Impact of Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements on IVF Laboratory Outcomes in PGT-SR Cycles: A Propensity Score Matching-Based Study.

Chromosomal structural rearrangements (SR) can impair gametogenesis, increasing the risk of embryos carrying unbalanced chromosomal content (i.e., with a gain or loss of chromosomal material).

Perceived workplace stressors and professional experiences of clinical embryologists working in Italy and Spain: a pilot qualitative study.

Introduction: The well being of clinical embryologists remains a largely neglected aspect in the field of reproductive medicine, despite their critical role in the success of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) procedures. Embryologists manage complex tasks that require high precision and involve significant responsibilities, ranging from manual laboratory procedures to quality control and patient communication. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of clinical embryologists regarding their occupational well being and to examine their subjective experiences within MAR centers.

Expert-based recommendations for human witnessing in assisted reproductive technology: an Italian perspective.

Research Question: What are the most effective strategies for human witnessing in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories?

Design: An anonymous survey was conducted to investigate current human witnessing practices in ART laboratories. The survey was developed based on interviews with six experts from the Scientific Committee of the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR), selected for their diverse backgrounds. The survey included 22 questions (Likert-scale, closed-ended and ranking) and was disseminated online to 491 SIERR members between 23 October and 14 November 2023.

Technical aspects of embryo transfer: a literature review.

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) aim to address the underlying causes of infertility, resulting in a healthy live birth. One aspect that appears receiving less attention yet is equally crucial as any other steps in the ART process, is embryo transfer (ET). Even with optimal embryos, a successful live birth cannot be achieved without a precise and atraumatic transfer to the correct location within the uterine cavity.

To err is human, also in medically assisted reproduction: a cross-sectional study on error management practices†.

Study Question: How do medically assisted reproduction (MAR) centres manage errors, and what are the practices for reporting adverse incidents and non-conformities to National Competent Authorities (NCA) and disclosing them to patients?

Summary Answer: The study reveals a diverse landscape of error management practices in MAR centres, with varying approaches to reporting and disclosure, emphasizing a mix of transparency and systematic management of non-conformities.

What Is Known Already: Previous studies have highlighted the critical nature of error management in MAR settings which are inherently susceptible to errors due to their complexity. Despite this recognition, comprehensive data on error management practices across different MAR centres have been limited.

Assessing the feasibility and impact of clinical trial trustworthiness checks via an application to Cochrane Reviews: Stage 2 of the INSPECT-SR project.

Background And Objectives: The aim of the INveStigating ProblEmatic Clinical Trials in Systematic Reviews (INSPECT-SR) project is to develop a tool to identify problematic RCTs in systematic reviews. In stage 1 of the project, a list of potential trustworthiness checks was created. The checks on this list must be evaluated to determine which should be included in the INSPECT-SR tool.

Are you aware of your citations? A cross-sectional survey on improper citations of retracted articles in assisted reproduction.

Research Question: Are authors aware when they have cited a retracted paper in their manuscripts in the medically assisted reproduction (MAR) field?

Design: A cross-sectional study based on an online survey was conducted to acquire information on the citation pattern from corresponding authors who had cited a retracted article. A dataset of retracted articles in the MAR field was collected from PubMed and Retraction Watch. A complete list of published articles that cited each retracted article was retrieved.

Preterm birth in singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: an overview of systematic reviews.

Background: The rate of preterm birth of singletons conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is increased, being as high as 15% to 16% across Europe and the United States. However, the underlying etiology, phenotype, and mechanisms initiating preterm birth (PTB) are poorly understood.

Objective: To quantify the PTB risk and examine supposed etiology in IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies compared to naturally conceived.

Extracellular vesicles secreted by human aneuploid embryos present a distinct transcriptomic profile and upregulate MUC1 transcription in decidualised endometrial stromal cells.

Study Question: Do extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by aneuploid human embryos possess a unique transcriptomic profile that elicits a relevant transcriptomic response in decidualized primary endometrial stromal cells (dESCs)?

Summary Answer: Aneuploid embryo-derived EVs contain transcripts of , , , and with differential abundance from euploid embryo-derived EVs and induce upregulation of transcript in dESCs.

What Is Known Already: We have previously reported that IVF embryos secrete EVs that can be internalized by ESCs, conceptualizing that successful implantation to the endometrium is facilitated by EVs. Whether these EVs may additionally serve as biomarkers of ploidy status is unknown.

When the Embryo Meets the Endometrium: Identifying the Features Required for Successful Embryo Implantation.

Evaluation of the optimal number of embryos, their quality, and the precise timing for transfer are critical determinants in reproductive success, although still remaining one of the main challenges in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Indeed, the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments relies on a multitude of events and factors involving both the endometrium and the embryo. Despite concerted efforts on both fronts, the overall success rates of IVF techniques continue to range between 25% and 30%.

ESHRE guideline: number of embryos to transfer during IVF/ICSI†.

Study Question: Which clinical and embryological factors should be considered to apply double embryo transfer (DET) instead of elective single embryo transfer (eSET)?

Summary Answer: No clinical or embryological factor per se justifies a recommendation of DET instead of eSET in IVF/ICSI.

What Is Known Already: DET is correlated with a higher rate of multiple pregnancy, leading to a subsequent increase in complications for both mother and babies. These complications include preterm birth, low birthweight, and other perinatal adverse outcomes.

The effect of laser-assisted hatching on vitrified/warmed blastocysts: the ALADDIN randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether laser-mediated assisted hatching (AH) performed on vitrified/warmed blastocysts before embryo transfer can improve live birth rate.

Design: The "pArtiaL zonA pelluciDa removal by assisteD hatchINg of blastocysts (ALADDIN)" is a 2-center comparative study with a parallel randomized controlled design.

Setting: University hospital.

Beyond the microscope: the importance of leadership skills in IVF laboratory management.

In healthcare, leadership plays a crucial role in determining the quality of care and overall clinical performance. However, the pivotal role of leadership in the effective functioning and success of IVF laboratories is often overlooked. This commentary seeks to address this gap.

Shedding light on the ART laboratory.

This commentary examines the impact of light conditions in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory, specifically considering gametes and embryo culture. While these processes traditionally occur in the absence of light within the female reproductive tract, laboratory conditions often involve exposure to varying wavelengths, intensities and light sources. Although literature reports describe potential detrimental effects of certain wavelengths of light on biological material, these findings are often based on experiments that might not reflect actual laboratory conditions.

The Task Matters: A Comprehensive Review and Proposed Literature Score of the Effects of Chemical and Physical Parameters on Embryo Developmental Competence.

To explore the effects of chemical and physical parameters on embryo developmental competence, we conducted a systematic search on PubMed for peer-reviewed original papers using specific keywords and medical subject heading terms. Studies of interest were selected from an initial cohort of 4141 potentially relevant records retrieved. The most relevant publications were critically evaluated to identify the effect of these parameters on embryo development.

Surveillance of clinical research integrity in medically assisted reproduction: a systematic review of retracted publications.

Background And Purpose: Retraction is a significant consequence of scientific research, resulting from various factors ranging from unintentional errors to intentional misconduct. Previous reviews on retracted publications in obstetrics and gynecology have identified "article duplication," "plagiarism," and "fabricated results" as the main reasons for retraction. However, the extent of retracted articles in the literature on medically assisted reproduction (MAR) remains unclear.

Fertility Preservation as an Option for Women with Genetic Disorders: Insights from a SWOT Analysis on Elective Oocyte Freezing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing.

This paper uses a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to overview the option of fertility preservation in women with genetic diseases, who would later use preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders, in order to not transmit their condition. Strengths associated with elective oocyte freezing are ethical considerations, overall maternal and fetal safety, and effectiveness, if performed at <35 years of age. Weaknesses are related to costs and rare but present (<1-3%) risks of maternal complications.