Microsensors and image processing for single oocyte qualification: toward multiparametric determination of the best time for fertilization

International audienceDuring intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts, oocytes reaching metaphase II are microinjected. A morphological examination under a microscope is the usual method for determining oocyte maturity. The level of oocyte maturity is based on the meiotic status (Germinal Vesicle, metaphase I and metaphase II) of the oocytes with respect to their increasing maturity. In this letter, we summarize the studies conducted to analyze cytoplasm maturity using various microsystems and image processing. Optical microsystems are used to measure the transmission spectra and refractive index of the oocytes. We compared the transmission spectra measurements to the transmission electron microscopy results. Karhunen-Loeve transform is also used to evaluate the maturity of the oocytes. To summarize, optical analysis techniques are a minimally invasive technology allowing cytoplasm maturity to be assessed. Oocytes should not only be qualified in terms of GV, MI or MII, but also regarding their temporal evolution over the course of these maturation stages. The ultimate aim of this work is to describe the maturation of the oocytes by a trajectory in a multidimensional space and to determine when would be the best time for successful fertilization

Pharmacological adjuncts to stop bleeding: options and effectiveness

Severe trauma and massive haemorrhage represent the leading cause of death and disability in patients under the age of 45 years in the developed world. Even though much advancement has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology and management of trauma, outcomes from massive haemorrhage remain poor. This can be partially explained by the development of coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia, a pathological process collectively known as the “lethal triad” of trauma. A number of pharmacological adjuncts have been utilised to stop bleeding, with a wide variation in the safety and efficacy profiles. Antifibrinolytic agents in particular, act by inhibiting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, therefore decreasing the degree of fibrinolysis. Tranexamic acid, the most commonly used antifibrinolytic agent, has been successfully incorporated into most trauma management protocols effectively reducing mortality and morbidity following trauma. In this review, we discuss the current literature with regard to the management of haemorrhage following trauma, with a special reference to the use of pharmacological adjuncts. Novel insights, concepts and treatment modalities are also discussed

Vampires in the village Žrnovo on the island of Korčula: following an archival document from the 18th century

Središnja tema rada usmjerena je na raščlambu spisa pohranjenog u Državnom arhivu u Mlecima (fond: Capi del Consiglio de’ Dieci: Lettere di Rettori e di altre cariche) koji se odnosi na događaj iz 1748. godine u korčulanskom selu Žrnovo, kada su mještani – vjerujući da su se pojavili vampiri – oskvrnuli nekoliko mjesnih grobova. U radu se podrobno iznose osnovni podaci iz spisa te rečeni događaj analizira u širem društvenom kontekstu i prate se lokalna vjerovanja.The main interest of this essay is the analysis of the document from the State Archive in Venice (file: Capi del Consiglio de’ Dieci: Lettere di Rettori e di altre cariche) which is connected with the episode from 1748 when the inhabitants of the village Žrnove on the island of Korčula in Croatia opened tombs on the local cemetery in the fear of the vampires treating. This essay try to show some social circumstances connected with this event as well as a local vernacular tradition concerning superstitions

Investigating occupational diseases in the metallurgical industry

The paper presents the trends in the evolution of occupational diseases in Romania in comparison to the EU and the US, as incidence of occupational diseases, their interrelationship with the exposure to occupational risk factors in the working environment, the dynamic changes over time of the traditional structure and of the hierarchy framework of employees’ check-up regarding the risk factors. The analysis covers the period 2010 - 2015 and was made in quantitative terms (statistical data) and qualitative terms (study concerning the causal factors of the employee’s work environment). The data are presented as absolute figures and the average annual incidence rates are presented per 100 000 people employed in this industry