Comparison between density gradient centrifugation method, an extended version of the horizontal swim up method and the combination of both for sperm selection.

Objective: To compare the degree of efficiency between density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method and an extended horizontal swim-up (SU) method.

Methods: A total of 97 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were divided into three aliquots and treated using DGC, extended horizontal SU, and combined methods.

Suboptimal endometrial-embryonal synchronization is a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy in assisted reproduction techniques.

Research Question: What are the main risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy and what is the true incidence of ectopic pregnancies in an IVF programme?

Design: Retrospective single-centre study of 12,429 blastocyst transfers (8182 fresh and 4247 frozen embryo transfers) conducted between January 2010 and December 2017. IVF outcome was analysed, and ectopic pregnancy risk evaluated according to patient's characteristics and assisted reproductive technology treatment factors.

Results: Of 5061 patients reporting a positive pregnancy test, 43 were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy (0.

Spindle and chromosome configuration analysis of human biopsied versus non-biopsied embryos by confocal laser scanning microscopy following vitrification.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zona drilling and biopsy on day 3 followed by vitrification on day 5 on the cytoskeleton and development of human embryos, by analysing survival rates and spindle and chromosome configurations by fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy in human biopsied and non-biopsied embryos. In total, 98 human blastocysts (50 non-biopsied and 48 following biopsy on day 3) were vitrified on day 5 using either a commercial dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)-free vitrification kit or increasing concentrations of DMSO/EG (5%/5-10%/10-20%/20%). Following warming, the blastocysts were allowed to recover in culture for 24 h and were immunostained with α-tubulin, acetylated tubulin, and/or γ-tubulin antibodies in combination with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI).

Impact of high magnification sperm selection on neonatal outcomes: a retrospective study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the deselection of spermatozoa presenting vacuole-like structures using IMSI (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection) with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) by means of neonatal outcomes.

Methods: In a retrospective two-center analysis, a total of 848 successful IMSI or ICSI cycles ending with a live birth, induced abortion, or intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) were included.

Results: The IMSI and ICSI groups included 332 and 655 babies or fetuses, respectively.

Relationship between follicular volume and oocyte competence, blastocyst development and live-birth rate: optimal follicle size for oocyte retrieval.

Objective: To analyze oocyte competence in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) stimulation cycles with regard to maturity, fertilization and blastocyst rate, as well as clinical outcome (pregnancy and live-birth rate), in relation to follicular volume, measured by three-dimensional transvaginal sonography (3D-TVS), and follicular fluid composition.

Methods: This was a prospective single-center study conducted between June 2012 and June 2014, including 118 ovum pick-ups with subsequent embryo transfer. Ovarian stimulation was performed using the GnRHa long protocol.