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Emerging role of embryo secretome in the paracrine communication at the implantation site: a proof of concept Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-23 Alice Luddi; Valentina Pavone; Laura Governini; Angela Capaldo; Claudia Landi; Francesca Ietta; Eugenio Paccagnini; Giuseppe Morgante; Vincenzo De Leo; Paola Piomboni
Objective To assess the role of embryo secretome in modifying the molecular profile of glycodelin A (GdA) in endometrial organoids (ORG) mimicking the implantation window. To verify whether the use of embryo-conditioned culture medium at the time of the embryo transfer may increase in vitro fertilization outcome. Design Molecular study with human endometrial ORG and embryo-conditioned culture medium
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Greater fetal crown-rump length growth with the use of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection conceptions after thawed versus fresh blastocyst transfers: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-23 Paolo Ivo Cavoretto; Antonio Farina; Serena Girardelli; Gerarda Gaeta; Silvia Spinillo; Danila Morano; Silvia Amodeo; Alessandro Galdini; Paola Viganò; Massimo Candiani
Objective To compare first-trimester fetal crown-rump length (CRL) measurements in pregnancies obtained after thawed blastocyst transfer versus fresh blastocyst transfer after in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Design Prospective longitudinal cohort study of CRL Z scores with adjustment for major confounders. Setting University-affiliated obstetrics, fetal medicine
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Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling in uterine fibroids: implication in activin A pro-fibrotic effect Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-23 Caterina Bernacchioni; Pasquapina Ciarmela; Valentina Vannuzzi; Stefania Greco; Silvia Vannuccini; Francesca Malentacchi; Pamela Pellegrino; Tommaso Capezzuoli; Flavia Sorbi; Francesca Cencetti; Paola Bruni; Chiara Donati; Felice Petraglia
Objective To explore the link between sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling and leiomyoma and the possible S1P cross-talk with the fibrotic effect of activin A. Design Case-control laboratory study. Setting University institute and university hospital. Patient(s) Patients with uterine fibroids (n = 26). Interventions(s) Tissue specimens of leiomyoma and normal myometrium were obtained from patients
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Endometrium preparation and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing single-blastocyst transfer in frozen cycles Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-22 Kai-Lun Hu; Dan Zhang; Rong Li
Objective To investigate the association of endometrium preparation with perinatal outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-affiliated fertility center. Patient(s) Twenty-one thousand six hundred and forty-eight women who underwent frozen single-blastocyst transfer from January 2013 to March 2019. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Cesarean delivery, preterm delivery
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Resveratrol depolarizes the membrane potential in human granulosa cells and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-22 Francesco Ragonese; Lorenzo Monarca; Antonella De Luca; Loretta Mancinelli; Monica Mariani; Cristina Corbucci; Sandro Gerli; Rossana Giulietta Iannitti; Lucio Leonardi; Bernard Fioretti
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Clinical trial to evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medroxyprogesterone acetate after subcutaneous administration of Depo-Provera Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-21 Vera Halpern; Vivian Brache; Douglas Taylor; Anja Lendvay; Leila Cochón; Jeffrey T. Jensen; Laneta J. Dorflinger
Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medroxyprogesterone acetate after a single subcutaneous injection in the abdomen of 150 or 300 mg Depo-Provera and compare results to two injections of Depo-SubQ Provera 104 given 3 months apart. Design Partially randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study. Setting Research unit. Patient(s) Forty-two women of reproductive age with
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Ovaries of patients recently treated with alkylating agent chemotherapy indicate the presence of acute follicle activation, elucidating its role among other proposed mechanisms of follicle loss Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-20 Daniel Shai; Sarit Aviel-Ronen; Itai Spector; Hila Raanani; Moran Shapira; Itai Gat; Hadassa Roness; Dror Meirow
Objective To investigate mechanisms of primordial follicle (PMF) loss in vivo in human ovaries shortly after alkylating agent (AA) chemotherapy. Design Cohort study. Setting Tertiary university medical center. Patient(s) Ninety-six women aged 15–39 years who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. Intervention(s) Fresh ovarian tissue samples were harvested from women treated
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Psychosocial determinants of women’s intentions and willingness to freeze their eggs Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-18 Lucy E. Caughey; Katherine M. White
Objective To examine the psychosocial factors that influence Australian women’s intentions to freeze their eggs. Design Initially, a qualitative elicitation study followed by a larger-scale quantitative study. Setting Both studies were conducted online. Patients A total of 234 Australian women 25−43 years of age, who identifed as heterosexual, had no children, were open to the idea of having children
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Perspectives of 281 patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome on uterine transplantation Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-16 Nicole Fischer; Helen Xun; Amy Lossie; Darya Fadavi; Halley Darrach; Pooja Yesantharao; Franca Kraenzlin; Bhuchitra Singh; Justin M. Sacks; James H. Segars
Objectives To investigate the personal, ethical, and financial perspectives of individuals with Mayer−Rokitansky−Küster−Hauser syndrome (MRKH), a congenital uterine factor infertility condition, regarding uterine transplantation (UTx). Design Cross-sectional, quantitative survey. Setting A 60-item anonymous electronic questionnaire was disseminated via social media sites. Patients International members
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Evaluating Efficacy of Intravenous Carbetocin in Reducing Blood Loss During Abdominal Myomectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-16 Ayman Taher; Dalia Farouk; Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Kotb; Nevein Kamal Ghamry; Khaled Kholaif; Ahmed A. Mageed A. Allah; Ahmed Said Ali; Omneya M. Osman; Hala Nabil; Yomna Islam; Mohamed Sobhy Bakry; Bassem Aly Islam; Mahmoud Alalfy; Salma Ashraf Nassar; Almandouh H. Bosilah; Ashraf A. Ghanem; Nansy Mohamed Ali Rund; Rania Refaat; Sherif Sameh Zaki
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of carbetocin versus placebo in decreasing intraoperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion during abdominal myomectomy. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting Tertiary university hospital from September 2019 to February 2020. Patient(s) A total of 138 women with symptomatic leiomyoma who were candidates for abdominal myomectomy
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Adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in 1,136 singleton pregnancies conceived after programmed frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared with natural cycle FET Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-16 Louise Laub Asserhøj; Anne Lærke Spangmose; Anna-Karina Aaris Henningsen; Tine Dalsgaard Clausen; Søren Ziebe; Rikke Beck Jensen; Anja Pinborg
Objective To investigate whether obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies differ after different frozen embryo transfer (FET) protocols. Design Register-based cohort study. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) All singleton deliveries after assisted reproductive technology in Denmark from 2006 to 2014. Data consisted of 1,136 deliveries after frozen in vitro fertilization. Frozen embryo transfer
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Routine endometrial receptivity array in first embryo transfer cycles does not improve live birth rate Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Carrie Riestenberg; Lindsay Kroener; Molly Quinn; Kaycee Ching; Gayane Ambartsumyan
Objective To compare the live birth rate between patients who undergo personalized embryo transfer (pET) after endometrial receptivity array (ERA) versus frozen embryo transfer (FET) with standard timing in first single euploid FET cycles. To report the rate of displacement of the window of implantation (WOI) in an infertile population without a history of implantation failure. Design Prospective cohort
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Miscarriage determination in first trimester based on alpha-fetoprotein extracted from sanitary pads Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Amir Mor; Mursal Gardezi; Karen Jubanyik; Burcin Simsek; David B. Seifer; Pasquale Patrizio; Ecem Esencan; Gizem Imamoglu; Man Zhang; Stephanie M. Nichols-Burns; Hugh S. Taylor
Objective To determine if high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in vaginal blood collected on a sanitary pad can assist with detecting an active miscarriage. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Five groups were evaluated: women with active miscarriage, pregnancy of unknown location, completed miscarriage or extrauterine pregnancy (EUP), ongoing pregnancy, and
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An investigation into the effect of potential confounding patient and treatment parameters on human embryo morphokinetics Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Amy Barrie; Garry McDowell; Stephen Troup
Objective To determine the effect of patient and treatment parameters on 19 embryo morphokinetic parameters using pronuclear fading as time zero. Design Single-site, retrospective cohort analysis. Setting Fertility treatment center. Patients(s) Patients undergoing treatment between September 2014 and January 2016 (n = 639) whose embryos were cultured in the EmbryoScope for 6 days (n = 2,376). Intervention(s)
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Machine-learning algorithm incorporating capacitated sperm intracellular pH predicts conventional in vitro fertilization success in normospermic patients Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Stephanie Jean Gunderson; Lis Carmen Puga Molina; Nicholas Spies; Paula Ania Balestrini; Mariano Gabriel Buffone; Emily Susan Jungheim; Joan Riley; Celia Maria Santi
Objective To measure human sperm intracellular pH (pHi) and develop a machine-learning algorithm to predict successful conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in normospermic patients. Design Spermatozoa from 76 IVF patients were capacitated in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to measure sperm pHi, and computer-assisted semen analysis was used to measure hyperactivated motility. A gradient-boosted
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A predictive model for chemotherapy-related diminished ovarian reserve in reproductive-age women Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Margaret M. Hopeman; Katherine E. Cameron; Maureen Prewitt; Kurt Barnhart; Jill P. Ginsberg; Mary D. Sammel; Clarisa R. Gracia
Objective To develop and internally validate a clinical predictive tool to assess the likelihood that a young cancer patient will experience diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) after chemotherapy. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University hospitals. Patient(s) Postpubertal adolescent and young adult women with a new diagnosis of cancer requiring chemotherapy. Intervention None. Main Outcome
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Modified Vecchietti vaginoplasty using self-made single-port laparoscopy in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-15 Xinyun Yang; Junxiao Liang; Wenjuan Li; Bingya Chen; Xiaoyan Sun; Zhenwei Xie
Objective To introduce the minimally invasive Vecchietti procedure based on single-port laparoscopy with self-made surgical instruments for the surgical management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH). Design Surgical video article. The approval of the Institutional Review Board and written consent from the patient were obtained. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) A 22-year-old woman
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Infection precautions for SARS-CoV-2 in assisted reproduction centers – dodging an invisible bullet Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-14 Amy E.T. Sparks; Jessica D. Kresowik
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes to how we interact in society, requiring that we protect ourselves and others from an invisible, airborne enemy called the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Until a vaccine is discovered and reaches high levels of distribution, everyone must continue to be diligent to limit viral spread. The practice of assisted reproduction during this pandemic presents unique challenges
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Development and validation of a novel mail-in semen analysis system and the correlation between one hour and delayed semen analysis testing Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-08 Mary K. Samplaski; Owen Falk; Stanton Honig; David Shin; William Matthews; James F. Smith
Objective To develop and validate a novel, mail-in semen analysis (SA) system. Design Prospective cohort. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Ejaculates from normospermic men. Intervention(s) One-hour SA, then repeat SAs (on same ejaculate) over 52 hours using a novel technique for maintaining sperm viability. Main Outcome Measure(s) World Health Organization SA parameters. Result(s) One-hour SA on
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Withholding antibiotics does not reduce clinical pregnancy outcomes of natural cycle frozen embryo transfers Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-08 Isabel Beshar; Jasmyn K. Johal; Brindha Saravanabavanandhan; Amin A. Milki
Objective To assess the impact of withholding doxycycline on the success rate of natural cycle frozen embryo transfers (NC-FET). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single academic institution. Patient(s) Women undergoing 250 NC-FET with euploid blastocysts performed by a single provider. Intervention(s) One hundred and twenty-five NC-FET cycles performed after January 2019 without antibiotic
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Business law issues for assisted reproductive technology practices and practitioners: considerations for sales or mergers of fertility practices Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-06 Richard M. Yanofsky; Theodore F. Hanselman
To succeed in the assisted reproductive technology industry, physician owners of fertility practices have to develop a wide array of business skills and expertise. In today’s business world, a natural next step for many assisted reproductive practices is exploring potential mergers, sales, or acquisitions. This article will explore what factors physician owners of fertility practices should consider
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Laparoscopic single-stapler technique in rectosigmoid resection in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-05 Jiri Hanacek; Lukas Havluj; Noble Ayayee; Iva Urbánková; Jan Drahonovsky
Objective To demonstrate the use of a single-stapler technique during rectosigmoid resection in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Design A step-by-step video demonstration of rectosigmoid resection and end-to-end anastomosis using two circularly placed sutures and one circular stapler. Setting Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic. Patient(s) A 39-year-old
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The need for business in reproductive medicine Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-04 Steven R. Lindheim; Mindy S. Christianson; Joseph Sanfilippo
The business of medicine continues to be an area of growing importance, particularly in reproductive medicine. We provide a synthesis of salient concepts within the spectrum of business in medicine. The topics we review include finances and accounting; business operations as related to human resources, information technology (telemedicine), organizational governance, and practice models; insurance
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Financial fluency: demystifying accounting and business planning for the reproductive medicine specialist Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-07 Mindy S. Christianson; Linnea R. Goodman; Rachel Booth; Steven R. Lindheim; Ricardo Azziz
In today’s ever-changing business climate, reproductive health specialists are realizing that financial fluency is key to growing and maintaining a successful practice. Although financial fundamentals such as accounting may seem complex, both academic and private practice reproductive specialists who understand these topics can benefit in making business decisions for their practices. We describe the
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Basics of practice management: managing many for the care of one Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-08 Priyanka Ghosh; Neha Hafeez; Joseph Sanfilippo
In today’s changing health care landscape, it has become necessary that providers have a fundamental understanding of practice management as pertinent to the care they provide. The reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) practice is a uniquely complex setting with many component parts, necessitating frequent assessment and collaboration to provide safe, quality, and cost-effective care. In
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Billing, coding, and practice management: a primer for today’s reproductive medicine professional Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-04 Bala Bhagavath; Linnea Goodman; John Petrozza
Despite years of recognition that many physicians are woefully unprepared to face challenges regarding the business of medicine, marginal progress has been made. In this piece, we aim to provide the contemporary reproductive medicine physician with an understanding of billing, coding, and, most importantly, cost containment for a typical fertility practice. It is critical for modern practices to not
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Fertility—a human right worthy of mandated insurance coverage: the evolution, limitations, and future of access to care Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-18 Jennifer F. Kawwass; Alan S. Penzias; Eli Y. Adashi
We review the history, current status, and potential future of state infertility mandates and focus on the business implications of mandates and on the inadequacies and reproductive injustice resulting from gaps between legislative intent and practical implementation. Nineteen states have passed laws that require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnoses and treatment. The
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Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part I Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-09 Peter N. Schlegel; Mark Sigman; Barbara Collura; Christopher J. De Jonge; Michael L. Eisenberg; Dolores J. Lamb; John P. Mulhall; Craig Niederberger; Jay I. Sandlow; Rebecca Z. Sokol; Steven D. Spandorfer; Cigdem Tanrikut; Jonathan R. Treadwell; Jeffrey T. Oristaglio; Armand Zini
Purpose The summary presented herein represents Part I of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. Recommendations proceed from obtaining an appropriate history and physical exam (Appendix I), as well as diagnostic testing, where indicated. Materials/Methods
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Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part II Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-09 Peter N. Schlegel; Mark Sigman; Barbara Collura; Christopher J. De Jonge; Michael L. Eisenberg; Dolores J. Lamb; John P. Mulhall; Craig Niederberger; Jay I. Sandlow; Rebecca Z. Sokol; Steven D. Spandorfer; Cigdem Tanrikut; Jonathan R. Treadwell; Jeffrey T. Oristaglio; Armand Zini
Purpose The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
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Back to the basic science of fertility Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 Martin Kathrins
One day later, there was a marked increase in the vascular supply of the testis, and numerous vessels appeared to have breached the membrana propria of the tubules. Kochar NK, Harrison RG. The effects of x-rays on the vascularization of the mouse testis. Fertil Steril 1971;22:53‐57. The impact of temperature shock upon mammalian sperm is severe, and produces physical as well as biochemical alterations
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Telomere aberrations, including telomere loss, doublets, and extreme shortening, are increased in patients with infertility Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Radhia M’kacher; Bruno Colicchio; Valentine Marquet; Claire Borie; Wala Najar; William M. Hempel; Leonhard Heidingsfelder; Noufissa Oudrhiri; Mustafa Al Jawhari; Nadège Wilhelm-Murer; Marguerite Miguet; Alain Dieterlen; Georges Deschênes; Anne-Claude Tabet; Steffen Junker; Michael Grynberg; Michael Fenech; Annelise Bennaceur-Griscelli; Catherine Yardin
Objective To test the hypothesis that telomere shortening and/or loss are risk factors for infertility. Design Retrospective analysis of the telomere status in patients with infertility using conventional cytogenetic data collected prospectively. Setting Academic centers. Patient(s) Cytogenetic slides with cultured peripheral lymphocytes from 50 patients undergoing fertility treatment and 150 healthy
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Top 10 priorities for future infertility research: an international consensus development study∗† Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 J.M.N. Duffy; G.D. Adamson; E. Benson; S. Bhattacharya; S. Bhattacharya; M. Bofill; K. Brian; B. Collura; C. Curtis; J.L.H. Evers; R.G. Farquharson; A. Fincham; S. Franik; L.C. Giudice; E. Glanville; M. Hickey; A.W. Horne; M.L. Hull; Mohamed A. Youssef
Study Question Can the priorities for future research in infertility be identified? Summary Answer The top 10 research priorities for the four areas of male infertility, female and unexplained infertility, medically assisted reproduction, and ethics, access, and organization of care for people with fertility problems were identified. What is Known Already Many fundamental questions regarding the prevention
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Developing a core outcome set for future infertility research: an international consensus development study∗† Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 J.M.N. Duffy; H. AlAhwany; S. Bhattacharya; B. Collura; C. Curtis; J.L.H. Evers; R.G. Farquharson; S. Franik; L.C. Giudice; Y. Khalaf; J.M.L. Knijnenburg; B. Leeners; R.S. Legro; S. Lensen; J.C. Vazquez-Niebla; D. Mavrelos; B.W.J. Mol; C. Niederberger; Menem Yossry
Study Question Can a core outcome set to standardize outcome selection, collection, and reporting across future infertility research be developed? Summary Answer A minimum data set, known as a core outcome set, has been developed for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and systematic reviews evaluating potential treatments for infertility. What is Known Already Complex issues, including a failure to
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Standardizing definitions and reporting guidelines for the infertility core outcome set: an international consensus development study∗† Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 J.M.N. Duffy; S. Bhattacharya; S. Bhattacharya; M. Bofill; B. Collura; C. Curtis; J.L.H. Evers; L.C. Giudice; R.G. Farquharson; S. Franik; M. Hickey; M.L. Hull; V. Jordan; Y. Khalaf; R.S. Legro; S. Lensen; D. Mavrelos; B.W. Mol; Menem Yossry
Study Question Can consensus definitions for the core outcome set for infertility be identified in order to recommend a standardized approach to reporting? Summary Answer Consensus definitions for individual core outcomes, contextual statements, and a standardized reporting table have been developed. What is Known Already Different definitions exist for individual core outcomes for infertility. This
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Bilateral ureteral endometriosis—an indolent, aggressive, and dangerous condition Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Luiz Flávio Cordeiro Fernandes; Gustavo Xavier Ebaid; Marco Antonio Bassi
Objective To describe an unusual bilateral ureteral reimplantation due to endometriosis and to provide a flowchart of conservative decision making. Design Video description of a case, demonstrating a step-by-step explanation of the decision planning and description of the surgical steps in a female patient with bilateral ureteral endometriosis who had previously undergone operation for bowel endometriosis
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The Effects of COVID-19 on Pregnancy and Implications for Reproductive Medicine Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-01 Naima T. Joseph; Sonja A. Rasmussen; Denise J. Jamieson
COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, our understanding of its effects on pregnancy have evolved rapidly. Emerging surveillance data and large cohort studies suggest pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of ICU hospitalization, invasive ventilation, and death. Pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with increased likelihood of cesarean
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The impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on Male Reproduction and Men’s Health Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2021-01-01 Darshan P. Patel; Nahid Punjani; Jingtao Guo; Joseph P. Alukal; Philip S. Li; James M. Hotaling
Many couples initially deferred attempts at pregnancy or delayed fertility care due to concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). One significant fear during the COVID-19 pandemic was the possibility of sexual transmission. Many couples have since resumed fertility care while accepting the various uncertainties associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
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Legal considerations in reproductive medicine Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-30 Susan L. Crockin; William D. Schlaff
Legal issues affect reproductive medical practice throughout the entire world. The breadth and depth of this interrelationship extend far beyond the scope of one series of articles in Views and Reviews. Given this limitation, we have chosen to present five topics, all different, but illustrative of key concepts that influence our practice of reproductive medicine. Our hope is that this “medical-legal
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Promises and pitfalls of male contraceptive vaccines Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-30 Jennifer B. Bakkensen; Eve C. Feinberg
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. —Thomas A. Edison
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In vitro maturation: a committee opinion Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-24
The results of in vitro maturation (IVM) investigations suggest the potential for wider clinical application. This document discusses the efficacy of IVM as reported in the published literature to date. This document replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2013.
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A review of best practices of rapid-cooling vitrification for oocytes and embryos: a committee opinion Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-24
The focus of this paper is to review best practices for rapid-cooling cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos. The discussion of best practices includes the types of cryoprotectants and cryo devices typically used. Key performance indicators of rapid-cooling vitrification success are defined.
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Association between circadian rhythm disruption and polycystic ovary syndrome Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-24 Fangfang Wang; Ningning Xie; Yan Wu; Qing Zhang; Yuhang Zhu; Minchen Dai; Jue Zhou; Jiexue Pan; Mengling Tang; Qi Cheng; Biwei Shi; Qinyuan Guo; Xinling Li; Lifeng Xie; Bing Wang; Dongxia Yang; Qing Weng; Lanzhong Guo; Fan Qu
Objective To explore the association of circadian rhythm disruption with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the potential underlying mechanism in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Design Multicenter questionnaire-based survey, in vivo and ex vivo studies. Setting Twelve hospitals in China, animal research center, and research laboratory of a women’s hospital. Patients/Animals A total of 436 PCOS case
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Efficacy of the second micro–testicular sperm extraction after failed first micro–testicular sperm extraction in men with nonobstructive azoospermia Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-23 Oktay Özman; Süleyman Tosun; Numan Bayazıt; Sami Cengiz; Mustafa Emre Bakırcıoğlu
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the second micro–testicular sperm extraction (TESE)in men with nonobstructive azoospermia in whom the first micro-TESE failed. Design Retrospective. Setting Private clinic. Patient(s) One hundred twenty-five men with nonobstructive azoospermia with failed previous micro-TESE. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their surgical sperm retrieval status
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Simulation training for embryo transfer: findings from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Embryo Transfer Certificate Course Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-23 Sarah D. Ramaiah; Keith A. Ray; Richard H. Reindollar
Objective To assess the value of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Embryo Transfer Certificate Course in confidence and skill building for performing a live embryo transfer (ET). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Two-day simulation workshops of reproductive endocrine and infertility (REI) fellows from American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology–approved training programs, using
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Accelerated subcutaneous abdominal stem cell adipogenesis predicts insulin sensitivity in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-17 Daniel A. Dumesic; Ayli Tulberg; Karen L. Leung; Samantha C. Fisch; Tristan R. Grogan; David H. Abbott; Rajanigandha Naik; Gregorio D. Chazenbalk
Objective To examine whether subcutaneous (SC) abdominal adipose stem cell differentiation into adipocytes in vitro predicts insulin sensitivity (Si) in vivo in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Eight normal-weight women with PCOS and 8 age- and body mass index–matched controls. Intervention(s)
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Why are some patients with 45,X Turner syndrome fertile? A young girl with classical 45,X Turner syndrome and a cryptic mosaicism in the ovary Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-17 Sapthami Nadesapillai; Janielle van der Velden; Dominique Smeets; Guillaume van de Zande; Didi Braat; Kathrin Fleischer; Ronald Peek
Objective To report a case of a young girl initially diagnosed with exclusively 45,X Turner syndrome (TS), but with a cryptic mosaicism in the ovary. Design Case report. Setting Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Patient(s) A 14-year-old girl with TS showing an exclusively 45,X cell line in lymphocytes, buccal cells, and urine cells in the presence of ovarian follicles. Intervention(s)
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Optimal lead follicle size for human chorionic gonadotropin trigger in clomiphene citrate and intrauterine insemination cycles: an analysis of 1,676 treatment cycles Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Kolbe L. Hancock; Nigel Pereira; Paul J. Christos; Allison C. Petrini; Jennifer Hughes; Pak H. Chung; Zev Rosenwaks
Objective To identify the optimal lead follicle size for hCG trigger in clomiphene citrate (CC)–intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-affiliated center. Patient(s) Patients <40 years of age with ovulatory dysfunction or unexplained infertility undergoing their first CC-IUI cycle. Intervention(s) Ovulation induction, hCG trigger, and IUI. Main
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Endometriosis and spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy: evaluation of the magnitude of the risk in women becoming pregnant via in vitro fertilization Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Laura Benaglia; Marco Reschini; Irene La Vecchia; Giorgio Candotti; Edgardo Somigliana; Paolo Vercellini
Objective To estimate the frequency of spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) in women with endometriosis achieving pregnancy with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Design Retrospective case series. Setting Referral academic assisted reproductive technology (ART) center. Patient(s) Three hundred and forty-eight women with a history of surgery for endometriosis and women with ovarian endometriomas
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Cargo small non-coding RNAs of extracellular vesicles isolated from uterine fluid associate with endometrial receptivity and implantation success Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Tiantian Li; Ellen M. Greenblatt; Michelle EyunJung Shin; Theodore J. Brown; Crystal Chan
Objective To optimize a method of isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) from uterine fluid and to characterize small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) from the EVs, with the goal of identifying novel receptivity-associated biomarkers. Design Longitudinal study comparing sncRNA expression profiles from endometrial EVs. Setting University-affiliated, hospital-based fertility clinic. Patient(s) Healthy volunteers
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Hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucosal type 2 fibroids with cold enucleation technique and complete fibroid extraction using a double-lumen intracervical cannula Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Walter Osorio; Natalia Posada; John Cano; Sergio Tamayo; Juan Giraldo
Objective To introduce a new double-lumen intracervical cannula designed to allow a single-step hysteroscopic myomectomy with nonfragmented complete fibroid extraction after cold enucleation of submucosal type 2 fibroids, avoiding complications related to the use of energy and hypo-osmolar solutions. Design Video article depicting the use of a new double-lumen intracervical cannula for single-step
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Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of in vitro fertilization and natural pregnancies in the same mother Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Hadas Ganer Herman; Yossi Mizrachi; Ayala Shevach Alon; Yasmin Farhadian; Ohad Gluck; Jacob Bar; Michal Kovo; Arieh Raziel
Objective To compare obstetric and perinatal outcomes between pregnancies conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and natural pregnancies of the same women. Design This was a case-control study of deliveries between November 2008 and January 2020 in which each IVF pregnancy was matched to a natural pregnancy of the same woman (1:1 ratio). Setting University hospital. Patient(s) We included women
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Creation of a novel inflatable vaginal stent for McIndoe vaginoplasty Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Phillip A. Romanski; Pietro Bortoletto; Samantha M. Pfeifer
Objective To describe how to create an inflatable vaginal stent for use in McIndoe vaginoplasty that can be constructed using standard operating room supplies. Design Step-by-step video instructions that demonstrate how to construct and use an inflatable vaginal stent. (This video article was exempt from institutional review board approval.) Setting Academic hospital. Patient(s) A woman presenting
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Randomized, assessor-blind, antimüllerian hormone–stratified, dose-response trial in Japanese in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Osamu Ishihara; Bjarke M. Klein; Joan-Carles Arce
Objective To establish the relationship between follitropin delta doses (recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone produced from the human cell line PER.C6) and ovarian response in Japanese women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment and to evaluate the influence of initial antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Design Randomized, controlled, assessor-blind, AMH-stratified
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The critical role of ZP genes in female infertility characterized by empty follicle syndrome and oocyte degeneration Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Ping Yang; Tailai Chen; Yuqing Liu; Zhenzhen Hou; Keliang Wu; Yongzhi Cao; Jiangtao Zhang; Zhao Wang; Han Zhao
Objective To identify the major causative gene(s) of genuine empty follicle syndrome (GEFS) characterized by oocyte degeneration. Design Genetic and functional studies. Setting University-based reproductive medicine center. Patient(s) Thirty-five unrelated women with GEFS and oocyte degeneration. Intervention(s) Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted Sanger sequencing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Variants
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Laparoscopic excision of pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Dong Bach Nguyen; Sebastien Gilbert; Kristina Arendas; Caitlin A. Jago; Sukhbir S. Singh
Objective To present a five-step approach to the laparoscopic excision of pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis. Design Surgical video. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital. Patient(s) 35-year-old nulliparous woman observed for chronic pelvic pain and infertility with a diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis at a prior laparoscopy. Symptoms included severe chest pain and right shoulder tip
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Neonatal outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after frozen-thawed embryo transfer Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Jiaying Lin; Haiyan Guo; Bian Wang; Qiuju Chen; Qianqian Zhu
Objective To compare the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those among women without PCOS. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary-care academic medical center. Patient(s) In this study, we included 1,167 singletons born to mothers with PCOS and 9,995 singletons born to mothers without PCOS after FET
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Identification of a unique epigenetic profile in women with diminished ovarian reserve Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-04 Kristina W. Olsen; Juan Castillo-Fernandez; Andrew Cho Chan; Nina la Cour Freiesleben; Anne Zedeler; Mona Bungum; Alexia Cardona; John R.B. Perry; Sven O. Skouby; Eva R. Hoffmann; Gavin Kelsey; Marie Louise Grøndahl
Objective To investigate whether epigenetic profiles of mural granulosa cells (MGC) and leukocytes from women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) differ from those of women with normal or high ovarian reserve. Design Prospectively collected material from a multicenter cohort of women undergoing fertility treatment. Setting Private and university-based facilities for clinical services and research
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Telemedicine in reproductive medicine—implications for technology and clinical practice Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-03 Mark Sigman
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the rapid adoption of telemedicine in most medical practices. This series of articles address issues that are often not well considered, such as the types of technological platforms available, the effects of telemedicine on staffing, space requirements, and the financial impact of remote visits. In addition, the limits of telemedicine compared to in-office visits are
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Telemedicine technology and implications for reproductive office operations Fertil. Steril. (IF 6.312) Pub Date : 2020-12-03 Matt Uustal; Lisa Blackmon
Telemedicine had been very slowly making inroads into standard clinical practice. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the rapid implementation of telemedicine across most practices. The efficiency and permanence of telemedicine services depends on a multitude of factors including technologic choices, governmental and insurance regulations, reimbursement policies, and staff and patient education