bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P-242 Oocyte morphology before vitrification is associated with the post-warming survival rate
Authors: Li C.J , Hsu L.T , Chen L.H , Chin T.H , Huang S.Y , Chang C.L , Huang H.Y , Soong Y.K , Wu H.M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Although oocyte vitrification is efficient for fertility preservation, the information about damage post-warming is limited. Could the oocyte morphology before vitrification predict the survival rate?

Summary answer
Precisely measuring the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio may predict the post-warming survival rate before performing oocyte vitrification.

What is known already
Recent studies suggest that oocyte vitrification has higher post-warming survival and pregnancy rates. However, the oocyte post-warming survival rate depends on the oocyte quality but not maternal age. Furthermore, it has been well received that the cell surface/volume ratio is related to the efficiency of cryoprotective additives permeability. Moreover, the oocyte shows a large perivitelline space (PVS) that is negatively related to clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, no studies precisely defined large PVS by measuring the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio. Therefore, we assessed the correlation between the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio and the post-warming survival rate.

Study design, size, duration
A retrospective study enrolled 43 IVF cycles undergoing oocyte thawing from 2018 to 2020 at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 161 oocytes were warmed. We excluded the oocyte were shipped to our center, MI stages, and without electric medical images. We retrospectively collected all the electric medical images of warmed oocytes that were measured the surface area of oolemma and whole oocyte using ImageJ. Linear regression and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed for further analysis.

Main results and the role of chance
Our finding showed that the maternal age (38.1 ± 5.3) at oocyte vitrification was not correlated to survival rate (P = 0.26) and the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio (P = 0.59). However, the ROC curve revealed that the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio could predict the survival rate post-warm (AUC: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.56-0.78).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Small sample size limited the power of this study, and the higher advanced maternal age group involved in this study may not represent the younger group’s outcomes. Therefore, future studies need to enlarge the sample size to evaluate the prediction efficiency of the oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio.

Wider implications of the findings
Our study demonstrates the possible factor related to oocyte cryo-damage. The lower oolemma/whole oocyte surface area ratio represents the oocyte having a larger PVS that has a higher chance of damage after thawing, which shows that by precisely qualified the size of PVS could evaluate the oocyte quality before vitrification.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P-244 Novel cleavage parameters to improve embryo selection
Authors: Serrano Novillo C , Uroz L , Marquez C 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
To study the impact of morphokinetic parameters during blastocyst development in the prediction of embryo ploidy.

Summary answer
Aneuploid embryos have aberrant kinetic behavior; the inclusion of the novel parameter st2 into embryo evaluation systems may improve blastocyst ploidy prediction,

What is known already
Selection of best embryo for transfer is key to success in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments and it is mainly based in morphokinetic criteria. Nevertheless, clinical pregnancy rates remain at ≈30%, a relatively low figure. Genetic screening of embryos may seem a great solution for this crossroad, as several studies demonstrate chromosomal alterations as one of the most common causes of abnormal embryos in IVF (and thus, poor clinical outcomes) but is an invasive technique and is not always recommended.

Study design, size, duration
Retrospective analysis of collected data.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 433 blastocysts from 96 treatments of patients for preimplantation genetic testing cycles were studied

Main results and the role of chance
The use of time-lapse culture systems allowed us to identify novel developmental features related to embryo ploidy. We present a new parameter, st2, detected at the beginning of the first cell cleavage as highly implicated in ploidy status (p &lt; 0.001). Aneuploid embryos present slower developmental rates compared to euploid embryos for all of the key markers found in the study. Moreover, aneuploid embryos present aberrant behaviors and do not have a sequential development. Other previously studied parameters, including t3, t5, tSB, tB, cc2, cc3 and t5-t3 ,also present a strong associaiton with euploid chromosomal content if they take place in the optimal ranges stablished here.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This is a retrospective study that generates strong conclusions, but it could be interesting to test it in a prospective study.

Wider implications of the findings
Our results agree with previous studies showing slower and aberrant developmental rates for aneuploid embryos. In addition, we propose a novel parameter (st2) to include in the daily embryo evaluation for every clinician to avoid the bias described when using external algorithms or models.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-268 Can AI be used as a tool in the evaluation of the risk of pregnancy loss after euploid single embryo transfer?
Authors: Yuksel B , Ozkara G , Yelke H , Okten B , Brualla Mora A , Derrick R , Erlich I , Ozer G , Kumtepe Y , Aygun M , Kahraman S 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Can AI be used as a tool in the evaluation of the risk of pregnancy loss after euploid embryo transfer?

Summary answer
AI-annotated tSB (time to start blastulation) and tB (time to formation of full blastocyst) were predictive of miscarriage and live birth.

What is known already
Despite the advantage of PGT-A in preventing miscarriages, a pregnancy loss still can occur after the transfer of a chromosomally normal embryo. Unfortunately in the literature there are no clear criteria indicating which morphologically good euploid embryos may be at risk of resulting in pregnancy loss.

Study design, size, duration
Retrospective cohort analysis of 455 euploid embryos allowing for the analysis of a range of variables for prediction of live birth or miscarriage from ICSI cycles, that were cultured in the Embryoscope (Vitrolife) at a single clinic (Istanbul Memorial Hospital, ART and Reproductive Genetics Center), and transferred between 2017-2020. This is the largest reported AI study to date predicting outcome in euploid SETs.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Patients were aged between 24-44 years. Each morphokinetic feature was annotated manually and by CHLOE-(Fairtility), and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.

Main results and the role of chance
When annotated using AI, the average time (mean±standard deviation (SD)) for tSB (98±7 vs 97±7, p &lt; 0.05) and tB (106±7 vs 105±, p = 0.02) were significantly longer in patients who miscarried compared to those that did not.
Implantation and blastulation scores were not significantly predictive of clinical miscarriage (0.77±0.22 vs 0.74±0.24, NS and 0.97±0.15 vs 0.97±0.16, NS for live birth and miscarriage, respectively).
Embryos that aborted and led to live birth had an equal proportion of direct unequal cleavage (DUC) (respectively, DUCs assessed by CHLOE was: 6.8% vs 6.8%, NS). There was no significant difference between the presence of DUC and the pregnancy outcome (miscarriage rate in the presence or absence of DUC was 16.1% vs 16.3%, NS).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Retrospective data using embryos selected for transfer

Wider implications of the findings
AI-annotated tSB and tB can be added to the already existing range of available evaluation methods for embryo viability and functions which can predict the risk of miscarriage after a euploid embryo transfer.

Trial registration number
NA
P-289 KIDscore and PGT-A: Is there a relationship between the findings?
Authors: Azambuja R , Wingert F , Proença L.A , Hentschke M.R , Badalotti-Teloken I , Dornelles V.C , Petracco Á , Badalotti M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Is there a correlation between Preimplantation Genetic Tests (PGT) results and Embryoscope’s KIDscore?

Summary answer
It seems that the higher the KIDscore, the higher the percentage of euploid embryos.

What is known already
Time lapse technology is bringing new perspectives in the relationship of embryos' morphokinetics and implantation rates after assisted reproduction techniques. However, it seems that only the embryo morphokinetics could be insufficient to predict euploidy. The KIDscoreTM D5 (KS5) algorithm, thus, is used for improving the implantation rates after a single euploid embryo transfer in its blastocyst stage and is related to higher rates of euploid embryos the higher the KS5, which could lead to higher implantation rates.

Study design, size, duration
Retrospective, observational study performed at a reproductive medicine center, using data collected between 2019 and 2021. A total of 802 embryos were included for analysis.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
All the embryos were biopsied for PGT (A, SR, and M), after being cultured for five or six days in an Embryoscope® time-lapse incubator (Vitrolife®, Canada). The embryos were then divided into three groups according to the KS5 evaluation: G1 (1-4), G2 (4.1-7), G3 (7.1-9.9) and the percentage of euploidy was evaluated in each group. For statistical analysis, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests, and Pearson correlation were used, considering p &lt; 0.05.

Main results and the role of chance
The women’s mean age among groups G1 vs. G2 vs. G3 was, respectively: 39.1±3.5 vs. 38.7±3.3 vs. 37.6±3.8, p &lt; 0.001; the mean KS5 of each group was: 2.9±0.7 vs. 5.4±0.8 vs. 8.0±0.7, p &lt; 0.001 and finally, the euploidy rates comparing the G1 vs. G2 vs. G3 were, respectively: 98/341, 28.7% vs. 124/340, 36.5% vs. 63/121, 52.1%, p &lt; 0.001. A weak correlation between women's age and KIDScore was also observed (-0.173, p &lt; 0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Although there is a positive correlation between embryomorphokinetics and euploidy, and the euploidy rate increases with higher KIDscore, only 50% of the high score embryos are euploids. Therefore, it is still important to perform embryo biopsy.

Wider implications of the findings
The findings suggest that better embryo morphokinetics provide greater chances of euploidy. Moreover, a weak negative correlation between women's age and KIDScore, possibly due to age-related aneuploidy, was observed. These results highlight time-lapse technology’s importance and the future perspective of morphokinetics evaluation improving implantation rates through euploidy identification.

Trial registration number
Not Applicable
P-373 T657C SYCP3 mutation increases the risk of recurrent miscarriage: a meta-analysis
Authors: Rybina A , Lokshin V , Karibayeva S , Abshekenova A , Askar E , Valiev R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Is the carrying the unfavorable SYCP3 mutation T657C polymorphism increase risk of recurrent miscarriage?

Summary answer
We showed that carrying the T657C polymorphism of the SYCP3 mutation of the synaptonemal complex contributes among the genetic causes of recurrent miscarriage.

What is known already
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most common reproductive problems. RPL occurs in 0.5-3% of married couples. The causes of RNP are varied. One of the reasons may be the carriage of an unfavorable polymorphism T657C mutation SYCP3. However, previous studies show conflicting results on mutation rates in women with RPL.

Study design, size, duration
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most common reproductive problems. RPL occurs in 0.5-3% of married couples. The causes of RNP are varied. One of the reasons may be the carriage of an unfavorable polymorphism T657C mutation SYCP3. However, previous studies show conflicting results on mutation rates in women with RPL.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
We performed a meta-analysis to determine the strength of the evidence supporting the contribution of carrying the unfavorable SYCP3 mutation T657C polymorphism to recurrent miscarriage. We searched 2 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for studies reporting the impact of T657C SYCP3 mutation on recurrent miscarriage up to 20 October 2021. We built a funnel plot to assess the presence of publication bias.The odd ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) served as pooled results.

Main results and the role of chance
The review included four studies with 1161 patients: 529 patients with RPL and 632 healthy women. Compared with the control group of healthy women, the risk of recurrent miscarriage increased by 2.37 times with the T657C SYCP3 mutation (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.39, 4.01, P  &lt;0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution
The review included studies on different ethnic groups, patients were of different ages, which could affect the results of the studies.

Wider implications of the findings
Determining whether women with recurrent miscarriage belong to the carriers of the unfavorable polymorphism T657C of the SYCP3 mutation in the population will help in accumulating knowledge and understanding the processes of pregnancy loss.

Trial registration number
not avaliable
P-414 Ultrastructural and functional defects in cilia of endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure
Authors: Pearson-Farr J , Doherty R , Chatelet D , Goggin P , Ng B , Lucas J , Cleal J , Lewis R , Cheong Y 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Do endometrial gland factors influence pregnancy success?

Summary answer
Increased proportion of cilia defects during the window of implantation in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure compared to controls

What is known already
Endometrial glands are important for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. There is an unmet clinical need to relate endometrial gland structure to function, identify markers for reproductive failure and targets for therapeutic interventions. Ciliated epithelial cells in the endometrium are a distinct cell type with a particular cell transcriptomic signature. Cilia defects have been reported in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure however, a quantitative study of cilia defects in endometrial glands is yet to be established.

Study design, size, duration
An observational study comparing women with subfertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and controls

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Endometrial samples were collected during the implantation period from fertile controls (n = 10), women with subfertility (n = 11) and women with recurrent pregnancy loss (n = 15). Ciliated cells in endometrial glands were imaged by transmission electron microscopy and the proportion of cilia defects were quantified and compared between study groups. Endometrial glands were isolated from endometrial biopsies and the cilia beat frequency of ciliated cells was quantified by high-speed video analysis.

Main results and the role of chance
Our study reports a significant increase in the proportion of cilia ultrastructural defects in endometrial glands from women with subfertility versus fertile controls (P &lt; 0.05). Cilia defects included microtubule disarrangement, transposition and loss of cilia inner dynein arm motor proteins. Ciliated cells in endometrial glands from women with recurrent pregnancy loss demonstrated a higher proportion of defects compared to fertile controls but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). A significant decrease in cilia beat frequency was reported in ciliated cells of endometrial glands from women with subfertility compared to fertile controls (P &lt; 0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution
This is an observational study with a relatively small sample size however, the participants in the study and control groups were matched for age, BMI and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Wider implications of the findings
This study quantified ultrastructural and functional differences of ciliated cells in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure. Endometrial glands with perturbed cilia structure and function may be non-conductive to successful pregnancy. Differences in endometrial gland cilia could be used to identify a perturbed endometrium and develop targeted therapies.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-473 Low radiation affects follicle count in sheep ovaries
Authors: Saueressig R , Reiser E , Frank M , Tollinger S , Haybäck J , Ganswindt U , Toth B 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
What is the effect of low dose radiation on follicle count in sheep ovaries?

Summary answer
Even low dose radiation has a negative impact on the follicle count in sheep ovaries.

What is known already
Radiotherapy is a corner stone of state-of-the-art cancer treatment, especially in young cancer patients. Survival rates are constantly rising, resulting in long-term survivors with potential child wish. High doses of radiation lead to a permanent damage to the ovaries. Little is known about the damage after low dose radiation to the ovaries including both follicles and stroma.

Study design, size, duration
Prospective ongoing study, including n = 41 sheeps and 942 ovarian punches (Ø 3mm). So far, n = 12 sheep and n = 120 punches were analysed between April 2020 and January 2022. After finishing the experiments with sheep ovarian tissue, we will continue with a mouse model and human ovarian tissue.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
942 cortex punches out of a total of n = 41 sheep were obtained and cryopreserved. After thawing the punches were radiated with a dose of 0.0, 0.5, or 9.0 Gy using a cesium 137 radionuklide source (GSR C1, GammaService Medical GmbH). The punches were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, cut into serial sections of 3-5 µm and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for follicle counting as well as Caspase 3 and Ki67.

Main results and the role of chance
Follicle loss was already observed after low dose radiation (0.5 Gy). Mean follicle count after 0 Gy, 0.5 Gy, and 9 Gy were 7.5, 2.3 and 1.8, respectively. While after 0 Gy, no signs of degeneration were visible, after radiation with 9 Gy follicles showed strong signs of degeneration including disorganization of granulosa cells, pyknosis and stromal irregularities.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Limitations of our study include the pilot character and therefore small sample size. The presented data only display part of the overall project including also an in-vivo mouse model.

Wider implications of the findings
As even low dose radiation seems to damage ovarian follicles, further in-vivo studies are needed to confirm these results. Moreover, fertility preservation methods need to be offered consequently to young cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Trial registration number
25
P-480 Oocyte survival and embryo viability rates are not affected by the transportation of vitrified donor oocytes: a sibling study with oocytes from the same cohort
Authors: Basile N , Pascual M , Cardoso M.C , Guilherme P , Neuspiller F 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Are oocyte survival and embryo viability rates impaired by the shipment of vitrified donor oocytes in nitrogen vapors from one country to another

Summary answer
Oocyte survival and embryo viability rates are not affected by their transportation in nitrogen vapors showing similar parameters in the clinics of origin and abroad.

What is known already
The demand for donor eggs increases as egg donation cycles rise in ART clinics. Due to the legislation in some countries and the lack of donors, clinics choose to import vitrified oocytes from egg banks. Vitrification is a well established technique and the effectiveness of egg banks with vitrified oocytes has been proven. However, the comparison of sibling oocytes from the same donor's cohort in origin and after transportation remains to be study

Study design, size, duration
This is a retrospective, multicentric, observational study

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 1030 vitrified oocytes from 55 donors were split between recipients in two different countries. Three clinics, one in Argentina (clinic of origin) and two in Brasil (clinics of destination) participated in this study. A total of 717 oocytes remained in the clinic of origin and were used to perform IVF cycles, while 313 oocytes were shipped abroad to the clinics of destination. Oocytes were transported at -196ºC in tanks with nitrogen vapors.

Main results and the role of chance
No significant differences were observed for any of the parameters analyzed except for the blastocyst rate. The lower blastocyst rate observed for the clinics of destination could be explained by the fact that one of the clinics performed embryo transfers and cryopreservations on day 3 leaving only surplus embryos (with lower potential) to blastocyst culture. When analyzing the embryo utilization rate, defined as the total of embryos on day 3 or day 5 destined to transfer or cryopreservation, results were not statistically different between the clinic of origin and both clinics of destination.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This study only evaluated the performance of sibling oocytes between the clinic of origin and two clinics of destination. It may be necessary to expand the number of clinics to generalize that sibling oocytes have the same potential regardless if they are shipped or not.

Wider implications of the findings
This study supports the establishment of international donor egg banks to attend the demands of IVF centers around the world. The transportation of vitrified oocytes from one country to another is a safe procedure as demonstrated by similar embryo viability parameters derived from sibling vitrified donor oocytes.

Trial registration number
Not applicable