Advanced strategies for single embryo selection in assisted human reproduction: A review of clinical practice and research methods.

Among the primary objectives of contemporary assisted reproductive technology research are achieving the births of healthy singletons and improving overall fertility outcomes. Substantial advances have been made in refining the selection of single embryos for transfer, with the aim of maximizing the likelihood of successful implantation. The principal criterion for this selection is embryo morphology. Morphological evaluation systems are based on traditional parameters, including cell count and fragmentation, pronuclear morphology, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation, and various sequential embryonic assessments. To reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies and to identify the single embryo with the highest potential for growth, invasive techniques such as preimplantation genetic screening are employed in in vitro fertilization clinics. However, new approaches have been suggested for clinical application that do not harm the embryo and that provide consistent, accurate results. Noninvasive technologies, such as time-lapse imaging and omics, leverage morphokinetic parameters and the byproducts of embryo metabolism, respectively, to identify noninvasive prognostic markers for competent single embryo selection. While these technologies have garnered considerable interest in the research community, they are not incorporated into routine clinical practice and still have substantial room for improvement. Currently, the most promising strategies involve integrating multiple methodologies, which together are anticipated to increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy.

Microfluidic devices employing chemo- and thermotaxis for sperm selection can improve sperm parameters and function in patients with high DNA fragmentation.

Conventional sperm processing uses centrifugation has a negative effect on sperm parameters and DNA integrity. We designed and fabricated a novel microfluid device based on chemotaxis and thermotaxis, and compared it with the swim-up method. Twenty normal samples with high DNA fragmentation were included. Each sample was divided into four groups: Group 1, control, Group 2: sperm selection by thermotaxis, Group 3: sperm selection by chemotaxis, and Group 4: sperm selection with thermotaxis and chemotaxis. We used cumulus cells in a microfluid device to create chemotaxis, and, two warm stages to form a temperature gradient for thermotaxis. The spermatozoa were assessed based on the concentration, motility, and fine morphology using Motile Sperm Organelle Morphology Examination, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome reaction (AR), and sperm DNA fragmentation. Concentration (22.40 ± 5.39 vs. 66.50 ± 19.21; p < 0.001) and DNA fragmentation (12.30 ± 3.96% vs. 17.95 ± 2.89%; p < 0.001) after selection in the chemotaxis and thermotaxis microfluid device were significantly lower than control group. The progressive motility (93.75 ± 4.39% vs. 75.55 ± 5.86%, p < 0.001), normal morphology (15.45 ± 2.50% vs. 10.35 ± 3.36, p < 0.001), MMP (97.65 ± 1.81% vs. 94 ± 3.89%, p = 0.02), and AR status (79.20 ± 5.28% vs. 31.20 ± 5.24%, p < 0.001) in the chemotaxis and thermotaxis microfluid device were significantly increased compared to control group. According to these findings, spermatozoa that have penetrated the cumulus oophorus have better morphology and motility, as well as acrosome reactivity and DNA integrity.

A review on Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast: a promising eco-friendly approach to biological controlof malaria.

Malaria is a deadly parasitic disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. One of the most extensive malaria control measures proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has received better attention in recent years, is the biological control of Anopheles mosquitoes. In this concept, Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast has received more attention from researchers in this field. In the present review, we have investigated the anti-malaria effect of Wickerhamomyces anomalous. In the present review, we searched PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Wiley databases for relevant articles. Keywords used in the inquiries were biological control, yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, malaria, Anopheles mosquito, and Plasmodium. Wickerhamomyces anomalus has a wide range of anti-microbial activity. By producing killer toxins (KT), this yeast can kill microorganisms, so it has called killer yeast. This was investigated and proven using monoclonal antibody, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence (IFA) technique. It has also been used in various studies regarding the biological control of malaria by killing Anopheles mosquito larvae. Considering the proven lethal effect of toxins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus, the results could be a big step forward towards ending the life cycle of malaria parasites in the body of vector mosquitos.

The in vitro effect of chick embryo extract on mice pre-antral follicles.

Chick embryo extract (CEE) contains a variety of growth factors which may improve in vitro follicle growth. Therefore, the effect of CEE on mouse pre-antral follicle culture was evaluated. Different percentages of CEE (0, 0.50%, 1.00%, 5.00% and 10.00%) were added to culture medium. Hence, the osmolarity of media was measured. Pre-antral follicles with diameter of 120-150 µm were isolated from 12-14 days old mouse ovary and cultured for 12 days. After culture, the maturation rate was assessed. Granulosa cells viability was evaluated using MTT test and estradiol levels were evaluated using related radio-immunoassay (RIA). Genes expression (BMP15 and ALK6) was also evaluated. The osmolarity of media and granulosa cells viability were the same in all groups. Estradiol level in group with 10.00% CEE was significantly decreased compared to the control group. After 12 days culture, the percentage of antral follicles development was significantly higher in the group with 5.00% CEE compared to control group. The percentage of metaphase II and germinal vesicle breakdown oocytes was significantly higher in group 5.00% CEE compared to control group. The expression of BMP15 gene in antral follicles in 5.00% CEE and control groups was significantly lower compared to pre-antral follicles. However, the expression of ALK6 gene in antral follicles in 5.00% CEE and control groups was not significantly different compared to pre-antral follicles. The increasing effect of CEE on follicle viability with keeping normal gene expression indicates that addition of proper percentage of CEE to culture media improves culture conditions, making it a possible choice to be used as a follicular growth enhancer in infertility clinics.