The precise determination of the window of implantation significantly improves ART outcomes

The human endometrium is receptive to the embryo for a specific period of time known as the window of implantation (WOI). During this period, the endometrium shows a specific gene expression profile suitable for endometrial function evaluation. ER Map is a molecular tool able to accurately predict endometrial receptivity status by transcriptomic analysis. In this retrospective study, including 2256 subfertile patients undergoing ART treatment, the clinical value of precise WOI determination is studied in detail. Results obtained when single embryo transfers (sET) were scheduled either within the WOI timeframe as established by ER Map, or deviating from this WOI, are assessed and compared. Data obtained showed that 34.18% (771/2256) of patients had a displaced WOI. Analysis of ART outcomes showed significantly higher pregnancy rates in transfers scheduled within the WOI predicted compared to transfers that deviated more than 12h from this WOI (44.35% vs 23.08%, p < 0.001). The deviation from the WOI had also an impact on the progression of pregnancy, with a significant increase in pregnancy loss (~ twofold) observed in transfers that deviated more than 12h from the WOI predicted. These results indicate that the precise determination of the WOI and personalised embryo transfer can significantly improve clinical outcomes.

Euploid embryos selected by an automated time-lapse system have superior SET outcomes than selected solely by conventional morphology assessment

PURPOSE

We investigated if automated TLI selection may be a valuable strategy to identify those euploid embryos with the best chances of success.

METHODS

This is a unicentric and retrospective study involving 244 patients undergoing preimplantational genetic screening (PGS) cycles with autologous oocytes or oocyte donation (OD) with single euploid embryo transferred. We examined euploid embryos selected for transfer based on morphology evaluation alone (PGS-only; control group) or by assessment using an automated TLI system (Eeva™; PGS-TLI group).

RESULTS

In both, autologous oocytes and OD patients, significantly better implantation and clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were obtained in the PGS-TLI group when euploid embryos with high implantation potential as predicted by the automated TLI System (Eeva™) were transferred compared with the PGS-only group. This improvement was also observed when only transfers of good morphological quality embryos were compared. TLI categories showed significant differences on blastocyst formation and euploidy rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated TLI combined with PGS is a useful prognostic tool to identify euploid embryos with the highest potential for implantation and pregnancy. Further, these results provide evidence that a healthy pregnancy does not only depend upon normal chromosomal status.

New permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification method for native human sperm

STUDY QUESTION

Is permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification of native sperm samples a good alternative to conventional slow freezing?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The permeable cryoprotectant-free sperm vitrification protocol tested in this study renders considerably better recovery rates of good quality sperm compared to slow freezing.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Slow freezing is currently the most commonly used technique for sperm cryopreservation, though this method has been repeatedly shown to have negative effects on both structural and functional sperm features. New alternative methods such as vitrification have been established as a successful alternative in other reproductive cell types, but vitrification of spermatozoa is still a rather unexplored methodology, with limited studies showing its efficacy in male gametes.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

This study included 18 normozoospermic sperm samples from patients seeking ART treatment between 2014 and 2015. The effects of a new vitrification protocol on functional and structural sperm quality parameters in comparison to fresh and slow-frozen samples were assessed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All samples were divided into three aliquots: fresh (F), slow freezing-thawing (S) and vitrification-warming (V). Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation, cytoskeleton integrity and spontaneous acrosome reaction were assessed and compared between the groups.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Results showed improved preservation of sperm features after vitrification compared to conventional freezing. Permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification presented a significantly higher percentage of live spermatozoa, than slow freezing, better preservation of acrosomes was achieved in vitrified samples and DNA fragmentation was reduced approximately one-third on average compared to slow freezing. Regarding tubulin assay, three different labelling patterns were observed. The frequency of these labelling patterns was similar in F and V groups but this was not the case of the S group. The multivariate analysis of all sperm quality parameters studied revealed that the V group presented features that are closer to the F group than the S group, indicating that samples are better preserved through vitrification than slow freezing.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

This validation has been undertaken only on normozoospermic sperm samples. It would be necessary to compare these results in pathological samples and also to evaluate the influence of the application of this methodology on clinical outcomes.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The sperm vitrification protocol here described warrants better maintenance of sperm quality parameters than traditional freezing methods and may be a good alternative to preserve sperm samples from patients seeking IVF treatment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by IVF-Spain Foundation. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Conventional and advanced oxidation processes used in disinfection of treated urban wastewater

The purpose of the current study is to compare the inactivation of Escherichia coli in wastewater effluents using conventional treatments (chlorination) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/solar irradiation, and photo-Fenton processes. In addition, an analysis of the operational costs of each treatment is carried out taking into account the optimal dosages of chemicals used. Total inactivation of bacteria (7.5 log) was achieved by means of chlorination and UV irradiation. However, bacterial regrowth was observed 6 hours after the completion of UV treatment, obtaining a disinfection value around 3 to 4 log. On the other hand, the combination H2O2/solar irradiation achieved a maximum inactivation of E. coli of 3.30 ± 0.35 log. The photo-Fenton reaction achieved a level of inactivation of 4.87 ± 0.10 log. The order of disinfection, taking into account the reagent/cost ratio of each treatment, is as follows: chlorination > UV irradiation > photo-Fenton > H2O2/sunlight irradiation.

Molecular abnormalities of chromosome-19 in malignant gliomas - preferential involvement of the 19q13.2-q13.4 region

A deletion mapping analysis of chromosome 19 was performed on a series of 101 samples derived from malignant gliomas. A total of 35 tumors displayed different deletions for the loci studied (D19S21, D19S11, D19S74, D19S7, D19S8, CKM, and D19S22). In most instances, losses involving the long arm markers of chromosome 19 were observed, and only four samples were characterized by losses on the short arm. No tumor was found displaying loss of both short and long arm markers. The higher frequency of deletions was detected in tumors with a major oligodendroglial component: 76% of samples included in this group displayed losses at 19q. Among the astrocytic tumors, the frequency of 19q alterations varied as follows: 11% in pilocytic astrocytomas, 17% in astrocytomas grade II, 10% in anaplastic astrocytomas and 21% in glioblastoma multiforme. No ependymoma was found displaying allele loss on chromosome 19. The common region of overlap for the 19q deletions observed involves primarily the distal portion of the long arm, 19q13.2-q13.4. In agreement with previous reports, these data suggest the non-random involvement of a tumor suppressor gene located at 19q13 in the genesis or progression of malignant gliomas.

Wolbachia induced cytogenetical effects as evidenced in Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera)

The cytoplasmic incompatibility induced by the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia is attributed to chromatin modification in the sperm of infected individuals and is only 'rescued' by infected females after fertilization. Chorthippus parallelus is a grasshopper with 2 subspecies that form a hybrid zone in the Pyrenees in which this Wolbachia-generated cytoplasmic incompatibility has recently been described. The analysis of certain cytogenetic traits (sex chromosome-linked heterochromatic bands, nucleolar organizing region expression, spermatid size and morphology, and number of chiasmata formed) in pure and hybrid Chorthippus parallelus that are infected and not infected by this bacterium indicates that the infection affects some of these traits and, in the case of the spermatids, reveals a synergism between the infection and the hybrid condition. These results are interpreted as being secondary effects of the chromatin modification induced by Wolbachia which thereby support this model of modification/rescue. The possible effects of these cytogenetic variations on affected individuals are also considered.

Sequential solar photo-fenton-biological system for the treatment of winery wastewaters

In this study, winery wastewaters are considered for degradation using heterogeneous photo-Fenton as a preliminary step before biotreatment. The heterogeneous photo-Fenton process assisted by solar light is able to partially degrade the organic matter present in winery wastewaters. When an initial hydrogen peroxide concentration of 0.1 M is used over 24 h of treatment, a degradation yield of organic matter (measured as TOC) of around 50% is reached. The later treatment (activated sludge process) allows the elimination of 90% of the initial TOC present in pretreated winery wastewaters without producing nondesired side-effects, such as the bulking phenomenon, which is usually detected when this treatment is used alone. The final effluent contains a concentration of organic matter (measured as COD) of 128 mg O2/L. The coupled system comprising the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process and biological treatment based on activated sludge in simple stage is a real alternative for the treatment of winery wastewater.

Degradation of wine industry wastewaters by photocatalytic advanced oxidation

Wine industry wastewaters contain a high concentration of organic biodegradable compounds as well as a great amount of suspended solids. These waters are difficult to treat by conventional biological processes because they are seasonal and a great flow variation exists. Photocatalytic advanced oxidation is a promising technology for waters containing high amounts of organic matter. In this study we firstly investigated the application of H2O2 as oxidant combined with light (artificial or natural) in order to reduce the organic matter in samples from wine industry effluents. Secondly, we studied its combination with heterogeneous catalysts: titanium dioxide and clays containing iron minerals. The addition of photocatalysts to the system reduces the required H2O2 concentration. Although the H2O2/TiO2 system produces higher efficiencies, the H2O2/clays system requires a H2O2 dosage between three and six times lower.

Wastewater from the manufacture of rubber vulcanization accelerators: characterization, downstream monitoring and chemical treatment

The content of wastewater resulting from the manufacture of rubber antioxidants and accelerators by a factory situated in the Ebro basin (Spain) has been determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The change in the pollutants was studied in the riverbed via two modules which continuously gathered pollutants on various solid supports (activated carbon and XAD-2 resins). These modules were located in Bocal Station, lying a further 100 km downstream from the factory, and from the Zaragoza water supply. Forty-six different compounds were identified at Bocal Station, the majority resulting from the production of rubber additives. Due to the immunity of different waste substances, and to the toxic nature of some, we studied their reaction when subjected to techniques of chemical oxidation using ozone.

Trichoblastic fibroma

We report a trichoblastic fibroma in the groin of a 60-year-old woman. This unusual tumor showed a predominance of epithelial component, with abundant basophilic, well-circumscribed, epithelial lobules and some keratinous cysts. Several areas suggested stromal induction of differentiation, and in the keratinous cysts there were indications of outer hair sheath differentiation. We review the clinical data from published cases of trichogenic hair germ tumors and discuss the differential diagnosis.

[Brucellosis at a tertiary hospital. Retrospective epidemiologic study of 166 cases]

The epidemiologic polls concerning 166 cases of brucellosis are retrospectively analyzed; the cases are registered by the Preventive Medicine Service of Miguel Servet Hospital for five years (1980-1985). Most of our cases are of recent evolution, although 55% began to give symptoms more of 2 weeks ago and 30% more of 1 month ago. A clear annual increase of the number of cases, fundamentally of the male sex and patients coming from the rural areas, is observed. The percentage of cases in men (73.5%) is almost three times as those in women (26.5%), and the most numerous groups are the 20-29 interval age group and olders above 60. There is a small percentage of people with a professional risk factor (30.1%), which rise, slightly, for the ones who told of contact with cattle (39.2%) and rose up to 53.6% for the ones who consumed non controlled dairy products. However, in 23% of men and 40.9% of women the existence of some risk factors was unknown.