Search

Objective To explore the clinical features, treatment options, and outcomes of impetigo herpetiformis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical features, histopathological findings, treatment approaches, and outcomes of five patients with impetigo herpetiformis treated in our hospital. Results The patients exhibited various presentations: one patient developed impetigo herpetiformis during early pregnancy, three during mid-pregnancy, and one during late pregnancy. All patients had elevated inflammatory markers. Two patients had a history of acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau, presenting with erythema annulare centrifugum-like lesions covered with dense pustules and fever. In contrast, two other patients who underwent embryo transplantation without a history of psoriasis exhibited skin lesions resembling von Zumbusch-type pustular psoriasis but without fever. Initially, all patients were treated with glucocorticoids, but their skin lesions remained poorly controlled. Subsequently, three patients underwent induction of labor in late pregnancy, while two patients received treatment with biological agents. All five pregnancies resulted in premature births, but all fetuses survived. Conclusion The skin manifestations of impetigo herpetiformis differ between patients undergoing embryo transplantation and those with natural conception. A history of acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau, embryo transplantation due to autoimmune infertility, and early onset of the disease indicate a severe prognosis. The use of biological agents may potentially improve the outcomes in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is a rare autosomal dominant inheritable disease caused by Fumarate hydratase (FH) gene germline mutation. It is speculated that for HRLCC infertility women with multiple uterine leiomyomas, preimplantation genetic testing may help block transmission of mutated FH gene during pregnancy.Case presentationWe present the case of a 26-year-old nulligravida with a history of early-onset uterine leiomyomatosis had a heterozygous nonsense mutation [NM_000143.4 (FH): c.1027C > T(p.Arg343Ter)] in the HRLLC gene. After ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) on embryos revealed the absence of the pathogenic allele in two blastomeres. Uterine fibroids were identified before embryo transfer, leading to a submucosal myomectomy and long period of pituitary suppression by Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa). The patient achieved a healthy live birth after the second cycle of frozen–thawed embryo transfer.ConclusionThis case details the successful treatment of an infertile patient with an HRLLC family history, resulting in a healthy birth through myomectomy and PGT-M selected embryo transplantation. Our literature search indicates the first reported live birth after HRLLC-PGT-M.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different body mass index (BMI) on transplantation and pregnancy outcomes during assisted reproductive therapy (ART). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study assessed the data on embryo transplantation from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2021, at the Hangzhou Women's Hospital. According to the women's BMI, they were divided into three groups: the overweight, normal weight, and overweight groups. The differences in general clinical data, embryo transfer, pregnancy outcome and newborn birth weight were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference in clinical pregnancy rate between the three groups, but a positive correlation between multiple pregnancy rates and BMI in the fresh cycle was observed. Although there was no significant difference in live birth rates among the three groups (p = 0.291), the average birth weight of newborns among the three groups was different (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean birth weight of a single fetus was positively correlated with maternal BMI, and the mean birth weight of twins was lower than that of single twins (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The BMI of women treated with ART did not affect clinical pregnancy outcomes and live birth rates after embryo transfer, but differences in preterm birth rates and newborn birth weight were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of pregnancy outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Methods The clinical data of 5 822 cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in department of reproductive medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from August 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the pregnancy outcome, they were divided into the pregnant group（2 820 cases） and the non-pregnant group（3 002 cases） . And the effects of embryo quality, age and endometrial preparation on pregnancy outcome were compared between the two groups. In addition, the logistic regression model was further used to analyze the influencing factors of pregnancy outcome. Results There were significant differences in embryo quality and age between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group （P<0.05）.Embryo quality and age at the time of transfer were independent influencing factors of pregnancy outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer, and the differences were statistically significant （P<0.05）.Conclusion Embryo quality and age can influence the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer, while endometrial preparation has no significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis has emerged as an effective model system for the study of processes including sex determination, haplo-diploid sex determination, venom synthesis, and host-symbiont interactions, among others. A major limitation of working with this organism is the lack of effective protocols to perform directed genome modifications. An important part of genome modification is delivery of editing reagents, including CRISPR/Cas9 molecules, into embryos through microinjection. While microinjection is well established in many model organisms, this technique is particularly challenging to perform in N. vitripennis primarily due to its small embryo size, and the fact that embryonic development occurs entirely within a parasitized blowfly pupa. The following procedure overcomes these significant challenges while demonstrating a streamlined, visual procedure for effectively removing wasp embryos from parasitized host pupae, microinjecting them, and carefully transplanting them back into the host for continuation and completion of development. This protocol will strongly enhance the capability of research groups to perform advanced genome modifications in this organism.

The article presents the scientific achievements of researchers of the Institute of Animal Biology NAAS in reproductive biotechnology in sheep breeding. The Ukrainian-Polish experiment on improving the in vitro method of sheep fertilization, which ended with the birth of the first lamb in Ukraine, is covered in detail. The scientific achievements of the staff of the institute were the basis for the introduction of an improved method of laparoscopic insemination of sheep in Ukrainian farms. Laparoscopic insemination of local breeds of sheep of Lviv, Zakarpattia, Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions with sperm of sheep of specialized fat breeds was carried out and fertilization of more than 80% was obtained. Also, scientific and practical work was carried out to improve and implement methods of stimulating superovulation in ewes of the Texel breed, non-surgical washing of embryos and their transplantation to bright recipients of the Ukrainian Carpathian breed.

Objective To explore three-dimensional scanning and reconstruction technology in embryo transfer training. Methods Two sets of female reproductive system models, standard and cervical stenosis, were reconstructed with three-dimensional scanner, data processing software EXScan-Pro and 3D printer. Twenty clinical and laboratory personnel were trained to simulate the transfer of degenerated embryos, and the accuracy of embryo implantation site, the time required for embryo transfer and the frequency of replacing the transfer catheter before and after the training were evaluated. Results After training, the accuracy score of embryo implantation site was increased from 0.60±0.41 to 1.37±0.29 (P＜0.05); the time required for embryo transfer was shortened from (340±146) s to (180±59) s (P＜0.05); the frequency of replacing the transfer catheter was decreased from (0.83±0.37) to (0.23±0.13) times (P＜0.05). Conclusions Application of rebuilding female reproductive system model for embryo transfer training can improve the practical experience of operators prior to formal surgery, improve the stability of embryo transfer and help to establish a standardized operation process, as a supplement to the traditional observation and teaching methods.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in various biological processes, including bone remodeling, vascular calcification and pancreatic β-cell function. Although some clinical studies have shown an increase in serum OPG level during pregnancy, the role of OPG in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is largely unknown. Therefore, we explored the effect of OPG in metabolic homeostasis during pregnancy. We initially evaluated serum OPG levels using ELISA and western blotting techniques on samples from GDM patients. We also assessed OPG expression levels in maternal mice. We then used blastocysts transduced with lentiviruses capable of trophoblast-specific transgene expression to establish placenta-specific OPG knockdown or overexpression mouse models for functional and mechanistic investigation after embryo transplantation. We found that OPG expression was positively associated with GDM in clinical samples, and OPG levels were significantly increased in GDM patient sera and term placenta. Serum OPG was significantly increased in maternal compared to non-pregnant mice, and expression levels of OPG were the highest in placenta compared with other organs, including bone, liver and pancreas. OPG was also significantly increased in pregnant mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Placenta-specific OPG knockdown induced glucose intolerance, decreased β-cell proliferation and decreased serum insulin levels, whereas placenta-specific OPG overexpression promoted glucose tolerance and enhanced β-cell proliferation, which increased serum insulin production and decreased fetal weight in HFD-feeding pregnant mice. Placenta-derived OPG (pl-OPG) regulated glucose homeostasis during pregnancy via enhancement of β-cell proliferation, which suggests a potential therapeutic application of OPG for GDM.

Objective To observe the pregnancy outcome of embryo transfer in U4b type unicornual uterine infertility patients. Methods Fifty-two patients with U4b type unicornual uterine infertility (the observation group, 35 cycles of fresh embryo transplantation and 61 cycles of frozen embryo transplantation), and 1 716 patients with normal uterine morphology (the control group, 618 cycles of fresh embryo transplantation and 1 370 cycles of frozen embryo transplantation) were selected. The pregnancy rate, delivery rate, early abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, late abortion rate, premature delivery rate, gestational weeks and neonatal weight of fresh embryo and frozen embryo transplantation were compared between the two groups. Results The pregnancy rate, delivery rate, early abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, late abortion rate, premature delivery rate, gestational week and neonatal body mass of fresh embryo transplantation in the observation group were 28.6%, 17.1%, 20.0%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 33.3%, (37.7±2.3) weeks, (2757.1 ±687.0) mg, respectively, while those of the control group were 53.4%, 46.4%, 10.0%, 1.0%, 2.1%, 8. 7%, (38. 3 ±1.6) weeks and (3 284. 9 ± 560. 9) mg, respectively; significant differences were found in the clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate between the two groups (both P < 0. 05). The pregnancy rate, delivery rate, early abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, late abortion rate, premature delivery rate, gestational week, neonatal body mass and neonatal body mass of frozen embryo transplantation were 37.7%, 18.0%, 47.8%, 0, 4.3%, 18.2%, (37. 9 ± 1.4) weeks, (3 346.4 ±343. 6) mg, respectively, in the observation group, versus 48.2%, 39.3%, 14.7%, 1.7%, 2. 0%, 11.5%, (38. 2 ± 1. 6) weeks, and (3 390. 4 ± 525.2) mg, respectively, in the control group, and significant differences were found in the delivery rate and early abortion between the two groups (both P <0. 05). Conclusions The delivery rate of U4b type unicornuate uterus infertility patients is lower than that of normal uterine morphology patients in either fresh or frozen embryo transplantation, suggesting that unilateral uterus has an impact on the pregnancy and the outcome of delivery, which may lead to fetal loss. There is no significant difference in pregnancy outcome between fresh embryo and frozen embryo transplantation in patients with unicornuate uterus, suggesting that both schemes could be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The technology of creating genetically modified animals (placental mammals) by microinjection into the pronucleus of a fertilized egg suggests, as one of the key stages, the transplantation of early embryos into female recipients. However, there is a wide range of opinions among researchers about the optimal number of embryos to be transferred to the female recipient. Thus, data on transplantation of 20-60 mouse embryos and from 2 to 6 goat embryos to one recipient are given in the methodological literature and experimental articles devoted to the method of creating genetically modified animals. Thus, the standard recommendation is the transfer of a much larger number of embryos than that which develops in animals of both species in physiological pregnancy. At the same time, technology of transplantation of bovine embryos (cattle) involves the transfer of one embryo, which is the physiological norm for this species of animals. Clinical protocols of assisted reproductive technologies for the transplantation of human embryos also recommend the transfer of one embryo, because transferring the number of embryos greater than in physiological pregnancy leads to increased risks. In our work, we analyze the results of experiments on obtaining genetically modified mice and goats and provide data indicating the need to revise the standard recommendations on the number of transferred embryos downward. We believe that the number of transferred embryos should not exceed the number of embryos characteristic for physiological pregnancy. Excess of the number of transplanted embryos leads to a pathological course of pregnancy and a significant decrease in overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of two brands of commercial vitrification carriers on pregnancy outcomes in freeze-thaw cycles., Methods: We included 4871 patients who underwent a "freeze all" strategy using the commercial carriers J.Y. straw and OYASHIPS straw in the Reproductive Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University. The pregnancy outcomes of cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts were studied separately. Detailed data and the safety of children born from mothers with the two types of carriers were also compared., Results: Patients who used J.Y. straw had similar clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with one and two cleavage-stage embryo transplantation to those who used OYASHIPS straw. In patients who had blastocyst transplantation, the clinical pregnancy rate of one blastocyst transplanted in those who used OYASHIPS straw was significantly higher than that in those who used J.Y. straw (57.85% vs 47.09%). Among children born from mothers who used J.Y. straw, the congenital disability rate was significantly higher than that in those with OYASHIPS straw., Conclusion: The OYASHIPS straw carrier is cheap and can achieve clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes comparable to those of J.Y. straw. Therefore, OYASHIPS straw is a good alternative option.

Objective: To evaluate restoration of spermatogenesis and fertility of the recipients who underwent high-dose ablative treatment before freeze-thawed spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) allotransplantation. Design: Prospective experimental study. Setting: University-based teaching hospital. Animal(s): Adult busulfan-treated BALB/c nude mice as recipients of C57BL/6 pup SSCs, oocytes of 4-to 6-week-old F1 hybrid mice for IVF, adult closed group ICR mouse as pseudopregnant female. Intervention(s): Isolation, purification, and fresh and freeze-thawed transplantation, IVF, embryo transplantation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cell viability, Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), outcome of IVF, and embryo transplantation. Result(s): Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR, and SEM revealed different spermatogenesis where the fresh groups were uniquely higher than the freeze-thawed groups. A total of six developed two-cell embryos obtained by IVF were transplanted into the oviduct of a pseudopregnant ICR mouse, which resulted in a birth of two paternally different pups. Two female offspring grew into healthy adults with no apparent abnormalities. Conclusion(s): The results provide the first solid evidence that spermatozoa generated from the busulfan-treated recipient and donor cryopreserved SSCs were both fertile. Ultimate evaluation of the SSC cryopreservation and transplantation technology rests on their functional capacity to generate desirable donor spermatogenesis and fertility in the recipient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Concealed development of many animal embryos prevents examination of development and limits the application of embryo manipulation techniques aimed at understanding developmental processes. In embryos developing in utero, such as in mammals, it is necessary to dissect embryos from the mother and, upon manipulative intervention, to implant them back into the recipient. Parasitic wasps present a promising system for understanding the evolution of early developmental processes. In basal ectoparasitic species that lay eggs on the surface of the host, it is possible to adapt embryo manipulation techniques developed in Drosophila. However, their derived endoparasitic relatives, which exhibit various modifications of developmental programs, undergo concealed development within the host body. For example, the parasitic polyembryonic wasp Copidosoma floridanum oviposits an egg into the egg of the host moth Trichoplusia ni. The host larva emerges and the parasite undergoes development within the host body, preventing embryo manipulation as a means of examining developmental regulation. Here we present a protocol for embryo transfer that allows the transplantation of C. floridanum egg into the host egg. This approach opens a new avenue in the application of various embryo manipulation techniques aimed at understanding the evolution of embryogenesis in endoparasitic Hymenoptera. In addition, this approach has potential for the development of other tools in C. floridanum, such as transgenesis and reverse genetics, which can also be extended to other endoparasitic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]