bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P–039 Sperm chromatin integrity in relation to clinical pregnancy rate in an egg donation program
Authors: Vargas-Tominaga L , Suarez A , Medina A , Alarcon F , Gomez M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Is DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) determinant in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) after ICSI?

Summary answer
DFI is determinant in CPR after ICSI

What is known already
Male fertility evaluation often leaves the clinician in uncertainty. Semen analysis is a basic examination, but insufficient. Sperm DNA is in a compact state, and its integrity is observed to be related to reproductive capacity

Study design, size, duration
A retrospective, single center study, in 65 couples underwent egg donation, ICSI and blastocyst transfer, evaluating DFI and its effect on CPR. This study was carried out since September 2017 to March 2020

Participants/materials, setting, methods
DFI was evaluated using Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test (SCD) and considering 20% or below as normal. We performed ICSI in donated eggs, cultured until blastocyst stage and transferred 1 to 3 embryos. CPR was defined as the number of patient with fetal heart beats presents in relation with the number of patients with embryo transfer. We determined CPR in both groups with normal and abnormal DFI. Fisher exact test was used to analyze the differences.

Main results and the role of chance
From these 65 couples, in 29 male partners had normal DFI and 36 abnormal. CPR was 68.97% in the first group and 41.67% in the second (p = 0.0448)

Limitations, reasons for caution
The small number of patients is a limitation
Wider implications of the findings: The results permit us to know more male patients, to consider DFI as an important variable and to prepare better our patients for procedures.

Trial registration number
00012
P–062 Annexin-V MACS method could be a good choice for sperm selection with high PLCZ1 expression and high blastocyst rate in high DFI male factor
Authors: Saleh. Novin M , Zandie Z , Bakhtiari M , Aflatoonian R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
What effect does Annexin-V MACS method have on sperm selection by pLCZ1 expression and blastocyst rate in male DNA fragmentation?

Summary answer
AnnexinV-MACS method could be a good choice for sperm selection with high pLCZ1 expression and high blastocyst rate in high DNA fragmentation male factor.

What is known already
Sperm selection based on morphology and motility in ART techniques, is not enough for choosing the best sperm especially in male factor patients. In Annexin-V magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) technique, apoptotic sperm are separated from non-apoptotic one by negative selection. So, this method can improved quality of compaction rate in embryo. PLCζ is oocyte activating factors that it starts oscillations of calcium ca2+ in oocyte and it has a significant effect on fertilization and implantation.

Study design, size, duration
Semen samples from 30 male factor infertile couples with high DFI (DFI&gt;30%) were selected and divided into two group (control and experimental) in each patient.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Control was washed with DGC and experimental one was selected by MACS-DGC. Retrieved eggs in each patient, were divided in 2. Both group were injected by DGC and MACS respectively. Semen parameters and DFI (SCD test) were analyzed before and after processing. After ICSI, rate of fertilization, embryo development and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Real time PCR evaluate expression of PLCζ. Comparison between results of two groups was assessed by SPSS analysis.

Main results and the role of chance
Results showed that, sperm motility and morphology after MACS method (45%, 1.7%) was significantly higher than DGC method (40%, 1.1%) and before washing (35%, 0.9%). Percent of DFI in MACS group (36%) was significantly decreased compared to DGC (45%) and primitive group (55%). The number of oocytes were injected in DGC group was 93 and in MACS group was 111. Fertilization rate in both groups was almost the same (72.07% in MACS vs 73.11 in DGC). Rate of day 3 embryo with good grade in MACS group (72. 5%) was significantly higher than DGC (51.47%) (P &lt; 0.05). The blastocyst rate in MACS-DGC group (69.69%) was significantly increased compared to DGC group (48%). PLCζ gene expression in MACS-DGC was significantly higher than DGC group (p-value=0.046).

Limitations, reasons for caution
This experiment was performed invivo.
Wider implications of the findings: Sperm selection by MACS-DGC method can improve sperm motility, morphology and reduce sperm DFI. No significant difference was observed in fertilization rate, but percent of high-quality embryo on days 3 and 5 was significantly higher by this method,also it can be suggested as a good choice for patients with highDF.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–067 Utility of evaluating semen samples from adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome for cryopreservation: A multi-institution evaluation
Authors: Chu K , Punjani N , Nassau D , Kashanian J , Ramasamy R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Should physicians continue to evaluate semen analysis from adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome for fertility preservation?

Summary answer
In the largest multi-institutional retrospective database to-date for this patient population, no sperm was found in ejaculate for cryopreservation amongst adolescent males with Klinefelter Syndrome.

What is known already
Klinefelter Syndrome is the most common genetic condition leading to male infertility and non-obstructive azoospermia. The condition causes decreased testicular growth, leading to lower production of testosterone and resulting deficiencies in secondary sexual characteristics. While testosterone therapy may be required for hypogonadism, there may be impact on future fertility potential. Current practice is to have KS adolescent patients provide semen analyses to identify potential sperm for cryopreservation. While the incidence is low, current epidemiological studies have been with limited sample size.

Study design, size, duration
This was a retrospective study of all adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients seen at the male infertility clinics of two large academic institutions between the years of 2015 to 2020. Adolescence was defined as the ages of 10 – 19 years old, as per the World Health Organization.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 116 patients were identified for the retrospective study database. Demographic information including weight, height, comorbidities, concurrent medications were collected. Hormone levels such as FSH, LH, testosterone, and estrogen were included for 77 patients. Additionally, semen analyses were available for 49 patients. Main results and the role of chance: Of the 49 patients with semen analyses, only 3 patients had rare sperm in ejaculate not sufficient for cryopreservation while the remaining had azoospermia. The average ejaculate volume of the provided semen samples was 0.9 cc. The average serum total testosterone level of adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients was 236 ng/dL. As expected, gonadotropin levels were found to be elevated (mean: 18.47 IU/L for FSH and 9.12 IU/L for LH).

Limitations, reasons for caution
The main limitation for this study was the sample size.
Wider implications of the findings: The findings from the largest retrospective study of this patient population imply a need to revisit counseling regarding the need for semen analyses in adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–071 Human Papillomavirus Infection and impact on men fertility
Authors: Madzunkov N , Madjunkova K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Is there any correlation between men infertility and HPV infection and its impairment on sperm quality?

Summary answer
There is a significantly higher prevalence of high-risk HPV in infertile men than fertile men. HPV infection does not impair sperm quality.

What is known already
Many factors may cause the infertility in males and females. Human papillomavirus are the most frequently sexually transmitted DNA viruses and etiological agents of cervical cancers. There is association between HPV infection in females and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion and spontaneous preterm delivery. Previous studies have reported the detection of HPV DNA in semen and in different sites of the male reproductive tract, such as glans penis and scrotum. Recent reports suggested that HPV may affect sperm parameters and lead to male infertility. The impact of HPV infection upon male fertility abnormality has received far less attention.

Study design, size, duration
In this study case control study we examined 38 fertile and 36 men from infertle couples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
we examined the swabs of the entire penile surface and semen samples for HPV detection and genotyping from 38 fertile men and 36 from men from infertile couples.HPV were detected with PCR method. Sperm was also examined for its motility, sperm quantity and morphology .

Main results and the role of chance
Among 36 confirmed infertile males, only 8 (22.22%) cases were tested positive for HPV of semen samples and 2 among fertile men were HPV-positive (5.26%) of semen samples. Among infertile males 14 (38.88%) had HPV positive penile swabs, and only 1 (2,63%) had positive HPV swab among fertile men. The most prevalent HPV types in the male external genitalia were HPV–16. The most prevalent HPV types in semen were HPV–53. This data revealed a significant association between high-risk HPV and male infertility (P = 0.03). Sperm quality (morphology and motility) did not differ significantly between men with seminal HPV infection and uninfected men.

Limitations, reasons for caution
There were some limitations in the study such as differences in age. sample sizes and the number of HPV genotypes detected.
Wider implications of the findings: We need larger studies and more further investigations to confirm the impact of HPV on male infertility.

Trial registration number
2
P–077 Performance of the postwash total motile sperm count as a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination
Authors: Kasturiraj A , Reddy S , Daniel M , Namboor. Srinivasan S , Raja N , Reddy E 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Is the performance of the postwash total motile sperm count a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination?

Summary answer
The number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) in IUI can be used to define clear range of pre /postwash sperm parameters.

What is known already
There is no consensus about the optimal number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) required for a reasonable chance of pregnancy after IUI. A meta-analysis of 16 studies assessing NMSI and IUI outcomes, concluded that at cut-off levels between 0.8 and 5 million, defined as the ability to predict failure to become pregnant. The purpose of this study is to determine the range of NMSI as a predictor of success in IUI.

Study design, size, duration
This prospective study includes 60 patients who underwent semen analysis at an academic infertility centre (SRIHER) during the month of December 2020 and January 2021.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 60 infertile couples who underwent IUI at our academic centre were enrolled in our study. A detailed history and infertility work up was done before proceeding for IUI, as per the department protocol. The semen was prepared by discontinuous 2 layered density gradient method. The results were analyzed by patient factors including age, BMI, semen parameters, NMSI. The NMSI were divided into 4 groups: A (&lt;1), B (1–4), C (5–9), D (&gt;10).

Main results and the role of chance
The mean age of the infertile couples who underwent IUI was (28.2 ± 3.8) in females and (31.8 ± 3.8) in males respectively. The sperm parameters such as concentration (21.8 ± 14.8), motility (53.15 ± 13.22), morphology (2.43 ± 1.33) respectively. When the NMSI was group C (5–9 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 38.5% whereas the pregnancy rate was 37.5% in group D ( &gt;10 x 10 6). In the other sub groups such as group A(&lt;1 x 10 6) and group C (1–4 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 14.2% and 12.5% respectively.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Infertile men with Azoospermia, Men with Retrograde ejaculation, Testicular samples, Epididymal samples, Infected samples. All of the above samples were avoided. It cannot be used for counselling during the initial infertility workup, but only during/after the IUI procedure.
Wider implications of the findings: The results suggest that NMSI can be a predictor of success in IUI in patients who are &lt; 30 years of age & ≥35 years, NMSI does not appear to be a useful. The effect of NMSI on pregnancy rate needs to evaluated on a larger scale .

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–102 GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) as a sperm medium supplement improves sperm quality in Oligoastenoteratospermia (OAT) men by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Tanhay. Kalat. Sabz F , Ashrafi M , Amjadi F , Zandieh Z , Hosseini E , Aflatoonian R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Can GM-CSF as a sperm medium supplement improve sperm quality in OAT men?

Summary answer
GM-CSF can be used to improve sperm quality in OAT men by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.

What is known already
OAT patients have very low sperm parameters, including morphology, count, and motility, which can adversely affect the results of assisted reproduction technologies. It seems the development of sperm media is necessary to improve the sperm parameters of these patients. GM-CSF is a natural growth factor produced by the reproductive organs, culture media supplemented with GM-CSF is widely commercially available and enhances the embryo development and implantation rate. Studies show that this growth factor in the semen of infertile men is lower than that of fertile men. However, there is no study to assess the effect of GM-CSF on sperm quality.

Study design, size, duration
In the present study, Semen specimens were collected from 20 OAT patients who have male infertility factors, according to WHO criteria. After the swim-up washing procedure, each of the samples is divided into two groups; experiment, and control. In the experimental group, samples are incubated with a medium containing 2 ng/ml GM-CSF for one hour, yet, in the control group, the sperms are incubated without GM-CSF for the same time.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The sperm motility was examined with phase-contrast microscopy, Eosin-nigrosin staining method was used to assess sperm viability. The expression of sperm glucose transporters (GLUT 1, 3) was determined using immunofluorescent staining, the ratio of pAkt to total Akt was assessed by the Western blotting method. Image J software was used to quantify results; the data was analyzed by SPSS software. P-value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance
As compared to the control group, supplementation with GM-CSF improved sperm progressive motility, enhanced GLUT 1 and 3, and p-AKT/AKT expression (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between the viability of the control and experimental groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This study needs further investigations, including Real-time PCR for the genes of this signaling pathway which is ongoing.
Wider implications of the findings: We showed for the first time that GM-CSF can improve sperm quality by influencing motility and energy metabolism in spermatozoa which can be affected by increasing the phosphorylation of AKT. This growth factor could be an appropriate supplement in sperm media for OAT patients.

Trial registration number
IRCT20200519047508N1
P–103 Novel sperm preparation techniques compared with conventional preparation method
Authors: Vahidi N , Amjadi F S , Kalat. sabz F , Zandie Z , Narimani N 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Which sperm preparation technique separate the best quality sperm?

Summary answer
Microfluidic method improved the sperm parameters and decreased sperm DNA damage.

What is known already
About 40% of infertility issues are due to male factor. One of the known causes of male infertility is associated with low sperm parameters and high level DNA fragmentation. Sperm preparation techniques in ICSI procedures is used in order to obtain the best-quality sperm.

Study design, size, duration
The present study was designed to compare Microfluidic, Zeta potential, Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) and Swim-up methods for sperm preparation and the effect of these methods on semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in infertile men (n = 25) with a mean age of 38.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
In this study, each sample was divided into 4 groups, one part for preparing by Microfluidic method, one of them for preparing by Swim -up method, the other one was prepared by MACS and the last one was prepared by zeta potential. Then sperm count, viability, motility and morphology were assessed according to WHO 2010. DNA damage were assessed by Sperm DNA Fragmentation assay and sperm chromatin packaging assessed by CMA3 staining test

Main results and the role of chance
Sperm parameters including viability, motility, and morphology in the Microfluidic method were significantly improved and sperm DNA damage were significantly lower than three other methods (P-value &lt;0.05). The sperm parameters and sperm DNA damage after preparation by MACS and Zeta potential methods were not significantly different however in the Swim-up method sperm parameters were lower than three other methods (P-value &lt;0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution
The fertilization and pregnancy rate of the resulting embryos are not available.
Wider implications of the findings: Our results showed that Microfluidic can be an effective way to improve sperm quality of infertile male compared to conventional preparation methods. We also found instead of the MACS method, we can use the Zeta potential method according to their costs, for sperm preparation during ART cycle.

Trial registration number
*
P–109 Comparison between the outcome of sperm vitrification protocol and conventional slow freezing protocol for semen cryopreservation
Authors: Patel K , Sharma N , Mishra V , Aggarwal R , Suthar A , Sheth H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Does sperm vitrification technique helps in increasing sperm survival and low DNA fragmentation index post warming.

Summary answer
Sperm vitrification protocol results in better motility, high progression and low DNA fragmentation index as compared to slow freezing.

What is known already
Cryopreservation is ceasing and resuming the cell metabolism, which can be achieved by different techniques like slow freezing and vitrification .Vitrification allows solidification of the cells and extracellular milieu into a glass like state without formation of ice which protects intracellular and extracellular ice formation, and further helps in avoiding different types of cryo-injuries and cellular damage. Study design, size, duration: Comparative study from July 2019 to Oct 2020 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital. Two hundred and ten patients were randomized by computer generated list and divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 110) samples cryopreserved by vitrification and Group 2 (n = 100) samples cryopreserved by conventional slow freezing.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Semen sample were analyzed by WHO 2010 laboratory manual, including all normozoospermic samples , other abnormal samples were excluded from the study . Method of semen preparation before cryopreservation is similar for both the groups, double density gradient method of preparation was used . Semen sample with high viscosity, hypo and hyper-spermia were also excluded. Similar cryovials of 2ml volume were used for both groups.

Main results and the role of chance
In group 1 where samples were cryopreserved by vitrification sperm motility was (54.3% vs 49.2%)vs in group 2 where samples were cryopreserved by slow freezing , non- significant difference were observed , but progressive motility was significantly higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 (36.8%vs17.9%) and DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group 1 vitrification than in group 2slow freezing ( 9.7% vs 20%).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Technical proficiency of the operator to avoid human errors and still larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results
Wider implications of the findings: Our study demonstrates that vitrification is better than slow freezing of human sperm, improved survival rates with high progression were found with vitrification and low DNA fragmentation index were also observed in samples cryopreserved with vitrification protocol.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P–150 Does trophectoderm biopsy performed on different blastocyst stages affect the clinical outcome?
Authors: Tan S H , Chan A Q Y , Lim A Y X , Lim M W 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on different blastocyst stages and its clinical outcome.

Summary answer
Our results showed that TE biopsy significantly reduced the clinical outcome of fully hatched blastocyst. What is known already: TE biopsy is a method widely practiced to harvest cells to determine the chromosomal constitution of a blastocyst, ensuring higher implantation and healthy pregnancies. The effect on clinical outcome after transferring blastocysts biopsied at different blastocysts stages has not been extensively studied.

Study design, size, duration
This retrospective study was conducted from January 2017 until July 2019 at Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists. Following laser assisted hatching on day 3, TE biopsy was performed on unhatched, hatching and fully hatched day–5 blastocysts. A total of 1,020 single euploid blastocysts transfer (SBT) were performed. The average maternal age was 31.7. Implantation rates (IR) were evaluated for all stages of hatching (Unhatched: BG3 & 4; hatching: BG5; fully hatched: BG6).

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Laser assisted hatching (Hamilton Thorne Bioscience, USA) was performed on day–3 and subsequently cultured to blastocyst-stage. Different hatching stages were observed using embryoscope time-lapse system (Vitrolife, Sweden) and were recorded. Day–5 blastocysts with at least BG3BB grade (Gardner’s System) were selected for TE biopsy and the biopsied cells were sent for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) using Next-Generation Sequencing (Life Technologies, USA). All blastocysts were vitrified and warmed using the Cryotec Method (Cryotech, Japan). Main results and the role of chance: All 1,020 blastocysts survived post-warmed (post-warm survival rate= 100%) and were transferred in frozen transfer cycles. TE biopsy performed on unhatched blastocysts showed a comparable IR to hatching blastocysts (60.0% [15/25] and 65.2% [627/961]). While fully hatched blastocysts (44.12% [15/34]) show a significantly lower IR when compared to hatching blastocysts (65.2% [627/961]), no significant difference was seen when comparing unhatched blastocysts to fully hatched blastocysts (60.0% [15/25] and 44.12% [15/34]; p = 0.2949).

Limitations, reasons for caution
The sample size was comparatively smaller in the unhatched and fully hatched group than the hatching group. Further studies with a larger sample size is recommended to ascertain the clinical outcome. Since this is a retrospective study and biopsy was done by different embryologists, the biopsy technique was not controlled. Wider implications of the findings: To achieve higher clinical pregnancy, it is recommended to perform TE biopsy before the blastocysts is fully hatched.

Trial registration number
Not applicable