Aspirin for Endometrial Preparation in Patients Undergoing IVF: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of aspirin on IVF success rates when used as an adjuvant treatment for endometrial preparation. DATA SOURCES: Relevant publications were comprehensively selected from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to November 15, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective cohort studies that used aspirin as an adjuvant treatment for endometrial preparation and reported subsequent pregnancy outcomes were included. Studies were excluded if aspirin was used before and/or during ovarian stimulation. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 7 studies. Risk of bias assessment was based on the methodology and categories listed in the Cochrane Handbook for the RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the retrospective studies. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Summary measures were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There was significant evidence that aspirin for endometrial preparation improved live birth rates (OR  1.52; 95% CI   1.15-2.00). No effect was noted for clinical pregnancy rates (OR  1.37; 95% CI   1.00-1.87); however, aspirin was associated with improved pregnancy rates in a subgroup analysis of patients receiving oocyte donation (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.30-4.92) and in the sensitivity analysis (OR 1.3; 95% CI   1.02-1.66). No effect of aspirin was found for implantation or miscarriage rates (OR 1.31; 95% CI  0.51-3.36 and OR 0.41; 95% CI  0.02-7.42, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings support a beneficial effect of aspirin for endometrial preparation on IVF success rates, mainly live birth rates, outside the context of ovarian stimulation. However, this evidence is based on poor quality data and needs to be confirmed with high-quality RCTs.

Evidence-based clinical prioritization of embryos with mosaic results: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review and meta-analysis is to standardize the practice of mosaic embryo transfer, based on the current available evidence. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Relevant studies published were comprehensively selected using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL until 5 March 2021. Prospective and retrospective studies reporting the genetic analysis and clinical outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer were included. Risk of bias assessment was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the non-randomized studies. The primary and secondary outcomes were combined ongoing pregnancy and live birth rate and miscarriage rate, respectively. RESULTS: There were no differences between low and high mosaic embryos when a cut-off of 40% was used in terms of OP/LBR and SAB. However, low mosaics with a cut-off of 50% compared to high mosaics showed a significantly higher OP/LBR in the NGS but not in the a-CGH group, and a significantly lower risk of SAB. No differences were noted between mosaic monosomies versus trisomies and single versus double mosaics for both OP/LBR and SAB. Finally, segmental mosaics showed a higher OP/LBR and a lower SAB compared to whole chromosomes, and single and double mosaics had a higher OP/LBR compared to complex mosaics. CONCLUSIONS: A cut-off of 50% in defining low versus high mosaic embryos is preferable to a threshold of 40% when using NGS platform. No priority was established for mosaic trisomies over monosomies. Single and double mosaics must be preferred over complex mosaics and segmental mosaics must be preferred over whole chromosome mosaics. These results should be interpreted in the context of specific chromosomes involved in the mosaicism.

Low-Dose Pre-Operative Botulinum Toxin A Effectively Facilitates Complex Ventral Hernia Repair: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Complex ventral hernias following laparotomy present a unique challenge in that repair is hindered by the lateral tension of the abdominal wall. A novel approach to overcome this is the "chemical component separation" technique. Here, botulinum toxin A (BTA) is instilled into the muscles of the abdominal wall. This induces flaccid paralysis and effectively reduces tension in the wall, allowing the muscles to be successfully joined in the midline during surgery. We describe a method where a large incisional hernia was repaired using this technique and review the variations in methodology. Case report: A woman in her mid-40s developed a ventral hernia in the setting of a previous laparotomy for a small bowel perforation. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated an 85 (Width) × 95 mm (Length) ventral hernia containing loops of the bowel. Pre-operative botulinum toxin A administration was arranged at the local interventional radiology department. A total of 100 units of BTA were instilled at four sites into the muscular layers of the abdominal wall under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. She underwent an open incisional hernia repair 4 weeks later, where the contents were reduced and the abdominal wall layers were successfully joined in the midline. There was no clinical evidence of hernia recurrence at 3-months follow-up. Conclusion: Low-dose BTA effectively facilitates the surgical management of large ventral incisional hernias. There is, however, significant variation in the dosage, concentration and anatomical landmarks in which BTA is administered as described in the literature. Further studies are needed to assess and optimise these variables.

Laparoscopic Excision of an Unusual Presentation of a Nabothian Cyst: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Nabothian cysts are mucinous retention cysts formed through the accumulation of cervical mucus inside blocked cervical crypts leading to non-neoplastic mucinous cystic lesion in relation to the uterine cervix. The formation of Nabothian cysts is a common gynecological benign condition in women of reproductive age. While the presence of small-sized Nabothian cysts is usually clinically asymptomatic and requires no treatment or intervention, the diagnosis of larger Nabothian cysts can be mistaken with malignant tumors, including mucin producing carcinomas such as Adenoma malignum. In this study, we report the case of a large Nabothian cyst that was correctly diagnosed preoperatively using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and successfully treated through laparoscopic excision, avoiding the performance of unnecessary hysterectomy. A 44-year old Lebanese patient presented with chronic dyspareunia and pelvic pain. An ultrasound was performed and revealed an 8cm multiloculated anechoic pelvic cystic lesion with no solid components. An MRI was performed and showed an 8cm mass lateral to the right vaginal wall, suggestive of a Nabothian cyst. The patient was scheduled for laparoscopic removal of the Nabothian cyst. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged under stable condition a few hours after the operation. Careful preoperative examination, including the use of imaging methods such as ultrasonogoraphy and MRI, is crucial for diagnosis and differentiation of atypical presentation of benign, but large and complex, Nabothian cysts from other differential conditions of malignancies, consequently avoiding unnecessary hysterectomy. Use of laparoscopy as a minimally-invasive technique to excise such cysts is considered a valid option, allowing for a fast recovery for the patients.

Pelvic Diagnostic Challenges of Appendiceal Neoplasm Mimicking a Hematosalpinx: A Case Report.

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare and can be easily misdiagnosed as adnexal masses. Fertility is a concern in cases requiring cytoreductive surgery involving the ovaries and if hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is considered. We present the case of a 35-year-old patient with primary infertility who was suspected to have a hematosalpinx on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but was found to have an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm on laparoscopy. Fertility preservation was offered to this patient. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients in their reproductive years presenting with adnexal masses. Fertility preservation should be discussed with these patients, especially when gonadotoxic treatments are planned.

Enhancing surgical performance: the role of robotic surgery in myomectomies, a systematic review and metanalysis.

Examine the role, benefits, and limitations of robotic surgery in myomectomies compared to laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. This review sourced data from CENTRAL, Pubmed, Medline, and Embase up until May 1, 2023. Full articles comparing clinical outcomes of robotic myomectomy with open or laparoscopic procedures were included without language restriction. Initially, 2150 records were found. 24 studies were finally included for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Two investigators independently assessed all reports following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted using the software "Review Manager Version 5.4". Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, when feasible. In a comparison between robotic and laparoscopic myomectomies, no significant difference was observed in fibroid weights and the size of the largest fibroid. Robotic myomectomy resulted in less blood loss, but transfusion rates were comparable. Both methods had similar complication rates and operative times, although some robotic studies showed longer durations. Conversion rates favored robotics. Hospital stays varied widely, with no overall significant difference, and pregnancy rates were similar between the two methods. When comparing robotic to open myomectomies, open procedures treated heavier and larger fibroids. They also had greater blood loss, but the robotic approach required fewer transfusions. The complication rate was slightly higher in open procedures. Open surgeries were generally faster, postoperative pain scores were similar, but hospital stays were longer for open procedures. Pregnancy rates were comparable for both robotic and open methods. Robotic surgery offers advancement in myomectomy procedures by offering enhanced exposure and dexterity, leading to reduced blood loss and improved patient outcomes. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023462348.

The POPI-Plus tool: prediction model of outcome of pregnancy in in vitro fertilization from a large retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To create a tool that accurately predicts live birth chances after a positive pregnancy test after elective single embryo transfer (ET). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: CHUM hospital and Ovo clinic in Montreal, Canada. PATIENT(S): Patients with a positive pregnancy test result who underwent their first single ET after in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the CHUM hospital and Ovo clinic in Montreal, Canada, from 2012 to 2016 were selected. A total of 1,995 patients were included in this study. INTERVENTION(S): The data from both centers were combined and divided into training (70%, n = 1,398) and validation (30%, n = 597) sets. The predictive model was developed using backward selection method for the following variables: age of patient at egg retrieval; log ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) (ß-hCG) 1; log ß-hCG 2; and IVF treatment type. Moreover, the classification tree, random forest, and neural network models were generated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The measured outcomes were live birth (live fetus ≥24 weeks of gestation) and nonviable pregnancies. The performance of all models was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULT(S): Advancing age was negatively correlated with live birth. The odds ratio (OR) of age of patient at the time of egg retrieval was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.99). The log ß-hCG 1 and log ß-hCG 2 were positively correlated with live birth in the univariate analysis (OR, 4.15 [95% CI, 3.19-5.39], and OR, 3.84 [95% CI, 2.99-4.93], respectively). The ß-hCG 1 level needed for a successful pregnancy was lower in frozen ET and modified natural IVF than in simulated IVF (OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34-0.91], and OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.26-0.95], respectively). The best performance in terms of the AUC was the updated logistic model: POPI-Plus. The AUC values were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.73-0.79) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.74-0.82) for the training and validation data, respectively. The other models (classification tree, random forest, and neural network) also performed adequately, with an AUC of ≥0.7, but remained below POPI-Plus. An open-access calculator was generated and can be found on the website of the University of Montreal on the following link: https://deptobsgyn.umontreal.ca/departement/divisions/medecine-et-biologie-de-la-reproduction/the-popi-plus-tool/. CONCLUSION(S): The POPI-Plus tool offers individualized counseling for patients after an initial positive ß-hCG test result. Future studies will assess its impact on patient anxiety while awaiting viability ultrasound and perform prospective validation on new patients.

Assessing the prognostic value of KRAS mutation combined with tumor size in stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective analysis.

Background: KRAS mutation status is a well-established independent prognostic factor in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet its role in early-stage disease is unclear. Here, we investigate the prognostic value of combining survival data on KRAS mutation status and tumor size in stage I-II NSCLC. Methods: We studied the combined impact of KRAS mutational status and tumor size on overall survival (OS) in patients with stage I-II NSCLC. We performed a retrospective study including 310 diagnosed patients with early (stage I-II) NSCLCs. All molecularly assessed patients diagnosed with stage I-II NSCLC between 2016-2018 in the Västra Götaland Region of western Sweden were screened in this multi-center retrospective study. The primary study outcome was overall survival. Results: Out of 310 patients with stage I-II NSCLC, 37% harbored an activating mutation in the KRAS gene. Our study confirmed staging and tumor size as prognostic factors. However, KRAS mutational status was not found to impact OS and there was no difference in the risk of death when combining KRAS mutational status and primary tumor size. Conclusions: In our patient cohort, KRAS mutations in combination with primary tumor size did not impact prognosis in stage I-II NSCLC.

The effectiveness of exergames intervention on motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive function disorders: A randomized control trial.

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of exergames in improving the motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder. Children, selected by simple random method were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 16). Circle drawing task, and The Serial Reaction Time Task were used to collect and analyze data. The current study is a randomized control trial (RCT) type of research with a two-group pretest, post-test, and follow up -test design in terms of the purpose of applied research and the method of data collection. T-test results for the differences in post- test mean scores between the two groups in motor memory and inhibitory control showed that the treatment group outperformed the control group. There were statistical differences between pre and post measures in favor of post test, and between pre and follow up measures in favor of follow up test, but no statistical differences between post and follow up test. This study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder using exergames intervention.

Update on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy and outcomes of embryos with mosaic results.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is used as a frequent add-on for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve clinical outcomes. The purpose is to select a euploid embryo following chromosomal testing on embryo biopsies. The current practice includes comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) technology applied on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies. Despite its widespread use, PGT-A remains a controversial topic mainly because all of the RCTs comprised only good prognosis patients with 2 or more blastocysts available; hence the results are not generalizable to all groups of patients. Furthermore, with the introduction of the highly-sensitive platforms into clinical practice (i.e. next-generation sequencing [NGS]), a result consistent with intermediate copy number surfaced and is termed "Mosaic," consistent with a mixture of euploid and aneuploid cells within the biopsy sample. The optimal disposition and management of embryos with mosaic results is still an open question, as many 'mosaics' generated healthy live births with no identifiable congenital anomalies. The present article provides a complete and comprehensive up-to-date review on PGT-A. It discusses in detail the findings of all the published RCTs on PGT-A with CCS, comments on the subject of "mosaicism" and its current management, and describes the latest technique of non-invasive PGT-A.

Chemoimmunotherapy-related enteritis resulting in a mechanical small bowel obstruction - A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Mechanical small bowel obstruction (SBO) is amongst the commonest diagnoses encountered in surgical departments. Although the aetiology is frequently post-surgical adhesions, the condition can arise in a virgin abdomen and we now know several of these cases do not require acute operative management. Here we report one such case where a small bowel obstruction transpired due to enteritis in the setting of chemoimmunotherapy with no prior abdominal surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62 year old male presented to our department with 2 days of vomiting and obstipation. This is on a background of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer for which he was due for his 4th cycle of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated a segment of thickened distal small bowel without any mass lesion, along with upstream dilatation. The findings were consistent with a mechanical SBO due to enteritis. Infective causes were excluded. The patient successfully recovered with non-operative intervention in the coming days. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Enteritis is an established adverse effect of various chemoimmunotherapy agents, though a case severe enough to produce a mechanical bowel obstruction is exceptionally rare. We demonstrate through this case that the condition may resolve through conservative measures. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of chemoimmunotherapy-related enteritis producing an SBO although uncommon, should be considered in the relevant population. A non-operative approach may be appropriate under some circumstances.

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma presenting as colonic perforation in the setting of ulcerative colitis: a case report.

The intestinal T-cell lymphomas are a rare group of lymphatic malignancies arising from the gastrointestinal tract. They frequently manifest with non-specific clinical and radiographic findings that may mimic several other disease processes. The most common subtype is linked with refractory coeliac disease and commonly affects the small intestine. We report a case where the diagnosis was uncovered endoscopically in a patient presenting with colonic perforation on a background of long-standing ulcerative colitis. Surgical source control was required prior to considering chemotherapy, which is the usual treatment option in lymphatic malignancies. The case highlights the importance endoscopic evaluation in inflammatory conditions of the colon.

Behcet's Syndrome resembling complex perianal Crohn's Disease.

Behcet's syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder that involves several organ systems and is exceptionally rare in the Western world. The diagnosis is frequently difficult as it resembles several other disease processes. A 23-year-old male with a previous presumptive diagnosis of Crohn's disease presented to our unit with genital ulceration. This is on a background of recurrent perianal abscesses requiring surgical drainage and seton placement. He subsequently developed a complex perianal fistula extending from the rectum to the perineum and left groin. After drainage and an unsuccessful trial of biologic immunosuppressive therapy, he developed several papulopustular cutaneous lesions and oral ulcerations. The diagnostic criteria for Behcet's syndrome was met and he was referred to a rheumatologist for ongoing management.

Current Treatment Approaches and Outcomes in the Management of Rectal Cancer Above the Age of 80.

BACKGROUND: The number of cases of rectal cancer in our older cohort is expected to rise with our ageing population. In this study, we analysed patterns in treatment and the long-term outcomes of patients older than 80 years with rectal cancer across a health district. METHODS: All cases of rectal cancer managed at the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Australia between 2006 and 2018 were analysed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were stratified into three age groups: ≤65 years, 66-79 years and ≥80 years of age. The clinicopathological characteristics, operative and non-operative treatment approach and survival outcomes of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-nine patients with rectal cancer were managed, of which 118 (17%) were aged 80 and above. Patients above 80 were less likely to undergo surgery (71% vs. 90%, p < 0.001) or receive adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.05). Of those that underwent surgical resection, their tumours were on average larger (36.5 vs. 31.5 mm, p = 0.019) and 18 mm closer the anal verge (p = 0.001). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, those above 80 had poorer cancer-specific survival when compared to their younger counterparts (p = 0.032), but this difference was no longer apparent after the first year (p = 0.381). CONCLUSION: Patients above the age of 80 with rectal cancer exhibit poorer cancer-specific survival, which is accounted for in the first year after diagnosis. Priority should be made to optimise care during this period. There is a need for further research to establish the role of chemoradiotherapy in this population, which appears to be underutilised.

Survival in stage IIB/C compared to stage IIIA rectal cancer: an Australian experience affirming that size does matter.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies globally; however, a survival paradox has been observed unique to this malignancy. The aim of this study was to review survival outcomes of patients diagnosed with stage II and stage III rectal cancer, to determine whether a survival paradox is present in our centre and assess for patient-related factors that can explain the observed paradox or were predictors of prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of data collected from 2006 to 2018 of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in three separate centres was conducted. Percentages pertaining to patient and tumour characteristics, presentation, management and subsequent recurrence were reported. Preoperative and postoperative factors associated with survival were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Stage IIB/C patients had significantly higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels compared to stage IIA and stage IIIA patients (P < 0.001). Stage IIB/C patients had significantly larger primary rectal tumour and were more symptomatic (i.e. rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits and obstruction) at the time of diagnosis (P = 0.007). Preoperative CEA was an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in patients diagnosed with stage IIB/C and stage IIIA disease (P = 0.008) on multivariable analysis. Overall survival was greatest in stage IIIA disease, which was significantly greater than stage IIB/C disease. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the existence of a survival paradox in patients diagnosed with CRC in an Australian tertiary centre and adds further weight to the revision of the TNM staging to provide more emphasis on the T stage.

A case of an asymptomatic sacrococcygeal teratoma diagnosed in adulthood.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare congenital tumours that are even more uncommon when present in adulthood. They are derived from residual stem cells in the presacral space that differentiate into clusters of somatic cell. We present the diagnosis, management and post-operative follow-up in a 37-year-old gentleman referred to our department with an incidental finding of a lobulated presacral cystic mass on computed tomography imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scans were performed to further characterize the lesion. The decision was then made for surgical excision and the specimen along with the coccyx was retrieved en-bloc via a trans-sacral surgical approach. Histopathology of the mass uncovered the presence of squamous, respiratory and prostatic epithelium consistent with the diagnosis of a sacrococcygeal teratoma.

The acceptability of a direct oral anticoagulant monitoring regimen among patients with atrial fibrillation: a pilot study.

Background The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer several advantages over warfarin in the management atrial fibrillation, including the provision of fixed dosing without a requirement for regular monitoring. Recently however the subject of DOAC monitoring has been probed after several post-hoc analyses demonstrated an association between plasma levels and efficacy and safety events. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to explore the acceptability of DOAC plasma monitoring amongst patients with atrial fibrillation and the factors that may influence these attitudes. Method A simple DOAC monitoring schedule based on the dabigatran pharmacokinetic profile was developed. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to patients with atrial fibrillation asking them to indicate their likelihood of taking a particular DOAC subjected to plasma monitoring. Results Thirty patients participated in the study. Most patients (63.3%) favoured taking a DOAC subjected to monitoring under the proposed schedule, citing increased efficacy and reduced toxicity as the reasons for their response. Conclusion There is some suggestion that atrial fibrillation patients may in fact favour taking a DOAC subjected to infrequent monitoring if this enhanced safety and efficacy.

Improvement of Human Sperm Vacuolization and DNA Fragmentation Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: In Vitro Effect.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be an important factor of male infertility. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are known to have immune-modulatory and anti-oxidant effects through their secretions, hence raising the idea of their potential benefit to improve sperm parameters. This study aims at investigating the effect of AD-MSCs conditioned medium (CM) on human sperm parameters in the presence and absence of H2O2-induced OS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sperm samples were collected from 30 healthy men and divided into two groups: non-stressed and H2O2-stressed. Isolated AD-MSCs from healthy donors undergoing liposuction were cultured and CM was collected at 24, 48 and 72 h. Both sperm groups were cultured with CM and a time course was performed followed by an evaluation of sperm parameters. The incubation of non-stressed and stressed sperm samples with AD-MSCs-CM for 24 h was found to have the optimum impact on sperm vacuolization, DNA fragmentation and OS levels in comparison to other incubation timings, while preserving motility, viability and morphology of cells. Incubation with CM improved all sperm parameters except morphology in comparison to the non-treated group, with the best effect noted with CM collected at 24 h rather than 48 or 72 h for sperm vacuolization and DNA fragmentation. When compared to fresh semen parameters (T0), samples cultured with CM 24 h showed a significant decrease in sperm vacuolization and DNA fragmentation while keeping other parameters stable. CONCLUSIONS: AD-MSCSs-CM improves sperm quality, and hence can be used in treating infertility and subsequently enhancing IVF outcomes.