Imaginários Morais no Discurso Midiático Sobre o Uso da Inseminação Caseira por Mulheres Lésbicas / Moral Imaginaries on the Media Discourse on the Use of Homemade Insemination by Lesbian Women / Imaginarios Morales en el Discurso Mediático Sobre Uso de la Inseminación Domiciliaria por Mujeres Lesbianas

O presente artigo objetiva refletir sobre o discurso moral midiático produzido em torno da Inseminação Caseira e seu uso como tecnologia reprodutiva por casais de mulheres lésbicas. Esta é uma modalidade reprodutiva autônoma, que consiste em uma autoinseminação de baixo custo, feita com o uso de material biológico de doador não anônimo. Para esta reflexão, utilizou-se cinco obras midiáticas produzidas por canais de comunicação de grande alcance no cenário nacional, analisadas sob a ótica da análise do discurso. Foram traçadas cinco categorias analíticas: apresentação textual-imagética das obras; narrativa das mulheres tentantes; discursos promovidos pelos ditos especialistas; e representação da figura do doador. Conclui-se pela necessidade de estímulo ao debate acerca da inseminação caseira realizada por mulheres lésbicas, de modo que tanto profissionais da área da saúde como a sociedade de uma forma geral não se baseiem apenas em discursos morais condenatórios ditos científicos, como aqueles propagados pela grande mídia em relação à Inseminação Caseira. Soma-se a isso a importância em garantir visibilidade para os relatos das mulheres que estão se submetendo à inseminação caseira, compreendendo-as enquanto protagonistas da produção de sua saúde sexual e reprodutiva e projetos parentais e que, por isso, devem ter seus discursos e experiências legitimados.

The present article aims to reflect on the media moral discourse produced around Homemade Insemination and its use as a reproductive technology by lesbian couples. This is an autonomous reproductive modality, which consists in a low-cost self-insemination performed with the use of biological material from a non-anonymous donor. This reflection was made using five media works produced by communication channels of great reach in the Brazilian scenario, analyzed from the point of view of discourse analysis. Five analytical categories were drawn: textual-imagetic presentation of the works; narrative of women trying to conceive; speeches promoted by the so-called experts; and representation of the donor figure. We conclude that it is necessary to stimulate the debate about homemade insemination performed by lesbian women, so that both health professionals and society in general do not rely only on condemning moral speeches called scientific, such as those propagated by the media in relation to Homemade Insemination. Added to that it is important to ensure visibility of the reports of women who are submitting themselves to homemade insemination, understanding them as protagonists of the production of their sexual and reproductive health and parental projects and that, therefore, they must have their speeches and experiences legitimated.

Este artículo pretende reflexionar sobre el discurso moral mediático producido sobre la Inseminación Domiciliaria y su uso como tecnología reproductiva por parejas lesbianas. Se trata de una modalidad reproductiva autónoma, que consiste en una autoinseminación de bajo coste realizada con el uso de material biológico de donante no anónimo. Para esta reflexión, se utilizaron cinco obras mediáticas producidas por canales de comunicación de gran alcance en Brasil analizadas desde la perspectiva del análisis del discurso. Se trazaron cinco categorías analíticas: presentación textual-imagen de las obras; narración de las mujeres que intentan; discursos promovidos por los llamados especialistas; y representación de la figura del donante. Se concluye por la necesidad de estimular el debate sobre la Inseminación Domiciliaria realizada por mujeres lesbianas, de manera que tanto los profesionales de salud como la sociedad en general no se basen apenas en los discursos morales condenatorios de los científicos, como los propagados por la gran prensa sobre Inseminación Domiciliaria. A esto se suma la importancia de garantizar la visibilidad de los relatos de las mujeres que hacen la Inseminación Domiciliaria, entendiéndolas como protagonistas de la producción de su salud sexual y reproductiva y de sus proyectos parentales y debe tener sus discursos y experiencias legitimados.

subrogación en series: una narrativa sobre la metafísica del embarazo / Surrogacy in Series: A Narrative on the Metaphysics of Pregnancy

Se analizan dos series que, con diferencia de quince años, abordan el tema de la maternidad subrogada: Shameless y Little fires everywhere, con el foco en las cuestiones bioéticas y sociales involucradas en ellas. A partir de los relatos de apego entre la gestante y la persona nacida o por nacer, se pone a prueba el concepto de "metafísica del embarazo", tal como lo trabaja Suki Finn, ofreciendo un escenario novedoso para un tema complejo y controvertido

Two series are analyzed that, with a difference of fifteen years, address the issue of surrogate motherhood: Shameless and Little fires everywhere, with a focus on the bioethical and social issues involved in them. From the stories of attachment between the pregnant woman and the person born or unborn, the concept of "metaphysics of pregnancy" is examined, as Suki Finn works, offering a novel scenario for a complex and controversial issue

Intrauterine insemination with donor sperm: only the number of motile spermatozoa inseminated influences both pregnancy and live-birth rates / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Intrauterine insemination with donor sperm (IUI-D) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) offered to couples with definitive male infertility or risk of genetic disease transmission. Here, we sought to evaluate our practice in IUI-D and identify factors that influenced the success rate. We performed a retrospective, single-center study of all IUI-D procedures performed at Lille University Medical Center (Lille, France) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017. Single and multivariate analyses with a mixed logistic model were used to identify factors associated with clinical pregnancies and live births. We included 322 couples and 1179 IUI-D procedures. The clinical pregnancy rate was 23.5%, and the live birth rate was 18.9% per IUI-D. In a multivariate analysis, the women's age was negatively associated with the live birth rate. The number of motile spermatozoa inseminated was the only factor associated with both clinical pregnancies and live births, with a chosen threshold of 0.75 million. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were, respectively, 17.3% and 13.0% below the number of motile spermatozoa inseminated threshold and 25.9% and 21.0% at or above the threshold (all P = 0.005). The number of motile spermatozoa inseminated was the only factor that significantly influenced both pregnancies and live-birth rates after IUI-D. Indeed, below a threshold of 0.75 million motile spermatozoa inseminated, those rates were significantly lower. Application of this number of motile spermatozoa inseminated threshold may help centers to allocate donations more effectively while maintaining reasonable waiting times for patients.

The genital and anal papillae of Compsura heterura (Characidae: Cheirodontinae): morphological structure and possible role in insemination

The function of the genital and anal papillae for insemination in Compsura heterura is discussed based on the description of their morphologies at different stages of the life cycle and during copulation and spawning. In males and females both the genital and anal papillae are involved in copulation in C. heterura. A pre-anal organ, anterior to the anus and stretched posteriorly, is present in adult males. The openings of the urinary channel and oviduct are separate in females. During copulation, there is an approximation between the female genital and anal papillae which become temporarily juxtaposed, forming a chamber enclosing the opening of the oviduct, which may also function in sperm capture. During spawning, the lateral edges of the female genital papilla are projected anteriorly, acquiring a tubular shape for oviposition.(AU)

A função das papilas genital e anal na inseminação em Compsura heterura é discutida com base na descrição de suas morfologias em diferentes estágios do ciclo de vida e por ocasião da cópula e desova. Em machos e fêmeas, as papilas genital e anal estão envolvidas na cópula. Um órgão pré-anal, anterior ao ânus e alongado posteriormente, está presente em machos adultos. Fêmeas possuem aberturas urinária e genital separadas. Durante a cópula, ocorre uma aproximação entre as papilas genital e anal femininas, que se justapõem temporariamente, formando uma câmara fechada onde se abre o oviduto, e que serve possivelmente à captura de esperma. Durante a desova, as bordas laterais da papila genital feminina são projetadas anteriormente, adquirindo um formato tubular para ovoposição.(AU)

Reproduction and fecundity of invader of internal insemination Trachelyopterus galeatus in a Neotropical floodplain

After the formation of Itaipu Reservoir, the invader Trachelyopterus galeatus colonized the upper Paraná River. Light microscopy was used to describe gametogenesis and the reproductive phases of females and males. The following data were verified: diameter of the oocytes, spawning type, batch fecundity by ovary weight, standard length, and total weight of the fish, along with the regions where this species reproduced in the upper Paraná River floodplain. A total of 470 specimens were collected quarterly in 2016, 2018 and 2019, and bimonthly in 2017. The gonads were fixed in a Karnovsky solution, dehydrated, infiltrated, and embedded in historesin. The histological slides were stained using PAS + iron hematoxylin + metanil yellow, analyzed and photographed under an image-capturing microscope. As regards diameter of the oocytes and fecundity estimates, ovaries whose oocytes were measured under a stereomicroscope were sampled. In the oogenesis, undifferentiated and differentiated oogonia, early primary growth oocytes, secondary growth oocytes, full-grown oocytes and maturing oocytes were recorded. In the spermatogenesis, primary and secondary spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were recorded. The reproductive phases found for females and males were: immature, early development, late development, spawning/sperm-releasing capable, regression, and regeneration. Trachelyopterus galeatus prefers to occupy and reproduce in the Ventura, Patos, Guaraná, Fechada, Garças, and Pau Véio lagoons. The diameter of the oocytes varied from 0.4 to 2.9 mm. Females spawn, on average, 113 oocytes per batch. Batch fecundity variation shows that the larger the ovary, standard length, and total weight, the larger the number of oocytes to be spawned. This invader possesses reproductive success in the upper Paraná River floodplain, especially in lagoons.

Zygoparity in Characidae - the first case of internal fertilization in the teleost cohort Otomorpha

Most teleosts are externally fertilizing, with internal fertilization occurring as a relatively rare event. Until now, Euteleosteomorpha is the only teleost cohort known to undergo internal fertilization. In the teleost cohort Otomorpha, it has been recorded the presence of sperm in the ovaries of some species of Characiformes and Siluriformes, but no fertilized eggs have been found so far in the female reproductive tract. It has been presumed that oocytes can be released into the water with associated spermatozoa and only there becomes fertilized, and the term insemination has been used to characterize the strategy adopted by these fish. Here, we present the discovery of the first case of internal fertilization in the teleost cohort Otomorpha, in Compsura heterura (Characiformes: Characidae). In the course of spawning, the eggs form the perivitelline space and the animal and vegetative poles within the ovaries, evidencing oocyte fertilization. The newly spawned eggs then continue to form the animal and vegetative poles and increase the perivitelline space. These eggs are in the zygotic stage. These data indicate that fertilized eggs are only retained for a short period, providing evidence that C. heterura is a zygoparous fish.(AU)

A maioria dos teleósteos são espécies com fecundação externa, sendo a fecundação interna um evento relativamente raro. Até o momento, Euteleosteomorpha é a única coorte de teleósteos conhecida com espécies de fecundação interna. Na coorte de teleósteos Otomorpha, tem sido registrada a presença de esperma nos ovários de algumas espécies de Characiformes e Siluriformes, porém nenhum ovo fecundado foi encontrado até agora no trato reprodutor feminino. Presume-se que os oócitos possam ser liberados na água associados aos espermatozoides e que somente lá são fecundados, e o termo inseminação tem sido empregado para caracterizar a estratégia adotada por esses peixes. Apresentamos aqui a descoberta do primeiro caso de fecundação interna na coorte de teleósteos Otomorpha, em Compsura heterura (Characiformes: Characidae). Durante a desova, os ovos formam o espaço perivitelino e os polos animal e vegetal dentro dos ovários, evidenciando a fecundação interna. Os ovos recém-desovados continuam a formação dos polos animal e vegetal e aumentam o espaço perivitelino. Esses ovos estão na fase zigótica. Estes dados indicam que os ovos fertilizados são retidos por um curto período, fornecendo evidências de que C. heterura é um peixe zigóparo.(AU)

Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Embryo Quality in Normal Responder Women in In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and embryo formation rate in normal responder women to in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive, fresh IVF/ICSI cycles performed from 2014 to 2017 were selected. All women were normal responders (4 to 14 mature oocytes were retrieved) and at least one normally fertilized oocyte with two pronuclei was obtained in all cycles. Semen was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and SDF levels were measured by sperm chromatin dispersion test (Halosperm assay). At day 3 after insemination, embryo quality was evaluated by morphologic criteria and categorized as A/B/C/D. Top quality embryo were defined as grade A embryos with seven cells or more. RESULTS: SDF levels showed a positive linear correlation with the male's age (r=0.307, p=0.025) and a negative linear correlation with sperm motility (r=−0.491, p70%, the cut-off value SDF was <30.7% for each. Among individuals with SDF <30.7%, the median top-quality or grade A embryo formation rate was significantly higher than that among individuals with SDF ≥30.7% (38.1% vs. 20.0%, p=0.038; 50% vs. 25.0%, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: In normal responder women, high SDF level resulted in low day 3 embryo formation rates. Our results suggest a paternal effect on embryo quality in IVF/ICSI cycles.

Ultrasound guidance versus the blind method for intrauterine catheter insemination: A randomized controlled trial / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to compare clinical pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment cycles with transabdominal ultrasound guidance during intrauterine catheter insemination (US-IUI) versus the “blind method” IUI without ultrasound guidance (BM-IUI). The secondary objective was to compare whether US-IUI had better patient tolerability and whether US-IUI made the insemination procedure easier for the clinician to perform compared to BM-IUI. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial done at the Reproductive Medicine Unit of General Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We included women aged between 25 and 40 years who underwent an IUI treatment cycle with follicle-stimulating hormone injections for controlled ovarian stimulation. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were recruited for our study. The US-IUI group had 70 patients and the BM-IUI group had 60 patients. The clinical pregnancy rate was 10% in both groups (p> 0.995) and there were no significant difference between the groups for patient tolerability assessed by scores on a pain visual analog scale (p= 0.175) or level of difficulty for the clinician (p> 0.995). The multivariate analysis further showed no significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.34; p= 0.558) in the US-IUI group compared to the BM-IUI group even after adjusting for potential covariates. CONCLUSION: The conventional blind method for intrauterine catheter insemination is recommended for patients undergoing IUI treatment. The use of ultrasound during the insemination procedure increased the need for trained personnel to perform ultrasonography and increased the cost, but added no extra benefits for patients or clinicians.

Pretentious genomic selection signatures in CYP19A1 gene associated with silent estrous behavior in water buffalo in Pakistan

Background: Poor reproductive efficiency of river buffalos hampers the production capabilities of animals. Buffalos are mainly considered poor breeders owing to the constrained expression of estrus behavior. Failure to display heat signs is an indication of improper functionality of signaling peptides to trigger on a series of behavioral changes, which can be detectable by breeders for timely insemination of females. This might cause an animal to be a repeat breeder. Genomic variations underlying synthesis of signaling peptides can be a useful marker to select superior animals with better reproductive efficiency. In this context, the current study was designed to analyze the CYP19A1 gene in Nili-Ravi buffalo. Results: A total of 97 animals were selected and were divided into two groups on the basis of their heat score. PCR amplification and sequencing of the amplicons were performed using the specific sets of primer, and then, sequences were analyzed for novel variants. A total of 11 polymorphic sites were identified illustrating phenotypic variation in the heat score. Most of the loci were found homologous. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed for association with silent estrus. A three-dimensional protein model was also generated to locate the position of exonic SNPs. Conclusion: This study illustrated that polymorphic sites in the CYP19A1 gene provided potential markers for selection of buffalos with better estrus behavior.

Seminal reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity: Correlations with sperm parameters and impact on male infertility / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the seminal fluid of the male partners in couples undergoing intrauterine insemination and to evaluate correlations between these values and their semen parameters. METHODS: The study was conducted at Vamsam Fertility Center, Coimbatore, India and enrolled 110 male patients from whom semen samples were collected. ROS production was measured by a thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay, and TAC was measured by a 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay. The differences in the TAC and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels between the subfertile and fertile groups were analysed. Correlations between sperm parameters and TAC and MDA levels were statistically analysed, and cutoff values with respect to the controls were determined. All hypothesis tests used were two-tailed, with statistical significance assessed at the level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 87 subfertile and 23 fertile men were included in the study. The mean MDA level was significantly higher in the subfertile subjects than in the fertile subjects, and the mean antioxidant level was significantly lower in the subfertile subjects than in the fertile subjects. Seminal MDA levels were negatively associated with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, whereas the opposite was seen with TAC levels. CONCLUSION: Measurements of seminal TAC and ROS are valuable for predicting semen quality, and hence predicting the outcomes of fertility treatment.

Cytological endometritis in dairy cows: diagnostic threshold, risk factors, and impact on reproductive performance

We determined the threshold proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) for a diagnosis of cytological endometritis (CEM), the risk factors for this condition, and its impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Uterine cytology was performed on 407 Holstein cows 4 weeks postpartum to determine the proportions of endometrial cells and PMNs. A receiver operator characteristics curve was used to determine the threshold above which the PMN proportion affected the likelihood of cows conceiving by 200 days postpartum. The optimal threshold was ≥ 14% PMN (sensitivity, 31.3%; specificity, 81.7%; p < 0.05). The farm identity, retained placenta (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87), and septicemic metritis (OR = 3.07) were risk factors for CEM (p < 0.05). Cows with CEM were less likely to resume cyclicity (OR = 0.58) and to conceive by 200 days postpartum (hazard ratio = 0.58). Cows with CEM tended (p < 0.1) to be less likely to become pregnant after their first insemination (OR = 0.65) and to require a greater number of inseminations per conception (2.3 vs. 2.2). In conclusion, a PMN threshold of 14% defined the presence of CEM at 4 weeks postpartum. The farm, retained placenta, and septicemic metritis were risk factors for CEM, which reduces subsequent reproductive performance.

effect of endometrial injury by office hysteroscopy on the outcome of intrauterine insemination

Background: Evaluating the uterine cavity is a basic step in investigating infertile women. Both the condition of the endometrium as well as the uterine cavity are thought to be important factors in determining receptivity for embryo implantation

Aim of the Work: In our study we conducted a trial to assess the effect of endometrial injury by hysteroscopy in the outcome of intrauterine insemination [IUI]

Patients and Methods: This interventional prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at ElSayed Galal University Hospital during the period from January 2016 to October 2017. The study comprised 200 of women diagnosed as unexplained infertility or with mild male factor

Results: The biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were higher in women of group I when compared to women of group II [28 [28%] vs. 8 [8%], p=0.012 and 25 [25%] vs. 4 [4%], p= 0.034, respectively

Conclusion: Performing endometrial scratch using hysteroscopy in the preceding cycle of intra uterine insemination is a simple cheap maneuver that improves the chemical and clinical pregnancy outcome

Tratamiento con goserelina y tasa de embarazos de pacientes con infertilidad debida a endometriosis leve-moderada / Goserelin treatment and pregnancy rate of patients with infertility due mild-moderate endometriosis

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la utilidad del tratamiento con goserelina en la tasa de embarazos en pacientes con infertilidad debida a endometriosis leve-moderada. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, en el que se incluyó a 76 mujeres con diagnóstico de infertilidad y endometriosis leve-moderada que asistieron al Hospital Central Dr. Urquinaona. El grupo de estudio (grupo A; n = 42 pacientes) que fueron tratadas con goserelina de depósito por vía subcutánea, una vez al mes por 3 meses. Al reiniciar los ciclos menstruales, se realizó hiperestimulación ovárica controlada / inseminación intrauterina. En el grupo de control (grupo B; n = 34 pacientes) solo se realizó hiperestimulación ovárica controlada / inseminación intrauterina. Se analizó la tasa de embarazos. La tasa de embarazos en el grupo A fue de 35,7 % por paciente y 24,5 % por ciclo estimulado. En el grupo B, la tasa fue de 32,3 % por paciente y del 23,9 % por ciclo estimulado. La tasa en el grupo de pacientes tratadas con goserelina fue más alta en el grupo de pacientes no tratadas, pero estas diferencias no son estadísticamente significativas (p = ns). Se concluye que el tratamiento con goserelina por 3 meses no es útil en pacientes con infertilidad debida a endometriosis leve-moderada, ya que no produce un aumento significativo en la tasa de embarazos.

The objective of research was to determine the usefulness of goserelin in the pregnancy rate in patients with infertility due mild - moderate endometriosis. A prospective study was conducted in which 76 women with a diagnosis of infertility and mild-moderate endometriosis was included, who attended the Central Hospital Dr. Urquinaona. The study group (group A; n = 42 patients) were treated with goserelin depot subcutaneously once monthly for 3 months. Upon restarting menstrual cycles, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation / intrauterine insemination was performed. In the control group (group B, n = 34 patients), only controlled ovarian hyperstimulation / intrauterine insemination was performed. The pregnancy rate was analyzed. The pregnancy rate in group A was 35,7 % per patient and 24,5 % per stimulated cycle. In group B, the rate was 32,3 % per patient and 23,9 % per stimulated cycle. The rates in the group of patients treated with goserelin were higher in the group of untreated patients, but these differences were not statistically significant (p = ns). It is concluded that treatment with goserelin for 3 months is not useful in patients with infertility due mild - moderate endometriosis, as it does not produce a significant increase in the rate of pregnancy.

Effects of sperm insemination on the final meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes arrested at metaphase I after in vitro maturation / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate whether fertilization could induce the resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes arrested at metaphase I (MI) after in vitro maturation (IVM), and to investigate the effect of Ca²⁺ chelator treatment at the time of fertilization on the transition from MI to metaphase II (MII). METHODS: MII-stage and arrested MI-stage mouse oocytes after IVM were fertilized, and then embryonic development was monitored. Blastocysts from each group were transferred into 2.5 days post-coitum pseudo-pregnant ICR mice. MI oocytes after IVM were treated with a Ca²⁺ chelator to investigate the effect of Ca²⁺ oscillations on their maturation. RESULTS: As insemination time increased, the number of oocytes in the MI group that reached the MII stage also increased. The blastocyst rates and total cell numbers in the MII group were significantly higher than in the MI group. No pregnancy occurred in the MI group, but 10 pregnancies were achieved (10 of 12) in the MII group. The proportion of MI oocytes that matured to MII oocytes after fertilization was significantly higher in the non-treated group than in the Ca²⁺ chelator-treated group. CONCLUSION: The findings that a higher proportion of MI-arrested oocytes progressed to MII after fertilization and that the MI-to-MII transition was blocked by Ca2+ chelator treatments before fertilization indicate that the maturation of MI oocytes to MII oocytes is associated with intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations driven by fertilization.

Influence of the insemination method on the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the insemination method on the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture performed between January 2011 and December 2014. RESULTS: There were 2,003 cycles of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 336 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), including 25,652 and 4,164 embryos that underwent sequential blastocyst culture, respectively. No significant differences were found in the female patients' age, basal follicle-stimulating hormone level, basal luteinizing hormone level, body mass index, number of oocytes, maturity rate, fertilization rate, or good-quality embryo rate. However, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate were significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group (54.70% vs. 50.94% and 51.09% vs. 47.65%, respectively, p0.05). No cycles were canceled due to the formation of no usable blastocysts. CONCLUSION: Although the fertilization method had no effect on clinical outcomes, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate in the ICSI group were significantly lower than those observed in the conventional IVF group. Therefore, more care should be taken when choosing to perform blastocyst culture in ICSI patients.

Evaluation of human embryo development in in vitro fertilization- and intracytoplasmic sperm injection-fertilized oocytes: A time-lapse study / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the insemination method (in vitro fertilization [IVF] or intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]) affected morphokinetic events and abnormal cleavage events in embryonic development. METHODS: A total of 1,830 normal fertilized embryos were obtained from 272 IVF and ICSI cycles that underwent ovum retrieval culture using a time-lapse system (Embryoscope) from June 2013 to March 2015. All embryos were investigated by a detailed time-lapse analysis that measured the developmental events in the hours after IVF or ICSI insemination. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding clinical outcomes (p>0.05). ICSI-derived embryos showed significantly faster morphokinetics than those derived from conventional IVF, from the time to pronuclear fading to the time to 6 cells (p0.05). There were no differences in abnormal cleavage events between the two groups (p>0.05); they showed the same rates of direct cleavage from 1 to 3 cells, 2 multinucleated cells, 2 uneven cells, and reverse cleavage. CONCLUSION: The morphokinetics of embryo development was found to vary between IVF- and ICSI-fertilized oocytes, at least until the 6-cell stage. However, these differences did not affect the clinical outcomes of the embryo. Additionally, no significant differences in abnormal cleavage events were found according to the fertilization method.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in IVF-ICSI split insemination cycles / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in sibling oocytes. Additionally, we evaluated whether the implementation of split insemination contributed to an increase in the number of ICSI procedures. METHODS: A total of 571 cycles in 555 couples undergoing split insemination cycles were included in this study. Among them, 512 cycles (89.7%) were a couple's first IVF cycle. The patients were under 40 years of age and at least 10 oocytes were retrieved in all cycles. Sibling oocytes were randomly allocated to IVF or ICSI. RESULTS: Total fertilization failure was significantly more common in IVF cycles than in ICSI cycles (4.0% vs. 1.4%, p<0.05), but the low fertilization rate among retrieved oocytes (as defined by fertilization rates greater than 0% but <30%) was significantly higher in ICSI cycles than in IVF cycles (17.2% vs. 11.4%, p<0.05). The fertilization rate of ICSI among injected oocytes was significantly higher than for IVF (72.3%±24.3% vs. 59.2%±25.9%, p<0.001), but the fertilization rate among retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in IVF than in ICSI (59.2%±25.9% vs. 52.1%±22.5%, p<0.001). Embryo quality before embryo transfer was not different between IVF and ICSI. Although the sperm parameters were not different between the first cycle and the second cycle, split insemination or ICSI was performed in 18 of the 95 cycles in which a second IVF cycle was performed. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes did not differ between IVF and ICSI in split insemination cycles. Split insemination can decrease the risk of total fertilization failure. However, unnecessary ICSI is carried out in most split insemination cycles and the use of split insemination might make ICSI more common.

Taxa de prenhez em vacas de leite após uso de protocolos hormonais de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Pregnancy rates in dairy cows after the use of hormonal protocols of timed artificial insemination

O presente estudo objetivou comparar a eficiência e o custo de três protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), em vacas leiteiras, criadas em sistema extensivo de produção nas regiões Norte e Noroeste Fluminense. Foram utilizadas 162 vacas mestiças Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, hígidas, avaliadas previamente por exame de ultrassonografia. Foi utilizado sêmen comercial de diferentes touros devidamente testados nas centrais de inseminação. As vacas receberam implantes intravaginais de progesterona e foram submetidas aos protocolos: BE (n = 108) - benzoato de estradiol; GnRH (n = 22) - benzoato de estradiol e hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH); e eCG (n= 32) - benzoato de estradiol, GnRH e gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG). Decorridos 45 dias da IATF foi realizado exame de ultrassonografia para a detecção da gestação. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste de qui-quadrado. As vacas submetidas aos protocolos BE, GnRH e eCG obtiveram os índices de prenhez 42,6%, 45,5% e 68,8% respectivamente. O protocolo que apresentou menor custo econômico foi o BE, seguido do eCG e por último o GnRH. O uso da IATF na região pode ser alternativa viável para incrementar os índices reprodutivos em rebanhos bovinos, sobretudo com uso de protocolos hormonais que tenham em sua composição a eCG que, segundo o presente estudo, apresentaram índices de prenhes satisfatórios e custo econômico mediano.

This study aimed to compare the efficiency and the cost of three protocols of timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows reared in extensive production system in the North and Northwest Fluminense regions. They used 162 crossbred cows Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, otherwise healthy, previously assessed by ultrasound examination. It used commercial semen from different bulls properly tested in insemination centers. The cows received implants intravaginal progesterone and were submitted to the protocols: BE (n = 108) - estradiol benzoate; GnRH (n = 22) - estradiol benzoate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); and eCG (n = 32) - estradiol benzoate, GnRH and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). After 45 days of TAI was performed ultrasound examination for the detection of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The cows submitted to BE protocols, GnRH and eCG obtained the pregnancy rates 42.6%, 45.5% and 68.8% respectively. The protocol showed lower economic cost was the BE, followed by eCG and last GnRH. The use of the TAI in the region can be a viable alternative to increase the reproductive rates in cattle herds, especially with the use of hormonal protocols that have in their composition eCG that, according to this study showed satisfactory pregnant rates and average economic cost.

The current status of public sperm bank in Korea

Sperm banking is an important option to maintain the male fertilization capacity or induce pregnancy even though under the era of in vitro fertilization. The medical indications for sperm banking are generally consisted of 3 categories. There are cases on planning the permanent contraception like vasectomy or cancer patients to be scheduled the chemotherapy or radiotherapy as first category, male infertile patients with severe oligozoospermia or artificially harvested sperm ie, from microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration or testicular sperm extraction et cetera for the artificial insemination with husband sperm as second category, and the therapeutic donor insemination as third category. Of these three categories, the sperm donation program accompanies various complicated practical, ethical and legal issues. Therefore, highly regulated statements are mandatory in order to secure safety and the complete practices for voluntary sperm donors and infertile couples both. In aspect of administrative structure of sperm bank, there are 3 types that are national based to be established in the most of European countries and China, public based in Japan, and commercially available in the USA. Additionally, each country has different standard guidelines, regulation statements, act and law to control the sperm donation program as well as different cultural or religious background. Nevertheless, we need a consensus document to operate the sperm bank with the standard guidelines to be well revised according to each country's ethical perspectives as well as contemporary scientific evolution. This article will provide what is the Korean model for ideal sperm bank with the history of sperm cryopreservation and banking, background and prerequisite for the public sperm bank operation, and also expected effects.