42 research outputs found
A Distributed Virtual Learning Environment (DVLE) for a Constructively Aligned Architectural Design Studio
No full textIn the last 30 years there has been extensive research about online teaching, outlining the importance of the interaction modes and the constructive alignment of the intended learning outcomes (ILO) and the teaching and learning activities (TLA) (Shuell, 1986), (Houghton, 2004), (Laurillard, 2012), (Biggs and Tang, 2011). Nevertheless, the literature about online teaching for architectural design is quite scarce and seems to ignore the recent findings of pedagogy (Rongrong, Gu, Skates and Feast, 2021), (Quintelli. Maretto, Prandi and Gandolfi, 2020), (Bologna and Trisciuoglio 2020). In order to update our syllabi for online teaching during the pandemics we established a dedicated research unit, named “Online Architecture”, at Özyeğin University, (Camiz, Verdiani, Özkuvancı and Alak, 2020). Therein we tested several online tools that could be used to constructively align the teaching and learning activities (TLA) and the intended learning outcomes (ILO) of our online architectural studios. After selecting the proper tools, we aligned them with the ILO and deployed them within a Distributed Virtual Learning Environment (DVLE). This paper illustrates the finding of such a research unit and describes the applications of the DVLE in the architectural design studios for the years 2020- 2021
Techniques to reduce blood loss during open myomectomy: a qualitative review of literature.
No full textTechniques to reduce blood loss during open myomectomy: a qualitative review of literature.
No full textLuteal Phase Support Using Subcutaneous Progesterone: A Systematic Review
No full textLuteal phase support (LPS) is crucial in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles when the luteal phase has been found to be defective. Such deficiency is most likely related to the supraphysiological steroid levels that usually occurr in stimulated cycles which, in turn, could severely affect luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and function, thereby negatively influencing the luteal phase. A number of different medications and routes have been successfully used for LPS in ART. Although an optimal protocol has not yet been identified, the existing plethora of medications offer the opportunity to personalize LPS according to individual needs. Subcutaneous administration progesterone has been proposed for LPS and could represent an alternative to a vaginal and intramuscular route. The aim of the present systematic review is to summarize the evidence found in the literature concerning the application of subcutaneous progesterone in ARTs, highlighting the benefits and limits of this novel strategy. With this aim in mind, we carried out systematic research in the Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase databases from their inception through to November 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were preferred by the authors in the elaboration of this article, although case-control and cohort studies have also been considered. According to our findings, evidence exists which supports that, in women with a good prognosis undergoing a fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, subcutaneous Pg is not inferior to vaginal products. In the Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle, data concerning efficacy is mixed with an increased miscarriage rate in women undergoing a subcutaneous route in oocyte donor recipients. Data concerning the acceptance of the subcutaneous route versus the vaginal route are encouraging despite the different scales and questionnaires which were used. In addition, a cost-effective analysis has not yet been conducted
Follicular morphology, oocyte meiotic competence and oxidative damage in cold-stored cat ovaries
No full textAnnual variations in resistive index (RI) of testicular artery, volume measurements and testosterone levels in bucks
No full textThe gonads of animals with sexual seasonality should change their metabolic requests throughout the year. In this study, we registered the variations of testicular volumes and serum testosterone levels in three Sarda bucks (Capra Hircus) and characterized the blood flow in the testicular artery by Doppler Ultrasonography, in order to shed light onto the type of relation between these parameters. After a 12-month study we observed that testicular volumes and testosterone levels show a typical seasonal variation with a maximum volume of testicular parenchyma recorded in September (116.06 ± 25.22 ml) while testosterone reached its peak in December (620.43 ± 192.87 ng/dl). Blood supply and resistivity seem to follow the changes in the parenchyma according to the functional activity, and the lowest resistivity values were observed in September (0.73 ± 0.02). An inverse U-shape best describes the relationship between testicular volume and testosterone levels (p < 0.05). This is the first report showing the changes in the blood supply to the testicular parenchyma of the buck throughout the year
Impact of polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their receptors on controlled ovarian stimulation: a prospective observational study
No full textStudy question: Which effect do polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their re- ceptors have on stimulation outcomes in IVF patients co-treated with a GnRHa long down-regulation protocol?
Summary answer: Allele C of FSHR-29, LHCGR-291 and FSHR-680 all resulted in a significantly increased cumulative r-FSH dose: total number of oocytes or mature oocytes ratio.
What is known already: Specific polymorphisms might influence controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Data regarding the pos- sible interactions of these polymorphisms are still scanty, especially as regards LHCG-R polymorphisms.
Study design, size, duration: Prospective observational study in 100 normogo- nadotropic IVF/ICSI patients came from three public IVF Units. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Normogonadotropic Caucasian women fulfilling the following inclusion criteria were enrolled: age 20–34 years; BMI 20–27 kg/m2; basal FSH ≤ 10 IU/l; functional ovaries. Exclusion crite- ria were: uterine anomalies; endocrine, genetic or immunological disorders; PCOS; history of impaired ovarian response (≤ 4 oocytes retrieved) in at least one IVF/ICSI cycle. Patients underwent a GnRH long down-regulation protocol with a starting dose of 150 IU of recombinant FSH daily. Six polymorphisms were genotyped.
Main results and the role of chance: The following polymorphisms were analyzed: FSHR-680 (rs6166); FSHR-min29 (rs1394205); LHCGR intronic (rs4073366); LHCGR-291 (rs 12470652); LHCGR-312 (rs2293275); FSHβ- 2623 (rs6169).
Basal FSH levels were significantly lower in homozygotic carriers of FSHR-630 (T/T) than in heterozygotic C/T (p = 0.023). Lower basal estradiol levels were seen in homozygotic carriers of FSHR-29 promoter C/C compared to heterozygotic C/T (p = 0.045). Basal estradiol levels and number of fertil- ized and mature oocytes were lower in homozygotic carriers of LHCGR-291 (T/T) compared to heterozygotic C/T (p = 0.035 and p = 0.05 respectively). The presence of allele C on both FSHR-min29 and LHCGR-291 caused an in- creased ratio between the cumulative r-FSH consumption and the total number of oocytes as well as mature oocytes (RR: 5.47, CI 95%: 3.13–7.81, p < 0.001). This observation was also confirmed when polymorphisms of FSHR-680 were included in the analysis. Specifically, the presence of allele C on these three genes was related to an increased ratio between the cumulative FSH consump- tion and the total number of oocytes or mature oocytes (RR: 5.44, CI 95%: 3.18–7.71, p < 0.001).
Limitations, reasons for caution: Although limited by the small size of the population, these findings confirm a possible interaction between multiple poly- morphisms in assisted reproductive technology.
Wider implications of the findings: These data support the concept that the ovarian response to exogenous FSH seems to be determined by the in- teraction of specific genetic traits. Moreover, this study shows an involve- ment of the LHCGR-291 polymorphism in ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins.
Trial registration number: Not applicable
The FSH receptor genotype affects responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation in normogonadotropic women treated with GnRH-a long protocol plus recombinant FSH
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