Radiology trainee retirement programs: Options and participation.

BACKGROUND: Financial security and retirement planning are essential for all medical professionals including radiology residents. Given the available discretionary income during residency it is crucial to have insights into investment. We aimed to assess the prevalence of retirement plans offered to radiology residents, the available choices, and their degree of participation. METHODS: Two surveys were created using Qualtrics platform, one targeting program directors and another one oriented to radiology residents with items focused on demographic, financial status, offered plans, and participation. Analysis was performed using chi square whenever appropriate using Qualtrics platform. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 199 radiology residents (72.6% attending university-based programs) responded to the survey. 83.7% participated in retirement plans; university-based programs had the highest rate of offering plans; 82.8% vs 70% and 53.8% for university, community and hybrid programs respectively. The most frequently offered retirement plan was a 403(b). Most of the residents (94.3%) started investment in the retirement program as early as PGY1 and PGY2. A considerable proportion of programs lacked formal training on retirement plans; however, residents emphasized the significance of financial education during their residency. CONCLUSION: Radiology residents are more likely to participate in a retirement plan if it is offered by their program. Providing proper guidance by incorporating financial education into radiology residency curricula can optimize residents' decision making and economical planning, leading to a more secure financial future.

A new method for endometrial dating using computerized virtual pathology.

Endometrial dating (ED) is the process by which the menstrual cycle day is estimated and is an important tool for the evaluation of uterine status. To date, ED methods remain inaccurate and controversial. We demonstrate how the rise of computerized virtual histology changes the state of affairs and introduce a new ED method. We present the results of a clinical trial where magnified images of ex-vivo endometrial tissue samples were captured at different cycle days, together with measurements of serum hormone levels on the same day. Patient testimonies about their cycle day were also collected. Computerized image analysis, followed by statistical representation of the tissue features, allowed mathematical representation of the cycle day. The samples underwent ED histological assessment, which is currently the ED gold standard. We compared dating results from patient reports, serum hormone levels, and histology to establish their concordance level. We then compared histology-based ED with the new method ED in the secretory phase (i.e. post ovulation). The correlation coefficient between the two resulted in an R = 0.89 with a P-value of P < 10-4. The new method, Virtual Pathology Endometrial Dating (VPED), has the benefit of being a real time, in-vivo method that can be repeatedly applied without tissue damage, using a dedicated hysteroscope. One practical use of this method may be the determination of accurate real-time embryo transfer timing in IVF treatments.

Delineating the heterogeneity of embryo preimplantation development using automated and accurate morphokinetic annotation.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to design an automated deep learning model that extracts the morphokinetic events of embryos that were recorded by time-lapse incubators. Using automated annotation, we set out to characterize the temporal heterogeneity of preimplantation development across a large number of embryos. METHODS: To perform a retrospective study, we used a dataset of video files of 67,707 embryos from four IVF clinics. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was trained to assess the developmental states that appear in single frames from 20,253 manually-annotated embryos. Probability-weighted superposition of multiple predicted states was permitted, thus accounting for visual uncertainties. Superimposed embryo states were collapsed onto discrete series of morphokinetic events via monotonic regression of whole-embryo profiles. Unsupervised K-means clustering was applied to define subpopulations of embryos of distinctive morphokinetic profiles. RESULTS: We perform automated assessment of single-frame embryo states with 97% accuracy and demonstrate whole-embryo morphokinetic annotation with R-square 0.994. High quality embryos that had been valid candidates for transfer were clustered into nine subpopulations, as characterized by distinctive developmental dynamics. Retrospective comparative analysis of transfer versus implantation rates reveals differences between embryo clusters as marked by poor synchronization of the third mitotic cell-cleavage cycle. CONCLUSIONS: By demonstrating fully automated, accurate, and standardized morphokinetic annotation of time-lapse embryo recordings from IVF clinics, we provide practical means to overcome current limitations that hinder the implementation of morphokinetic decision-support tools within clinical IVF settings due to inter-observer and intra-observer manual annotation variations and workload constrains. Furthermore, our work provides a platform to address embryo heterogeneity using dimensionality-reduced morphokinetic descriptions of preimplantation development.

Revealing the uterine blood vessel network via virtual pathology.

BACKGROUND: The distribution of the blood vessel network at any point in time in any body tissue, may provide valuable information with regards to the tissue condition and its angiogenesis functionality. The blood vessel three-dimensional network of the endometrium goes through a process of change over a relatively short period of 4 weeks on average. It is well accepted that this angiogenesis is closely related to the success or failure of the implantation of the embryo Objective and rationale: Our study aims to present a method to follow the three-dimensional evolution of the superficial blood vessel distribution in the endometrium throughout the uterine cycle. METHOD: This method utilizes differences in the observed broadband colors of the blood vessels in order to assess their depth coordinate below the endometrial tissue surface. We implemented the method using microscopic images of fresh, ex-vivo, endometrial samples of different cycle days to obtain the statistical evolution track of the superficial blood vessel population in both human and animal (swine) samples. OUTCOMES: In human samples we observed a systematic and consistent trend in the BV diameter distribution at different tissue depths. We demonstrate that the magnitude of this trend evolves throughout the course of the female cycle. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: This method has the potential to further our understanding of the mechanisms of angiogenesis in tissues other than the endometrium. We propose that this method may also contribute to more precise endometrial dating and may assist in more accurate determination of embryo transfer timing within IVF treatments.

Embryo classification beyond pregnancy: early prediction of first trimester miscarriage using machine learning.

PURPOSE: First trimester miscarriage is a major concern in IVF-ET treatments, accounting for one out of nine clinical pregnancies and for up to one out of three recognized pregnancies. To develop a machine learning classifier for predicting the risk of cleavage-stage embryos to undergo first trimester miscarriage based on time-lapse images of preimplantation development. METHODS: Retrospective study of a 4-year multi-center cohort of 391 women undergoing intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) and fresh single or double embryo transfers. The study included embryos with positive indication of clinical implantation based on gestational sac visualization either with first trimester miscarriage or live-birth outcome. Miscarriage was determined based on negative fetal heartbeat indication during the first trimester. Data were recorded and obtained in hospital setting and research was performed in university setting. RESULTS: A minimal subset of six non-redundant morphodynamic features were screened that maintained high prediction capacity. Features that account for the distribution of the nucleolus precursor bodies within the small pronucleus and pronuclei dynamics were highly predictive of miscarriage outcome as evaluated using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) methodology. Using this feature subset, XGBoost and random forest models were trained following a 100-fold Monte-Carlo cross validation scheme. Miscarriage was predicted with AUC 0.68 to 0.69. CONCLUSION: We report the development of a decision-support tool for identifying the embryos with high risk of miscarriage. Prioritizing embryos for transfer based on their predicted risk of miscarriage in combination with their predicted implantation potential is expected to improve live-birth rates and shorten time-to-pregnancy.

Systematic review of personal finance training for physicians and a proposed curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Many physicians complete medical school and graduate medical education (GME) burdened by high debt and financial illiteracy. This places them at increased risk for ill-informed financial decisions, which can result in increased stress and anxiety and a lower quality of life. Furthermore, financial concerns impact physicians' specialty selections and may partly explain the scarcity of primary care practitioners. In response, medical wellness programmes have increasingly sought to offer personal finance education, but there is little guidance on optimal curricula. Our objective is to systematically review the existing literature examining physician financial literacy curricula and to recommend a standardised personal finance curriculum. METHODS: This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 checklist to report the results of literature searches in PubMed, ERIC, MedEdPortal, EBSCO, JSTOR and Google Scholar. Three researchers used predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to select articles, including a focus on financial concepts applicable in the USA. Selected articles published between 2000 and 2022 were assessed using the BEME strength of findings tool, and further assessed using modified Côté-Turgeon and Kirkpatrick model qualitative analyses tools. FINDINGS: 49 articles met all inclusion criteria. Ten specifically described personal finance literacy curricula for medical students or GME trainees, with varied criteria for selecting instructors, topics and outcomes. All studies reported that audiences were ill prepared for making financial decisions but strongly desired financial literacy education. Qualitative analysis revealed Strength of Findings summary scores ranging from 2 to 4, while applicable Kirkpatrick Model scores were all 3 or greater. Based on these findings, a 14-module personal finance curriculum is proposed by the researchers, along with learning objectives. INTERPRETATION: Although medical students and GME trainees value financial literacy, few publications report the impact of actual curricula. These efforts vary in depth, breadth and measured impact. Future research should focus on development of valid testing instruments specifically for physicians, content standardisation, selection of credible instructors and delivery formats.

The effect of hyaluronic acid in embryo transfer media in donor oocyte cycles and autologous oocyte cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY QUESTION: Does the addition of hyaluronic acid (HA) to embryo transfer medium improve pregnancy outcomes in both autologous and oocyte donation IVF cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: The best available evidence indicates that the addition of HA to embryo transfer medium is clinically beneficial in cycles with autologous oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: There is a known clinical benefit of HA addition to embryo transfer media but it is not known if HA affects donor and autologous oocyte cycles differently. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL via Cochrane Register of Studies Online (CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO electronic databases (until 8 January 2020) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of HA in embryo transfer medium on pregnancy outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: RCTs with separate donor and autologous oocyte data that compared embryo transfer medium with functional HA concentrations (0.5 mg/ml) to those containing no or low HA concentrations (0.125 mg/ml) were included. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Pooled risk ratios and 95% CIs were calculated. A summary of findings table was generated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Judgements about evidence quality were justified and incorporated into the reported results for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Fifteen studies, totalling 4686 participants, were analysed. In autologous oocyte cycles, live birth increased from 32% to 39% when embryo transfer media contained functional HA concentrations (risk ratio (RR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.11-1.34; nine studies, 3215 participants, I2 = 39%, moderate-quality evidence (number needed to treat (NNT) 14). HA-enriched media increased clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rates by 5% and 8%, respectively (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.18; 13 studies, 4014 participants, I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence, NNT 21) and (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.76; 5 studies, 2400 participants, I2 = 21%, moderate-quality evidence, number needed to harm 13). Conversely, in donor oocyte cycles, HA addition showed little effect on live birth and clinical pregnancy (RR 1.12 95% CI 0.86-1.44; two studies, 317 participants, I2 = 50%, low-quality evidence) and (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.97-1.28; three studies, 351 participants, I2 = 23%, low-quality evidence). There was insufficient available information on multiple pregnancy in donor oocyte cycles and on total adverse effects in both groups to draw conclusions. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: There were limited studies with separate data on donor oocyte cycles and limited information on oocyte quality. Additionally, one-third of the included studies did not include the main outcome, live birth rate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: There is a moderate level of evidence to suggest that functional HA concentration in embryo transfer medium increases clinical pregnancy, live birth and multiple pregnancy rates in IVF cycles using autologous oocytes. This effect was not seen in donor oocyte cycles, indicating either intrinsic differences between donor and autologous oocytes or lack of statistical power. The combination of HA addition to transfer media in cycles using autologous oocytes and a single embryo transfer policy might yield the best combination, with higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates without increasing the chance of multiple pregnancies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No financial assistance was received. The authors have no competing interests. REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Does quantity equal quality?-A morphokinetic assessment of embryos obtained from young women with decreased ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation.

PURPOSE: To assess oocyte quality in young patients with decreased ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation using time-lapse analysis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study conducted at five medical centers between 2013 and 2017. The "decreased ovarian response" (DOR) group consisted of 241 women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation with ≤ 5 retrieved oocytes and 519 cultured embryos. The "normal response" (NOR) group consisted of 667 women with ≥ 6 retrieved oocytes resulting in 3633 embryos. Data included annotation of morphokinetic events of embryos cultured in a time-lapse incubator from time of pronuclei appearance to time of starting blastocyst formation (tSB). Comparison was made between morphokinetic parameters of DOR and NOR patients with additional subgroup analysis according to the implantation status. RESULTS: Implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the NOR group compared with the DOR group (44.5% vs. 31.6% and 51.5% vs. 37.7%, respectively; p < 0.05). Embryos from the DOR group reached the morphokinetic milestones later than embryos obtained from NOR patients. In the DOR group, implanted embryos reached starting blastocyst formation (tSB) faster than embryos which failed to be implanted, however, manifested a protracted course compared with implanted embryos from the NOR group. In a multivariate analysis-decreased ovarian response, nulliparity, number of transferred embryos, and t4, and were predictive for implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative decrease in ovarian response is associated with reduced oocyte quality, reflected by a slower developmental rate and lower implantation and pregnancy rates.

Does sperm origin-Ejaculated or testicular-Affect embryo morphokinetic parameters?

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether sperm origin, either ejaculated or testicular, in couples diagnosed with male factor infertility, affects the timing of the embryo's developmental events evaluated by time-lapse monitoring and implantation rates. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of sperm origin on embryo morphokinetics in couples diagnosed with male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a retrospective analysis of morphokinetic parameters performed by time-lapse monitoring between 2013 and 2017. The developmental processes and morphokinetic parameters of 419 embryos obtained from couples with male factor infertility attributed to oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, 158 embryos derived from surgically extracted testicular spermatozoa from couples diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia, and 190 embryos from couples with normal ejaculated spermatozoa and female mechanical factor-related infertility, were evaluated. A comparison of morphokinetic parameters, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates was performed between the groups with additional analysis in accordance with implantation status. RESULTS: Embryos from the normal ejaculated spermatozoa and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia patients reached the later morphokinetic milestones-synchronous division (S3) and time to morula (tM)-faster than embryos obtained from testicular spermatozoa. Implantation rate was similar in the normal ejaculated spermatozoa and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia groups (41.9% vs. 45.8%, NS), with higher implantation rate in the oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia group compared to the testicular spermatozoa group (45.8% vs. 33.6%, p = 0.02). Comparison of Known Implantation Data (KID) positive (KIDp) and KID negative (KIDn) embryos in each group revealed more rapid development in KIDp embryos in the normal ejaculated spermatozoa and the oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia groups, while in the testicular spermatozoa group implanted embryos reached the late morphokinetic milestones (time to 8 cell stage-t8, ECC3, S3, and tM) significantly faster than embryos that failed to implant. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the male factor infertility population, (oligo-astheno-teratospermia) (OR = 2.54, p = 0.003) and t8 (OR = 0.95, p = 0.027) were predictive of successful implantation. Male factor infertility embryos that reached the t8 milestone within 48-56 h had favorable implantation rates (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The study results may highlight another pathophysiology by means of which sperm origin affects embryo developmental kinetics. Selecting embryos demonstrating a faster developmental rate at t8 and specifically the 48- to 56 h interval following time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) may improve implantation rates in cases of male factor infertility. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ejaculated spermatozoa is associated with faster late cell divisions, more rapid compaction, and higher implantation rates compared to testicular spermatozoa. Additionally, t8 is an important predictor for implantation in the male factor infertility population.

Spontaneous in vitro hatching of the human blastocyst: the proteomics of initially hatching cells.

Spontaneous in vitro hatching of human blastocysts starts with the formation of a tunnel through the zona pellucida (ZP) by cellular projections of trophoblast cells. Our aim was to identify the proteins that are upregulated in these initially hatching cells as compared to trophectoderm (TE) cells from blastocysts that had not yet hatched. Forty seven women that underwent assisted reproduction treatment donated their ICSI-derived polyploid blastocysts for the study. In polyploid blastocysts that started spontaneous hatching, hatched clusters of cells were collected from the outer side of the ZP. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was applied to determine the proteins that were upregulated in these cells as compared to TE cells obtained from inside the ZP. Whole non-hatched polyploid blastocysts were used as controls. Overall 1245 proteins were identified in all samples. Forty nine proteins were significantly upregulated in hatching cells and 17 in the TE cells. There was minimal overlap between hatching and TE samples; only serine protease inhibitors (SERPINS) and lipocalin were detected in both samples. Myosin and actin were highly upregulated in the hatching cells as well as paraoxonase, N-acetylmuramoyl alanine amidase, and SERPINS clade A and galectin. In the TE cells, gamma butyrobetaine dioxygenase, lupus La protein, sialidase, lysosomal Pro-X carboxypeptidase, phospholipase b, and SERPINS clade B and A were among the most highly upregulated proteins. These findings may contribute to the basic knowledge of the molecular behavior of the specific cells that actively perforate the glycoprotein matrix of the ZP.

Hyaluronic acid in embryo transfer media for assisted reproductive technologies.

BACKGROUND: This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in the Cochrane Library (2010, Issue 7). To increase the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), adherence compounds such as hyaluronic acid (HA) have been introduced into subfertility management. Adherence compounds are added to the embryo transfer medium to increase the likelihood of embryo implantation, with the potential for higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether adding adherence compounds to embryo transfer media could improve pregnancy outcomes, including improving live birth and decreasing miscarriage, in women undergoing assisted reproduction. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO electronic databases on 7 January 2020 for randomised controlled trials that examined the effects of adherence compounds in embryo transfer media on pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we communicated with experts in the field, searched trials registries, checked reference lists of relevant studies, and conference abstracts were handsearched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only truly randomised controlled trials comparing embryo transfer media containing functional concentrations of adherence compounds to media with no or low adherence compound concentrations were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors selected trials for inclusion according to the above criteria, after which the same two review authors independently extracted data for subsequent analysis. Statistical analysis was performed according to the guidelines developed by Cochrane. We combined data to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed statistical heterogeneity using the I² statistic. We used GRADE methods to assess the overall quality of evidence for the main comparisons. MAIN RESULTS: We analysed 26 studies with a total of 6704 participants. Overall, the certainty of evidence was low to moderate: the main limitations were imprecision and/or heterogeneity. Compared to embryos transferred in media containing no or low (0.125 mg/mL) HA, the addition of functional (0.5 mg/mL) HA concentrations to the transfer media probably increases the live birth rate (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.31; 10 RCTs, N = 4066; I² = 33%; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of live birth following no HA addition in media is assumed to be 33%, the chance following HA addition would be between 37% and 44%. The addition of HA may slightly decrease miscarriage rates (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00; 7 RCTs, N = 3091; I² = 66%; low-quality evidence). Nevertheless, when only studies with low risk of bias were included in the analysis, there was no conclusive evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.23; N = 2219; I² = 36%). Adding HA to transfer media probably results in an increase in both clinical pregnancy (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.23; 17 studies, N = 5247; I² = 40%; moderate-quality evidence) and multiple pregnancy rates (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.70; 7 studies, N = 3337; I² = 36%; moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of HA added to transfer media on the rate of total adverse events (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.84; 3 studies, N = 1487; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence shows improved clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with the addition of HA as an adherence compound in embryo transfer media in ART. Low-quality evidence suggests that adding HA may slightly decrease miscarriage rates, but when only studies at low risk of bias were included in the analysis, the results were inconclusive. HA had no clear effect on the rate of total adverse events. The increase in multiple pregnancy rates may be due to combining an adherence compound and transferring more than one embryo. Further studies of adherence compounds with single embryo transfer need to be undertaken.

Is there a pre-retrieval serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) threshold level for prediction of subsequent retrieval outcomes and pregnancy in fresh ICSI cycles?

Modern ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) cycles' outcomes are difficult to predict. Whether human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or luteinizing hormone (LH) serum levels 24 h prior to oocyte retrieval are correlated with retrieval and subsequent cycle results is unclear. An observational historic cohort study of 645 fresh ICSI cycles was conducted. After controlled oocyte stimulation, and 10-12 h after a self-administered trigger, serum levels of hCG (hCG trigger n = 563) and LH (GnRHa trigger n = 82) were measured. Correlations between pre-retrieval hormone levels and cycle results were assessed. No correlation (p > .12) was found between serum pre-retrieval hCG levels or LH levels (in GnRHa-triggered cycles) and total oocytes, M2, M1 + M2 or oocyte maturity rates (OMR) for any of the stimulation protocols. ROC (receiver operator curve) analysis for fertilization rates showed a possible cutoff for LH levels. Pregnancy rates (PR) were higher in rising hCG groups; a cutoff of 117 IU/L was associated with an increase in PR (30.9% to 45.6%) and a moderate sensitivity and specificity (60.6% and 55.0%). However, HCG was not predictive of pregnancy in a logistic regression model. We conclude that preretrieval hCG serum levels are not useful for pre-retrieval estimation of aspiration results but might have a role in prediction of pregnancy.

Implementation of a Comprehensive Curriculum in Personal Finance for Medical Fellows.

INTRODUCTION: Many residents and fellows complete graduate medical education having received minimal unbiased financial planning guidance. This places them at risk of making ill-informed financial decisions, which may lead to significant harm to them and their families. Therefore, we sought to provide fellows with comprehensive unbiased financial education and empower them to make timely, constructive financial decisions. METHODS: A self-selected cohort of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary and critical care, and infectious disease fellows (n = 18) at a single institution attended a live, eight-hour interactive course on personal finance. The course consisted of four two-hour sessions delivered over four weeks, facilitated by an unbiased business school faculty member with expertise in personal finance. Prior to the course, all participants completed a demographic survey. After course completion, participants were offered an exit survey evaluating the course, which also asked respondents for any tangible financial decisions made as a result of the course learning.  Results: Participants included 12 women and six men, with a mean age of 33 and varying amounts of debt and financial assets. Twelve respondents completed the exit survey, and all "Strongly Agreed" that courses on financial literacy are important for trainees. In addition, 11 reported that the course helped them make important financial decisions, providing 21 examples. CONCLUSIONS: Fellows derive a significant benefit from objective financial literacy education. Graduate medical education programs should offer comprehensive financial literacy education to all graduating trainees, and that education should be provided by an unbiased expert who has no incentive to sell financial products and services.

The effect of endometrial injury on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

AIM: To assess the effect of endometrial scratching (ES) on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcome (IVF-ET) Materials and methods: Retrospective matched case control study including all fresh IVF cycles performed between January 2006 and December 2012 at an academic IVF center. ES with an endometrial biopsy catheter was performed in the cycle preceding the index IVF cycle. Patients (n = 238) were pair matched with controls according to age, number of previous failed IVF cycles and number of embryos transferred. RESULTS: Demographic and cycle characteristics were comparable in all of the following: age, number of previous cycles, number of collected oocyte, number of embryos transferred and quality of transferred embryos. Implantation, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were comparable in both groups (28%, 34% and 18.4% vs 30%, 40.3% and 29%, in ES group and controls, respectively). Logistic regression analysis found no significant association between ES and pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical endometrial stimulation did not improve implantation and pregnancy rates. Furthermore, no factors that may predict which patients could benefit from ES were identified. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate possible benefits in different subsets of patients such as patients with recurrent implantation failures.

Ratio between inner cell mass diameter and blastocyst diameter is correlated with successful pregnancy outcomes of single blastocyst transfers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability to predict pregnancy outcomes of single-blastocyst transfers by measuring the ratio of inner cell mass (ICM) diameter to blastocyst diameter using time-lapse images. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated medical center. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty-seven women undergoing a total of 129 blastocyst transfers with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. INTERVENTION(S): Embryo monitoring by time-lapse microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The ratio of ICM diameter to blastocyst diameter in single-blastocyst transfers and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): In phase I of the study, 63 women underwent 65 single blastocyst transfers that resulted in 25 pregnancies (40% of the women). The successfully implanted blastocysts had an average ICM/blastocyst diameter ratio of 0.487 ± 0.086, whereas the average ICM/blastocyst ratio of nonimplanted blastocysts was significantly lower (0.337 ± 0.086). The live-birth rate was 29% (18/63). In phase II, 64 single-blastocyst transfers were performed in 64 women. The ICM/blastocyst diameter ratio was measured, and blastocysts with the highest ratios were chosen for transfer. Forty-three women (67%) with an average ICM/blastocyst diameter ratio of 0.46 achieved pregnancy, and 36 of the 43 pregnancies (84%) resulted in the delivery of a healthy baby. In the 21 women (33%) who failed to achieve pregnancy, the average ICM/blastocyst ratio was 0.45. The resultant positive predictive value was 74%, and the negative predictive value was 70%. CONCLUSION(S): The ICM-to-blastocyst diameter ratio is a predictor of implantation and live birth in single-blastocyst transfers, offering a simple, noninterfering method to select blastocysts with high developmental capacity.

Irregular cleavage of early preimplantation human embryos: characteristics of patients and pregnancy outcomes.

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective analysis of the morphokinetics, prevalence, and implantation potential of embryos with irregular first and second cleavages as identified by time-lapse microscopy. METHODS: The study included 253 women who underwent 387 assisted reproduction treatments with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Each patient was assigned to one of three groups based on embryo cleavage results. In group I, one to two embryos per cycle showed irregular cleavage; group II, at least three embryos with abnormal cleavage; and in group III (the control group), all embryos cleaved normally. The number of embryos that cleaved from 1 to ≥3 cells or from 2 to ≥5 cells for each patient was recorded. Their prevalence and association with women's characteristics and pregnancy outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of irregular cleavage was 15.6 % among 1772 ICSI embryos. In 101 cycles, 1-2 embryos per cycle showed irregular cleavage (group I). In 32 cycles, at least 3 embryos showed abnormal cleavage (group II). In 254 cycles, all embryos cleaved normally (group III). The average age of the women in group II was significantly lower in comparison with groups I and III (32.5 ± 4.2 vs. 35.1 ± 4.9 and 35.5 ± 5.1, respectively, p < 0.02). In comparison of groups I and II, the odds ratio for ≥3 embryos with irregular cleavage in women younger than 35 was 3.48 (95 % CI, 1.28 to 9.46). Embryos with irregular cleavage were transferred in 16 women. Three live births were achieved following the transfer of single blastocysts derived from embryos with irregular cleavage from two to five cells. CONCLUSIONS: Early embryos with irregular cleavage are significantly more prevalent in younger women. When these embryos develop to the blastocyst stage, they may have normal implantation potential, leading to the birth of healthy babies.

Empowering Physicians with Financial Literacy.

Most doctors complete their medical training without sufficient knowledge of business and finance. This leads to inefficient financial decisions, avoidable losses, and unnecessary anxiety. A big part of the problem is that the existing options for gaining financial knowledge are flawed. The ideal solution is to provide a simple framework of financial literacy to all students: one that can be adapted to their specific circumstances. That framework must be delivered by an objective expert to young physicians before they complete medical training.

Luteal phase support in ART treatments.

In a normal spontaneous menstrual cycle, the luteal phase is characterized by the production and secretion of estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) from the corpus luteum (CL) in an episodic manner. The steroidogenesis of the CL is dependent on continued tonic luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion (Fritz and Speroff, Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility, 8th edn. Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2011). The dependence of the CL was further supported by the prompt luteolysis that followed the administration of GnRH analogues or withdrawal of GnRH when ovulation has been induced by the administration of pulsatile GnRH (Hutchison and Zeleznik, Endocrinology 115:1780-1786, 1984; Fraser et al., Hum Reprod 12:430-435, 1997). Progesterone concentrations normally rise sharply after ovulation, reaching a peak approximately 8 days after the LH surge. Since the secretion of E and P during the luteal phase is episodic and correlates closely with LH pulses, relatively low mid-luteal progesterone levels can be found in the course of a totally normal luteal phase (Fritz and Speroff, Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility, 8th edn. Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2011).

Local injury of the endometrium induces an inflammatory response that promotes successful implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether an injury-induced inflammation might be the mechanism underlying the favorable effect of endometrial biopsy on the implantation rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: A medical center IVF unit and a research institute. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing IVF who had previous failed treatment cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial samples were collected from two groups of patients on day 21 of their spontaneous menstrual cycle. The experimental, but not the control group underwent prior biopsy treatment on days 8 or/and 11 to 13 of that same cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Abundance of immune cells, cytokines/chemokines level, correlation between these parameters and pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): A statistically significantly higher amount of macrophages/dendritic cells (HLA-DR+ CD11c+ cells) and elevated proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), growth-regulated oncogene-α (GRO-α), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1B (MIP-1B), were detected in day-21 endometrial samples of the experimental group. A direct stimulatory effect of TNF-α on MIP-1B, GRO-α, and IL-15 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was demonstrated. A positive correlation was found between the levels of macrophages/dendritic cells, MIP-1B expression, and TNF-α expression and the pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION(S): A biopsy-induced inflammatory response may facilitate the preparation of the endometrium for implantation. Increased MIP-1B expression could possibly serve for prediction of implantation competence.

Successful pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby after endometrial biopsy treatment in an in vitro fertilization patient with severe Asherman syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To implement the procedure of endometrial biopsy in a case of severe Asherman syndrome as a possible treatment to increase uterine receptivity. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: IVF Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. PATIENT(S): A 29-year-old patient with severe Asherman syndrome, who underwent six operative hysteroscopies combined with hormonal treatment, and no functional receptive endometrium was achieved. INTERVENTION(S): We performed three endometrial biopsies on days 8, 12, and 21 of a progyluton-induced menstrual cycle, and a fourth biopsy on day 21 of the next induced menstrual cycle. After that cycle the patient underwent an IVF treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness, serum beta-hCG, sonography test for the presence of a gestational sac with heartbeat, and pregnancy follow-up until birth. RESULT(S): Biopsy treatment increased the thickness of the endometrium from unobservable by sonography to 7 mm on the day of hCG administration. The next IVF cycle resulted in implantation of an embryo and the birth of a healthy baby boy. CONCLUSION(S): Repeated endometrial biopsies may be used in patients with Asherman syndrome immediately after forming a uterine cavity by hysteroscopy to improve its receptivity.