Significant correlations with intervisit lung volume differences and intervisit differences in mean RBC:Gas (r = -0.73, P = 0.005) and Barrier:Gas (r = -0.69, P = 0.009) were found. Three commonly used 129 Xe MRI-based measures of gas-exchange show good repeatability, particularly the Barrier:RBC ratio, which did not depend on lung inflation volume and was strongly associated with intervisit changes in DLCO . 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1182-1190.

04:03 PM Abstract No. 255 Venoplasty of the inferior vena cava in the pediatric liver transplant population can treat a variety of symptoms related to graft failure

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous venoplasty of a stenosed inferior vena cava (IVC) in the pediatric liver transplant population to avoid a variety of symptoms related to liver graft dysfunction. Using an internal database, we reviewed all pediatric liver transplant cases from March 2014 to August 2018 which underwent percutaneous venoplasty for post-transplant IVC stenosis. Patient demographics, symptoms related to IVC stenosis, pre-venoplasty and post-venoplasty pressure gradients, technical and clinical success, and need for repeat procedure were documented. Eight patients ranging from 8 months to 15 years old underwent a total of 13 IVC venoplasties post-liver transplant with mean follow-up of 18 months. Indications for venoplasty included failure to thrive (n=1), variceal bleeding (n=4), hypoalbuminemia (n=2), and splenomegaly/thrombocytopenia (n=1). Repeat venoplasty was performed in 4 (50%) patients, and one patient required a third venoplasty due to symptom reoccurrence. Average repeat venoplasty was performed 14 months apart. Technical success was 11/13 (85%) with failures due to inability to cross a totally occluded IVC. Average right atrial to IVC pressure gradient was 5.3 mm Hg pre-venoplasty and 3.4 mm Hg post-venoplasty. All 4 patients with variceal bleeding demonstrated an average of 14 months of symptom free follow up post-venoplasty. Single patient with failure to thrive who received portal and IVC venoplasty demonstrated improved appetite on 3-month follow-up. Two patients with hypoproteinemia demonstrated total protein increase from 6.1 to 7.2 gm/dL and total albumin increase from 3.2 to 4.1 gm/dL post-venoplasty. One patient who received venoplasty for splenomegaly/thrombocytopenia demonstrated platelet increase from 125 to 262 k/uL on 6-week follow-up. No clinically significant complication was encountered immediately post-venoplasty or during the follow-up interval. Percutaneous venoplasty of a stenosed IVC post-liver transplant is a safe and effective procedure in the pediatric liver transplant population and can treat symptoms related to graft failure including variceal bleeding, hypoproteinemia, and thrombocytopenia.

X-ray vision: the accuracy and repeatability of a technology that allows clinicians to see spinal X-rays superimposed on a person's back.

ObjectiveSince the discovery of ionizing radiation, clinicians have evaluated X-ray images separately from the patient. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and repeatability of a new technology which seeks to resolve this historic limitation by projecting anatomically correct X-ray images on to a person’s skin.MethodsA total of 13 participants enrolled in the study, each having a pre-existing anteroposterior lumbar X-ray. Each participant’s image was uploaded into the Hololens Mixed reality system which when worn, allowed a single examiner to view a participant’s own X-ray superimposed on the participant’s back. The projected image was topographically corrected using depth information obtained by the Hololens system then aligned via existing anatomic landmarks. Using this superimposed image, vertebral levels were identified and validated against spinous process locations obtained by ultrasound. This process was repeated 1–5 days later. The projection of each vertebra was deemed to be “on-target” if it fell within the known morphological dimensions of the spinous process for that specific vertebral level.ResultsThe projection system created on-target projections with respect to individual vertebral levels 73% of the time with no significant difference seen between testing sessions. The average repeatability for all vertebral levels between testing sessions was 77%.ConclusionThese accuracy and repeatability data suggest that the accuracy and repeatability of projecting X-rays directly on to the skin is feasible for identifying underlying anatomy and as such, has potential to place radiological evaluation within the patient context. Future opportunities to improve this procedure will focus on mitigating potential sources of error.

Design and performance of a robotic arm for farm use

Smart technology which is the backbone of high-efficiency production opens a new horizon in sustainable agriculture. Nowadays, harvesting the heavy-weight crops is considered an arduous job, specifically in Japan which has faced a serious labor shortage in agricultural fields. In this study, a development procedure and evaluation of a 4-degrees-of-freedom articulated robotic arm is presented, and it provides an appropriate infrastructure to develop a smart harvesting robotic system for heavy-weight crops such as pumpkin, watermelon, melon, and cabbage. This robotic arm designed as an actuating unit of a robot tractor for the agricultural outdoor environment. In this regard, different degree of freedom was evaluated under consideration of economic and technical indexes to find an optimized mechanism. The controlling algorithm of the system was developed by consideration of kinematic and dynamic aspects of the real-world condition. A special harvesting methodology was developed based on optimum harvesting conditions. A controlling unit was developed by using PLC system. Experimental performance, accuracy, payload per weight, and repeatability of the system were measured. The payload per weight, overall average accuracy, and overall average repeatability of the robot were 0.21, 1.85 mm, and ±0.51 mm, respectively. The results indicated that the developed system had a front access, harvesting length, and workspace volume of 2.024 m, 1.36 m, and 8.27 m3, respectively. One of the significant advantages of the proposed robotic arm is its capability to use in different industries with minimum modifications. Keywords: agricultural robot, robotic arm, harvesting, modeling, simulation, design DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191201.3721 Citation: Roshanianfard A, Noguchi N, Kamata T. Design and performance of a robotic arm for farm use. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(1): 146–158.

Description and Reliability of Rigo Classification of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Associated with Brace Therapy

Objectives To develop the Rigo classification system for scoliosis brace design and treatment and to compare the reliability and reproducibility of the Rigo classification system for scoliosis within and across observers related to orthopedic treatment. Methods The imaging data of 136 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were collected, and a Rigo classification system was established to determine the specific corrective principles and methods needed for the effective design and manufacturing of braces. Three observers, one spine surgeon, one imaging surgeon and one orthopedic brace surgeon, diagnosed and classified 136 AIS patients. The collected data were used to analyze the reliability across different observers and the repeatability within the same observer, and kappa values were calculated to confirm the consistency. Results The kappa value of the classification results of the spine surgeons and radiologists was 0.936, that of the spine surgeons and brace surgeons was 0.901, that of the imaging surgeons and brace surgeons was 0.886, the average repeatability was 90%, and the average Kappa was 0.887. Conclusion The Rigo classification system for scoliosis brace therapy has good practicability and consistency. The reliability of the Rigo classification system is acceptable both within and across observers. The system is suitable for clinical applications.

A Multicenter Study Evaluating the Risk Factors and Outcomes of Repeat Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), currently the most common procedure for managing corneal endothelial dysfunction, may be repeated following DSEK failure from a variety of causes. This multicenter study reports the risk factors and outcomes of repeat DSEK. This was an institutional review board-approved multicenter retrospective chart review of patients who underwent repeat DSEK. Twelve surgeons from 5 Midwest academic centers and 3 private practice groups participated. The Eversight Eye Bank provided clinical indication and donor graft data. We also assessed the role of the learning curve by comparing cohorts from the first and second 5-year periods. A total of 121 eyes from 121 patients who underwent repeat DSEK were identified. The average age of the patients was 70 ± 12 years. The most common indication for repeat DSEK was late endothelial graft failure without rejection (58%, N = 63). Average preoperative and 12-month postoperative repeat DSEK corrected distance visual acuities were 20/694 and 20/89, respectively. Visual acuity outcomes, endothelial cell density, and cell loss did not significantly vary between the 2 cohorts. Initial graft rebubble rates for the first and second cohorts were 51% and 25%. The presence of glaucoma, prior glaucoma surgery, or a history of penetrating (full thickness) keratoplasty did not significantly affect visual outcomes. The median, mean, and range of intraocular pressures before repeat DSEK were 15.0, 15.7, and 6 to 37 mm Hg, respectively. Patients with higher intraocular pressures before repeat DSEK had improved postoperative corrected distance visual acuities. Repeating DSEK improves vision following failed or decompensated DSEK surgery. Higher preoperative repeat DSEK IOPs were associated with improved visual outcomes, and initial graft rebubble rates, which decreased over time, were likely due to surgeon experience.

Profile repeatability: A new method for evaluating repeatability of individual hormone response profiles

There is broad interest in determining repeatability of individual responses. Current methods calculate repeatability of individual points (initial and/or peak), time to peak value, or a single measure of the integrated total response (area under the curve), rather than the shape of the response profile. Repeatability estimates of response profiles using linear mixed models (LMM) generate an average repeatability for an aggregate of individuals, rather than an estimate of individual repeatability. Here we use a novel ad hoc method to calculate repeatability of individual response profiles and demonstrate the need for a more rigorous assessment protocol. Response profile repeatability has not been defined at the individual level. We do this using a new metric, Profile Repeatability (PR), which incorporates components of variance and the degree to which response profiles cross each other in a time series. Values range from 0 (no repeatability) to 1 (complete repeatability). We created synthetic data to represent a range of apparent time series repeatability, and 20 independent observers visually ranked those data sets by degree of repeatability. We also applied the method to real data on stress responses of European starlings Sturnus vulgaris. We then computed PR scores for the synthetic data and for real data from European starling corticosterone responses over time, and contrast the results to those from LMM. Finally, we assessed the sensitivity of PR to reductions in the number of time points in the corticosterone response, as well as reductions in the number of replicates per individual. We found the average PR scores for a group of individuals to be somewhat robust to reductions in points in the time series; however, the ranks of individuals (PR values relative to one another) could change substantially with reduction in the number of values in a time series. PR showed threshold sensitivity to losing replicate time series between 6 and 4 replicates. Surprisingly, human observers fell into two disparate groups when ranking repeatability of the synthetic data, and the PR score indicated that human observers may underestimate repeatability of data where replicates cross each other. In contrast to the average profile repeatability estimated using LMMs, our approach calculates individual repeatability. From our perspective, LMM does not provide a definitive idea of repeatability at the individual level; in essence, it concludes that suites of time series with low within-individual variance has high repeatability, regardless of replicate trajectories. LMM and PR have non-linear relationships between 0 and 1, but PR has greater discrimination for mid-values of repeatability. Consistent average group repeatability can be associated with substantial differences in individual ranks suggests that estimating individual repeatability is critical. The PR score should be useful in comparing repeatability of any type of nonlinear, including non-monotonic, response profiles over time, which are common in both physiology and behavior, and it demonstrates the specific needs for future improvements of a profile repeatability metric.

Surveying the genome and constructing a high-density genetic map of napiergrass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach)

Napiergrass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach) is a tropical forage grass and a promising lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock due to its high biomass yield, persistence, and nutritive value. However, its utilization for breeding has lagged behind other crops due to limited genetic and genomic resources. In this study, next-generation sequencing was first used to survey the genome of napiergrass. Napiergrass sequences displayed high synteny to the pearl millet genome and showed expansions in the pearl millet genome along with genomic rearrangements between the two genomes. An average repeat content of 27.5% was observed in napiergrass including 5,339 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Furthermore, to construct a high-density genetic map of napiergrass, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was employed in a bi-parental population of 185 F1 hybrids. A total of 512 million high quality reads were generated and 287,093 SNPs were called by using multiple de-novo and reference-based SNP callers. Single dose SNPs were used to construct the first high-density linkage map that resulted in 1,913 SNPs mapped to 14 linkage groups, spanning a length of 1,410 cM and a density of 1 marker per 0.73 cM. This map can be used for many further genetic and genomic studies in napiergrass and related species.

Evaluation of Local Feature Detectors for the Comparison of Thermal and Visual Low Altitude Aerial Images

Local features are key regions of an image suitable for applications such as image matching, and fusion. Detection of targets under varying atmospheric conditions, via aerial images is a typical defence application where multi spectral correlation is essential. Focuses on local features for the comparison of thermal and visual aerial images in this study. The state of the art differential and intensity comparison based features are evaluated over the dataset. An improved affine invariant feature is proposed with a new saliency measure. The performances of the existing and the proposed features are measured with a ground truth transformation estimated for each of the image pairs. Among the state of the art local features, Speeded Up Robust Feature exhibited the highest average repeatability of 57 per cent. The proposed detector produces features with average repeatability of 64 per cent. Future works include design of techniques for retrieval of corresponding regions.

A Novel Method to Generate MNase Ladders Reveal Rapid Chromatin Remodeling upon Gametogenesis and Mating in Chlamydomonas

To circumvent nuclei isolation for nucleosomal mapping of wild-type (cell walled) algal cells, we developed a quick and versatile methodology, by abrasion of whole cells (Chlamydomonas, Scenedesmus and yeast), allowing Micrococcal Nuclease (MNase) direct access to nuclear chromatin, in situ. Varying parameters such as bead abrasion, vortex and incubation conditions, we optimized capture of an 'early digest' which may probe chromatin differentially, based on nucleosome accessibility. A comparison of such ladders across vegetative cells, gametes and zygotes revealed an increase in the average nucleosomal repeat length (+17-34nt) upon gametogenesis, indicating a trend of chromatin compaction. Using PCR, we compared promoter enrichment in increasing orders of fractionated nucleosomal repeats (mono-, di-, up to penta-), each differing in cleavability based on chromatin accessibility. Concordant with higher gene expression (mating locus), promoters revealed an enrichment in mono-nucleosomal fractions. Interestingly, the zygote specific gene, MT0828 displayed rapid remodelling from penta-nucleosomal enrichment when completely repressed (vegetative), to intermediate states during gametogenesis (24hrs), which finally shifted to being largely mono-nucleosomal, when induced (1h zygotes). Summarizing three candidate genes from the mating locus, we conclude that the MNase based 'Chromatin Accessibility Assay' can track a range of large-scale rapid chromatin remodelling transitions within the binaries of gene expression.

The rate of repeating X-rays in the medical centers of Jenin District/Palestine and how to reduce patient exposure to radiation

Abstract Reduction of the patient’s received radiation dose to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) is based on recommendations of radiation protection organizations such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and characteristics of rejected / repeated radiographic films in governmental and private centers in Jenin city. The radiological centers were chosen based on their high volume of radiographic studies. The evaluation was carried out over a period of four months. The collected data were compiled at the end of each week and entered into a computer for analysis at the end of study. Overall 5000 films (images) were performed in four months, The average repeat rate of radiographic images was 10% (500 films). Repetition rate was the same for both thoracic and abdominal images (42%). The main reason for repeating imaging was inadequate imaging quality (58.2%) and poor film processing (38%). Human error was the most likely reason necessitating the repetition of the radiographs (48 %). Infant and children groups comprised 85% of the patient population that required repetition of the radiographic studies. In conclusion, we have a higher repetition rate of imaging studies compared to the international standards (10% vs. 4-6%, respectively). This is especially noticeable in infants and children, and mainly attributed to human error in obtaining and processing images. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed on a national level due to the ill effects associated with excessive exposure to radiation especially in children, and to reduce cost of the care delivered.

102 Influence of Genetic Variation in the Androgen Receptor on the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Aging Men

Controversy still exists regarding the effect of hypogonadism on cardiovascular (CV) health and the safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). We hypothesized that differences in androgen sensitivity, a function of the number of trinucleotide repeats on the androgen receptor (AR) gene, may result in greater reactivity to age-related testosterone changes and increased risk of CV disease. Participants were men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (N=696). Mean age was 56.4 years (range:51-60). Average waking, salivary free-testosterone level was acquired on 3 non-consecutive days. Low testosterone (low-T) was defined as being ≥ 1 SD below the mean. The AR gene CAG repeat length was derived using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragment analysis and Sanger sequencing. Average repeat length was 22 (range:8-37). CV disease was assessed by self-report and medication data. We tested the interaction between low testosterone (low-T) and CAG repeat length while controlling for age, ethnicity, smoking status, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and the correlated nature of the twin data.

A nanocomposite prepared from a zinc-based metal-organic framework and polyethersulfone as a novel coating for the headspace solid-phase microextraction of organophosphorous pesticides.

The authors describe a zinc-based metal-organic framework/polyethersulfone nanocomposite (TMU-4/PES) coating deposited on a stainless steel wire via a single-phase inversion method. The nanocomposite represents a novel fiber coating for headspace solid-phase microextraction of organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) from environmental water and soil samples. The synergistic effects of the high surface area and unique porous structure of TMU-4 as well as the rich π electron stacking and mechanical attributes of the PES polymer result in a high affinity of the composite for OPPs. Following thermal desorption, the OPPS were quantified by gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The preparation of the coating is simple, and the coated fiber is highly stable and reusable in that it can be used in about 100 consecutive extractions/desorption cycles. A central composite design was used for assessing the effect of the experimental parameters on the extraction process. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection are in the 5-8ng mL-1 range for the OPPs diazinon, fenitrothion, malathion and chlorpyrifos. The average repeatability and fiber-to-fiber reproducibility are 6.5% and 8.7%, respectively. The method was applied to the trace determination of OPPs in (spiked) water and soil samples where it gave good recovery (88-108%) and satisfactory reproducibility (5.9-10.1%). Graphical abstract A zinc-based metal-organic framework/polyethersulfone nanocomposite coating was prepared on a stainless steel wire via phase inversion. It was used as a novel fiber coating for headspace solid phase microextraction of organophosphorous pesticides from water and soil samples.

Penerapan Workbook Matematika Berbasis Kontekstual

Mathematics in primary schools still rely on textbooks and workbooks students were also issued by the government. In general, it seems simpler both from the teachers and students, because students only carry one book that contains a variety of subjects. Weak concept is very pronounced in mathematics. In integrated math into the thematic lessons, however, mathematics remains one of the subjects tested on a final school examinations. Teachers are preparing for the final exam had to work hard to repeat concepts ranging from grade 1 to grade 5. Therefore, it is necessary for teachers of proven strategies so that the material presented can be accepted students well. This research purposed to describe the application of contextual learning using math workbook. This study uses qualitative research with 30 research subjects third grade elementary school students in SDN Gandang I Malang. Data collection technique used documentation techniques and tests. Data analysis technique used qualitative descriptive analysis. After implementing the learning using the workbook, the average repeat is 86.96, the lowest score and the highest score each are 70 and 100. Based on the results obtained, contextual workbook that directly relate to the theme 7 that the energy source can be applied to the study of mathematics the third class at SDN Gadang I Malang

Measuring the compressive modulus of elasticity of pith-filled plant stems

BackgroundThe compressional modulus of elasticity is an important mechanical property for understanding stalk lodging, but this property is rarely available for thin-walled plant stems such as maize and sorghum because excised tissue samples from these plants are highly susceptible to buckling. The purpose of this study was to develop a testing protocol that provides accurate and reliable measurements of the compressive modulus of elasticity of the rind of pith-filled plant stems. The general approach was to relying upon standard methods and practices as much as possible, while developing new techniques as necessary.ResultsTwo methods were developed for measuring the compressional modulus of elasticity of pith-filled node–node specimens. Both methods had an average repeatability of ± 4%. The use of natural plant morphology and architecture was used to avoid buckling failure. Both methods relied up on spherical compression platens to accommodate inaccuracies in sample preparation. The effect of sample position within the test fixture was quantified to ensure that sample placement did not introduce systematic errors.ConclusionsReliable measurements of the compressive modulus of elasticity of pith-filled plant stems can be performed using the testing protocols presented in this study. Recommendations for future studies were also provided.

Heritability of methane emissions from dairy cows over a lactation measured on commercial farms.

Methane emission is currently an important trait in studies on ruminants due to its environmental and economic impact. Recent studies were based on short-time measurements on individual cows. As methane emission is a longitudinal trait, it is important to investigate its changes over a full lactation. In this study, we aimed to estimate the heritability of the estimated methane emissions from dairy cows using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy during milking in an automated milking system by implementing the random regression method. The methane measurements were taken on 485 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows at 2 commercial farms located in western Poland. The overall daily estimated methane emission was 279 g/d. Genetic variance fluctuated over the course of lactation around the average level of 1,509 (g/d), with the highest level, 1,866 (g/d), at the end of the lactation. The permanent environment variance values started at 2,865 (g/d) and then dropped to around 846 (g/d) at 100 d in milk (DIM) to reach the level of 2,444 (g/d) at the end of lactation. The residual variance was estimated at 2,620 (g/d). The average repeatability was 0.25. The heritability level fluctuated over the course of lactation, starting at 0.23 (SE 0.12) and then increasing to its maximum value of 0.3 (SE 0.08) at 212 DIM and ending at the level of 0.27 (SE 0.12). Average heritability was 0.27 (average SE 0.09). We have shown that estimated methane emission is a heritable trait and that the heritability level changes over the course of lactation. The observed changes and low genetic correlations between distant DIM suggest that it may be important to consider the period in which methane phenotypes are collected.

Rapid and sensitive method for determining free amino acids in plant tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

This paper describes a reliable and rapid method for the complete separation and quantitation of twenty-five amino acids typically found in plants, based on reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography–linked fluorescence detector using a 150 × 4.6 mm Zorbax Eclipse AAA column. Plant tissue free amino acids (FAA) were extracted by ultrasonication with 5% (v/v) aqueous trifluoroacetic acid followed by ultrafiltration of extracts. The following analysis of amino acids was performed through programmed precolumn derivatization with ortho-phthalaldehyde and 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate reagents and efficient elution of derivatives within 26 min using binary gradient scheme. The method was validated over a concentration range of 4.5–450 μmol L−1 (μM). Separation analysis showed good selectivity (resolution > 1.5) for most amino acids. The average repeatability (RSD%, relative standard deviation) of the analysis at seven calibration concentrations was below 4% and ranged from 1.13% to 12.04%. The intra-day mean coefficient of variation at two concentrations (22.5 and 90 μM) was within 2%, and the intermediate precision was less than 4%. The limits of detection were between 0.012 and 6.68 μM. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the linear calibration curves were from 0.9989 to 0.9999. When the method was applied to plant samples, the FAA recoveries at two spiked levels (25 and 100 μM) ranged from 67.0% to 108.9% with an average of 94.4%, and the precision was 0.26%–12.31% RSD. A specific application combining this method with optimized extraction and interference removal procedures was successfully used to determine the FAA pools in different plant tissues. Finally, a PLS-DA multivariate statistics model was validated for the classification of three plant species according to their FAA profiles.

Penerapan Workbook Matematika Berbasis Kontekstual

Mathematics in primary schools still rely on textbooks and workbooks students were also issued by the government. In general, it seems simpler both from the teachers and students, because students only carry one book that contains a variety of subjects. Weak concept is very pronounced in mathematics. In integrated math into the thematic lessons, however, mathematics remains one of the subjects tested on a final school examinations. Teachers are preparing for the final exam had to work hard to repeat concepts ranging from grade 1 to grade 5. Therefore, it is necessary for teachers of proven strategies so that the material presented can be accepted students well. This research purposed to describe the application of contextual learning using math workbook. This study uses qualitative research with 30 research subjects third grade elementary school students in SDN Gandang I Malang. Data collection technique used documentation techniques and tests. Data analysis technique used qualitative descriptive analysis. After implementing the learning using the workbook, the average repeat is 86.96, the lowest score and the highest score each are 70 and 100. Based on the results obtained, contextual workbook that directly relate to the theme 7 that the energy source can be applied to the study of mathematics the third class at SDN Gadang I Malang.

Sustained implantation rate is not impacted by increasing fragile X premutation allele size

Fragile X (FX) premutation carrier patients are at risk for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which hinder the effects of IVF. Recent work demonstrated that FX associated embryology is comparable to controls. The questions that remain are 1) how many patients that present for FX PGD have at least one embryo suitable for transfer, and 2) is the sustained implantation rate (SIR) lower for embryos created from a FX premutation carrier? Retrospective Observational Study. Patients from March 2011 to April 2017 from a single IVF center who underwent PGD for FX (with concurrent qPCR-based aneuploidy screening) were included. PGD was performed by a single laboratory that utilized qPCR-based SNP genotyping for linkage analysis. This method determines which embryos inherited the FX-positive maternal chromosome, but cannot determine the size of the CGG repeat in the embryo. Patient characteristics, PGD results, and clinical outcomes including SIR (defined as presence of fetal cardiac activity at 8 weeks of pregnancy/ the number of embryos transferred) were analyzed. Embryos were considered available for transfer if they were euploid and negative for the FX affected haplotype. 28 patients had probes developed for FX PGD and underwent a total of 49 attempted IVF cycles were included. The mean patient age was 31.7±4.8 years. The average CGG repeat size was 100.3 repeats, including 1 full mutation. Due to poor response, 1 patient did not proceed; resulting in 27 patients undergoing a retrieval. 24 patients produced viable blastocysts to undergo PGD. 21 patients had 68 embryos available for transfer, with only 3 patients not producing normal blastocysts. While 4 patients are awaiting their transfer cycles, 17 patients underwent a single embryo transfer. A total of 21 embryos were transferred. 15 patients experienced a successful implantation, yielding 18 ongoing pregnancies. The median number of cycles that a patient underwent was 1.7 cycles. 12 patients only needed 1 cycle to have a successful transfer. The euploid rate per cycle was 68.9%, as expected in this young patient cohort. The SIR for a patient’s first transfer was 88.2%, and overall the SIR was 85.7%. These numbers also suggest that the SIR does not negatively correlate with an increasing maternal premutation allele size, although more patients are needed to fully investigate.Tabled 1Maternal CGG Repeat Size45-5556-7980-99≥100Number of patients who started at least one IVF cycle21286% Patients with at least one usable embryo100% (2/2)82% (9/11)100% (5/5)83% (5/6)Average sustained implantation rate (%)100% (1/1)63% (5/8)100% (4/4)100% (4/4) Open table in a new tab Nearly all patients presenting for PGD for FX were successful in achieving at least one sustained pregnancy. To our knowledge these data are the largest cohort to date of patients undergoing PGD for FX that includes clinical outcomes.

PERINATAL FINDINGS IN A CONGENITAL MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY COHORT

Abstract BACKGROUND: Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy (CDM) is the harshest form of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1,OMIM #160900). The mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant, and results from a microsatellite expansion in DMPK with an incidence of 2.1:1000,000 live births in Canada. The principal clinical signs during the neonatal period are myopathic facies, hypotonia and weakness resulting in such features as talipes equinovarus, nutritional, cardiac and respiratory problems. OBJECTIVES: To describe the main findings of CDM in the perinatal period. DESIGN/METHODS: A five year prospective cohort study from 2005 to 2010 of eligible incident cases of CDM was performed via the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP). Reporting physicians completed a questionnaire with the medical history at birth and during the perinatal period. Our patients met the CDM criteria proposed by Campbell et al. (2013): 1) CDM symptoms with hospitalization greater of 72 hours; and 2) CTGrs above 200. RESULTS: We obtained 43 questionnaires, 22 female and 21 male (F:M ratio of 1.04:1). Average CTG repeat size (CGTrs) was 795.67 (250-2300). The main complication during the prenatal period was polyhydramnios (n=20). The majority of the patients (n=27) had full term pregnancy and with normal birth weight (n=25). Average Apgar was 4 at 1 (range 1-9), and 6 for 5 and 10. Intubation was required in 29/43 of the cases, with an average hospital stay of 43.5 days. Nutritional support (ie ng feeds) was required in 34/43, and it was longer than 14 days in 21 patients. Nine patients died, 6 of them due to respiratory failure. Four deaths were withdrawal of life support. CONCLUSION: The respiratory difficulties are well described as the principal complication in CDM (Ho et al. [2015]), but we found that the necessity of multiple nutritional interventions was the most frequent neonatal complication (79%), respiratory complications remains as the principal cause of death (66.6%). Zaki et al. (2010) describes a cohort with a 100% frequency of polyhydramnios, differing on ours where it is 46.5%.We conclude that CDM is not always evident prenatally by polyhydramnios, IUGR or preterm delivery. Nutritional and respiratory assessments should be prioritized, and nutritional interventions may extend for long periods of time. Despite high respiratory and feeding support needs, the majority of patients improved over time. Hence the importance of prenatal counseling and preparation for the complications in the neonatal period.