bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
#323 : Prednisone Distinctively Suppresses Cytotoxic, Regulatory and Pro-Inflammatory Uterine Immune Cells in Women with Reproductive Failure
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Lu , Cheung Wing Ching , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Chi Chiu , Chung Pui Wah
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The use of immunosuppressive corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone is of great interest in improving pregnancy outcomes for women with reproductive failure. However, the impact of prednisone on endometrial immune cells remains unclear, and there is controversy over its therapeutic benefits. Our study aims to compare the changes in the levels of cytotoxic, regulatory, and pro-inflammatory endometrial immune cells during the window of implantation before and after the treatment with prednisone.

Method: Endometrium samples were collected from 22 women with repeated implantation or recurrent miscarriage on the day of LH surge plus 7. The endometrium samples were simultaneously stained with a panel of antibodies to identify various types of endometrial immune cells, including cytotoxic CD3−CD56+CD16+ uNK cells and CD3+CD56+ NK-like T cells, regulatory CD3−CD56+CD16− uNK cells, pro-inflammatory CD16+CD68+ macrophages, and CD3+ pan-T cells. The differences in these immune cell populations before and after oral prednisone treatment (10 mg/day from the first day of their menstrual cycle until the day of biopsy) were compared.

Results: Prednisone significantly decreased the density of cytotoxic CD3+CD56+NK-like T cells (0.09±0.03% vs. 0.04±0.02%, P=0.04), regulatory CD3−CD56+CD16− uNK cells (3.20± 1.52% vs. 1.60± 0.75%, P=0.02) and pro-inflammatory CD16+CD68+ macrophages (0.2± 0.07% vs. 0.07± 0.02%, P=0.03). However, there was no significant fluctuation in cytotoxic CD3−CD56+CD16+ uNK cells (0.08± 0.02% vs. 0.05± 0.03%, P=0.15) and pan-T cells (0.91± 0.56% vs. 0.83± 0.55%, P=0.58).

Conclusion: The treatment with prednisone can reduce the levels of certain types of immune cells in the endometrium, specifically cytotoxic NK-like T cells, regulatory uNK cells, and pro-inflammatory macrophages. This selective suppression of endometrial immune cells by prednisone suggests that it may be possible to identify and target specific immune cells for more precise treatments in future clinical trials.
#359 : Impact of Genitourinary Prolapse on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Women at Their Midlife
Authors: Munira Sirajam , Jahan Muna Shalima , Islam Md. Foyjul
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting women during their midlife, leading to various symptoms and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the association of POP severity with QoL and sexual function in women at their midlife, with the objective of providing valuable insights for comprehensive care and effective management of POP.

Method: A cross-sectional study included 130 symptomatic GUP women aged 40-60 years from Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. Group 1 (85 women) had stage 1 GUP, while the remaining were in group 2. Face-to-face interviews and POP-Q staging were conducted, followed by statistical analysis using Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests to examine the association of GUP severity with QoL and sexual function between the groups.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.24 years (SD=5.5). The majority of the respondents were above 50 years of age (56%), and 65.38% of the study population were in group 2. One-third of the respondents (35.38%) had stage III GUP whereas only 4.62% were in stage IV. The frequency of urinary symptoms was most commonly occurring (70%) where dribbling of urine was least frequent (38%). Sexual and bowel symptoms were correlated with advanced stage of disease where urinary symptoms were not associated with GUP severity. Sexual dysfunction symptoms were positively associated with uterine descent. Regarding quality of life, all nine domains of QoL scores had positive correlation with severity of GUP.

Conclusion: This study reveals the correlation between POP and urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms. Clinicians should assess these symptoms for comprehensive care, and further research is required to determine effective treatment options for women with POP.
#279 : The Relationship Between Maternal Age and the Chromosomal Status of the Embryo
Authors: Kurniawan Riyan Hari , Muharam Raden , Widyahening Indah Suci , Iffanolida Pritta Ameilia , Wiweko Budi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Maternal age is one of the success factors of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Specifically, advanced maternal age (AMA; defined as [Formula: see text]35 years) shows just a negligible impact upon fertilization rate and a mild impact upon embryo development to the blastocyst stage, but results in a dramatic impact upon blastocyst aneuploidy rate. This is also associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian stimulation so that the number of oocytes and embryos produced from an older maternal age becomes less and the implantation rate decreases. However, the high incidence of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities in young women does not exclusively prove that maternal age is related to the quality of the resulting embryos. This study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal age and the chromosomal status of the embryo.

Method: This cross-sectional research was done on 30 embryos from 12 patients aged 28-40 years old who underwent an IVF program in three clinics. Embryos were cultured until blastocyst stage. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was done after blastocyst biopsy on day 5 or 6, and chromosomal analysis was done using the next generation testing (NGS) method. Then the relationship between maternal age with embryo chromosomal status was analysed.

Results: There is no difference in subjects’ characteristics between the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups (p>0.05). There is no significant difference in maternal age of the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups. (With p=0.690).

Conclusion: Maternal age has no relationship with embryo chromosomal status. There is no specific pattern in the relationship between age and chromosomal status, except in the age range of 36 to 40 years, it is found that increasing age increases the number of aneuploid embryos and decreases the number of euploid embryos.
#82 : Does Apoptotic Body Impair Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Rosli Nur Ilanah , Khir Najwa Safuhah Mohamad , Khalid Nurul Izzah Ab , Kadir Nursyuhada Akma Abdul , Zain Murizah Mohd.
Published: January 2024

Background: Morphologically suboptimal blastocyst is often associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes. Apoptotic body is one of the abnormal findings in blastocysts characterised by cellular shrinkage and a darker appearance. The presence of apoptotic bodies may be suggestive of ongoing cellular degeneration. Cellular degeneration in the blastocyst is part of its self-corrective mechanism. The degenerated cells will deplete through the phagocytosis process.

Aims: This is a retrospective study that aims to analyse whether the presence of apoptotic body has a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Method: We compare the outcome of the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle of blastocysts with apoptotic body and without it as a control. We further divide the cases into single blastocyst transfer and double blastocyst transfer. The data was collected from Vistana Fertility Centre from January to December 2022.

Results:

Conclusion: Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the study group and the control group. Hence, the presence of dead cells did not negatively impact the pregnancy outcomes.
#170 : Case Report: Live Birth Following Frozen Embryo Transfer of a Day 7 Euploid Blastocyst Derived from Vitrified-Warmed Oocytes with Delayed Maturation
Authors: Chok Siow Shein , Lim Mei Wei , Tan Chong Seong , Lee Colin Soon Soo
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: A 35-year-old patient with secondary infertility underwent oocyte freezing at Alpha IVF in January 2021. She had 13 oocytes retrieved, of which, only 3 were mature and vitrified on Day 0 (Day0-MII) while the remaining 10 immature oocytes were left to mature overnight. On the following day, 8 mature oocytes (Day1-MII) were vitrified. This case report describes a live birth following frozen embryo transfer (FET) of a Day 7 euploid blastocyst derived from vitrified-warmed Day1-MII oocytes.

Method: All of the patient’s MII oocytes were vitrified and warmed using Cryotec method (Cryotech, Japan). The oocytes were inseminated using PIEZO-ICSI (Japan) and were cultured up to 7 days. Usable blastocysts (with at least a Gardner’s score of BB) had their trophectoderm biopsied and subsequently vitrified. Biopsied cells were subjected to preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy (PGT-A) using next generation sequencing (Ion Torrent, USA). Finally, a euploid blastocyst was warmed and transferred.

Results: Of the 11 vitrified MII oocytes, 10 survived post-warmed and 7 fertilized post-insemination: 2 from Day0-MII oocytes; 5 from Day1-MII oocytes. After 7 days of culture, none of the vitrified-warmed Day0-MII oocytes became usable blastocysts. Out of the 5 fertilised Day1-MII oocytes, 2 developed into usable blastocysts (1 day 6 blastocyst; 1 day 7 blastocyst) and were subjected to PGT-A and vitrification. Of the 2 blastocysts analysed, only the day 7 blastocyst was a euploid. Subsequently, this blastocyst was warmed and transferred in June 2022 which led to a clinical pregnancy. In February 2023, the patient underwent an uneventful delivery at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Conclusion: This case report demonstrated that a day 7 blastocyst derived from vitrified-warmed Day1-MII oocytes can result in a healthy live birth. We advocate that the salvaging of immature oocytes on Day 0 should be practiced.
#171 : Efficacy of Kidscore in Predicting Ongoing Pregnancy Rate and Miscarriage Rate
Authors: Tee Zhi Qing , Ng Jene Enn , Lee Colin Soon Soo
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: EmbryoScope+ scoring (KIDScore TM) has been shown to improve embryo selection based on morphology and morphokinetics assessment. Prediction of clinical pregnancy rates based on KIDScoreTM achieved different outcomes across IVF clinics. This study aims to assess the efficacy of KIDScoreTM in predicting clinical outcomes for single euploid blastocyst transfer in Alpha IVF.

Method: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical outcomes of 349 patients (mean age 33.9) undergoing frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer from August 2020 to September 2022. All blastocysts were annotated with a KIDScoreTM value prior to biopsy and further categorized into 9 groups (1.0-1.9, 2.0-2.9, 3.0-3.9, 4.0-4.9, 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9, 8.0-8.9, 9.0-9.9). Clinical pregnancy and number of gestational sacs were determined by ultrasound. Logistic regression was used to calculate the coefficient of determination (R2).

Results: Out of 349 single euploid blastocyst transfer, 251(72%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Coefficient of determination from the regression model showed that the clinical pregnancy rate was weakly correlated with KIDScoreTM value (R2=0.2851). 64.96% of the rising trend in the ongoing pregnancy rate can be correlated with KIDScoreTM value. The data also showed a declining trend in miscarriage rate as the KIDScoreTM value increased, of which 77.82% of the events can be predicted accurately by KIDScoreTM value.

Conclusion: KIDScoreTM value appears to be a good predictor for ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. However, we are cautious in making this statement as most of the selected blastocysts for transfer are from a higher KIDScoreTM group. Assessment on the efficacy of KIDScoreTM in predicting clinical outcomes can be conducted with further blastocysts’ classification. (251 words)
#273 : Comparative Analysis of Pregnancy Predictive Potential Using the Deep Learning Blastocyst Scoring Model Calculated from the Single Focus Blastocyst Image and Time-Lapse Image Sequences
Authors: Shioya Masashi , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Nakano Shun , Sugiura Tomoharu , Okabe-Kinoshita Miki , Fujita Maki , Takahashi Keiichi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Artificial Intelligence (AI) based embryo evaluation may objective and reduce inter-observer disagreement. Most commercially available AI models use blastocyst morphokinetics from time-lapse monitoring (TLM). Lifewhisperer (LW, FUJIFILM) is an AI-scoring model that uses a single-focus blastocyst image at a single-time point. LW may be more acceptable to many facilities than the TLM model as it does not require a time-lapse incubator. This study analyzed the predictive ability of LW for pregnant embryos and compared it to an AI model based on morphokinetics (iDAscore, Vitrolife) to assess their usefulness.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study analyzed 666 vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles from January 2019 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were blastocysts that developed within 5 days from insemination (maximum 120 h) using EmbryoScope+ (Vitrolife), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle, and a single-blastocyst transfer cycle. LW score (1.0–9.9) was calculated from single-focus blastocyst images taken before vitrification, while iDAScore (1.0–9.9) was calculated from time-lapse image sequences taken at 11 focal every 10 min after ICSI. We calculated the odds ratio for pregnancy and ROC analysis to compare these models.

Results: The mean score was higher in pregnant blastocysts than in non-pregnant blastocysts in both models (LW: 7.47 vs. 6.72, p<0.01; iDAScore: 8.50 vs. 8.04, p<0.01, Willcoxon-test). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for pregnancy was 1.19 (1.10–1.28) for LW and 1.48 (1.27–1.74) for iDAScore, with the odds for clinical pregnancy increasing with higher scores (p<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values were 0.60 for LW and 0.62 for iDAScore. There was no significant difference in the predictive ability for pregnant blastocysts (p=0.51).

Conclusions: LW allowed objective score calculation from a single focus at single time point blastocyst images without TLM. Moreover, in day 5 blastocyst, LW and iDAscore had comparable predictive pregnancy ability.
#60 : Is the Imbalance of Gender Ratio (GR) in IVF/ICSI Cycles Being Affected by the Current Blastocyst Selection Criteria?
Authors: Teng Zhi Xuan
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Studies have reported a GR skewed towards male offspring in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field due to the current blastocyst selection criteria. Male blastocysts have been observed to develop faster and with better grading than female blastocysts. Thus, more male blastocysts are chosen for being transferred. However, the underlying mechanism to cause the GR shift is still controversial. This study is aimed to investigate the preconception factors which may affect gender distribution.

Method: In this single-centered retrospective cohort study from 2020 to 2022, a total of 1100 (Day 5: 439, Day 6: 661) blastocysts were biopsied. Blastocyst gender and chromosomal abnormalities were identified using next-generation sequencing-based pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Blastocysts were categorized into: euploid, mosaic (25-80% mosaicism) and aneuploid. Pearson chi-square test was performed to analyze the GR and ploidy status between the genders.

Results: Overall, the gender distribution skewed significantly towards female (54% vs 46%, p<0.05). However, male blastocysts possessed higher euploid rate than female blastocysts (39% vs 33%, p<0.05). No significant difference was shown in mosaic and aneuploidy rate between males and females (33% vs 36%, 28% vs 31%, p>0.05). Furthermore, the male-to-female ratio was not significant between day 5 and 6 blastocysts (1:1.23 vs 1:1.74, p>0.05), indicating a similar developmental speed between the genders.

Conclusion: Among all the blastocysts analyzed, the GR is biased towards females, but higher euploid rate was observed in male than female blastocysts. Therefore, our results indicate that the imbalanced GR in favor of male offspring using ART may be correlated to the chromosomal issue, rather than blastocyst selection criteria. However, studies on intrapartum factors are necessary to further investigate the underlying mechanism to cause gender shift in ART.
#277 : Transcriptome Analysis Revealed a Delayed and Attenuated Estrogen Response in IUA Patients
Authors: Guo Qi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the endometrium following a variety of insults such as endometrial damage, miscarriage, and infection. Despite current management with intrauterine adhesion separation and adjuvant therapies such as estrogen supplementation, a high recurrence rate and inadequate therapeutic response persist in some patients. More importantly, compromised endometrial proliferation in these patients lead to subsequent infertility. However, effective therapies to improve the impaired response to estrogen have yet to be identified. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis for the adverse estrogen response in IUA patients and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Method: Whole-Transcriptome sequencing: proliferative endometrium of normal and IUA patients.

Results: By performing differential and enrichment analysis of transcriptomic data, we observed a considerable downregulation of estrogen-relatedgenesets in IUA patients. The expression of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) serves as a hallmark of transcriptional activation. By identifying eRNAs in transcriptomic data and co-analyzing with ERa ChIPseq and H3K27ac ChIPseq datasets, we identified a series of downregulated eRNAs, which is mediated by estrogen. We further confirmed the downregulation of eRNAs and target genes. Interestingly, the expression of ESR1 is similar in both groups, we performed immunofluorescence analysis and demonstrated a considerable reduction of ERa-positive cells with a loss of nuclear localization in IUA. This finding provides further evidence of the insensitivity of IUA patients to estrogen and suggests a loss of estrogen genomic effects. Furthermore, we found that prolonging estrogen exposure time and increasing estrogen concentration partially enhanced estrogen effects in IUA patients, yet remained compromised, indicating the need for alternative therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion: The compromised response to estrogen in IUA patients is attributed to the attenuation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa)-mediated genomic effect.
#376 : Septoplasty: Breaking the Divide. Management of Septate Uterus Presenting with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Cagalawan Ricca Mae
Published: January 2024

Objective: To address Septate Uterus causing Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) with Septoplasty by creating an adequate adhesion-free uterine cavity.

Methods: A 44-year old G4P0(0040) with recurrent pregnancy losses with 2 previous curettages after an abortion consulted. 3D ultrasound showed a uterus with a symmetrical septum extending up to the level of the isthmus with internal indentation of 2.04 cm. Hysteroscopic Septoplasty was done using a Bipolar Colin’s Electrode, resecting the septum in anterograde movement in the median plane of the septum. High dose estrogen was given for 8 weeks for faster re-epithelization. Second look hysteroscopy and 3D ultrasound after two menstrual cycles.

Results: Post-operatively, the procedure and hormonal regimen were well-tolerated. The second look hysteroscopy revealed a small remnant of the septum and no adhesions present while the repeat 3D scan showed a 45% reduction of the internal indentation at 1.12 cm.

Conclusion: In cases of Recurrent Pregnancy loss due to a septate uterus, it is reasonable to perform a Septoplasty with post-operative hormonal therapy to ensure sufficient intrauterine space and faster endometrial recovery to facilitate implantation and delivery at a viable age of gestation. A Second look Hysteroscopy is recommended to evaluate the procedure.
#83 : Human Sperm Cryo-Survival Rate
Authors: Saballa Cherrylyn , Spry Tyne , Jessop Linda , McArthur Steven
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Sperm cryopreservation plays an important role in the suite of services available to fertility patients. The ability to preserve the motility and viability of human spermatozoa is a key component in delivering successful assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. Cryopreservation methods expose sperm to stress, resulting in cellular damage which consequently leads to a reduction in their survival rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the average cryo-survival rate of semen samples frozen in a clinical setting, to help improve and manage patient expectations prior to accessing this service.

Method: Pre and post sperm freeze data from patients who presented at the Genea Sydney clinic for sperm cryopreservation between 2017 and 2022 was analysed. The post-thaw survival rate for 1467 specimens was assessed by averaging the total post-thaw motility with total pre-freeze motility. Only ejaculated samples, frozen on-site, who had a raw motility calculated as well as a post-thaw motility analysis able to be performed were included in the study.

Results: The range of post-thaw survival was 57% to 67% per annum over the six years of examined data, with an overall cryo-survival rate of 62%.

Conclusions: The data shows a consistent recovery rate of post-thaw sperm motility over the time period analysed. Literature indicates average sperm cryo-survival rates range from 30% to 50%, and previous advice to patients has been to expect around 50% sperm survival. With this new data, Genea can revise its guidance to match the current average figure of around 60%. In addition, future internal freeze optimisation studies can use this figure as a benchmark to improve upon techniques and processes.
#202 : Adverse Effect on Pregnancy Outcome of Oocyte Preservation in Women with Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: Huang Yung-Ling , Hu Yu-Ming , Lin Ching-Mei , Chang Wei-Fang , Tan Shun-Jen , Lee Yi-Xuan , Wang Ruey-Sheng , Ho Yen-Ping , Lin Shyr-Yeu , Tzeng Chii-Ruey
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: For women facing inevitable fertility decline, oocyte freezing is an effective method for fertility preservation. However, few studies discussed the pregnancy potential from autologous freezing oocytes. Thus, this study characterizes the realistic outcomes of advanced maternal age patients who underwent oocyte thawing.

Method: In this retrospective cohort study, the selected 694 patients underwent oocyte freezing cycles (n=1,163) and oocyte thawing cycles (n=218) from Mar 2020 to Mar 2022 at our fertility center. All oocytes thaw cycles from Mar 2020 to Mar 2022 at TFC clinic, including social egg freezing (SEF) and egg collection (EC). Parameters for IVF laboratory outcome and pregnancy outcome were recorded, and statistics were analyzed with Chi-square.

Results: Those patients who underwent egg freezing at average age for 40.2 years old, and 49.7% were over 37 years old. Secondly, the survival rate of oocyte thawing was 94.9% in patients under 38 years old, 93.7% were 38-40 years old, and 91.4% for patients over 41 years old. For patients under 38 years old, 72.2% of were conceived for thawing cycle. For advanced maternal age groups, 46.7% for patients in 38-40 years old group, and only 23.3% of patients over 41 years old were conceived. The live birth rate declines as the age increases, which were 55.6%, 33.3%, and 7.1% in different age groups.

Conclusion: In this study, we found the survival rate of oocytes and blastulation of embryo showed no significant difference between different age groups. Clinical pregnancy outcome demonstrated a dramatic decline in patients aged over 41 years old compared with other groups. Therefore, these data suggested that oocyte collection strategy is more suitable for patients who are under 41 years old.
#223 : Changes in Sperm Parameters in Semen Samples Collected on Procedural Day in Comparison to Semen Samples Collected for Routine Semen Analysis
Authors: Lee Su Xizn , Chee Fam May , Tee Sze Tian
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Semen Analysis is the initial step in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) to help clinician decide the type of procedure such as Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI), Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) or In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). The few main sperm parameters analysed were concentration, motility and the total sperm count. In this study, we aim to compare the sperm parameters during the routine sperm analysis with that of during the day of procedure.

Method: This study involved 110 patients from TMC Fertility Ipoh from year 2017 to 2023. Routine semen analysis was performed for all patients during their initial consultation, prior to ART procedure. Sperm parameters during the routine semen analysis were recorded and compiled under Group A. The same group of patients came back for their ART treatment within 1-3 months after the first semen analysis. Sperm parameters recorded on the procedural day were then compiled under Group B. The parameters involved in this observation are sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count. The p-value of these parameters were calculated using T-test with two dependent means significant at p<0.05.

Results: The result shows significant difference in the total sperm count parameter (120.67±94.80 × 106 vs 106.81±98.62 × 106, p=0.041) between Group A and Group B. However, motility (56.91±14.78% vs 55.62±13.66%, p=0.414) and concentration (47.83±33.03 × 106/mL vs 44.42±32.48 × 106/mL, p=0.140) showed no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the duration of abstinence and sperm morphology.

Conclusion: Based on the data, it was shown that the total sperm count was higher in Group A compared to Group B. This is hypothesised that there might be stress faced by the patient on the day of procedure. However, a larger study is required to verify the statement as there are many other factors contributing to fluctuating sperm parameters.
#373 : Demographic, Clinical Profiles and Semen Parameters of Men Seen for Baseline Semen Analysis at a Fertility Center in Davao City, Philippines — A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ibonia Kristine Andrea , Cabling Maria Lourdes
Published: January 2024

Infertility is a worldwide problem that affects 13-15% of couples. Approximately 15% reproductive age couples experience infertility, with some attributed to male factors. Males are found to be solely responsible for 20-30% of infertility cases and contribute to 50% of cases overall. In male population, the most popular screening test is the semen analysis. This study was conducted to determine the association between demographic and clinical profile on semen parameters among males seen at a local fertility center in Davao City, Philippines.

A 10-year retrospective descriptive study design with 399 randomly selected males who underwent baseline semen analysis were included in the study.

Most of the respondents were married. 16% of the respondents had medical illnesses, with hypertension being the most common. Only 2 had urogenital surgery and 26 with long-term medication use. The majority had normal sperm concentration. Sperm motility among cases was desirable where majority had [Formula: see text]40%. The problem was seen on morphology where only 19% had normal result. Inferential analysis confirmed that most married men had higher percentage of mild oligozoospermia, abnormally low motility and normal sperm morphology. Males >30 years have higher percentage of normal sperm concentration and surprisingly, those [Formula: see text]30 years old had higher percentage of severe oligozoospermia. Moreover, most men [Formula: see text]30 years old had <40% sperm motility and those ages >30 years old presented a higher percentage of normal motility. History of smoking was significantly associated with sperm morphology where those who had history of smoking had [Formula: see text]4% sperm morphology. In the association of clinical profiles and semen parameters, data showed that medical illness was not associated with semen parameters. The history of urogenital surgery and long-term medication use were also not significantly related to semen parameters respectively.

In conclusion, marital status, age and history of smoking are significantly correlated with semen parameters.
#187 : The Correlation Between Insulin Resistance with Serum Androgens Levels in Lean Women With and Without PCOS
Authors: Riayati Oki , Pratama Gita , Muharam R , Hestiantoro Andon , Wiweko Budi , Muna Naylah , Ampri Irfan Arieqal Hatta , Ezekia Kevin , Kenyia Niken Rivie , Iffanolida Pritta Ameilia , Mutia Kresna , Rahmala Ririn
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction of multiple predisposing genetic variations and environmental factors. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia contribute to hyperandrogenism and impaired gonadotropin secretion by reducing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels and increasing testosterone bioavailability. However, this insulin resistance is not always present in PCOS patients, especially in lean PCOS patients. This study aims to determine whether insulin resistance correlates with serum androgens levels.

Method: We collected 25 samples from lean women with PCOS, and 25 samples from lean women without PCOS. Peripheral whole blood samples will be taken from all samples. Data collected include Anthropometric data, Hormonal profile (using ELISA method), and HOMA-IR value.

Results: The result showed that median(min-max) ages for patients was 25(17-34) years. In lean women with PCOS, there was a positive relationship between HOMA-IR with FAI (p=0.017, r=0.472) and negative relationship with SHBG (p=0.001, r=-0.610). Also, in lean women without PCOS, there were no correlation between HOMA-IR with FAI, and HOMA-IR with SHBG (p>0.05)

Conclusion: This study shows that there was a correlation between insulin resistance and some serum androgens in lean women with PCOS, but there was no correlation between HOMA-IR with FAI, and HOMA-IR with SHBG in lean women without PCOS. Therefore, the results of this study are hoped to explain the correlation of insulin resistance with serum androgens in lean PCOS patients and can be the basis for further research to find the right solution for the treatment of PCOS patients.
An End-to-end High-performance Deduplication Scheme for Docker Registries and Docker Container Storage Systems
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Lin Muhui , Albahar Hadeel , Paul Arnab K. , Huan Zhijie , Abraham Subil , Chen Keren , Tarasov Vasily , Skourtis Dimitrios , Anwar Ali , Butt Ali
Published: January 2024

The wide adoption of Docker containers for supporting agile and elastic enterprise applications has led to a broad proliferation of container images. The associated storage performance and capacity requirements place a high pressure on the infrastructure of
container registries
that store and distribute images and
container storage systems
on the Docker client side that manage image layers and store ephemeral data generated at container runtime. The storage demand is worsened by the large amount of duplicate data in images. Moreover, container storage systems that use Copy-on-Write (CoW) file systems as storage drivers exacerbate the redundancy. Exploiting the high file redundancy in real-world images is a promising approach to drastically reduce the growing storage requirements of container registries and improve the space efficiency of container storage systems. However, existing deduplication techniques significantly degrade the performance of both registries and container storage systems because of data reconstruction overhead as well as the deduplication cost.

We propose DupHunter, an end-to-end deduplication scheme that deduplicates layers for both Docker registries and container storage systems while maintaining a high image distribution speed and container I/O performance. DupHunter is divided into three tiers: registry tier, middle tier, and client tier. Specifically, we first build a high-performance deduplication engine at the registry tier that not only natively deduplicates layers for space savings but also reduces layer restore overhead. Then, we use deduplication offloading at the middle tier to eliminate the redundant files from the client tier and avoid bringing deduplication overhead to the clients. To further reduce the data duplicates caused by CoWs and improve the container I/O performance, we utilize a container-aware storage system at the client tier that reserves space for each container and arranges the placement of files and their modifications on the disk to preserve locality. Under real workloads, DupHunter reduces storage space by up to 6.9× and reduces the
GET
layer latency up to 2.8× compared to the state-of-the-art. Moreover, DupHunter can improve the container I/O performance by up to 93% for reads and 64% for writes.
Atomic Layer Deposition Titanium Oxide Coating for C-Rate Improvement of Li-Ion Cathodes
Authors: Olkhovskii D. , Ivanova D. , Chernyavsky V. , Vishniakov P. , Nazarov D. , Ezhov I. , Yafarova L. , Peng S. , Maximov M.
Published: January 2024

Today, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most widespread technology for electric energy storage. However, the technology requires further improvement, and one of the directions is atomic layer deposition protective coating creation on LIBs electrodes. The titanium oxide thin films influence on the NCM111 cathode electrochemical characteristics as a function of coating synthesis temperature and thickness was studied in this work. Separately, the Solef5130 binder heat treatment effect was studied using thermogravimetry with differential scanning calorimetry. The presence of titanium and its crystallinity degree on the cathode surface were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Cathode’s C-rates were studied depending on discharge current, voltage and the number of charge-discharge cycles. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were used to analyze the possible additional electrochemical reactions and coating influence on the resistance. As a result, cathodes with atomic layer deposition titanium oxide layers demonstrate cyclic stability and increased capacity retention (up to about 20%) with increasing discharge current (1C), and the coating synthesis temperature on the cathode surface plays a significant role in the final batteries capacity performance.
Exploring Residents’ Healthcare Utilization under the Family Physician Contract Service System in China: Implications for Primary Healthcare
Authors: Jing Rize , Zhang Haonan , Hu Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Chinese government promoted a family physician contract service system in order to establish a tiered healthcare system in June 2016, but there was little evidence to assess the policy performance. This study aimed to examine the association of family physician contract services with the healthcare utilization of community residents in urban China. A cross‐sectional face‐to‐face survey was conducted from July to September, 2019, in four advanced and exemplary cities for family physician contract services in China. A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted to recruit residents aged 18 and above, and a total of 1508 participants were included in this study. The count model and logit regression were adopted to examine the associations between family physician contract service and healthcare utilization, and the potential bias was addressed using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. There was an increase in number of monthly primary care visits and annual referrals for contracted residents compared to noncontracted residents. Participants who had contracted with a family physician were more likely to choose a primary healthcare facility after illness than those who had not. However, no significant change was found in the number of annual hospital admissions between contracted and noncontracted residents. Family physician contract services may effectively strengthen the use of primary care facilities by community residents and promote the formation of a tiered healthcare system in China.
Realist Evaluation Comparison of Dementia‐Friendly Communities in England and the Netherlands
Authors: Chadborn Neil H. , Thijssen Marjolein , Logan Pip , Radford Kathryn , Graff Maud
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Dementia‐friendly communities coordinate activities and events which offer social inclusion and participation of people with dementia. Initiatives can include memory cafés, sports, and tourist and heritage visits. This study explored how dementia‐friendly initiatives are developed and sustained in England, drawing comparisons with an equivalent case study in the Netherlands. Methods. We present a case study of dementia‐friendly initiatives, in one city in England. Selection of this case study was done on the basis of being a leading dementia‐friendly community. We interviewed a variety of stakeholders, including people with dementia and their care partners, volunteers, and staff. Semistructured interviews were recorded, and transcripts were analysed using qualitative analysis software using a realist evaluation interpretation. Realist theories described within this English case study were compared with those described within the Dutch case studies. Findings. Five context mechanism outcome configurations were described. The Dementia Action Alliance for the city was a coordinator of initiatives and provided funding and resources. The alliance facilitated advocates to partner with organisations with a shared commitment to plan activities. On the level of individual interactions, staff or volunteers were involved in communicating with local community members, which may lead to improvement in awareness. Initiatives had various ways to listen and incorporate the views of people with dementia. The five mechanisms identified within the English case study resonated with the mechanisms identified within the larger Dutch case study, with differences in contexts due to local policies and practices. Conclusion. Strategic coordination is an important factor for development and sustainability. The national policy in England has set the pattern for local structures, while the Dutch approach is “bottom‐up” with local leadership. Community advocates and public support were important factors in the development of dementia‐friendly initiatives in both countries.
Supplementary Table 3 from Neoadjuvant Selicrelumab, an Agonist CD40 Antibody, Induces Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Byrne Katelyn T. , Betts Courtney B. , Mick Rosemarie , Sivagnanam Shamilene , Bajor David L. , Laheru Daniel A. , Chiorean E. Gabriela , O'Hara Mark H. , Liudahl Shannon M. , Newcomb Craig , Alanio Cécile , Ferreira Ana P. , Park Byung S. , Ohtani Takuya , Huffman Austin P. , Väyrynen Sara A. , Dias Costa Andressa , Kaiser Judith C. , Lacroix Andreanne M. , Redlinger Colleen , Stern Martin , Nowak Jonathan A. , Wherry E. John , Cheever Martin A. , Wolpin Brian M. , Furth Emma E. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Coussens Lisa M. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: January 2024

Table S3 provides details of the ROIs presented in Figure 3B-C and the cell population densities within the ROIs.
Mechanistic Modeling of Intrathecal Chemotherapy Pharmacokinetics in the Human Central Nervous System
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Andrew , Kim Seongho
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

The pharmacokinetics of intrathecally administered antibody or small-molecule drugs in the human central nervous system (CNS) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to provide mechanistic and quantitative perspectives on the CNS pharmacokinetics of intrathecal chemotherapy, by using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approach.

Experimental Design:

A novel CNS PBPK model platform was developed and verified, which accounted for the human CNS general anatomy and physiologic processes governing drug distribution and disposition. The model was used to predict CNS pharmacokinetics of antibody (trastuzumab) and small-molecule drugs (methotrexate, abemaciclib, tucatinib) following intraventricular injection or intraventricular 24-hour infusion, and to assess the key determinants of drug penetration into the deep brain parenchyma.

Results:

Intraventricularly administered antibody and small-molecule drugs exhibited distinct temporal and spatial distribution and disposition in human CNS. Both antibody and small-molecule drugs achieved supratherapeutic or therapeutic concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartments and adjacent brain tissue. While intrathecal small-molecule drugs penetrated the deep brain parenchyma to a negligible extent, intrathecal antibodies may achieve therapeutic concentrations in the deep brain parenchyma. Intraventricular 24-hour infusion enabled prolonged CNS exposure to therapeutically relevant concentrations while avoiding excessively high and potentially neurotoxic drug concentrations.

Conclusions:

CNS PBPK modeling, in line with available clinical efficacy data, confirms the therapeutic value of intrathecal chemotherapy with antibody or small-molecule drugs for treating neoplastic meningitis and warrants further clinical investigation of intrathecal antibody drugs to treat brain parenchyma tumors. Compared with intraventricular injection, intraventricular 24-hour infusion may mitigate neurotoxicity while retaining potential efficacy.
Table S5 from The ncBAF Complex Regulates Transcription in AML Through H3K27ac Sensing by BRD9
Authors: Klein David C. , Lardo Santana M. , Hainer Sarah J.
Published: January 2024

Table S5. Normalized signal over Gencode V38 promoters for all ATAC-seq experiments.
Supplementary Figure 5 from The ncBAF Complex Regulates Transcription in AML Through H3K27ac Sensing by BRD9
Authors: Klein David C. , Lardo Santana M. , Hainer Sarah J.
Published: January 2024

ncBAF maintains accessible chromatin at TSSs through BRD9’s bromodomain
Efficacy of Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel (nab-PTX) Monotherapy Can Be Improved after Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Long-Term Follow-Up and Updated Analysis of Two Previous Prospective Clinical Studies
Authors: Nakashima Koki , Umeda Yukihiro , Demura Yoshiki , Sonoda Tomoaki , Tada Toshihiko , Yamaguchi Makiko , Anzai Masaki , Kadowaki Maiko , Oi Masahiro , Honjo Chisato , Mitsui Miho , Waseda Yuko , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Recent studies have suggested enhanced therapeutic effects of subsequent chemotherapy after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, highlighting the importance of subsequent treatment selection. Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) is commonly used in subsequent chemotherapies; however, its efficacy as a subsequent treatment after ICI treatment has not been reported. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of nab-PTX using two prospective studies that we previously reported. The first study evaluated the efficacy and safety of nab-PTX as a second-line treatment after the failure of the first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy, excluding ICI (study 1; n = 32), and the other as a subsequent treatment after failure of ICI treatment, regardless of treatment line (study 2; n = 29). Results: The objective response rate was significantly higher in study 2 {55.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.1–79.6)} than in study 1 (28.1% [95% CI: 13.7–46.7]) (p = 0.04). Although the disease control rate was slightly higher in study 2 (86.2% [95% CI: 65.9–97.0]) than in study 1 (71.9% [95% CI: 53.3–86.3]), there was no significant difference (p = 0.2). The median progression-free survival was significantly longer in study 2 than in study 1 (3.9 months [95% CI: 2.0–5.5] in study 1 vs. 5.6 months [95% CI: 3.0–12.8] in study 2; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.46 [95% CI: 0.27–0.81], p = 0.006). The median overall survival was slightly longer in study 2 despite the greater number of patients who received nab-PTX in late treatment line, but there was no significant difference between study 1 and study 2 (10.9 months [95% CI: 5.1–16.8] in study 1 vs. 11.9 months [95% CI: 7.6–24.8] in study 2; HR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.46–1.31], p = 0.34). Safety profiles did not differ between the patients in studies 1 and 2. Conclusion: Nab-PTX monotherapy may be an effective subsequent treatment option after ICI treatment.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Barrett’s Esophagus Elongation
Authors: Hashigami Kenta , Iwaya Yugo , Nagaya Tadanobu , Hara Daichi , Hirayama Atsuhiro , Okamura Takuma , Akamatsu Taiji , Umemura Takeji
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease that is a significant risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus. However, the relationship between eradication therapy and Barrett’s esophagus remains controversial. This study evaluated the impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the lengthening of Barrett’s esophagus. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who successfully underwent Helicobacter pylori eradication between 2004 and 2017. Endoscopic images obtained before and after eradication therapy were compared for Barrett’s esophagus length according to the Prague C&M criteria and the presence of reflux esophagitis based on the Los Angeles classification. Results: A total of 340 patients were analyzed (mean age: 66.9 ± 12.9 years) for a median follow-up of 55 months (interquartile range: 29.8–89.3). At the initial endoscopic assessment, 187 patients (55%) had a hiatal hernia, and all patients had gastric atrophy (C-0 to I: 2%, C-II to III: 47%, O-I to III: 51%). Reflux esophagitis was detected in 7 patients (2%) before eradication and in 21 patients (6%) afterward, which was a significant increase (p = 0.007). Barrett’s esophagus was identified in 69 patients (20%) before eradication, with a median length of C0M1. Elongation after treatment was observed in only 2 patients (0.6%). We observed no significant increase in either the prevalence (p = 0.85) or the median length (p = 0.5) of Barrett’s esophagus. Conclusions: Only 0.6% of patients exhibited Barrett’s esophagus lengthening after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, suggesting no significant impact of the treatment on the development or elongation of Barrett’s esophagus.