bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O-157 Modelling human early development
Authors: David L 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Understanding human peri-implantation development is necessary to improve in vitro fertilisation. Technical progress, such as scRNAseq and integrated stem cell models have dramatically improved our ability to understand human peri-implantation development. However, in-depth analysis and systematic validation in human embryos remains necessary to build a reliable reference. Here, we started by integrating pre- and post-implantation scRNAseq embryo datasets to generate a peri-implantation reference, highlighting progression of fates during early human development. Second, we identified the dynamics of genes modules, groups of genes with similar expression pattern. In particular, this highlighted the hierarchy of transcription factor potentially driving cell fate progression. Importantly, we performed prolonged embryo culture to validate by immunofluorescence progression of EPI and TE fates. Moreover, we compared the expression profile of the identified markers in stem cell models. Finally, we used the combination of gene modules to benchmark blastoid models. Altogether, our study paves the way for modelling human peri-implantation development with stem cell models.

Trial registration number
NA
Study funding:
Funding source:
O-166 Distinct molecular signatures of successful sperm in situ
Authors: Chung J J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Out of millions of ejaculated sperm, a few reach the fertilization site in mammals. Flagellar Ca2+ signaling nanodomains, organized by multi-subunit CatSper calcium channel complexes, are pivotal for sperm migration in the female tract, implicating CatSper-dependent mechanisms in sperm selection. Here using biochemical and pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that CatSper1 is an O-linked glycosylated protein, undergoing capacitation-induced processing dependent on Ca2+ and phosphorylation cascades. CatSper1 processing correlates with protein tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) development in sperm cells capacitated in vitro and in vivo. Using 3D in situ molecular imaging and ANN-based automatic detection of sperm distributed along the cleared female tract, we demonstrate that spermatozoa past the utero-tubal junction possess the intact CatSper1 signals. Together, we reveal that fertilizing mouse spermatozoa in situ are characterized by intact CatSper channel, lack of pY, and reacted acrosomes. These findings provide molecular insight into sperm selection for successful fertilization in the female reproductive tract.
O-172  Room and directions for improvement in oocyte cryopreservation
Authors: De Los Santos M J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Cryopreservation and more specifically oocyte vitrification has become a before and after in the field of Assisted Reproduction Techniques. Despite great efforts to improve slow oocyte freezing protocols, the levels of reproducibility, survival rates and clinical outcomes achieved by oocyte vitrification have never been reached by any of these old approaches.
However, once this barrier was overcome, new challenges emerged. We must reassert ourselves on issues such as the efficacy, efficiency and safety of a technique that is now fully implemented in IVF laboratories around the world.
Continuos monitoring and improvement as part of the quality management system is mandatory, to keep the the standards of qualilty, identify factors that may affect survival rates and look for room for improvemnt and finetune the protocols.
But also it is important to provide answers to women who wish to preserve their fertility for medical or non-medical reasons. They have key questions such as how many oocytes to store, what the survival rate will be after warming, will the cryopreserved oocytes be able to fertilize and develop as good as the fresh counterparts, how does the number of oocytes used affect the cumulative live birth rate?
Also for women undergoing ART, oocyte vitrification may represent a successful strategy. For example, patients with low response or women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, the two sides of the coin, may benefit from oocyte cryopreservation. The former, by storing and accumulating oocytes that allow them to obtain success rates comparable to those of normal responders while avoiding the adverse effects of a low response; the latter, by postponing insemination over time, investing in safety.
Yet embryo vitrification can offer good alternatives to oocyte vitrification so both options can be explored and compared

Trial registration number
XXXX
O-174 The transition from fertility to maternity care services - a Royal College of Nursing publication
Authors: Steyn F 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
Is there a need for guidance for nurses and midwives involved in the delivery of care for patients transitioning from fertility service to maternity services.

Summary answer
There is a potential knowledge gap that exists in the transition of care from fertility to maternity services.

What is known already
Once a patient becomes pregnant through fertility treatment in the UK, they are usually discharged out into NHS maternity care services via their general practitioner. This means that the maternity service staff are often unaware of the time it has taken to conceive, fertility treatments and procedures, fertility medications and emotional trauma that the patient has been through already and may not be aware of some of the complexities surrounding the fertility treatment journey.

Study design, size, duration
A project group of 14 key contributors was invited to be part of the publication that included fertility nurses, midwives, early pregnancy specialist nurses and patient representative members. An initial literature review took place and each person contributed from their specialist area. The project to produce the guidance took 9 months of planning, reviewing and meeting to discuss content with a final publication in September 2022.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
An initial literature review of the project subject did not highlight any existing research or publications in this area. A forum governance bid was submitted to produce a 45 page online resource aimed at fertility nursing staff, early pregnancy care staff and maternity services staff. The key project team contributed from their specialist areas and was reviewed by stakeholder groups.

Main results and the role of chance
Pregnancy following fertility treatment can be an exciting, challenging and anxious time for expectant parents. This projects aim was to primarily raise awareness of possible pathways of care for women and others (their partners/support networks) as they travel through fertility treatment and pregnancy, and how they can best be supported by the health care professionals they encounter along their journey. A 45 page online resource was produced and disseminated to fertility, early pregnancy and maternity staff via stakeholder groups and a webinar to launch the publication.

Limitations, reasons for caution
No limitations identified. The publication is available for all staff working in all three areas and provided guidance for all patient pathways including those from the LGBTQIA community.

Wider implications of the findings
No wider implications.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P-560 Stigma related to male infertility in China: a scale development and validation study
Authors: Zou F , Lin Y , Hang S , An G , Cao M , Liu J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
Is it possible to develop a trustworthy instrument to evaluate the infertile men's stigma and to document fully all methodological steps, including validation?

Summary answer
The Male Infertility Stigma Scale (MISS) has been developed to evaluate the stigma status of infertile men with a good reliability and validity.

What is known already
Infertile men regard childless as a hidden stigma, which influence all the dimensions of their lives and well-being. Most instruments focus exclusively on women and no questionnaires have been directed at infertile men.

Study design, size, duration
A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyse the validity and reliability of MISS. This was a one-centre study in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between January 2019 to May 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
This study was carried out on men (n = 432) with a diagnosis and treatment for male-factor infertility. Item generation and reduction of MISS was formed by combining literature review, interviews of experts and patients, and related scale. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 216) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 216) were performed to indicate the scale constructs. In addition, reliability analyses including internal consistency and test–retest analysis (n = 18)were carried out. Validity was analyzed by convergent validity and content validity.

Main results and the role of chance
This study developed a 18-item MISS with three dimensions (social marginalization, self-devaluation, psychological insecurity). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that these three dimensions explained 60.14% of total variances.The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the construct of the MISS fitted well with the hypothetical model. The Cronbach's α,split-half coefficient and test–retest correlation coefficient for the whole scale was 0.951, 0.884,and 0.945, respectively. The associations of the MISS with other measure suggested good convergent validity. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.988.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The reliability and validity of the MISS developed in this study were verified only among the infertility men in Guangzhou and the discriminant validity of dimension 3(psychological insecurity) in this survey was a little poor. The convenience sampling method precluded the validity and generalization of the conclusions.

Wider implications of the findings
This study may create an effective evaluation measurement to understand the stigma status of infertile men. Future studies should focus on using the MISS in larger samples with different characterizations, such as different areas, and then taking some measures to help them .

Trial registration number
None
O-227 Viral, bacterial and fungal infections in patients with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Laven J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Miscarriages occur in 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies in the general population. Miscarriage has several physical and psychological consequences and might be a risk marker of severe obstetrical complications during the following pregnancies and various long-term pathological conditions, such as venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular diseases. Up to 80% of reproductive losses occur in the first trimester. Miscarriage may be caused by chromosomal abnormalities, antiphospholipid syndrome and other thrombophilia’s, immune and endocrine disorders as well as inflammation. However, in up to 50% of cases, the cause of the miscarriage remains unknown.
The microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Most are symbiotic and some, in smaller numbers, are pathogenic. In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems. But if there is a disturbance in that balance brought on by infectious illnesses, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. In this presentation the role of the microbiome as well as the virome in recurrent miscarriage will be discussed. Possible mechanism of action will be reviewed and, if available, treatment of a perturbed microbiome will be presented.

Trial registration number
XXXX
O-228 Dysbiosis and reproduction
Authors: Svarre Nielsen H 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are collectively known as our microbiome and constitute approximately 1-2% of our body weight. The microbiome is closely associated with our health. Dysbiosis refer to a suboptimal microbiome composition and while gut dysbiosis has been extensively investigated there is far less studies on how the reproductive microbiome is associated with reproductive health. This presentation will cover definitions, methods, and give an overview of the studies that have investigated the association between gut, vaginal and endometrial microbial dysbiosis and the association with implantation and early pregnancy. Possible mechanisms and treatment options will also be adressed.
O-234 Constant antioxidant supplementation increases blastocyst formation from oocyte donors
Authors: González Martínez J , Ramirez-Dominguez L B , Jimenez Medina I , Matamoros-Volante A , Villar-Muñoz L G , Rambhatla A , Agarwal A , Maldonado I 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
Does constant supplementation of antioxidants to the culture media increase blastocyst formation from oocyte donors?

Summary answer
The constant supplementation of antioxidants to the culture media increases blastocyst formation from oocyte donors

What is known already
The use of a combination of various antioxidants in embryo culture media has recently been investigated to explore the potential benefit for embryo development and clinical outcomes. However, the concentration of antioxidants added to the culture has only been determined by its effect. In this study, we performed a repeated antioxidants supplementation to resemble a physiological oxidation reduction environment. Therefore, we investigated the effect of antioxidants added every 12 hours to the culture media on blastocyst formation and expansion in oocyte donors.

Study design, size, duration
This prospective study was conducted at CITMER, Mexico from April 2020 to November 2022.We included a total of 258 recipients from oocyte donors undergoing IVF/ICSI.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 2403 zygotes were divided into 4 groups and cultured in the following conditions until blastocyst stage: Group 1A: 563 zygotes 20% O2 with antioxidants every 12 hours, Group 1B: 1109 zygotes 20% O2 with antioxidants at the beginning, Group 2A: 339 zygotes 5% O2 with antioxidants every 12 hours, Group 2B: 392 zygotes 5% O2 with antioxidants at the beginning. Embryo development was assessed. Odds ratio and Fisher test were performed. p &lt; 0.05=significant

Main results and the role of chance
For both oxygen tensions, we found a significant increase in the total blastocyst formation rate (day 5+day 6) when antioxidants were added repeatedly (1A: 54.7% vs 1B: 45.9%, p = 0.0007*; 2A: 58.7% vs 2A: 46.9%, p = 0.001*). In addition, the rate of expansion at days 5 + 6 was also significantly higher than in the groups where the antioxidants were added only at the beginning of the culture (1A: 35.9% vs 1B: 29.9%, p = 0.01*; 2A: 41.3% vs 2A: 31.6%, p = 0.006*).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Given this is a sibling zygotes study, patients are their own controls.

Wider implications of the findings
Constant supplementation of antioxidants to the culture media increases blastocyst formation from oocyte donors as well as the expansion rate, which may significantly improve clinical outcomes.

Trial registration number
06162020-aox04
P-465 Effect of male age on the outcome of frozen embryo trnasfer cycle in women over 40 years
Authors: Shin S Y , Koo H S , Kim J H , Kim J H , Kwon H , Park C , Choi D H , Shin J E 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
Does male age affect the outcome of in vitro fertilization in women over 40?

Summary answer
Advanced male partner's age is associated with decreased pregnancy rate, implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate.

What is known already
Fertility is known to have the greatest correlation with female age. Older women have a relatively lower pregnancy rate and higher miscarriage rate. It is also widely known that male partner's age is associated to pregnancy rate with increased sperm DNA fragmentation and decreased sperm motility. Age of marriage is delayed both male and female partners, assisted reproductive techniques are often conducted in women over 40 years. The effect of male age on IVF/ICSI outcomes on women over 40 is poorly explored.

Study design, size, duration
This is a retrospective cohort study analysed 1046 cycles of couples with an age of 40 or more of female partners and their male partners, performed at a single IVF center of university hospital between 2019 and 2022. The primary outcome was ongoing live birth and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and miscarriage.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Couples of primary/secondary infertility with female partner age over 40 years who underwent frozen-embryo transfer cycles were selected. couples who collected their sperm from TESE/TESA were excluded.

Main results and the role of chance
We decided the male partner's age in three groups, age less than 40, 41-45, and age over 45. There was a negative effect of male age on ongoing live birth and clinical pregnancy rate.(20.0%, 10.3%, 10.9%, p &lt; 0.001, 33.7%, 28.4%, 19.9%, p = 0.017). And we sub-analyzed ongoing live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate into female age group(female age of 40, 41-42, and over 43). The ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate were negatively associated with male partner's age especially in female age group of over 43 years.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This study is limited to the information on confounding factors. The study may also be limited due to its selection criteria.

Wider implications of the findings
This study provides information regarding IVF/ICSI outcomes on women over 40 years of age

Trial registration number
not applicable
O-245 Monitoring oxytocin release in vivo during female sexual behavior using a genetically encoded sensor
Authors: Wang P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
To investigate if the release of oxytocin (OT) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) fluctuates during discrete phases of female sexual behavior.

Summary answer
Using a highly sensitive OT-specific genetically encoded sensor, we have recorded behavioral phase-specific OT release in mPFC in freely moving mice.

What is known already
OT has been reported to participate in the regulation of sexual behavior of both male and female mice. OT activated mPFC neurons by increasing their firing activity. Loss of function studies indicated that pharmacological or genetic ablation of OT signaling in mPFC largely disrupts female sociosexual interest in male mice. OT action is indispensable in female sociosexual behavior, however, its release dynamics have never been recorded before due to technical difficulties. We have developed a highly sensitive OT-specific G-protein-coupled receptor activation-based sensor (OT1.0), and recorded intracellular OT release in behaving mice on the millisecond time-scale.

Study design, size, duration
Eight C57BJ/6N mice were divided into two groups (n = 4 per group). Intracellular viral transduction with OT1.0 or OT1.0mut vectors was administrated to each group. After viral transduction, 3 weeks were waited to allow sufficient viral expression.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
After anesthetization, AAVs encoding hSyn-OT1.0 or hSyn-OT1.0mut were injected into the left mPFC of adult female wild-type C57BJ/6N mice; Optical fibers were implanted into the mPFC 3 weeks after AAV injection. The animal’s sexual behaviors were recorded and annotated, while a fiber photometry system was used to record fluorescence signals in the mPFC, using a 470-nm laser at 50 μW for OT1.0 or OTmut.

Main results and the role of chance
To investigate the dynamics of OT release in mPFC during female sexual behavior, we recorded OT1.0 fluorescence in behaving female mice using fiber photometry. In mPFC of female mice, increases in OT1.0 fluorescence were first observed during the sniffing stage (with rise and decay time constants (T1/2) of 0.4 s and 1.4 s, respectively ). After ejaculation of male mice, mPFC OT1.0 signals of the female mice increased significantly with rise and decay time constants (T1/2) of 0.5 s and 1.5 s, respectively. As a negative control, fluctuation of fluorescence was not observed during any phase of sexual behavior in mice expressing OT1.0mut, suggesting the specificity of the signals measured in mice expressing OT1.0.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The OT dynamics in mPCF during female sexual behaviors are only recorded in mice. Clinical trials and imaging studies are required to substantiate the therapeutic role of OT in human subjects.

Wider implications of the findings
This study is likely to deepen our understanding of the role of OT in modulating female sociosexual behavior, which provides more evidence suggesting OT’s potential therapeutic potential in treating sexual dysfunctions.

Trial registration number
not applicable
O-263 Effect of clindamycin and a live biotherapeutic containing lactobacilli on the reproductive outcomes of IVF patients with abnormal vaginal microbiota: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Haahr T , Jensen J S , Alsbjerg B , Elbaek H O , Laursen R , Brix M , Mikkelsen A , Pedersen T , Praetorius L , Pinborg A , Freiesleben N , Humaidan P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
Does treatment of abnormal vaginal microbiota improve the reproductive outcomes of IVF patients?

Summary answer
Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023.

What is known already
An increasing number of studies reported an association between abnormal genital tract microbiota and adverse reproductive outcomes in IVF patients. One hypothesis could be that vaginal microbiota ascend to the endometrium where the microbiota hampers implantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study powered to investigate causality between abnormal genital tract microbiota - in this study defined by a bacterial vaginosis like vaginal microbiota - and clinical pregnancy rate in IVF patients.

Study design, size, duration
Double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in IVF patients diagnosed with abnormal vaginal microbiota and subsequently randomised into three parallel groups 1:1:1. The first group received clindamycin 300 mg ×2 daily for 7 days followed by vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus until the clinical pregnancy scan. The second group received clindamycin and placebo, whereas the third group received placebo/placebo. A total of 1518 patients were screened, and 338 patients were randomised. The study duration was from 2017 to 2023.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
IVF patients with any cause of infertility embarking on their first, second or third IVF stimulation cycle or embryo transfer were approached for inclusion. At a minimum 12 days prior to embryo transfer, patients were screened for abnormal vaginal microbiota defined by a qPCR assay, targeting high quantitative loads of Fannyhessea vaginae and Gardnerella spp. Patients were excluded if they had intrauterine malformations like polyps, septum, and fibroma.

Main results and the role of chance
Data and safety monitoring board has decided not to open the randomization code yet. The final dataset is being completed. Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023.

Wider implications of the findings
The present drug intervention study used clindamycin and a live biotherapeutic containing Lactobacillus crispatus. The results of the study could have a worldwide important clinical impact on daily IVF practice as currently there is no evidence that screening and treating IVF patients with abnormal vaginal microbiota improves the reproductive outcome.

Trial registration number
EudraCT 2016-002385-31