bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic evaluation including intermediate omics features
Authors: Christensen Ole F , Börner Vinzent , Varona Luis , Legarra Andres 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In animal and plant breeding and genetics, there has been an increasing interest in intermediate omics traits, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics, which mediate the effect of genetics on the phenotype of interest. For inclusion of such intermediate traits into a genetic evaluation system, there is a need for a statistical model that integrates phenotypes, genotypes, pedigree, and omics traits, and a need for associated computational methods that provide estimated breeding values. In this paper, a joint model for phenotypes and omics data is presented, and a formula for the breeding values on individuals is derived. For complete omics data, three equivalent methods for best linear unbiased prediction of breeding values are presented. In all three cases, this requires solving two mixed model equation systems. Estimation of parameters using restricted maximum likelihood is also presented. For incomplete omics data, extensions of two of these methods are presented, where in both cases, the extension consists of extending an omics-related similarity matrix to incorporate individuals without omics data. The methods are illustrated using a simulated data set.
Physical Activity as a Mediator Between Race/Ethnicity and Changes in Multimorbidity
Authors: Newsom Jason T , Denning Emily C , Elman Miriam R , Botoseneanu Anda , Allore Heather G , Nagel Corey L , Dorr David A , Quiñones Ana R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Studies report racial/ethnic disparities in multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and their rate of accumulation over time as well as differences in physical activity. Our study aimed to investigate whether racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity were mediated by physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.

Method
We assessed racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity (of 9 conditions) over 12 years (2004–2016) in the Health and Retirement Study (N = 18,264, mean age = 64.4 years). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate latent growth curve models of changes in multimorbidity and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White participants) to changes in the number of chronic conditions was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, household wealth, insurance coverage, smoking, alcohol, and body weight.

Results
There was a significant increase in multimorbidity over time. Initial levels and changes in multimorbidity over time varied significantly across individuals. Indirect effects of the relationship between race/ethnicity and changes in multimorbidity as mediated by physical activity were significant, consistent with the mediational hypothesis. Black respondents engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than White respondents after controlling for covariates, but there were no differences between Hispanic and White respondents once education was included. Discussion: These results provide important new information for understanding how modifiable lifestyle factors may help explain disparities in multimorbidity in mid-to-late life, suggesting greater need to intervene to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.
O-081 High variability of molecular isoforms of AMH in follicular fluid and granulosa cells from human small antral follicles
Authors: Mamsen L S , Bøtkjær J A , Kristensen S G , Pors S E , Jeppesen J V , Kumar A , Kalra B , Ernst E , Andersen C Y 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Is the composition of AMH isoforms different in follicular fluids (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) from human small antral follicles?

Summary answer
There is a high viability of AMH isoforms in FFs and GCs. Even between same size follicles from the same women, the isoform composition differs.

What is known already
Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily produced by follicular granulosa cells (GCs) in women from late gestation to the end of reproductive live. AMH is suggested to inhibit aromatase (i.e. CYP19) expression and thereby decreasing the conversion of androgens to oestrogens in humans, especially in small antral follicles before dominance is achieved and thereby act as a gatekeeper of ovarian steroidogenesis. However, the exact function and processing of AMH in human follicles is still not clarified.

Study design, size, duration
This retrospective study measured AMH isoforms in human FF and GCs from small antral follicles using ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. A total of 41 female adolescents and women aged 15 to 38 years (mean age: 29.7 years), who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet were included between year 2006 and 2020 included.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Donated human ovarian medulla tissue were FFs and GCs were obtained in connection with OTC. The following isoforms were evaluated in FFs using ELISA analysis: full-length AMH precursor (proAMH), cleaved associated AMH (AMHN,C), N-terminal pro-region (AMHN), and active C-terminal (AMHC) AMH. Antibodies specific for the N-terminal and the C-terminal AMH were used in both Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis of FFs and GCs.

Main results and the role of chance
A negative correlation between follicle diameter and the mentioned AMH forms were detected. Moreover, Western blot analysis detected various AMH forms in both FFs and GCs, which did not match the above-mentioned consensus forms suggesting an unknown proteolytic processing of AMH. The presence of these new molecular weight isoforms of AMH differs between individual follicles of identical size from the same woman.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The study group is limited and the significance of the variable AMH isoforms compositions between follicles cannot not be clarified from this data.

Wider implications of the findings
Collectively, these data suggest that intrafollicular processing of AMH is complex and variable, and thus, it may be difficult to develop an antibody based AMH assay that detect all AMH isoforms. Furthermore, the variability between follicles suggests that designing a proper standard will be difficult.

Trial registration number
not applicable
O-011 You are what your father ate- epigenetic implications
Authors: Soubry Adelheid 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
An unhealthy life style, obesity and excess of dietary fats or chronic consumption of processed foods create a harmful environment for sperm health. In the current presentation our most recent findings will be presented on male exposures related to an unhealthy life style and the effects measured on clinical sperm and/or embryo parameters in humans. Next, epigenetic implications will be shown from male obesity, “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods and other related determinants (such as advanced age) before conception. Our results lend support for the existence of epigenetic windows of susceptibility in life. If the acquired epigenetic signatures are passed down to the next generation(s) this may affect future health.
Our data are based on human studies, including the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST) cohort, The Influence of the Environment on Gametic Epigenetic Reprogramming (TIEGER) study and the Epigenetic Legacy of Paternal Obesity (ELPO) cohort.
In brief, we found that consumption of healthy food items, such as vegetables, fruits and nuts, is positively related to total motile sperm count (TMC), while consumption of fast foods (such as fries) is associated with lower TMC. Frequent consumption of fast foods (incl. pizza and fries) is associated with opposing effects on DNA methylation patterns at the DMRs of imprinted genes (such as IGF2 and MEG3-IG), compared to dietary patterns rich in whole grains and vegetables. These results correspond to our findings in sperm from obese versus non-obese men, and are in line with our earlier findings in children from obese fathers. While this talk will be a compilation and comparison of our research findings, it will also serve as a base for guidance and counselling in infertility.
Our results fit our new concept of the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD), where the role of the father has been suggested in disease development of his future offspring. If better understood, tailored dietary changes may positively shape the human sperm epigenetic profile and future programming of offspring health.
Trial registration number
Study funding
Funding source
O-017 Appeased embryo transfer with hypnosis
Authors: Lelaidier D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text

Objective
, We report in this presentation the use for couples undergoing infertility treatment of a new way of accompaniment. Hypnosis associated with learning of self-hypnosis is a solid support to valid an appeased uptake of an infertility program and lower the emotional charge associated with such treatments.

Main
enhance emotional comfort in couples undergoing infertility treatment.

Secondary
patients feelings after results of the attempt (whether failure or success), pregnancy rates.

Contains
During a first meeting family and historical back ground is analyzed as well as medical file and causes for infertility. Then a first specific session is proposed in relation with underlying problems using ericksonian hypnosis. For example sessions using amnesia can be used in patients having had traumatic experiences. Comfort and wellbeing suggestions are used after each hypnosis session.
Two other sessions can be proposed at office, one called “the two chests” first one to pack all past failures and second to collect present or past successes regarding all fields. These successes will be resourceful to refer to. The second session will be to enhance self-confidence using contes.
In order to enhance autonomy patients are given 4 audio sessions prerecorded to home practice.
Three of them are specific to intra uterine insemination or embryo transfer. One is called FIVETE to listen the day before medical procedure, one is called SIMPLE INDUCTION to start just before and throughout the procedure. One to do after procedure at home called DO NOTHING.
Patients are called few weeks after the attempt for debrief and results.
O-033 Where ethics hits the patients needs - Case Germany
Authors: Kordic K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text
The German Embryo Protection Act was passed in 1990 and has never been changed since, other than minor changes in 2011 regarding PGD.
Germany is a country with 83 million inhabitants, where more than 6 million people of reproductive age are facing infertility or difficulties conceiving and delivering a healthy child. Germany also has the oldest and arguably most restrictive law regulating reproductive medicine, especially IVF. By passing a law with such an imposing title and starting the act with a list of prohibitions, 31 years ago German legislators made their intentions very clear: to protect the embryo rather than to help infertile people to become parents using assisted reproductive technology.
Since reproductive medicine has developed tremendously in the last 30 years and since the number of people in need of medical assistance to have a child is constantly growing,Germany now is not only far behind other European countries with its legislation but also seems to be against its patients and citizens in need of the assistance of modern medicine to have children.
How can we change an inappropriate and archaic law? How can we create a modern law which suits patients’ needs without compromising ethics?
How can reproductive medicine in Germany come back on track again and serve the people by evidence based medicine in the first place?I
O-041 Functional sperm diagnostics: The evidence behind commercially available tests
Authors: Hotaling J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text
Despite the fact that the semen analysis has remained the cornerstone of the male infertility evaluation for decades, it has significant limitations. Among them are the inability to completely predict reproductive potential and the inability to analyze the fitness of individual sperm. There remains a real need for novel tests that can determine which interventions for male infertility are the most likely to result in a significant improvement in reproductive potential, to analyze the chance of success or failure with ART and to determine if there exists a sub population of sperm whose use could lead to optimal chances of success with fertility treatments. In this talk we will cover what the limitations of the current semen analysis are, what novel tests are available and delve into the impact of future technologies such as microfluidics, machine learning and others to optimize the diagnostic armamentarium of male fertility assessment. We will also focus on tools that could, potentially, non-invasively image sperm and report reproductive fitness while maintaining viability for ART.
Trial registration number:
Study funding:
Funding source:
O-046 Implantation and beyond, the endometrial perspective
Authors: Aplin J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text
Early pregnancy failures are spread throughout the first few weeks, suggesting that impairment of normal biological processes can occur at sequential stages: epithelial attachment and breaching, early stromal and then decidual invasion, glandular and vascular invasion. Biopsy-based transcriptomics and proteomics have failed to demonstrate a reproducible or interpretable molecular signature for endometrial receptivity, but single cell RNAseq suggests a step change in the epithelial transcriptome in the mid secretory phase, consistent with the appearance of new cell phenotype(s). Previously unseen heterogeneity in both epithelial and stromal cell populations has become evident, but gene signatures have not yet achieved a level of resolution that allows insights clear enough to decode the biology of the receptive state. However, methodology for propagating and recombining endometrial cell populations into 3D engineered tissue models has advanced, so that new mechanistic questions can be asked. Initial acquisition of receptivity to implantation is followed by the development of a supportive environment for embryos that possess the capacity to progress, with maternal cell populations (epithelial, stromal, immune and vascular) acting cooperatively within a remodelling extracellular matrix (ECM). A balance must be achieved in the ECM between breakdown, with opening of hydrated spaces to allow expansion of the embryonic sac while maintaining a substrate for stable physical attachment to allow invasion by extravillous trophoblast. The extent and nature of cellular trafficking to and from the uterus is important before and during early pregnancy. There is evidence that regulation of a resident senescent cell subpopulation by uterine NK cells occurs in concert with ECM remodelling to achieve a functionally supportive environment in the early first trimester. Access of bone marrow-derived cells to vessel walls is regulated by placental-endothelial signalling to initiate remodelling for the increased blood flow to the conceptus that is required in later pregnancy. Thus ‘receptivity’ and ‘supportiveness’ require normal cell proportions and functional phenotypes in multiple endometrial cell populations and their physical environment in order to allow a well-calibrated sequential developmental response in the conceptus.
O-133 Effect of non-surgical treatments on the size of endometrioma: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mekki S , Hamdan M , Omar S Z , Shunmugam R H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
This review aims to determine the effectiveness of medical preparations in the management of endometrioma size

Summary answer
Medical treatment from different groups significantly reduces the endometrioma size, and relives painful symptoms

What is known already
Endometrioma is usually found in more severe stage of endometriosis and likely to be treated surgically. However, surgery of an endometrioma always destroys ovarian tissue and eventually reduces the ovarian reserve.

Study design, size, duration
Systematic review and analysis.The studies included 810 women in the intervention groups and 442 in the control groups

Participants/materials, setting, methods
810 women included in the intervention groups . 442 in the control . All were women with endometrioma; 30-60% had pelvic pain. age was 33.4 years (range 27-39.8).
Four electronic databases search PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Google Scholar from each database inception date until 10 .9. 2019 using the specific search term. randomized and nonrandomized were included. trials comparing different medications for endometiotic cyst medical treatment, without language restriction and in consultation with a search methodologist

Main results and the role of chance
We found 3121studies from the initial search and out of which 3102 were excluded due to they did not fulﬁl the selection criteria, We included 14 studies for the systematic review leaving 4/14 for the meta-analysis. 14 final studies included for the systematic review out of which 6/14 were uncontrolled. The majority of the studies were prospective (10/14), and four were RCTs. 2/4 (n = 395). controlled studies patient treated with a low-dose (OCP) or NET and dienogest +EE compared with patients treated with placebo, the endometrioma size significantly reduced (odds ratio[OR]1.32;95%CI [0.61,2.84],2studies, 255women, I = 0%).2/4 studies included in meta-analysis patients treated with dienogest versus norethendrone or ethinyl estradiol [EE] plus dienogest (SMD - 6.73;95%CI[-16.53, 3.06],2studies,185 women, I = 83%)

Conclusions
Medical treatment from different groups significantly reduces the endometrioma size, and relives painful symptoms.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Despite the nature of the randomized includedstudies, the results of this study are still subjected to confounders relating to clinical and statistical heterogeneity. the studies reported the outcomes differently

Wider implications of the findings
medical treatment can be given the surgery can be avoided, therefore preserve the ovarian tissue. There is limited controlled study to examine the effectiveness of the treatment for endometrioma.

Trial registration number
–––––––––
O-049 How is AI changing the way we make babies?
Authors: Zaninovic N 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text
ART is one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine. Besides the advancements in the hormonal stimulation and treatment regimes, the laboratory aspect of IVF showed emerged development in science and especially technology. The emphasis of future IVF treatments and laboratory procedures is on the non-invasive methods of embryo evaluation and selection. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily life prompts us to evaluate this technology in this context. The AI is one of the main candidates to drive future IVF not only in the lab but also in all aspects of the IVF procedures. The benefit of AI technology involves “big data” analysis, objectivity, standardization, and precision. The most advancement of AI application is in the IVF lab where technology can be used as a tool to enhance our ability to select the “best” viable embryo objectively. As a new technology, it is important to evaluate it on the large scale. The AI technology will also enable us to standardize clinical parameters of patient reproductive potential and objectively predict each patient reproductive outcome per cycle. Ultimately, AI will help us to achieve the personalized and precision medicine needed in our field.
O-051 Telenursing within fertility
Authors: Peddie V 
Published: August 2021

Abstract text
Aberdeen Fertility Centre provides fertility investigation and treatment across the north east, highlands and islands (Orkney & Shetland) of Scotland, which includes rural and remote communities. Whilst the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has accelerated the delivery of Tele-fertility Nursing, the National Health Service (NHS) in Grampian, Scotland launched both ‘No Delays’ and ‘Near Me’ platforms in 2019 to keep pace with the digital age and with the intention of improving the quality of patient care.
No Delays (series of video packages and virtual consultations) has revolutionised clinical pathways, providing individualised patient information from investigation to treatment, permitting email ‘prescription’ of digital postcards (personalised package of short videos introducing members of the team and explaining their role) that explain the fertility journey and management plan in detail, from investigation (ie., tubal evaluation), to treatment (ie., ovulation induction or IVF), and self-administration of medicines.
Thereafter, patients receive invitation to virtual ‘Near Me’ consultation which can take place in the comfort of their own home whilst acknowledging flexibility in lifestyle (partner can remotely access consultation from workplace, including overseas).
Electronic patient records (EPR’s) provide immediate access to complete, accurate and up to date clinical patient data, which, together with Electronic Consents compliment the tele-nursing experience through a complete library of consent forms, automatically allocated to patient and partner according to treatment type and personal circumstances: information being provided in video format to meet the requirements for informed consent. Forms are completed online, at home or in the ‘virtual’ clinic via computers, tablets or smartphones, with workflow automation tools allowing for digital signature/s. The complete digital package ensures patients have an early understanding of the process, therefore better prepared for face-to-face appointments and ensuring quality care delivered at point of contact.
The aims and objectives of ‘Tele-fertility Nursing’ were to: (1) reinforce key information routinely provided at consultation which may not always be understood, (2) meet patient need and lifestyle, (3) increase patient choice, (4) save time and money by reducing unnecessary travel (often complicated by adverse weather conditions from rural communities), (5) avoid unnecessary time off work, and (6) reduce environmental impact of attended appointments (health miles and miles not travelled).
Whilst concern remains around the digital interface and nurse/patient relationship, preliminary evaluation of ‘Near Me’ consultations and patient feedback - relative to electronic consent - suggests overall patient satisfaction; the above aims and objectives being met. However, full evaluation of the patient and fertility nurse experience of the ‘digital fertility journey’ is required.