Low E-visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites: a web-based cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites among Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member clinics. METHODS: During a 1-month interval (March 2022), all Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member fertility clinic websites were evaluated. The professional representation of the primary care team was examined including specialties, the presence of headshots, and biographies. RESULTS: A total of 446 fertility clinic websites were scanned in the search. The embryology team has the least common professional identification by their names (53.58%) compared to gynecology clinicians (96.21%, p < 0.001) and nurses (55.58%, p < 0.001). This trend also applies to other types of professional identifiers, such as headshots and biographies. Professional headshots of embryologists (50.34%) were less prominent than those of gynecology clinicians (93.51%, p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed in the biographies of the embryology team (47.20%) compared to gynecology clinicians (95.08%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that embryologists have low professional visibility on fertility clinic websites. Fertility clinics may prioritize enhancing the online visibility of their embryology laboratory team. This approach could potentially enhance the recognition of their team, foster transparency, and provide accessible information about the skills and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process.

Human immature testicular tissue organ culture: a step towards fertility preservation and restoration.

Background: Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is currently the only option to preserve fertility of prepubertal patients. Autologous transplantation of ITT may not be safe or appropriate for all patients. Therefore, methods to mature ITT ex vivo are needed. Objectives: Aim to investigate the feasibility of inducing in vitro spermatogenesis from ITT cryopreserved for pediatric patients prior to initiation of gonadotoxic therapy. Materials and methods: Cryopreserved-thawed ITT from prepubertal and peripubertal patients were cultured for 7, 16, and 32 days in medium with no hormones or supplemented with 5 IU/L FSH, 1 IU/L hCG, or 5IU/L FSH+1 IU/L hCG. Samples were evaluated histologically to assess tissue integrity, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify VASA (DDX4)+ germ cells, UCHL1+ spermatogonia, SYCP3+ spermatocytes, CREM+ spermatids, SOX9+ Sertoli cells. Proliferation (KI67) and apoptosis (CASPASE3) of germ cells and Sertoli cells were also analyzed. Sertoli and Leydig cell maturation was evaluated by AR and INSL3 expression as well as expression of the blood testis barrier protein, CLAUDIN11, and testosterone secretion in the culture medium. Results: Integrity of seminiferous tubules, VASA+ germ cells and SOX9+ Sertoli cells were maintained up to 32 days. The number of VASA+ germ cells was consistently higher in the peripubertal groups. UCHL1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia and SOX9+ Sertoli cell proliferation was confirmed in most samples. SYCP3+ primary spermatocytes began to appear by day 16 in both age groups. Sertoli cell maturation was demonstrated by AR expression but the expression of CLAUDIN11 was disorganized. Presence of mature and functional Leydig cells was verified by INSL3 expression and secretion of testosterone. Gonadotropin treatments did not consistently impact the number or proliferation of germ cells or somatic cells, but FSH was necessary to increase testosterone secretion over time in prepubertal samples. Conclusion: ITT were maintained in organotypic culture for up to 32 days and spermatogonia differentiated to produce primary spermatocytes in both pre- and peripubertal age groups. However, complete spermatogenesis was not observed in either group.

IVF laboratory COVID-19 pandemic response plan: a roadmap.

BACKGROUND: The potential of COVID-19 severe pandemic necessitates the development of an organized and well-reasoned plan for the management of embryology/andrology laboratories while safeguarding the wellbeing of patients and IVF staff. MAIN BODY: A COVID-19 pandemic response plan was proposed for embryology and andrology laboratories for pre-pandemic preparedness and pandemic management in anticipation of a possible second coronavirus wave. Preparation involves many plans and logistics before a pandemic risk rises. Many operational changes can be considered during the pandemic. This plan includes logistical arrangements, reducing labor needs, conserving supplies, and protective measures for embryologists and gametes/embryos. CONCLUSION: The unpredictable emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates the need for a preparedness plan for embryology/andrology laboratories, which includes an action-oriented plan to secure the safety of all stakeholders.

Blastocyst culture and transfer: a step toward improved in vitro fertilization outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of blastocyst culture and transfer in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) as compared to day 3 embryo transfer. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: Private assisted reproduction unit. PATIENT(S): A total of 162 IVF patients were included in the day 3 embryo transfer (n = 82) and blastocyst transfer (n = 80) groups. INTERVENTION(S): Embryo transfer on day 3 after culture in the standard culture media and blastocyst transfer on day 5 or 6 after culture in the sequential culture media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation and pregnancy rates, multiple gestation rate. RESULT(S): The implantation rate for embryos transferred at the blastocyst stage was significantly higher than that for embryos transferred on day 3 (26% vs. 13%). The viable pregnancy rate was similar in both groups (29% vs. 26%). Significantly fewer embryos were required for transfer at the blastocyst stage compared with day 3 embryo transfer (2.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.63). The high-order multiple gestation rate was significantly less with the blastocyst transfer than with the day 3 embryo transfer (4% vs. 19%). CONCLUSION(S): With the use of blastocyst culture, a few embryos can be transferred without decreasing the overall pregnancy rate. This may reduce multiple gestations and improve human IVF outcome.