Raw sawdust utilization for the removal of acid red57 and basic fuchsin dyes from aqueous solution: equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamic investigation.

The aim of work is the use of a cheap adsorbent; sawdust (SD), for the adsorption of anionic dye, acid red57 (AR57), and cationic dye, basic fuchsin (BF). The adsorption of AR57 and BF on SD increased by increasing contact time and adsorbent dosage, while decreased with the increase of temperature and initial dye concentration. The increase in pH decreased the adsorption of AR57 and increased the adsorption of BF. The effective pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time on the AR57 removal efficiency were found to be 3, 0.1 g and 50 min, respectively. While for BF it was found to be 6, 0.2 g and 50 min, respectively. Fitting equilibrium data to Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms showed that Freundlich model is the most suitable to describe the acid red57 and basic fuchsin. The kinetic studies indicate that the adsorption of AR57 and BF follows a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption of both AR57 and BF is spontaneous (ΔG = -3.97, -3.27 kJ/mol) and exothermic (ΔH = -22.9, -8.3 kJ/mol) with negative values of ΔG and ΔH. The negative values of ΔS of both AR57 and BF (ΔS = -64.6, -16.7 J/mol. K) showed that the randomness decreases through the adsorption process.

SD is locally available in Egypt - Damietta, as solid residue and it is very cheap, therefore there is no need for its regeneration and reuse because of its nearly free cost and safe disposable. On the other hand, the treated waste liquids reach satisfied limits for reusing in the agriculture of palm trees.

Removal of malachite green from wastewater using date seeds as natural adsorbent; isotherms, kinetics, Thermodynamic, and batch adsorption process design.

This research explores the feasibility of using date seeds (DS), an agricultural waste, for the adsorption of malachite green (MG) dye from synthesized wastewater. The characterization of the DS before and after adsorption was accomplished by FTIR, SEM, BET, and EDX measurements. Batch adsorption experiments were investigated for MG dye adsorption from aqueous solution onto the DS. The effect of different parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature, and the initial dye concentration were studied. The optimum pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, and contact time for the dye removal were found to be 5, 0.1 g, 25 °C, and 30 min, respectively. The equilibrium studies for the data with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms showed that Freundlich isotherm is the best model to describe the adsorption of MG onto the DS particles which has a heterogeneous surface. It was found that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model which revealed that the intra-particle diffusion stage is the rate-controlling stage for the process. The thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔS, and ΔH suggest the possibility of chemisorption and physisorption simultaneously and indicate the exothermic and spontaneous characters of the adsorption of MG dye on DS with negative values of ΔH and ΔG.

This study used agriculture waste (date seeds) which is proved to be an environmentally friendly and low-cost adsorbent. The date seeds were shown to be a promising adsorbent, demonstrating high surface area and well-developed porosity. The prepared adsorbent will have a great impact on wastewater treatment technology and possible applications at a large scale. Thus, widespread and great progress in this area can be expected in the future.

Musculoskeletal radiology training in the UK: a national survey by the British Society of Skeletal Radiologists.

AIM: To identify the standard of core and subspecialist musculoskeletal (MSK) training across deaneries in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey of 46 questions with responses in Likert scale or dichotomous formats was distributed to members of the Society of Radiologists in training, British Society of Skeletal Radiologists (BSSR), Training Programme Directors and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Junior Radiology Forum representatives for national training schemes across the country. Responses were analysed descriptively with narrative analysis of free-text comments. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-eight participants completed the survey. Forty-six percent (81/178) were core trainees (ST1-3), 47% (84/178) were subspecialist trainees, and 7% (13/178) were newly qualified consultants (<2 years in post). All (178/178) of the participants had a dedicated MSK rotation, with a duration of ≥3 months in 76% (136/178). Only one-third received a dedicated period in MSK ultrasound and only 60% (107/178) had been actively involved in interventional procedures during their training. Overall, 21% (37/178) and 42% (75/178) of participants rated the quality of their MSK training as excellent and good, respectively. The majority (93%, 168/178) thought that MSK training could be improved, especially for ultrasound (62%, 110/178) and interventional computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopy (57%, 101/178). CONCLUSIONS: There are inconsistencies in MSK training offered in the UK. Although the majority of trainees are satisfied, there were gaps and potential threats to the quality of training. MSK training is witnessing substantial demand from trainees and workforce strategists necessitating tactical investments to standardise and enhance its quality.

Experimental study on the adsorption of Cr+6 and Ni+2 from aqueous solution using low-cost natural material.

The adsorption behavior of Chromium (Cr)(VI) and Nickel (Ni)(II) from aqueous solution onto date pits (DPs) was investigated as a function of initial concentration (5-100 mg/L), contact time (0-70 min), adsorbent dose (2-20 g/L), pH (1-9), and temperature (25-95[Formula: see text] Equilibrium took place after 45 and 55 min for Cr(VI) and Ni(II), respectively. The removal efficiency reached 100% and 95% for Cr(VI) and Ni(II), respectively, at optimal conditions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses were performed to characterize the adsorbent. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. The values of the free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) were 34.599 kJ/mol, 17.5736 kJ/mol K, and -51.58 kJ/mol K, respectively, at pH 3 for Cr(VI) and -25.283 kJ/mol, -14.8525 kJ/mol K, and 31.31 kJ/mol K, respectively, at pH 6 for Ni(II). Kinetics of the adsorption was analyzed. The pseudo-first-order was suitable for Cr(VI) at R2 = 0.9977, and the pseudo-second-order model was suitable for the Ni(II) at R2 = 0.999. The maximum adsorption capacities were 110.02 mg Cr(VI)/g and 10.1 mg Ni(II)/g. A single-stage batch adsorber was designed for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) by DP based on the optimum isotherm.

Development of a Resonant Microwave Sensor for Sediment Density Characterization.

In this study, a sensor based on the development of a planar antenna immersed in sediments dedicated to water content monitoring in this type of material is proposed and experimentally validated. It is produced by a conventional Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing process on a double-sided metalized FR4 substrate. The sensitivity of the sensor is ensured by the variation of the real part of the complex dielectric permittivity of sediments with water content at around 1 GHz. As shown, in this frequency range, electrode polarization and Maxwell-Wagner polarization effects become negligible, leading to only a bulk water polarization sensitivity. The sensor operates in the reflection mode by monitoring the variation of the resonant frequency as a function of the sediment density through the S11 reflection measurements. An experimental sensitivity of 820   MHz . g - 1 . cm 3 was achieved. Despite the simplification of data interpretation at the considered frequency, the influence of ionic species such as NaCl in sediments on the real part of the relative complex dielectric permittivity is highlighted. This demonstrates the importance of considering a second parameter such as the S11 level at low frequency or the electrical conductivity to extract the density from the frequency measurements.

Investigation of the effect of magnetite iron oxide particles size on cytotoxicity in A549 cell line.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetite as iron oxide is widely used in various industries, in the pharmaceutical industry in particular where it is used for its magnetic properties. The environmental and occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles and microparticles of iron oxide compounds have been reported. Since authors have reported contradictory results, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of particles' size in their toxicities. METHODS: The human cell line A549 was exposed with magnetite iron oxide in two size categories of micro (≥5 µm) and nano (<100 nm), with four concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/ml at two time periods of 24 and 72 h. The cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and incidence of apoptosis were studied. RESULTS: Nano and micro magnetite particles demonstrated diverse toxicity effects on the A549 cell line at the 24- and 72-h exposure periods; however, the effects produced were time- and concentration-dependent. Nano magnetite particles produced greater cellular toxicities in forms of decreased viabilities at concentration exposures greater than 50 µg/ml (p < 0.05), along with increased ROS (p < 0.05), decreased cellular membrane potential (p < 0.05), and reduced rate of apoptosis (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The results of this study demonstrated that magnetite iron in nano-range sizes had a greater absorbability for the A549 cell line compared to micro sizes, and at the same time, nanoparticles were more toxic than microparticles, demonstrating higher production of ROS and decreased viabilities. Considering the greater toxicity of nanoparticles of magnetite iron in this study, thorough precautionary control measures must be taken before they can be used in various industries.

Comparing laparoscopic and percutaneous renal biopsy for diagnosing native kidney disease: A matched pair analysis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous renal biopsy is a well-established diagnostic procedure in patients with underlying medical renal disease. Aim of this study is to compare the adequacy of the biopsy material, the diagnostic yield, and the complication rates of the trans-peritoneal laparoscopic approach and the image-guided percutaneous approach to renal biopsy in the diagnosis of native kidney disease. METHODS: We performed a matched-pair analysis matching 1:3 40 patients who underwent trans-peritoneal laparoscopic renal biopsy to 120 patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy in the same years. Patients were retrospectively analyzed. Differences in adequacy of biopsy material (i.e. number of glomeruli, continuous), diagnostic yield (categorical) and postoperative complications across the two groups were assessed using Wilcoxon Rank sum or χ2 test. RESULTS: Laparoscopic biopsy was associated with a higher number of harbored glomeruli (median 50, IQR 20-77) compared to the percutaneous approach (median 10, IQR 7-15), P<0.001. Adequate biopsies containing at least ten glomeruli were obtained in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the laparoscopic group versus the percutaneous group (92.5% vs. 57.1%, P<0.001). The laparoscopic approach was also associated with a significantly higher diagnostic yield than the percutaneous approach (82.5% vs. 63.5%, P=0.027). Patients who underwent laparoscopic biopsy had no perioperative or postoperative complications, resulting in a significantly lower complication rate than percutaneous biopsy (0% vs. 4%, P<0.001), particularly in the need for transfusion for post-procedure bleeding (0% vs. 1.8%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective matched-pair analysis comparing patients undergoing renal biopsy for medical kidney disease, trans-peritoneal laparoscopic renal biopsy was safer and more effective for the diagnosis of medical renal diseases compared to percutaneous renal biopsy. Prospective trials with a good follow-up are needed to define the best candidate for each approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Cairo consensus on the IVF laboratory environment and air quality: report of an expert meeting.

This proceedings report presents the outcomes from an international Expert Meeting to establish a consensus on the recommended technical and operational requirements for air quality within modern assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratories. Topics considered included design and construction of the facility, as well as its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; control of particulates, micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within critical areas; safe cleaning practices; operational practices to optimize air quality while minimizing physicochemical risks to gametes and embryos (temperature control versus air flow); and appropriate infection-control practices that minimize exposure to VOC. More than 50 consensus points were established under the general headings of assessing site suitability, basic design criteria for new construction, and laboratory commissioning and ongoing VOC management. These consensus points should be considered as aspirational benchmarks for existing ART laboratories, and as guidelines for the construction of new ART laboratories.

How far are we from full implementation of health promoting workplace concepts? A review of implementation tools and frameworks in workplace interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Health promoting workplace frameworks provide a holistic view on determinants of workplace health and the link between individuals, work and environment, however, the operationalization of these frameworks has not been very clear. This study provides a typology of the different understandings, frameworks/tools used in the workplace health promotion practice or research worldwide. It discusses the degree of their conformity with Ottawa Charter's spirit and the key actions expected to be implemented in health promoting settings such as workplaces. METHOD: A comprehensive online search was conducted utilizing relevant key words. The search also included official websites of related international, regional, and national organizations. After exclusion, 27 texts were analysed utilizing conventional content analyses. RESULTS: The results of the analysis were categorized as dimensions (level or main structure) of a healthy or health promoting workplaces and subcategorized characteristics/criteria of healthy/health promoting workplace. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows diversity and ambiguity in the workplace health literature regarding domains and characteristics of a healthy/health promoting workplace. This may have roots in lack of a common understanding of the concepts or different social and work environment context. Development of global or national health promoting workplace standards in a participatory process might be considered as a potential solution.

Adsorption of cationic dye from aqueous solutions by date pits: Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic studies, and batch adsorber design.

The retention profile of methylene blue from aqueous solutions onto the solid adsorbent date pits has been investigated in a batch system. The characterization and adsorption efficiency for methylene blue was evaluated using date pits. Fourier Transform Infra-Red, Scanning Electron Microscope, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis were performed to determine the characteristics of the material. The effect of contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and solution pH were investigated. The adsorption was found to increase with increasing time, decreasing concentration of dye, decreasing temperature and increasing dosage up to equilibrium values which was 20 min, 25°C, and 0.1 g adsorbent, respectively. The adsorption was favorable at high and low pH (pH 3, pH 7). The adsorption equilibrium data were best fitted by Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow the pseudo second order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated and found to be -4.6 kJ/mole, -7.9 kJ/mole, and -11.8 kJ/mole, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters of the uptake of methylene blue onto the date pits indicated that, the process is exothermic and proceeds spontaneously at low temperature. A single stage batch adsorber was designed for adsorption of methylene blue by Date Pits based on optimum isotherm.

Antioxidant effect of hydroxytyrosol on human sperm quality during in vitro incubation.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of hydroxytyrosol (HT) on human sperm quality during incubation in vitro. Semen samples collected from men attending the Laboratory of Histology-Embryology of Sfax Faculty of Medicine (Tunisia) for infertility investigations were evaluated for initial sperm parameters. Only normal selected ejaculates (n = 15) were centrifuged and incubated further with or without HT (200ug ml-1 ) at room temperature for 45 min. After incubation, sperm motility and viability, DNA oxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed. The results showed that centrifugation significantly influenced sperm motility and viability. The supplementation of HT in incubating media improved (P = 0.01) significantly sperm viability and decreased sperm DNA oxidation (P < 0.001) and ROS levels (P = 0.03) following centrifugation. It can be concluded that supplementation of HT might be helpful to maintain the human spermatozoon after centrifugation.

Out-of-Plane Continuous Electrostatic Micro-Power Generators.

This paper presents an out-of-plane electrostatic micro-power generator (MPG). Electret-based continuous MPGs with different gaps and masses are fabricated to demonstrate the merits of this topology. Experimental results of the MPG demonstrate output power of 1 mW for a base acceleration amplitude and frequency of 0.08 g and 86 Hz. The MPGs also demonstrate a wideband harvesting bandwidth reaching up to 9 Hz. A free-flight and an impact mode model of electrostatic MPGs are also derived and validated by comparison to experimental results.

Analysis of formaldehyde and acrolein in the aqueous samples using a novel needle trap device containing nanoporous silica aerogel sorbent.

In this research, a needle trap device (NTD) packed with nanoporous silica aerogel as a sorbent was used as a new technique for sampling and analysis of formaldehyde and acrolein compounds in aqueous and urine samples. The obtained results were compared with those of the commercial sorbent Carboxen1000. Active sampling was used and a 21-G needle was applied for extraction of gas in the sample headspace. The optimization of experimental parameters like salt addition, temperature and desorption time was done and the performance of the NTD for the extraction of the compounds was evaluated. The optimum temperature and time of desorption were 280 °C and 2 min, respectively. The ranges of limit of detection, limit of quantification and relative standard deviation (RSD) were 0.01-0.03 µg L-1, 0.03-0.1 µg L-1 and 2.8-7.3%, respectively. It was found that the NTD containing nanoporous silica aerogel had a better performance. Thus, this technique can be applied as an effective and reliable method for sampling and analysis of aldehyde compounds from different biological matrices like urine, exhalation and so on.

International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies world report: Assisted Reproductive Technology 2008, 2009 and 2010.

STUDY QUESTION: What were utilization, outcomes and practices in assisted reproductive technology (ART) globally in 2008, 2009 and 2010? SUMMARY ANSWER: Global utilization and effectiveness remained relatively constant despite marked variations among countries, while the rate of single and frozen embryo transfers (FETs) increased with a concomitant slight reduction in multiple birth rates. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: ART is widely practised in all regions of the world. Monitoring utilization, an approximation of availability and access, as well as effectiveness and safety is an important component of universal access to reproductive health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional survey on utilization, effectiveness and safety of ART procedures performed globally from 2008 to 2010. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS: Between 58 and 61 countries submitted data from a total of nearly 2500 ART clinics each year. Aggregate country data were processed and analyzed based on forms and methods developed by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART). Results are presented at country, regional and global level. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: For the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, >4 461 309 ART cycles were initiated, resulting in an estimated 1 144 858 babies born. The number of aspirations increased by 6.4% between 2008 and 2010, while FET cycles increased by 27.6%. Globally, ART utilization remained relatively constant at 436 cycles/million in 2008 and 474 cycles/million population in 2010, but with a wide country range of 8-4775 cycles/million population. ICSI remained constant at around 66% of non-donor aspiration cycles. The IVF/ICSI combined delivery rate (DR) per fresh aspiration was 19.8% in 2008; 19.7% in 2009 and 20.0% in 2010, with corresponding DRs for FET of 18.8, 19.7 and 20.7%. In fresh non-donor cycles, single embryo transfer increased from 25.7% in 2008 to 30.0% in 2010, while the average number of embryos transferred fell from 2.1 to 1.9, again with wide regional variation. The rates of twin deliveries following fresh non-donor transfers were, in 2008, 2009 and 2010, 21.8, 20.5 and 20.4%, respectively, with a corresponding triplet rate of 1.3, 1.0 and 1.1%. Fresh IVF and ICSI carried a perinatal mortality rate per 1000 births of 22.8 (2008), 19.2 (2009) and 21.0 (2010), compared with 15.1, 12.8 and 14.6/1000 births following FET in the same periods of observation. The proportion of women aged 40 years or older undergoing non-donor ART increased from 20.8 to 23.2% from 2008 to 2010. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: The data presented are reliant on the quality and completeness of data submitted by individual countries. This report covers approximately two-thirds of the world ART activity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS: The ICMART World Reports provide the most comprehensive global statistical census and review of ART utilization, effectiveness, safety and quality. While ART treatment continues to increase globally, the wide disparities in access to treatment and embryo transfer practices warrant attention by clinicians and policy makers. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no conflict of interest and no specific support from any organizations in relation to this manuscript. ICMART acknowledges financial support from the following organizations: American Society for Reproductive Medicine; European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology; Fertility Society of Australia; Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine; Japan Society of Fertilization and Implantation; Red Latinoamericana de Reproduccion Asistida; Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology; Government of Canada (Research grant), Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Grant unrelated to World Reports). TRIAL REGISTRATION: not applicable.

The popliteal fibular ligament in acute knee trauma: patterns of injury on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the patterns of injury associated with injury to the popliteofibular ligament injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 180 MRI scans undertaken for acute knee trauma. Scans were excluded if the time of injury was over 4 weeks from the time of the scan, or if there was a history of septic arthritis, inflammatory arthropathy, previous knee surgery, or significant artefact. An agreed criterion for assessing the structures of the posterolateral ligamentous complex was defined and in each scan, the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) was scored as normal or injured. The menisci, ligaments, and tendons of each knee were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 25.7 years (range, 9-65 years) and 72.2% (n = 130) patients were male. The PFL was injured in 36 cases (20%). There is a significant association between PFL injury and ACL rupture (p = 0.0001), ITB injury (p = 0.0001), PCL injury (p = 0.0373), in addition to associations with injury to other posterolateral corner structures including the lateral collateral ligament (p = 0.0001), biceps femoris tendon (p = 0.0014), and popliteus tendon (p = 0.0014). Of our series of PFL injuries, nine cases (25%) were associated with further injuries of posterolateral corner structures and in 27 cases (75%) the PFL was the only posterolateral corner structure torn. CONCLUSIONS: PFL injury is not uncommon in acute knee trauma and is associated with significant internal derangement of the knee, especially anterior cruciate ligament rupture, ITB sprain, and injury to other structures within the posterolateral corner.

Numerical investigation of sand erosion rate in a horizontal axis wind turbine.

Renewable energy represents an important alternative solution for many energy problems nowadays and a tool for a healthier environment by reducing carbon footprints resulting from burning fossil fuels. However, more work needs to be done towards maximizing the energy produced from renewable energy methods and making sure that the infrastructure used stays in service for a longer duration. Sand erosion phenomena is responsible for the degradation of the wind turbine blades and hence the decrease in their performance and life. In the current research, a numerical study of both performance and sand erosion of a Small-Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (SS-HAWT) is carried out. This study introduces new sights of instantaneous and forecasted erosion rates within the blade of the wind turbines. Three-dimensional E216 airfoil blades of radius 0.5 m are established according to blade element momentum theory. Sand particles with different mass flow rates of 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 kg/s and uniform diameters of 50, 100 and 200 µm have been selected as eroding particles under two different average air velocities of 8 m/s and 10 m/s. The results indicate that the performance of wind turbines is enhanced as the flow separation at the suction side is shifted to the trailing edge. Furthermore, the optimum tip speed ratio is about 5 at an air velocity of 8 m/s with a power coefficient of 0.432. In terms of erosion findings, V-shaped scars are reported near the leading edge of the blades. In addition, the instantaneous erosion rate grows exponentially with the tip speed ratio. Therefore, the yearly prediction of maximum erosion depth at the optimum operating conditions is obtained to be 5.7 mm/year in some spots of the turbine blades.

International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) world report: assisted reproductive technology 2004.

STUDY QUESTION: Have changes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice and outcomes occurred globally between 2003 and 2004? SUMMARY ANSWER: Globally, ART practice has changed with an increasing prevalence of the use of ICSI rather than conventional IVF. In 2004, a small but increasing number of countries are incorporating single embryo transfer. There remain unacceptably high rates of three or more embryo transfers in select countries resulting in multiple births and adverse perinatal outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: World data on the availability, effectiveness and safety of ART have been published since 1989. The number of embryos transferred is a major determinant of the iatrogenic increase in multiple pregnancies and is highly correlated with the likelihood of multiple birth and excess perinatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cross-sectional survey of countries and regions undertaking surveillance of ART procedures started in 2004 and their corresponding outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Of total, 2184 clinics from 52 reporting countries and regions. Number of ART clinics, types of cycles and procedures, pregnancy, delivery and multiple birth rates and perinatal outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 954 743 initiated cycles resulted in an estimated 237 809 babies born. This was a 2.3% increase in the number of reported cycles from 2003. The availability of ART varied by country and ranged from 14 to 3844 treatment cycles per million population. Over one-third (37.2%) of ART clinics performed <100 cycles per year with only 19.9% performing ≥ 500 cycles per year. Of all cycles, 60.6% were ICSI. Frozen embryo transfers (FETs) represented 31% of the initiated cycles. The overall delivery rate per fresh aspiration for IVF and ICSI was 20.2% compared with 16.6% per FET. The average number of embryos transferred was 2.35. Single (16.3%) and double embryo transfers accounted for 73.2% of cycles. The overall proportion of deliveries with twins and triplets from IVF and ICSI was 25.1 and 1.8%, respectively, but varied widely by country and region. The proportion of premature deliveries per fresh aspiration for IVF and ICSI was 33.7% compared with 26.3% per FET. The perinatal death rate was 25.8 per 1000 births for fresh aspiration for IVF and ICSI compared with 14.2 per 1000 births per FET. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data are incomplete with seven countries not providing data to the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) in 2004 that had in 2003. The validity of data reflects current data collection practice. In 2004, 79.3% of the clinics in participating countries reported to their national or regional registries and to ICMART. In addition, the number of ART cycles per million population is a measure which is affected by a country's government policy, regulation, funding and the number of service providers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: ART practice, effectiveness and outcomes vary markedly internationally. Notably, the increasing proportion of cycles that are FET, the change in practice to single embryo transfer and the cessation of the transfer of three or more embryos in some countries has resulted in improved perinatal outcomes with minimal impact on pregnancy rates. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): ICMART receives financial support from ASRM, ESHRE, FSA, Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, REDLARA, MEFS and SART.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in epidermis of Tunisian pemphigus foliaceus patients.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species play a key role in the development of many dermatological disorders. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and antioxidative profile in Tunisian pemphigus foliaceus (PF) patients. METHODS: Malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD), protein thiol levels, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated in skin biopsies of 13 patients compared to biopsies of 7 healthy controls. RESULTS: Oxidative stress was confirmed in these three types of patient biopsies as compared to controls. Thus, MDA, CD levels and catalase CAT and SOD activities were significantly increased in lesional, perilesional and normal biopsies of PF patients than in those of control subjects. Protein oxidative was confirmed by lower levels of protein thiols in lesional, perilesional and normal biopsies than in control's biopsies. Otherwise, in patients, a significant rise of these biomarkers was observed in lesional and perilesional biopsies compared with normal biopsies. CONCLUSION: This study shows that oxidative stress could be involved in the pathogenesis of PF by the spread of skin lesions and/or by the increase in auto-antibodies' reactivity.