Defect Rate Research Articles

Research on Fabric Defect Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv8n Algorithm

In the process of fabric production, various types of defects affect the quality of a fabric. However, due to the wide variety of fabric defects, the complexity of fabric textures, and the concealment of small target defects, current fabric defect detection algorithms suffer from issues such as having a slow detection speed, low detection accuracy, and a low recognition rate of small target defects. Therefore, developing an efficient and accurate fabric defect detection system has become an urgent problem that needs to be addressed in the textile industry. Addressing the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes an improved YOLOv8n-LAW algorithm based on the YOLOv8n algorithm. First, LSKNet attention mechanisms are added to both ends of the C2f module in the backbone network to provide a broader context area, enhancing the algorithm’s feature extraction capability. Next, the PAN-FPN structure of the backbone network is replaced by the AFPN structure, so that the different levels of features of the defects are closer to the semantic information in the progressive fusion. Finally, the CIoU loss is replaced with the WIoU v3 loss, allowing the model to dynamically adjust gradient gains based on the features of fabric defects, effectively focusing on distinguishing between defective and non-defective regions. The experimental results show that the improved YOLOv8n-LAW algorithm achieved an accuracy of 97.4% and a detection speed of 46 frames per second, while effectively increasing the recognition rate of small target defects.

Acoustic emission signatures for quantifying damage patterns in half grouted sleeve connection under tensile load

The half-grouted sleeve connection (HGSC) have been widely used as connection tools for prefabricated concrete (PC) buildings. It is crucial to maintain the safety and stability of the nodes and detecting internal defects in the grouting sleeve for the safety of the entire structure. Therefore, understanding the mechanical behavior and damage mechanism of HGSC is essential for the design and construction of PC. Currently, there are few on-site techniques applicable for monitoring the damage progress. The acoustic emission (AE) as a passive method shows great potential to characterize the damage in the HGSC. Therefore, in this paper, we propose to use AE to quantify the damage of the HGSC with defects under the tensile load. The artificial defects were introduced into HGSC with different defective rates. The monotonic tensile load was applied to each HGSC sample with a loading rate of 0.33 mm/s and tested to the failure. In this process, the AE signals were collected by AE transducers. For the classification and prediction of damage signals, we utilized a machine learning framework tailored for HGSC. This framework integrates unsupervised k-means++ cluster analysis and supervised K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) for damage classification and prediction. The experimental results showed that four AE signal clusters can be defined during the progress of tensile failure:(i) microcrack expansion;(ii) the friction signals of rebar and high-strength grouts; (iii)the generation of microcracks; (iv) plastic deformation of rebar. The corresponding AE signatures were identified. The K-NN model trained on the training data provides a high accuracy in predicting different class of defects. It was concluded that the proposed machine learning framework is a promising and powerful tool for realizing the on-site damage detection and prediction for HGSC.

Improvement of Quality Performance in Mask Production by Feature Selection and Machine Learning Methods and An Application

With the development of technology, large databases become more accessible thanks to automation systems that automatically keep data and allow the use of large databases in many areas. Machine learning approaches, a sub-branch of artificial intelligence, are used in making decisions about the process by analyzing the data stored in databases and converting them into information. In this paper, the body production process of the surgical (medical) mask is analyzed. As it is known, surgical masks have become a part of our lives by becoming widespread all over the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the surgical mask body production process, using the real data of the production factors, first of all, filtering feature selection methods and analyzes were made and the feature selection method to be used was determined. With the specified feature selection method, the factors affecting the product quality are determined. Secondly, machine learning methods were used to determine the values and value ranges of factors (features) in the production of defect-free products. The performances of the machine learning models established in the second stage were increased by feature selection analysis. In the study, together with the parameter optimizations made to machine learning algorithms, it was seen that the best algorithm to estimate the defective product rate was the Ibk algorithm with 92.3% accuracy, 91.9% F measurement and 93% AUC value. Finally, in line with the decision rules revealed in the study, it was observed that the fabric types used for the upper/middle/lower layers that make up the body part in the mask body production process greatly affect the rates of defective or defect-free products. If the rod apparatus around the nose belongs to class k, it has been determined that many masks are defective. Improvement suggestions were presented according to the application results.

Constraining Parameter Uncertainties in the Coulomb Rate–State Approach: A Case Study of Seismicity in the Longmenshan Region after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake, China

Abstract The rate–state frictional law, coupled with the Coulomb failure stress changes (ΔCFS), is one of the most popular physics-based models to forecast seismicity rate changes following a major earthquake. However, its effectiveness is hampered by parameter uncertainties. To seek possible solutions for such uncertainties, this article carried out retrospective forecasts of the decade-long seismicity in the Longmenshan region, China, after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, and proposed methods to constrain parameter uncertainties. First, we derived spatially variable ta and Aσ from fault-slip rates. This method not only provides observational constraints for these two parameters but also reflects spatial variations of fault rate–state properties. Second, although both complete and declustered background catalogs are common in Coulomb rate–state forecasts, this study demonstrated that declustering avoids false alerts of seismicity rate increase that resulted from temporary seismicity fluctuations in the background catalog. Finally, we extended the model from its typical application based on a stress step (the coseismic stress change) to a calculation that allows a more complex stress evolution (the postseismic viscoelastic stress change). With these methods to constrain parameter uncertainties, we are able to obtain more reliable forecasts.

Prevalence of neural tube defect and its identification during antenatal period: a cross-sectional study in eastern Indian state

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of neural tube defects among all birth outcomes in Odisha during 2016–2022. Additionally, to estimate the identification rate of neural tube defects during Pradhan Mantri Surakshit...

Formation mechanism and improved remedy of thermal property of cold shut surface defects in Vortex Flow Meters: Numerical simulation and experimental verification in investment casting of 316 L stainless steel

The purpose of this study aims to investigate the leading causes of CS (Cold Shut) defects in VFM (Vortex Flow Meters) of intricate geometric configuration and propose improvement strategies to leverage the thermal property in the vicinity of thin-walled regions, such as insulation-enhanced uniformly distributed temperature via ceramic core embedment. First, penetrant testing reveals whether the defect is a penetrating-type defect. Second, several extensive material characterization techniques such as optical microscopy (OM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, and charge-coupled device (CCD) were employed to provide deeper insights into the formation and morphology of defects. Third, numerical simulations and experimental verifications were utilized to further analyze the causes of CS defects in vortex flowmeters. Fourth, effective preventive measures were designed after identifying the causes of defects, which involved using ceramic cores to replace the shell at deep and thin-walled locations. A virtual thermo-dynamic sensor (VTDS) was used to analyze the temperature distribution in the area before and after the installation of ceramic cores. The results indicate that the temperature in the defect area increased by >40 degrees during the filling period from 2.5 s to 5 s. Additionally, adequate thermal uniformity was achieved through the high thermal conductivity of the ceramic material, thereby reducing the cooling rate and the coefficient of kinematic viscosity in that area, leading to improved fluidity of the molten iron. Ultimately, the occurrence rate of CS defects decreased from 42.6 % to 0 %.

Quality control planning to minimize waste at a manufacturing company

In industrial fields that developed very rapidly, the manufacturing industry was no exception. It was characterized by increasing consumer needs and significant competition between companies. With tight connections between one industry and another, high-quality products or services became a requirement for competitive advantage and a company's need to guarantee business process requirements. In companies, quality control had long been established as an important management strategy to achieve competitive advantage. PT Slamet Langgeng was a manufacturing industry producing candy products. According to existing data, many defects occurred, causing waste in operational costs and affecting the output produced. This paper aimed to analyze the causes of Davos Roll defects and formulate quality control plans so that businesses could be more competitive and able to compete in the global industry. After further review, three types of defects were identified: soft candy, broken candy, and packaging defects. Broken candy had the highest defect rate, reaching 53.89%. These results indicated the need for more intense quality control planning. Problem analysis used a fishbone diagram to determine the root causes, which served as a reference in the process of preparing quality control plans.

A Methodology for Estimating the Assembly Position of the Process Based on YOLO and Regression of Operator Hand Position and Time Information

These days, many assembly lines are becoming automated, leading to a trend of decreasing defect rates. However, in assembly lines that have opted for partial automation due to high cost of construction, defects still occur. The cause of defects are that the location of the work instructions and the work field are different, which is inefficient and some workers who are familiar with the process tend not to follow the work instructions. As a solution to establishing a system for object detection without disrupting the existing assembly lines, we decided to use wearable devices. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem of spatial constraints and save costs. We adopted the YOLO algorithm for object detection, an image recognition model that stands for “You Only Look Once”. Unlike R-CNN or Fast R-CNN, YOLO predicts images with a single network, making it up to 1000 times faster. The detection point was determined based on whether the pin was fastened after the worker’s hand appeared and disappeared. For the test, 1000 field data were used and the object-detection performance, mAP, was 35%. The trained model was analyzed using seven regression algorithms, among which Xgboost was the most excellent, with a result of 0.15. Distributing labeling and class-specific data equally is expected to enable the implementation of a better model. Based on this approach, the algorithm is considered to be an efficient algorithm that can be used in work fields.

Genomic testing identifies monogenic causes in patients with very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter survey in an Iranian cohort.

Patients with very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) may present because of underlying monogenic inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Strong differences have been observed in the causes of monogenic IBD among ethnic populations. This multicenter study was carried out on 16 Iranian patients with VEO-IBD. We reviewed clinical and basic immunologic evaluation including flow cytometry and immunoglobulin levels. All patients underwent clinical whole exome sequencing (WES). Sixteen patients (8 females and 8 males) with a median age of 43.5 months were enrolled. The median age at the onset of symptoms was 4 months. Most patients (12, 75%) had consanguineous parents. Chronic non-bloody diarrhea (13, 81.3%) and perianal diseases including perianal abscess (6, 37.5%), anal fissure (6, 37.5%), or anal fistula (2, 12.5%) were the most common manifestations. WES identified a spectrum of genetic variants in 13 patients (81.3%): IL10RB (6, 37.5%), MVK (3, 18.8%), and CASP8, SLC35C1, G6PC3, and IKBKB in 1 patient, respectively. In 3 patients (18.7%), no variant was identified. Flow cytometry identified a spectrum of abnormalities that helped to assess the evidence of genetic diagnosis. At the end of the survey, 3 (18.8%) patients were deceased. This high rate of monogenic defects with a broad spectrum of genes reiterates the importance of investigating IEI in patients with infantile-onset IBD.

Stem Defect Rates and Ice Storm Damage for Families of Pinus taeda from Coastal and Piedmont Provenances Planted on a North Carolina Piedmont Site

Abstract Twenty Pinus taeda L. families from both the Coastal Plain and Piedmont provenances in the southeastern United States were planted on an upper Piedmont site that experienced a severe ice storm at age 3 years. Storm damage and defect rates through age 11 years were compared with the seed transfer distance and the seed parents’ breeding values to develop prediction models for storm damage and rates of forking, stem break, and sawtimber potential. Warmer-source families had higher probability of limb or stem breaks and foliage injury from the storm. Taller trees were more likely to experience breaks and foliage injury, even after accounting for seed transfer distance. Trees with forks or fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme) infection had a higher probability of breaks. Trees with limb breaks or foliage injury did not have reduced sawtimber potential, but broken stems reduced sawtimber potential. The storm did not cause immediate mortality, but trees with major limb breaks, stem breaks, or foliage injury were less likely to be alive at age 8 years. At age 11 years, families with the best combination of breeding values for forking, straightness, and rust resistance had a predicted 60% of stems having sawtimber potential, whereas families with the worst combination had 30%. Study Implications: Planting warmer-source Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) families farther north and inland may lead to greater growth but poses a risk of damage from cold temperatures and ice storms. Trees grown for solid-wood products must be relatively defect-free and require a longer rotation, whereas bioenergy and pulpwood can use smaller, defective trees. This analysis presents predictions of defect rates through age 11 years based on the seed source and breeding values using data from a planting in the upper Piedmont of North Carolina. Land managers can use these models to weigh the benefits and risks when choosing families for reforestation.

Study on advanced partial least squares for quality-related fault detection

The issue of quality-related fault detection in the industrial process has attracted much attention in recent years. The partial least squares (PLS) is considered an efficient tool for predicting and monitoring. The modified partial least squares (MPLS) is an extended algorithm for solving the oblique decomposition of PLS, however, the study indicated that the loss of quality variable information may affect the prediction of quality information in the decomposition process of the MPLS algorithm. Furthermore, the detection rate of traditional statistics and static control limit is low, and the existing dynamic control limit has certain limitations. Therefore, a new PLS space-decomposition algorithm called advanced partial least squares (APLS) is proposed. APLS avoids the loss of quality information by orthogonal decomposition of process variables according to their relationship with quality. APLS has a more accurate prediction of quality when process variables contain more noise; the fault false alarm rates (FAR) of quality-related faults are reduced by using the new statistics and thresholds combined with local information increment technology in the process variable principal component subspace. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by a numerical example and an industrial benchmark problem.

The impacts of weather on railway infrastructure in Sweden

ABSTRACT In this paper, we estimate the vulnerability of railway infrastructure, switches, signals, tracks, and catenaries to different weather conditions, temperature, precipitation, snow depth, and wind speed across the entire Swedish railway network between 2006-2020. Using a method to quantify the fault rate we establish thresholds that can be useful for identifying areas of concern for operations. Results reveal that high or low temperatures have a noticeable impact on the fault rates for switches, tracks, and catenaries. High levels of precipitation are associated with higher fault rates across tracks and catenaries. Snow depth has an influence on fault rates for switches and tracks, and high wind speeds are associated with higher fault rates for tracks and catenaries. Finally, signals were found to be the most resilient asset. When comparing two dominant climate zones, notable differences were only found for track asset vulnerability.

<i>In vivo</i> application of prevascularized bone scaffolds: A literature review

BACKGROUND: Despite expanding research, the development of materials for replacing bone defects remains an urgent problem in orthopedics and traumatology. Thus, one of the most important tasks is to create conditions for proper trophicity of the bone implant.
 AIM: To analyze modern approaches to bone scaffold vascularization and evaluate their adequacy in in vivo models.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article presents a literature review dedicated to the methods of vascularization of bone scaffolds. A literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, eLibrary, and Google Scholar databases from 2013 to 2023 using keywords, and 271 sources were identified. After exclusion, 95 articles were analyzed, and the results of 38 original studies and one literature review were presented.
 RESULTS: Regardless of the initial vascularization method of scaffolds, bone implants show distinct osteoinductive features and promote advanced bone tissue regeneration. Constructs based on solid polymers and calcium–phosphate compositions also perform osteoconductive functions. Mesenchymal stem cells are used as the main cell type, as well as vessel-type cells, which in cooperation also have a positive effect on bone-defect remodeling. Bone morphogenetic proteins are used for directed differentiation in the osteogenic direction, and vascular endothelial growth factor is used for differentiation in the vascular pathway.
 CONCLUSIONS: At present, no method for vascularization of scaffolds has been approved universally. In addition, no evidence supported the comparative effectiveness of vascularization methods, whereas animal model studies have demonstrated a positive effect of prevascularized patterns on the recovery rate of minor and critical defects.

Prevention and characterization of thin film defects induced by contaminant aggregates in initiated chemical vapor deposition.

As initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) finds increasing application in precision industries like electronics and optics, defect prevention will become critical. While studies of non-ideal morphology exist in the iCVD literature, no studies investigate the role of defects. To address this knowledge gap, we show that the buildup of short-chain polymers or oligomers during normal operation of an iCVD reactor can lead to defects that compromise film integrity. We used atomic force microscopy to show that oligomer aggregates selectively prevented film growth, causing these hole-like defects. X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy demonstrated the crystallinity of the aggregates, pointing to a flat-on lamellar or mono-lamellar structure. To understand the origin of the aggregates, spectroscopic ellipsometry showed that samples exposed to the reactor consistently accrued low-volatility contaminants. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed material derived from polymerization in the contamination, while scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of defect-causing aggregates. We directly linked oligomeric/polymeric contamination with defect formation by showing an increased defect rate when a contaminant polymer was heated alongside the sample. Most importantly, we showed that starting a deposition at a high sample temperature (e.g., 50 °C) before reducing it to the desired setpoint (e.g., 9 °C) unilaterally prevented defects, providing a simple method to prevent defects with minimal impact on operations.

Shallow crustal deformation in the Yunnan-Myanmar and surrounding areas by regionally weighted interpolation of GPS measurements data

Yunnan-Myanmar and its surrounding areas are the areas directly affected by the collision of the Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate. In view of the uneven distribution of GPS stations in Yunnan and Myanmar, this paper employs the method of regionally weighted interpolation. In areas with a high concentration of GPS stations, a combination of Voronoi cell weighting function and Gaussian function weighting is utilized, while in regions with sparse GPS coverage, a combination of Voronoi cell weighting function and quadratic function weighting is employed. Utilizing the rigid-body movement uniform strain model, we calculate the horizontal strain rates of the crust in Yunnan-Myanmar and adjacent areas, followed by an in-depth analysis of model performance and the activity of primary faults. The results show that: (1) We found that Yunnan Myanmar strain has obvious boundary characteristics. (2) Upon scrutinizing the model, it was ascertained that the model delineated in this study possesses an expansive search range, enabling it to yield more precise outcomes, particularly in regions characterized by the disparate distribution of GPS stations; (3) Through the analysis of the profiles of horizontal GPS velocity field and maximum shear strain rates of the main faults in the study area, we found that the direction of the maximum shear strain rate is consistent with the direction of the main faults in the study area, and that the slip and maximum shear strain rate of the major faults increase and decrease along the tectonic direction.

Tenfold lower late quaternary throw rates in central Tibet compared to southern Tibet reflect different extensional deformation mechanisms

Present-day tectonic deformation in central Tibet is characterized by a series of ∼NS-trending grabens which accommodate EW extension. Quantifying the geometry and kinematics of these grabens is essential to understand Cenozoic tectonic deformation and Tibetan Plateau evolution. Here, we focus on the Norma Co graben (NCG), i.e., the southern segment of the Shuanghu-Norma Co graben (SH-NCG) system, which is the most prominent graben system within the Qiangtang terrane in central Tibet. We study its tectonic and geomorphologic characteristics to determine the late Quaternary throw rates of the normal faults bounding the graben, based on high-resolution satellite images interpretation, field investigation, and cosmogenic 10Be dating (n = 23). Using terrestrial LiDAR, UAV, and kinematic GPS, we precisely measure vertical offsets (up to 15 m) of ∼90–120 ka-old alluvial surfaces, yielding a throw rate of 0.10(+0.04/-0.03) mm/yr. This rate is ten times lower than those published along other NS-trending grabens in southern Tibet, reflecting different deformation mechanisms, as previously suggested: grabens in eastern Qiangtang formed by rapid eastward block extrusion, those in western Qiangtang formed by distributed extension on numerous scattered normal faults, and those in southern Tibet result from divergent orthogonal thrusting along the curved Himalayan arc.

Sustainable construction and quality of improved columns with three types of water-cement ratios on deep mixing method in Saga Lowland, Kyushu, Japan

In this study, we investigated the application of the deep mixing method (DMM) to cohesive soil in the Saga Lowland of Kyushu, Japan. The study focused on examining three types of water-cement ratio (W/C) conditions, with a constant addition of cement-based binder (C). Due to the soft clay nature of the Saga Lowland, frequent ground settlement and deformation occur, necessitating measures to prevent adverse effects on the surrounding environment. The objective of this research is to provide a valuable approach to optimizing the quality of the improved columns while minimizing ground displacement in an environmentally considerate manner. In Saga Lowland, it is common to fix the W/C ratio at 1.0 and vary the cement content. Through experimental construction for improved columns on the field, the study confirmed that W/C values of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 influence the quality of the improved structure. A higher W/C value of 1.5 resulted in a more fluid cement slurry due to a higher injection rate (IR = 23.9%), as evidenced by statistical analysis revealing higher average unconfined compressive strength ( qu¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\overline{{q }_{u}}$$\\end{document}), and a lower coefficient of variation (CV). The defective rate of 10% (qudr) from the design standard strength shows that values are lowest for Case 2, followed by Case 3 and then Case 1. Comparing the values of Case 2 and Case 3, it is observed that in Case 3, with a higher W/C, the CV is lower.. Regarding horizontal ground displacement (Sh), Case 3 exhibited a Sh value of 2.0 to 6.5 mm, significantly lower than Saga prefecture standards (20 mm). This outcome is attributed to reduced viscosity during mixing, leading to improved fluidity and minimal lateral displacement of the soil–cement columns (which often results in lateral ground uplift). Even though with a higher W/C = 1.5, the implementation cost remains the same, but the constructed structure would be of higher quality and smaller displacement, with the overall structure corresponding to the standard quality. The study includes the specific geotechnical conditions of the Saga Lowland and the scope of experimentation. Nonetheless, in terms of the applicability and optimization of DMM in Saga Lowland, the findings provide practical guidance for engineers in selecting W/C ratio and IR during construction for future DMM implementations, thereby contributing to the development of long-lasting infrastructure and sustainable societal development.

Correlations of Birth Defects With Birth Weight and Gestational Age

Objective To analyze the incidence rate of birth defects in infants born at different gestational ages and birth weights,so as to provide a basis for improving the surveillance system and reducing the incidence of birth defects. Methods Data of all perinatal infants born at and after 28 weeks of gestation and within 7 days after delivery in all the hospitals with the obstetrical department from October 1,2003 to September 30,2015 were collected. Results From 2003 to 2015,1 236 937 perinatal infants were monitored,including 10 619 with birth defects (incidence rate of 8.59‰).Among the infants with birth defects identified by the hospital surveillance system of birth defects in Xi'an during the study period,3 306,3 473,and 224 infants showed the birth weights less than 2 500 g,the gestational age within the range of [28,37] weeks,and the gestation age≥42 weeks,respectively.The low birth weight infants showed higher incidence rate of birth defects than the normal birth weight infants (χ2=37 097.79,P<0.001).The premature infants (gestational age<37 weeks) and postterm infants (gestational age≥42 weeks) showed higher incidence rates of birth defects than infants born at normal gestational age (χ2=24 998.24,P<0.001;χ2=196.40,P<0.001).The top five birth defects of low birth weight infants were congenital hydrocephalus,spina bifida,congenital heart disease,anencephaly,and cleft lip and cleft palate.The outcomes of birth defects in normal weight infants and low weight infants were mainly live births (68.60%) and stillbirths (54.72%),respectively,which showed a significant difference (χ2=647.59,P<0.001).The main outcomes of birth defects in the infants born at normal gestation age,postterm infants,and premature infants were mainly live births (77.38%),live births (83.93%),and stillbirths (57.79%),respectively,which showed significant differences (premature infants vs.infants born at normal gestation age: χ2=2 025.08,P<0.001;premature infants vs. postterm infants:χ2=245.39,P<0.001;infants born at normal gestation age vs.postterm infants:χ2=16.28,P=0.001). Conclusions Premature infants,low birth weight infants,and postterm infants showed significantly higher incidence rate of birth defects than the infants born at normal gestation age.The outcomes of birth defects had significant differences between low birth weight infants and normal birth weight infants,between premature infants and infants born at normal gestation age,between premature infants and postterm infants,and between infants born at normal gestation age and postterm infants.

Predictive Value of Post-operative Cardiac Troponin I and Lactate Levels After Ventricular Septal Defect Closure

Objectives: Although the mortality rate of primary ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure surgery has been reduced to &lt;0.5% in many centers, low cardiac output syndrome and multi-organ failure syndrome development in the post-operative period are still the most common causes of mortality and morbidity. The use of biochemical markers in the early period can be used as effective predictors for reducing mortality and morbidity. In this study, the effect of post-operative serum lactate and cardiac troponin I (cTNI) levels on hospital mortality in patients who underwent primary closure of VSD was investigated retrospectively. Methods: The effect of lactate and cTNI values on hospital mortality in 52 patients who underwent surgical repair for VSD was investigated. Serum lactate levels of all patients in the first 6 h after the operation; on the first post-operative day, cTNI values were examined retrospectively. Serum lactate levels exceeding 3.5 mmol/ lt and cTNI values exceeding 35 ng/mL were determined as the cut-off points. Results: Serum lactate level and cTNI increase were found to be statistically different in the mortality group (p&lt;0.05). It was shown that increased cTNI was associated with weight, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and cardiopulmonary bypass time (p&lt;0.05). Serum lactate levels were 4.1±0.5 mmol/lt in the non-mortality group and 15.3±8.3 mmol/lt in the mortality group, and the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Hospital mortality was observed in 6 patients. Conclusion: In patients undergoing VSD closure surgery, serum lactate levels measured in the first 6 h postoperatively and cTNI levels measured on the first post-operative day are associated with hospital mortality. Concomitant elevations of lactate and cTNI values in patients after VSD closure should suggest to take caution and early supportive treatments to reduce mortality.

Safety evaluation of single-sperm cryopreservation technique applied in intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique that directly injects a single sperm into the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. Here, we explored the safety of single-sperm cryopreservation applied in ICSI. This retrospective study enrolled 186 couples undergoing ICSI-assisted pregnancy. Subjects were allocated to the fresh sperm (group A)/single-sperm cryopreservation (group B) groups based on sperm type, with their clinical baseline/pathological data documented. We used ICSI-compliant sperm for subsequent in vitro fertilization and followed up on all subjects. The recovery rate/cryosurvival rate/sperm motility of both groups, the pregnancy/outcome of women receiving embryo transfer, and the delivery mode/neonatal-related information of women with successful deliveries were recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate, live birth delivery rate, neonatal birth defect rate, and average birth weight were analyzed. The two groups showed no significant differences in age, body mass index, ovulation induction regimen, sex hormone [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH)] levels, or oocyte retrieval cycles. The sperm recovery rate (51.72%-100.00%) and resuscitation rate (62.09% ± 16.67%) in group B were higher; the sperm motility in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference and met the ICSI requirements. Group B exhibited an increased fertilization rate, decreased abortion rate, and increased safety versus group A. Compared with fresh sperm, the application of single-sperm cryopreservation in ICSI sensibly improved the fertilization rate and reduced the abortion rate, showing higher safety.