bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O-063 Impact of group embryo culture vs individual embryo culture strategies on blastocyst rate and quality
Authors: Herreros M , Martí L , Díaz N , Tió M C , Rodriguez-Arnedo A , Guerrero J , Ortiz J , Ten J , Bernabeu R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does group embryo culture improve blastocyst formation compared to individual culture?

Summary answer
Individual culture provides an increased blastocyst formation rate.

What is known already
Embryo culture is one of the most important steps of an IVF treatment. Several studies pointed out that group embryo culture could help embryos with lower potential, through paracrine signaling, to achieve development and improve blastocyst formation rate. On the other hand, this issue continues to be controversial and other studies did not find differences in embryo development when using either method.

Study design, size, duration
A prospective randomized study was performed between January 2020 and December 2021. The data were obtained from 830 embryos that came from 103 egg donation treatments. We defined two groups: individual vs group culture. The number of embryos analyzed in the study was calculated to test a difference of 10% in the rate of blastocyst formation between the two groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 103 ICSI-egg donation cycles with normozoospermic males (fresh samples) were included. After fertilization assessment, zygotes were randomized into two groups; Group 1: individual culture (399 embryos), and Group 2: culture of 2-5 embryos per drop (431 embryos). The embryos were cultured in 35 µl drops of Global Total medium until day 5 when they were classified morphologically according to Gardner criteria (1998). The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 20.0).

Main results and the role of chance
The rate of high-quality embryos on day 3 were similar in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (79.2% vs 81.4%, p = 0.432). However, we observed an increase in the blastocyst formation rate on day 5 (62.9% vs 56.1%, p = 0.048) and a trend for higher embryo quality (A/B blastocysts) (55.9% vs 52%, p = 0.266) in Group 1; compared to Group 2, respectively.
Our data suggest that individual culture increases blastocyst formation rate and may benefit embryo quality on day 5. Our results challenge previous reports suggesting that culture in groups can improve embryo development. As hypothesis, we argue that some of the components that the embryos release to the culture environment during their division may affect the quality of the cohort potentially compromising further development up to the blastocyst stage.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The study is focused on laboratory outcomes until the blastocyst stage. Clinical outcomes were not analyzed.

Wider implications of the findings
Finding the most appropriate embryo culture conditions is essential to improve ART results. Time-lapse systems should be adapted to the use of both individual and group culture dishes. Larger randomized studies are needed in order to reach robust conclusions on the subject.

Trial registration number
NA
O-116 New options for a personalised approach to improve implantation
Authors: Vriens J 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Embryo implantation is a highly coordinated complex process whereby a blastocyst-stage embryo attaches and invades the maternal endometrium before placentation and pregnancy. Implantation can only occur during a brief restricted period when the endometrium becomes receptive, described as the window of implantation. Embryo development and endometrium status must therefore be synchronized, and an important two-way fetal-maternal dialogue is required for successful implantation and the maternal recognition of the semi-allogenic conceptus. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer that 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation changes. Classical morphological embryo selection was the first strategy to improve successful implantation. Recently, new strategies were incorporated into clinical practice such as, embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating. However, these strategies remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Recent years have seen a trend towards ‘omics’ methods, which enables the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics approaches have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential biomarkers of successful and personalized implantation. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalized embryo transfer in the most favorable endometrial environment. However, despite the large amount of biomarker information provided by omics, strong evidence to link data from all omics with a successful implantation outcome is still missing.
O-141 IVF under COVID-19: treatment outcomes of fresh and frozen cycles
Authors: Kedem A , Avraham S , Yaakov O , Landau Rabbi M , Gat I , Yerushalmi G , Baum M , Maman E , Hourvitz A , Youngster M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in women undergoing fertility treatments affect outcomes of fresh ART cycles?

Summary answer
SARS-CoV-2 infection does not affect fresh ART treatment outcomes. A possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield should be further explored.

What is known already
There is evidence that the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAS) is involved in female reproductive processes such as folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation. The existence of the ACE2 axis and ACE2 markers were confirmed in all stages of follicular maturation in the human ovary, including the granulosa cells and follicular fluid. A single previous study found no evidence that a history of asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in females caused impairment of fresh ART treatment outcomes.

Study design, size, duration
Retrospective cohort study, including all SARS-CoV-2 infected women that underwent fresh ART cycles within a year from infection (the first cycle post infection), between October 2020 and June 2021, matched to uninfected controls.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Retrospective cohort study, including all SARS-CoV-2 infected women that underwent fresh ART cycles within a year from infection (the first cycle post infection), between October 2020 and June 2021, matched to uninfected controls.

Main results and the role of chance
121 infected patients and 121 controls that underwent fresh ART cycles were included. Oocyte yield (12.50 vs. 11.29; p = 0.169) and mature oocyte rate (77.71 vs. 81.76; p = 0.144) in all fresh cycles were similar between groups, as werefertilization rates, number of frozen embryos per cycle and clinical pregnancy rates (42.9% vs. 40.4%; p = 0.737) in fresh cycles with an embryo transfer. Stratification by time from COVID-19 infection by time from infection &lt;90 day, 90-180 days and &gt; 180 days revealed similar results with no difference in pregnancy rates. In a logistic regression model, COVID-19 infection did not affect pregnancy rates except for the small subgroup of patients who recovered more than 180 days prior to retrieval with a negative effect on oocyte yield (p = 0.018, Slope=-4.08, 95%CI 95% CI -0.7.41 – -0.75).

Limitations, reasons for caution
A retrospective study with data that was not uniformly generated under a study protocol, no antibody testing for the control group.

Wider implications of the findings
The study findings suggest that COVID-19 infection does not affect treatment outcomes in fresh ART cycles, except for a possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield when retrieval occurs &gt; 180 days post COVID-19 infection. Further studies are warranted in order to support these findings.

Trial registration number
HMC-0010-21
O-163 Pathophysiology – what’s new
Authors: Taylor H 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age globally. However, despite its prevalence, diagnosis is typically delayed by years, misdiagnosis is common, and delivery of effective therapy is prolonged. Identification and prompt treatment of endometriosis are essential and facilitated by accurate clinical diagnosis. Endometriosis is classically defined as a chronic, gynecological disease characterized by endometrial-like tissue present outside of the uterus and is thought to arise by retrograde menstruation. However, this description is outdated and no longer reflects the true scope and manifestations of the disease. The clinical presentation is varied, the presence of pelvic lesions is heterogeneous, and the manifestations of the disease outside of the female reproductive tract remain poorly understood. Endometriosis is now considered a systemic disease rather than a disease predominantly affecting the pelvis. Endometriosis affects metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, leads to systemic inflammation, and alters gene expression in the brain that causes pain sensitization and mood disorders. The full effect of the disease is not fully recognized and goes far beyond the pelvis. Recognition of the full scope of the disease will facilitate clinical diagnosis and allow for more comprehensive treatment than currently available. Progestins and low-dose oral contraceptives are unsuccessful in a third of symptomatic women globally, probably as a result of progesterone resistance. Oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists constitute an effective and tolerable therapeutic alternative when first-line medications do not work. The development of GnRH antagonists has resulted in oral drugs that have fewer side-effects than other therapies and has allowed for rapid movement between treatments to optimize and personalize endometriosis care. In this presentation, we discuss the latest understanding of endometriosis as a systemic disease with multiple manifestations outside the parameters of classic gynecological disease.
P-347 Gamete donation in Italy: Ethical and legal consideration on the lack of specific regulation
Authors: Penna T 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Given cross border reproductive care, is the lack of specific regulation on egg and sperm donation in Italy ethically acceptable nowadays?

Summary answer
Nowadays Italy has no national clear legal frame for donors, recipients, and donor-conceived persons. This setting hinders an ethical protection of competing interests and rights.

What is known already
The Italian Law on ART (40/2004) has undergone major changes; after sperm and egg donation ban lift, the Italian law n. 40 has not been replaced. Gamete donation is therefore allowed, but without specific national regulation. Moreover, given the lack of public information on donation and consequently the shortage of donors, many people still opt for CBRC. In this context, the only legal certainty is that no filiation link arises between donor and donor-conceived children. Political and legal debate on the right to know one's origins is missing. Legally speaking, gamete donation in Italy is actually in half-light.

Study design, size, duration
-- --

Participants/materials, setting, methods
When it comes to ART, national legal frame has to be considered in a comparative view, since CBRC is a fact. Therefore, questioning the lack of specific regulation on egg and sperm donation in Italy has required a comparative analysis with other European legal systems, such as France, Spain and United Kingdom.

Main results and the role of chance
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Limitations, reasons for caution
When advocating a legal change, it should be considered the surrounding political environment; among Italian institutions a growing mistrust of science might be spotted nowadays. This, combined with the very well know Catholic heritage, is undoubtedly a reason for caution

Wider implications of the findings
A legal change in Italy, backed by a promotion of public information on gamete donation, might entail also an increase in the number of donors and enabling many people to avoid CBRC. The rights of donors, recipients and donor-conceived persons would be protected and more patients could be treated.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-017 Impact of yoga intervention on immunosenescence, fertility potential and quality of life in men with Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gautam S , Kumar M , Kumar U , Dada R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Can a yoga intervention bring about alterations in immune aging, fertility potential and quality of life in men with Rheumatoid arthritis?

Summary answer
Yoga not only reduces disease severity, minimizes usage of drugs but also reduces the rate of immune aging and cellular aging.

What is known already
The complex mechanism of Rheumatoid arthritis with infertility in men involves interactions between endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. Association of autoimmunity with dysregulated androgen (hypogonadism) levels may cause transient infertility in men. Furthermore, usage of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, sulphasalazine etc. may result into decreased quantity and quality of sperm, mitochondrial dysfunctions, reduced fertility potential and ultimately permanent infertility. These drugs can cross blood-testis-barrier and induce changes in sperm impairing spermatogenesis. Complementary and alternative medicine like yoga reduces seminal oxidative stress and its consequences like DNA fragmentation in sperm nuclear/mitochondrial genome.

Study design, size, duration
Fifty males with RA were enrolled in this 12-week prospective, open-label, single-arm exploratory study, designed to explore the impact of yoga intervention on immunosenescence, fertility potential and quality of life (QoL).

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The participants were evaluated for pre (day 0) and post (12th week) levels of inflammatory markers: IL-6, IL-17A, TGF-β and TNF-α. T cell sub-set populations along with their aged T cell profiles for immunosenescence as well as telomere length and telomerase activity for cellular aging were studied. Seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were estimated as per WHO 2010 guidelines. QoL was measured by WHOQOL-BREF Scale.

Main results and the role of chance
There was significant reduction in mean levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A and elevation in TGF-β after 12 weeks. A significant reduction was seen in seminal ROS levels, 8-OHdG and DFI as well. There was a significant decline in aged T cell populations after yoga. There was no change seen in the telomere length but there was an improvement in the telomerase activity. The participants showed significant improvements in QoL after 12 weeks.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Compliance of patients for Yoga intervention was poor, hence we enrolled large number of patients to achieve the desirable sample size.

Wider implications of the findings
Adoption of yoga intervention holds the key to maintaining immune homeostasis, reduction of inflammation, reduction in the rate of cellular aging, improved overall QoL, and its associated consequences associated with physical, mental, and reproductive health.

Trial registration number
N/A
P-079 Impact of Testicular Cancer on Sperm Small Non-Coding RNA signature
Authors: Dupont C , Illy P.J , Sermondade N , Stathopoulou M , Lévy R , Prades M , Hamid R. Haj , Berthaut I , Grandjean V 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
To evaluate if the sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) signature can be alterated in patients suffering from testicular cancer.

Summary answer
Sperm sncRNA profile is influenced by testicular cancer.

What is known already
Environmentally induced pathologies are associated with sperm sncRNA profile modifications which could have consequences on sperm quality but also on the offspring health. While this mechanism has been widely described in the case of metabolic and psycho-traumatic diseases, its relevance in testicular cancer needs to be assessed. Testicular cancer affects young men for which both genetic and environmental factors are known contributors.

Study design, size, duration
This pilot study aimed to compare sperm sncRNA profiles of 15 men suffering from testicular cancer with sperm sncRNA profile of 10 controle men. Semen samples were collected and stored in Tenon Hospital between 1999 and 2017 and donated to research (GERMETHEQUE biobank). Consent to use their samples was obtained from each patient (CPP 2.15.27) and the study protocol was approved by a local ethics committee (IRB CLEA-2021- 171).

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Sperm small RNA raw sequencing data was processed by the computational framework SPORTS1.0, which allows the annotation and quantification of small non-coding RNAs (tsRNAs, rsRNAs, ysRNA and miRNAs). DEseq 2 was used to identify sequences differentially expressed between patients and control samples. We also carried out a Gene Ontology analysis using miRNA targets according to the Metascape and DisGeNET Database.

Main results and the role of chance
In total, 77 deregulated sequences were found in sperm samples from testicular tumor patients compared to control men, including 17 that were down-regulated and 60 that were up-regulated. These sequences corresponded to 22 miRNAs, 25rsRNA, 11 tsRNA, 10 snRNA, 4 SnoRNA, 4 RNYs and 1 lncRNA sequences. Hierarchical Clustering of Differentially Expressed Genes using up and down regulation discriminates between control and testicular cancer samples. Gene Ontology analyses highlighted enriched processes including Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Adult and Childhood Medulloblastoma and Tumor initiation.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The current study was limited by the small patient number and the unavailability of the complete biological and oncogenic patient data.

Wider implications of the findings
Deciphering and validating the role of sperm sncRNAs may be a promising tool in testicular cancer diagnosis and may facilitate our understanding of the initiation and development of cancer in young adults.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-092 Investigating impacts of CoronaVac vaccination in males on in vitro fertilization: A propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Wang M , Zhu L , Jin L 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does a history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (CoronaVac) in males influence male fertility, gamete and embryo development, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes?

Summary answer
CoronaVac vaccination in males may not have an adverse effect on patient’s performance or the gamete and embryonic development potential during ART treatments.

What is known already
Vaccines against COVID-19 have been approved for emergency use in several countries and regions, while concerns about the potential negative effect of vaccines on fertility contributed to vaccine hesitancy. It is urgent to explore the effect of CoronaVac on human fertility to help to overcome vaccine hesitancy about possible fertility impairment.

Study design, size, duration
A retrospective cohort study enrolled couples undergoing IVF cycles between June and August 2021 at Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. According to the history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in males, the participants were divided into the vaccination group and the non-vaccination group.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A self-controlled study of semen analyses for males before and after CoronaVac vaccination was conducted. Baseline characteristics were matched using propensity score matching. Participants were categorized into the unexposed group (non-vaccination) and exposed group (vaccination), and the population was 271 for each. Semen parameters and IVF outcomes were the main outcomes.

Main results and the role of chance
Generally, no statistically significant differences were exhibited between the matched cohorts regarding embryo developmental parameters, including fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, as well as clinical outcomes, such as implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Moreover, males after vaccination seemed to have fluctuated semen parameters including increased semen volume, lower motility, and decreased normal forms of sperms, while the motile sperm counts were similar. In addition, all semen parameters were above the lower reference limits.

Limitations, reasons for caution
It was a single-center retrospective cohort study with a small sample size, and the men enrolled were suffering from infertility, which limited the generalizability of the conclusions. In addition, the endpoint of the current is a confirmation of clinical pregnancy, a study with a longer period of follow-up was urgent.

Wider implications of the findings
Our findings suggested that CoronaVac vaccinations in males may not have adverse effects on patient’s performance or the gamete and embryonic development potential during ART treatments. Larger studies among a wider population with longer follow-up in the future are required to support and validate our observations.

Trial registration number
not applicable