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The t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding algorithm or t‐SNE is a non‐linear dimension reduction method used to visualise multivariate data. It enables a high‐dimensional dataset, such as a set of infrared spectra, to be represented on a single, typically two‐dimensional graph, revealing its global and local structure. t‐SNE is very popular in the machine learning community and has been applied in many fields, generally with the aim of visualising large datasets. In vibrational spectroscopy, t‐SNE is gaining notoriety but principal component analysis (PCA) remains by far the reference method for exploratory analysis and dimension reduction. However, t‐SNE may represent a real aid in the analysis of vibrational spectroscopic datasets. It provides an at‐a‐glance global view of the dataset allowing to distinguish the main factors influencing the spectral signal and the hierarchy between these factors, and gives an indication on the possibility of performing predictive modelling. It can also provide great support in the choice of the pre‐processing, by comparing rapidly different general pre‐processing approaches according to their effect on the variable of interest. Here we propose to illustrate these advantages using different datasets. We also propose an approach based on a synergy between the t‐SNE and PCA methods, allowing respective advantages of each to be exploited. The t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding algorithm, or t‐SNE, is a nonlinear method enabling the visualisation of multivariate datasets in lower dimensions. In vibrational spectroscopy, t‐SNE can provide a rapid global overview of a dataset and its influencing factors, assess the potential for predictive modelling and aid with the selection of the pre‐processing workflow. These advantages are illustrated with two real vibrational spectroscopic datasets. A data exploration approach based on the synergy between t‐SNE and PCA is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article images the social profile of Andalusian political representatives with the aim of providing an answer to what they are like and how their sociodemographic profile has evolved from 1982 to 2022. The methodology applies statistical analysis to the BAPOLDATA database, which includes all the people who have occupied a seat in the Congress of Deputies and in the 17 autonomous chambers since the constituent legislature. A comparison is also made of the profiles of those parliamentarians who have held a seat in the Andalusian Parliament and of those who have held a seat in the Congress of Deputies for the Andalusian constituencies, showing that the Andalusian Parliament is currently older, with a higher level of education and a female representation of around 50%. In terms of professions, manual workers have practically disappeared, and teachers and lawyers have come to predominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comparing embryos, more males than females develop to the blastocyst stage. • Male blastocysts exhibit a higher aneuploidy rate. • The live birth rate is similar between male and female single blastocyst transfers. Is there any imbalance in the sex ratio at the blastocyst stage of human embryos? And what is the sex ratio in euploid, transferred, implanted blastocysts and at birth? Embryos from 646 women undergoing 921 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles from September 2017 to February 2020 were included. Data from the chromosomal constitution of 2637 biopsied blastocysts were retrospectively analysed. Trophectoderm samples were analysed by next-generation sequencing. Embryos were categorized as euploid, mosaic or aneuploid. A total of 548 blastocysts diagnosed as euploid were warmed and transferred in a subsequent single-embryo transfer cycle. The blastocyst sex ratio was skewed in favour of male sex with 53.1% (1401/2637) of blastocysts diagnosed as male and 46.9% (1236/2637) as female (sex ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.22). Following biopsy and PGT-A, 41.2% (1086/2637) of blastocysts were classified as euploid, 7.7% (202/2637) as mosaic and 51.2% (1349/2637) as aneuploid. More chromosome euploidy was observed among female than male blastocysts (adjusted odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.55) after adjusting for female age, male age and gonadotrophin dose. Euploid blastocysts were comparable between the sexes (sex ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.88–1.11). No significant differences were observed between the sexes in implantation (sex ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.08), miscarriage (sex ratio 1, 95% CI 0.51–1.97) or live birth rate (sex ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.66–1.08). More male than female embryos develop to the blastocyst stage. Male blastocysts exhibit a higher aneuploidy rate. The capacity to implant and lead to a live birth is similar between the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the developmental competence of fast-cleaving D3 embryos. Methods: Retrospective study including 4028 embryos from 513 PGT-A cycles performed between July 2014 and June 2017. Embryos were cultured in time-lapse incubators and biopsied at blastocyst stage. Embryos were classified in groups according to the number of cells on D3 (from 2-cell to ≥13 -cell and compacted). A generalized linear mixed model adjusted for confounding factors was performed to assess the chance to give rise to an euploid blastocyst in each group compared with the chance of 8-cell embryos. Implantation and live birth rates were also analyzed. Results: The statistical analysis showed that embryos with 9 to 11 cells had a slightly lower euploid blastocyst rate than 8-cell embryos (OR (95% CI) 0.77 (0.61–0.96)) while embryos with more than 11 cells were found to be just as likely to give rise to an euploid blastocyst as the 8-cell embryos (OR (95% CI) 1.20 (0.92–1.56)). Conversely, slow-cleaving embryos had a significantly lower euploid blastocyst rate than 8-cell embryos (OR (95% CI) 0.31 (0.24–0.39)). Moreover, euploid blastocysts derived from fast-cleaving embryos and from 8-cell embryos exhibit similar live birth rates. No significant differences were found in the chance to give rise a live birth between 8-cell and 9- to 11-cell embryos (OR (95% CI) 1.23 (0.70–2.15)) and > 11-cell embryos (OR (95% CI) 1.09 (0.57–2.09)). Conclusions: Embryos with more than 11 cells exhibit similar developmental competence to 8-cell embryos. Their poor prognosis should be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can day-5 blastocysts be ranked according to their likelihood of live birth using an objective and user-friendly grading system? A retrospective multicentre study conducted between 2017 and 2019, including 1044 day-5 blastocysts. Blastocyst expansion degree, trophectoderm and inner cell mass quality were assessed morphologically and morphometrically. Several analyses were conducted: the association between the qualitative and quantitative assessment for the blastocyst expansion degree and the number of trophectoderm cells; the effect of the embryo quality on day 3 and the contribution of the three blastocyst parameters to live birth, with logistic regression; and a decision tree with the most significant variables to create the new scoring system. Cut-off points were found to discriminate between expanding and expanded blastocysts (165 µm for blastocyst diameter) and between trophectoderm grades (A: ≥14 cells; B: 11–13 cells; C: ≤10 cells). When the embryos reached the blastocyst stage, their quality on day 3 did not add predictive value for implantation and live birth. In the logistic regression analysis, the only parameter capable of significantly predicting the live birth likelihood was the trophectoderm grade: A versus C (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.0); B versus C (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.4). The decision tree supported the finding that the trophectoderm grade had the highest predictive value for a live birth, followed by the blastocyst expansion degree in a second step. This new method makes objective blastocyst assessment feasible, allowing for standardization and exportation to other laboratories worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this work was to determine which embryonic morphokinetic parameters up to D3 of in vitro development have predictive value for implantation for the selection of embryos for transfer in clinical practice based upon information generated from embryo transfers with known implantation data (KID). Methods: A total of 800 KID embryos (100% implantation rate (IR) per transfer and 0% IR per transfer) cultured in an incubator with Time-Lapse system were retrospectively analysed. Of them, 140 embryos implanted, whereas 660 did not. Results: The analysis of morphokinetic parameters, together with the embryo morphology assessment on D3, enabled us to develop a hierarchical model that places the classical morphological score, the t4 and t8 morphokinetic values, as the variables with the best prognosis of implantation. Conclusion: In our decision tree, the classical morphological score is the most predictive parameter. Among embryos with better morphological scores, morphokinetics permits deselection of embryos with the lowest implantation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the type of medium used to culture human embryos in vitro influences neonatal birth weight after IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Design: A prospective study and a retrospective study. Setting: Private assisted reproduction center. Patient(s): The prospective study included 449 IVF/ICSI cycles from August to December 2008. The retrospective analysis was performed for 2,518 IVF/ICSI cycles from October 2006 to December 2010. Intervention(s): In the prospective study, patients were randomized for embryo culture in Cook or Vitrolife medium. The retrospective study was performed with three different culture media (MediCult, Cook, and Vitrolife). Main Outcome Measure(s): Mean birth weight, adjusted for gestational age and gender (z score) of newborns. Result(s): In the prospective study, the average z score was −0.19 ± 0.85 in Cook and 0.08 ± 1.40 in Vitrolife. In the retrospective study, the z scores obtained in each group were as follows: Cook, −0.14 ± 0.96; MediCult, 0.06 ± 1.13; and Vitrolife, 0.03 ± 1.05. No significant differences were observed regarding the birth weight of children born in the different groups in both studies. Conclusion(s): The results do not show any relationship between the medium used for in vitro culture and mean birth weight adjusted for gestational age and gender of singletons born after IVF/ICSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Satisfaction is nowadays a valid measure of quality of care. Senior citizens are increasing in Chile and their treatment in primary care clinics, as well as the education of new professionals must take into consideration their special characteristics. Goal: Our intention was to investigate the degree of satisfaction senior citizens had with their health service and to identify those aspects able to be modified at the Medical Faculty in order to improve education of health professionals. Approach: Three hundred elderly attending Primary Care Outpatient Clinics of the city of Temuco, Chile, were interviewed using a satisfaction questionnaire developed by the Medical Outcomes Study carried out in USA. Findings: Senior citizens experience a high level on dissatisfaction with the health care they receive at the primary level. Doctors and nurses had a high qualification in relation to their technical skills, but a lower score if considering the education and information they give to patients. These results shall be used in order to modify attention to senior citizens as well as to include problems related to this group in the curricular reform plan and to improve attitudes of nursing and medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For the calculation of hydrodynamic properties of rigid macromolecules using bead modelling, models with overlapping beads of different sizes are used in some applications. The hydrodynamic interaction tensor between unequal overlapping beads is unknown, and an oversimplified treatment with the Oseen tensor may introduce important errors. Here we discuss some aspects of the overlapping problem, and explore an ad hoc form of the interaction tensor, proposed by Zipper and Durchschlag. We carry out a systematic numerical study of the hydrodynamic properties of a two-spheres model, showing how the Zipper-Durchschlag correction removes efficiently the numerical instabilities, and predicts the correct limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-valued hydrodynamic coefficients of a rigid particle can be calculated from existing theories and computer programs for either bead models or ellipsoids. Starting from these coefficients, we review the procedures for the calculation of complex solution properties depending on rotational diffusion, such as the decays of electric birefringence and fluorescence anisotropy. We also describe the calculation of the scattering form factor of bead models. The hydrodynamic coefficients and solution properties can be combined to give universal, shape-dependent functions, which were initially intended for ellipsoidal particles, and are extended here for the most general case. We have implemented all these developments in a new computer program, SOLPRO, for calculation of SOLution PROperties, which can be linked to existing software for bead models or ellipsoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether embryo mosaicism prevalence in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles is associated with the trophectoderm biopsy technique used (a. number of laser pulses or b. the use of flicking or pulling) or the time to tubing. Methods: Prospective observational study performed in a single IVF-PGT-A setting from May 2019 to May 2021. Trophectoderm biopsies were analysed by next-generation sequencing. Mosaicism was analysed in relation to the biopsy methodology (number of laser pulses and pulling vs flicking), time elapsed from biopsy to tubing (min), and time of sample cryostorage from tubing to amplification (days). As a secondary objective, the number of laser pulses and biopsy methodology were studied in relation to clinical outcomes of transferred euploid blastocysts. Results: None of the analysed variables were associated to mosaicism prevalence. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that mosaicism prevalence was comparable either when > 3 laser pulses were used as compared to ≤ 3 (13.9% vs 13.8%, aOR = 0.8726 [0.60–1.28]) and pulling compared to flicking (13.1% vs 14.0%, aOR = 0.86 [0.60–1.23]). Moreover, neither the number of laser pulses during biopsy (> 3 vs ≤ 3) nor the technique used (pulling vs flicking) were associated with clinical pregnancy after the transfer of frozen-thawed euploid blastocysts (54.9% vs 55.2%, aOR = 1.05 [0.53–2.09]; 61.1% vs 52.9%, aOR = 1.11 [0.55–2.25], respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that, as long as the biopsy and tubing procedures are performed following standardized high quality procedures, no specific approach would increase the generation of artefactual mosaicism as a result of trophectoderm biopsy. Trophectoderm biopsies should be performed regardless of the methodology but always aiming on minimising blastocyst manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocolloids such as natural gums and carrageenans are used extensively in the food industry in various mixtures that are difficult to be characterised due to their similar chemical structure. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical framework for the identification and quantification of these compounds in complex mixtures using Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression accompanied by Continuous Locality Preserving Projections (CLPP) dimensionality reduction technique is proposed as chemometric framework. Four different analytical models based on this framework are developed and compared for the analysis of spectral fingerprints of food hydrocolloids mixtures. Classification results showed that this method allowed the discrimination of hydrocolloids in blends with a 100% of correct classification. The same scheme also allows the quantitative determination of the different types of food hydrocolloids (3 types) and/or their individual compounds (8 different compounds) with a relative low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.028 and 0.038 respectively. • An analytical framework for addressing the characterisation of complex food admixtures is proposed. • A double stage hierarchical approach allows the quantification of up to 8 different compounds with a small prediction error. • The framework is showcased in a food hydrocolloid mixtures characterisation problem using NIR data. • Results prove the potential of this framework to be used for compositional analysis problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is partial compaction during morula formation associated with an embryo's developmental ability and implantation potential? Retrospective analysis of data from 196 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles. Embryos starting compaction were grouped according to the inclusion or not of all the blastomeres in the forming morula (full compaction or partial compaction). The possible effect of maternal age and ovarian response on compaction was analysed. Morphokinetic characteristics, blastocyst formation rate, morphology and cytogenetic constitution of the obtained blastocysts were compared. Comparisons of reproductive outcomes after the transfer of euploid blastocysts from both groups were established. Finally, in a subset of embryos, the chromosomal constitution concordance of the abandoned cells and the corresponding blastocyst through trophectoderm biopsies was assessed. A total of 430 embryos failed to include at least one cell during compaction (partial compaction group [49.3%]), whereas the 442 remaining embryos formed a fully compacted morula (full compaction group [50.7%]). Neither female age nor the number of oocytes collected affected the prevalence of partial compaction morulae. Morphokinetic parameters were altered in embryos from partial compaction morulae compared with full compaction. Although an impairment in blastocyst formation rate was observed in partial compaction morulae (57.2% versus 70.8%, P < 0.001), both chromosomal constitution (euploidy rate: partial compaction [38.4%] versus full compaction [34.2%]) and reproductive outcomes (live birth rate: partial compaction [51.9%] versus full compaction [46.2%]) of the obtained blastocysts were equivalent between groups. A high ploidy correlation of excluded cells-trophectoderm duos was observed. Partial compaction morulae show a reduced developmental ability compared with full compaction morulae. Resulting blastocysts from both groups, however, have similar euploidy rates and reproductive outcomes. Cell exclusion might be a consequence of a compromised embryo development regardless of the chromosomal constitution of the excluded cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The hydrodynamic properties of macromolecules and bioparticles, represented by bead models, can be calculated using methods implemented in the computer routine HYDRO. Recently, a new computer routine, SOLPRO, has been presented for the calculation of various SOLution PROperties. These include (1) time dependent electro-optic and spectroscopic properties related to rotational diffusion, (2) non-dynamic properties like scattering curves, and (3) dimensionless quantities that combine two or more solution properties in a form which depends on the shape of the macromolecule but not on its size. In the present work we describe the inclusion of more of those types of properties in a new version of SOLPRO. Particularly, we describe the calculation of relaxation rates in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). For dipolar coupling, given the direction of the dipole the program calculates values of the spectral density, from which the NMR relaxation times can be obtained. We also consider scattering-related properties, namely the distribution of distances for the bead model, which is directly related to the angular dependence of scattered intensity, and the particle's longest distance. We have devised and programmed a procedure to calculate the covolume of the bead model, related to the second virial coefficient and, in general, to the concentration dependence of solution properties. Various shape-dependent dimensionless quantities involving the covolume are calculated. In this paper we also discuss some aspects, namely bead overlapping and hydration, that are not explicitely included in SOLPRO, but should be considered by the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology (ASEBIR) Interest Group in Embryology (in Spanish 'Grupo de Interés de Embriología') reviewed key morphokinetic parameters to assess the contribution of time-lapse technology (TLT) to the ASEBIR grading system. Embryo grading based on morphological characteristics is the most widely used method in human assisted reproduction laboratories. The introduction and implementation of TLT has provided a large amount of information that can be used as a complementary tool for morphological embryo evaluation and selection. As part of IVF treatments, embryologists grade embryos to decide which embryos to transfer or freeze. At the present, the embryo grading system developed by ASEBIR does not consider dynamic events observed through TLT. Laboratories that are using TLT consider those parameters as complementary data for embryo selection. The aim of this review was to evaluate review time-specific morphological changes during embryo development that are not included in the ASEBIR scoring system, and to consider them as candidates to add to the scoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. Radiotherapy is usually associated with skin complications that affect the quality of life of patients and in some cases can also affect the timing of the reconstruction. The plateletrich plasma (PRP) is an emerging therapy; is autologous, safe and economic. Current use of PRP includes: efficacy in decreasing local inflammation, enhance wound healing, treatment of skin ulcers caused by radiotherapy and its use extends to the field of aesthetic plastic surgery improving the quality of the skin.The authors made an experimental trial to analyze the use of PRP as a prophylaxis method for skin damage after radiotherapy. We analyze the benefits of PRP as a prophylaxis method for skin damage after radiotherapy using an experimental model. Methods.We conduct a double blind trial with rats. Twelve Wistar rats were used, 2 for obtaining the PRP and 10 for clinical and histological analysis. Results. Data collected from the clinical analysis showed that those areas without PRP: 8 rats presented alopecia and 7 hypopigmentation. Total alopecia was present in 60%, partial alopecia in 20%, and 20% did not present alopecia. In those areas with PRP before radiotherapy: 4 presented alopecia and 3 hypopigmentation. There were no cases of total alopecia, 60% did not present alopecia and 40% presented partial alopecia. Data collected from the histological analysis showed 100% of mild-moderate atrophy in those areas with PRP. On the other hand, 80% of moderate-severe atrophy and 20% of mildmoderate atrophy was present on those areas without PRP. Conclusions. The authors showed the benefit of PRP as a prophylaxis method for alopecia (p<0.05) and hypopigmentation (p<0,1) produced after radiotherapy in this experimental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the outcomes of patients with confirmed endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) treated with either gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) using the propensity score (PS) matching. Design: Observational, retrospective analysis from January 2000 to December 2010. Setting: Private tertiary fertility clinic. Patient(s): Patients with endometriosis confirmed by ultrasound or surgery (American Fertility Society; AFS grades I-IV) that underwent an IVF-ET, stimulated with standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and GnRHa or GnRHant. Intervention(s): A PS was assigned to all patients, which calculates the conditional probability of receiving a certain treatment; a higher PS (1) meant a higher probability of receiving treatment with GnRHa, and a lower PS (0) meant a higher probability of receiving GnRHant. The PS was calculated with a logistic regression model adjusted specifically for age, follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count and previous IVF cycles. All patients were divided into three groups according to their PS. Main outcome measure(s): pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle. Results: 1180 patients were analyzed. Raw PR per cycle was 41.8% and 23.4%, and PR per ET was 44.3 and 27%, respectively. PR per cycle: 41.9 versus 30% in group A; in group B, 39.7% versus 36.4% and in group C, 15.4% versus 18.9%. The overall odds ratio for PR adjusted by PS was 1.10 [0.58-2.19]. Conclusions: After matching patients by PS, PR after COH with either GnRHa or GnRHant may be equally effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]