bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
#166 : Investigating the Effect of Parental Age on Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Reproductive Outcomes in Indonesia: Prognostic Tools and Prediction Approaches to Maximize Human Embryo Implantation
Authors: Margiana Ria , Laurus Geraldo , Amalia Fatkhurrohmah Leo , Supardi Supardi , Abdullah Muhammad Fadhli , Wen Maitra Djiang , Wibowo Suwaspodo Henry , Kamaroekmi Maya Sri
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Reproductive issues impact one in eight Indonesian married couples. Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is still expensive; hence many couples don’t get evaluated or enroll fertility programs. We decided to study the correlation between age, hormonal status, and ICSI embryo quality because Indonesia’s infertility rate is rising. This is the first investigation into the factors behind ICSI outcomes in Indonesia.

Method: In 2022, two fertility centers in Surabaya and Tangerang, Indonesia, performed ICSI on couples. 150 couples receiving ICSI at two research sites comprise the sample. Surgically retrieved or frozen sperm cycles and incomplete medical records were excluded. The Spearman test was used to investigate the correlation between parental age, hormonal status, and ICSI embryo quality on day 1 and day 3. (D1 and D3).

Results: 150 ICSI cycles were studied. The hormonal baseline varied from normal to subnormal, while paternal and maternal age ± SDs were 37.03 ± 6.08 and 34.28 ± 5.11. The Spearman test demonstrated a significant negative connection between paternal age and embryo quality D1 (p<0.005, r=-0.363) and D3 (good category: p<0.005, r=-0.172; intermediate category: p<0.005, r=-0.250; poor category: p<0.005, r=-0.221). The Spearman test showed a significant negative connection between maternal age and embryo quality D1 (p<0.005, r=-0.413) and D3 (good category: p<0.005, r=-0.231; intermediate category: p<0.005, r=-0.294; poor category: p<0.005, r=-0.291).

Conclusion: This study reveals that married couples have a substantial impact on their hormonal condition, the rate of fertilization, the quality of D1 and D3 embryos, and the number of embryos generated following ICSI. To increase the success rate of ICSI procedures, it is necessary to maximize fertility at a younger age.
#266 : Heterotopic Tubal Pregnancy After Frozen Embryo Transfer: A Case Report
Authors: Susanto Cynthia Agnes , Syahbana Luky Satria , Beeleonie Beeleonie , Lie Vellyana , Wiweko Budi
Published: January 2024

Background: Heterotopic pregnancy is a serious complication in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-FET). The incidence of heterotopic pregnancy in assisted reproductive technique is 1-3%. The most common site of ectopic pregnancy both in spontaneous and ART is in tubal fallopian. This case can increase morbidity and mortality both in mother and intrauterine gestation, when delayed diagnosis happened.

Case report: A 31-year-old woman presented to regular control after 14 days of frozen embryo transfer. The patient was transferred one good and one moderate blastocyst, and the [Formula: see text]-human chorionic gonadotropin ([Formula: see text]-hCG) level was 1960,6 mIU/mL and progesterone level were 54.04 ng/mL. The first transvaginal ultrasound found only one fifth weeks gestational sac. Two weeks after that, we found the same seventh weeks gestational sac. The patient then came on her 11[Formula: see text] week pregnant, and ultrasound revealed another gestational sac was implanted within the right fallopian tube and one more gestational sac was within intrauterine. Both babies were alive. Emergency Laparoscopy was performed, and it was found the gestational sac indeed was being implanted in the fallopian tube and some part of the placenta was implanted within the right ovary. We then performed the right salpingectomy. The other intrauterine pregnancy was then closely monitored, and until today, the mother and other baby is in good condition.

Conclusion: Heterotropic pregnancy incidence increases greatly, especially in ART. Thus, as clinicians, closely monitoring ultrasound is needed in order to prevent late diagnosis of heterotropic pregnancy.
#292 : Combination of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Ovarian Stimulation as Endometrial Preparation Strategy for Refractory Thin Endometrium
Authors: Mariappen Uma
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The aim of the case study is to demonstrate that combination of hormone replacement therapy with controlled ovarian stimulation is effective to improve endometrial thickness (ET) in difficult cases of thin endometrium.

Method: The patient is a 35-year-old, nulliparous with primary subfertility for six years. She had PCOS with history of right salphingo-oophorectomy done for benign serous papillary cystadenoma. The male partner had severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. He started on FSH injections for three months with slight improvement in sperm parameters. She then underwent an IVF cycle and obtained five blastocysts.

We struggled with thin ET with one failed frozen embryo transfer (FET) and two abandoned cycles. The patient was started with hormone replacement therapy on day one menses with tablet progynova 4 mg six hourly together with estrogel 3 g eight hourly transdermally. A scan was performed on day one menses and endometrial thickness was 4.5 mm. The serum progesterone and luteinizing hormone was baseline. A repeat scan for ET was done on day seven menses and was noted to be 6.4 mm. She was given another four days of oral and transdermal estrogen and the ET remained 6.4 mm at day eleven menses.

We decided to perform low dose ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH 150 IU daily. She was then seen on day fourteen menses for repeat scan. The ET only marginally increased to 6.7 mm. We increased the injection to 225 IU daily. On day eighteen menses, her ET was 7.8 mm and we triggered with HCG 5000 IU. She had her FET done on day twenty-five menses.

Results: Her BHCG two weeks later was 948.3 U/L. The pregnancy is currently ongoing at 18 weeks.

Conclusion: A combination of hormone replacement therapy and ovarian stimulation enables the exogenous and endogenous estrogen to act synchronously on the endometrium to achieve better endometrial thickness for implantation.
#360 : Twin Pregnancy After Step-Wise Cryopreservation and Thawing of Oocytes, Sperm and Blastocysts in the Case of Azoospermia: Case Report
Authors: Kang Hee Jung , Song Seul Ki , Jo Su Vin , Lee You Jung , Lee Gyoung Hoon
Published: January 2024

CASE: Although twins born from freeze-thawed mature oocytes were first reported in Australia in 1986, oocyte cryopreservation was experimental before 2012. The success of oocyte cryopreservation was uncertain compared to sperm freezing. Since then, many studies have been conducted on preserving female fertility, but data on the results of oocyte cryopreservation in the case of male infertility are limited.

Thus, we aimed to report a twin pregnancy after three steps of cryopreservation, freezing, and thawing of oocytes, sperm, and blastocysts.

At 40 years of age, a woman returned to our center, where donated sperm can be used by women with the desire to get pregnant. As her partner was diagnosed with severe oligospermia, she had already undergone eight cycles of OPU (Oocyte Pick Up), three times with fresh ET (Embryo Transfer), and three with thawed ET, but failed to get pregnant. With a diagnosis of recurrent implantation failure, she decided to cryopreserve oocytes for fertility preservation while waiting for her partner to improve his gamete condition. A total of 20 oocytes cryopreserved at three clinics were stored for that purpose. However, she decided to use sperm cryopreserved for donation after getting a urologic recommendation as a candidate for receiving donor sperm. Fourteen of 20 thawed oocytes survived (70%) and were inseminated by ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) using thawed sperm. Twelve were fertilized (75%) and had started their development to become good embryos at three days (50%). Among five cryopreserved embryos, three were at the cleavage, and two were at the blastocyst stage. Two blastocyst embryos were thawed on the sixth day of progesterone treatment after pretreatment with estradiol valerate. Two gestational sacs were confirmed via ultrasound.

This case is the first report of a successful pregnancy using cryopreserved oocytes, sperm, and blastocysts in Korea.
#146 : Low-Lactate Culture Medium Increases the Percentage of Usable Blastocysts from Advanced Maternal Age Patients: A Sibling-Oocyte, Monocentric Study
Authors: Hattori Hiromitsu , Takahashi Mizuho , Toya Mayumi , Igarashi Hideki , Kyono Koichi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Excess lactate in culture medium accumulates may adversely affect the embryo as metabolic stress. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether culture media with a low-lactate concentration have an effect on embryonic development in IVF.

Method: A split sibling study was performed on 8313 oocytes from 1,312 ICSI cycles from which at least two matured oocytes were retrieved from January 2020 through August 2022. Sperm-injected oocytes were allocated to Continuous Single Culture-NX (NX, N=4352) which contains a low concentration of lactate (1mM) and GlobalⓇ totalⓇ LP (GL, N=3961), which contains 5mM concentration of lactate. Patients were classified into subgroups of <40 years (854 cycles) and [Formula: see text]40 years (458 cycles). Single frozen embryo transfers were performed in 859 cycles (NX; N = 500, GL; N = 359). Embryo development up to Day 6, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates were compared. Usable blastocysts were defined as any blastocyst cryopreserved on day 5 or day 6. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean patient age was 37.1 ± 4.4 years. Overall fertilization rates and the blastocyst development rate were significantly higher in NX than GL (80.7% vs. 78.9% and 62.3% vs. 59.8% respectively). There was no significant difference in blastocyst utilization rate on day 5 with all ages considered (36.2% NX vs. 34.2% GL). There was no significant difference in blastocyst development rate for patients [Formula: see text]40 years, but for patients [Formula: see text]40 years, blastocyst development rate and day 5 usable blastocyst rate were significantly increased in NX (51.2% vs. 46.4% and 26.2% vs. 22.4% respectively). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy or miscarriage rates (48.8% vs. 49.9% and 22.1% vs. 21.8% respectively).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the lower concentration of lactate in culture medium is effective for late embryonic development in advanced maternal age patients.
#283 : Fertilization Rate and Embryonic Morphokinetic Parameters According to the Spindle Pattern in the Oocyte in Patients Over 40 Years of Age Who Underwent Polscope-Based ICSI
Authors: Kim Su Hyeon , Jeong Seong Hee , Kim Jae Won , Jeong Hyeon Jeong , Kim Myung Hee , Lee Hee Sun , Chung Mi Kyung
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The spindle is an essential cellular organelle that plays an important role in the oocyte during chromosome alignment and separation at meiosis. To examine the effect of presence or location of spindle on the fertilization rate and the morphokinetic parameter of embryo in patients over 40 years.

Methods: This was a retrospective study based on data collected between January and December 2022. A total of 394 matured oocytes retrieved from 155 patients over 40 years undergoing ICSI cycles were imaged for meiotic spindle using PolScope. Oocytes were subdivided into two groups. Group A: oocytes had the spindle forming 0 to 15[Formula: see text] angles, group B: oocytes had the spindle forming 15[Formula: see text] or more. Morphokinetic analysis; Embryoscope+ using guided semi-automatic annotation.

Results: Meiotic spindles were visualized in 369 oocytes (93.65%, 369/394) and were not visualized in 25 oocytes (6.35%, 25/394). The fertilization rate (73.98% and 44.00%; P=0.0012) and good quality embryo rate (41.39% and 27.27%; P=0.365) were significantly higher in oocyte with spindle, compared with in oocyte without spindle. Divided by spindle angle, group A was significantly higher fertilization rate, good quality rate compared to group B. There was no signicant difference in KID3 score (mean, 3.91±1.46 and 4.00±1.22; P=0.39) and the D3 morphokinerics parameter among the different groups. However, the D5 morphokinetics parameter (tSC; 81.56±7.48 vs 85.73±8.29, tM; 87.22±7.89 vs 94.00±11.60, tSB; 96.05±8.03 vs 102.18±9.15, tB; 106.39±10.04 vs 113.06±10.88, P<0.05) showed a significant association with spindle location.

Conclusions: Visible spindle or location close to polar body showed higher fertilization rate and good quality embryo as well as differed in morphokinetic parameters on day 5. This study confirmed a positive relationship between the spindle and fertilization rate. A significant difference of morphokinetics was found in day 5, but not in day 3.
#71 : Successful IVF Procedure on SARS-CoV-2 Positive Advance Maternal Age Woman
Authors: Prasetiawati Novita , Supriyadi Agus , Sjarbaini Hadi , Suardana Gde , Tarigan Sudirmanto , Haekal Mohammad , Indah Deana Rosaria , Pariyanti Gangsar , Bowolaksono Anom
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Due to the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, assisted reproductive techniqueservices across Indonesia have been suspended. With an unpredictable duration, the suspension is affecting particular groups of women who want to achieve pregnancy, including advanced aged women whose fertility has declined significantly. Here we present a 44-year-old woman with primary infertility and nulliparous with unexplained indication who underwent an in vitro fertilization procedure while confirmed positive for COVID-19. The goal of this study was to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the embryo and its effect on the embryo survival rate.

Method: The IVF procedure was carried out following standard methods. Controlled ovarian stimulation was done by giving growth hormone and exogenous gonadotropin on the first day of the cycle, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist on day 7 of the cycle, and human chorionic gonadotropin 36 hours before ovum pick up. Then, ovum pick up was carried out with COVID-19 standard safety procedures and the follicles were sent to the IVF laboratory with a heating stage. The oocytes were obtained from the follicular fluid analysis, following intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The zygotes were cultured for 48 hours and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Afterward, the entire embryos were vitrified for 30 days until the patient’s RT-PCR test confirmed negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thereafter, an endometrial thickness examination was done, followed by embryo transfer on the same day.

Results: Six oocytes in metaphase-II were retrieved while the patient was confirmed positive with COVID-19. After fertilization, 6 embryos were obtained, tested negative for COVID-19, and were later vitrified.

Conclusion: Two of the embryos survived vitrification and both were successfully transferred. IVF with standard procedures is safe to proceed on COVID-19 positive women.
#136 : Osteopontin Facilitates Embryo Growth, Implantation, and Cellular Metabolism via Interacting with αvβ3 and RGS2 Pathway: Evidence from Mouse Embryos and a 3D In-Vitro Implantation Model
Authors: Ho Nguyen Tuong , Liao Pei-Yu , Tzeng Chii , Kao Shu-Huei
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: We conducted a study on mice to investigate how osteopontin, a mediator of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) communication and invasion, influences embryonic development, metabolism, and implantation potential, with confirmation by a 3D in-vitro implantation model.

Method: Embryos were collected from female mice and cultured under different conditions: HTF only, HTF supplemented with OPN at different doses, and OPN-supplemented HTF with anti-[Formula: see text]v[Formula: see text]3 Ab or RGS2 inhibitors. Embryo morphology, development, and implantation rates were evaluated. Microarrays were used to evaluate gene expression profiling. Choriocarcinoma JAR and epithelial RL95-2 cell lines were adopted for the in-vitro implantation model. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were used to measure cellular metabolism levels.

Results: The supplementation of OPN best enhanced the rate of embryo hatching-out and implantation onto the matrigel at 100 nM, but a higher degeneration rate was seen at a higher concentration ([Formula: see text]200 nM). In OPN-treated embryos, microarray analysis showed 51 significantly down-regulated genes and 60 up-regulated genes, including RGS2. Inhibition of [Formula: see text]v[Formula: see text]3 integrin decreased embryo implantation rates and down-regulated RGS2. Validation of the 3D implantation model using JAR spheroids and RL95-2 monolayer showed a similar effect. OPN also increased OCR and ECAR of the JAR cells, and migration assays revealed increased migration ability in OPN-overexpressed JAR cells, which was then inhibited by [Formula: see text]v[Formula: see text]3 and RGS2 inhibitors.

Conclusion: Osteopontin, at a reasonable concentration, could enhance embryo development and implantation by interacting with [Formula: see text]v[Formula: see text]3 integrin, subsequently facilitating the RGS2 pathway. OPN has the potential to be a supplement during in vitro embryo culture in ART intervention.
#129 : The Ratio of Luteal Phase Serum Progesterone and Estradiol Can be Used to Predict Pregnancy in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles
Authors: Lee Li-Hsuan , Hsu Chao Chin
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Low serum progesterone (P) levels on day of embryo transfer (ET) and luteal phase have been associated with poorer pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to know if serum estradiol (E2) and P levels during mid and late luteal phase are related with ongoing pregnancy.

Method: The serum E2 and P levels from mid luteal phase (5 days after ET) to the day of the [Formula: see text]-hCG check (11 days after ET) in both fresh and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles was investigated between January 2019 and December 2021. Eligible patients were reproductive aged women with a normal uterus. Single blastocyst transfer cycles were included. Estradiol valerate (2 mg/bid) was started from day 3 of cycle as hormone replacement and vaginal micronized P (400 mg/bid) was started 5 days before ET in all FET cycles. The 2-degree polynomial fitted data were analysed and logistic linear model and ROC analysis were performed to assess E2 and P4 polynomial coefficients as a predictive test for ongoing pregnancy.

Results: A total of 388 patients were included. The overall pregnancy rate was 43.8% and 31.3% for FET and fresh ET, respectively. On day 5 post ET, the serum P levels correlated significantly with ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates, especially in FET cycles. The ROC curve showed that there is a significant day 5 post ET predictive value of serum P4/E2 levels for pregnancy rate, being the AUC (95% CI) = 0.596 (0.539–0.653) for the combination of both fresh and FET cycles; and 0.611 (0.548–0.674) for FET cycles, with best cut-off values of 0.079 and 0.077, respectively.

Conclusion: Serum P levels in mid and late luteal phase days are associated with pregnancy outcome both in fresh and frozen ET cycles. Ongoing pregnancies can be predicted using the day 5 post ET serum P4/E2 levels.
#339 : Secondary Amenorrhea Due to Sheehan’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Yuad Haviz
Published: January 2024

Background: It is said to be secondary amenorrhoea when a woman of reproductive age who has had menstruation, suddenly her menstruation stops for at least three months in a row. Sheehan’s syndrome, also called postpartum pituitary necrosis, refers to necrosis of cells of the anterior pituitary gland after significant postpartum hemorrhage, hypovolemia, and shock. Advances in obstetric care in developed countries have reduced the incidence of this condition. Sheehan’s syndrome is the most common cause of amenorrhea due to pituitary disorders.

Case presentation: A 26-years-old had complained of not having her period since 2018 (5 years) after the patient gave birth to her first child spontaneously vaginally at a midwife. At that time the patient experienced postpartum bleeding, since then the patient has no longer had menstruation. The patient had also complained of hot flushes, osteoporosis symptoms and vaginal dryness. Upon further evaluation, she was found to have decreased the pituitary hormonal profile (GH, FSH, LH, Prolactin); uterine and bilateral adnexa was hypoplasia from Ultrasonography, and the empty sella (sheehan syndrome?) from the Magnetic Resonance Examination of head. The basis of treatment for Sheehan’s syndrome is lifelong deficient hormone replacement; these patients require lifelong follow-up and close monitoring of their hormone levels.

Conclusion: The medical signs and symptoms should be recognized as sheehan’s syndrome, especially for the patient with a massive postpartum hemorrhage in order to give better treatments and outcomes.
#98 : Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration’s Efficacy in Patients with Low Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sa’diah Yasmin Sabina , Dewanto Agung , Chandra Lukman Ade
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a novel therapeutic approach has been utilized in multiple aspects of medicine because it contains stem cells and growth factors. There is still controversy over the effectiveness of this strategy in managing infertile women with low ovarian reserve due to the lack of evidence-based studies. This study aimed to systematically investigate and meta-analyze the best available evidence from clinical trials evaluating the impact of autologous platelet-rich plasma on low ovarian reserve.

Methods: Systematic searches in electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar use relevant search terms. We included infertile women with low ovarian reserve in single-arm clinical trials. Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into the ovaries. Data were extracted from each eligible study, then pooled (meta-analysis). The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using RoB 2 assessment tools.

Results: Three hundred and one articles were collected and excluded, leaving six eligible studies, then classified into two subgroups: poor ovarian response (POR) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Following PRP injection, infertile women showed an improvement in ovarian reserve. There was a significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level (MD = 0.12, 95% CI [0.005; 0.23], I2=99%, subgroup differences p=0.33), a significant increase in antral follicle count (AFC) (MD = 1.88, 95% CI [0.86; 2.89], I2=93%, subgroup differences p=0.67), with a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level (MD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.18; 0.46], I2=94%, subgroup differences p=0.02). According to the RoB’s assessment, the original research studies’ overall quality was a low risk of bias.

Conclusions: Autologous platelet-rich plasma may increase AMH and AFC, but not FSH. Although it was discovered beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve and effective for ovarian rejuvenation, further research with a large number of samples and strong evidence is still required.
#300 : Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Women of Reproductive Age in Singapore
Authors: Tan Shu Qi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Vitamin D is known to play an essential role in bone and mineral metabolism. There have been more studies reporting the association of low vitamin D levels with fertility problems and undesirable pregnancy outcomes. Guidelines have recommended Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy. However, this is still not routine in our local practice. Our study aims to assess the Vitamin D levels in pregnant women in their first trimester, to establish the need for Vitamin D supplementation in our population.

Method: A prospective cohort study was performed at the antenatal outpatient clinic of the largest obstetric centre in Singapore between October 2020 to April 2021. 5 ml was blood was collected and a standard asset of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels was performed on pregnant women at their antenatal booking visit. They were stratified into sufficient, insufficient, moderately deficient, and severely deficient.

Results: A total of 93 women participated in our study. Only 2.2% of this study population had sufficient Vitamin D levels. In women who had insufficient Vitamin D levels, it was inversely co-related to their body-mass-index (BMI). Interestingly, the older the women, the less likely they were likely to be Vitamin D deficient. In women with peri-conceptual multivitamin supplementation, the average Vitamin D levels for those with supplementation was 2.1ng/ml higher that those without supplementation. This study period coincided with COVID-19 pandemic, who could impact on the outdoor activity duration in our study population.

Conclusion: Vitamin D levels are generally low in our local women of reproductive age group. The role of routine testing of Vitamin D levels with an aim for supplementation should be considered.
#117 : Survey of Transitional Care in Patients with Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Nakamura Kentaro , Terashita Yukayo , Ito Kaoru , Suzuki Yuki , Iwahata Hideyuki , Sugishita Yodo , Horage Yuki , Takae Seido , Manabe Atsushi , Suzuki Nao
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors often require a long period of follow-up, carrying health risks even after overcoming cancer, and it is desirable for them to shift departments as they grow physically. In this study, we aimed to survey obstetricians and gynecologists about the actual situation regarding transitional care for patients with pediatric cancer (PPCs) in Japan.

Method: We conducted a questionnaire survey on transitional care from January 2021 to March 2022, targeting 579 training facilities registered with the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This work was supported by MHLW Research for Promotion of Cancer Control Program Grant No. JPMH20EA1004.

Results: The total response rate was 58.5%. When asked “if they provide transitional care specifically for PPCs between pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology”, only 13% responded that they do. Forty percent had received referrals for PPCs. The most common reasons for referral were “irregular menstruation or irregular genital bleeding” and “suspected ovarian dysfunction”. The most common problems with referrals from pediatrics were related to “insufficient explanation” in many cases. In addition, at facilities with no experience in treating PPCs, many respondents commented that they didn’t know how to follow up on the progress of the disease. When asked “about the necessity of obstetrics/gynecology visits for PPCs”, more than half of the facilities with experience in treating PPCs answered that such visits were “necessary”, and only 1% answered that they were “unnecessary”. On the other hand, 37% of the facilities that had no experience in treating PPCs answered that it was “necessary”, and 4% answered that it was “unnecessary”.

Conclusion: The results suggest that what needs to be done in the future is to educate healthcare professionals by providing them with knowledge, as well as patient education that leads to patients’ awareness of their own self-management.
#361 : What Does My Embryo Score Mean? The Relationship Between KIDScore, Life Whisperer AI Score, and Embryo Euploidy
Authors: Soo Ying-Chen , Tian Tee Sze , Heong Chee San , Lim Ee Leen , Yong Kai Boon
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Many models have been developed for predicting an embryo’s euploidy or implantation potential. These models assign continuous scores to embryos, based on annotation performed by embryologists according to morphokinetic parameters, or based on deep learning analysis of embryo images or video, with higher scores indicating higher probability of implantation and/or euploidy. However, the actual probability of implantation or euploidy at a given score is not always clear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between scores assigned by an annotation model (KIDScoreD5 v3.1, Vitrolife), an image analysis model (Life Whisperer, Presagen), and embryo euploidy.

Method: From January 2019 to May 2021, PGT-A by NGS performed on blastocysts in Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara in Malaysia identified 273 euploid and 212 aneuploid blastocysts. Since blastocyst culture in a timelapse incubator (Embryoscope+, Vitrolife) is routine in our centre, the KIDScore for each blastocyst was known. Still image data of the same embryos was uploaded to the Life Whisperer (LW) platform. Embryos were grouped based on their KIDScore and LW score, and the percentage of euploid and aneuploid embryos in each group was calculated.

Results: In both models, there were more embryos in higher score groups, as only embryos with good morphology underwent PGT-A (Figures 1 and 2). In KIDScore groups up to score 8, approximately 50% of embryos were euploid, while in KIDScore groups >8-9 and >9-10, 76.6% and 75.5% of embryos were euploid respectively (Figure 1). In LW groups up to score 7, approximately 50% of embryos were euploid, while in LW groups >7-8, >8-9, and >9-10, the percentage increased to 56.1%, 58.6%, and 66.7% respectively (Figure 2).

Conclusion: Increasing KIDScores and LW scores correspond with increased percentages of euploid embryos. However, the increase is not constant, especially for KIDScores. These results can be used to estimate the probability of euploidy at a given embryo score.
#298 : Congenital Anomalies in Children Born after Assisted Reproduction in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sipek Antonin , Gregor Vladimir , Sipek Antonin , Klaschka Jan , Maly Marek
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The number of children conceived by assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is increasing in the Czech Republic. However, several studies reported an increased incidence of congenital anomalies in ART-conceived children. The main goal of this study was to evaluate this theoretical risk using population-based data from Czech medical registries.

Method: The retrospective epidemiological analysis was performed using data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies and the National Registry of Newborns, run by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic. All diagnoses of congenital anomalies (Q00-Q99) were included. The registration process is population-wide and compulsory by Czech law. We compared the incidences of congenital anomalies in naturally conceived children and ART-conceived children born in the Czech Republic for 8 years period (2013–2020). Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s exact test.

Results: In our study, we demonstrated a higher incidence of congenital anomalies in the children born after ART (4.35%) compared to the incidence in the group of children born after spontaneous conception (3.90%). This difference was statically significant (p < 0.05). In the group of children born after ART, congenital defects of the central nervous system, congenital heart defects, and congenital defects of the gastrointestinal tract were diagnosed more frequently. In some groups of congenital defects, a higher proportion of males compared to females and a higher representation of cases with a congenital defect in children born from multiple pregnancies were also found.

Conclusion: The results from our population-based study confirm that the incidence of selected groups of congenital anomalies may be higher in children born after ART.
#372 : Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in an Advanced Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection In-Vitro Fertilization Conceived Pregnancy
Authors: Ibonia Kristine Andrea , Cabling Ma.
Published: January 2024

A 38-year-old primigravid, six years infertile, conceived a dichorionic-diamnionic twin gestation by intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization.

At 33 weeks gestation, she was admitted, due to a sudden excruciating abdominal pain with profuse vaginal bleeding. Abruptio placenta was suspected and emergency cesarean section was done revealing massive hemoperitoneum. The babies were delivered first. On further inspection, actively bleeding, coalesced, friable pinkish blebs with a pulsating, bleeding vessel were seen at the left posteromidlateral corpus. Pinkish blebs were also seen occupying the right posterior area. Bilateral uterine artery ligation and repair of the bleeding site were done. Postoperative course was stable and she was discharged after 6 days.

Sudden, severe abdominal pain in late pregnancy has numerous causes. Intraoperative findings seen in this case, is a condition known as Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in Pregnancy (SHiP).

SHiP is a rare disorder associated with unprovoked peritoneal bleeding reported to occur during the second half of pregnancy, in labor, or early postpartum. Its diagnosis is rarely made before laparotomy and surgery is often due to a preoperative diagnosis of abruptio placenta. Etiology of SHiP remains unknown but is particularly relevant in women with endometriosis and deciduosis.

Deciduosis is believed to be a physiologic phenomenon of pregnancy that would spontaneously involute after delivery. It generally has no clinical symptoms but may present pathologic conditions such hemoperitoneum. In this patient, hemoperitoneum was caused by rupture of utero-ovarian vessels or bleeding endometriotic implants believed to be related to progesterone resistance manifested by selective molecular abnormalities causing aberrant decidualization of stromal cells of the ectopic endometrium leading to bleeding of unpredictable severity.

This case illustrates the surgical challenge of controlling bleeding from multiple decidualized lesions and eroded blood vessels. Fortunately, both the mother and the babies were saved by early detection and immediate intervention.
Wording Matters: The Effect of Linguistic Characteristics and Political Ideology on Resharing of COVID-19 Vaccine Tweets
Authors: Borghouts Judith , Huang Yicong , Hopfer Suellen , Li Chen , Mark Gloria
Published: January 2024

Social media platforms are frequently used to share information and opinions around vaccinations. The more often a message is reshared, the wider the reach of the message and potential influence it may have on shaping people’s opinions to get vaccinated or not. We used a negative binomial regression to investigate whether a message’s linguistic characteristics (degree of concreteness, emotional arousal, and sentiment) and user characteristics (political ideology and number of followers) may influence users’ decisions to reshare tweets related to the COVID-19 vaccine. We analyzed US English-language tweets related to the COVID-19 vaccine between May 2020 and October 2021 (
N
= 236,054).

Tweets with positive and high-arousal words were more often retweeted than negative, low-arousal tweets. Tweets with abstract words were more often retweeted than tweets with concrete words. In addition, while Liberal users were more likely to have tweets with a positive sentiment reshared. Conservative users were more likely to have tweets with a negative sentiment reshared. Our results can inform public health messaging on how to best phrase vaccine information to impact engagement and information resharing, and potentially persuade a wider set of people to get vaccinated.
Map Matching Queries on Realistic Input Graphs Under the Fréchet Distance
Authors: Gudmundsson Joachim , Seybold Martin P. , Wong Sampson
Published: January 2024

Map matching is a common preprocessing step for analysing vehicle trajectories. In the theory community, the most popular approach for map matching is to compute a path on the road network that is the most spatially similar to the trajectory, where spatial similarity is measured using the Fréchet distance. A shortcoming of existing map matching algorithms under the Fréchet distance is that every time a trajectory is matched, the entire road network needs to be reprocessed from scratch. An open problem is whether one can preprocess the road network into a data structure, so that map matching queries can be answered in sublinear time.

In this article, we investigate map matching queries under the Fréchet distance. We provide a negative result for geometric planar graphs. We show that, unless SETH fails, there is no data structure that can be constructed in polynomial time that answers map matching queries in
O((pq)
1-δ
) query time for any δ > 0, where 
p
and 
q
are the complexities of the geometric planar graph and the query trajectory, respectively. We provide a positive result for realistic input graphs, which we regard as the main result of this article. We show that for
c
-packed graphs, one can construct a data structure of

\(\tilde{O}(cp)\)

size that can answer (1+ε)-approximate map matching queries in

\(\tilde{O}(c^4 q \log ^4 p)\)

time, where

\(\tilde{O}(\cdot)\)

hides lower-order factors and dependence on ε.
Improving the Electrical and Optical Characteristics of AlGaInP Red Micro-LEDs by Double Dielectric Passivation
Authors: Mun Seung-Hyun , Lee Je-Sung , Shin Sunwoo , Jeon Seong Ran , Choi Soo-Young , Kwak Hoe-Min , Kim Kyung-Pil , Kim Jeongwoon , Kang Chang-Mo , Lee Dong-Seon
Published: January 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the optimization of AlGaInP-based red micro-light emitting diodes (LEDs) by implementing double dielectric passivation layers. We employed a two-step passivation process that combined atomic layer deposition (ALD) for a thin Al2O3 layer and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for a thicker dielectric layer to passivate the sidewalls of the LEDs. After double-passivation, the devices exhibited significantly reduced leakage current compared with their non-passivated counterparts. Notably, the passivated LEDs consistently demonstrated lower ideality factors across all size variations. The Al2O3-SiNx passivated devices exhibited a remarkable 38% increase in optical power at a current density of 1000 A cm−2, along with a noteworthy 41% improvement in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) at a current density of 7 A cm−2 compared to the reference devices. In addressing the challenge of efficiency degradation in AlGaInP-based red micro-LEDs, this study underscores the effectiveness of dual dielectric passivation, emphasizing the superiority of Al2O3-SiNx as a passivation material. These findings hold promise for micro-LED technology and microdisplays, particularly in applications such as augmented reality by significantly enhancing electrical and optical performance.
Achieving High Dielectric Constant in γ-Al2O3-rGO Nanocomposite Prepared by Microwave-Assisted Co-Precipitation Method
Authors: Chintaparty Rajababu , Godlaveeti Sreenivasa Kumar , Arla Sai Kumar , Alothman Asma A. , Sangaraju Sambasivam , Mushab Mohammed , Nagireddy Ramamanohar Reddy
Published: January 2024

In this study, γ-Al2O3-GO, and γ-Al2O3-RGO nanocomposites were synthesized by the microwave-assisted coprecipitation method to study their electrical properties. XRD pattern and EDAX confirmed that the nanocomposites successfully were synthesized. TEM studies confirmed that γ-Al2O3 NPs formed into spherical particles and that these particles were dispersed randomly on RGO in contrast to γ-Al2O3-GO and Al2O3. At room temperature, the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of the synthesized samples were studied. Our findings indicate that the prepared nanocomposite RGO-Al2O3 has a dielectric constant of 16 at 106 Hz, which is twice the dielectric constant of commercially available Al2O3 which is mainly due to a more conductive network.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation alters immune cell populations in the lung and bone marrow during coronavirus infection
Authors: Healey Alicia M. , Fenner Kristina N. , O’Dell Colleen T. , Lawrence B. Paige
Published: January 2024

Our study reveals a multifaceted role for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in the immune response to coronavirus (CoV) infection. Sustained AHR activation during in vivo mouse CoV infection altered the frequency of mature immune cells in the lung and modulated emergency hematopoiesis, specifically myelopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis, in bone marrow. This provides new insight into immunoregulation by the AHR and extends our understanding of how environmental exposures can impact host responses to respiratory viral infections.
The Identification of Yak Meat Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method Coupled with Hydroxy Naphthol Blue for the Prevention of Food Fraud
Authors: Zhao Wenwei , Tan Yufan , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Xiaoxiang , Jiang Jingyu , Zhu Hongbo , Zhuang Peihan , Cheng Wenyi , Brennan Charles S. , Yin Zhina
Published: January 2024

Objective. Yak is found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and represents a meat of high nutritional value and good flavor. However, the production of yak is limited, and yak meat adulteration is a growing concern in the marketplace. To protect consumer rights and prevent unfair competition, it is necessary to use an efficient assay to identify the species of yak meat rapidly and accurately being sold. Methods. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) was used to identify potential adulterants. The specificity and sensitivity tests of yak-derived components were carried out to achieve the monitoring of yak-derived components. Results. The optimal color development was achieved with an external primer-to-internal primer ratio of 400 nmol/L : 1200 nmol/L, 1.5 mmol/L dNTP, and 0.32 U/μL Bst DNA polymerase with 5 mmol/L MgSO4 at 62°C amplification temperature. The detection sensitivity of LAMP-HNB for yak-derived DNA was up to 1 pg/μL. Conclusion. The LAMP-HNB assays provided a valuable tool for the identification of yak gene from adulterated meat. This further enabled the LAMP-HNB assay to be applicable in the identification of other meat products.
Effect of Steel Fiber Type and Curing Regimen on the Mechanical Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Naser Kadhim Z. , Lafta Yousif J. , Alhussein Thamer H.
Published: January 2024

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) can provide enhanced mechanical properties and durability compared to conventional concrete. RPC has been developed in this study using locally available materials. Six types of steel fibers and three curing regimens were considered to examine their effect on the mechanical properties of RPC. Steel fibers were incorporated by 1% and 2% of the total volume of mixtures. Generally, the experimental results showed that 1% steel fibers enhanced the compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths by 23.6%, 65.1%, and 72.7%, respectively, compared to control mixtures (no fibers). On the other hand, the 2% of fibers improved the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths by 39.2 %, 155.0%, and 191.7%, respectively. The curing regimen, which consisted of 2 days at 60°C and 3 days at 90°C, followed by 21 days of moist curing at 21°C, indicated the ultimate enhancement of the mechanical properties of RPC. Also, hooked fibers appeared to enhance flexural strength and tensile strength compared to other types of fibers.
Molecular Prevalence and Phylogeny of Tick‐Borne Viruses in Meat and Dairy Products in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Seo Yeeun , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Wang Zhaoqi , Yeo Daseul , Jung Soontag , Woo Seoyoung , Zhang Yuan , Rhee Min Suk , Choi Changsun
Published: January 2024

Tick‐borne virus detection in livestock and slaughterhouse animals has recently surged in the United States and Europe. Although cases of patients with tick‐borne illnesses have been reported in Korea, food contamination from tick‐borne viruses has yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study investigated severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) prevalence in meat and dairy products. A total of 628 products were collected from a Korean retail market during 2021–2022, including 195 beef, 130 goats, 90 lambs, 61 pork, 50 chicken, and 38 commercial cheese samples. In addition, 64 raw cow milk samples were collected from a ranch in Anseong‐si, Gyeonggi‐do, from 2021 to 2022. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nPCR), virus cultivation, and sequence analysis were conducted. SFTSV was detected in 1.53% (3/195) beef and 0.76% (1/130) goat meat samples with a low Ct value titer from 33.18 to 38.60. In contrast, SFTSV was neither detected in lamb, pork, chicken, raw milk, or cheese samples nor were TBEV and CCHFV detected in any of the tested samples. Although no existing cases or studies have indicated SFTSV transmittance through food, this study confirmed SFTSV genotype B RNA in SFTSV‐positive meat samples. Therefore, monitoring for and evaluating SFTSV‐contaminated meat products must be investigated in future studies.
Spectrum of Beta-Thalassemia Mutations in Potential Carriers with Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia from Mazandaran and Golestan, Northern Provinces of Iran
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Saeed , Karami Hossein , Tamadoni Ahmad , Mahmoudi Hassan , Shekarriz Ramin , Siami Rita , Hashemi-Soteh Mohammad Bagher
Published: January 2024

Introduction. β-Thalassaemia is the most common genetic disorder and is considered as a major public health concern in Iran. Different countrywide studies have shown a heterogeneous mutational basis of β-thalassaemia with different frequencies in each area. This study is aimed at investigating the common and rare mutations in Mazandaran and Golestan, northern provinces of Iran. Methods. 5425 microcytic and hypochromic individuals were investigated from Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. From these, 1323 beta carrier or affected individuals were selected where 938 persons were from Mazandaran and 385 people were from Golestan province, respectively. Result. 53 different mutations were identified, IVSII-1 (G>A) was the most common (59.14%) followed by Cd 22/23/24 (-7 bp) (5.34%), Cd 8 (-AA) (4.93%), Cd30 (G>A) (4.00%), and IVSI-5 (G>C) (3.70%) with a total of 77.11% in Mazandaran Province, respectively. In Golestan Province, IVSI-5 (G>C) was the most frequent (44.62%) followed by IVSII-1 (G>A) (27.18%), Cd 15 (TGG>TAG) (4.36%), Fr 8/9(+G) (3.85%), and Cd 8(-AA) (2.05%) with a total of 82.06%, respectively. From the 53 different mutations, 22 numbers have been observed in both provinces. Two deletions of the beta gene named Sicilian and Asian-Indian have been detected in Mazandaran with a frequency of 0.72% each. Conclusion. The 53 different mutations identified in this study were the most ever reported mutations in the country. Due to diversity of different ethnic groups, there are many varieties of mutation in beta globin gene in Iran. It could be assumed that both founder effect and natural selection caused by migration from neighboring areas have complemented each other to produce the high frequency of unique alleles within each region.