Detailed Scanning Research Articles

Cost‐effectiveness of prenatal screening methods for congenital heart defects in pregnancies conceived by in‐vitro fertilization

To determine if a policy of universal fetal echocardiography (echo) in pregnancies conceived by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is cost-effective as a screening strategy for congenital heart defects (CHDs) and to examine the cost-effectiveness of various other CHD screening strategies in IVF pregnancies. A decision-analysis model was designed from a societal perspective with respect to the obstetric patient, to compare the cost-effectiveness of three screening strategies: (1) anatomic ultrasound (US): selective fetal echo following abnormal cardiac findings on detailed anatomic survey; (2) intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) only: fetal echo for all pregnancies following IVF with ICSI; (3) all IVF: fetal echo for all IVF pregnancies. The model initiated at conception and had a time horizon of 1 year post-delivery. The sensitivities and specificities for each strategy, the probabilities of major and minor CHDs and all other clinical estimates were derived from the literature. Costs, including imaging, consults, surgeries and caregiver productivity losses, were derived from the literature and Medicare databases, and are expressed in USA dollars ($). Effectiveness was quantified as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), based on how the strategies would affect the quality of life of the obstetric patient. Secondary effectiveness was quantified as number of cases of CHD and, specifically, cases of major CHD, detected. The average base-case cost of each strategy was as follows: anatomic US, $8119; ICSI only, $8408; and all IVF, $8560. The effectiveness of each strategy was as follows: anatomic US, 1.74487 QALYs; ICSI only, 1.74497 QALYs; and all IVF, 1.74499 QALYs. The ICSI-only strategy had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $2 840 494 per additional QALY gained when compared to the anatomic-US strategy, and the all-IVF strategy had an ICER of $5 692 457 per additional QALY when compared with the ICSI-only strategy. Both ICERs exceeded considerably the standard willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000-$100 000 per QALY. In a secondary analysis, the ICSI-only strategy had an ICER of $527 562 per additional case of major CHD detected when compared to the anatomic-US strategy. All IVF had an ICER of $790 510 per case of major CHD detected when compared with ICSI only. It was determined that it would cost society five times more to detect one additional major CHD through intensive screening of all IVF pregnancies than it would cost to pay for the neonate's first year of care. The most cost-effective method of screening for CHDs in pregnancies following IVF, either with or without ICSI, is to perform a fetal echo only when abnormal cardiac findings are noted on the detailed anatomy scan. Performing routine fetal echo for all IVF pregnancies is not cost-effective. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Crystallization behavior of two Al-Ni-Co-Gd amorphous alloys with selected Ni/Co ratios

Metallic ribbons of Al86NixCoyGd6 composition with different ratio of nickel and cobalt, (x/y = 1 and 3), were produced by standard planar flow casting method in amorphous state. Phase transformation follows upon heat treatment in 5 crystallization stages. Detailed microstructural characterizations (e. g. scanning electron diffraction experiments) were carried out to explain unusual phenomenon shown in x-ray diffraction data, calorimetric and complementary resistometry measurements bound to the second transformation stage. The observed phenomenon was proven to be connected to a observed reordering on the sub-nanometer scale without previous chemical rearrangement forming from amorphous matrix surrounding fcc-Al(Ni) nanocrystals, appearing as a second and single transformation step. Kinetics of crystallization was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and further monitored by electrical resistivity measurements. The transformation sequence up to 850 K is explained by X-ray diffraction and supported with detailed scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy observations.

3D Printing Temperature Tailors Electrical and Electrochemical Properties through Changing Inner Distribution of Graphite/Polymer.

The rise of 3D printing technology, with fused deposition modeling as one of the simplest and most widely used techniques, has empowered an increasing interest for composite filaments, providing additional functionality to 3D-printed components. For future applications, like electrochemical energy storage, energy conversion, and sensing, the tuning of the electrochemical properties of the filament and its characterization is of eminent importance to improve the performance of 3D-printed devices. In this work, customized conductive graphite/poly(lactic acid) filament with a percentage of graphite filler close to the conductivity percolation limit is fabricated and 3D-printed into electrochemical devices. Detailed scanning electrochemical microscopy investigations demonstrate that 3D-printing temperature has a dramatic effect on the conductivity and electrochemical performance due to a changed conducive filler/polymer distribution. This may allow, e.g., 3D printing of active/inactive parts of the same structure from the same filament when changing the 3D printing nozzle temperature. These tailored properties can have profound influence on the application of these 3D-printed composites, which can lead to a dramatically different functionality of the final electrical, electrochemical, and energy storage device.

Do our eyes mirror our thought patterns? A study on the influence of convergent and divergent thinking on eye movement.

Research indicates that deliberate thinking and eye movements are related. However, how various thought processes influence eye movements is not explored well. The present research examined the role of convergent and divergent thinking in eye movement. Divergent thinking involves novel alternatives, multiple uses, and unconventional answers which may require scanning visual surroundings precisely and extensively. Hence, it was hypothesized that divergent thinking would involve more scattered and detailed visual scanning than convergent thinking. Two experiments were conducted using repeated measures design: both involved a visual remote association task for convergent thinking and an adapted visual task of the alternate uses task for divergent thinking. Experiment 1 tracked participants' eye movement while solving the task when images of objects were on the screen; whereas, in Experiment 2, the blank screen paradigm was used where the images of items were removed and the eyes were tracked while participants solved the task. Data analysis showed that the eye movements were moreobject focused during convergent thinking than divergent thinking. The results confirmed that participants in divergent thinking had more detailed and dispersed visual scanning than in convergent thinking.

3D Scanning as a Tool to Measure Growth Rates of Live Coral Microfragments Used for Coral Reef Restoration

Rapid and widespread declines in coral health and abundance have driven increased investments in coral reef restoration interventions to jumpstart population recovery. Microfragmentation, an asexual propagation technique, is used to produce large numbers of corals for research and restoration. As part of resilience-based restoration, coral microfragments of different genotypes and species are exposed to various stressors to identify candidates for propagation. Growth rate is one of several important fitness-related traits commonly used in candidate selection, and being able to rapidly and accurately quantify growth rates of different genotypes is ideal for high-throughput stress tests. Additionally, it is crucial, as coral restoration becomes more commonplace, to establish practical guidelines and standardized methods of data collection that can be used across independent groups. Herein, we developed a streamlined workflow for growth rate quantification of live microfragmented corals using a structured-light 3D scanner to assess surface area (SA) measurements of live tissue over time. We then compared novel 3D and traditional 2D approaches to quantifying microfragment growth rates and assessed factors such as accuracy and speed. Compared to a more conventional 2D approach based on photography and ImageJ analysis, the 3D approach had comparable reliability, greater accuracy regarding absolute SA quantification, high repeatability, and low variability between scans. However, the 2D approach accurately measured growth and proved to be faster and cheaper, factors not trivial when attempting to upscale for restoration efforts. Nevertheless, the 3D approach has greater capacity for standardization across dissimilar studies, making it a better tool for restoration practitioners striving for consistent and comparable data across users, as well as for those conducting networked experiments, meta-analyses, and syntheses. Furthermore, 3D scanning has the capacity to provide more accurate surface area (SA) measurements for rugose, mounding, or complex colony shapes. This is the first protocol developed for using structured-light 3D scanning as a tool to measure growth rates of live microfragments. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, disadvantages to a 3D approach based on speed and cost may diminish with time as interest and usage increase. As a resource for coral restoration practitioners and researchers, we provide a detailed 3D scanning protocol herein and discuss its potential limitations, applications, and future directions.

Outcome Comparison of Endoscopic (Endonasal Trans-Sphenoidal) Repairs of CSS Leak vs. Transcranial Approach

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Endoscopic (Endonasal transsphenoidal) repair of CSF leak with transcranial approach in terms of post-operative complications like infection, recurrence and hospital stay.
 Material and Methods: The comparative experimental randomized study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery Unit I, PGMI, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. After approval from ethical committee this study was carried out in our unit. 40 subjects with the history of CSF leak were randomly divided into two groups; one was treated with endonasal trans-sphenoidal repair and another was treated with trans-cranial approach, the subjects were followed up for 1 year. Detailed history, neurological examination, preoperative CT and MRI scans were performed in all patients.
 Results: The mean age of patients with CSF leak was 25.58 ± 14.38 years. Among the patients, 17 were females and 23 were male. The mean age of the female was 31.70 ± 14.29 years. The mean age of the male was 21.04 ± 12.95. The recurrence was observed in 2 (10%) of the patients treated with endoscopic technique and 1 (5%) of the patients treated with trans-cranial approach. Those patients were successfully repaired in a second operation. Overall success rate was 92.5%. One patient (2.50%) among the trans-cranial approach develops infection which was treated successfully.
 Conclusion: The endoscopic repair of CSF leak is both safe and effective and should be considered as the standard procedure of choice in most of the cases.

Prenatal diagnosis of persistent cloaca accompanied by uterus didelphys: A case report.

Persistent cloaca is a rare abnormality that occurs usually in females and is characterized by direct communication between the gastrointestinal, urinary, and genital structures resulting in a single perineal opening. We report a case of persistent cloaca accompanying uterus didelphys that was diagnosed antenatally with fetal ultrasonography. A gravida 3, para 2, 35-year-old women at 22 weeks of gestation was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of moderate pyelectasis of the fetal kidneys and fetal diffuse intestinal dilation. Detailed ultrasound scan findings were reported as a small thick-walled septated cystic pelvic mass of 5.2×5.5 cm size seen at the level of the fetal pelvic region. The target sign could not be visualized, it was considered as anal atresia. In the following weeks, the patient, who was evaluated together with meconium on the uterine septum, and monitoring of the neighboring bladder and anal atresia, was diagnosed as having persistent cloaca. Ultrasound findings showed that it could be persistent cloaca accompanying uterus didelphys. The fetus postnatally manifested persistent cloaca. On the first day after vaginal delivery, pelvic ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care unit showed bilateral 2nd-degree hydronephrosis, presacral enlarged bowel loops, uterus didelphis, vaginal septum, direct contact between urethra and vagina, proximal end in the rectum compatible with atresia. On the second day, colostomy was performed. Her renal condition continued to be stable. She is now waiting for definitive surgery for cloaca. Persistent cloaca should be considered in any female fetus presenting with hydronephrosis and a cystic pelvic mass lesion as diagnosed by ultrasound. Prenatal diagnosis allows time for parental counseling and delivery planning at a tertiary hospital for neonatal intensive care and pediatric surgery.

Singlet-doublet Majorana dark matter and neutrino mass in a minimal type-I seesaw scenario

In a bid to simultaneous explanation of dark matter (DM) and tiny but non-zero masses of left-handed neutrinos, we propose a minimal extension of the Standard Model (SM) by a vector-like fermion doublet and three right handed (RH) singlet neutrinos. The DM arises as a mixture of the neutral component of the fermion doublet and one of the RH neutrinos, both assumed to be odd under an additional \U0001d4b52 symmetry. As a result, the DM emerges to be a dominantly Majorana particle and escapes from Z-mediated direct search constraints to mark a significant difference from singlet-doublet Dirac DM. The other two \U0001d4b52 even heavy RH neutrinos give rise masses and mixing of light neutrinos via Type-I Seesaw mechanism. The particle content automatically allows us to extend the model by a gauged U(1)B-L symmetry, which is anomaly free and brings an additional portal between DM and SM particles. Relic density and direct search allowed parameter space for both the cases are investigated through detailed numerical scan, while collider search strategies are also indicated.

Maternal perception of the risk of vertically transmitted infections: the impact of expert counseling

Insufficient and imprecise information during pregnancy can lead to an overestimation of maternal and fetal risk associated to various exposures during gestation. This study aimed to assess whether expert obstetrical counseling in cases of maternal infections at risk of vertical transmission could impact maternal perception of risk and the tendency to terminate pregnancy. This is a monocentric prospective observational study of 185 consecutive pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of infectious diseases at risk of vertical transmission during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Patients were divided into 2 different groups, according to the type infectious disease: infections at high risk of fetal damages and infections at low risk. Every woman included in the study underwent medical counseling with a physician with experience of vertically transmitted infections. Moreover, each woman involved in the study was offered a detailed second trimester ultrasound scan. Maternal concern for their pregnancy and the disposition to interrupt the pregnancy were investigated by 2 questionnaires submitted to patients before and after medical expert counseling; a third questionnaire was completed only by those women who decided to undergo second trimester ultrasound scan at our hospital. Of the 185 consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 171 (92.4%) filled out the visual analog scale for concern about the baby's health both before and after medical consultation. After medical consultation, there was a significant decrease in mean visual analog scale for concern: from 67.1±26.0 to 41.3±28.8 (change score, -25.8; 95% confidence interval, -29.9 to -21.7). Higher baseline levels of concern had more room for reduction, and infections at high fetal risk of damage were associated with lower decrease in concern. However, risk perception decreased in both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. Notably, 82 patients (53.2%) underwent ultrasonography and filled out the visual analog scale after examination. The mean score after examination was 28.3±24.4 and significantly lower than the mean score registered after consultation (change score, -16.6; 95% confidence interval, -22.9 to -10.3). A total of 162 women (87.6%) declared their tendency to interrupt pregnancy both before and after the consultation. There was a significant decrease in mean tendency from 42.1±32.6 to 22.7±27.1 (change score, -19.4; 95% confidence interval, -23.6 to -15.2). Regression analysis revealed that both low- and high-risk patients significantly reduced their tendency. A total of 73 patients (45.1%) underwent ultrasonography and filled out the visual analog scale after examination. The mean score after examination was 9.9±20.6 and significantly lower than the mean score registered after consultation (change score, -13.4; 95% confidence interval, -19.1 to -7.7). Our results confirm the importance of a comprehensive and sufficient expert medical counseling that, on one hand, can reduce maternal risk perception, improving quality of life for mothers, and, on the other hand, can lead to feasible results, reducing a woman's disposition to termination of pregnancy.

Novel variants in DNAH9 lead to nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia

BackgroundAsthenozoospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility, and its genetic etiology is poorly understood. DNAH9 is a core component of outer dynein arms in cilia and flagellum. It was reported that variants of DNAH9 (OMIM: 603330) might cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, variants in DNAH9 lead to nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia have yet to be reported.MethodsWhole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for two individuals with nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia from two non-consanguineous families, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the identified variants and parental origins. Sperm routine analysis, sperm vitality rate and sperm morphology analysis were performed according the WHO guidelines 2010 (5th edition). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, TECNAI-10, 80 kV, Philips, Holland) was used to observe ultrastructures of sperm tail. Quantitative realtime-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of DNAH9-mRNA and location of DNAH9-protein. Furthermore, assisted reproductive procedures were applied.ResultsBy WES and Sanger sequencing, compound heterozygous DNAH9 (NM_001372.4) variants were identified in the two individuals with nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia (F1 II-1: c.302dupT, p.Leu101fs*47 / c.6956A > G, p.Asp2319Gly; F2 II-1: c.6294 T > A, p.Phe2098Leu / c.10571 T > A, p.Leu3524Gln). Progressive rates less than 1% with normal sperm morphology rates and normal vitality rates were found in both of the two subjects. No respiratory phenotypes, situs inversus or other malformations were found by detailed medical history, physical examination and lung CT scans etc. Moreover, the expression of DNAH9-mRNA was significantly decreased in sperm from F1 II-1. And expression of DNAH9 is lower in sperm tail by immunofluorescence staining in F1 II-1 compared with normal control. Notably, by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), F1 II-1 and his partner successfully achieved clinical pregnancy.ConclusionsWe identified DNAH9 as a novel pathogenic gene for nonsyndromic severe asthenospermia, and ICSI can contribute to favorable pregnancy outcomes for these patients.

Insights into the Bead Fusion Mechanism of Expanded Polybutylene Terephthalate (E-PBT).

Expandable polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) dominate the bead foam market. As the low thermal performance of EPS and EPP limits application at elevated temperatures novel solutions such as expanded polybutylene terephthalate (E-PBT) are gaining importance. To produce parts, individual beads are typically molded by hot steam. While molding of EPP is well-understood and related to two distinct melting temperatures, the mechanisms of E-PBT are different. E-PBT shows only one melting peak and can surprisingly only be molded when adding chain extender (CE). This publication therefore aims to understand the impact of thermal properties of E-PBT on its molding behavior. Detailed differential scanning calorimetry was performed on neat and chain extended E-PBT. The crystallinity of the outer layer and center of the bead was similar. Thus, a former hypothesis that a completely amorphous bead layer enables molding, was discarded. However, the incorporation of CE remarkably reduces the crystallization and re-crystallization rate. As a consequence, the time available for interdiffusion of chains across neighboring beads increases and facilitates crystallization across the bead interface. For E-PBT bead foams, it is concluded that sufficient time for polymer interdiffusion during molding is crucial and requires adjusted crystallization kinetics.

Swine Ultrasonography Numerical Modeling for Pregnancy Diagnosis and Prediction of Litter Size

Early and reliable diagnosis of pregnancy in sows is considered one of the most crucial parameters for the proper management in pig farming. Reproductive activity of the sows is directly correlated with the overall productivity of the enterprise. The best and most precise methodology to diagnose pregnancy in farm animals, including pigs, is ultrasonography. For getting optimal outputs of real-time ultrasonography application in pigs, both gestation status and litter size of sows is of high importance. Hence, a detailed evaluation and careful reading of the retrieved ultrasonic image could serve to the prediction of the sow’s litter size, providing valuable information to the producer. In the present article we studied the ultrasonic typification of sows in an effort to develop a methodology for the precise pregnancy diagnosis and the prediction of the litter size. To achieve this goal, 1214 matings and 1010 pregnancies were recorded and evaluated over a period of 20 months, in a pig unit in Northern Greece. Two thorough scans were performed on each sow, classifying the ultrasonic image in a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being ‘non pregnant’ and 10 given to the most reassuring image of pregnancy. Evaluations took place in a wide range of time since mating, hence between days 16 (the earliest first scan) and 68 (the latest that a second scan was performed) and the mean values obtained were 8,36 and 8,83 for the first and second scan respectively. Furthermore, the litter size of each subsequent parturition was recorded (mean: 12.22) and correlated to the score of each of the two scans performed during pregnancy. The results showed that more reassuring images and higher scores for both examinations of pregnancy were achieved with increasing time interval from mating (P<0.05). It is therefore suggested that a detailed real-time ultrasonic scanning, can provide a very useful tool, not only for pregnancy diagnosis, but also for the prediction of litter size and eventually the precise management of pregnant sows.

Co3O4 nanoparticles characterized by XPS and UPS

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) were performed on as-received analytical grade Co3O4 nanoparticles (<50 nm). Co3O4 has proven to be an extremely useful material for a wide variety of applications. This report provides a detailed photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of Co3O4 to aid with identification from other cobalt oxides, hydroxides, and oxyhydroxides. In addition to the survey scan, detailed charge-corrected scans for Co 2s, Co 2p, Co 3s, Co 3p, O 1s, O 2s, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals are reported. The valence states were analyzed using UPS.

Novel α + β Zr Alloys with Enhanced Strength.

Low-alloyed zirconium alloys are widely used in nuclear applications due to their low neutron absorption cross-section. These alloys, however, suffer from limited strength. Well-established guidelines for the development of Ti alloys were applied to design new two-phase ternary Zr alloys with improved mechanical properties. Zr-4Sn-4Nb and Zr-8Sn-4Nb alloys have been manufactured by vacuum arc melting, thermo-mechanically processed by annealing, forging, and aging to various microstructural conditions and thoroughly characterized. Detailed Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the microstructural response of the alloys is rather similar to alpha + beta Ti alloys. Duplex microstructure containing primary alpha phase particles surrounded by lamellar alpha + beta microstructure can be achieved by thermal processing. Mechanical properties strongly depend on the previous treatment. Ultimate tensile strength exceeding 700 MPa was achieved exceeding the strength of commercial Zr alloys for nuclear applications by more than 50%. Such an improvement in strength more than compensates for the increased neutron absorption cross-section. This study aims to exploit the potential of alpha + beta Zr alloys for nuclear applications.

Anisotropic Ion Migration and Electronic Conduction in van der Waals Ferroelectric CuInP2S6.

Van der Waals (vdW) thio- and seleno-phosphates have recently gained considerable attention for the use as "active" dielectrics in two-dimensional/quasi-two-dimensional electronic devices. Bulk ionic conductivity in these materials has been identified as a key factor for the control of their electronic properties. However, direct evidence of specific ion species' migration at the nanoscale, particularly under electric fields, and its impact on material properties has been elusive. Here, we report on direct evidence of a phase-selective anisotropic Cu-ion-hopping mechanism in copper indium thiophosphate (CuInP2S6) through detailed scanning probe microscopy measurements. A two-step Cu-hopping path including a first intralayer hopping (in-plane) and second interlayer hopping (out-of-plane) crossing the vdW gap is unveiled. Evidence of electrically controlled Cu ion migration is further verified by nanoscale energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. These findings offer new insight into anisotropic ionic manipulation in layered vdW ferroelectric/dielectric materials for emergent vdW electronic device design.

Prenatal diagnosis and management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Single center results

Objective: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is the most common reason for neonatal deaths among congenital heart defects. Numerous studies showed that pre- natal diagnosis improves prognosis. We aimed to review the prenatal assessment of associated extracardiac anomalies, postnatal outcomes, and surgical management in cases of HLHS that were detected in our center. Material and Methods: The records of patients diagnosed with HLHS evaluated be- tween March 2017 and April 2020. A detailed anatomy scan was performed, and karyotype analysis was recommended to all patients. Due to poor perinatal prognosis, termination of pregnancy (TOP) was offered an option to families. Serial ultrasono- graphic examinations every 2–4 weeks. Postnatal echocardiography was performed, and the prenatal diagnosis was confirmed in all offspring. Surgical outcomes were recorded. Results: Sixteen patients were recruited in our study. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 20.2±5.1 weeks. About 68.7% of cases were defined as classical type HLHS, and the remaining 31.3% were determined as variant type HLHS. TOP was performed in 9 (56.7%) patients. The mean follow-up interval was 16.4±4.7 months. Urge septostomy was performed in 2 (28.5%) cases after birth due to foramen ovale restriction. Three (42.8%) cases died before the first operation. Norwood procedure was performed in 4 (57.1%) cases. Two cases died after this operation. Glenn shunt and Fontan procedure were performed in the remaining two offspring. The total sur- vival rate was 28.5%. Conclusion: HLHS has high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis allows the family for the fate of pregnancy and planned delivery in a tertiary center.

Spontaneous and Simultaneous Bilateral Ruptured Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report

Simultaneous bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is a rare entity. The reported incidence ranges between 1 in 725 to 1 in 1580 of all ectopic pregnancies, and it is higher in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques or ovulation induction. Its spontaneous appearance is almost exceptional. There are no unique features in clinical presentation helping to distinguish it from unilateral ectopic pregnancy. This makes the pre-operative diagnosis difficult, so it’s commonly made during surgery. Whether the ectopic pregnancy is spontaneous or induced, fast management is essential and includes early diagnosis, detailed ultrasound scan, careful contralateral tube control, and also specimen’s histological verification. Thus the treatment will depend on the hemodynamic stability of the patient, the extent of tube damage, as well as the desire for future pregnancies. We report a case of 40 year old patient, gravida 1 without any ectopic pregnancy risk factors, who suffered from abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 8 gestation weeks. Endovaginal ultrasound detected adnexal ruptured mass in the right fallopian tube. Urgent laparotomy was performed for suspicious ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A right and left ruptured ectopic pregnancy were found during operation. Bilateral salpingectomy is done and patient is discharged from hospital 3 days later without complications.

Correlation of phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome with anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently encountered endocrine disorders in women of the reproductive age. Various studies conclude there is no uniform correlation between the phenotypes of the PCOS and serum anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels. Aim and Objective: The objective of the study to estimate the association between different phenotypes of PCOS and the serum AMH level. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study which included sixty subjects with PCOS according to Rotterdam's criteria. After procuring the detailed history, clinically examination and ultrasound scan subjects were classified into one of the phenotypes of PCOS. Auto-analyzer was used to measure serum AMH levels and was correlated with the various phenotypes of PCOS. Results: The study group categorized 28 patients under phenotype D, which was a predominant form. Serum AMH mean was 6.1 (±3.2) ng/ml. The mean serum AMH levels for phenotype A was 7.5 ± 3.0 ng/ml which was higher than the other phenotypes. Phenotype A had high mean body mass index which was significant (29.1 ±6.6) kg/m2 (P = 0.046). Phenotype B had significantly higher Hirsutism score 19.8 (±1.7). Phenotype A had significantly higher mean follicular count (19.7 ± 5.1). The difference of mean or median among the phenotypes was compared using Kruskal–Wallis test or ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Conclusion: A positive correlation was seen between the serum AMH levels and the phenotypes of the PCOS. Thus, AMH levels can be used as an adjunct tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of PCOS.

New Procedure to Obtain Specific and High Absorbent Silicon Nanotextures: Inverted Pyramids, Cubic Nano-Microholes, Spiroconical Nano-Microholes and Rhombohedral-Stared Nanosheet Bouquets (Nanobuckets)

The present work relates to a process for silicon surface texturing for preparing large-area, silicon nanotextures on silicon substrates at ambient temperature by assisted chemical etching. A novel strategy comprises of two fundamental steps (metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and solution post-treatment) of using the silver catalyst to obtain specific nano- or micro-textures. The strategy is based on metal-induced (Ag) local oxidation and dissolution of a silicon substrate in three different concentrations of aqueous fluoride solution with the post-treatment solution. The etching technique is dependent on the etching time and concentration of aqueous fluoride solution. Therefore, detailed scanning electron microscopy observations reveal specifics shapes as inverted pyramids, cubic nano-microholes, spiroconical nano-microholes and rhombohedral-stared nanosheet bouquets (called Nanobukets), obtained for the first time on a (100) silicon surface by this new variant of the MACE method named Double Etching Method (DEM). Silicon nanostructures are used in many nanotechnology applications such as nano-microelectronics, optoelectronics or biomedical applications. UV-Visible spectrometry measurements carried out made it possible to obtain the lowest reflectance and highest absorbance values who are 3% and 97%, respectively for the rhomboedral-stared nanosheet bouquets on (100) crystalline silicon substrates in the UV-visible-NIR wavelength range from 300 to 1200 nm.

Application analysis of shale gas core hyperspectral in weican-1 well

Hylogger core scanning system is used to detailed scan shale gas drilling cores, obtaining visible-near infrared (spectral range 380nm-1100nm),short-wave infrared (spectral range 1100nm-2500nm) spectral curves and high-definition core images. Taking Well weican 1 in the West Taikang Uplift in the South China North Basin as an example, based on the analysis of clay mineral types in the core of the target layer, it is judged to be an alkaline deposit environment rich in iron and magnesium with a temperature of about130°C. Combined with mineral information and core image, the core of the target layer is divided,mud shale is developed, the cumulative thickness exceeds 400m, the maximum single layer thickness reaches 38m, at the same time, the hydrocarbon absorption characteristics of the shale section are obvious, it shows a good prospect for shale gas in the region.