Fading Time Research Articles

P-204 The pattern of the zygote cleavage to three cells must be considered before embryo transfer

Abstract Study question What is the clinical outcome of instant irregular cleavage (IDC) from zygote to three cells? Summary answer IDC embryos, did not develop to blastocysts and did not acieve pregnancy; FC embryos that reached blastocyst stage exerted similar pregnancy rates as control embryos What is known already Evaluation of the zygote morphology is one of the earliest embryonic stages investigated. Several zygote grading systems were proposed based on pronuclei size and NPB (nucleolus precursor bodies) distribution, thus is an effective indicator of the embryo’s potential to result in a life birth. The first cleavage of a zygote is a highly coordinated event. Disruptive timing of the first cleavage, named direct cleavage (DC, less than 5 hours), is associated with formation of poor embryo quality. Early identification of pathological embryos is challenging and impacts the timing of embryo fate decision in ART. Study design, size, duration A total of 1978 fresh IVF cycles from single unit were analyzed and a total of 4012 embryos were studied. Only 2pn embryos, cultured exclusively in time-lapse system for 5 days were included. The morphokinetics of embryos and their outcome were recorded, from z-score analysis through day 5. We discriminated between IDC, FC and normal cleavage pattern of embryos and compared clinical outcome of various morphokinetic parameters. We also evaluated possible early predictors for IDC. Participants/materials, setting, methods We generated three study groups according to embryo cleavage pattern: (I) Control, normal cleavage (n = 551); (II) FC, zygote to three cells within 5 hours (n = 1587); (III) IDC, instant cleavage from zygote to three cells (n = 922). The association between z-score of 138 IDC embryos and their sibling random controls was thoroughly investigated. All time lapse annotations were performed by senior embryologists. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software. Main results and the role of chance IDC embryos were mainly arrested at day 3 and the number of usable embryos (reached blastocyst stage and were suitable for embryo transfer or cryopreservation) was negligible; 4/922 (0.4%). In comparison, the amount of usable FC embryos was 108/1587 (6.6%) and control embryos usage reached 180/551 (32.7%). While the pregnancy rate of control and FC embryos, which reached embryo transfer were similar (40.35% and 42.55%, respectively); transfer of IDC embryos did not result in pregnancy. Additionally, the timetable as measured by time of PN fading and time from fading to first cleavage, differed significantly between the three groups. Therefore, we performed a thorough analysis of zygote morphology data of IDC embryos compared to control sibling embryos in search of early possible markers for these findings. We have not detected significant differences in z-score analysis, reflected by number and size of nucleoli, as well as pronuclear symmetry. Limitations, reasons for caution IDC embryos number used for z-score analysis was limited since many didn’t meet the inclusion criteria (lack of overlapping of the pronuclei, presence of random of control embryo and good quality image). Wider implications of the findings The decision regarding the fate of IDC and FC embryos should include the pattern of first cycle cleavage. Culture IDC and FC embryos for 5 days up to the blastocyst will spare transfer of embryos that are fated to arrest even when their morphological grade on day 3 is acceptable. Trial registration number 0043-22-MMC

P-166 The association between pronuclei parameters and blastocyst formation — a pixel-level time-lapse imaging study based on AI segmentation

Abstract Study question Do the morphokinetics of pronuclei in zygote associate with embryo developmental potential? Summary answer The position, distance to the central, size and fading time point of pronuclei were associated with blastocyst formation. What is known already Pronucleus is the nucleus formed by sperm or oocyte during fertilization containing the genetic material, which is important for further embryo development. We previously developed an AI-based morphology segmentation system for time-lapse imaging and it is able to capture the morphology changes and movement of pronuclei at the pixel level with high accuracy. In this study, we analysed the pixel-level morphokinetics of pronuclei with the blastocyst formation of the embryo under time-lapse incubation. Study design, size, duration The study was conducted in a university-affiliated IVF clinic from 2017 to 2019. There were 631 normal fertilized embryos with known blastulation results. They were cultured in the time-lapse incubator and taken images every 10 minutes from fertilization to embryo transfer/embryo freezing/discard. The images were extracted and the area of each pronucleus was segmented by the AI system. We reconstructed the segmented area of the pronucleus and count the morphokinetics parameters. Participants/materials, setting, methods The parameters included size, distance to the central, distance between each pronucleus, the movement pathway of each pronucleus and the fading time point. Quartiles of the parameters were divided into 25th (Q1), 50th (Q2), 75th (Q3) and 100th (Q4). In each quartile, the median of this quartile was presented with IQR. The chi-square test was used for the distribution comparison of the blastocyst formation. The FDR method was used to adjust the multi-comparison P-value. Main results and the role of chance We defined the pronucleus that was close to cortical as pn2 while the other was pn1. For the distance from each pronucleus to the zygote's geometric centroids (pn1_dist and pn2_dist), though pn1_dist did not show any significance, the pn2_dist showed a higher blastulation rate in Q2 (Q2:29.10% vs 17.90%). For the distance between the pronucleus (pn1_pn2_dist), the closer of PN got less blastocyst formation outcomes (Q1: 21.39% vs 31.44%). The results in the size of pronuclei (pn1_sz and pn2_sz) both showed that there was less blastocyst formation in small PN size (pn1_sz: Q1:19.90% vs 34.06%; pn2_sz: Q1:20.15% vs 33.19%). The duration from fertilization to pronuclei fading also had different blastulation rates. In the longest duration, there were the least blastocyst formation outcomes (Q4: 18.66% vs 35.81%). During the pn2 movement to the pn1, it might have an appropriate distance for the PN fusion. The result of the pn1_pn2_dist also showed that if the male and female pronuclei were too close (less than 14.98-17.24 μm ), the proportion of blastocyst formation was lower. If the movement of pn2 showed a decrease to the centre and then an increasing distance during development, more blastocyst formation was expected. Limitations, reasons for caution This was a retrospective and descriptive study and the end point of embryo developmental potential was blastocyst formation. The further association of the pronuclei parameters needs further endpoints to dig out. The diagnostic value of the pronucleus parameters needs further study to validate. Wider implications of the findings The pronucleus parameters are associated with blastocyst formation, which could serve as a non-invasive morphological tool to assess embryo developmental potential. Our study showed the explainable application of AI for enhancing the morphokinetics study. We believe both the pronucleus parameters and the AI tool could shed the light on embryology. Trial registration number ChiCTR1900025776

Circulating maternal prorenin and oocyte and preimplantation embryo development: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

Could circulating maternal prorenin serve as a proxy for oocyte and preimplantation embryo development, assessed by time-lapse parameters and clinical treatment outcomes? High circulating maternal prorenin concentrations after ovarian stimulation associate with a larger oocyte area, faster cleavage divisions from the five-cell stage onwards and increased chance of successful implantation. After ovarian stimulation, circulating prorenin (renin's precursor), is largely ovary-derived. Prorenin may contribute to ovarian angiotensin synthesis, which is relevant in reproduction given its role in follicular development and oocyte maturation. Prospective observational cohort study including couples requiring fertility treatment from May 2017 as a subcohort of the ongoing Rotterdam Periconception Cohort conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. Between May 2017 and July 2020, 309 couples with an indication for IVF treatment or ICSI were included. Resulting embryos (n = 1024) were submitted to time-lapse embryo culture. Time of fertilization (t0), pronuclear appearance (tPNa), and fading (tPNf) as well as the exact timing of reaching the two- to eight-cell stage (t2-t8), the start of blastulation (tSB), reaching the full (tB), and expanded blastocyst (tEB) were retrospectively recorded. Oocyte area was measured at t0, tPNa, and tPNf. Prorenin was determined at the day of embryo transfer. After adjustment for patient- and treatment-related factors, linear mixed modeling showed that higher prorenin concentrations associate with a larger oocyte area at tPNa (β 64.45 µm2, 95% CI 3.26; 125.64, P = 0.04), and faster progression from five-cell stage onwards (e.g. β8-cell -1.37 h, 95% CI -2.48; -0.26, P = 0.02). Prorenin associated positively with pre-transfer outcomes (e.g. βfertilized oocytes 2.09, 95% CI 1.43; 2.75, P < 0.001) and implantation (odds ratio+β-hCG-test: 1.79, 95% CI 1.06; 3.08, P = 0.03), but not with live birth. This prospective observational study provides associations and therefore residual confounding cannot be excluded and causality has to be shown in intervention studies. Theca cell-derived factors, such as prorenin, may help to clarify the underlying endocrine mechanism of oocyte maturation and embryo development, with a special focus on the (patho)physiological reproductive role of prorenin and the identification of factors influencing its secretion and activity, which is of great added value for improving embryo selection and predicting implantation and pregnancy outcomes. This will bring us to investigate which determinants of oocyte quality and embryo development should take center stage in developing preconception care strategies. This research was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the Erasmus MC Medical Research Advisor Committee's 'Health Care Efficiency Research' program (OZBS72.16080). The authors have no competing interests to disclose. N/A.

Empirical blockage characterization and detection in indoor sub-THz communications

The next step in the last mile wireless access is utilization of the terahertz (THz) frequency band spanning from 0.1 to 3 THz, specifically, its lower part (up to 300 GHz) also known as sub-THz frequencies. At these frequencies, communication systems can offer tens of consecutive gigahertz potentially allowing to further improve access rates at the air interface to dozens of gigabits-per-second. However, the effect of blockage evident already at millimeter waves is expected to be much more pronounced at frequencies beyond 100 GHz. In this paper, we empirically investigate the characteristics of the human body blockage by conducting a measurement campaign at carrier frequency of 156 GHz in the indoor environment. We concentrate on both mean attenuation and time-related metrics of the blockage process including the signal fade and rise times, and blockage duration. For a point-to-point transmission over a distance of 3–7 m, we find that the mean attenuation is in the range of 8–15 dB depending on the line-of-sight (LoS) height and the transmitter-to-receiver (Tx-to-Rx) distance. The blockage duration varies within 5%–10% for different Tx-to-Rx distances (with corresponding nominal values of 360–390 ms) while the signal rise and fall times gradually increase from 60 to 100 ms with the Tx-to-Rx distance growth and remain unchanged for different LoS heights. The developed blockage detection algorithm allows one to identify the blockage occurrence with a probability of 0.96–0.98 within 1–3 ms at the channel sampling rate of 500 ksample/s and 3–5 event/s of false alarm rate which is on par with modern machine learning based approaches.

Plasticity of conducting polymer dendrites to bursts of voltage spikes in phosphate buffered saline

The brain capitalizes on the complexity of both its biochemistry for neurons to encode diverse pieces of information with various neurotransmitters and its morphology at multiple scales to route different pathways for neural interconnectivity. Conducting polymer dendrites can show similar features by differentiating between cations and anions thanks to their charge accumulation profile and the asymmetry in their dendriticity that allows projecting spike signals differently. Here, we exploit such mimicry for in materio classification of bursting activity and investigate, in phosphate buffered saline, the capability of such object to sense bursts of voltage pulses of 100 mV amplitude, emitted by a local gate in the vicinity of the dendrite. The dendrite integrates the different activities with a fading memory time window that is characteristic of both the polarity of the spikes and the temporality of the burst. By this first demonstration, the ‘material-object’ definitely shows great potential to be a node halfway between the two realms of brain and electronic communication.

Phase Stability Control of Optical Fiber Partial Discharge Ultrasonic Sensing System

Optic fiber interferometers are highly sensitive ultrasonic sensors for partial discharge detection. However, low-frequency vibration and environmental noise will disturb the sensors in the field, and cause a phase fading suppression effect that reduces sensitivity. This paper analyzed the problems existing in the phase feedback control system based on PZT, and an improved scheme incorporating a high-frequency carrier phase demodulation is proposed. Based on an acousto-optic modulator, the proposed phase feedback control system overcomes the phase fading suppression effect. A test is carried out on an ultrasonic calibration platform and a transformer oil discharge platform. The test results show that the stability of the improved phase demodulation system has been significantly improved, and meets the requirements of field applications. Compared with the signal-to-noise ratio at the time of phase fading of the system before the improvement, the signal-to-noise ratio of the improved system is improved by 69 dB.

Analytical evaluation of the influence of adding rubber layers on free vibration of sandwich structure with presence of nano-reinforced composite skins

Developing structural designs that offer superior vibration properties is still a major challenge, but they stay solid and lightweight simultaneously. Composite faces are frequently used in insulating constructions as an alternative to sheet metal roofs. Rubber overlays have been added to reduce waves' natural frequency and fade time. The mechanical properties and the natural frequency calculation of the materials that make up the composite structural panels designed for structural applications with the addition of rubber layers were studied in this study. The results showed the addition of rubber layers with SiO2 nanoparticles with a density of 1180 kg m3, and the optimal decrease (VF = 2.5%) is 38.5% in the natural frequency while at a density of 1210 kg/m3, it is 40.2% in the natural frequency. While the addition of rubber layers with Al2O3 nanoparticles shows a density of 1180 kg/m3, the optimum reduction (VF = 2.5%) is 41% in HF while at a density of 1210 kg/m3 36.8% in an NF 41% during a density of 1210 kg/m3 38.4%. Certain hypotheses were used to apply Kirchhoff's theory to solve the mathematical model of the structure. The work was carried out on the faces of nanocomposites made of SiO2/epoxy and Al2O3/epoxy with different densities and polylactic acid core. The inclusion of nanoparticles as a percentage of the fraction size ranges from 0% to 2.50%. This study's results shed light on the fundamental behaviour of the components that make up the sandwich in the presence of rubber layers.

P-232 The developmental potential of human embryos with subtypes of multinucleation in cleavage stages

Abstract Study question Does subtypes of multinucleation in cleavage stage affect the developmental and implantation potential of human embryos? Summary answer Different subtypes of multinucleation presented diverse effects on morphokinetic abnormality and blastocyst rate, but achieved comparable implantation rate with blastocysts transfer. What is known already Time-lapse images reveals many abnormal events in early embryonic development. Blastomere multinucleation (MN) has the highest incidence, thus attracts extensive attention. More and more studies have been conducted on the generation mechanism, reproductive potential and utilization value of multinucleation embryos, but the impact of different subtypes of MN on embryo developmental potential, morphokinetics and clinical outcomes have not been well identified. Study design, size, duration Using a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope plus), we retrospectively explored the associations between the subtypes of MN with morphokinetic parameters, blastocyst rate and clinical pregnancy. This study assessed 4416 embryos, including 628 MN embryos from single embryo transfers after 1521 ICSI cycles conducted in Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University between October 2019 and October 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods ubtypes of MN, morphokinetic parameters, blastocyst rate, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) result and clinical pregnancy were studied retrospectively. The quantitative variables were expressed as mean SD and were compared by means of Student two-sample t test. The categoric variables were expressed as frequency and percentage and were compared between groups by means of Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Main results and the role of chance The rate of MN was the highest (14.22%) among abnormal events. The blastocyst rate of MN embryos was significantly reduced (52.48%). The blastocyst rate of MN at 2-cell stage was significantly higher than that at 4-cell stage, but there was no significant difference in euploid rate and implantation rate with single blastocyst transfer. We chose embryos with only one blastomere multinucleation (MN-1) at 2-cell stage to analyze the effect of subtypes of MN, including two equal size nuclei (Bi-), two unequal size nuclei (micro-), more than two equal nuclei (poly-) and more than two unequal nuclei (cluster-), on developmental and implantation potential of human embryos. There were significant morphokinetic delay and reduced blastocyst rate in cluster-nucleation and poly-nucleation groups, but they could achieve competence implantation rate after blastocyst transfer. It was interesting that when we separately analyze the MN embryos which could survive to blastocyst, the morphokinetic data didn’t show significant delay in micro-nucleation group, only the cleavage time to the 3-cell stage was significant longer in Bi-nucleation group, and the time of pronuclear fading and cleavage time to the 2-cell stage were significant longer in poly-nucleation group. Limitations, reasons for caution The population size was relatively small and the current study is restricted by its retrospective nature and absence of live birth information. Wider implications of the findings It would be interesting to explore, prospectively in multi-clinics, whether these subtypes of multinucleation embryos equal to non-multinucleation embryos with blastocyst transfer. Further studies are needed, notably to explore the underline "self-repair" mechanism of Blastomere multinucleation. Trial registration number 0

P-285 An analysis of automated morphometric measurements finds that a combination of a large blastocyst size and a short tB-tSB time interval doubles the implantation rate

Abstract Study question Are automated blastocyst morphometric measurements combined with morphokinetic pattern associated with implantation rate? Summary answer Automated blastocyst morphometric measurements with morphokinetic pattern demonstrated that a larger blastocyst size and a shorter time interval tB-tSB are associated with higher implantation potential. What is known already Optimization of embryo selection is important for increasing implantation potential. Transfer of a high-quality blastocyst based on conventional morphological parameters has been shown to improve IVF clinical outcome. Novel parameters of blastocyst quality, including morphokinetics from time-lapse monitoring and manual analysis of morphometric parameters, have demonstrated promising results regarding implantation potential. However, manual measurement of morphometric parameters is a time-consuming task and is subjected to intra- and inter-observer variations. The introduction of automated morphometric measurements would remove subjective blastocyst analysis and further improve implantation rates. Study design, size, duration A nested retrospective case control analysis of 608 day-5 transferred blastocysts was conducted and included women who underwent IVF treatment in three public IVF units between 2014 and 2017. Participants/materials, setting, methods Automated morphometric blastocyst analysis was measured at the mean time of tEB-tPNf (85.82 h) by training a pixel-wise segmentation model (MaskRCNN) on time-lapse videos. Morphometric blastocyst parameters included the following: blastocyst size (μm), inner cell mass (ICM) size (μm), ICM to blastocyst size ratio, and ICM shape. Annotation variables included all the time intervals (hours) from time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) to the expanded blastocyst (tEB). Main results and the role of chance The mean blastocyst size for implanted embryos was significantly larger compared to non-implanted embryos (152.10 ±19.22μm vs 144.25±18.52μm, respectively, p &amp;lt; 0.001), while the mean interval times of tSB-tPNf, tB-tPNf, tEB-tPNf, tB-tSB, and tEB-tSB were significantly shorter (tSB-tPNf: 72.10±5.60h vs 73.30±5.80h, respectively, p = 0.016; tB-tPNf: 80.08±5.96h vs 82.54±5.92h, respectively, p &amp;lt; 0.001; tEB-tPNf: 84.95±5.43h vs 86.58±4.93h, respectively, p = 0.001; tB-tSB: 8.21±2.90h vs 9.49±3.62h, respectively, p &amp;lt; 0.001; and tEB-tSB: 13.50±3.00h vs 14.58±3.75h, respectively, p = 0.001). In a multivariable logistic model that measured the independent effect of ICM size, blastocyst size, tB-tSB, and woman age on implantation potential, blastocyst size was found to be positively associated with implantation potential (OR = 1.017, 95% CI 1.006-1.027, p = 0.002) while tB-tSB and woman age were found to be negatively associated (OR = 0.918, 95% CI 0.861-0.980, p = 0.010 and OR = 0.903, 95% CI 0.874-0.932, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). Blastocyst size larger than the mean and a tB-tSB interval shorter than the mean had a 2.028 greater chance of implantation compared to blastocysts that did not meet these criteria (OR = 2.028, 95% CI 1.420-2.894, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In a multivariable logistic model adjusted for woman age, the chance for implantation among blastocysts meeting the aforementioned criteria was 1.7 greater (adjusted OR 1.714, 95% CI 1.182-2.485, p = 0.005). The AUC value for implantation prediction was 0.69 (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Limitations, reasons for caution The study's limitations include its retrospective nature and the absence of some patient characteristics. Wider implications of the findings A blastocyst selection based on the combination of automated blastocyst size measurements and manual tB-tSB time interval may double the implantation rate. The inclusion of automated morphometric measurements to the blastocyst selection algorithm may reduce intra- and inter-observer variations and should be incorporated into models for implantation prediction. Trial registration number 0006-20-HMO

O-173 Artificial intelligence blastocyst ploidy distinction through morphokinetics data

Abstract Study question Is it possible to estimate blastocyst ploidy with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm built using embryo morphokinetics data? Summary answer AI was able to estimate blastocysts status in euploid or aneuploid with an accuracy of 0.99 (training) and 0.71 and 0.70 AUC (blind-test), respectively. What is known already Morphokinetic parameters are well associated with implantation rates, thus ensuring time-lapse as a useful tool to enhance embryo ranking and selection. However, regarding embryo ploidy status, clinics still rely exclusively on molecular/genetic testing. Our previous studies has indicated that euploid blastocysts are faster at time of pronucleous fading (tPNf) and time to blastulation (tB). Considering the amount of data derived from the morphokinetic annotations and the promising results that AI approach is bringing to the field, this study aims to verify AI accuracy to distinguish euploid and aneuploidy blastocysts using 17 morphokinetics parameters and prospectively compared to embryo biopsy results. Study design, size, duration This is a prospective cohort study including 402 embryos (cultured in a time-lapse incubator, EmbryoscopePlus, Vitrolife) from 140 patients undergoing IVF treatment with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (NGS platform) after inform consent form signature between July 2019 and September 2021. Morphokinetics annotations were analyzed by AI in an association of the technique of artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic algorithms (GA) for ploidy assessment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Morphokinetic parameters were manually annotated up to full-expanded blastocyst time. Time intervals and time ratios were calculated, resulting in 17 variables for the IA analysis. Of the 402 embryos data, 252 were randomly divided into training, validating and testing (70%, 15% and 15%, respectively) of the ANN. The remaining 150 data were used for the blind test. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was measured to obtain predictive power. Main results and the role of chance From 402 blastocysts biopsied, 185 were euploid and 217 aneuploid. The AI algorithm was trained with 176 embryos (AUC for both euploid and aneuploid= 0.99), tested with 38 embryos (AUC for euploid=0.62 and aneuploid=0.61), validated with 38 embryos (AUC for euploid=0.82 and aneuploid=0.83). For the blind-test 150 embryos were used (AUC for euploid=0.70 and aneuploid=0.71). Blind-test database was checked only after AI algorithm was tested. Limitations, reasons for caution The development of this AI algorithm was built from a single IVF center database. The absence of an extent dataset for the blind-test does not allow us to transpose this algorithm for clinical use at this moment. Wider implications of the findings The use of artificial intelligence for embryo assessment is a promising tool in IVF laboratories. In our model, using only morphokinetics, a considerable predictive power to evaluate euploid (0.71 AUC) and aneuploid (0.70 AUC) embryos was achieved, indicating a potential use as a non-invasive approach for embryo ranking and selection. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-252 Oolemma surface area impacts human pre-implantation embryo development and usage: The Rotterdam Periconception Cohort

Abstract Study question Does oolemma area change before the 2-cell stage? Is oolemma area associated with fertilization rate, embryo usage rate and preimplantation embryo development? Summary answer Oolemma area is associated with preimplantation embryo development, the odds of fertilizing and developing into a used or discarded embryo. What is known already Current morphological grading systems are based on embryo morphology and omit oocyte morphology. Fertilization and embryo potential are largely determined by the maturation and quality of the oocyte. Oocyte quality correlates to morphology, and the very early stages of embryo development are critical to changes in oocyte size. Larger oocyte size associates with higher quality blastocyst. This suggests that oocyte size can be a morphological marker of preimplantation embryo quality and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcomes. Study design, size, duration This study is embedded in the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort, an ongoing prospective tertiary hospital-based birth cohort study. From May 2017 to July 2020, a subcohort of 378 women that underwent ART was included comprising of 124 pregnancies after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 254 after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Participants/materials, setting, methods Health, lifestyle and treatment factors were collected from detailed self-reported questionnaires and medical records. Oolemma area was measured at the time of fertilization (t0), pronuclear appearance (tPNa) and fading (tPNf). Oolemma area trajectories (slope surface t0-tPNf) were calculated with linear regression. Fertilization rate, embryo usage rate, and embryo morphokinetics were analyzed in association with oolemma area and trajectories. Analyses were performed with linear mixed models, mixed effects logistic regression, and adjusted for relevant confounders. Main results and the role of chance Oolemma area decreased from t0 to tPNf for oocytes that developed into both used or discarded embryos. Oolemma area at t0 was strongly associated with the rate of area shrinking, as larger oolemma areas had faster shrinking rates (Bshrinking -12.55 µm²/hour, 95%CI -14.55; -10.55, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Oocytes that resulted in a usable embryo were larger and reached tPNf faster than oocytes that resulted in a discarded embryo (tPNf 9855±595 µm2 vs 9690±721 µm2, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 24.4±3.6 h vs 26.5±5.8 h, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Oolemma area at tPNf did not differ between ICSI and IVF oocytes, however ICSI oocytes reached tPNf faster than IVF oocytes (23.6±3.2h and 25.9±3.8h, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). In ICSI only, larger oolemma area showed lower odds of a successful fertilization (t0 OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.48; 0.67, p &amp;lt; 0.001), but higher odds of being cryopreserved or transferred (tPNf OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.33; 2.08, p &amp;lt; 0.001). For IVF and ICSI, larger oolemma area at tPNF was associated with faster preimplantation development up to the morula stage (t7 B -1.41, 95%CI -2.18; -0.63, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Oolemma area shrinking rate was not associated with embryo morphokinetics. Limitations, reasons for caution Small number of embryos measured at the blastocyst stage, and oolemma area measurements were not possible at t0 and tPNa for IVF oocytes. Wider implications of the findings Oolemma area is a suggested morphological marker for oocyte competence and an early marker for the success of fertilization and embryo development. The relevance of oolemma area as predictor of ART success requires further research. Cryopreservation and PCOS, which influence oocyte size, could be studied in association with oolemma area. Trial registration number not applicable

P-174 Morphokinetic criteria for embryo selection might be dependent on culture conditions

Abstract Study question Does embryo culture in a high humidity content atmosphere affect the potential of morphokinetics as a biomarker for implantation? Summary answer Culturing embryos in a high relative humidity atmosphere modify the predictive value of morphokinetic parameters. What is known already Culturing embryos in a high humidity atmosphere has been proposed not only as a more physiological approach, closer to the in-vivo environment of the embryos, but also as a culture strategy that may improve clinical outcome, especially in treatments with compromised embryo quality. On the other hand, the role of morphokinetics (MK) as a biomarker of embryo viability and implantation potential has been widely recognized and it has increasingly been implemented in IVF laboratories as a selection method. However, it has not been studied how a humid culture strategy might impact the selective capacity of morphokinetics. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective study, performed over 386 transferred embryos, cultured until blastocyst in a Geri time-lapse system (Genea Biomedx, Australia), either in a dry (n = 199) or humidified chamber (n = 187). Embryos belong to 363 ICSI treatments, including both autologous and ovum donation cycles, performed in a single IVF clinic during 3 consecutive years. Participants/materials, setting, methods Embryo cohorts were randomly assigned to dry (DC, n = 187) or humid culture (HC, n = 175) in a Geri incubator, using single-step Gems culture medium (Genea Biomedx, Australia). MK parameters were automatically annotated by the Geri Assess 2.0 software. 1 or 2 embryos were selected for fresh transfer according to morphological and morphokinetic criteria. MK parameters were compared by ANOVA test between embryos that achieved implantation (KID+) and did not (KID-) and between the study groups. Main results and the role of chance Overall, KID+ embryos (n = 221) had significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) lower timings in several MK parameters than KID- embryos: time of pronuclei fading (tPNf: 22.40±2.26h vs 23.16±2.60h), time of cleavage to 2 cell stage (t2: 24.99±2.59h vs 25.72±2.79h), 5 cells (t5: 48.01±5.23h vs 49.18±5.73h) and 6 cells (t6: 50.79±4.57h vs 52.10±6.03h). Those parameters were not significantly different between embryos from DC and HC: tPNf=22.85±2.38h (DC) vs 22.60±2.51h (HC), P=0.342; t2= 25.54±2.55h (DC) vs 25.05±2.82h (HC), P=0.072; t5= 48.79±5.23h (DC) vs 48.21±5.72h (HC), P=0.303; t6= 51.56±5.20h (DC) vs 51.13±5.37h (HC), P=0.443. Later events, although occurred sooner in embryos cultured in humid conditions were not related to the implantation outcome. When stratifying the results by the two culture conditions, the MK parameters that differentiate embryos that achieved or not implantation were different in each group. MK parameters in DC: tPNf=22.59±2.31h KID+vs 23.19±2.43h KID-, P=0.084; t2= 25.27±2.45h KID+ vs 25.91±2.65h KID-, P=0.080; t5= 48.12±5.05h KID+ vs 49.69±5.36h KID-, P=0.038; t6= 50.82±4.53h KID+ vs 52.54±5.85h KID-, P=0.026. MK parameters in HC: tPNf=22.19±2.20h KID+vs 23.12±2.78h KID-, P=0.014; t2= 24.69±2.71h KID+ vs 25.52±2.92h KID-, P=0.046; t5= 47.89±5.44h KID+ vs 48.64±6.08h KID-, P=0.384; t6= 50.77±4.64h KID+ vs 51.62±6.23h KID-, P=0.307. Limitations, reasons for caution Although patient demographics were similar in both study groups, a degree of heterogeneity in the population is possible because of the retrospective nature of the analysis. Other variables such as the morphology of the embryo should be considered for a more in-depth analysis. Wider implications of the findings Culture in high relative humidity conditions seems to influence the morphokinetics of embryo development. The application of a selection system that include morphokinetic parameters for choosing the embryo with the highest implantation potential should be adapted to the specific culture conditions in use. Trial registration number Not applicable

Inferences of SPECT renal dynamic imaging injection quality based on lung and abdominal aorta imaging features.

To analyze the characteristics of blood flow perfusion images at different injection levels to establish an evaluation standard for renal dynamic imaging injection quality and reduce misdiagnosis. Data from 140 single-photon emission computed tomography renal dynamic imaging, collected in our hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. The scans were divided into four groups according to the injection quality: total leakage of the imaging agent (group A), partial leakage (group B), poor bolus injection quality (group C), and good bolus injection quality (group D). The time of appearance and regression of the pulmonary blood perfusion phase, the peak time in the abdominal aorta, and the ratio between peak count and actual drug injection count were analyzed. The renal dynamic imaging was repeated in low-quality examinations, and the comparison between the two exams provided the misdiagnosis rate caused by inadequate injections. The images of the lungs and abdominal aorta in group A were blurred and indistinguishable; thus, these exams were unreliable. Both appearance and fading time of the bilateral lung shadows were significantly different between groups B, C, and D (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). The peak time and peak counting ratio in the abdominal aorta were also significantly different between these groups (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The misdiagnosis rates of renal dynamic imaging in groups A, B, and C due to the different injection levels were significantly different at 94.29%, 77.14%, and 18.29%, respectively. The times of appearance and regression of the lung shadows and the peak time and peak count ratio in the abdominal aorta in the dynamic renal imaging perfusion phase can help assess the imaging agent injection quality and identify the need for a repeated examination. Improving the imaging agent injection quality can effectively reduce the renal function misdiagnosis rate.

PEMUDARAN STRETCH MARK DENGAN OLIVE OIL DAN EKTRA LIDAH BUAYA(ALOE VERA)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Stretch Mark or Striae Gravidarum is a stroke occurs on the skin. It may become dark in multigravida (Jannah, 2012). This study aimed to determine the differences stretch mark fading time by using Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Extract in postpartum in Tigo Baleh Community Health Center Bukittinggi in 2019.The type of this study was quasi experiment with non equivalent control group. It was conducted on April 2019. The populations were of all primigragravida postpartum mothers. Accidental sampling technique had been used to take the samples. The data were analyzed by statistics by using Independent T-test.The results of this study showed that the average fading time of stretch marks by using Olive Oil was 2.2000. Then, the average fading of stretch marks by using Aloe Vera Extract was 1.0000. Moreover, the statistical test obtained that there was a significance value of .001 &amp;lt;0.05. It indicates that there was a difference of stretch marks by using Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Extract. In short, Aloe Vera Extract was effective in fading stretch marks than Olive Oil in Postpartum mothers in Tigo Baleh Community Health Center Bukittinggi. Then, it is expected to choose Aloe Vera Extract in fading the stretch mark based on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords : Olive Oil, Aloe Vera Extract and Stretch Marks&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Reversible Photochromic Properties of Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4) ⋅ H2O Material

AbstractPotassium titanyl oxalate is used as the titanium source and HCl as growth promoter. Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4) ⋅ H2O, with hexagonal prism and spherical polyhedral morphology, has been synthesized by one‐step hydrothermal method at 120 °C for 6∼12 h, and the particle size range is 8–12 μm. Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4) ⋅ H2O prepared in this research has excellent reversible photochromic properties. It is a kind of P‐type photochromic compound, which is achromatic or colorless. The equilibrium time of discoloration or fading is 30 min. The photochromic mechanism research shows that the photochromic properties of Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4) ⋅ H2O are caused by the continuous reaction of Ti4+, Ti3+ with ecb−, VO++ in unsaturated cationic compounds.

High ovarian response to ovarian stimulation: effect on morphokinetic milestones and cycle outcomes.

To assess the effect of high ovarian response on oocyte quality and ovarian stimulation cycle outcomes. A retrospective cohort study conducted at three IVF units. The high ovarian response (HOR) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with HOR (PCOS HOR) groups included 151 and 13 women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) resulting in more than 15 retrieved oocytes, for a total of 1863 and 116 cultured embryos, respectively. The normal ovarian response (NOR) group comprised 741 women with 6-15 retrieved oocytes, resulting in 4907 cultured embryos. Data collected included fresh cycle data and pregnancy rates, in addition to annotation of morphokinetic events from time of pronuclei fading to time of initiation of blastocyst formation of embryos cultured in a time lapse incubator, including occurrence of direct unequal cleavage at first cleavage (DUC-1) (less than 5h from two to three blastomeres). Comparison was made between morphokinetic parameters between the 3 groups. Cycle outcomes were compared in the high vs. normal ovarian response groups. Oocyte maturation rate was significantly lower in the HOR vs. NOR groups (56.5% vs. 90.0%, p < 0.001), while the fertilization rates were similar (60.2% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.397). The prevalence of DUC-1 embryos was higher in the PCOS HOR and the HOR groups as compared to the NOR group (22.7% vs. 16.2% and 12.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). After exclusion of DUC-1 embryos, remaining embryos from the NOR and HOR groups reached the morphokinetic milestones at similar rates, with comparable implantation and clinical pregnancy rates, while the PCOS HOR showed shorter time to 5 blastomeres compared to the NOR and HOR groups. High ovarian response might be associated with decreased oocyte quality, manifested as a higher proportion of immature oocytes and higher rate of direct uneven cleavage embryos, while embryos exhibiting normal first cleavage have similar temporal milestones and implantation potential.

атухание низкочастотных электромагнитных волн в нижней ионосфере земли под влиянием сильного локального возмущения в атмосфере.

The value and duration of attenuation of low frequency waves (1...10 kHz) in the presence of a strong local disturbance of the atmosphere have been estimated. Sources of significant local disturbances of the atmosphere are, for example, precipitation of energetic particles of radiation belts; electromagnetic pulses of lightning discharges; radiation of powerful low-frequency ground-based transmitters; invasion of large meteors. Strong local disturbances lead to an increase of ionization (concentration of free electrons) of the environment by several orders of magnitude in the region of space whose characteristic dimensions are comparable to the length of the wave (tens and hundreds of kilometers). As such a disturbance, we use the previously developed macroscopic model of an instantaneous, point release of a relatively large amount of energy in the atmosphere below the ionosphere. This model makes it possible to estimate the features of the propagation of low-frequency waves through the disturbed layer of the lower ionosphere by changing only two initial parameters: the disturbance energy and its initial height. It is shown that the attenuation value is almost independent of frequency and geo- and heliophysical conditions. For initial heights up to 50 km, the fading duration does not exceed ~ 2 min. With an increase of the initial altitude, the attenuation in the lower ionosphere becomes extremely large. However, for heights of 50 ... 70 km (depending on the value of energy), the horizontal size of the disturbance decreases significantly, which leads to a decrease in the fading time to tens of seconds for initial heights of more than 80 km.

The Study of X-Ray Flux Variability of M87

Abstract We searched for a short-term X-ray variability of the M87 core and jet from archival X-ray data with long exposure data taken by the Suzaku, Chandra, and NuSTAR telescopes. We found the intraday variability for the Suzaku data obtained in 2006, and for the Chandra core obtained in 2017. The intraday variability suggested a minute emission region about the size of the Schwarzschild radius of the M87 supermassive black hole. Suzaku could not resolve a core and HST-1; however, in 2006, HST-1 was much brighter than the core, and thus, the variability is likely due to the HST-1. Since the photon index in 2006 was 2.38, the emission was possibly synchrotron emission from the local shock region in the HST-1, indicating that the particle acceleration of TeV electrons occurred far away (∼100 pc) from the core. Assuming the fading time to be equal to the synchrotron cooling time, the magnetic field is constrained to be B ∼ 1.94 δ 1/3 mG. Moreover, the photon index of the core in 2017 was approximately 1.96; thus, the possible emission was from the radiative inefficiency accretion flow of the core or inverse Compton scattering in the jet. Intraday time variability prefers the latter possibility.

Beryllium oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and thermoluminescence evaluation for gamma radiation detection

Abstract In this study, beryllium oxide nanoparticles (BeO NPs) were synthesized by polymer-gel method with schlenk line. The products were then assessed using FESEM, TGA/DSC, XRD and BET analyses. The quality of two nanooxides, that were calcined at 700 and 800 °C, was studied and compared with bulk BeO particles. The results showed that nanoparticles calcined at 800 °C were more uniform and had ellipsoidal morphology with a particle size of ∼35 nm. Investigation thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of BeO NPs showed that with the decreasing exposed dose/increasing the BeO particle size, TL peaks were observed at higher temperatures. The intensities of glow curves increase linearly with the increasing absorbed dose in the range of 0.001 mGy–1000 Gy. Various other studies including response fading, minimum temperature and minimum time for annealing, and response changes in repeatability cycles of dosimeter also approved the ability of the prepared BeO NPs for use in gamma radiation dosimetry.

Preparation and properties of all solid-state electrochromic devices based on tungsten oxide nanocomposites

The optical properties of electrochromic materials can change reversibly under an applied voltage. Tungsten oxide has been widely used in various fields because of its excellent electrochromic efficiency. The electrochromic films produced by W18O49 nanowires and WO3 have excellent performance. Compared with WO3 film, the porous structure of the nanowires can make ions rapidly diffuse, provide a larger surface area for the charge transfer reaction, promote electrolyte penetration, and effectively improve the electrochromic efficiency. In this paper, a kind of electrochromic tungsten oxide thin film combining W18O49 nanowires and WO3 was prepared by combining a hydrothermal method and a tungstic acid method. The electrochromic performance of the film was improved considerably by combining the two kinds of thin films. The results show that the optical modulation amplitude is close to ideal (92.5%) and has a fast colour fading (colour 1.7 s and colour fading 1.3 s) effect, a good cycle stability, which is much better than those of the WO3 and W18O49 films. Using lithium perchlorate and PC as raw materials and polyurethane as a photocuring agent, a solid-state electrochromic device based on a tungsten oxide composite film was fabricated by capillarity. The colouring time of the device is 2 s, the fading time is 1 s, and the optical modulation amplitude is 85%.