Mean Fertilization Rate Research Articles

Successful use of artificial insemination in the production of red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

This paper reports the first successful artificial insemination (AI) of red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), the fertility rate achieved, and the length of time sperm cells can survive inside the oviduct (i.e., the post-AI fertile period). Semen from 20 mature males was collected by massage and pooled for use in single intravaginal inseminations (20 μL of fresh, undiluted semen) of eight females (15 × 106 sperm/female). The latter’s eggs were then collected for 4 weeks, and the fertilizing capacity of the sperm used in the preceding AIs was determined by observing the development of the blastoderm. The duration of the post-AI fertile period was determined by subjecting fertilized eggs to the SP-holes assay. A second experiment was then performed to measure the percentage of viable embryos at 20 days of incubation (30 %) and hatchability (40 %). The mean fertility rate was 34.5 ± 11.7 % and the SP-holes value 17.3 ± 4.3. The mean duration of the post-AI fertile period was 3 weeks. In conclusion, the present work reports the first ever birth of partridge chicks following AI and shows that this procedure may be of use in the conservation of this species.

Effect of State-Based Policies on Teen Birth and Teen Abortion Rates in the United States [261

INTRODUCTION: The United States has one of the highest teen birth rates among developed countries. Interstate birth rates and abortion rates vary widely as do policies on abortion and sex education. The objective of our study is to assess whether the U.S. state-level policies regarding abortion and sexual education have an effect on teen birth and teen abortion rates. METHODS: We carried out a state-level (n=51) retrospective observational cross-sectional study using data imported from the National Vital Statistics System. State policies were obtained from the Guttmacher Institute. We used descriptive statistics and regression analysis to evaluate the effect of state policies on teen birth and teen abortion rates. RESULTS: The state-level mean birth rates when stratifying between restrictive or permissive policies were not statistically different. For sex education policies, 39.8 per 1,000 compared with 45.1 per 1,000 (P<.219); for parents' consent to abortion, 45 per 1,000 compared with 38 per 1,000 when the minor could consent (P<.073); for deterrents to abortion 45.4 per 1,000 compared with 37.4 per 1,000 (P<.045). Political affiliation (35.1/1,000 compared with 49.6/1,000, P<.001) and ethnic distribution of the population were the only variables associated with a difference between mean teen births. Lower teen abortion rates were however associated with restrictive abortion policies, specifically lower in states with financial barriers, deterrents to abortion, and requirement for parental consent. CONCLUSION: Although teen birth rates do not appear to be influenced by state-level policies, state-level policies restrictive to abortion appear to be associated with a lower state teen abortion rate.

Changes in guinea fowl fertility and hatching traits over a 4-month laying season with long-term egg storage conditions

This study was conducted to determine the effect of age on different reproductive traits of guinea fowl. A total of 350 female and 150 male guinea fowl were reared in a semi-intensive system. The birds were naturally mated, and eggs were collected for incubation in 6 batches beginning at 40 weeks. A total of 8,123 eggs were incubated between 40-52 weeks of age. The incubation period was 28 days. As a result of this study, the overall mean egg weight was 39.98 g, and the mean keet weight was 25.00 g. The mean fertility rate was 58.46%, the hatching rate was 80.53%, and the incubation yield was 47.01%. Fertility, hatching rate and incubation yield varied significantly by age (P<0.01). Evaluation of embryonic mortalities in unhatched eggs showed that late-period embryonic mortality increased with age (P<0.01). The overall rate of injured and dead keets per hatch basket was 1.93%, with a significantly higher rate (4.44%) in the eggs collected between 50-52 weeks. (P<0.01).

250-POS

Objectives The obesity epidemic is of increasing obstetrical concern as these women are more likely to be hypertensive prior to pregnancy and experience adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the perinatal outcomes of conventionally managed massively obese gravidas with preexisting hypertension to management guided by hemodynamics obtained from impedance cardiography. Methods The Cabell–Huntington Hospital maternal and neonatal charts of all patients hemodynamically evaluated using impedance cardiography weighing 300 lbs (136 kg) or more (58 study patients) were reviewed; controls were the most recently delivered 90 patients of similar weight with ( n = 17) and without ( n = 73) preexisting hypertension. Differences demographic, pregnancy and delivery data were assessed by one-way ANOVA for continuous variables and Chi-square analysis for categorical data. Results There was no difference in age, weight, or BMI or route of delivery. Although delivering at term, the treated infants delivered 12 days earlier. There was no difference in the mean birth weight percentile and rates of IUGR and macrosomia were similar. Conventionally treated hypertensive massively obese gravidas spent more days in the hospital as did their infants, possibly because the incidence of severe preeclampsia was higher (23% vs 6%) than in those whose antihypertensive therapy was hemodynamically directed. Conclusions Obesity is a known risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; in obese women with preexisting hypertension the risk is markedly higher. In massively obese women with preexisting hypertension, hemodynamically-guided treatment results in fewer cases of severe preeclampsia and fewer maternal and neonatal hospital days. D.G. Chaffin: Commercial Interest: MIST, LLC. J. Granger: None.

Chromosome constitution of human embryos generated after in vitro maturation including 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the oocyte collection medium.

Do cleavage-stage embryos obtained from oocytes matured in vitro after pre-incubation with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX) carry more chromosomal abnormalities than those generated from oocytes matured in vivo? The rate and type of chromosomal abnormalities in normally developing cleavage-stage embryos generated with an in vitro maturation (IVM) system including pre-incubation with IBMX are not different from those observed in supernumerary embryos obtained from oocytes matured in vivo. Very limited information is available about the chromosomal constitution of IVM embryos. Previous studies were carried out using FISH on single biopsied blastomeres or arrested whole embryos and only provided fragmentary information on chromosomal abnormalities in IVM embryos. There is no systematic study of chromosomal abnormalities in all blastomeres of human Day 3 embryos with good morphology. Between July 2012 and December 2012, 16 young (age <35 years old) egg donors underwent 18 IVM cycles for the generation of research embryos. Eighteen embryos developed to Day 3 and were analysed using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Immature oocytes were retrieved from 2 to 10 mm follicles after mild ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins but without hCG ovulation trigger. At collection, oocytes were pre-incubated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and matured in vitro. After IVM culture, mature oocytes were microinjected with sperm from a single donor. Embryos were cultured to Day 3 after ICSI and all blastomeres of 18 good-morphology embryos were collected individually for aCGH. Oocyte maturation rate in vitro was 50.2% (120/239). The mean fertilization rate was 68.3% (82/120) and 30.5% (25/82) of fertilized oocytes developed into a morphologically good quality embryo on Day 3 after ICSI. Of these, 18 embryos that developed well up to Day 3 were analysed using aCGH. Eighty of the 123 blastomeres analysed showed at least one chromosomal abnormality. Three out of eighteen embryos had completely normal cells. A single embryo carried a meiotic abnormality, 11 embryos were mosaic and three were chaotic. Although the aneuploidy data of this study are too limited to allow statistical analysis, these data are comparable to our own published data on the chromosome constitution of whole day 3 and day 4 embryos after conventional ART. Array CGH technology determines relative quantification of chromosomal domains but does not allow for the visualization of chromosomal rearrangements, assessment of ploidy or detection of uniparental isodisomy. Conclusions drawn on segmental abnormalities should be treated with caution. Although the limited number of embryos analysed here precludes firm conclusions, they provide valuable data on possible causes of the reduced potential of IVM embryos. This is the first study to describe the complete chromosome complement of all single blastomeres of good-morphology day 3 embryos obtained with IVM (including the presence of IBMX in a pre-incubation medium). The results demonstrate that a high proportion of good-morphology embryos are aneuploid and that there is no obvious increase in aneuploidies as a result of IVM which seems to suggest that the reduced efficiency of IVM technology compared with standard IVF may be accounted for by factors other than aneuploidy, such as cytoplasmic defects or reduced endometrial receptivity. This study was funded by the TBM (Applied Biomedical Research with Societal Finality) programme of the IWT (Agency for Innovation through Science and Technology - Flanders, 110680) and by a Methusalem grant of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. C.S. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO - Vlaanderen). K.J. is a PhD student funded by the FWO. The University of Adelaide owns a patent family associated with IVM technologies that is licensed to Cook Medical. R.B.G. and J.G.T. are inventors. The remaining authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Do State-Based Policies Have an Impact on Teen Birth Rates and Teen Abortion Rates in the United States?

ObjectivesThe United States has one of the highest teen birth rates among developed countries. Interstate birth rates and abortion rates vary widely, as do policies on abortion and sex education. The objective of our study is to assess whether US state-level policies regarding abortion and sexual education are associated with different teen birth and teen abortion rates. MethodsWe carried out a state-level (N = 51 [50 states plus the District of Columbia]) retrospective observational cross-sectional study, using data imported from the National Vital Statistics System. State policies were obtained from the Guttmacher Institute. We used descriptive statistics and regression analysis to study the association of different state policies with teen birth and teen abortion rates. ResultsThe state-level mean birth rates, when stratifying between policies protective and nonprotective of teen births, were not statistically different—for sex education policies, 39.8 of 1000 vs 45.1 of 1000 (P = .2187); for mandatory parents' consent to abortion 45 of 1000, vs 38 of 1000 when the minor could consent (P = .0721); and for deterrents to abortion, 45.4 of 1000 vs 37.4 of 1000 (P = .0448). Political affiliation (35.1 of 1000 vs 49.6 of 1000, P < .0001) and ethnic distribution of the population were the only variables associated with a difference between mean teen births. Lower teen abortion rates were, however, associated with restrictive abortion policies, specifically lower in states with financial barriers, deterrents to abortion, and requirement for parental consent. ConclusionWhile teen birth rates do not appear to be influenced by state-level sex education policies, state-level policies that restrict abortion appear to be associated with lower state teen abortion rates.

Ovulation induction in jundiá (Rhamdia quelen, Heptapteridae) using carp pituitary extract or salmon GnRH analogue combined with dopamine receptor antagonists

Jundia (Rhamdia quelen) is an important species for aquaculture in temperate and subtropical climates. In the present study, the results of different forms of GnRH analogue treatments on ovulation in jundia have been compared with those from treatment with carp pituitary. Seven out of eight females ovulated in groups treated with carp pituitary (4.0 mg kg−1 BW) and Ovaprim (0.5 mL kg−1 BW). Injection with sGnRHa (10 μg kg−1 BW) combined with metoclopramide (20 mg kg−1 BW) caused a significantly lower rate of ovulation with three out of eight females responding. None of the fish injected with sGnRHa (10 μg kg−1 BW) alone ovulated. Mean PGSI [(weight of stripped egg mass/BW of the female before stripping) × 100] and mean fertilization rate values were high and similar between treatment groups. The obtained results indicate that in jundia, there is a strong dopamine inhibitory tone on gonadotropin secretion. The gonadotropin releasing activity of sGnRHa can be potentiated by dopamine receptor antagonists and the combined treatment is effective in inducing ovulation. In this regard, domperidone proved to be more potent than metoclopramide.

Functional variation of sperm morphology in sticklebacks

Some theoretical models of sperm competition make the assumption that in fish species with external fertilisation, sperm length relates positively to swimming speed at the expense of sperm longevity. Few studies have tested this assumption. We used the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., to study functional sperm morphology. In this study, the relationship between males’ mean sperm length and fertilisation rate was investigated in vitro in a non-competitive situation. Fertilisation at different time points after sperm release was taken into account, and sperm morphology was quantified from scanning electron microscopy images. The time series of artificial fertilisations demonstrated that males which produced sperm with a longer tail fertilised faster, but their sperm had a shorter lifespan (or activity period). It was further suggested that males that produced sperm with a larger midpiece had greater fertilisation chances later on in the fertilisation process. Thus, in sticklebacks, there exists functional variation in sperm morphology, and sperm tail length is traded off against sperm longevity (or activity).

Evaluation of semen for breeding soundness of four different breeds of bull used for artificial insemination

The investigation was aimed to evaluate the bulls for breeding soundness by assessing their fresh semen. The study was performed in District AI center, Mymensingh and AI center,BAU, Mymensingh. Four different bulls of cross breed (Holstein-Friesian × Zebu, Sahiwal × Zebu, Sindhi × Zebu and Red Chittagong Bull) were examined physically with a special emphasis to the palpation of the scrotum and testicles and rectal palpation of the pelvic genitalia were carried out once every two weeks. The sexual behavior particularly the libido was observed at service. A total of 107 ejaculates were collected and evaluated with respect to ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm motility, concentration of sperm, pH, percentages of live and dead spermatozoa from 1 May to 31 October, 2013. The bulls used in this study were regarded as clinically normal. During the study, mean value of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live and dead sperm and pH were 5.81± 0.16ml, 66.64± 0.50%, 3.59± 0.05, 1115.97± 16.08 million/mm 3 , 77.62 ± 0.63 %, 15% to 45%,6.48± 0.01 respectively. The mean fertility rate (65.37± 0.31%) of the bulls was also recorded. The mean values of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm and dead sperm, pH and fertility varied significantly (p<0.01) among breeds. Significantly (P<0.01) the highest volume per ejaculation, sperm concentration, mass activity were found in Holstein cross and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest live spermatozoa percentage, pH, fertility rate were found in Holstein - Friesian × Zebu and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. It was concluded that the Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull produced better quality semen in comparison to other breed. So, it can be suggested that, Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull could be suitable as breeding bull to be used for AI.

Production of Pure Hinai-dori with Normal Reproductive Capability from Transferred Primordial Germ Cells

The production method of germline chimeras by transfer of primordial germ cells (PGCs) can be used in gene banking of chickens. However, little is known about the reproductive capability of offspring obtained by mating of male and female germline chimeras. To cryopreserve chicken genetic resources at the cellular level in future, it is necessary to demonstrate whether offspring originating from donor-derived PGCs have normal reproductive capability. In this study, we attempted to obtain the pure Hinai-droi offspring by mating of male and female germline chimeras produced by the transplantation of Hinai-dori PGCs into the Akita White Leghorn line (WL) embryos. Hinai-dori offspring from germline chimeras were screened using the Hinai-dori-specific autosomal microsatellite marker, namely, ADL0315, which allows distinction between the Hinai-dori breed and Akita WL. After sexual maturity of the Hinai-dori offspring originating from donor-derived Hinai-dori PGCs, the reproductive capability (egg production rate, fertilization rate and hatchability) was examined. Percentage hen-day egg production was investigated between 21 and 60 wk of age, and fertilization rate and hatchability were investigated between 43 and 60 wk of age, respectively. Among the 105 progeny obtained by mating of male and female germline chimeras, a single brown-colored female hatchling was obtained. The results from molecular genotyping using the Hinai-dori-specific microsatellite marker ADL0315 were consistent with results from morphological identification, and the brown-colored female hatchling was identified as the pure Hinai-dori breed. The mean percentage hen-day egg production, fertilization rate and hatchability of the Hinai-dori hen were 36.4%, 58.1% and 53.2%, which were similar to those of normal Hinai-dori hens. These results indicated that the pure Hinai-dori offspring originating from donor-derived Hinai-dori PGCs has normal reproductive capability.

Single Operator Ultrasound Guided Transabdominal Oocyte Retrieval in Patients with Ovaries Inaccessible Transvaginally: A Modified Technique

Objectives: To described the feasibility, relative safety and efficacy of a modified transabdominal ultrasoundguided follicular-aspiration technique. Methods: Retrospective cohort study in a private In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) center. Amongst 816 IVF cycles over 3 years, 13 women (13 cycles) with inaccessible ovaries through the vagina required transabdominal retrieval. In 3 cases, both ovaries were aspirated transabdominally. Under conscious sedation and local analgesia, the same operator scanned the abdomen with one hand and retrieved the oocytes with the other; using a standard 17-gauge aspiration needle and without the use of a needle-guide. All but one ovary required one puncture. Research board of ethics approval was obtained. Results: The mean and standard deviation (± SD) number of oocytes retrieved transabdominally and transvaginally were 8.4 (± 4.8) and 10.5 (± 6.8), respectively (P=0.93). The mean (± SD) fertilization rate and “good quality” embryos was 78.1% (± 16.2) and 51.9% (± 19.8), respectively. Of the 13 patients, 12 had Embryo Transfer (ET). One patient developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and her embryos were cryopreserved. Of the 12 patients, one had an ectopic pregnancy and 6 (50%) had at least one intrauterine gestational sac. Two patients conceived with a twin and four with a singleton. One of the twin cases aborted at 19 weeks due to an incompetent cervix, and one singleton pregnancy had a miscarriage at 8 weeks of gestation. The other four patients (33.3%) delivered at term, and all babies are alive and well. Of the remaining 5 patients, one conceived from a frozen ET, and delivered a healthy baby at term. Conclusion: This modified technique, performed by a single operator under conscious sedation and local analgesia, allowed maximal retrieval of oocytes through a single ovarian puncture in women undergoing IVF-ET with inaccessible ovaries transvaginally. It is safe and feasible.

Impact of Birth Seasonality on Dynamics of Acute Immunizing Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa

We analyze the impact of birth seasonality (seasonal oscillations in the birth rate) on the dynamics of acute, immunizing childhood infectious diseases. Previous research has explored the effect of human birth seasonality on infectious disease dynamics using parameters appropriate for the developed world. We build on this work by including in our analysis an extended range of baseline birth rates and amplitudes, which correspond to developing world settings. Additionally, our analysis accounts for seasonal forcing both in births and contact rates. We focus in particular on the dynamics of measles. In the absence of seasonal transmission rates or stochastic forcing, for typical measles epidemiological parameters, birth seasonality induces either annual or biennial epidemics. Changes in the magnitude of the birth fluctuations (birth amplitude) can induce significant changes in the size of the epidemic peaks, but have little impact on timing of disease epidemics within the year. In contrast, changes to the birth seasonality phase (location of the peak in birth amplitude within the year) significantly influence the timing of the epidemics. In the presence of seasonality in contact rates, at relatively low birth rates (20 per 1000), birth amplitude has little impact on the dynamics but does have an impact on the magnitude and timing of the epidemics. However, as the mean birth rate increases, both birth amplitude and phase play an important role in driving the dynamics of the epidemic. There are stronger effects at higher birth rates.

Development of Superovulation Program and Heterologous in vitro Fertilization Test Assessment in Hamsters

Superovulation has become a common assisted reproductive technology in the field of animal reproduction. In addition, zona-free hamster oocytes have been used in heterologous in vitro fertilization research to evaluate sperm function. A study was conducted to compare eight different superovulation protocols for golden hamsters using two concentrations of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) given at two time intervals post-pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) injection and two time intervals of oocyte harvesting. Fifty-six female golden hamsters were randomly and equally assigned into eight superovulation groups. Hamsters were superovulated initially with PMSG followed by human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). All the groups received 40 IU PMSG, either 40 or 45 IU hCG given at either 48-50 or 55-57 h post PMSG injection and the oocytes recovered at either 12-15 or 16-18 h after hCG injection. Higher number of recovered oocytes (51.57±0.83) and maturation rates (94.20%) (p<0.05) were detected in hamsters which received 45 IU hCG at 55-57 h after PMSG injection when the oocytes were recovered later at 16-18 h compared with hamsters in the other groups. Mean fertilization rate of hamsters given 45 IU hCG at 55-57 h post PMSG injection ranged from 77.89-78.84% and were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those that received hCG at 48-50 h post PMSG injection. In conclusion administration of 40 IU PMSG followed by 45 IU hCG injection at 55 and 57 h post PMSG injection followed by oocyte recovery after 16-18 h gave the highest response in oocyte recovery and maturation in golden hamsters.

Achados bioquímicos, eletrolíticos e hormonais de cabras acometidas com toxemia da prenhez

A abrangência dos estudos sobre a toxemia da prenhez (TP) tem sido constante e inovadora em alguns conceitos, porém o estudo dos casos clínicos naturais em cabras é inexistente no Brasil. Diante disso, realizou-se análise das alterações clínicas, do perfil bioquímico, eletrolítico e hormonal com o objetivo de compreender a fisiopatogenia da enfermidade. Foram avaliadas 22 cabras atendidas na Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns/UFRPE, diagnosticadas com TP, no período de 2007 a 2012. Realizou-se exame clínico e coleta de sangue e urina, para análise do perfil bioquímico e hormonal. Acentuadas alterações clínicas foram observadas, como decúbito, apatia, dispneia, aumento da temperatura corpórea, mucosas congestas, vasos episclerais injetados, desidratação, anorexia, hipomotilidade ou atonia ruminal, edema nos membros. Os resultados laboratoriais revelaram valores elevados para ureia, creatinina, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), β-hidroxibutirato, amilase e cortisol, enquanto as variáveis: proteína total, albumina, cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, a relação cálcio e fósforo, sódio e insulina encontraram-se diminuídos. Outros parâmetros bioquímicos e eletrolíticos, como frutosamina, globulina, cloro, potássio e magnésio mantiveram-se dentro da faixa de normalidade. Quanto a glicemia, foram constatados três condições nas cabras com TP, normoglicêmicas (50%), hiperglicêmicas (27,28%) e hipoglicêmicas (22,72%). Dos 17 (77,27%) animais que obtiveram alta 10 (58,82%) eram normoglicêmicos. Vieram a óbito 22,8 % (5/22), no qual 60% (3/5) delas estavam hiperglicêmicas. A média de nascimento por cabra foi superior a duas crias. Verificou-se existir associação fortemente positiva dos AGNE's com a albumina (r=0,60), fraca com o β-hidroxibutirato (r=0,10) e glicose (r=0,03). Porém, existiu relação fortemente negativa dos AGNE's com a insulina (r= -0,70), moderada com o cortisol (r= -0,52) e amilase (r= -0,30). Marcadas alterações clínicas e metabólicas são observadas em cabras com TP, em que o aumento de certos metabólitos do perfil energético e hormonal se torna importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico e constitui um bom instrumento para avaliar a magnitude da condição clínica dos animais enfermos. Os dados encontrados servem de referência para estudos sobre nutrição e metabolismo em cabras com TP.

Effects of Triggering Oocytes Maturation by rhCG 250 µg vs uhCG 10 000 IU on the Outcomes of IVF-ET Treatment in Chinese Population: A Cohort Study

Objective To compare the effects of recombinant hCG (rhCG) 250 µg and urinary hCG (uhCG) 10 000 IU on triggering oocyte maturation during COH/IVF-ET in Chinese women. Methods A retrospective cohort study which included COH/IVF-ET cases at reproductive medical center of Peking University Third Hospital from March to May 2010 was performed. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was taken for data analysis. Results There were 318 cycles (group A) using rhCG 250 µg and 810 cycles (group B) using uhCG 10 000 IU for triggering. In IVF procedure, there were no significant differences in the number of oocyte retrieval, 2PN fertilization rate, good-quality embryo rate, embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the two groups. The delivery weeks, mean neonatal birth weight and live birth rates were also similar between the two groups. There was no local allergic reaction after injection or neonatal birth defect in group A. Conclusions The rhCG 250 μg and uhCG 10 000 IU have equal effects on triggering oocyte maturation for patients with normal ovarian function in Chinese population. rhCG may have even lower local discomfort occurrence.

Influence of strict sperm morphology on the results of classic in vitro fertilization

To determine the influence of the concentration of oval spermatozoa according to the strict morphology criterion in men with normal sperm concentration following the World Health Organization criteria on the results of classic IVF. Based on review of patient charts, this study included infertile couples presenting with female causes for infertility or unexplained infertility, in whom men presented with normal spermogram values for sperm concentration, sperm motility, volume of ejaculate and total sperm count after semen processing greater than 20 million. Based on the value obtained in strict sperm morphology, patients were divided into three groups: in Group A, patients with values between 0 % and 4 %; in group B, between 5 % and 14 %, and in group C, patients with sperm morphology greater than 14 %. The outcomes analyzed were oocyte fertilization rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and rate of liveborns. A total of 244 cases met the inclusion criteria, 27 of them in group A, 165 in group B, and 52 in group C. The mean fertilization rate and the rate of liveborns were, respectively: 71.9 % and 33.3 % in group A; 80.9 % and 24.2 % in group B, and 78.8 % and 28.8 % in group C. There was no statistical difference among the groups in any of the outcomes analyzed. The values of strict sperm morphology, as proposed by Kruger and adopted by the World Health Organization, had no infl uence on the results of classic in vitro fertilization in the studied sample.

Use of phosphatidylcholine to improve the function of turkey semen stored at 4°C for 24 hours

The ability to store turkey semen for 24 h in vitro without a significant loss in fertility would benefit the commercial turkey industry. We investigated the use of exogenous phosphatidylcholine to improve the viability, mobility, hydrolyzing ability, and fertility of stored turkey sperm. For experiment 1, semen was diluted 1:1 with extender containing 0.0 (control), 0.5, 2.5, or 10.0 mg/mL of phosphatidylcholine labeled with a fluorochrome and maintained under aerobic conditions for 24 h at 4°C. Semen aliquots were removed at 30-min intervals during the first 4 h and at 1-h intervals from 8 to 24 h of storage for fluorometric evaluation by flow cytometry. Turkey sperm incorporated labeled phosphatidylcholine in a dose-dependent manner during the first 12 h of storage (P<0.05). At 24 h of storage, phosphatidylcholine uptake increased 7.8-fold for the 0.5-mg treatment, 9.2-fold for the 2.5-mg treatment, and 6.7-fold for the 10-mg labeled phosphatidylcholine treatment. For experiment 2, turkey semen was diluted and stored as for experiment 1 except the phosphatidylcholine was unlabeled. After 24 h, the viability, mobility, hydrolyzing ability, and fertility of turkey sperm was assessed. Supplemental phosphatidylcholine did not improve (P>0.05) the viability or mobility of stored sperm. At 2.5 mg/mL, phosphatidylcholine improved the hydrolyzing ability of stored sperm compared with control or other phosphatidylcholine treatments (P<0.05). The mean fertility rate of eggs from hens inseminated with control semen was 33.5%±4.5. Use of 0.5, 2.5, or 10.0 mg phosphatidylcholine/mL improved (P<0.05) the fertility rates during the first 11 wk of egg production; higher fertility rates occurred with 2.5 mg phosphatidylcholine/mL compared with other phosphatidylcholine treatments for 5 of those 11 wk (P<0.05). We conclude that supplemental phosphatidylcholine appears to counteract the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation or enzymatic degradation during in vitro storage by providing exogenous phospholipids for incorporation into the turkey sperm plasma membrane.

Assisted oocyte activation is not beneficial for all patients with a suspected oocyte-related activation deficiency

Despite the success of ICSI, total fertilization failure (TFF) still occurs in 1-3% of all ICSI cycles. ICSI followed by assisted oocyte activation (ICSI-AOA) can restore fertilization, most efficiently in cases of sperm-related fertilization deficiency. The indication for ICSI-AOA is less obvious when the capacity of the sperm to activate oocytes is considered normal, as proved by a heterologous ICSI model, such as the mouse oocyte activation test (MOAT). In this study, we verified whether ICSI-AOA is beneficial for patients in whom an oocyte-related activation deficiency is suspected. A prospective study was conducted including patients presenting with a history of TFF or low fertilization (LF) following conventional ICSI in our centre (in-house cases, n= 2) or elsewhere (out-house cases, n= 12). In all cases a sperm deficiency was refuted by the MOAT. In a next treatment cycle, ICSI-AOA was performed on half of the sibling metaphase II oocytes and conventional ICSI on the rest ('split ICSI-AOA cycle'). The main outcome parameters were fertilization, pregnancy and live birth rates. Overall, ICSI-AOA was able to improve fertilization rates in couples with a suspected oocyte-related fertilization problem, with a mean fertilization rate of 74.2% following ICSI-AOA compared with 43.5% following conventional ICSI (P< 0.001). Cumulative pregnancy rate and live birth rate per cycle were 35.7 and 14.3%, respectively. Considering the out-house patients only, fertilization rates with ICSI-AOA were higher in couples with previous TFF than with conventional ICSI (P< 0.001). Interestingly, for out-house patients who had experienced low, but not zero, fertilization elsewhere, ICSI-AOA could not enhance the fertilization rate. For the two in-house patients, both suffering from previous LF following conventional ICSI, the ICSI-AOA procedure enhanced the mean fertilization rate (25 versus 75%, respectively). For patients with a suspected oocyte-related activation deficiency, as diagnosed by a heterologuous ICSI model, the indication for ICSI-AOA still remains debatable. Our data show that ICSI-AOA is very efficient in patients with a suspected oocyte-related activation deficiency and previous TFF after conventional ICSI. In contrast, when there was a history of LF in another centre, one should be careful and test the efficiency of ICSI-AOA on half of the sibling oocytes, because ICSI-AOA is not always beneficial for patients with previous LF and a suspected oocyte-related activation deficiency. For these patients, a split ICSI-AOA cycle using sibling oocytes can help to distinguish between a molecular oocyte-related activation deficiency and a previous technical or other biological failure. Moreover, this split ICSI-AOA strategy enables us to set the appropriate strategy for future treatment cycles. Further research with larger groups of patients is now required.

Developmental capacity of in vitro–matured human oocytes retrieved from polycystic ovary syndrome ovaries containing no follicles larger than 6 mm

To test the developmental competence of oocytes in a nonhCG-triggered in vitro maturation (IVM) system when oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC) are retrieved from antral follicles with a diameter of <6 mm. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary university-based referral center. From January 2010 to September 2011, 121 patients with polycystic ovaries/polycystic ovary syndrome underwent 239 IVM cycles in total. In 58 of these cycles (44 patients), all antral follicles had a diameter of <6 mm on the day of oocyte retrieval. NonhCG-triggered IVM of oocytes, fresh or vitrified/warmed embryo transfer (ET). Oocyte diameter, maturation rate, fertilization rate, embryo development and morphology, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate. Oocyte retrieval yielded 16.7 OCC/cycle, and 50.8% of oocytes completed IVM. The mean oocyte diameter increased from 108.8 ± 4.3 μm to 111.9 ± 4.1 μm after IVM. Mean fertilization rate was 63.7%, and 45.4% of 2-pronuclei oocytes developed into a morphologically good-quality embryo on day 3 after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fresh ET resulted in two ongoing pregnancies (2/37; 5.4%). Deferred vitrified-warmed ET led to an ongoing pregnancy rate of 34.6% (9/24). Three healthy babies were born and eight pregnancies were still ongoing. Oocytes retrieved from follicles with a diameter of <6 mm grow during a 40-hour IVM culture can acquire full competence in vitro, as illustrated by their development into healthy offspring. Endometrial quality appears to be a crucial determinant of pregnancy after nonhCG-triggered IVM.

Mode of delivery in obese primigravidas analysed by visceral fat (VF) measurement in early pregnancy

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between mode of delivery in primigravidas and visceral fat measured in early pregnancy.Study designWe enrolled women at their convenience between...