Pseudo contrastive labeling for predicting IVF embryo developmental potential.

In vitro fertilization is typically associated with high failure rates per transfer, leading to an acute need for the identification of embryos with high developmental potential. Current methods are tailored to specific times after fertilization, often require expert inspection, and have low predictive power. Automatic methods are challenged by ambiguous labels, clinical heterogeneity, and the inability to utilize multiple developmental points. In this work, we propose a novel method that trains a classifier conditioned on the time since fertilization. This classifier is then integrated over time and its output is used to assign soft labels to pairs of samples. The classifier obtained by training on these soft labels presents a significant improvement in accuracy, even as early as 30 h post-fertilization. By integrating the classification scores, the predictive power is further improved. Our results are superior to previously reported methods, including the commercial KIDScore-D3 system, and a group of eight senior professionals, in classifying multiple groups of favorable embryos into groups defined as less favorable based on implantation outcomes, expert decisions based on developmental trajectories, and/or genetic tests.

Foucault pendulum properties of spherical oscillators.

The Foucault pendulum provides a demonstration of the turning of the Earth. The principle at work is that linear oscillations of a two-degree-of-freedom isotropic harmonic oscillator remain unchanged in an inertial frame of reference, so appear to precess in a rotating frame of reference. In recent work, we applied two-degree-of-freedom isotropic oscillators to mechanical timekeeping. In this paper, we note that the spherical oscillators we considered have qualitatively different behavior in a non-inertial frame. We show that when in a rotating frame, linear oscillations precess at one half the rotational speed of the rotating frame. We validate this result experimentally by designing and constructing a proof of concept demonstrator placed on a motorized rotating table. The demonstrator consists of a spherical isotropic oscillator, a launcher to place the oscillator on planar orbits, a motorized rotating table, video recording for qualitative observation, and a laser measurement setup for quantitative results. The experimental data recorded by the lasers strongly validate the physical phenomenon.

Prediction of sperm extraction in non-obstructive azoospermia patients: a machine-learning perspective.

STUDY QUESTION: Can a machine-learning-based model trained in clinical and biological variables support the prediction of the presence or absence of sperm in testicular biopsy in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our machine-learning model was able to accurately predict (AUC of 0.8) the presence or absence of spermatozoa in patients with NOA. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Patients with NOA can conceive with their own biological gametes using ICSI in combination with successful testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Testicular sperm retrieval is successful in up to 50% of men with NOA. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no existing model that can accurately predict the success of sperm retrieval in TESE. Moreover, machine-learning has never been used for this purpose. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A retrospective cohort study of 119 patients who underwent TESE in a single IVF unit between 1995 and 2017 was conducted. All patients with NOA who underwent TESE during their fertility treatments were included. The development of gradient-boosted trees (GBTs) aimed to predict the presence or absence of spermatozoa in patients with NOA. The accuracy of these GBTs was then compared to a similar multivariate logistic regression model (MvLRM). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We employed univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models to predict the probability of successful TESE using a dataset from a retrospective cohort. In addition, we examined various ensemble machine-learning models (GBT and random forest) and evaluated their predictive performance using the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure. A cutoff value for successful/unsuccessful TESE was calculated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: ROC analysis resulted in an AUC of 0.807 ± 0.032 (95% CI 0.743-0.871) for the proposed GBTs and 0.75 ± 0.052 (95% CI 0.65-0.85) for the MvLRM for the prediction of presence or absence of spermatozoa in patients with NOA. The GBT approach and the MvLRM yielded a sensitivity of 91% vs. 97%, respectively, but the GBT approach has a specificity of 51% compared with 25% for the MvLRM. A total of 78 (65.3%) men with NOA experienced successful TESE. FSH, LH, testosterone, semen volume, age, BMI, ethnicity and testicular size on clinical evaluation were included in these models. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study is a retrospective cohort study, with all the associated inherent biases of such studies. This model was used only for TESE, since micro-TESE is not performed at our center. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Machine-learning models may lay the foundation for a decision support system for clinicians together with their NOA patients concerning TESE. The findings of this study should be confirmed with further larger and prospective studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was funded by the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, there are no potential conflicts of interest for all authors.

Like mother like daughter: low birth weight and preeclampsia tend to reoccur at the next generation.

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight and preeclampsia are both adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes, with possible influence on future health status. Previous studies have shown that intergenerational factors may be important prognostic information in evaluating women prior to or after conception. Our objective was to evaluate the role of intergenerational factors on the incidence of preeclampsia and low birth weight (LBW). METHODS: A retrospective population-based study was conducted. Perinatal information was gathered from 2311 familial triads, comprising mothers (F1), daughters (F2), and children (F3). All births occurred in a tertiary medical center between 1991 and 2013. A multivariate generalized estimating equation logistic regression model analysis was used to study the association between LBW and preeclampsia across generations while controlling for confounders and for clusters of families in the database. RESULTS: A total of 1490 in F1, 1616 in F2, and 2311 in F3 were included. LBW in mothers (F2), adjusted for possible confounders, was found to be a significant predictor for LBW in offspring (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.02-2.6, p = .043). Likewise, preeclampsia was also noted as a significant intergenerational factor following adjustments for possible confounders (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-5.8, p = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal LBW and preeclampsia are both independent risk factors for recurrence in the next generation.

The association between birth weight at term and long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth weight at-term poses an increased risk for long-term pediatric endocrine morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective population-based cohort study compared the incidence of long-term pediatric hospitalizations due to endocrine morbidity of singleton children born SGA, appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA), and LGA at-term. A multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression model analysis was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: During the study period, 235,614 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; of which 4.7% were SGA (n = 11,062), 91% were AGA (n = 214,249), and 4.3% were LGA neonates (n = 10,303). During the follow-up period, children born SGA or LGA at-term had a significantly higher rate of long-term endocrine morbidity. Using a multivariable GEE logistic regression model, controlling for confounders, being delivered SGA or LGA at-term was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term pediatric endocrine morbidity (Adjusted OR = 1.4; 95%CI = 1.1-1.8; p = .015 and aOR = 1.4; 95%CI = 1.1-1.8; p = .005, respectively). Specifically, LGA was found an independent risk factor for overweight and obesity (aOR = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.2-2.5; p = .001), while SGA was found an independent risk factor for childhood hypothyroidism (aOR = 3.2; 95%CI = 1.8-5.8; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight either SGA or LGA at-term is an independent risk factor for long-term pediatric endocrine morbidity.

Maternal Asthma Is an Independent Risk Factor for Long-Term Respiratory Morbidity of the Offspring.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether maternal bronchial asthma increases the risk for long-term respiratory morbidity of the offspring. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based cohort study compared the incidence of long-term pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory disease of the offspring of mothers with and without bronchial asthma. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center. Congenital malformations as well as multiple pregnancies were excluded. Kaplan-Meier's survival curve was used to estimate cumulative incidence of respiratory morbidity. A multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression model analysis was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: During the study period, 253,808 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; of which 1.3% were born to mothers with bronchial asthma (n = 3,411). During the follow-up period, children born to women with bronchial asthma had a significantly higher rate of long-term respiratory morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-1.7; p < 0.001). Specifically, the rate of childhood asthma was higher among offspring of mothers with asthma (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.8-2.9; p < 0.001). Children born to women with asthma had higher cumulative incidence of respiratory morbidity, using a Kaplan-Meier's survival curve (log-rank test; p < 0.001). Using two multivariable GEE logistic regression models, controlling for the time to event, maternal age, and gestational age at delivery, maternal bronchial asthma was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term respiratory disease of the offspring (adjusted OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.4-1.9; p < 0.001), and specifically for bronchial asthma (adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.9-3.1; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal bronchial asthma is an independent risk factor for long-term respiratory morbidity of the offspring.

Fertility Treatments in Women Who Become Pregnant and Carried to Viability, and the Risk for Long-Term Maternal Cardiovascular Morbidity.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether patients who undergo fertility treatments (ovulation induction or in vitro fertilization) have an increased risk for future maternal cardiovascular morbidity. Design A population-based study compared the incidence of long-term cardiovascular morbidity in a cohort of women with and without a previous exposure to fertility treatments. Deliveries occurred during a 25-year period, with a mean follow-up of 11.7 years. Women with known cardiovascular disease and congenital cardiovascular malformations diagnosed before the index pregnancy and multiple pregnancies were excluded. Results During the study period, 99,291 patients met the inclusion criteria; 4.1% (n = 4,153) occurred in patients with exposure to fertility treatments. Patients with exposure to fertility treatments did not have higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity. Using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, patients with an exposure to fertility treatments had no higher cumulative incidence of cardiovascular hospitalizations. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders such as preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, exposure to fertility treatments remained unassociated with cardiovascular hospitalizations (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.3; p = 0.441). Conclusion In our population, during a mean follow-up period of 11.7, results showed no increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity in women undergoing fertility treatments.

Can slight glucose intolerance during pregnancy predict future maternal atherosclerotic morbidity?

AIM: o examine the association between glucose level during pregnancy and the subsequent development of long-term maternal atherosclerotic morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The study included all women who had at least one glucose measurement during their pregnancies. Cases were all women who delivered between the years 2000-2012 and subsequently developed atherosclerotic morbidity (n = 815). Controls were randomly matched by age and year of delivery (n = 6065). The atherosclerotic morbidity group was further divided by severity: major events (cardiovascular, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure), minor events (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia without target organ damage or complications) and cardiac evaluation tests (such as coronary angiography without records of atherosclerosis, cardiac scan and stress test). The mean follow-up duration for the study group was 74 months. Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: A significant linear association was found between glucose levels during pregnancy and long-term maternal atherosclerotic morbidity. Among the cases with severe atherosclerotic morbidity, the proportion of women with a high glucose level (> 5.5 mmol/l) was the highest, whereas in controls it was the lowest (P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for atherosclerotic confounders such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and obesity, a glucose level of > 5.5 mmol/l was noted as an independent risk factor for hospitalizations later in non-pregnant life (hazard ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5, P < 0.003). CONCLUSION: A high glucose level during pregnancy, even if within the range of slight glucose intolerance, may serve as a marker for future maternal atherosclerotic morbidity. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Cell-free DNA and telomere length among women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment.

PURPOSE: The current research is aimed at finding potential non-invasive bio-markers that will help us learn more about the mechanisms at play in failed assisted reproduction treatment. This exploratory pilot study examined the relationship between cell-free DNA (CFD) in plasma and telomere length in lymphocytes among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and compared telomere length and CFD levels to a healthy control group. METHODS: Blood of 20 women undergoing IVF was collected at three time points during the IVF cycle. We assessed the relationship between CFD and telomere length as well as controlling for morning cortisol levels. We also collected blood of 10 healthy controls at two time points (luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle) and compared mean telomere length, CFD, and cortisol levels between the IVF patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: The results revealed an inverse relationship between CFD levels and telomere lengths at several time points that remained significant even after controlling for cortisol levels. Women undergoing IVF had statistically significant higher levels of CFD and shorter telomeres compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between telomere length and CFD should be further explored in larger studies in order to uncover potential mechanisms that cause both shortened telomere length and elevated CFD in women undergoing IVF.

Is there an association between a history of placental abruption and long-term maternal renal complications?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether patients with a history of placental abruption have an increased risk for subsequent maternal long-term morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based study compared the incidence of long-term renal morbidity in cohort of women with and without a history of placental abruption. Deliveries occurred during a 25-year period, with a mean follow-up duration of 11.2 years. Renal morbidity included kidney transplantation, chronic renal failure, hypertensive renal disease, etc. RESULTS: During the study period 99 354 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 1.8% (n = 1807) occurred in patients with a diagnosis of placental abruption. Patients with placental abruption did not have higher cumulative incidence of renal related hospitalizations, using Kaplan-Meier survival curve. During the follow-up period patients with a history of placental abruption did not have higher rate of renal morbidity (0.2% versus 0.1%; OR 1.8; 95% CI 0.6-4.8; p = 0.261). When performing a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders such as parity and diabetes mellitus, a history of placental abruption was not associated with renal related hospitalizations (adjusted HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.6-4.2; p = 0.381). CONCLUSION: Placental abruption, even though considered a part of the "placental syndrome" with possible vascular etiology, is not a risk factor for long-term maternal renal complications.

Inhibition of topoisomerase I by anti-cancer drug altered the endometrial cyclicity and receptivity.

Topoisomerase I (topo I) is an essential nuclear enzyme involved in virtually all aspects of gene expression, and is the target of the anti-cancer drugs- camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives. Improvement of the survival rates of young women with cancer has led to the consideration of the effects of long-term chemotherapy on their fertility. The effect of anticancer drugs on ovarian function was previously investigated; however, no reports are available concerning their effect on the endometrium, whose integrity is an important factor in embryo implantation. Here we used a rat animal model to investigate the expression and activity of topo I in the various physiologic phases of the endometrium and the influence of CPT on its integrity and receptivity. The results show, for the first time, that the endometrial topo I level and activity are influenced by the physiologic phases of the endometrium (estrous cycle) and correlate with the estrogen blood concentration. Treatment with the anti-cancer drug CPT caused histological disruption of the endometrium and deleterious effect on its cyclicity. Moreover, CPT treatment significantly reduced the implantation rate of embryos, suggesting alteration in the receptivity of the endometrium. These results suggest that topo I is important for maintaining the normal physiologic cyclicity and functionality of the endometrium in rats. Anti-cancer agents that target topo I severely impair estrous cycle progression and endometrial integrity and receptivity, emphasizing the importance of addressing the effect of chemotherapy on the endometrial functionality.

Statin use is associated with a reduction in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma: a case control study.

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is increasing significantly throughout the developed world. As yet, there are no proven chemopreventive strategies. In laboratory studies, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and statins have promising chemopreventive actions. Several observational studies support a protective effect of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but there are only limited clinical data exploring the potential protective effect of statins. We conducted a case-control study examining aspirin and statin use in patients with EAC. Cancer cases were compared against age-sex-matched controls attending for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Risk factor and drug exposure were established using standardized interviews. Logistic regression was used to compare statin exposure and correct for confounding factors. A total of 112 cases and 448 controls were enrolled. Statin use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of EAC (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.92). Aspirin use was also associated with apparent protection against EAC (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.92), and a significantly greater effect was seen with the combination of statin plus aspirin (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.67). There was a significant trend for greater risk reduction with longer duration and higher doses of statin use. Simvastatin comprised the majority of statin use, but similar effects were seen with simvastatin and non-simvastatin agents. In this observational study, patients regularly using statins or aspirin had a lower incidence of EAC. Statins may have clinically useful effects in preventing the development of EAC.

Management of problems related to the new morbidity by community-based paediatricians in Israel.

OBJECTIVES: To assess community-based paediatricians' management of clinical situations, particularly those related to the new morbidity (NM), such as chronic disease, developmental, behavioural, and psychosocial problems, and to identify the main associated factors. METHODS: The study population included all community-based paediatricians employed by Israel's two largest health maintenance organizations in the central and southern regions of the country (n= 574; 74% response rate). Using a self-administered questionnaire including 20 vignettes describing common clinical situations (14 related to NM; 6 related to classic paediatrics (CP)), physicians reported how they would manage each situation and how they perceived their role in managing such problems. RESULTS: Paediatricians were less likely to take an active role in managing NM-related problems than CP-related problems (68.3% vs. 93.2%; P < 0.001). In most NM situations, when paediatricians regarded the problem as part of their role, they were more likely to either manage the problem by themselves or with the help of other professionals. A multivariable linear regression model, adjusting for demographic, practice and training characteristics indicated the following predictive factors for taking an active role in managing NM (P < 0.001): practicing in the periphery, consulting with non-medical community-based professionals and combining community and hospital practice. CONCLUSIONS: To assure comprehensive paediatric care, simultaneous modification of paediatricians' residency training, practice environment and role perception are required.

Suspected macrosomia? Better not tell.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management policy of delivery in a suspected macrosomic fetus and to describe the outcome of this policy. STUDY DESIGN: For this prospective observational study we followed the management by reviewing the medical records of 145 women and their infants. The study population included women at term admitted to the obstetrics department with suspected macrosomic infants, as was diagnosed by an obstetrician and/or by fetal sonographic weight estimation of > or =4,000 g. The comparison group (n = 5,943) consisted of all women who gave birth during the data collection period. RESULTS: Induction of labor and cesarean delivery rates in the macrosomic pregnancies (actual birth weight >4,000 g) of the study group were significantly higher when compared with the macrosomic pregnancies of the comparison group. When comparing the non-macrosomic to the macrosomic pregnancies (actual birth weight 4,000 g) of the study group no significant difference was demonstrated regarding maternal or infant complications. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the methods used for detecting macrosomia were 21.6, 98.6 and 43.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our ability to predict macrosomia is poor. Our management policy of suspected macrosomic pregnancies raises induction of labor and cesarean delivery rates without improving maternal or fetal outcome.

DNA topoisomerases I and II in human mature sperm cells: characterization and unique properties.

BACKGROUND: The condensed state of the human sperm's chromatin is essential for the compact structure of the spermatozoon head, which is important for the fertilization process. The enzymes DNA topoisomerases (topo I and topo II) are responsible for the topological structure of the chromatin in somatic cells. The activities and the characterization of topoisomerases in mature human sperm cells have not been previously investigated. METHODS: Sperm cells were purified from the semen of healthy donors by standard procedures and assays measuring the activities, protein size and sensitivity to inhibitors of topoisomerases were performed. RESULTS: Topo I and topo II DNA relaxation activities are present in nuclear extracts derived from human sperm. The sperm topo I activity is inhibited by camptothecin, similarly to the somatic enzyme. An 85 kDa sperm protein, compared with the 100 kDa somatic topo IB enzyme, reacted with anti-human topo I antibody. Sperm topo II lacks the DNA decatenation activity of the somatic enzyme and a 97 kDa protein, compared with the 170 kDa somatic topo IIalpha enzyme, was detected with anti-human topo II antibody. Sperm nuclear extracts contained inhibitors of somatic topo II decatenation activity. CONCLUSIONS: Topoisomerase I and II activities as well as topo I and topo II proteins are present in mature human sperm cells. These enzymes possess unique properties compared with their somatic counterparts.

A comparison between acoustic output indices in 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound in obstetrics.

OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound is gaining popularity in prenatal diagnosis. While there are no studies regarding the safety of 3D ultrasound, it is now widely performed in non-medical facilities, for non-diagnostic purposes. The present study was aimed at comparing the acoustic output, as expressed by thermal index (TI) and mechanical index (MI), of conventional two-dimensional (2D) and 3D/4D ultrasound during pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted, using three different commercially available machines (iU22, Philips Medical Systems; Prosound Alfa-10, Aloka; and Voluson 730 Expert, General Electric). Patients undergoing additional 3D/4D ultrasound examinations were recruited from those scheduled for fetal anatomy and follow-up exams. Fetuses with anomalies were excluded from the analysis. Data were collected regarding duration of the exam, and each MI and TI during 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound exams. RESULTS: A total of 40 ultrasound examinations were evaluated. Mean gestational age was 31.1 +/- 5.8 weeks, and mean duration of the exam was 20.1 +/- 9.9 min. Mean TIs during the 3D (0.27 +/- 0.1) and 4D examinations (0.24 +/- 0.1) were comparable with the TI during B-mode scanning (0.28 +/- 0.1, P = 0.343). The MIs during the 3D volume acquisitions were significantly lower than those in the 2D B-mode ultrasound studies (0.89 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.1, P = 0.018). The 3D volume acquisitions added 2.0 +/- 1.8 min of actual ultrasound scanning time (i.e. not including data processing and manipulation, or 3D displays, which are all post-processing steps). The 4D added 2.2 +/- 1.2 min. CONCLUSIONS: Acoustic exposure levels during 3D/4D ultrasound examination, as expressed by TI, are comparable with those of 2D B-mode ultrasound. However, it is very difficult to evaluate the additional scanning time needed to choose an adequate scanning plane and to acquire a diagnostic 3D volume.

Relationship between sexual abstinence duration and the acrosome index in teratozoospermic semen: analysis of 1800 semen samples.

A high acrosome index (percentage of sperm with normal acrosome morphology--cutoff value > or =10%) is known to be associated with an improved fertilization rate in conventional IVF. A retrospective evaluation of the relationship between duration of sexual abstinence and acrosome index among oligozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples with teratozoospermia was undertaken. A significant (P = 0.001) decrease in the acrosome index was observed among the normozoospermic samples (n = 1264) between the peak value of 10.2 +/- 3.6% on day 2 and 8.5 +/- 4.0% on day 5 of abstinence, while for the oligozoospermic samples (n = 536) the peak value of 8.7 +/- 3.5% was observed on day 1 and the lowest values of 6.8 +/- 3.7% (P = 0.04) on day 5 of abstinence. The results suggest that an optimal acrosome index will be obtained following a short sexual abstinence.

Termination of pregnancy: attitudes and behavior of women in a traditional society.

OBJECTIVES: The Bedouin Arabs, a Muslim traditional ethnic minority in Israel, are faced with difficult choices when offered prenatal diagnosis as part of the universally provided prenatal care in Israel. This paper is to examine attitudes towards and practice of pregnancy termination, following an unfavorable prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: Semistructured interviews with 83 women were conducted to study attitudes. Data from the Soroka Medical Center, where all births in the area take place, were used to assess the rate of terminations of pregnancies following a diagnosis of a chromosomal anomaly. RESULTS: While divided on the question of termination, many women believed that a second medical opinion is needed, preferably from an Arab physician. The reasons for termination are both child- and mother-related. Opposing termination is based on both the suspicion that the diagnosis might be wrong and on religious reasons. Between 1995 and 1999, 686 Bedouin women had undergone amniocentesis (2.4% of all pregnancies). Six of 11 pregnancies with the diagnosis of a trisomy were terminated (54.5%). All cases in which a trisomy was terminated were trisomy 21. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally acceptable prenatal diagnostic services for Muslim populations should be based on early testing, and should involve Muslim physicians and religious authorities.

Effect of cryopreservation on quality and fertilization capacity of human sperm.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze retrospectively the effect of cryopreservation on donor's sperm. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected on 178 cryopreserved-thawed sperm specimens from 44 donors and 624 oocytes from 62 women, which underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatments with donor's sperm. Data on fresh sperm, 175 sperm specimens from 76 couples which underwent IVF-ET treatments, were used as a control group. Semen analysis was done by cell concentration, percent of motility, and quality of motility according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation. Sperm quality parameters which had the strongest impact on fertilization capacity were determined using the statistical response surface model and conjoint analysis. RESULTS: Passing sperm through Percoll column decreased sperm concentration, with no improvement in sperm motility but with a slight increase in quality of motility. Quality of motility of donor's sperm had the strongest impact on fertilization capacity. CONCLUSION: Current freezing-thawing protocols of sperm cause a decrease in sperm parameters without affecting fertilization capacity. Furthermore, quality of motility of frozen-thawed sperm seems to be a significant measure of sperm fertilization capacity.