bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P–035 Mathematical model of the signaling cascade during mouse sperm capacitation
Authors: Prelle B. D , Lybaert P , Gall D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Modeling the feedback loop controlling sperm capacitation to study the reversibility/irreversibility of the process

Summary answer
We demonstrate the existence of a feedback loop between pH increase and hyperpolarization, inducing bistability and possibly the reversibility of the capacitation process.

What is known already
The process of mammalian capacitation does need an influx of calcium ions through the transmembrane Catsper Channel Complex. This plasmic membrane channel, which is activated by an increase in either the intracellular pH or the membrane potential, is a sperm-specific protein that is localized in the sperm flagella. Two other sperm specific transporters, sNHE and SLO3, found in the flagella, have been shown to control protons influx and transmembrane voltage respectively, and could work together in a feedback loop keeping the sperm in a high pH state with hyperpolarized membrane.

Study design, size, duration
Mathematical model

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Not applicable

Main results and the role of chance
The results given by this minimal theoretical model are robust as the predicted qualitative behavior can accommodate to a wide span of physiological parameters variations.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The model and its parameters are mainly based on in vitro results of the literature, so that the in vivo implications should be inferred carefully.
Wider implications of the findings: The possible reversibility of the capacitation process could have major clinical implications, relevant for the optimization of sperm preparation in assisted reproductive techniques and cryopreservation procedures.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–065 Advanced paternal age does affect egg donation program outcomes?
Authors: Miguens M , Quinteir. Retamar A M , Acosta D , Veg. Balbuena G , Carreras E , Coscia A , Papier S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Does increasing paternal age has a negative impact in fertilization (FR), blastulation (BR), clinical pregnancy (CPR) and miscarriage (MR) rates in an egg donation program?

Summary answer
The increase paternal age in an egg donation program has not a negative impact in fertilization rate, blastulation rate, clinical pregnancy rates and miscarriage rates.

What is known already
It is well documented that semen quality is affected with increasing paternal age but there is no evidence-based definition of what is advanced paternal age. There is controversial information about if the increasing paternal age affects in vitro fertilization results, and when this negative impact could begin.

Study design, size, duration
This was a single center retrospective cohort study, involving 485 first single embryo transfer of an egg donation program, from January 2017 to December 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
All first embryo transfer of egg donation cycles performed at CEGyR, Buenos Aires, Argentina were included. Elevated sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL &gt;20), sperm bank, and testicular biopsy cycles were excluded. Patients were divided according to male partner age: (1) &lt;41, (2) 41–44, (3) 45–50 and (4) &gt;50 years old. Group (1) was considered the control group. Statistical analyses were performed for FR and BR with ANOVA and CPR and MR with chi-squared tests.

Main results and the role of chance
The number of patients in group (1) was 200, in (2) 130, in (3) 117 and in (4) 38. Male average age was 36,8 in group (1), 42,2 in (2) 47,1 in (3) and 54,2 in group (4). The FR in group (1) was 72,60%, in group (2) was 73%, in (3) was 75% and 73% in (4). ANOVA results for FR: F = 0,65 (p: 0,58). The BR, defined as the relation between the total number of blastocysts over the number of fertilized oocytes in a cycle, was in group (1) 46,35%, in group (2) was 45%, in group (3) 46%, and in group (4) 42%. ANOVA results for BR F = 0,36 (p:0,78). The CPR in group (1) was 42,19%. Comparing with the other groups: group (2) was 37,09% (chi-square statistic=0,64 p:0,43); group (3) 34,58% (2,32 p:0,13); and group (4) was 32,43% (1,48 p:0,22). The MR in group (1) was 12,49%. Comparing with the other groups: group (2) was 18,55% (chi-square statistic=2,31 p:0,12); group (3) 14,94% (1,01 p:0,32); and group (4) was 15,85% (0,91 p:0,33). For all results analyzed there were not a statistically difference between groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The main limitation of this study was its retrospective design based on data from a single center which may be subject of bias.
Wider implications of the findings: Further large prospective studies are required to make meaningful comparisons. Our findings give no support for a general recommendation.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–076 Probability of sperm retrieval in azoospermic patients and mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP2 and PRM2 : in a subset of karachi population
Authors: Amjad S , Mushtaq S , Rehman R , Zahid N , Munir A , Siddiqui P Q R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
To access successfulness of sperm retrieval by evaluating the mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 in patients undergoing surgical sperm retrieval procedure.

Summary answer
Probability of sperm retrieval in azoospermia is decreased when mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A TNP2 and PRM2 in testicular tissue is decreased.

What is known already
Studies have been done on expression of JMJD1A in non-obstructive azoospermic patients in other part of the world with smaller sample size but this is the first study in Pakistan with larger number of patients. Study design, size, duration: Crossectional study, 100 azoospermic patients coming for purpose of sperm retrieval by TESE or micro-TESE in Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Karachi,from March, 2018 to December, 2019

Participants/materials, setting, methods
All recruited azoospermic patients were evaluated by history, physical examination, and hormonal assessment. RNA was extracted by pureLink RNA Micro kit and mRNA expression of the JMJD1A, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 genes was determined using innu-SCRIPT One Step RT_qPCR SyGreen kit. For quantitative variables independent t test and for categorical variables chi-square/ Fisher Exact test was used. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratio were reported by using cox regression algorithm. Main results and the role of chance: The patients were categorized into (i) Group-I: Patients with successful sperm retrieval n = 42, (ii) Group-II: Patients with unsuccessful sperm retrieval n = 58. The patients were categorized into (i) Group-I: Patients with successful sperm retrieval n = 42, (ii) Group-II: Patients with unsuccessful sperm retrieval n = 58. Azoospermic men in the successful sperm retrieval group had significantly decreased expression of JMJD1A (P &lt; 0.001), TNP2(P &lt; 0.001), and PRM2 (P 0.008). In addition to this regarding hormonal parameters: FSH (P 0.004), LH(P &lt; 0.001), TSH(P&lt;.011) were significantly different in azoospermic men with successful and unsuccessful sperm retrieval. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for the other covariates, a significant association was found between JMJD1A, TNP2, PRM2 and successful sperm retrieval (p-value &lt;0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution
It is unicentric and outcomes for fertilization were not assessed. Azoospermic patients from multi-centeres were difficult because of lack of facility of sperm retrieval procedures at these centers and it was difficult to follow the fertrilization outcome.
Wider implications of the findings: This will be useful for making the decision in azoospermic men to proceed for ICSI or not. In addition to this, the repetition of unnecessary surgical procedures can be avoided, as the azoospermic men often undergo number of rounds of ICSI, with the hope of becoming biological father.

Trial registration number
non-clinical trials
P–086 High level of sperm DNA breaks in infertile men with varicocele: its association with sperm cells death, seminal oxidative stress, and spermatic parameters
Authors: Ammar O , Mehdi M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Our objectives were to determine the extent of nuclear sperm injury in varicocele patients with and without altered spermatic parameters and to investigate its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Summary answer
Oxidative stress (OS) in the varicocele patients may play a role in the etiology of nuclear sperm DNA damage associated with apoptosis.

What is known already
Varicocele is associated with high level of DNA Breaks.

Study design, size, duration
Ejaculated sperm samples from 51 patients diagnosed with varicocele and 29 fertile men were examined. According to the guidelines, the patient’s sperm samples were classified into varicocele with normal semen parameters (n = 11) and varicocele with abnormal semen parameters (n = 40).

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Sperm DNA breaks was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The proportion of both viable and dead spermatozoa with externalized phosphatidylserine was detected by the bivariate annexin V cy3/6-CFDA staining method. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts and antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically.

Main results and the role of chance
Sperm DNA Breaks, viable spermatozoa with externalized PS, and MDA levels were significantly higher in studied subgroups of patients with varicocele, either with normal or with abnormal semen parameters than controls. The seminal antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly reduced in both subgroups of patients with varicocele compared to the controls. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was positively correlated to the MDA level as well as the proportion of viable spermatozoa with externalized PS. However, the decreased seminal antioxidant status was negatively correlated with the increased proportion of sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic spermatozoa.

Limitations, reasons for caution
We suggest further comparative studies connecting the varicocele patients with and without altered spermatic parameters representing high level of DNA fragmentation with more apoptotic and oxidative stress markers.
Wider implications of the findings: This study reveals that impaired seminal antioxidant profile and increased seminal level of lipid peroxidation may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death-mediated DNA breaks in patients with varicocele.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–094 Kidney function impairment in primary infertile men
Authors: Fallara G , Boeri L , Candela L , Pozzi E , Belladelli F , Capogrosso P , Cazzaniga W , Ventimiglia E , Schifano N , Costa A , Cignoli D , Cornelius J , Mattei A , Montorsi F , Salonia A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
We investigated the prevalence of kidney function impairment in a homogeneous cohort of white-European primary infertile men.

Summary answer
Mild kidney function impairment characteristics were found in 9% of asymptomatic and unaware patients presenting for primary infertility investigation.

What is known already
Infertile men have shown a worse overall health status compared to the fertile counterpart. We investigated the prevalence of kidney function impairment in a homogeneous cohort of white-European primary infertile men.

Study design, size, duration
In this corss-sectional study, complete clinical and laboratories data from a cohort of 557 consecutive men aged &gt;18 years, presenting for primary infertility investigation were analyzed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Comorbidities (as scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)) were collected in each patient. Primary outcome was the presence of functional impairment of the kidney (defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rates &lt;90 ml/min/1.73m², according to the Kidney Outcomes Quality Initiative). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) function was used for eGFR calculation. Logistic regression analyses tested the association between kidney function impairment and clinical and semen features.

Main results and the role of chance
Of 557, 51 (9.3%) patients depicted at least a mild loss of kidney function (eGFR&lt;90 ml/min /1.73m²). Median [interquartile (IQR)] age was 38 (35–42) years for normal kidney function group vs. 41 (36–46.5) years for those with impaired renal function (p &lt; 0.001). Those with impaired renal function had also a higher BMI [26.1 (24.4–27.8) vs. 24.9 (23.2–26.8); p = 0.002] and higher numbers of comorbidities [CCI≥ 1 in 11 (21.5%) vs. 40 (7.9%) patients (p &lt; 0.001)]. Of note, they had more frequently history of hypertension [10 (19.6%) vs. 31 (6.1%), p = 0.001]. Groups did not differ in terms of hormonal and semen features. At logistic regression analysis, older age and CCI≥1 were associated with a higher risk of impaired eGFR (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.01–1.11; p = 0.016 and OR 2.41; 95%CI 1.06–5.15; p = 0.028, respectively)(table). No association was found between sperm parameters and eGFR impairment (all p &gt; 0.05), after accounting for age, CCI, BMI, FSH, testicular volume, and varicocele.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Mild kidney function impairment characteristics were found in 9% of asymptomatic and unaware patients presenting for primary infertility investigation. Age and the rate of comorbidities are associated with reduced eGFR. Wider implications of the findings: This novel finding confirms growing data on a significant association of male infertility with a poorer overall male health status.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–128 Audit of testicular sperm in assisted conception for non-azoospermic infertile couples
Authors: Merrett C , Schlager D , Yasmin E , Seshadri S , Serhal P , Ralph D , Sangster P 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
What live birth rate do we see when we use testicular sperm in ART for non-azoospermic couples after at least one previous failed cycle?

Summary answer
In our cohort of couples 24% had a live birth using testicular sperm and therefore was not higher than national average ART rates.

What is known already
There is increased interest in using testicular sperm in assisted reproduction technology (ART) to improve outcomes after previous failed cycles. Mehta et al. reported results of a 50% live birth rate using testicular sperm in the first cycle for couples with oligospermia and a history of failed cycles with ejaculated sperm. We aim to audit our results in a similar population of couples.

Study design, size, duration
St Peters Andrology Centre in London, United Kingdom completed 128 surgical testicular sperm retrievals reviewed between the two-year period of 2018–2019. We conducted a retrospective audit of their paper-based records to identify those couples with injectable sperm on their semen analysis and who had previous cycles attempts using ejaculated sperm.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
We identified 27 couples who underwent testicular sperm extraction despite having an ejaculated semen analysis with injectable sperm and at least one previous failed cycle. A systematic review of their paper and electronic medical record was conducted to assess live birth rates and fertilization rates from ART.

Main results and the role of chance
Couples had an average male age of 41 (range 31–60) and an average female age of 38 (range 30–45). The men had an average serum testosterone of 15 nmol/L (range 8–35 nmol/L) and an average serum FSH of 8.9 IU/L (range 1.7–30 IU/L). 59% (n = 17) of men had a DNA fragmentation index completed with an average score of 41% (range 31%–51[Y1]%). In the women the mean serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was 15.8 pmol/l (range 1–64 pmol/l). With ejaculated sperm the fertilization rate was 59% (95% CI [27%, 59%]) and blastocyst conversion rate was 43% (95% CI [50%, 69%]). There was no statistical significance with testicular sperm where the fertilization rate was 58% (95% CI [51%, 65%]) and blastocyst conversion rate was 54% (95% CI [40%, 67%]). Overall, there were 7 clinical pregnancies in this population of couples. Of these clinical pregnancies, 2 miscarried and 5 progressed to a live birth. This audit yielded a live birth rate per cycle of 15% and a live birth rate per couple of 24%.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Limitations of the study are low number of patients and absence of a control group.
Wider implications of the findings: We recommend caution and further analysis going forward using testicular sperm in ART where ejaculated sperm in available.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–147 The impact of blastocyst morphological parameters on live birth and singleton birthweight in single blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Wang X , Zhang S , Lin G 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Does blastocyst morphological parameters: blastocyst expansion degree(Expansion), inner cell mass (ICM), and trophectoderm (TE) grades affect live birth and singleton birthweight in single blastocyst transfer cyles?

Summary answer
The effects of blastocyst morphological parameters on live birth and singleton birthweight are different between biopsied blastocysts cycles and non-biopsied blastocysts cycles.

What is known already
It has been known that blastocysts with highest scores for three blastocyst morphological parameters achieve highest pregnancy rates, however, very few studies have comparatively analysed the effect of individual parameters on live birth and singleton birthweight about single blastocyst transfer cycles.

Study design, size, duration
This retrospective study involved all single blastocyst transfers cycles and their live birth outcome and singleton birthweight during the period from January 2014 to August 2019 at a tertiary care center.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 28515 single blastocyst transfer cycles were available for analysis and were divided into four groups: biopsied blastocysts cycles (BBC), thawed blastocysts cycles(TBC), blastocysts from thawed cleavage embryos cycles(BTCEC) and fresh blastocysts cycles(FBC). The primary outcome were live birth and singleton birthweight. Multiple logistics regression and linear regression analyses were respectively performed to investigate the effect of blastocyst morphological parameters on live birth and birthweight after adjusting potential confounders.

Main results and the role of chance
While analyzing the effect on live birth, we found that live birth of grade B ICM were lower than grade A ICM , live birth of grade C TE were lower than grade A TE and Expansion doesn’t matter. Those result were same in three kinds of non-biopsied cycles. While all three parameters were statistically independently significant in biopsied blastocysts cycles.
While analyzing the effect on singleton birthweight, only Expansion was found to be statistically significant in biopsied blastocysts cycles, and birthweight of Expansion grade 5 was lower than Expansion grade 6(P = 0.005),with a mean difference of 57g(3375.12±527.91 versus 3318.42±510.33). Limitations, reasons for caution: Most blastocysts with poor grade, especially ICM grade C, were not transferred, then the effect of poor grade such as ICM grade C were still unknown.
Wider implications of the findings: The study identified the association between blastocyst morphological parameters and live rate and compared the relative importance of three parameters in different kind of cycles through large size comparative analysis, which would help selecting high-quality embryos for transfer.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–153 Comparison outcome of vitrified human embryos stored in vapor phase liquid nitrogen (LN2) and direct LN2
Authors: Park E A , Kang K Y , Lee J H , Lee J Y , Kim H S , Choi H S , Song G Y , Moon E H , Shiin M Y , Hur Y J , Yu E J , Kim R , Koong M K , Lee K A , Kim M J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Is vapor cryopreserved LN2 storage beneficial for clinical outcomes of vitrified human embryos that are frozen compared to vitrified human embryos having direct contact with LN2.

Summary answer
There are no significant differences compared to clinical outcomes of human embryos stored in LN2 vapor and direct store in LN2.

What is known already
There has been concerned about potential cross-contamination and biohazard issues of embryos for long term storage using direct LN2. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of human embryos transfer between vapor phase and liquid LN2.

Study design, size, duration
The embryo has undergone vitrification for long term storage with vapor or direct contact in LN2. After the thawing of the embryo, we checked on the survival rates. We transferred only one or two embryos per patient and kept analyzing the implantation and pregnancy rates

Participants/materials, setting, methods
This retrospective study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2019 with 3272cycles 4713embryos; vitrified for long term storage in vapor phase or direct contact with LN2. We compared the clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer cycles using vitrified for long term storage in vapor phase and direct contact with LN2. Clinical outcomes monitored were embryo survival, subsequent implantation and pregnancy after single or double embryo transfer

Main results and the role of chance
A total of 4713 fertilized human embryos are vitrified and then stored in LN2 vapor (n = 2520 cycles) or direct contact LN2 (n = 752 cycles). The study showed that the blastocyst stored in vapor able to retain full development. Survival was 97.8% (vapor) and 97.6% (direct contact LN2), and the vapor storage of human embryos had no significant difference in survival rates after a long term storage. For single blastocyst transfer, pregnancy and implantation rates were 51.5%, 52.4% in vapor, 54.6%, 54.9% in direct LN2; respectively (p=NS). In double blastocyst transfer, the pregnancy and implantation rates were 61.8%, 42.0% in vapor and 64.7%, 44.5% in direct LN2; respectively (p=NS). There were also no significant differences between two groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The study showed that the blastocyst stored in vapor can retain full development. A vapor storage system thus is safe and effective for long term vapor storage of vitrified human embryos.Within the limits of this study, there was no detection of an adverse effect of vapor storage.
Wider implications of the findings: Vapor storage systems thus represent a useful alternative for safe and effective long-term storage of vitrified human embryos that can avoid cross contamination chances from having direct contact with LN2.

Trial registration number
Not applicable