Publications by authors named "Alessandra Alteri"

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

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online survey was conducted to acquire information on the citation pattern from corresponding authors who had cited a retracted article.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 A complete list of published articles that cited each retracted article was retrieved.

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  • The study aimed to evaluate how well oocytes (egg cells) mature in a lab setting after being rescued through in vitro maturation (IVM).
  • Researchers analyzed data from 24 studies to compare the outcomes of these lab-matured oocytes with those matured naturally in vivo.
  • Results indicated that lab-matured oocytes had lower rates of fertilization and pregnancy, but for patients with poor responses, using IVM could still enhance treatment outcomes, especially if the maturation process is kept under 6 hours.
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  • Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complex, with many cases (U-RPL) remaining unexplained, leading to research on therapeutic options like low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials involving 1016 patients aimed to evaluate the effect of LMWH on live birth rates (LBR) in U-RPL cases.
  • The findings showed that LMWH did not significantly increase LBR, indicating no substantial therapeutic effect, despite the analysis covering various factors like prior miscarriages and treatment methods.
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Background: The rate of preterm birth of singletons conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is increased, being as high as 15% to 16% across Europe and the United States. However, the underlying etiology, phenotype, and mechanisms initiating preterm birth (PTB) are poorly understood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Setting: University hospital.

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

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

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Article Synopsis
  • The healthcare industry, including assisted reproductive technology like IVF, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting both the environment and human reproductive health.* -
  • A panel of experts collaborated to develop practical recommendations for promoting sustainability in IVF labs, focusing on green design, waste management, and lifecycle analysis.* -
  • The discussions included examples of applying green principles to IVF laboratories and considerations of the UK legislative framework on sustainability, along with tips for 'Green Conferencing.'*
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To explore the effects of chemical and physical parameters on embryo developmental competence, we conducted a systematic search on PubMed for peer-reviewed original papers using specific keywords and medical subject heading terms. Studies of interest were selected from an initial cohort of 4141 potentially relevant records retrieved. The most relevant publications were critically evaluated to identify the effect of these parameters on embryo development.

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

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

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Article Synopsis
  • The study looked at how progesterone levels on the day of ovulation affect the birthweight of babies born from frozen embryos.
  • Researchers collected data from 368 patients who had babies through a method called ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) after their eggs were stimulated.
  • They found that higher progesterone levels were linked to lower birthweights for the babies, while taller mothers and those with more previous births had babies with higher birthweights.
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Background: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos developed in vitro requires a biopsy for obtaining cellular samples for the analysis. Signs of cell injury have been described in association with this procedure. Thus, the consequences of the biopsy on obstetric and neonatal outcomes have been the subject of some quantitative analyses, although the reliability of data pooling may be limited by important issues in the various reports.

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Male infertility is a serious concern for public health, and the possible role of exposure to plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenol A in contributing to the condition is widely debated. We have herein enrolled 155 infertility cases attending an infertility center and 211 controls (fathers of a spontaneously conceived newborn) to investigate this issue. The urinary levels of seven phthalates and BPA were analyzed through HPLC/MS/MS.

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Purpose: To evaluate the association between progesterone (P) level on the day of trigger and time to blastulation in IVF cycles.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with autologous IVF cycles performed at our Institution from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 1109 IVF cycles were included.

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Background: Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (US-GET) is a widely performed procedure, but standards for the best practice are not available.

Objective And Rationale: This document aims to provide an overview of technical aspects of US-GET after considering the published data and including the preparation for the embryo transfer (ET) procedure, the actual procedure, the post-procedure care, associated pathologies, complications and risks, quality assurance and practitioners' performance.

Search Methods: A literature search for evidence on key aspects of the ET procedure was carried out from database inception to November 2021.

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In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, we propose that a concomitant laparoscopic oocyte retrieval for cryopreservation is performed. Oocyte retrieval is pursued at the beginning of the laparoscopy. Right and left 5 mm trocars are positioned, through which a 17 G ovum aspiration needle is used for puncture of the right and left ovaries, respectively.

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Article Synopsis
  • Clinical embryologists in Europe work in various roles within Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) centres but lack a standardized educational pathway.* -
  • In Italy, these professionals must complete a 3-4 year unpaid postgraduate specialization in fields like Genetics, Microbiology, Clinical Pathology, or Nutrition, with limited access to such programs.* -
  • The reliance on senior colleagues for training and the lack of uniformity in training curricula across Europe complicate recruitment and educational consistency for clinical embryologists.*
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Research Question: Is postnatal growth of singletons aged 12 months born after vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (frozen embryo transfer [FET]) different from children born after fresh blastocyst transfer?

Design: A retrospective cohort study conducted at a single university-affiliated obstetrics and fertility centre between 2014 and 2016. Women who underwent fresh transfer or FET at blastocyst stage and obtained a singleton live birth were included. Propensity score inverse probability weighting was used to balance baseline maternal characteristics between fresh and FET cycles.

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