The impact of paternal factors on cleavage stage and blastocyst development analyzed by time-lapse imaging—a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have been increasing for the past decades in the western world, however with an emerging trend of incidence stabilisation in recent years. There is an indication of higher IBD incidence and prevalence in northern Europe, especially in the Nordic region, compared with southern Europe. Methods This retrospective observational study collected data from the National Patient Registries and National Prescription Registries (Sweden [SWE], Norway [NOR], Denmark [DEN]) and one university hospital database (Turku, Finland [FIN]) during 2010–2017 to investigate the annual incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Patients with ≥2 ICD-10 diagnosis codes for UC (K51) or CD (K50) from 2010 or later and no K51 or K50 codes prior to 2010 were included; patients were classified according to their last code. The look-back period for SWE was until 2000, for NOR until 2008, for DEN until 1995, and for FIN until 2004. Incidence proportions highlight results through 2016, as 2017 patients had less than 1-year follow-up. Results In total, 69,876 patients were included (SWE n = 27,902, NOR n = 20,761, FIN n = 2,118, DEN n = 19,095), of which 44 367 patients were diagnosed with UC and 25,509 with CD. In 2016, the annual incidence of UC was 28 patients per 100,000 persons in NOR, 32 patients per 100,000 persons in DEN, 25 patients per 100,000 persons in SWE, and 44 patients per 100,000 in FIN. The corresponding results for the annual incidence of CD per 100,000 persons were 22 in NOR, 16 in DEN, 16 in SWE, and 21 in FIN. The prevalence per 100,000 persons of both UC and CD was the highest in DEN, followed by SWE and NOR, and lowest in FIN. Prevalence estimates increased in all four Nordic countries during 2010–2017: for UC, from 409 to 488 patients in SWE, from 256 to 428 in NOR, from 129 to 375 in FIN, and from 577 to 798 in DEN. For CD, it increased from 261 to 313 patients in SWE, from 164 to 258 in NOR, from 54 to 164 in FIN, and from 280 to 400 in DEN. Conclusion This retrospective observational study showed that during 2016, the annual incidence of UC ranged from 25–44 patients per 100,000 persons across the evaluated Nordic countries, whereas the annual incidence of CD was 16–22 patients per 100,000 persons. Prevalence of both UC and CD increased during 2010–2017 in all four countries. Estimates of UC and CD incidence and prevalence in this analysis are greater than reported in the published literature. Additional analyses are underway to further explore the impact of methodological decisions on the estimates of UC and CD annual incidence and prevalence.

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Examination of the impact of COVID-19 public health quarantine measures on acute mental health care services: a retrospective observational study

Psychiatry Research ◽

10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113999 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 113999

Author(s):

Nadine Nejati ◽

Candice Crocker ◽

Miroslava Kolajova ◽

Jason Morrison ◽

Patryk Simon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Observational Study ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Retrospective Observational Study ◽

Care Services ◽

The Impact

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P–804 Morphokinetic development by time-lapse imaging of conceptuses generated from artificial oocytes

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.803 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Trout ◽

P Xie ◽

A Petrini ◽

Z Rosenwaks ◽

G Palermo

Keyword(s):

Somatic Cell ◽

Histone Deacetylase ◽

Nuclear Transfer ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Time Lapse ◽

Culture Conditions ◽

Preimplantation Development ◽

Preimplantation Embryos ◽

Blastocyst Development ◽

Time Lapse Imaging

Abstract Study question What are the ideal culture conditions to enhance full preimplantation development of embryos generated by FVB somatic cell haploidization (SCH) in the mouse model? Summary answer The presence of a histone deacetylase inhibitor yielded the best morphokinetic development of expanded blastocysts generated by FVB SCH, comparable to control blastocysts. What is known already Various culture conditions and medium supplements have been proposed to promote preimplantation development of embryos generated by SCH, including supplementation with trichostatin A (TSA), fasudil, scriptaid, and RAD–51 stimulatory compound–1 (RS–1). TSA and scriptaid, both histone-deacetylase inhibitors, have been found to improve embryo development following nuclear transfer by enhancing histone acetylation and cellular reprogramming. Additionally, fasudil is a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor that has been shown to reduce apoptosis and promote cell proliferation. Finally, RS–1 stimulates RAD51 activity, which promotes the repair of DNA damage and increases the efficacy of somatic cell reprogramming. Study design, size, duration B6D2F1 mouse metaphase II (MII) oocytes underwent enucleation and nuclear transfer, or were ICSI inseminated serving as controls. Reconstituted oocytes showing development of a meiotic-like spindle demonstrated successful SCH, and were ICSI inseminated. SCH conceptuses were cultured in one of three groups: KSOM, KSOM supplemented with TSA (TSA), or KSOM supplemented with fasudil, scriptaid, and RS–1 (Cocktail). ICSI controls (ICSIC) were cultured in KSOM medium. Fertilization and full preimplantation development were compared among all groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Ooplasts were generated from MII oocytes by removing spindle complexes under OosightÔ visualization and cytochalasin B exposure. A single FVB mouse cumulus cell was transferred into the perivitelline space and fused with the ooplast, facilitated by Sendai virus. Reconstructed oocytes with novel pseudo-meiotic spindles underwent piezo-ICSI and were cultured in different media conditions in a time-lapse imaging system up to 96h. TSA and Cocktail embryos had media changed to regular KSOM 10 hours after insemination. Main results and the role of chance A total of 274 B6D2F1 MII oocytes were enucleated, resulting in a 95.9% survival rate. All ooplasts survived nuclear transfer and 62.1% successfully haploidized after 2 hours. ICSIC and reconstituted SCH oocytes survived piezo-ICSI at rates of 81.5% and 57.0%, respectively (P < 0.01). SCH embryos were then allocated into KSOM, TSA supplied, and Cocktail media. Fertilization rates for ICSIC, KSOM, and TSA embryos were 92.4%, 90.7%, and 94.4%, respectively, while the rate for embryos cultured in Cocktail was only 71.9% (P < 0.03). While embryos cultured in Cocktail had a comparable 2-cell timing to ICSIC, embryos in TSA reached developmental milestones with a closer timing to the ICSIC, having minor delays at the 3-, 4-, and 6-cell stages (P < 0.05). KSOM- and Cocktail-cultured embryos were delayed at most of the stages (P < 0.01), except for the two-pronuclei appearance. Although the TSA group displayed the best embryo developmental pattern, the final rate of blastocyst development was somewhat homogeneous with rates of 15.4%, 23.5%, and 13.0% for the KSOM, TSA, and Cocktail groups, respectively (P < 0.001), and remarkably lower than the ICSIC (81.6%). Limitations, reasons for caution Although live pups have been obtained using BDF cumulus cells, embryos generated by FVB cumulus cells show a remarkably lower blastocyst development, but maintain morphokinetic characteristics similar to ICSIC in the presence of TSA. Wider implications of the findings: While using different strains to enhance genetic variance, the morphokinetic analysis of preimplantation embryos in ideal culture conditions is paramount to the progress of neogametogenesis. The implementation of this technique may soon help create genotyped oocytes for women with compromised ovarian reserve. Trial registration number N/A

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Ultra-processed foods and binge eating: A retrospective observational study

10.31232/osf.io/3gdtw ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Agnes Ayton ◽

Ali Ibrahim ◽

James Dugan ◽

Eimar Galvin ◽

Oliver Wroe-Wright

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorder ◽

Observational Study ◽

Binge Eating ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Retrospective Observational Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Eating Behaviours ◽

Male Patients ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVEThere is increasing evidence of the impact of ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviours, both in animals and in humans. In this pilot study, we aimed to explore ultra-processed foods and their link with disordered eating in a clinical sample. METHODSThis was a single site, retrospective observational study in a specialist eating disorder service using self report on the electronic health records. Patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED) were randomly selected from the service database in Oxford from 2017 to 2019. The recently introduced NOVA classification was used to determine the degree of industrial food processing in each patient’s diet. Frequencies of ultra-processed foods were analysed for each diagnosis, at each mealtime and during episodes of bingeing.RESULTS71 female and 3 male patients were included in the study. 22 had AN, 25 BN and 26 had BED. Patients with AN reported consuming 55% NOVA-4 foods, as opposed to approximately 70% in BN and BED. Binge foods were 100% ultra-processed.DISCUSSIONFurther research into the metabolic and neurobiological effects of reducing ultra-processed food intake on bingeing behaviour is needed.

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Impact of persistent anaemia on mortality in patients hospitalised with acute pulmonary embolism: an Australian retrospective observational study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027112 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e027112

Author(s):

Wallace Chow ◽

Christopher Wong ◽

Jerrett K Lau ◽

Vincent Chow ◽

Leonard Kritharides ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Observational Study ◽

Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Retrospective Observational Study ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Tertiary Referral Centre ◽

Baseline Haemoglobin ◽

The Impact ◽

Acute Pe

ObjectivesAnaemia is associated with increased mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients. However, prior studies have not examined the prognostic impact of trends in plasma haemoglobin during admission. This study investigates the impact of changes in haemoglobin level on mortality during hospital stay in acute PE.Study designA retrospective observational study.SettingTertiary-referral centre in Australia.ParticipantsConsecutive patients from 2000 to 2012 admitted with confirmed acute PE were identified from a dedicated PE database. Haemoglobin levels on days 1, 3–4, 5–6 and 7 of admission were retrieved. Patients without both baseline haemoglobin and subsequent haemoglobin levels were excluded (n=327), leaving 1099 patients as the study cohort. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <130 g/L for men and <120 g/L for women. There were 576 patients without anaemia throughout admission, 65 with transient anaemia (anaemic on day 1, but subsequently normalised during admission), 122 with acquired anaemia (normal on day 1 but developed anaemia during admission) and 336 with persistent anaemia. A total of 71 patients received blood transfusion during admission.Main outcome measure6-month mortality was tracked from a state-wide death database and analysed using multivariable modelling.ResultsAfter adjusting for transfusion, patietns with persistent anaemia had a significantly increased 6-month mortality risk (adjusted HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.09, p=0.003) compared with patients without anaemia. There was no difference in mortality between patients with transient or acquired anaemia and patients without anaemia.ConclusionAmong patients who had anaemia during their admission for acute PE, only the subgroup with persistent anaemia demonstrated worse outcomes.

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Can novel early non-invasive biomarkers of embryo quality be identified with time-lapse imaging to predict live birth?

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dez085 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (8) ◽

pp. 1439-1449 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J Barberet ◽

C Bruno ◽

E Valot ◽

C Antunes-Nunes ◽

L Jonval ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Live Birth ◽

Time Lapse ◽

Added Value ◽

High Grade ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Blastocyst Development ◽

Cell Stage ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Morphokinetic Parameters ◽

Time Lapse Imaging

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONCan time-lapse imaging systems make it possible to identify novel early non-invasive biomarkers to predict live birth?SUMMARY ANSWERFrom mostly high-grade embryos, out of 35 morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic variables, only pronuclei (PN) position at time of PN juxtaposition and the absence of multinucleated blastomeres at the 2-cell stage (MNB2cell), were potentially associated with live birth.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYPrevious studies indicate that some kinetic markers may be predictive of blastocyst development and embryonic implantation. Certain teams have suggested including some of them in decisional algorithms for embryo transfers.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONUsing a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope, Unisense FertiliTech), we retrospectively explored the associations between the morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic parameters of oocytes, zygotes and embryos, and their associations with live birth. This study assessed 232 embryos from single embryo transfers after ICSI cycles performed between January 2014 and December 2017.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic parameters (18, 4 and 13, respectively) of oocytes, zygotes and early embryos were studied retrospectively. The associations between these parameters were examined using a Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney or chi-squared test as appropriate. We examined whether these parameters were associated with outcomes in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCECentral PN juxtaposition was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of live birth (OR = 2.20; 95% CI, [1.26–3.89]; P = 0.006), while the presence of MNB2cell was associated with half the odds of live birth (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, [0.27–0.95]; P = 0.035). These two parameters were independent of embryo kinetics. The 33 remaining parameters had no significant association with the capacity of transferred embryos to develop to term.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONEven though the population size was relatively small, our analyses were based on homogeneous cycles, i.e. young women whose transferred embryos were found to be high-grade according to conventional morphology evaluation. In addition, our conclusions were established from a specific, highly selected population, so other study populations, such as women in an older age bracket, may yield different results. Finally, because we assessed day 2/3 transfers, our findings cannot be generalized to embryos cultured up to the blastocyst stage.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSIt would be interesting to explore, prospectively, whether PN localisation is a relevant measure to predict embryo development when added into further algorithms and whether this parameter could be suitable for use in other IVF clinics. Further studies are needed, notably to explore the added value of timing evaluation in cohorts of embryos with low or intermediate morphology grade, as well as in other maternal populations (i.e. older women).STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)No external funding was used for this study. P. Sagot received funding from the following commercial companies: Merck Serono, Finox Biotech, Ferring, MSD France SAS, Teva Sante ́ SAS, Allergan France, Gedeon Richter France, Effik S.A., Karl Storz Endoscopie France, GE Medical Systems SCS, Laboratoires Genevrier, H.A.C. Pharma and Ipsen.All the authors confirm that none of this funding was used to support the research in this study. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter the authors’ adherence to all the journal policies on sharing data and materials.

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Use of time-lapse imaging to evaluate morphokinetics of in vitro equine blastocyst development after oocyte holding for two days at 15°C versus room temperature before intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd19223 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (12) ◽

pp. 1862 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

N. A. Martino ◽

G. Marzano ◽

A. Mastrorocco ◽

G. M. Lacalandra ◽

L. Vincenti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Embryo Development ◽

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽

Room Temperature ◽

Time Lapse ◽

Blastocyst Stage ◽

Blastocyst Development ◽

Cell Stage ◽

Group 13 ◽

Time Lapse Imaging

Time-lapse imaging was used to establish the morphokinetics of equine embryo development to the blastocyst stage after invitro oocyte maturation (IVM), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo culture, in oocytes held overnight at room temperature (22–27°C; standard conditions) before IVM. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage underwent precleavage cytoplasmic extrusion and cleavage to the 2-, 3- and 4-cell stages significantly earlier than did embryos that arrested in development. We then determined the rate of blastocyst formation after ICSI in oocytes held for 2 days at either 15°C or room temperature before IVM (15-2d and RT-2d treatment groups respectively). The blastocyst development rate was significantly higher in the 15-2d than in the RT-2d group (13% vs 0% respectively). The failure of blastocyst development in the RT-2d group precluded comparison of morphokinetics of blastocyst development between treatments. In any condition examined, development to the blastocyst stage was characterised by earlier cytoplasmic extrusion before cleavage, earlier cleavage to 2- and 4-cell stages and reduced duration at the 2-cell stage compared with non-competent embryos. In conclusion, this study presents morphokinetic parameters predictive of embryo development invitro to the blastocyst stage after ICSI in the horse. We conclude that time-lapse imaging allows increased precision for evaluating effects of different treatments on equine embryo development.

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Retrospective observational study of the impact on emergency admission of telehealth at scale delivered in community care in Liverpool, UK

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-028981 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e028981

Author(s):

Cees van Berkel ◽

Peter Almond ◽

Carol Hughes ◽

Maurice Smith ◽

Dave Horsfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Average Treatment Effect ◽

Retrospective Observational Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Emergency Admissions ◽

Percentage Decrease ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a real world, ongoing telehealth service on the use of secondary healthcare.DesignA retrospective observational study with anonymous matched controls.SettingPrimary and community healthcare. Patients were recruited over 4 years in 89 general practices in Liverpool, UK and remotely managed by a dedicated clinical team in Liverpool Community Health.Participants5154 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure or diabetes were enrolled in the programme, of whom 3562 satisfied the inclusion criteria of this study.InterventionAt least 9 weeks of telehealth including vital sign collection, questionnaires, education, support and informal coaching by clinical staff.Primary outcomeReduction in the number of emergency admissions in the 12 months after start, compared with the year before start. Secondary subgroup analysis to improve future targeting and personalisation of the service.ResultThe average number of emergency admissions for the intervention group at baseline is 0.35, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.38. The differential decrease in emergency admissions in the intervention group in comparison with the control group, the average treatment effect, is 0.08, 95 CI 0.05 to 0.11, corresponding to an average percentage decrease of 22.7%. In subgroup analysis, a score is calculated that can be used prospectively to predict individual benefit from the intervention. Patients with an above median score (37%) are predicted average reduction in emergency admissions of 0.15, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.2, corresponding to a percentage decrease in admissions of 25.3%.ConclusionThe telehealth intervention has a positive impact across a wide cohort of patients with different diseases. Prospective scoring of patients and allocation to targeted telehealth interventions is likely to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the service.

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