What is the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using testicular spermatozoa obtained on the day of oocyte pick-up (OPU) or the day before OPU. Testicular spermatozoa were obtaining the one day before OPU does not affect fertilization rate, top quality embryo on day 3, and blastocyst utilization rate. Usually, TESE is performed just before OPU. OPU is generally cancelled if no sperm is retrieved. The use of fresh testicular spermatozoa, obtained the day before OPU could offer the couple and the caring team both medical and practical advantages. The benefits of this approach, however, has not been evaluated in detail. An uncontrolled preliminary study has revealed that regular fertilization and pregnancy rates could be achieved with sperm extraction performed one day before OPU. This was a single-center retrospective study in Bahceci BIH IVF center. Sixty-six patients suffering from azoospermia from January 2015 to December 2020 were evaluated. TESE was performed either on the OPU day (43 patients; group A) or one day before OPU (23 patients; group B). In this study, primary outcomes were motile spermatozoa at ICSI, fertilization, top quality embryo on day 3, and blastocyst utilization rate. Statistical analyses were performed with chi-squared tests. There is no statistical difference fertilization rate (72.3% vs. 72.2, p > 0.05), top quality embryo rate on day 3 (58.3% vs 58.3%, p > 0.05) and blast utilization rate (43.98% vs 49.58%, p > 0.05) between group A and B, respectively. The retrospective nature of this study may not eliminate potential bias. On the contrary, the strength of our study is that all procedures were performed by the same operators, so there are no operator-dependent differences. More research is needed to prove our findings. Wider implications of the findings: TESE procedure can be performed one day before OPU without compromising success. 1

Plasma protein binding refers to the binding of a drug to plasma proteins after entering the body. The measurement of plasma protein binding is essential during drug development and in clinical practice, as it provides a more detailed understanding of the available free concentration of a drug in the blood, which is in turn critical for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies. In addition, the accurate determination of the free concentration of a drug in the blood is also highly important for therapeutic drug monitoring and in personalized medicine. The present study uses C18-coated solid-phase microextraction 96-pin devices to determine the free concentrations of a set of drugs in plasma, as well as the plasma protein binding of drugs with a wide range of physicochemical properties. It should be noted that the extracted amounts used to calculate the binding constants and plasma protein bindings should be measured at respective equilibrium for plasma and phosphate buffer. Therefore, special attention is placed on properly determining the equilibration times required to correctly estimate the free concentrations of drugs in the investigated systems. The plasma protein binding values obtained with the 96-pin devices are consistent with those reported in the literature. The 96-pin device used in this research can be easily coupled with a Concept96 or other automated robotic systems to create an automated plasma protein binding determination protocol that is both more time and labor efficient compared to conventional equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration methods.

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What are the data on ART and IUI cycles, and fertility preservation (FP) interventions reported in 2017 as compared to previous years, as well as the main trends over the years? SUMMARY ANSWER The 21st ESHRE report on ART and IUI shows the continual increase in reported treatment cycle numbers in Europe, with a decrease in the proportion of transfers with more than one embryo causing an additional slight reduction of multiple delivery rates (DR) as well as higher pregnancy rates (PR) and DR after frozen embryo replacement (FER) compared to fresh IVF and ICSI cycles, while the number of IUI cycles increased and their outcomes remained stable. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Since 1997, ART aggregated data generated by national registries, clinics or professional societies have been gathered and analyzed by the European IVF-monitoring Consortium (EIM) and communicated in a total of 20 manuscripts published in Human Reproduction and Human Reproduction Open. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Data on European medically assisted reproduction (MAR) are collected by EIM for ESHRE on a yearly basis. The data on treatments performed between 1 January and 31 December 2017 in 39 European countries were provided by either National Registries or registries based on personal initiatives of medical associations and scientific organizations. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Overall, 1382 clinics offering ART services in 39 countries reported a total of 940 503 treatment cycles, including 165 379 with IVF, 391 379 with ICSI, 271 476 with FER, 37 303 with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), 69 378 with egg donation (ED), 378 with IVM of oocytes, and 5210 cycles with frozen oocyte replacement (FOR). A total of 1273 institutions reported data on 207 196 IUI cycles using either husband/partner’s semen (IUI-H; n = 155 794) or donor semen (IUI-D; n = 51 402) in 30 countries and 25 countries, respectively. Thirteen countries reported 18 888 interventions for FP, including oocyte, ovarian tissue, semen and testicular tissue banking in pre- and postpubertal patients. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In 21 countries (20 in 2016) in which all ART clinics reported to the registry, 473 733 treatment cycles were registered for a total population of approximately 330 million inhabitants, allowing a best-estimate of a mean of 1435 cycles performed per million inhabitants (range: 723–3286). Amongst the 39 reporting countries, the clinical PR per aspiration and per transfer in 2017 were similar to those observed in 2016 (26.8% and 34.6% vs 28.0% and 34.8%, respectively). After ICSI the corresponding rates were also similar to those achieved in 2016 (24% and 33.5% vs 25% and 33.2% in 2016). When freeze all cycles were removed, the clinical PRs per aspiration were 30.8% and 27.5% for IVF and ICSI, respectively. After FER with embryos originating from own eggs the PR per thawing was 30.2%, which is comparable to 30.9% in 2016, and with embryos originating from donated eggs it was 41.1% (41% in 2016). After ED the PR per fresh embryo transfer was 49.2% (49.4% in 2016) and per FOR 43.3% (43.6% in 2016). In IVF and ICSI together, the trend towards the transfer of fewer embryos continues with the transfer of 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 embryos in 46.0%, 49.2%, 4.5% and in 0.3% of all treatments, respectively (corresponding to 41.5%, 51.9%. 6.2% and 0.4% in 2016). This resulted in a reduced proportion of twin DRs of 14.2% (14.9% in 2016) and stable triplet DR of 0.3%. Treatments with FER in 2017 resulted in a twin and triplet DR of 11.2% and 0.2%, respectively (vs 11.9% and 0.2% in 2016). After IUI, the DRs remained similar at 8.7% after IUI-H (8.9% in 2016) and at 12.4% after IUI-D (12.4.0% in 2016). Twin and triplet DRs after IUI-H were 8.1% and 0.3%, respectively (in 2016: 8.8% and 0.3%) and 6.9% and 0.2% after IUI-D (in 2016: 7.7% and 0.4%). Amongst 18 888 FP interventions in 13 countries, cryopreservation of ejaculated sperm (n = 11 112 vs 7877 from 11 countries in 2016) and of oocytes (n = 6588 vs 4907 from eight countries in 2016) were the most frequently reported. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As the methods of data collection and levels of reporting vary amongst European countries, interpretation of results should remain cautious. Some countries were unable to deliver data about the number of initiated cycles and deliveries. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The 21st ESHRE report on ART, IUI and FP interventions shows a continuous increase of reported treatment numbers and MAR-derived livebirths in Europe. Being already the largest data collection on MAR in Europe, efforts should continue to optimize data collection and reporting with the perspective of improved quality control, transparency and vigilance in the field of reproductive medicine. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study has received no external funding and all costs are covered by ESHRE. There are no competing interests.

This paper explores the potential use of conductive alginate capsules encapsulating a bitumen rejuvenator as a new extrinsic self-healing asphalt method. The capsules combine two existing self-healing asphalt technologies: (1) rejuvenator encapsulation and (2) induction heating to create a self-healing system that will provide rapid and effective asphalt pavement repair. The work presents a proof of concept for the encapsulation process, which involves embedding the capsules into the bitumen mortar mixture and the survival rate of the capsules in the asphalt mixture. A drip capsule production process was adopted and scaled up to the production of 20l wet capsules at rate of 0.22 l/min. To prove the effectiveness and its ability to survive asphalt production process, the capsules were prepared and subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and uniaxial compression Test (UCT). The test results demonstrated that the capsules had suitable thermal characteristics and mechanical strength to survive the asphalt mixing and compaction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate physiological properties, such as rejuvenator (oil) and iron particle distribution, within the capsules. The electrical resistance tests proved that the capsules were capable of conducting electrical current. The capsules were also tested for their conductive properties in order to determine whether they are capable of conducting and distributing the heat once subjected to induction heating. The results showed that capsules containing higher amounts of iron (alginate/iron powder in a ratio of 20:80 by weight) can efficiently conduct and distribute heat. To prove its success as an asphalt healing system, conductive alginate capsules encapsulating a bitumen rejuvenator were embedded in a bitumen mortar mix. The samples where then subjected to local damaging and healing events, and the degree of healing was quantified. The research findings indicate that conductive alginate capsules encapsulating a bitumen rejuvenator present a promising new approach for the development of an extrinsic self-healing asphalt pavement systems.

By using a case-study on a fall-prediction device for elderly patients with orthostatic hypotension we aim to demonstrate how the MAFEIP tool, developed as part of the European Innovation Programme on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA), can be used to inform manufacturers on their product development based on a cost-effectiveness criterion. Secondly, we critically appraise the tool and suggest further improvements that may be needed for a larger-scale adoption of MAFEIP within and beside the EIP on AHA initiative. The model was implemented using the MAFEIP tool. Within the tool one way sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model against the relative effectiveness of the fall-prevention device at different price levels. The MAFEIP tool was applied to a novel fall-prediction device and used to estimate the expected cost-effectiveness and perform threshold analysis. In our case study, the device produced estimated gains of 0.035 QALYs per patient and incremental costs of £ 518 (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio £14,719). Based on the one-way sensitivity analysis, the maximum achievable price at a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY is estimated close to £900. The MAFEIP allows to quickly create early economic models, and to explore model uncertainty by performing deterministic sensitivity analysis for single parameters. However, the integration within the MAFEIP of common analytical tools such as probabilistic sensitivity analysis and Value of information would greatly contribute to its relevance for evaluating innovative technologies within and beside the EIP on AHA initiative.

The environmental and faunistic research conducted included defining the composition and distribution of caddisflies collected using ultraviolet (UV) light trap at 11 stations along the Cetina River, from the spring to the mouth, and also along its tributaries the Ruda River and the Grab River with two sampling stations each, and the Rumin River with one station. The research was conducted in the period from August 2004 until August 2005 on the Cetina and the Ruda rivers, and from April 2007 to September 2007 on the Grab and the Rumin rivers. A total of 71 caddisfly species and 10,048 individuals were recorded in the study area. Results of the composition and structure of caddisflies were processed with statistical methods using the NMDS analysis. There were differences in the composition of caddisflies in the upper, middle and lower reaches. The paper also presents some ecological features of caddisflies, such as seasonal dynamics and diversity of caddisflies communities. Results of this work contribute to faunistic and ecological knowledge of Croatian caddisflies.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing quarantine and other social distancing measures. These measures, however, have mental, social, and economic consequences on diet and food behaviors. The Bosnian case is particularly pertinent since the country has one of the highest global mortality rates relative to its population. In addition, its health system is fragmented and under-resourced. Consequently, in this study, we analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Bosnians’ behaviors relating to food. It is based on an online survey performed during October–November 2020 with 3133 adult respondents. The statistical analysis encompassed descriptive statistics (means, percentages, and frequencies), as well as cluster analysis. The results reveal that the pandemic transformed consumers’ shopping behaviors and food sourcing, reducing shopping frequency and increasing food bought on each trip. Furthermore, there was an increase in the consumption of local food items due to food safety concerns. Additionally, the pandemic improved the awareness of Bosnians towards food with a decrease in food waste. Regarding diets, Bosnians tried to have healthier diets during the pandemic. Therefore, COVID-19 might have opened a ‘window of opportunity’ to promote the shift towards more sustainable food consumption and lifestyles.

The Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) is one of the two members of a unique family of receptor tyrosine kinase receptors that signal in response to collagen, which has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we examined the expression of DDR1 in prostate cancer (PCa), and assessed its potential value as a prognostic marker, as a function of grade, stage and other clinicopathologic parameters. We investigated the association between the expression level and subcellular localization of DDR1 protein and PCa aggressiveness by immunohistochemistry, using tissue microarrays (TMAs) encompassing 200 cases of PCa with various Gleason scores (GS) and pathologic stages with matched normal tissue, and a highly specific monoclonal antibody. DDR1 was found to be localized in the membrane, cytoplasm, and nuclear compartments of both normal and cancerous prostate epithelial cells. Analyses of DDR1 expression in low GS (≤ 7[3 + 4]) vs high GS (≥ 7[4 + 3]) tissues showed no differences in nuclear or cytoplasmic DDR1in either cancerous or adjacent normal tissue cores. However, relative to normal-matched tissue, the percentage of cases with higher membranous DDR1 expression was significantly lower in high vs. low GS cancers. Although nuclear localization of DDR1 was consistently detected in our tissue samples and also in cultured human PCa and normal prostate-derived cell lines, its presence in that site could not be associated with disease aggressiveness. No associations between DDR1 expression and overall survival or biochemical recurrence were found in this cohort of patients. The data obtained through multivariate logistic regression model analysis suggest that the level of membranous DDR1 expression status may represent a potential biomarker of utility for better determination of PCa aggressiveness.

Deep learning is considered one of promising tools to develop intelligent wireless techniques in the fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication systems. However, existing researches are conducted based on the channel datasets in fourth-generation (4G) wireless communications systems. Also, some 5G nonstandard channel dataset generators are proposed for frontier technology research. However, these datasets cannot be applied in real 5G new radio (NR) systems. In this letter, we propose a generalized channel dataset generator for 5G NR systems. Furthermore, this letter also proposes a data sampling scheme called RB replacement, which improves the resolution of the dataset and greatly reduces the size of the dataset. The dataset generator can set different channel parameters according to different needs of users, and also can generate massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) channel. The data generator is open source at GitHub,1 which can be downloaded and used by researchers for free.1The code of this letter can be downloaded from GitHub link:https://github.com/CodeDwan/5G-NR-data-generato.git.

The proliferation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and their applications has attracted remarkable growth in unsolicited intrusions and security threats, which disrupt the normal operations of the WSNs. Deep learning (DL)-based network intrusion detection (NID) methods have been widely investigated and developed. However, the high computational complexity of DL seriously hinders the actual deployment of the DL-based model, particularly in the devices of WSNs that do not have powerful processing performance due to power limitation. In this letter, we propose a lightweight dynamic autoencoder network (LDAN) method for NID, which realizes efficient feature extraction through lightweight structure design. Experimental results show that our proposed model achieves high accuracy and robustness while greatly reducing computational cost and model size.

In frequency-division duplexing (FDD) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, deep learning for predicting the downlink channel state information (DL-CSI) has been extensively studied. However, in some small cellular base stations (SBSs), a small amount of training data is insufficient to produce an excellent model for CSI prediction. Traditional centralized learning (CL) based method brings all the data together for training, which can lead to overwhelming communication overheads. In this work, we introduce a federated learning (FL) based framework for DL-CSI prediction, where the global model is trained at the macro base station (MBS) by collecting the local models from the edge SBSs. We propose a novel model aggregation algorithm, which updates the global model twice by considering the local model weights and the local gradients, respectively. Numerical simulations show that the proposed aggregation algorithm can make the global model converge faster and perform better than the compared schemes. The performance of the FL architecture is close to that of the CL-based method, and the transmission overheads are much fewer.

A control algorithm for Parallel Connected Offshore Wind Turbines with permanent magnet synchronous Generators (PCOWTG) is presented in this paper. The algorithm estimates the optimal collective speed of turbines based on the estimated mechanical power of wind turbines without direct measurement of wind speed. In the proposed topology of the wind farm, direct-drive Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) is connected to variable low-frequency AC Collection Grids (ACCG) without the use of individual power converters. The ACCG is connected to a variable low-frequency offshore AC transmission grid using a step-up transformer. In order to achieve optimum wind power extraction, the collective speed of the WTGs is controlled by a single onshore Back to Back converter (B2B). The voltage control system of the B2B converter adjusts voltage by keeping a constant Volt/Hz ratio, ensuring constant magnetic flux of electromagnetic devices regardless of changing system frequency. With the use of PI pitch compensators, wind power extraction for each wind turbine is limited within rated WTG power limits. Lack of load damping in offshore wind parks can result in oscillatory instability of PCOWTG. In this paper, damping torque is increased using P pitch controllers at each WTG that work in parallel with PI pitch compensators.