Impact of different typologies of smoking on ovarian reserve and oocyte quality in women performing ICSI cycles: an observational prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Within the last few years smoking activities, as well as infertility, have increased in Italy, and so has the consumption of alternative cigarette devices among women of childbearing age. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the impact of the consumption of cigarettes and alternatives devices, such as electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn (HnB) products, on infertile women performing in vitro fertilization (IVF), in specific on the quality of oocytes retrieved in women performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational longitudinal study involving 410 women referring to the Reproductive Physiopathology and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, from 2019-2022. All the women enrolled filled out an elaborate questionnaire investigating smoking consumption, before the beginning of ovarian stimulation by antagonist protocol, ovarian pick-up, and subsequent ICSI technique. The outcomes of the study were the evaluation of clinical and ICSI features between the groups of smokers and non-smokers: the number of retrieved oocytes, immature oocytes, and fertilization rate were confronted between the two groups and between cigarette smokers vs. e-cigarette and heat-not-burn (HnB) products smokers. RESULTS: Clinical parameters were comparable between the group of smokers compared to one of the non-smokers, except for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which was statistically lower in smokers (p<0.05). Regarding IVF hormonal stimulations it appears that the total dose of gonadotropin was statistically lower in the non-smoker's group, compared to smokers (1850±860 UI vs. 1,730±780 p<0.05). Regarding ICSI techniques interestingly the number of oocytes retrieved was lower in the smokers' group compared to non-smokers (5.21±0.9 vs. 6.55±3.5, p<0.001), and the number of empty zona pellucida oocytes was statistically higher in the smokers' group (0.51±0.1 vs. 0.2±0.1, p<0.05). On the other hand, the fertilization rate (FR) was statistically higher in non-smokers compared to the smokers' group (72.16±3.05 vs. 68.12±2.21, p=0.03). Out of the 203 smokers, overall, any statistically significant difference, regarding ICSI results, has been found between the group of cigarette smokers, compared to the group of e-cigarettes plus HnB products smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking negatively impacts human fertility, leading to a reduction of ovarian reserve and ovarian quality, which can negatively impact results in women performing ICSI cycles. Despite the limitation of the study, our results underline that consumption of cigarette alternative devices seems to have a similar negative impact on the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved in ICSI cycles. Clinicians should emphasize the reduction of exposure to harmful substances derived from the combustion of tobacco smoking, as well as alternative devices, in women of childbearing age.

Uterine fibroids treatment: do we have new valid alternative? Experiencing the combination of vitamin D plus epigallocatechin gallate in childbearing age affected women.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine myomas are the most common benign tumors in females, and at least 25% of affected patients experience symptoms severe enough to need treatment, like heavy hemorrhage, pelvic pain, and infertility. Currently, a non-invasive approach is preferred in women of childbearing age who desire pregnancy. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of oral supplementation with a combination of vitamin D plus epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and vitamin B6 in women with myomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April and December 2020, we enrolled 95 women of childbearing age, afferent to our hospital, displaying at least one myoma with a diameter <4 cm. Patients were divided in two groups: 41 women were treated daily with two tablets of 25 µg vitamin D + 150 mg EGCG + 5 mg vitamin B6 for 4 months; 54 women, representing the control group, received no treatment. Total volume and vascularization of myomas were analyzed ultrasonographically. Bleeding and pelvic pain was also evaluated, as well as patients' quality of life and health through questionnaire Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Patient Global Impression of improvement (PGI-I). RESULTS: After treatment myomas' total volume and peripherical vascularization significantly decreased respectively by 37.9% (p<0.001) and 7.7%. On the other hand, we observed an increase in myomas' volume by 5.5 % and of peripherical vascularization by 5% in the control group. The treated group reported an improvement in SF-36 (p<0.001) and PGI-I (85.4%) questionnaire scores. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated, in young women who want to preserve fertility, that the combined supplementation of vitamin D, EGCG, and vitamin B6 reduced myomas' volume and improved patients' quality of life, without side effects.

Assessment of sexual and emotional distress in infertile couple: validation of a new specific psychometric tool.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of infertility strongly impacts on psychological and sexological couple health. In this regard, some feelings and psychological states were demonstrated in association with reproductive problems. Depression and anxiety are the most common psychopathologies associated with infertility, although also sexuality is strongly involved in infertility conditions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to develop a tool to probe and assess the emotional aspects, sexuality, and social relationships of the couple seeking medical care for infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-reported questionnaire that we will refer to as SEIq (Sexuality and Emotions in Infertility questionnaire) was constructed and developed and, consequently, administered to 162 heterosexual couples (324 subjects) seeking help for reproductive problems. Hence, we performed a specific statistical analysis to assess and validate this new psychometric tool. RESULTS: About 60% of men and women (both partners in 43% of couples) declare that infertility has changed their life (Q10). Moreover, the incidence of sexual disorder declared by the subjects is quite rare in men (10%) but more frequent in women (29%) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The results of this pilot test show that the diagnosis of infertility impacts on the couple relationship affecting the emotional area, interpersonal relationships, and sexual functions of the couples. Moreover, the SEIq appears a valuable tool to coherently probe and relate sexological, psychological, relational, and emotive aspects in partners and couples facing the infertility diagnosis. The explorative factor analysis of SEIq data allows to understand the women, men, and couples' behavior in our sample, individuating a reduced set of factors, prone to an easier evaluation. On the whole, the psychometric evaluation through SEIq might be suitable for the couples during Assisted Reproductive Technologies treatments.

Linarite and connellite dataset from Calabria region (Southern Italy): First evidence.

This dataset article contains mineralogical and chemical data of linarite and connellite sulfate minerals. These minerals were found included in the oxidized zones of cupriferous sulfide ores in the Fiumarella Mine, in Calabria region (Southern Italy). Linarite is a basic sulfate of copper and lead with the formula of PbCuSO4(OH)2 while connellite is a hydrated sulfate of copper with an ideal formula of Cu36Cl6(SO4)2(OH)62∙12H2O. Recently, in the mine of Fiumarella, in addition to primary minerals such as barite, galena, cerussite, anglesite, fluorite and chalcopyrite, wulfenite (PbMoO4) was also detected. Linarite consists of a prismatic bright blue crystal with a vitreous luster of micrometric size implanted upon on a matrix made up of barite. Connellite includes micrometric acicular tuft crystals protruding from matrix. Methods for obtaining the datasets include optical microscopy, micro X-ray Fluorescence and micro-Raman spectroscopy.

First evidence of wulfenite in Calabria Region (Southern Italy).

This data article contains mineralogical and chemical data of the wulfenite (PbMoO4) sampled from mine of Fiumarella in Calabria region (Southern Italy). Wulfenite is a rare mineral belonging to the class of minerals called molybdates and if found in large amounts it can be used for the extraction of molybdenum. In the mine of Fiumarella, in addition to primary minerals such as barite, galena, cerussite, anglesite, fluorite and chalcopyrite, wulfenite was also detected. Wulfenite crystals are bipyramidal, few microns in size and grow as single crystals that can reach 1 mm. Methods for obtaining the data sets include optical microscopy, micro X-Ray Fluorescence and micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Controlled, prospective, observational study on the efficiency and tolerability of a combination of potential Nrf2-inducing antioxidants and micronutrients as pre-treatment for ICSI in dyspermic patients with previous failure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of pre-treatment in dyspermic males in IVF couples with a combination of micronutrients, for the purpose of improving the fertilization rate, the implantation rate and the outcome of the pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled prospective clinical study was performed in two medically assisted reproduction centers. 59 males with mild oligo-astheno-teratospermia (OAT) were admitted to the study. All of them had a history of previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts with female partners aged < 40 diagnosed having tubal or idiopathic infertility. The subjects upon enrolment underwent a semen test and afterward were treated with alpha lipoic acid and glutathione (Fertiplus SOD®, Idi-Pharma, Catania, Italy) for 4 weeks (short-term). The primary endpoints that were evaluated are the following: fertilization rate (mean fertilization), implantation rate and pregnancy rate. RESULTS: At the end of this study all the males (mean age 39.5 ± 5.1) reported in not having any side effects during the administration of Fertiplus. Their female partners (mean age 34.9 ± 4.5) underwent IVF using the ICSI technique. The number of oocytes retrieved and inseminated was not statistically different in comparison to previous attempts, but with the same number of oocytes treated, the fertilization rate per couple demonstrated statistically significant increase (p<0.001). We did not observe a percentage increase in evolutionary embryos, but we noticed an improvement in embryo quality per individual couple (p<0.001), associated with a net increase in the implantation rate per couple (p<0.001) in terms of clinical pregnancy. The estimated miscarriage risk after treatment was five times lower (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term treatment with micronutrients in dyspermic subjects can improve the reproductive outcome of the IVF procedure.

Integrated carboxylic carbon nanotube pathways with membranes for voltage-activated humidity detection and microclimate regulation.

This work describes some single walled carboxylic carbon nanotubes with outstanding transport properties when assembled in a 3D microarray working like a humidity membrane-sensor and an adjustable moisture regulator. Combined nano-assembly approaches are used to build up a better quality pathway through which assisted-charge and mass transport synchronically takes place. The structure-electrical response relationship is found, while controllable and tunable donor-acceptor interactions established at material interfaces are regarded as key factors for the accomplishment of charge transportation, enhanced electrical responses and adjustable moisture exchange. Raman and infrared spectroscopy provides indications about the fine structural and chemical features of the hybrid-composite membranes, resulting in perfect agreement with related morphology and electrical properties. Enhanced and modular electrical response to changes in the surrounding atmosphere is concerned with doping events, while assisted moisture regulation is discussed in relation to swelling and hopping actions. The electro-activated hybrid-composite membrane proposed in this work can be regarded as an attractive 'sense-to-act' precursor for smart long-distance monitoring systems with capability to adapt itself and provide local comfortable microenvironments.

Progesterone supplement in pregnancy: an immunologic therapy?

One of the most interesting functions of the placenta is the regulation of the maternal immune response such that the fetal semi-allograft is tolerated during pregnancy. Trophoblasts are presumed to be essential to this phenomenon because they lie at the maternal-fetal interface, where they are in direct contact with cells of the maternal immune system. Trophoblasts do not express classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Surprisingly, cytotrophoblasts express more HLA-G, a MHC class Ib molecule, as they invade the uterus. Progesterone plays an important role in postovulatory regulation of the menstrual cycle. If fertilization occurs, progesterone supports implantation of the ovum and maintains the pregnancy. Progesterone has been named the 'hormone of pregnancy', because in preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation and facilitating endometrial development, it is critical to the very survival of a pregnancy. In addition, this key hormone inhibits the rejection of T cell-mediated tissue and also decreases myometrial activity and sensitivity throughout pregnancy. The cellular actions of progesterone are mediated through intracellular progesterone receptors (PRs), which are well studied gene regulators, not express classic major histocompatibility complex. The more used paradigm is relative to the alteration of relationship TH1/TH2, but the complexity of the respective distributions of cytokines at the materno-fetal interface, strongly suggest that, as useful as it certainly was for a while, the Th1/Th2 paradigm must now be considered as an oversimplification. Rather, the existing data point to sequential windows and are suggestive of a system where an extreme complexity is allied to very precise timing and tuning. They also suggest that the materno-fetal relationship is not simply maternal tolerance of a foreign tissue, but a series of intricate mutual cytokine interactions governing selective immune regulation and also control of the adhesion and vascularization processes during this dialogue. However, as shifting the immune response toward the Th2 pattern (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6) may benefit the fetus, whereas development of proinflammatory Th1 cells (secreting IL-2, IFN g, TNF a) may be harmful. Now we are working to open comprise the precise behaviour of NK populations, with the hope of obtaining a diagnostic test of the condition of abortion from 'immunological causes'.