Strict Selection Criteria Research Articles

Creep of recycled aggregate concrete: Experimental database and creep prediction model according to the fib Model Code 2010

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is a promising solution to addressing the sustainability issues raised by concrete production. However, its long-term properties are not fully characterised, especially creep behaviour, which is significant for the design of RAC structures. This study presents the results of a meta-analysis of previously published research on the creep behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The main goal of the study is to formulate an analytic expression for the creep coefficient of RAC as an extension of the fib Model Code 2010 creep prediction model. A database of experimental results on the creep of RAC and companion natural aggregate concrete (NAC), produced with the same effective water-cement ratio, was compiled from available literature and using strict selection criteria. The database is comprised of results from 10 studies, 46 creep curves (14 NAC and 32 RAC) and 233 data points. Compared with companion NAC, RAC displays a larger creep coefficient; the difference between RAC and NAC increases with increasing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) content and decreases with increasing RAC compressive strength. When predicting the creep coefficient of RAC using the fib Model Code 2010’s creep prediction model, relative to the model’s performance on companion NAC, the creep coefficient of RAC is underestimated. A correction coefficient for the creep coefficient of RAC, ξcc,RAC, is proposed for use with the fib Model Code 2010 model, dependent on RAC compressive strength and RCA replacement ratio.

Evolution Under Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Type 2 Donation After Cardiac Death Livers Discarded as Nontransplantable

BackgroundType 2 donation after cardiac death (DCD) represents an underused source of grafts for liver transplantation. In our center, normothermic regional perfusion and strict selection criteria have led to acceptable postoperative results after transplanting type 2 DCD livers. However, many of these grafts are still discarded before transplantation. We believe that the suitability of these organs may be improved by adding normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) to our current procedure. Materials and methodsA total of 5 type 2 DCD livers discarded for transplantation were submitted to normothermic regional perfusion and 12 h of NMP. The macroscopic aspect of the liver, vascular and bile flows, and pH were continuously monitored. Serial perfusate analyses and liver biopsies were performed. After NMP, the microscopic appearance of the liver parenchyma and the bile ducts was analyzed. ResultsAll the grafts showed hemodynamic stability during the NMP. The alanine aminotransferase peak during NMP correlated with the warm ischemia time (Pearson correlation of 0.933, p 0.021). After an initial period of acidosis, the grafts were generally able to spontaneously correct pH and lactate levels without the need for additional bicarbonate. Livers with favorable bile duct histology generally started bile production earlier and registered higher bile flows. ConclusionsNMP represents a feasible procedure for use with type 2 DCD livers. The pH and lactate correction and the bile flows appear to be significant factors associated with graft viability. However, these favorable results should be confirmed in a clinical transplant setting.

Smooth Transitions and Good Deaths: Unique Palliative Needs of Early Deaths Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Early deaths in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and their unique palliative needs are underresearched. Despite strict selection criteria for curative treatment a substantial proportion undergo transition to palliative intent treatment with early relapse and death within 12 months. There have not been many studies on their transition to palliative care and their supportive care. Aim: Analyze the palliative needs of early relapse and deaths of OSCC patients 1. Assess the most distressing symptom in this cohort of patients 2. Factors contributing to satisfactory death in this group Methods: Retrospective cohort study involving 22 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients who had died between January 2016 to December 2017 within 12 months of being diagnosed and treated with intent to cure. The demographic, staging, treatment, their symptoms, the physician-patient contact time in terms of family meetings, preferred place of death and advanced directives were extracted from the existing database. We also collected the family members opinions about factors that influenced the quality of death of the loved ones. Results: Evaluation of the symptoms that required urgent intervention in this group comprised of pain (76.3%), dyspnea (41%), poor nutrition (23%) and communication difficulties (40%). 14 (60%) required opioids for the pain control. High doses of morphine was used in patients noted to have distant metastasis. 50% of the patients in the group agreed that their preferred place of death was home. And 80% of them had all their advanced directives in place. Factors that greatly contributed to the graceful acceptance of death among the care givers are, distress management, scrupulous management of pain and symptoms during end of life and facilitating their preferred place of death. Among the various factors that we observed that contributed to caregiver satisfaction: the number of physician–family meetings were significant ( P = .0001). Conclusion: Our study confirmed the role of joint family meetings with the treating team and the palliative care with increased frequency has positive impact on the quality of death of this unique cohort of patients with short interval between relapse and death. The complex challenges in early relapse OSCC can be addressed by (1) joint care by primary treating physician and palliative care team. (2) family meetings to be initiated early and conducted more frequently with both treating team and palliative care team. (3) reduced threshold to control of symptoms by potent medication or hospitalization (4) managing the factors that give a satisfactory death in this group in terms preferred place of death, advanced directives, management of distressing symptoms in the end of life. With a more comprehensive understanding of this cohorts unique palliative needs helps the oncology and palliative teams to provide improved patient care, quality of life, smooth transition to palliative care and a good quality of death.

P3.CR-18 Central Nervous System Activity of Checkpoint Inihibitor in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Data regarding the activity of atezolizumab in the central nervous system (CNS) and its toxicity in combination with radiotherapy in patients with brain metastases (BM) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is limited. Most clinical trials adopt strict selection criteria excluding patients with active BM and the blood–brain barrier (BBB) seems responsible for limiting the distribution of agents into the CNS. Here we present a 51 yr-old female patient with the diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC with an isolated BM (T3 N3 M1b, non-mutated EGFR). She received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the isolated brain lesion (figure 1) and sequential palliative first-line systemic monotherapy with atezolizumab (1200mg/dose q21d, 15 doses). Control brain MRI 3-month post SRS showed a new lesion in the thalamus (figure 2) while on atezolizumab. Medical team decided to continue systemic treatment and the repeat brain MRI demonstrated complete response to the new lesion. Additionally, treated lesion showed evidence of pseudoprogression. While on follow-up, the patient continued to respond in the brain for 14 months. This case reports activity of atezolizumab in CNS. The advent of immunotherapy in the therapeutic algorithm of NSCLC has raised the need to identify patients that could mostly benefit from checkpoint inhibitors.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Patterns of Recurrence and Predictors of Early Mortality. The Urgent Need for Biomarker

Background: The burden of oral cancer in the Indian subcontinent is high. It is compounded by the fact of its high mortality due to late presentation. Despite strict selection criteria for curative treatment a substantial proportion develop early relapse and death. This subset of patients have an exceptionally resistant disease, even though they present at a curable stage. They pose a unique challenge to the treating physician because of the sudden transition to palliative options. Aim: The objective of the current study is to analyze the patterns of relapse and predictors of early mortality in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with curative intent. Methods: We performed a retrospective study in a homogenous cohort of 88 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent primary surgery with intent to cure. The demographic, staging, treatment, histopathology parameters (tumor differentiation, margins, depth of invasion, deep tissue infiltration, perineural invasion, lympho-vascular invasion, presence of lymph node metastasis, number of metastatic lymph nodes, extra nodal extension) and follow-up details were extracted from the existing database. We tabulated the results for patterns of relapse and predictors of early mortality. Results: 15 (17%) patients died of disease in our study. 11 (12.5%) patients died within 9 months of diagnosis. 7 patients had local and/regional relapse, 7 developed distant metastasis, 1 patients had dermal metastasis. Deep tissue infiltration ( P = .013) and presence of nodal metastasis ( P = .015) were significant for disease-related mortality on bivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: Deep tissue infiltration and presence of nodal metastasis predicted for disease-related early mortality. These parameters directly corresponds to staging, more specifically to pathologic stage, which are available only after completion of primary surgery. This underscores the need for reliable biomarkers to predict early disease related mortality, initially at the time of diagnosis.

A Meta-Analysis of GBA-Related Clinical Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

Background GBA gene had been proved to be a crucial gene to the risk of PD. Numerous studies had discussed about the unique clinical characteristics of PD patients with GBA carriers (GBA + PD). However, there was lack of updated comprehensive analysis on the topic. In order to clarify the association between GBA variants and the clinical phenotypes of PD, we conducted this comprehensive meta-analysis. Method Medline, Embase, and Cochrane were used to perform the searching. Strict selection criteria were followed in screening for new published articles or data. Revman 5.3 software was applied to perform the total statistical analysis, and funnel plots in the software were used to assess the publication biases. Results A total of 26 articles including 931 GBA + PD and 14861 GBA noncarriers of PD (GBA − PD) were involved in the final meta-analysis, and 14 of them were either newly added publications or related data newly analyzed compared with the version published in 2015. Then, a series of symptoms containing depression, orthostatic hypotension, motor fluctuation, wearing-off, and freezing were newly analyzed due to more articles eligible. Besides, clinical features like family history, AAO, UPDRS-III, H-Y, and dementia previously analyzed were updated with new data added. Significant statistical differences were found in wearing-off, family history, AAO, UPDRS-III, and dementia (OR: 1.14, 1.65; MD: −3.61, 2.17; OR: 2.44; p: 0.03, <0.00001, <0.00001, 0.003, and <0.00001). Depression was slightly associated with GBA + PD (OR: 1.47; p: 0.04). Clinical symptoms such as H-Y, orthostatic hypotension, motor fluctuation, and freezing did not feature GBA + PD. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that there were unique clinical features in GBA + PD which can help the management of the whole duration of PD patients.

Shrinkage of recycled aggregate concrete: experimental database and application of fib Model Code 2010

This paper describes a meta-analysis of previously published studies on the shrinkage strain of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The study aims at providing an analytic expression for the shrinkage strain of RAC to be used in conjunction with the existing fib Model Code 2010 shrinkage prediction model. For this purpose, a database of experimental results on the shrinkage of RAC and companion natural aggregate concrete (NAC), produced with the same water-cement ratio, was compiled using strict selection criteria. Results from 19 studies entered into the database, consisting of 125 shrinkage curves (39 NAC and 86 RAC) with a total of 424 data points. A comparison of RAC and companion NAC revealed that, on average, RAC displays a larger shrinkage strain. This difference increases with increasing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) content and with decreasing compressive strength. Applying the fib Model Code 2010 shrinkage prediction model revealed that, relative to its performance on NAC, the shrinkage strain of RAC is underestimated. Finally, a correction coefficient for the shrinkage strain of RAC, $$\xi _{{\mathrm{cs}},{\mathrm{RAC}}}$$, to be used in conjunction with the fib Model Code 2010 model, was proposed in the form of a bivariate power function with RAC compressive strength and RCA replacement ratio as variables.

A main effects meta principal components analysis of netting effects on fruit: using apple as a model crop

To differentiate effects of netting and attribute them to crop, cultivar, planting density, climate, net type and colour, ca. 200 publications were scanned originally. Apple was chosen as a model crop due to the majority of reports, wide variation with many varieties and growing locations worldwide in the Northern and Southern hemisphere, but the results may be useful for other fruiting plants. After meeting strict selection criteria, a meta-analysis of 26 internationally published peer-reviewed articles was based on seven varieties and seventeen locations with a diverse range of climates. A novel Main Effects Meta Principal Components Analysis (ME Meta-PCA) was developed and provided unexpectedly uniform results: Location (climate), planting density and hail net (type and colour) had negligible impacts. Fruit (red) colour, most adversely affected by netting, correlated with TSS viz fruit sweetness, as often postulated in consumer studies, followed, to a smaller extent, by sugar/TSS, fruit firmness and acidity but small increase in fruit mass—i.e. maintenance of fruit quality under netting over all seven varieties (Braeburn, Gala, Elstar, Jonagold, Pinova and Fuji) examined and locations worldwide. While Jonagold and the early ripening Gala appeared suitable, unaffected and stable in the netting effects in the ME Meta-PCA, Pinova was the least suitable for cultivation under netting. Interestingly, late ripening cultivars (Braeburn and Cripps Pink) were both positively influenced by desired earlier ripening under netting. These effects on fruit quality are discussed with respect to shade adaptation under netting and countermeasures such as easy colouring mutants or reflective mulches.

Relative effectiveness of direct and indirect pulp capping in the primary dentition.

Carious or traumatised teeth with a normal pulp status or with reversible pulpitis need an indirect or direct pulp capping procedure to keep the pulp vital. To evaluate the clinical outcome of both interventions for treating vital primary teeth. Two reviewers on Pubmed and ISI Web of Science performed a comprehensive literature review of publications from 1966 until December 2017. Among PubMed abstracts, publications were selected according to the following criteria: prospective clinical study, correct indication for the performed treatment, and clear definition of clinical and/or radiographic success criteria. The strict selection criteria limited the amount of randomised controlled trials (RCT) or controlled clinical trials (CT); especially for "indirect pulp therapy", "direct pulp capping" and the number of RCTs was limited. Based on a systematic review (20 controlled clinical studies or randomised controlled clinical studies), the following statements can be given: Due to the opportunity of tissue repair, indirect pulp treatment can be an acceptable procedure for reversible pulp inflammation. The use of adhesives for indirect pulp capping in a single-visit procedure after gentle caries removal can be recommended. Successful pulp capping is possible under defined conditions (symptom-free tooth, disinfection of pulp exposures, Class-I cavity) and appropriate sealing of the cavity with an effective dentine seal being a conditio sine qua non. There is maximum evidence for the use of disinfecting solutions prior to pulp capping and Dycal as pulp capping material. Longer follow-up periods, more clinical studies, comparable conditions, and clear definitions of evaluation criteria are needed to confirm the results of endodontic treatment in primary teeth.

A Late-Quaternary full-vector geomagnetic record from El Golfo section, El Hierro, Canary Islands

Regional full-vector palaeosecular variation (PSV) curves are essential to further our understanding of geodynamo operation. Such curves typically lack palaeointensity information (with palaeodirectional being much more common), particularly for periods before the Holocene. Notably low palaeointensity values have been reported for significant portions of the Late Quaternary. Here, we present full-vector palaeomagnetic from the El Golfo section on El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain), spanning the age range between ∼120 and ∼450 ka, to substantiate these reported low palaeointensity values for the Canary Islands. We sampled 28 flows (mostly alkaline oceanic basalts of the shield building stage) along the Camino de Jinama, a few kilometres to the south of a section studied by Szeremeta et al. for PSV. In line with their results, we observe an easterly declination deviation of ∼14° for the middle and lower part of our section. We relate this to undersampling of the complete PSV spectrum; rotation of El Hierro since ∼500 ka is deemed unlikely. Attempts to date the flows with the 40Ar/39Ar method on a multicollector instrument were unsuccessful due to the presence of copious amounts of methane in the extracted gases. Stratigraphic correlation to Szeremeta et al.’s section lends support to ages (technically of very low quality) obtained for the sites reported on here. Importantly, we add palaeointensity information in the present study, for the first time on El Hierro. Three different palaeointensity protocols were utilized, IZZI-Thellier, multispecimen, and pseudo-Thellier, to provide an additional consistency check and to increase the success rate. After applying strict selection criteria, reliable palaeointensities could be obtained for 18 flows, a success rate of ∼64 per cent. If more than one protocol yielded results for the same flow, the obtained intensities were often within error of each other, testifying to their robustness. Flows with a common true mean direction tend to produce similar intensity values as well; this testifies to the presumed under-sampling of PSV within the section. Obtained palaeointensity values typically range between ∼20 and ∼35 μT, distinctly lower than the present-day field value of ∼39 μT and lower than the average intensity during the Brunhes Chron. The determinations are in line with other rather low values obtained elsewhere for this particular time span.

Holocene Paleointensity of the Island of Hawai `i From Glassy Volcanics

AbstractThis study presents new high‐quality paleointensity records and 14C radiocarbon age determinations from the Island of Hawai `i during the Holocene. Previous studies on Hawai `i use experimental methods and statistical selection criteria that may produce inaccurate geomagnetic field strength estimates. Additional high‐quality paleointensity results can be used to evaluate the existing Hawaiian data set and investigate Holocene geomagnetic field behavior. New paleointensity sites from 22 lava flows were calculated using the IZZI‐Thellier laboratory technique and a strict set of selection criteria. Rapidly cooled, glassy volcanic material was collected for all sites. Isotopic age determinations range from 270 to &gt;10, 000 years before present (nine new 14C ages are also presented as part of this study). The median intensity for the 22 flows is 47.5 μT, with a median absolute deviation uncertainty of 5.6 μT; substantially greater than the present‐day field strength at Hawai `i (~36 μT). These new results are comparable to previously published data from this location and are consistent with global paleointensity models. There is no evidence of an intensity “spike” at 3,000 years before present, as seen in the Levant and elsewhere. Previously published data vary in intensity by experimental technique relative to data using glassy material and strict selection criteria. Non‐Thellier‐type data are biased low, a result of these techniques estimating intensity from possibly nonsingle domain magnetic carriers. Thellier‐Thellier data are biased high, the reasons for which remain unclear as no cooling rate effect was demonstrated, and we were unable to reproduce the high bias with different selection criteria.

Changes in graft gene expression contribute to coagulopathy in uDCD liver transplantation

Uncontrolled DCD donors suffer cardiac arrest followed by unsuccessful resuscitation. Their livers have been successfully transplanted, though strict maintenance and selection criteria are necessary to avoid adverse outcomes, namely ischemic type biliary lesions. We demonstrated that uDCD liver recipients develop severe coagulopathy and fibrinolysis (Blasi 2016). Given the liver is the major source of clotting and fibrinolytic factors, we hypothesized that changes in gene expression may be detected in uDCD livers and provide a basis for abnormalities observed. Methods: 32 samples were taken from 16 uDCD livers: “A” before cold preservation and “B” after reperfusion. Total RNA was extracted and analyzed using microarrays; results were confirmed using RT-PCR. Finally, 61 biopsies from 38 uDCD livers were evaluated by light microscopy to rule out fibrin microthrombi. Results: Both before preservation and after reperfusion, uDCD livers had significantly upregulated expression of genes that provoke fibrinolysis and inhibit coagulation, including TPA, urokinase plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, and thrombomodulin. There was also decreased expression of genes implicated in hemostasis (vWF) and inhibition of fibrinolysis (alpha-2-macroglobulin):TableGene"A"FCFDR"B"FCFDRA2M−2.20.006−2.60.0009PLAT1.90.0022.70.0002PLAU2.00.0052.20.0008PLAUR2.50.00023.22E-5TM----1.5<0.01VWF−2.40.0004−2.10.001 Open table in a new tab On histology, no fibrin microthrombi were detected, even in cases that developed ITBL (13%). Conclusion: Changes in gene expression in uDCD livers help explain severe coagulopathy and fibrinolysis in recipients. Endogenous fibrinolysis is upregulated in these livers most at risk for ITBL, and clinical DCD protocols using TPA to help prevent ITBL should undergo critical appraisal.

Pregnancy in women known to be living with a single kidney.

There is a paucity of data on pregnancy outcome in women living with a single kidney from all causes. Current thinking is extrapolated from living kidney donors, a group biased by strict selection criteria. We present a cohort of 26 women with a solitary functioning kidney; 11 women had an acquired single kidney of whom only 1 was a living donor and 15 had a congenital single kidney. Median time living with a single kidney was 28 years. None booked with hypertension or proteinuria. Urinary tract infection complicated 50% of pregnancies. Worryingly, 35% developed pre-eclampsia, gestational proteinuria or gestational hypertension. We propose pre-conceptual counselling, education on how to protect their single kidney, pre eclampsia prophylaxis with low-dose aspirin and close monitoring for urinary tract infection, hypertension and proteinuria with lower thresholds for pharmaceutical management. We have devised a Patient Information leaflet - 'Living with a single kidney, pregnancy and beyond'.

The Association between LRRK2 G2385R and Phenotype of Parkinson's Disease in Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the LRRK2 G2385R variant and clinical characteristics in Parkinson's disease (PD), but the results have been inconsistent. This study investigated whether the LRRK2 G2385R variant was associated with a unique clinical phenotype of PD in the Asian population, using a meta-analysis. The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG databases were searched until September 2017. The strict selection criteria and exclusion criteria were determined, and mean differences (MD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of associations. Statistical analyses and graphics were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Sixteen related case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. The LRRK2 G2385R carriers significantly more often presented a family history (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.16−3.39; P=0.01) and had a longer disease duration (MD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.01−0.93, P=0.04) and a higher MMSE score (MD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.43–1.62 P=0.0007) than LRRK2 G2385R noncarriers. There were no significant differences in sex distribution, age at onset, initial symptoms, motor symptoms, depression, levodopa-equivalent dose, and related complications between LRRK2 G2385R-carrier and LRRK2 G2385R-noncarrier PD patients. Our results suggested that most of the clinical characteristics of PD patients with LRRK2 G2385R mutations are similar to those of LRRK2 G2385R noncarriers among Asian PD patients, except for the more common family history, relatively longer disease duration, and higher MMSE scores in the former group.

Cognitive and technological aspects of e-learning in context of robotization

The development of e-learning education led to the emergence of two main problems of such form of education, which are the user-system interaction from the cognitive prospective, and the analysis of massive data received out of students’ activity. The development of artificial intelligence concepts and robotic process automation (RPA) tools, both problems might be solved in a more efficient way. The article presents the intelligent system of feedbacks, realized as JavaScript extension to Moodle platform, which intends to strength cognitive output of the performed learning activity, creating an illusion of the trainer’s presence and, therefore, contribute to the resolution of the first problem. The resolution of the second problem is proposed using artificial intelligence worker built in Blue Prism RPA platform, which independently collects test results and runs an Excel macro, which performs validation of test questions upon strict criteria of selection. Such validation process allows to select the questions which are coherent with the index of complexity and the index of differentiation capacity.

Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Negative Hepatitis B virus in Bangladesh: Warrants the Screening for Blood Donors

In every case of blood transfusion, so called proper donor screening is done every day. At the end of beautiful day, after reviewing lots of national and international guidelines and papers of blood transfusion, proved that blood donor screening methods &amp; tests are not adequate &amp; appropriate according to WHO. Lots of multi-transfused thalassemic &amp; hemophiliac patients getting hepatitis B virus undoubtedly. Implementations of strict donor selection criteria and use of sensitive laboratory screening tests reduce the incidence of HBV transfusion. These courageous heartiest review may awake the decision makers thinking rethinking about HBV free blood transfusion service in Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :181-188

Review of the pansharpening methods for remote sensing images based on the idea of meta-analysis: Practical discussion and challenges

In this paper, the development of pansharpening methods from traditional understanding to the current understanding is comprehensively reviewed. Furthermore, the performance of the different categories of pansharpening methods developed between 2000 and 2016 is evaluated based on the idea of meta-analysis. This is innovatively performed by making a statistical analysis of the studies ever published. In the proposed scheme, based on strict selection criteria, 48 representative articles, which were selected from more than 1000 articles, were applied for the statistical analysis. This paper aims to provide a holistic review of the pansharpening methods, and highlights the development process from the traditional understanding to the current understanding. In addition, the experiments were implemented from a new perspective based on the idea of meta-analysis.

Archeointensity estimates of a tenth-century kiln: first application of the Tsunakawa\u2013Shaw paleointensity method to archeological relics

Paleomagnetic information reconstructed from archeological materials can be utilized to estimate the archeological age of excavated relics, in addition to revealing the geomagnetic secular variation and core dynamics. The direction and intensity of the Earth’s magnetic field (archeodirection and archeointensity) can be ascertained using different methods, many of which have been proposed over the past decade. Among the new experimental techniques for archeointensity estimates is the Tsunakawa–Shaw method. This study demonstrates the validity of the Tsunakawa–Shaw method to reconstruct archeointensity from samples of baked clay from archeological relics. The validity of the approach was tested by comparison with the IZZI-Thellier method. The intensity values obtained coincided at the standard deviation (1σ) level. A total of 8 specimens for the Tsunakawa–Shaw method and 16 specimens for the IZZI-Thellier method, from 8 baked clay blocks, collected from the surface of the kiln were used in these experiments. Among them, 8 specimens (for the Tsunakawa–Shaw method) and 3 specimens (for the IZZI-Thellier method) passed a set of strict selection criteria used in the final evaluation of validity. Additionally, we performed rock magnetic experiments, mineral analysis, and paleodirection measurement to evaluate the suitability of the baked clay samples for paleointensity experiments and hence confirmed that the sample properties were ideal for performing paleointensity experiments. It is notable that the newly estimated archaomagnetic intensity values are lower than those in previous studies that used other paleointensity methods for the tenth century in Japan.

Bony reconstruction of hip in cerebral palsy children Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V: a systematic review.

Hip dislocation is a common source of disability in cerebral palsy children. It has been remedied by various reconstructive procedures. This review aims at providing the best evidence for bony reconstructive procedures in cerebral palsy hip migration. The literature extraction process yielded 36 articles for inclusion in this review. There is fair evidence to indicate that the comparative effectiveness of femoral versus combined pelvifemoral reconstruction favours pelvifemoral reconstruction. All except one were retrospective articles with a significant degree of selection and performance bias and confounding variables that limited the validity and generalizability of the conclusions. The findings of this systematic review provide fair evidence for the use of adequate soft tissue and combined pelvifemoral reconstruction in the management of hip migration in none and minimally ambulatory cerebral palsy children in the short and long term. This has been shown in studies with a summed sizable patient population. There is limited evidence available that would support the use of soft-tissue and isolated femoral reconstruction. In the context of these retrospective and biased studies, it is extremely difficult to identify, with great precision, predictors of surgical success. Future studies should consider prospective designs that allow for bias control, strict patient selection criteria and incorporation of validated quality-of-life scales.

Towards an optimal luteal support modality in agonist triggered cycles: a randomized clinical trial.

In ICSI patients with high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), are antagonist cycles triggered by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH) agonist with a specialized luteal support regimen associated with comparable ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) and less OHSS than those triggered by hCG? In antagonist ICSI cycles, GnRH agonist triggering with a specialized luteal support regimen is associated with comparable OPR to those triggered by hCG but may be less likely to be associated with OHSS. In IVF/ICSI protocols, exogenous hCG was used for years as a substitute of the endogenous LH surge. However, because of its longer half life, hCG is associated with more risk of OHSS, especially in high risk women. For this reason, GnRH agonist triggering was introduced. There is, however, no consensus on the best protocol for luteal support on agonist triggered cycles. Randomized controlled open label trial including 190 participants recruited from June 2015 to March 2016 in a private fertility center. Participants were divided into 2 equal groups; GnRH agonist trigger and hCG trigger. Randomization was done using identical sealed envelope technique. One hundred ninety women, predicted to have high response, were randomized on the day of final oocyte maturation into two equal groups: group (A), GnRH agonist trigger followed by specialized regimen (1500 IU hCG) at time of oocyte retrieval plus oral estradiol and intramuscular progesterone during luteal phase; and group (B), 5000 IU of hCG with luteal support (oral estradiol and vaginal progesterone). The 2 groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. OPR per randomized patient was comparable in the 2 groups {49/95 (51.6%) in group A, and 50/95 (52.6%) in group B ((P = 0.88); RR = 0.980, 95% CI: 0.75-1.29)}. Considerable (moderate + severe) OHSS was higher in group B (13/95 [14%] versus 5/95 [5%] P = 0.047; uncorrected Chi-square test). Upon performing multivariate regression analysis for predicting OHSS, number of follicles ≥11 mm on trigger day was the only independent predictor (P = 0.0004). Strict selection criteria limit generalization of results. The study was powered for pregnancy rate not OHSS, so that the strength of evidence on OHSS prediction is weak. We recommend the use of GnRH agonist plus the specialized luteal phase support in high responders with high risk of OHSS undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. This protocol achieved a similar ongoing pregnancy to hCG triggering and may be less likely to result in moderate to severe OHSS. None. PACTR 201506001132105. 24/6/2015. 26/6/2015.