bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound modulates light responsiveness of mouse retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Zhuo Shun-Yi , Li Guo-Feng , Gong Hai-qing , Qiu Wei-Bao , Zheng Hai-Rong , Liang Pei-Ji
Published: June 2022

Objective. Ultrasound modulates the firing activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but the effects of lower-frequency, lower-intensity ultrasound on RGCs and underlying mechanism(s) remain poorly understood. This study aims to address these questions. Approach. Multi-electrode recordings were used in this study to record the firing sequences of RGCs in isolated mouse retinas. RGCs’ background firing activities as well as their light responses were recorded with or without ultrasound stimulation. Cross-correlation analyses were performed to investigate the possible cellular/circuitry mechanism(s) underlying ultrasound modulation. Main results. It was found that ultrasound stimulation of isolated mouse retina enhanced the background activity of ON-RGCs and OFF-RGCs. In addition, background ultrasound stimulation shortened the light response latency of both ON-RGCs and OFF-RGCs, while enhancing part of the RGCs’ (both ON- and OFF-subtypes) light response and decreasing that of the others. In some ON-OFF RGCs, the ON- and OFF-responses of an individual cell were oppositely modulated by the ultrasound stimulation, which suggests that ultrasound stimulation does not necessarily exert its effect directly on RGCs, but rather via its influence on other type(s) of cells. By analyzing the cross-correlation between the firing sequences of RGC pairs, it was found that concerted activity occurred during ultrasound stimulation differed from that occurred during light stimulation, in both spatial and temporal aspects. These results suggest that the cellular circuits involved in ultrasound- and light-induced concerted activities are different and glial cells may be involved in the circuit in response to ultrasound. Significance. These findings demonstrate that ultrasound affects neuronal background activity and light responsiveness, which are critical for visual information processing. These results may also imply a hitherto unrecognized role of glial cell activation in the bidirectional modulation effects of RGCs and may be critical for the nervous system.
Anthropogenic aerosol impacts on Pacific Coast precipitation in CMIP6 models
Authors: Allen Robert J , Zhao Xueying
Published: June 2022

Studies show anthropogenic aerosols (AAs) can perturb regional precipitation, including the tropical rain belt and monsoons of the Northern Hemisphere (NH). In the NH mid-latitudes, however, the impact of AAs on regional climate and precipitation remains uncertain. This work investigates the influence of AAs on wintertime precipitation along the North American Pacific Coast using models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). Over the early to mid-20th century, when U.S. and European AA and precursor gas emissions rapidly increased, a robust wintertime precipitation dipole pattern exists in CMIP6 all-forcing and AA-only forcing simulations, with wetting of the southern Pacific Coast (southward of ∼40∘ N) and drying to the north. A corresponding dynamical dipole pattern also occurs—including strengthening of the east Pacific jet southward of ∼40∘ N and weakening to the north—which is related to a Rossby wave teleconnection that emanates out of the tropical Pacific. Over the 21st century, when AAs are projected to decrease, an opposite hydro-dynamic dipole pattern occurs, including drying southward of 40∘ N (including California) and wetting to the north. Although Pacific Coast precipitation is dominated by natural variability, good multi-model agreement in the forced component of Pacific Coast precipitation change exists, with the AA pattern (north south dipole) dominating the greenhouse gas (uniform) pattern in the historical all-forcing simulations. A high level of agreement in individual model-realization trends also exists, particularly for the early part of the 20th century, suggesting a robustness to the human signature on Pacific Coast precipitation changes. Thus, historical precipitation responses along the Pacific Coast are likely to have been driven by a mixture of natural variability and forced changes. Natural variations appear to drive a large fraction of this change, but human influences (i.e. aerosols) are likely to have preconditioned the variability of the climate in this region.
Algebras defined by Lyndon words and Artin-Schelter regularity
Authors: Gateva-Ivanova Tatiana
Published: June 2022

LetX={x1,x2,⋯,xn}X= \{x_1, x_2, \cdots , x_n\}be a finite alphabet, and letKKbe a field. We study classesC(X,W)\mathfrak {C}(X, W)of gradedKK-algebrasA=K⟨X⟩/IA = K\langle X\rangle / I, generated byXXand witha fixed set of obstructionsWW. Initially we do not impose restrictions onWWand investigate the case when the algebras inC(X,W)\mathfrak {C} (X, W)have polynomial growth and finite global dimensiondd. Next we consider classesC(X,W)\mathfrak {C} (X, W)of algebras whose sets of obstructionsWWare antichains of Lyndon words. The central question is “when a classC(X,W)\mathfrak {C} (X, W)contains Artin-Schelter regular algebras?” Each classC(X,W)\mathfrak {C} (X, W)defines a Lyndon pair(N,W)(N,W), which, ifNNis finite, determines uniquely the global dimension,gldimAgl\,dimA, and the Gelfand-Kirillov dimension,GKdimAGK dimA, for everyA∈C(X,W)A \in \mathfrak {C}(X, W). We find a combinatorial condition in terms of(N,W)(N,W), so that the classC(X,W)\mathfrak {C}(X, W)contains the enveloping algebraUgU\mathfrak {g}, of a Lie algebrag\mathfrak {g}. We introduce monomial Lie algebras defined by Lyndon words, and prove results on Gröbner-Shirshov bases of Lie ideals generated by Lyndon-Lie monomials. Finally we classify all two-generated Artin-Schelter regular algebras of global dimension66and77occurring as envelopingU=UgU = U\mathfrak {g}ofstandard monomial Lie algebras. The classification is made in terms of their Lyndon pairs(N,W)(N, W), each of which determines also the explicit relations ofUU.
Automorphisms and isogeny graphs of abelian varieties, with applications to the superspecial Richelot isogeny graph
Authors: Florit Enric , Smith Benjamin
Published: June 2022

We investigate special structures due to automorphisms in isogeny graphs of principally polarized abelian varieties, and abelian surfaces in particular. We give theoretical and experimental results on the spectral and statistical properties of

(
2
,
2
)

(2,2)

-isogeny graphs of superspecial abelian surfaces, including stationary distributions for random walks, bounds on eigenvalues and diameters, and a proof of the connectivity of the Jacobian subgraph of the

(
2
,
2
)

(2,2)

-isogeny graph. Our results improve our understanding of the performance and security of some recently-proposed cryptosystems, and are also a concrete step towards a better understanding of general superspecial isogeny graphs in arbitrary dimension.
The regulator dominates the rank
Authors: Pazuki Fabien
Published: June 2022

After noticing that the regulator of a number field dominates the rank of its group of units, we bound from below the regulator of the Mordell-Weil group of elliptic curves over global function fields of characteristic

p
≥
5

p\geq 5

. The lower bound is an increasing function of the rank and of the height. This partially answers Question 7.1 and Question 7.2 in Autissier et al [Int. Math. Res. Not., 7, 2021, 4976-4993].
Distinguished strata in a reductive group
Authors: Lusztig G.
Published: June 2022

The set of strata of a reductive group can be viewed as an enlargement of the set of unipotent classes. In this paper the notion of distinguished unipotent class is extended to this larger set. The strata of a Weyl group are also introduced and studied.
Fake mu’s
Authors: Martin Greg , Mossinghoff Michael , Trudgian Timothy
Published: June 2022

Let

ϝ
(
n
)

\digamma (n)

denote a multiplicative function with range

{
−
1
,
0
,
1
}

\{-1,0,1\}

, and let

F
(
x
)
=

∑

n
=
1

⌊
x
⌋

ϝ
(
n
)

F(x) = \sum _{n=1}^{\left \lfloor x\right \rfloor } \digamma (n)

. Then

F
(
x
)

/

x

=
a

x

+
b
+
E
(
x
)

F(x)/\sqrt {x} = a\sqrt {x} + b + E(x)

, where

a
a

and

b
b

are constants and

E
(
x
)

E(x)

is an error term that either tends to

0
0

in the limit or is expected to oscillate about

0
0

in a roughly balanced manner. We say

F
(
x
)

F(x)

has persistent bias

b
b

(at the scale of

x

\sqrt {x}

) in the first case, and apparent bias

b
b

in the latter. For example, if

ϝ
(
n
)
=
μ
(
n
)

\digamma (n)=\mu (n)

, the Möbius function, then

F
(
x
)
=

∑

n
=
1

⌊
x
⌋

μ
(
n
)

F(x) = \sum _{n=1}^{\left \lfloor x\right \rfloor } \mu (n)

has apparent bias

0
0

, while if

ϝ
(
n
)
=
λ
(
n
)

\digamma (n)=\lambda (n)

, the Liouville function, then

F
(
x
)
=

∑

n
=
1

⌊
x
⌋

λ
(
n
)

F(x) = \sum _{n=1}^{\left \lfloor x\right \rfloor } \lambda (n)

has apparent bias

1

/

ζ
(
1

/

2
)

1/\zeta (1/2)

. We study the bias when

ϝ
(

p
k

)

\digamma (p^k)

is independent of the prime

p
p

, and call such functions fake

μ
′

s

\mu ’s

. We investigate the conditions required for such a function to exhibit a persistent or apparent bias, determine the functions in this family with maximal and minimal bias of each type, and characterize the functions with no bias. For such a function

F
(
x
)

F(x)

with apparent bias

b
b

, we also show that

F
(
x
)

/

x

−
a

x

−
b

F(x)/\sqrt {x}-a\sqrt {x}-b

changes sign infinitely often.
Tribunal secretaries re-examined—comparative legal framework, best practices, and terms of appointment
Authors: Schroeder Hans-Patrick , Junge Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

The tribunal secretary has had a short but stellar career so far. Within 20 years of first being recognized as a wide-spread and potentially problematic phenomenon in international arbitration, it has since been the object of decisions in various jurisdictions, institutional rules, and extensive academic analysis. The authors aim to sort through the different views in an effort to suggest best practices and model terms of appointment.
mapDATAge: a ShinyR package to chart ancient DNA data through space and time
Authors: Liu Xuexue , Orlando Ludovic
Published: June 2022

Ancient DNA datasets are increasingly difficult to visualize for users lacking computational experience. Here, we describe mapDATAge, which aims to provide user-friendly automated modules for the interactive mapping of allele, haplogroup and/or ancestry distributions through space and time. mapDATAge enhances collaborative data sharing while assisting the assessment and reporting of spatiotemporal patterns of genetic changes.

Availability and implementation

mapDATAge is a Shiny R application designed for exploring spatiotemporal patterns in ancient DNA data through a graphical user interface. It is freely available under GNU Public License in Github: https://github.com/xuefenfei712/mapDATAge.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
microbiomeMarker: an R/Bioconductor package for microbiome marker identification and visualization
Authors: Cao Yang , Dong Qingyang , Wang Dan , Zhang Pengcheng , Liu Ying , Niu Chao
Published: June 2022

Characterizing biomarkers based on microbiome profiles has great potential for translational medicine and precision medicine. Here, we present microbiomeMarker, an R/Bioconductor package implementing commonly used normalization and differential analysis (DA) methods, and three supervised learning models to identify microbiome markers. microbiomeMarker also allows comparison of different methods of DA and confounder analysis. It uses standardized input and output formats, which renders it highly scalable and extensible, and allows it to seamlessly interface with other microbiome packages and tools. In addition, the package provides a set of functions to visualize and interpret the identified microbiome markers.

Availability and implementation

microbiomeMarker is freely available from Bioconductor (https://www.bioconductor.org/packages/microbiomeMarker). Source code is available and maintained at GitHub (https://github.com/yiluheihei/microbiomeMarker).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
No Knowledge of ‘Public Funds’? An Investigation into Social Work Practitioners’ Confidence and Knowledge When Working with Adults with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’
Authors: Hines Zoë , Leishman Eppie
Published: June 2022

Literature suggests health and social care professionals lack the knowledge and confidence required to work effectively with those subject to immigration control. However, thus far few studies have focused on the social work profession. Using quantitative methods, this study explored social work practitioners’ knowledge and confidence of the entitlements of adults with ‘no recourse to public funds’ (NRPF) to adult social care services, through an anonymous, online, national survey (n = 113). Using statistical tests for parametric data, several significant results were found. Training attendance had a statistically significant relationship with knowledge and confidence. Seniority level, years of experience and number of adults with NRPF worked with had statistically significant relationships with confidence but not knowledge. Findings suggest that respondents had adequate knowledge of Care Act assessments. However, confidence was low and knowledge was poor around the entitlements of asylum seekers specifically, access to advocacy and use of human rights assessments. Hence, it is suggested that social work employers should prioritise training on NRPF entitlements, focusing on the areas of poor knowledge found in this study. Moreover, further research with adults with NRPF is needed to better understand their experiences of accessing adult social care.
Media power and politics in framing and discourse theory
Authors: Roslyng Mette Marie , Dindler Camilla
Published: June 2022

Two widely applied entrances to critically analyze mediated political communication are framing and discourse theory. While media discourse and framing are used in close connection in academic literature, we examine how the approaches theorize media power and politics differently. Framing theory examines how issues are constructed interactively, represented in mediated form, and interpreted within an institutionalized policy sphere. Some framing studies critically examine structural or hegemonic power. However, the preoccupation with manifest interactions entails a diminished sensibility to systematic exclusion. Discourse theory provides a post-foundational conceptualization of politics as the political in which media discourses are antagonistic, contingent, and open to change. Discourse theory expands media power to include (subversive) positions beyond hegemonic politics. We argue that applying either discourse or framing theory in media studies has theoretical and analytical consequences and that theoretical sensitivity will strengthen the discriminatory power of framing and discourse theory as two distinct fields.
The Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Social Services Use among Head Start–Eligible Low-Income Families
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Lawton Cassandra
Published: June 2022

This study examined the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on parental social services use among Head Start–eligible low-income families. Based on the Head Start Impact Study data (N = 3,562), three questions were addressed: (1) Does the number of ACEs impact parental social services use? (2) Do family characteristics have any association with parental social services use? and (3) Does parental social services use differ between Head Start and non–Head Start parents? Regression indicated that parents with more ACEs tended to use more social services. Compared with parents with one ACE, parents with two ACEs and parents with three or more ACEs used more social services with income assistance, food and nutrition assistance, and housing and utility assistance programs. Parents with three or more ACEs tended to use more social services related to alcohol and drug use, mental health, and foster care payments than parents with one ACE. Barriers to social services use were identified and include racial disparities, native language, immigration status, and geographical location. Head Start was not found to have a significant impact on whether parents used more social services. Recommendations include increasing effective collaboration between social workers and services, assessing barriers to receiving services, and implementing ACE screenings.
O-063 Impact of group embryo culture vs individual embryo culture strategies on blastocyst rate and quality
Authors: Herreros M , Martí L , Díaz N , Tió M C , Rodriguez-Arnedo A , Guerrero J , Ortiz J , Ten J , Bernabeu R
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does group embryo culture improve blastocyst formation compared to individual culture?

Summary answer

Individual culture provides an increased blastocyst formation rate.

What is known already

Embryo culture is one of the most important steps of an IVF treatment. Several studies pointed out that group embryo culture could help embryos with lower potential, through paracrine signaling, to achieve development and improve blastocyst formation rate. On the other hand, this issue continues to be controversial and other studies did not find differences in embryo development when using either method.

Study design, size, duration

A prospective randomized study was performed between January 2020 and December 2021. The data were obtained from 830 embryos that came from 103 egg donation treatments. We defined two groups: individual vs group culture. The number of embryos analyzed in the study was calculated to test a difference of 10% in the rate of blastocyst formation between the two groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 103 ICSI-egg donation cycles with normozoospermic males (fresh samples) were included. After fertilization assessment, zygotes were randomized into two groups; Group 1: individual culture (399 embryos), and Group 2: culture of 2-5 embryos per drop (431 embryos). The embryos were cultured in 35 µl drops of Global Total medium until day 5 when they were classified morphologically according to Gardner criteria (1998). The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 20.0).

Main results and the role of chance

The rate of high-quality embryos on day 3 were similar in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (79.2% vs 81.4%, p = 0.432). However, we observed an increase in the blastocyst formation rate on day 5 (62.9% vs 56.1%, p = 0.048) and a trend for higher embryo quality (A/B blastocysts) (55.9% vs 52%, p = 0.266) in Group 1; compared to Group 2, respectively.

Our data suggest that individual culture increases blastocyst formation rate and may benefit embryo quality on day 5. Our results challenge previous reports suggesting that culture in groups can improve embryo development. As hypothesis, we argue that some of the components that the embryos release to the culture environment during their division may affect the quality of the cohort potentially compromising further development up to the blastocyst stage.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The study is focused on laboratory outcomes until the blastocyst stage. Clinical outcomes were not analyzed.

Wider implications of the findings

Finding the most appropriate embryo culture conditions is essential to improve ART results. Time-lapse systems should be adapted to the use of both individual and group culture dishes. Larger randomized studies are needed in order to reach robust conclusions on the subject.

Trial registration number

NA
O-116 New options for a personalised approach to improve implantation
Authors: Vriens J
Published: June 2022

Embryo implantation is a highly coordinated complex process whereby a blastocyst-stage embryo attaches and invades the maternal endometrium before placentation and pregnancy. Implantation can only occur during a brief restricted period when the endometrium becomes receptive, described as the window of implantation. Embryo development and endometrium status must therefore be synchronized, and an important two-way fetal-maternal dialogue is required for successful implantation and the maternal recognition of the semi-allogenic conceptus. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer that 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation changes. Classical morphological embryo selection was the first strategy to improve successful implantation. Recently, new strategies were incorporated into clinical practice such as, embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating. However, these strategies remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Recent years have seen a trend towards ‘omics’ methods, which enables the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics approaches have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential biomarkers of successful and personalized implantation. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalized embryo transfer in the most favorable endometrial environment. However, despite the large amount of biomarker information provided by omics, strong evidence to link data from all omics with a successful implantation outcome is still missing.
O-141 IVF under COVID-19: treatment outcomes of fresh and frozen cycles
Authors: Kedem A , Avraham S , Yaakov O , Landau Rabbi M , Gat I , Yerushalmi G , Baum M , Maman E , Hourvitz A , Youngster M
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in women undergoing fertility treatments affect outcomes of fresh ART cycles? 

Summary answer

SARS-CoV-2 infection does not affect fresh ART treatment outcomes. A possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield should be further explored.

What is known already

There is evidence that the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAS) is involved in female reproductive processes such as folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation. The existence of the ACE2 axis and ACE2 markers were confirmed in all stages of follicular maturation in the human ovary, including the granulosa cells and follicular fluid. A single previous study found no evidence that a history of asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in females caused impairment of fresh ART treatment outcomes. 

Study design, size, duration

Retrospective cohort study, including all SARS-CoV-2 infected women that underwent fresh ART cycles within a year from infection (the first cycle post infection), between October 2020 and June 2021, matched to uninfected controls. 

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Retrospective cohort study, including all SARS-CoV-2 infected women that underwent fresh ART cycles within a year from infection (the first cycle post infection), between October 2020 and June 2021, matched to uninfected controls. 

Main results and the role of chance

121 infected patients and 121 controls that underwent fresh ART cycles were included. Oocyte yield (12.50 vs. 11.29; p = 0.169) and mature oocyte rate (77.71 vs. 81.76; p = 0.144) in all fresh cycles were similar between groups, as werefertilization rates, number of frozen embryos per cycle and clinical pregnancy rates (42.9% vs. 40.4%; p = 0.737) in fresh cycles with an embryo transfer. Stratification by time from COVID-19 infection by time from infection <90 day, 90-180 days and > 180 days revealed similar results with no difference in pregnancy rates. In a logistic regression model, COVID-19 infection did not affect pregnancy rates except for the small subgroup of patients who recovered more than 180 days prior to retrieval with a negative effect on oocyte yield (p = 0.018, Slope=-4.08, 95%CI 95% CI -0.7.41 – -0.75).

Limitations, reasons for caution

A retrospective study with data that was not uniformly generated under a study protocol, no antibody testing for the control group. 

Wider implications of the findings

The study findings suggest that COVID-19 infection does not affect treatment outcomes in fresh ART cycles, except for a possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield when retrieval occurs > 180 days post COVID-19 infection. Further studies are warranted in order to support these findings. 

Trial registration number

HMC-0010-21
O-163 Pathophysiology – what’s new
Authors: Taylor H
Published: June 2022

Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age globally. However, despite its prevalence, diagnosis is typically delayed by years, misdiagnosis is common, and delivery of effective therapy is prolonged. Identification and prompt treatment of endometriosis are essential and facilitated by accurate clinical diagnosis. Endometriosis is classically defined as a chronic, gynecological disease characterized by endometrial-like tissue present outside of the uterus and is thought to arise by retrograde menstruation. However, this description is outdated and no longer reflects the true scope and manifestations of the disease. The clinical presentation is varied, the presence of pelvic lesions is heterogeneous, and the manifestations of the disease outside of the female reproductive tract remain poorly understood. Endometriosis is now considered a systemic disease rather than a disease predominantly affecting the pelvis. Endometriosis affects metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, leads to systemic inflammation, and alters gene expression in the brain that causes pain sensitization and mood disorders. The full effect of the disease is not fully recognized and goes far beyond the pelvis. Recognition of the full scope of the disease will facilitate clinical diagnosis and allow for more comprehensive treatment than currently available. Progestins and low-dose oral contraceptives are unsuccessful in a third of symptomatic women globally, probably as a result of progesterone resistance. Oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists constitute an effective and tolerable therapeutic alternative when first-line medications do not work. The development of GnRH antagonists has resulted in oral drugs that have fewer side-effects than other therapies and has allowed for rapid movement between treatments to optimize and personalize endometriosis care. In this presentation, we discuss the latest understanding of endometriosis as a systemic disease with multiple manifestations outside the parameters of classic gynecological disease.
P-347 Gamete donation in Italy: Ethical and legal consideration on the lack of specific regulation
Authors: Penna T
Published: June 2022

Study question

Given cross border reproductive care, is the lack of specific regulation on egg and sperm donation in Italy ethically acceptable nowadays?

Summary answer

Nowadays Italy has no national clear legal frame for donors, recipients, and donor-conceived persons. This setting hinders an ethical protection of competing interests and rights.

What is known already

The Italian Law on ART (40/2004) has undergone major changes; after sperm and egg donation ban lift, the Italian law n. 40 has not been replaced. Gamete donation is therefore allowed, but without specific national regulation. Moreover, given the lack of public information on donation and consequently the shortage of donors, many people still opt for CBRC. In this context, the only legal certainty is that no filiation link arises between donor and donor-conceived children. Political and legal debate on the right to know one's origins is missing. Legally speaking, gamete donation in Italy is actually in half-light.

Study design, size, duration

-- --

Participants/materials, setting, methods

When it comes to ART, national legal frame has to be considered in a comparative view, since CBRC is a fact. Therefore, questioning the lack of specific regulation on egg and sperm donation in Italy has required a comparative analysis with other European legal systems, such as France, Spain and United Kingdom.

Main results and the role of chance

-- --

Limitations, reasons for caution

When advocating a legal change, it should be considered the surrounding political environment; among Italian institutions a growing mistrust of science might be spotted nowadays. This, combined with the very well know Catholic heritage, is undoubtedly a reason for caution

Wider implications of the findings

A legal change in Italy, backed by a promotion of public information on gamete donation, might entail also an increase in the number of donors and enabling many people to avoid CBRC. The rights of donors, recipients and donor-conceived persons would be protected and more patients could be treated.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-017 Impact of yoga intervention on immunosenescence, fertility potential and quality of life in men with Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gautam S , Kumar M , Kumar U , Dada R
Published: June 2022

Study question

Can a yoga intervention bring about alterations in immune aging, fertility potential and quality of life in men with Rheumatoid arthritis?

Summary answer

Yoga not only reduces disease severity, minimizes usage of drugs but also reduces the rate of immune aging and cellular aging.

What is known already

The complex mechanism of Rheumatoid arthritis with infertility in men involves interactions between endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. Association of autoimmunity with dysregulated androgen (hypogonadism) levels may cause transient infertility in men. Furthermore, usage of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, sulphasalazine etc. may result into decreased quantity and quality of sperm, mitochondrial dysfunctions, reduced fertility potential and ultimately permanent infertility. These drugs can cross blood-testis-barrier and induce changes in sperm impairing spermatogenesis. Complementary and alternative medicine like yoga reduces seminal oxidative stress and its consequences like DNA fragmentation in sperm nuclear/mitochondrial genome.

Study design, size, duration

Fifty males with RA were enrolled in this 12-week prospective, open-label, single-arm exploratory study, designed to explore the impact of yoga intervention on immunosenescence, fertility potential and quality of life (QoL).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The participants were evaluated for pre (day 0) and post (12th week) levels of inflammatory markers: IL-6, IL-17A, TGF-β and TNF-α. T cell sub-set populations along with their aged T cell profiles for immunosenescence as well as telomere length and telomerase activity for cellular aging were studied. Seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were estimated as per WHO 2010 guidelines. QoL was measured by WHOQOL-BREF Scale.

Main results and the role of chance

There was significant reduction in mean levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A and elevation in TGF-β after 12 weeks. A significant reduction was seen in seminal ROS levels, 8-OHdG and DFI as well. There was a significant decline in aged T cell populations after yoga. There was no change seen in the telomere length but there was an improvement in the telomerase activity. The participants showed significant improvements in QoL after 12 weeks.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Compliance of patients for Yoga intervention was poor, hence we enrolled large number of patients to achieve the desirable sample size.

Wider implications of the findings

Adoption of yoga intervention holds the key to maintaining immune homeostasis, reduction of inflammation, reduction in the rate of cellular aging, improved overall QoL, and its associated consequences associated with physical, mental, and reproductive health.

Trial registration number

N/A
P-079 Impact of Testicular Cancer on Sperm Small Non-Coding RNA signature
Authors: Dupont C , Illy P.J , Sermondade N , Stathopoulou M , Lévy R , Prades M , Hamid R. Haj , Berthaut I , Grandjean V
Published: June 2022

Study question

To evaluate if the sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) signature can be alterated in patients suffering from testicular cancer.

Summary answer

Sperm sncRNA profile is influenced by testicular cancer.

What is known already

Environmentally induced pathologies are associated with sperm sncRNA profile modifications which could have consequences on sperm quality but also on the offspring health. While this mechanism has been widely described in the case of metabolic and psycho-traumatic diseases, its relevance in testicular cancer needs to be assessed. Testicular cancer affects young men for which both genetic and environmental factors are known contributors.

Study design, size, duration

This pilot study aimed to compare sperm sncRNA profiles of 15 men suffering from testicular cancer with sperm sncRNA profile of 10 controle men. Semen samples were collected and stored in Tenon Hospital between 1999 and 2017 and donated to research (GERMETHEQUE biobank). Consent to use their samples was obtained from each patient (CPP 2.15.27) and the study protocol was approved by a local ethics committee (IRB CLEA-2021- 171).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Sperm small RNA raw sequencing data was processed by the computational framework SPORTS1.0, which allows the annotation and quantification of small non-coding RNAs (tsRNAs, rsRNAs, ysRNA and miRNAs). DEseq 2 was used to identify sequences differentially expressed between patients and control samples. We also carried out a Gene Ontology analysis using miRNA targets according to the Metascape and DisGeNET Database.

Main results and the role of chance

In total, 77 deregulated sequences were found in sperm samples from testicular tumor patients compared to control men, including 17 that were down-regulated and 60 that were up-regulated. These sequences corresponded to 22 miRNAs, 25rsRNA, 11 tsRNA, 10 snRNA, 4 SnoRNA, 4 RNYs and 1 lncRNA sequences. Hierarchical Clustering of Differentially Expressed Genes using up and down regulation discriminates between control and testicular cancer samples. Gene Ontology analyses highlighted enriched processes including Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Adult and Childhood Medulloblastoma and Tumor initiation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The current study was limited by the small patient number and the unavailability of the complete biological and oncogenic patient data.

Wider implications of the findings

Deciphering and validating the role of sperm sncRNAs may be a promising tool in testicular cancer diagnosis and may facilitate our understanding of the initiation and development of cancer in young adults.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-092 Investigating impacts of CoronaVac vaccination in males on in vitro fertilization: A propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Wang M , Zhu L , Jin L
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does a history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (CoronaVac) in males influence male fertility, gamete and embryo development, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes?

Summary answer

CoronaVac vaccination in males may not have an adverse effect on patient’s performance or the gamete and embryonic development potential during ART treatments.

What is known already

Vaccines against COVID-19 have been approved for emergency use in several countries and regions, while concerns about the potential negative effect of vaccines on fertility contributed to vaccine hesitancy. It is urgent to explore the effect of CoronaVac on human fertility to help to overcome vaccine hesitancy about possible fertility impairment.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective cohort study enrolled couples undergoing IVF cycles between June and August 2021 at Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. According to the history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in males, the participants were divided into the vaccination group and the non-vaccination group.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A self-controlled study of semen analyses for males before and after CoronaVac vaccination was conducted. Baseline characteristics were matched using propensity score matching. Participants were categorized into the unexposed group (non-vaccination) and exposed group (vaccination), and the population was 271 for each. Semen parameters and IVF outcomes were the main outcomes.

Main results and the role of chance

Generally, no statistically significant differences were exhibited between the matched cohorts regarding embryo developmental parameters, including fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, as well as clinical outcomes, such as implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Moreover, males after vaccination seemed to have fluctuated semen parameters including increased semen volume, lower motility, and decreased normal forms of sperms, while the motile sperm counts were similar. In addition, all semen parameters were above the lower reference limits.

Limitations, reasons for caution

It was a single-center retrospective cohort study with a small sample size, and the men enrolled were suffering from infertility, which limited the generalizability of the conclusions. In addition, the endpoint of the current is a confirmation of clinical pregnancy, a study with a longer period of follow-up was urgent.

Wider implications of the findings

Our findings suggested that CoronaVac vaccinations in males may not have adverse effects on patient’s performance or the gamete and embryonic development potential during ART treatments. Larger studies among a wider population with longer follow-up in the future are required to support and validate our observations.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-200 An addition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor to oocyte maturation medium improves the developmental competence of bovine oocytes after IVF
Authors: Hashimoto S , Kankanam Gamage U , Morimoto Y
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does an increase of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level in oocytes lead to an improvement of blastulation after IVF?

Summary answer

The addition of NAD+ precursor to the oocyte maturation medium increased NAD+ levels in the oocytes, improving the developmental competence to the blastocyst after IVF.

What is known already

With maternal ageing, the enzyme that degrades NAD+ (CD38) increases in cells and the amount of NAD+ in cells, including oocytes, decreases. The degradation of NAD+ is also increased when cells are isolated from tissues. NAD+, which is an electron carrier used by all eukaryotes, is reduced to NADH via beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the TCA cycle, enhancing ATP synthesis in the mitochondrial electron transfer system. In addition, an enzyme in the inner mitochondrial membrane donates protons from NADH to NADP+ to synthesize NADPH, which maintains the intracellular redox state.

Study design, size, duration

This study is a prospective study using bovine oocytes retrieved from ovaries obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Osaka city. A total of 2,501 bovine oocytes were used in this study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Bovine cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in the culture (IVM) medium supplemented with 0-100 μM nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Matured oocytes were inseminated with the washed spermatozoa and cultured to assess the blastulation. Matured oocytes were also used to examine their NAD+, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels.

Main results and the role of chance

The addition of NMN to the IVM medium increased intracellular NAD+ levels of bovine mature oocytes at 1 µM and above. As a result, it increased intracellular ATP levels and decreased ROS levels at 10 µM and above. It also improved blastocyst formation rates after IVF at 100 µM (P < 0.05; 35%) compared with control (22.2%). Moreover, the supplementation of NMN to the IVM medium decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells and intracellular ROS levels in cumulus cells surrounding oocytes.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study was conducted in vitro using bovine oocytes. Thus, studies using human samples should be performed before clinical application.

Wider implications of the findings

By replenishing NAD+, we have found a clue to improving the IVM and IVF outcome, which has been shown to have a lower blastocyst formation rate than conventional IVF methods using in vivo matured oocytes. It may also improve the developmental potential of oocytes retrieved from older women.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-229 Has rampant use of ICSI wiped out Conventional IVF for non male factor infertility, or can Conventional IVF hold its ground
Authors: Makwana P , Makwana S , Makwana R
Published: June 2022

Study question

Can ICSI completely replace and produce higher implantation rates as compared to conventional IVF for non-male factor infertility patients?

Summary answer

ICSI has no advantage over Conventional IVF in improving fertilization and implantation rates in non-male factor infertility. Rampant use of ICSI is not recommended.

What is known already

ICSI is the technique of choice for male factor infertility, no argument there. But in the recent times, the unbridled use of ICSI for non male factor patients worldwide has pushed Conventional IVF out of the picture. The evidence states otherwise, ICSI holds no significant advantage over Conventional IVF in couples with normal semen parameters when it comes to fertilization and implantation rates. The mechanical damage as a result of ICSI to oocytes cannot be ignored. Conventional IVF holds a certain advantage in allowing the oocyte to choose the sperm, mimicking in vivo selection.

Study design, size, duration

Prospective randomized study conducted in 140 patients, undergoing IVF & ICSI with non-male factor infertility. The oocytes recovered for all the patients included in the study underwent split insemination, and were divided into 2 groups:

Group 1: Insemination by Conventional IVF, and

Group 2: Insemination by ICSI.

Fertilization and Implantation rates were recorded.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

140 patients with non-male factor cause of infertility were undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle were included in this study. Post ovum pick-up, the oocytes recovered for each patient were split into 2 separate groups and inseminated using Conventional IVF (413) and ICSI (679). The fertilization check was done at 17±1 hours. The implantation rates were noted 14 days after embryo transfer using the beta HCG values. The results were noted and compared.

Main results and the role of chance

In the Conventional IVF(C-IVF) group, fertilization rates were 69.23% compared to 71.44% in the ICSI group.

The implantation rates were 26.50% in C-IVF group vs 22.10% in ICSI group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

A major limitation is the time constraint which did not allow us to track the live birth rates along with the small sample size, the lack of data showing clinical outcomes of this study can be improved upon in the future and with similar studies.

Wider implications of the findings

While ICSI holds the gold standard as the technique of choice for male factor infertility, it is not superior to C-IVF in patients with normal semen parameters. ICSI for all cannot be justified at this moment. Larger RCTs are required to establish superiority of one technique over the other

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-331 The female upper reproductive tract of fertile women harbour endogenous microbial profiles
Authors: Canha-Gouveia A , Casas A , Antón A.I , Vargas E , Salas-Espejo E , Prieto-Sánchez M.T , Sánchez-Ferrer M.L , Altmae S , Coy P
Published: June 2022

Study question

Do the Fallopian Tubes from fertile women harbor microbial communities and are they similar to the endometrial microbiome?

Summary answer

Fallopian tubes have their own microbiome which is greatly shared with endometrial microbial profiles of the same women.

What is known already

The vaginal milieu is known to have an active microbiome (>90% of Lactobacillus), but the microbial composition of the upper reproductive tract is not well established, especially in the Fallopian tubes. The first studies on the Fallopian tubes from women diagnosed with a benign disease or for prophylaxis suggest that this site supports an endogenous microbiome (Pelzer ES et al  Oncotarget 2018; Miles SM et al Fertil Steril 2017). However, today we lack the knowledge of the microbial composition in Fallopian tubes in the non-diseased conditions (as biopsing these sites may hamper the tissue and future fertility).

Study design, size, duration

A pilot-study with 6 fertile women with benign uterine pathology submitted to abdominal hysterectomy or tubal ligation at Hospital Universitario Virgen de Arrixaca Murcia were included into the study. The samples were collected between January and July 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Fallopian tubes and endometrial samples were collected as previously described (Canha-Gouveia A et al Int J Mol Sci 2019) from women submitted to abdominal hysterectomy and women submitted a tubal ligation. After DNA extraction “Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit” (Ion Torrent) was used to exploit the V5 to V9 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Primary data analysis was performed with Torrent Suite™ Software v5.12.1 and advanced analysis using Ion Reporter™ software v5.18.0.2.

Main results and the role of chance

In our study, distinct microbial community profiles in the Fallopian tubes confirm that this genital tract site harbors an endogenous microbiome and in big part is shared with the endometrial microbial profile (over 60% of the detected taxa). Since in humans the intramural portion of the uterine tube does not allow a real physical separation between the fallopian tube and uterine environments, the obtained results were expected. Nevertheless, 43 bacterial taxa were exclusively detected in the Fallopian tubes (FDR<0.05) that included Abiotrophia, Aeromonas, Aggregatibacter Weissella, Wolinella, and Zoogloea among others.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a pilot study with a limited number of samples, and more studies with a bigger sample size are warranted.

Wider implications of the findings

Distinct microbial community profiles in the Fallopian tubes from the uterus suggest that this upper reproductive site supports an endogenous microbiome, which can play a role in the fertilization process.

Trial registration number

not applicable