A deep learning method for reflective boundary estimation.

Environment estimation is a challenging task in reverberant settings such as the underwater and indoor acoustic domains. The locations of reflective boundaries, for example, can be estimated using acoustic echoes and leveraged for subsequent, more accurate localization and mapping. Current boundary estimation methods are constrained to high signal-to-noise ratios or are customized to specific environments.

Should pregnant women be screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection? A prospective multicenter cohort study.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ranges from asymptomatic to severe infection. We aimed to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 in asymptomatic pregnant versus nonpregnant women in order to establish recommendations for a COVID-19 screening strategy.

Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted.

Perimortem and postmortem sperm acquisition: review of clinical data.

Purpose: To provide the clinicians with the most comprehensive medical information about sperm acquisition peri/postmortem.

Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched up to January 2021.

Progesterone and estrogen levels are associated with live birth rates following artificial cycle frozen embryo transfers.

Purpose: Does an association exist between serum progesterone and estradiol levels and live birth rates in artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer (AC-FET)?

Methods: Retrospective cohort study was based on prospectively collected data at a university-affiliated fertility center. Included were all cycles using an artificial endometrial preparation with estradiol hemihydrate (Estrofem, 2 mg/8 h) and vaginal progesterone (Endometrin 100 mg/8 h), autologous oocytes, and cleavage stage embryo transfers. Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were measured 14 days after FET.

Should the modified natural cycle protocol for frozen embryo transfer be modified? A prospective case series proof of concept study.

Objective: Modified natural cycles for frozen embryo transfer utilize an ovulation trigger which assists in embryo transfer scheduling and simplifies cycle monitoring. There have been conflicting results with this protocol and modifications may be sought. We wanted to ascertain whether a modified natural protocol for frozen embryo transfer without triggered ovulation but with luteal progesterone support disconnecting the timing of embryo transfer from the timing of the LH surge can achieve a high pregnancy rate.

Ideal lag time from ovulation to oocyte aspiration using a GnRH agonist trigger.

Background: In ART, oocyte maturation (M2) and ovulation is stimulated by a hormonal trigger. For maturation to occur, sufficient "lag time" must elapse between the trigger and aspiration, ranging from 32 to 38 hours. Premature aspiration can result in poor yields; late aspiration risks spontaneous ovulation.

[SPERM SELECTION TECHNIQUES: VISUAL ASSESSMENT VERSUS THE BINDING POTENTIAL TO HYALURONIC ACID].

Background: The human oocyte is surrounded by hyaluronic acid (HA), which acts as a natural selector. Only spermatozoa expressing HA receptors can reach and fertilize the oocyte. This study aims to compare two sperm selection techniques by correlation to fertilization rates and embryo quality.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist Final Oocyte Maturation and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as Exclusive Luteal Support in Normal Responders.

Background/aims: Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triggering results in an endogenous gonadotropin flare. Although it effectively stimulates ovulation, GnRH agonist triggers results in an early luteolysis and requires modification of the luteal support. The current study aims to evaluate GnRH agonist triggering with exclusive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) luteal support.

Increased coagulation index as measured by Thromboelastography during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: Influence of the final oocyte maturation triggering agent.

Objective: Thromboelastography (TEG) is a viscoelastic test of hemostasis which allows measurement of the processes of clot initiation, propagation, stabilization, and dissolution in real time. In this study we aimed to evaluate the alterations in coagulation as measured by TEG during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) stimulation cycles and to investigate whether final oocyte maturation with recombinant hCG (rhCG) versus GnRH agonist results in a different coagulation state.

Study Design: This is a prospective observational study which included fifty-three normogonadotrophic women.

[IS ANTI-THROMBOTIC PROPHYLAXIS WARRANTED IN FERTILITY AND IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION TREATMENTS?].

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments are potential risk factors for thromboembolism (TE) due to excessive estrogen levels. Recently, several studies have shed new light on this matter.

Aims: To review the literature to assess the risk for TE during ART and to establish guidelines regarding thrombophylaxis.

Clinical benefit using sperm hyaluronic acid binding technique in ICSI cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The human oocyte is surrounded by hyaluronic acid, which acts as a natural selector of spermatozoa. Human sperm that express hyaluronic acid receptors and bind to hyaluronic acid have normal shape, minimal DNA fragmentation and low frequency of chromosomal aneuploidies. Use of hyaluronic acid binding assays in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles to improve clinical outcomes has been studied, although none of these studies had sufficient statistical power.

A randomized trial comparing time intervals from HCG trigger to intrauterine insemination for cycles utilizing GnRH antagonists.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) during ovarian stimulation cycles is typically performed 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. We hypothesized that adjusting the time interval to IUI to better coincide with ovulation may increase pregnancy rates. Patients undergoing induction of ovulation utilizing gonadotropins and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and IUI were divided to three groups based on the time from hCG injection to IUI: 36, 42, and 48 hours.

Lag time from ovulation trigger to oocyte aspiration and oocyte maturity in assisted reproductive technology cycles: a retrospective study.

Objective: To study the correlation between the lag time from ovulation trigger to oocyte aspiration and the proportion of metaphase II (MII) mature oocytes aspirated.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Fertility and IVF center in an academic regional hospital.

Rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review.

Objective: To assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in cases of fertilization failure, using a scientific literature search.

Design: Systematic review.

Setting: Centers for reproductive care.

Haptoglobin phenotypes and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes.

The haptoglobin (Hp) protein has been implicated in various aspects of reproduction. One possible mechanism is through its effect on angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a major role in follicle production.

The effect of progesterone on gelatinase expression in the decidua and fetal membranes before and after contractions.

Objective: This study was aimed to explore the effect of progesterone on gelatinase expression in the decidua and fetal membranes before and after contractions.

Study Design: Zymography was conducted for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine MMP2 transcripts, and the effect of progesterone on MMP2 promoter activity was determined with the use of luciferase activity.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS) in the decidua and fetal membranes.

The role of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the decidua, fetal membranes and amniotic fluid (AF) has been receiving more and more attention. The MMPs are not only important intermediaries in pathological processes leading to preterm labor but it seems that they also play a crucial role in the activation of labor at term. During normal gestation MMP-1, -2, -3, -7 and -9 are found in the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes.

A randomized study of thromboprophylaxis in women with unexplained consecutive recurrent miscarriages.

Objective: To compare the effect of aspirin and enoxaparin on live births in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages, as well as secondary outcomes including birth weight, uterine and umbilical blood flows, and congenital malformations.

Design: Multicenter randomized comparative cohort study.

Setting: Four centers including two university hospitals, a peripheral general hospital, and a community health clinic.

The effect of serum from women with preeclampsia on JAR (trophoblast-like) cell line.

Objective: Pathologic placentation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclamsia. We sought to assess the effect serum obtained from women with preeclampsia would have on JAR human choriocarcinoma cells regarding growth, invasiveness, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion as compared to normotensive pregnant woman.

Methods: Blood was collected from 11 healthy pregnant women and from10 patients with preeclampsia at 28-33 weeks of gestation.

Progesterone receptor expression in human decidua and fetal membranes before and after contractions: possible mechanism for functional progesterone withdrawal.

In humans, progesterone levels are sustained before the onset of labour. Therefore, the mechanism for parturition that has been proposed for humans is 'functional' progesterone withdrawal. Immunohistochemical staining for the progesterone receptor (PR) was positive in the decidua with a decline after contractions began.

Thrombophilia and stillbirth: possible connection by intrauterine growth restriction.

Objective: To define the association between thrombophilia and unexplained stillbirth.

Design: A case-control study.

Setting: Obstetric department in a university affiliated hospital (Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula).

Mechanisms of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibition by N-acetylcysteine in the human term decidua and fetal membranes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on the activity and secretion of the matrix metalloproteinases in the decidua, amnion, and chorion and the secretion of the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1.

Study Design: Samples from eight nonlaboring women were taken at elective cesarean section and incubated in an in vitro organ culture in the absence or presence of N-acetylcysteine. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity was measured with the use of gel zymography.

Prenatal diagnosis of 5p deletion syndrome following abnormally low maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin.

Prenatal diagnosis of 5p deletion syndrome, or cri du chat, following an abnormally low measurement of a screening of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), is reported. Karyotyping following amniocentesis revealed a terminal deletion in the short arm of one chromosome 5. The pregnancy was electively terminated.