Non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing's reliability for aneuploidy using Cell-free DNA in embryo culture media.

Objective: The presence of embryonic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in spent embryo culture media (SECM) may offer valuable advantages for non-invasive testing of embryo ploidy or genetic characteristics compared to trophectoderm (TE) biopsy. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of SECM cfDNA as a non-invasive sample for chromosomal copy number testing in blastocysts within the clinical setting of in-vitro fertilization.

Method: This prospective observational study collected 28 SECM cfDNA samples matched with TE biopsy samples from 21 infertile couples who underwent IVF-PGT-A cycles.

The origin and possible mechanism of embryonic cell-free DNA release in spent embryo culture media: a review.

The presence of cell-free DNA in spent embryo culture media (SECM) has unveiled its possible utilization for embryonic ploidy determination, opening new frontiers for the development of a non-invasive pre-implantation genetic screening technique. While a growing number of studies have shown a high concordance between genetic screening using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and trophectoderm (TE), the mechanism pertaining to the release of cfDNA in SECM is largely unknown. This review aims to evaluate research evidence on the origin and possible mechanisms for the liberations of embryonic DNA in SECM, including findings on the self-correction abilities of embryos which might contribute to the presence of cfDNA.

Potential Use of Immature Oocyte to Improve Fertility Preservation Outcome: A Narrative Review.

Fertility preservation through gamete vitrification has become one of the critical strategies to secure a childbearing potential in patients who are diagnosed with cancer or risks of infertility. Preserving the gametes would prevent the deleterious effects of cancer drugs or radiotherapy exposure on the quality of the gametes. Furthermore, fertilisation of vitrified mature human oocytes has lately demonstrated promising results that are reflected in the increased survival rate of thawed oocytes and the resultant clinical pregnancy rate.

Validation of saliva sampling as an alternative to oro-nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 using unextracted rRT-PCR with the Allplex 2019-nCoV assay.

The current severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has stressed the global supply chain for specialized equipment, including flocked swabs. Saliva could be a potential alternative specimen source for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). To compare the detection efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva and oro-nasopharyngeal swab (ONPS) specimens.

A cell-based ribozyme reporter system employing a chromosomally-integrated 5' exonuclease gene.

Background: Bioinformatic genome surveys indicate that self-cleaving ribonucleic acids (ribozymes) appear to be widespread among all domains of life, although the functions of only a small number have been validated by biochemical methods. Alternatively, cell-based reporter gene assays can be used to validate ribozyme function. However, reporter activity can be confounded by phenomena unrelated to ribozyme-mediated cleavage of RNA.