bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
#81 : Result of Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy in Different Culture Medium Condition
Authors: Iffanolida Pritta Ameilia , Harzif Achmad Kemal , Mutia Kresna , Febri Ririn Rahmala , Gunarwati Deka Putri , Maidarti Mila , Wiweko Budi , Hestiantoro Andon 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing (niPGT-A) emerged from the discovery of embryonic DNA in spent embryo culture medium. Many studies have been developed in order to replace Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in assisted reproductive clinic, however the results between each study varies. We hypothesized that the condition of culture medium is one of the key factors that rely on. The aim of this study is to compare the niPGT-A result between single step culture medium (SCM) and two step culture medium (TCM). Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare the niPGT-A result between SCM and TCM with tropectoderm (TE) biopsy performed on day 5/6 as a gold standard for chromosomal analysis. The embryo was individually cultured in a 20 uL volume of cuture medium, for SCM group we used Sage one step culture medium from D1 to D5. For TCM group we used Cleav culture medium from D1 to D3 followed by Blast medium until D5. In day 5/6 we performed TE biopsy, and the embryo was freezing, then we took the spent blastocyst medium (SBM). A total 240 samples of SCM, TCM and TE were screened for chromosomal abnormality by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method. Results: The amplification rate of SCM and TCM groups was both 100% with average DNA yield of 18.1 ng/uL and 25.2 ng/uL, respectively. We validated these results by comparing chromosome status of blastocyst stage embryos as the standard, SCM group have 98.4% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity meanwhile for TCM group chromosomal status assessment using SBM had sensitivity of 85% dan specificity of 70%. Conclusion: The results found report successful amplification, high agreement rates and good sensitivity and specificity of the culture medium analysis. We can conclude that the time the embryo remains in contact with the culture medium favored the results.
#249 : Spotlight on the Artefacts in Next Generation Sequencing in PGT-A: Possible Reason for High Mosaicism Reporting
Authors: Singh Neeta , Gupta Ritu , Rani Lata , Sethi Ankita 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Advancement in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has led to the extensive utilization of Preimplantation Genetic testing for Aneuploidy. But one challenge, in reporting of aligned short read sequencing data, is the ability to discriminate between embryonic NGS profiles with genuine pathological copy number variations (CNVs) from artefacts arising from erroneous DNA amplification/library preparation. Do technical errors in VeriSeq-NGS lead to artefacts in CNV charts resulting in falsely increased reporting of chromosomal mosaicism? Method: After ethical clearance and informed consent, patients [Formula: see text] 35 years, [Formula: see text]1 implantation failures and severe male factor infertility underwent PGT-A. Those with aneuploid embryos on TE biopsy, donated their embryos for research in year 2022. The DNA extraction and amplification was carried out using Sureplex-DNA amplification system. The libraries were prepared using VeriSeqTM-PGS Library Preparation kit. A total of 24 libraries were pooled, denatured and subjected to NGS using Illumina MiSeq system. CNV visualization and analysis for each sample was carried out using BlueFuse Multi Software (Illumina, USA). The aneuploid whole blastocyst were subjected to the same protocol. Results: NGS profiles generated from the aneuploid whole blastocysts, were manually analyzed for CNVs and for any common genomic artifacts. The quality control was performed using Illumina-Quality Control requirements and only samples satisfying these requirements were used for analysis in the study. Common artifacts were identified affecting chromosome 7,11,16 and 19. Out of 22 blastocysts, NGS profiles of 21 blastocysts had artifact at chromosome 19, and 15 had artifacts at chromosome 7,11,16. These artifacts may be introduced during whole genome amplification and/or suboptimal NGS library preparation or is inherent weakness of the VeriSeq-NGS kit. Conclusion: The four commonly occurring artefacts involved chromosome 7,11,16 and 19, which could be introduced during steps of whole genome amplification or library preparation. The awareness of these artefacts is important to reduce the false positive/inconclusive rate.
#371 : Immunological Analysis of Endometrial Receptivity: A New Hope for Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failures
Authors: Nguyen Chien , Nguyen Xuyen , Nguyen Ly 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: Recurrent implantation failures (RIF) remain always a strong problem for all IVF teams. Our ART Center started in 2015 and quickly we wanted to focus on implantation failure. After 2 or 3 embryo transfers without pregnancy, guidelines provide to perform exams such as karyotypes, Anti phospholipid, thrombophilia, uterine Doppler, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy with CD 136, laparoscopy, sperm DNA Fragmentation. However, a large part of these failures remains unexplained. Following the studies performed in France by N. Lédée in 2013, this study evaluates the results of a new exploration based on immunological analysis of endometrial receptivity. Methods: This study is proposed, after other explorations already done, for patients with 6 or more embryos D3 or 3 embryos D5 transferred without pregnancy. Such an analysis is achieved on endometrial biopsy performed in middle luteal phase and sent to MatriceLab (Paris) Immunological exploration is based on uNK count (uterine Natural Killer cells) and cytokines expression. According to these parameters, “individualized” care is proposed to patient for next embryo transfers to correct the disorder identified by analysis. Results: From 2016 to 2020, 114 biopsies have been performed and sent to MatriceLab. 112 were suitable for analysis. According with results, 4 main profiles have been isolated: Normal immunity (22,3%) Dysregulation immunity (77,7%). Low local immune activation (25%). Over local immune activation (40,2%). “Mix” profile (12,5%) 95 patients have been performing FET following the analysis. Mean age 32.6 ±3.6 years. Mean number of transfers before biopsy 3.9 ±1.6. Mean number of embryos previously transferred 9.6 ±4.4. Deliveries in normal immunity group: 33% (n=6). Deliveries in dysregulation group treated with adapted protocol: 53,2% (n=40) Conclusions: This pregnancy rate is much better than usual pregnancy rate expected after six embryos D3 or three embryos D5 transferred without pregnancy.
#216 : High Live Birth Rates After Low Dose Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LD-LIT) with Partner Lymphocytes in Recurrent Miscarriage Patients
Authors: Gupta Shyam Nandan , Palanivel Vasanthi , Chari Srinivas , PS Jishnu 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Recurrent Miscarriage (RM) affects 1–2% of couples trying to conceive, with 50% remaining unexplained. Meta-analyses suggest LIT improves pregnancy outcomes for RM couples. However, results are conflicting due to differing criteria and protocols. This study evaluates low dose LIT effectiveness in patients with unexplained RM and Th1/Th2/Treg paradigm disorders. Method: Self-controlled, prospective study of 23 RM patients receiving partner lymphocyte immunization from August 2021 to October 2022, with [Formula: see text]3 miscarriages less than 12 weeks when endometrium at ET was [Formula: see text]8mm and PGT embryos were used. Patients with abnormal Th1/Th2/Treg cell proportions and biomarkers were treated with paternal lymphocytes twice before embryo transfer (ET) and once post-pregnancy confirmation. Results: Significant decrease in Th1 and increase in Th2 cytokines like TNF-a and IFN-g and significantly increase in Treg cells and TGF-b noted and blocking antibodies detected in all patients after LIT therapy. 20/23 (87%) post LIT conceived and 4 delivered healthy full-term babies (17%) and 3 patients have yet to undergo ET. 48% (11/23) uneventful ongoing pregnancies crossed [Formula: see text]14 weeks. 3 patients had miscarriages (13%). 1 patient (4%) did not conceive. 1(4%) conceived spontaneously ([Formula: see text]25 wks) and 1(4%) opted to try to conceive naturally. Cumulative uneventful pregnancy outcome 65%. Conclusion: LIT was associated with high live birth rates, especially in women with RM. It not only ameliorates patient’s cellular immune function, but also further increases patient’s pregnancy success rate with high safety, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion. Being small size self-controlled study, this result needs to be validated with large we’ll planned RCTs. LIT may be considered a safe and effective treatment for RM/RIF in IVF patients in individual cases based on immunoprofiling (Th1/Th2/Treg paradigm disorders), after ruling out other potential causes of RM or RIF.
#220 : PDGFBB Improved the Biological Function of Menstrual Blood-Derived Stromal Cells and the Anti-Fibrotic Properties of Exosomes
Authors: Tan Jichun , Zhang Xudong , Zhang Siwen , Qi Jiarui 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a reproductive dysfunction disease characterized by endometrial fibrosis, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Our previous studies confirmed that menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) effectively attenuated endometrial fibrosis in IUA rats mainly through exosomes. This therapeutic effect can be enhanced by platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in which PDGFBB is an abundant growth factor. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of PRP and PDGFBB on the biological activities of MenSCs in vitro, and to further evaluate the molecular mechanism of MenSCs-derived exosomes (MenSCs-exos) in alleviating endometrial fibrosis. Method: MenSCs were isolated for in vitro functional assays to examine the viability, migration, and stemness of MenSCs. Endometrial stromal cells (EndoSCs) were treated with 50 ug/ml of MenSCs-exos, obtained by differential ultracentrifugation extraction. The molecular mechanisms by which PDGFBB improves MenSCs and exosomes alleviate EndoSCs fibrosis were then explored using immunofluorescence, western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation. Results: Both 100 ng/ml PDGFBB and 10% activated PRP promoted the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of MenSCs in vitro. Compared with PRP, PDGFBB significantly promoted MenSCs migration. All of these effects were inhibited by the PDGFR-[Formula: see text] inhibitor sorafenib. PRP and PDGFBB activated AKT/NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway in MenSCs and increased the expression of P65 and OCT4. Moreover, pretreatment of PDGFBB did not increase the secretion of MenSCs but significantly increased the anti-fibrosis effects of MenSCs-exos in IUA-EndoSCs. MenSCs-exos attenuated SMAD3 phosphorylation and increased YAP ubiquitination, which reduced the binding of YAP/SMAD3. Pretreatment with PDGFBB amplifies this effect. Conclusion: In summary, PDGFBB could improve the biological functions of MenSCs via AKT/NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway, including viability, migration, and stemness. PDGFBB amplified MenSCs-exos to attenuate endometrial fibrosis by inhibiting YAP activity, revealing a novel mechanism by which PRP enhanced MenSCs to repair tissue injury and providing a potential option for improving stem cell efficacy in IUA.
#323 : Prednisone Distinctively Suppresses Cytotoxic, Regulatory and Pro-Inflammatory Uterine Immune Cells in Women with Reproductive Failure
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Lu , Cheung Wing Ching , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Chi Chiu , Chung Pui Wah 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The use of immunosuppressive corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone is of great interest in improving pregnancy outcomes for women with reproductive failure. However, the impact of prednisone on endometrial immune cells remains unclear, and there is controversy over its therapeutic benefits. Our study aims to compare the changes in the levels of cytotoxic, regulatory, and pro-inflammatory endometrial immune cells during the window of implantation before and after the treatment with prednisone. Method: Endometrium samples were collected from 22 women with repeated implantation or recurrent miscarriage on the day of LH surge plus 7. The endometrium samples were simultaneously stained with a panel of antibodies to identify various types of endometrial immune cells, including cytotoxic CD3−CD56+CD16+ uNK cells and CD3+CD56+ NK-like T cells, regulatory CD3−CD56+CD16− uNK cells, pro-inflammatory CD16+CD68+ macrophages, and CD3+ pan-T cells. The differences in these immune cell populations before and after oral prednisone treatment (10 mg/day from the first day of their menstrual cycle until the day of biopsy) were compared. Results: Prednisone significantly decreased the density of cytotoxic CD3+CD56+NK-like T cells (0.09±0.03% vs. 0.04±0.02%, P=0.04), regulatory CD3−CD56+CD16− uNK cells (3.20± 1.52% vs. 1.60± 0.75%, P=0.02) and pro-inflammatory CD16+CD68+ macrophages (0.2± 0.07% vs. 0.07± 0.02%, P=0.03). However, there was no significant fluctuation in cytotoxic CD3−CD56+CD16+ uNK cells (0.08± 0.02% vs. 0.05± 0.03%, P=0.15) and pan-T cells (0.91± 0.56% vs. 0.83± 0.55%, P=0.58). Conclusion: The treatment with prednisone can reduce the levels of certain types of immune cells in the endometrium, specifically cytotoxic NK-like T cells, regulatory uNK cells, and pro-inflammatory macrophages. This selective suppression of endometrial immune cells by prednisone suggests that it may be possible to identify and target specific immune cells for more precise treatments in future clinical trials.
#359 : Impact of Genitourinary Prolapse on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Women at Their Midlife
Authors: Munira Sirajam , Jahan Muna Shalima , Islam Md. Foyjul 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting women during their midlife, leading to various symptoms and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the association of POP severity with QoL and sexual function in women at their midlife, with the objective of providing valuable insights for comprehensive care and effective management of POP. Method: A cross-sectional study included 130 symptomatic GUP women aged 40-60 years from Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. Group 1 (85 women) had stage 1 GUP, while the remaining were in group 2. Face-to-face interviews and POP-Q staging were conducted, followed by statistical analysis using Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests to examine the association of GUP severity with QoL and sexual function between the groups. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.24 years (SD=5.5). The majority of the respondents were above 50 years of age (56%), and 65.38% of the study population were in group 2. One-third of the respondents (35.38%) had stage III GUP whereas only 4.62% were in stage IV. The frequency of urinary symptoms was most commonly occurring (70%) where dribbling of urine was least frequent (38%). Sexual and bowel symptoms were correlated with advanced stage of disease where urinary symptoms were not associated with GUP severity. Sexual dysfunction symptoms were positively associated with uterine descent. Regarding quality of life, all nine domains of QoL scores had positive correlation with severity of GUP. Conclusion: This study reveals the correlation between POP and urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms. Clinicians should assess these symptoms for comprehensive care, and further research is required to determine effective treatment options for women with POP.
#279 : The Relationship Between Maternal Age and the Chromosomal Status of the Embryo
Authors: Kurniawan Riyan Hari , Muharam Raden , Widyahening Indah Suci , Iffanolida Pritta Ameilia , Wiweko Budi 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Maternal age is one of the success factors of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Specifically, advanced maternal age (AMA; defined as [Formula: see text]35 years) shows just a negligible impact upon fertilization rate and a mild impact upon embryo development to the blastocyst stage, but results in a dramatic impact upon blastocyst aneuploidy rate. This is also associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian stimulation so that the number of oocytes and embryos produced from an older maternal age becomes less and the implantation rate decreases. However, the high incidence of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities in young women does not exclusively prove that maternal age is related to the quality of the resulting embryos. This study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal age and the chromosomal status of the embryo. Method: This cross-sectional research was done on 30 embryos from 12 patients aged 28-40 years old who underwent an IVF program in three clinics. Embryos were cultured until blastocyst stage. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was done after blastocyst biopsy on day 5 or 6, and chromosomal analysis was done using the next generation testing (NGS) method. Then the relationship between maternal age with embryo chromosomal status was analysed. Results: There is no difference in subjects’ characteristics between the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups (p>0.05). There is no significant difference in maternal age of the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups. (With p=0.690). Conclusion: Maternal age has no relationship with embryo chromosomal status. There is no specific pattern in the relationship between age and chromosomal status, except in the age range of 36 to 40 years, it is found that increasing age increases the number of aneuploid embryos and decreases the number of euploid embryos.
#82 : Does Apoptotic Body Impair Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Rosli Nur Ilanah , Khir Najwa Safuhah Mohamad , Khalid Nurul Izzah Ab , Kadir Nursyuhada Akma Abdul , Zain Murizah Mohd. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Morphologically suboptimal blastocyst is often associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes. Apoptotic body is one of the abnormal findings in blastocysts characterised by cellular shrinkage and a darker appearance. The presence of apoptotic bodies may be suggestive of ongoing cellular degeneration. Cellular degeneration in the blastocyst is part of its self-corrective mechanism. The degenerated cells will deplete through the phagocytosis process. Aims: This is a retrospective study that aims to analyse whether the presence of apoptotic body has a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes. Method: We compare the outcome of the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle of blastocysts with apoptotic body and without it as a control. We further divide the cases into single blastocyst transfer and double blastocyst transfer. The data was collected from Vistana Fertility Centre from January to December 2022. Results: Conclusion: Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the study group and the control group. Hence, the presence of dead cells did not negatively impact the pregnancy outcomes.
#170 : Case Report: Live Birth Following Frozen Embryo Transfer of a Day 7 Euploid Blastocyst Derived from Vitrified-Warmed Oocytes with Delayed Maturation
Authors: Chok Siow Shein , Lim Mei Wei , Tan Chong Seong , Lee Colin Soon Soo 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: A 35-year-old patient with secondary infertility underwent oocyte freezing at Alpha IVF in January 2021. She had 13 oocytes retrieved, of which, only 3 were mature and vitrified on Day 0 (Day0-MII) while the remaining 10 immature oocytes were left to mature overnight. On the following day, 8 mature oocytes (Day1-MII) were vitrified. This case report describes a live birth following frozen embryo transfer (FET) of a Day 7 euploid blastocyst derived from vitrified-warmed Day1-MII oocytes. Method: All of the patient’s MII oocytes were vitrified and warmed using Cryotec method (Cryotech, Japan). The oocytes were inseminated using PIEZO-ICSI (Japan) and were cultured up to 7 days. Usable blastocysts (with at least a Gardner’s score of BB) had their trophectoderm biopsied and subsequently vitrified. Biopsied cells were subjected to preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy (PGT-A) using next generation sequencing (Ion Torrent, USA). Finally, a euploid blastocyst was warmed and transferred. Results: Of the 11 vitrified MII oocytes, 10 survived post-warmed and 7 fertilized post-insemination: 2 from Day0-MII oocytes; 5 from Day1-MII oocytes. After 7 days of culture, none of the vitrified-warmed Day0-MII oocytes became usable blastocysts. Out of the 5 fertilised Day1-MII oocytes, 2 developed into usable blastocysts (1 day 6 blastocyst; 1 day 7 blastocyst) and were subjected to PGT-A and vitrification. Of the 2 blastocysts analysed, only the day 7 blastocyst was a euploid. Subsequently, this blastocyst was warmed and transferred in June 2022 which led to a clinical pregnancy. In February 2023, the patient underwent an uneventful delivery at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Conclusion: This case report demonstrated that a day 7 blastocyst derived from vitrified-warmed Day1-MII oocytes can result in a healthy live birth. We advocate that the salvaging of immature oocytes on Day 0 should be practiced.
#171 : Efficacy of Kidscore in Predicting Ongoing Pregnancy Rate and Miscarriage Rate
Authors: Tee Zhi Qing , Ng Jene Enn , Lee Colin Soon Soo 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: EmbryoScope+ scoring (KIDScore TM) has been shown to improve embryo selection based on morphology and morphokinetics assessment. Prediction of clinical pregnancy rates based on KIDScoreTM achieved different outcomes across IVF clinics. This study aims to assess the efficacy of KIDScoreTM in predicting clinical outcomes for single euploid blastocyst transfer in Alpha IVF. Method: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical outcomes of 349 patients (mean age 33.9) undergoing frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer from August 2020 to September 2022. All blastocysts were annotated with a KIDScoreTM value prior to biopsy and further categorized into 9 groups (1.0-1.9, 2.0-2.9, 3.0-3.9, 4.0-4.9, 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9, 8.0-8.9, 9.0-9.9). Clinical pregnancy and number of gestational sacs were determined by ultrasound. Logistic regression was used to calculate the coefficient of determination (R2). Results: Out of 349 single euploid blastocyst transfer, 251(72%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Coefficient of determination from the regression model showed that the clinical pregnancy rate was weakly correlated with KIDScoreTM value (R2=0.2851). 64.96% of the rising trend in the ongoing pregnancy rate can be correlated with KIDScoreTM value. The data also showed a declining trend in miscarriage rate as the KIDScoreTM value increased, of which 77.82% of the events can be predicted accurately by KIDScoreTM value. Conclusion: KIDScoreTM value appears to be a good predictor for ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. However, we are cautious in making this statement as most of the selected blastocysts for transfer are from a higher KIDScoreTM group. Assessment on the efficacy of KIDScoreTM in predicting clinical outcomes can be conducted with further blastocysts’ classification. (251 words)