Paradigm shifts in digital media, specifically the World Wide Web, directly influence paradigm shifts in brand models and the branding practices attached to them. This paper explains the transformation in brand models that is being driven by the move from Web 2.0 to web3 and the implications of the transition from a participatory Internet to an ownership Internet. The full implications are significant and still evolving, but one of the biggest challenges for brand owners and managers is the continued shift from centrally managed and owned brands to distributed collaboration, contribution and ownership for brands. This paper proposes that this may require moving from conceptualising brands as monolithic entities and instead viewing them as modular collections of attributes and assets that can operate and evolve independently yet are still able to resolve into a unified idea or set of ideas. Looking at emerging ideas in art and creativity, this paper presents a set of potential implications for the future of the brand. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/
Prior studies evaluating the association between progestin IUD use and number of oocytes retrieved with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) are limited by sample size. Even less data has been published evaluating outcomes with copper IUD in situ. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the number of total and mature oocytes retrieved in donor oocyte COH cycles and the use of a progestin or copper IUD. Retrospective cohort study of oocyte donor cycles at our center between 2010-2021. Primary outcome was number of mature oocytes. Patients were stratified into three groups based on their contraceptive at time of donor evaluation: 1. No Contraception (Referent), 2. Progestin IUD, 3. Copper IUD. Oocyte maturity rate was defined as total oocytes divided by mature oocytes. Poisson models using robust standard errors adjusting for age and BMI was used to estimate the RR with 95% CI for study outcomes. A sub-analysis by progestin IUD dose was also performed. In total, 5428 individual oocyte donor cycles were included (Progestin IUD=133, Copper IUD=146, and No Contraception=2891 cycles). The mean age, AFC, and number of follicles >14mm at trigger was similar between groups (Table 1). Compared to donors using no contraception, copper IUD users had a comparable total number of oocytes, mature oocytes, and oocyte maturity rate. A significant increase in the number of mature oocytes and the oocyte maturity rate was observed among progestin IUD users (Table 1). In a sub-analysis by dose of progestin IUD (52mg, 19.5mg, or 13.5mg of levonorgestrel), there were no significant differences between the progestin dose of the IUD and the number of total and mature oocytes retrieved, however we may have lacked adequate power to observe a clinically significant difference between progestin doses. Use of a progestin or copper IUD during COH in a donor oocyte cycle was not associated with a significant decline in the number of total or mature oocytes retrieved in this cohort. Further, there was no difference in retrieval outcomes observed when the dose of the progestin IUD was evaluated.
Anovulatory cycles due to gonadotropin dysfunction contribute to infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS have significantly higher luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse amplitude and frequency compared to women without PCOS(1). However, body mass index (BMI) was significantly negatively correlated with LH pulse amplitude in PCOS and non-PCOS women(1). Even in obese ovulatory women, LH secretion was reduced due to impaired LH pulse amplitude (2). However, following treatment with letrozole, mean LH levels and pulse amplitudes were significantly higher compared to no treatment(2, 3).
PURPOSE:To report a case of bilateral sequential, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in a man with newly diagnosed hemoglobin C trait.METHODS:A 67-year-old man presented with a one-month history of declining visual acuity. He was diagnosed with left CRVO. Bilateral temporal retinal ischemia and arteriovenous anastomoses on fluorescein angiography suggestive of sickle cell retinopathy prompted a systemic work-up. Hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed an underlying hemoglobin C trait. Six-months after his initial presentation, the patient developed symptomatic right CRVO.RESULTS:The initial left CRVO was complicated by optic disc swelling and macular edema. Intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy was initiated and the macular edema resolved. The left eye subsequently developed an epiretinal membrane which was surgically removed. Macular edema in the right eye also resolved after intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy.CONCLUSION:This is the first reported case of bilateral CRVO in a case of hemoglobin C trait. It is possible that erythrocyte inflexibility, caused by hemoglobin C-induced dehydration and crystallization, acted concomitantly with hypertension to produce occlusive microangiopathy. This case highlights the need for further investigation in patients presenting with central retinal vein occlusion, especially when bilateral, or when retinal angiography reveals bilateral pathology.
