Clinically recognizable error rate after the transfer of comprehensive chromosomal screened euploid embryos is low

ObjectiveTo determine the clinically recognizable error rate with the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)–based comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS).DesignRetrospective study.SettingMultiple fertility centers.Patient(s)All patients receiving euploid designated embryos.Intervention(s)Trophectoderm biopsy for CCS.Main Outcome Measure(s)Evaluation of the pregnancy outcomes following the transfer of qPCR-designated euploid embryos. Calculation of the clinically recognizable error rate.Result(s)A total of 3,168 transfers led to 2,354 pregnancies (74.3%). Of 4,794 CCS euploid embryos transferred, 2,976 gestational sacs developed, reflecting a clinical implantation rate of 62.1%. In the cases where a miscarriage occurred and products of conception were available for analysis, ten were ultimately found to be aneuploid. Seven were identified in the products of conception following clinical losses and three in ongoing pregnancies. The clinically recognizable error rate per embryo designated as euploid was 0.21% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.37). The clinically recognizable error rate per transfer was 0.32% (95% CI 0.16–0.56). The clinically recognizable error rate per ongoing pregnancy was 0.13% (95% CI 0.03–0.37). Three products of conception from aneuploid losses were available to the molecular laboratory for detailed examination, and all of them demonstrated fetal mosaicism.Conclusion(s)The clinically recognizable error rate with qPCR-based CCS is real but quite low. Although evaluated in only a limited number of specimens, mosaicism appears to play a prominent role in misdiagnoses. Mosaic errors present a genuine limit to the effectiveness of aneuploidy screening, because they are not attributable to technical issues in the embryology or analytic laboratories

Scalable Multi Dimensional Threat Analysis

ACI Worldwide provides fraud detection services on high volume transaction data streams. In this project, WPI collaborates with ACI Worldwide to explore how this data can be stored in a graph database and then visualized using open-source big data technologies. Using Titan, transaction data is stored as a graph. The graph is then visualized in several fraud- centric display formats with the Vis JavaScript library to provide fraud analysts a unique way of analyzing transactions. Achievements of this project include being able to ingest millions of nodes into a graph database and then displaying portions of the graph using innovative visual displays. Optimizations were made by distributing the system over a six node cluster for faster ingestion and graph query support

A Pilot Study of Cyclosporine for the Prevention of Postsurgical Adhesion Formation In Rats

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine in preventing primary postsurgical adhesions in the rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral uterine horn injury with a combination of unipolar and bipolar cautery. Sixteen of the rats were randomized to the treatment group and received preoperative and daily cyclosporine dosing (10 mg/kg) by gavage for 14 days. At the end of the study all animals were killed, and a standard adhesion scoring system was applied by a blinded examiner. RESULTS: Adhesions were present in 75% of rats in both groups. Treatment did not affect the total adhesion score. CONCLUSION: Cyclosporine does not appear promising as a means to decrease postsurgical adhesion formation

Physical Games for Learning

The goal of this project is to teach elementary mathematics and number sense through the use of a cyber-watch or smartphone. The device enables an alternate learning style fueled by the use of interactive games and other technologies. The hope is to augment the learning process for students that do not learn well in a traditional classroom by providing a fun and engaging learning style. Blending wireless wearable technology, educational games, mathematics, and real time reporting could very well lead to accelerated learning. - The outcome of this project is a novel infrastructure, which allows for the creation of a myriad of interactive embodied learning experiences for students of all ages

Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or estrogen pre-treatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

Contains fulltext : 89927.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: For many subfertile women, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is the only hope for a pregnancy and live birth. The combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) given prior to the hormone therapy in an IVF cycle may result in better pregnancy outcomes of ART. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether pre-treatment with combined OCPs, progestogens or estrogens in ovarian stimulation protocols affects outcomes in subfertile couples undergoing ART. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO. Other electronic resources on the Internet, reference list of relevant articles were also searched as well as the ESHRE abstracts (2008). All these searches were conducted in November 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of pre-treatment with combined OCP, progestogen or estrogen in subfertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated Peto odds ratios for dichotomous data and weighted mean difference for continuous variables. Authors of trials were contacted in case of missing data. MAIN RESULTS: No evidence of effect was found with regard to the number of live births when using a pre-treatment. However, the combined OCP in GnRH antagonist cycles, compared to no pre-treatment, is associated with fewer clinical pregnancies (Peto OR 0.69, P = 0.03) and more days and a higher amount of gonadotrophin therapy (respectively: MD 1.44, P < 0.00001; and MD 691.69, P < 0.00001). Also compared to placebo or no pre-treatment, a progestogen pre-treatment in GnRH agonist cycles, is associated with more clinical pregnancies (Peto OR 1.95, P = 0.007) and fewer ovarian cysts (Peto OR 0.21, P < 0.00001). At last, in estrogen pre-treated GnRH antagonist cycles, compared to no pre-treatment, more oocytes are retrieved (MD 2.01, P < 0.00001), but a higher amount of gonadotrophin therapy is needed (MD 207.08, P < 0.00001). For the other outcomes no evidence of effect was found or there were not enough studies available in the subgroup for pooling. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of improved pregnancy outcomes with progestogen pre-treatment and poorer pregnancy outcomes with a combined OCP pre-treatment. However, we conclude that major changes in ART protocols should not be made at this time, since the number of overall studies in the subgroups is small and reporting of the major outcomes is inadequate