Prokineticin 1 is a new biomarker of human oocyte competence: expression and hormonal regulation throughout late folliculogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 832-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Alfaidy ◽  
Chloé Baron ◽  
Yannick Antoine ◽  
Déborah Reynaud ◽  
Wael Traboulsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Predictive Biomarker ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Human Oocyte ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Morphokinetic Parameters ◽  
Follicular Size ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Context Prokineticin 1 (PROK1) quantification in global follicular fluid (FF) has been recently reported as a predictive biomarker of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. It is now necessary to evaluate its clinical usefulness in individual follicles. Objectives To evaluate the clinical value of PROK1 secretion in individual FF to predict oocyte competence. To determine the impact of follicular size, oocyte maturity, and gonadotropin treatments on PROK1 secretion. Design and setting Prospective cohort study from May 2015 to May 2017 at the University Hospital of Grenoble. Patients A total of 69 infertile couples underwent IVF. Intervention(s) Collection of 298 individual FF from 44 women undergoing IVF; 52 individual cumulus cell (CC) samples and 15 CC primary cultures from 25 women undergoing IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Main Outcome Measure(s) Oocyte competence was defined as the ability to sustain embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Follicular size was measured by 2D-sonography. PROK1 concentration was quantified by ELISA assay. Results PROK1 concentration was correlated to follicular size (r = 0.85, P = 2.2 × 10−16). Normalized PROK1 concentration in FF was predictive of subsequent oocyte competence (AUROC curve = 0.76 [95% CI, 0.69–0.83]; P = 1.7 × 10−9), irrespectively of day-2 embryo morphokinetic parameters. The expression and secretion of PROK1 were increased in FF and CC of mature oocytes (P < 0.01). Follicle Stimulating Hormone and hCG up-regulated PROK1 secretion in CC primary cultures (P < 0.01; P < 0.05), probably through the cAMP pathway (P < 0.01). Conclusions PROK1 quantification in individual FF could constitute a new predictive biomarker of oocyte competence in addition with embryo morphokinetic parameters. Trial registration number none.

Reversing complete mechanical transzonal projections disruption during mouse in vitro follicle culture with unaltered oocyte competence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anamaria-Cristina Herta ◽  
Nazli Akin ◽  
Katy Billooye ◽  
Laura Saucedo-Cuevas ◽  
Francesca Lolicato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Mature Oocyte ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Human Oocyte ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
Follicle Culture ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In vitro oocyte growth is widely studied as an alternative fertility preservation approach. Several animal models are used to generate extensive information on this complex process regulated by the constant and dynamic interaction between the oocyte and its somatic compartment throughout follicle growth and maturation. A 2-dimensional (2D) attachment mouse secondary follicle culture system was used to assess the oocyte’s capacity to overcome disconnection from its somatic companions at different developmental stages for final competence acquisition. To test this, complete mechanical denudation of oocytes from preantral and early antral follicles was performed. Established endpoints were the oocyte’s potential to reconnect with somatic cells and the impact of connectivity disruption on mature oocyte quality. This study proves that oocytes from preantral and early antral cultured mouse follicles can overcome complete denudation, restoring likely functional transzonal projections (TZPs) with no significant differences in meiotic and developmental competence compared to those from intact cultured follicles. These novel findings constitute good premises for developing successful strategies to rescue human oocyte competence in the context of in vitro culture approaches such as non-hCG triggered in vitro maturation (IVM).

scholarly journals Cumulus Cell DNA Damage as an Index of Human Oocyte Competence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Baratas ◽  
Jaime Gosálvez ◽  
Moises de la Casa ◽  
Silvia Camacho ◽  
Monica Dorado-Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Human Oocyte ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Potential Index ◽  
Fragmentation Index ◽  
Dispersion Test

AbstractThe determination of oocyte quality is crucial for achieving effective syngamy post-sperm injection and embryonic development. Cumulus cells (CCs) have been proposed as biomarkers of oocyte quality because of their close bio-dynamic relationship with the oocyte. To determine the quality of the oocyte, CCs were sampled during oocyte preparation for ICSI to determine a CC DNA fragmentation index (CCDFI) of each individual oocyte using a variant of the chromatin dispersion test. One hundred and thirty oocytes were selected and studied from two Spanish fertility clinics, 90 of which were fertilized and developed to embryos. Significant differences were found between the CCDFI of unfertilized and fertilized oocytes (p < .001) and between the CCDFI of embryos that were discarded and those that developed suitable for transfer or cryopreservation (p < .001). Oocyte quality was negatively correlated with CCDFI (Spearman’s rho =  − 0.45; p < .001). Receiver operator characteristics curves (ROC) suggested that a cut-off value of 24% CCDFI was able to discriminate the capacity of the gametes to result in syngamy with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.6% and 65%, respectively. This cut-off supports the application of CCDFI as potential index for the evaluation of the reproductive potential of oocytes prior to fertilization.

scholarly journals Outcomes of COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Previously Treated with Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena-Mihaela Cordeanu ◽  
Lucas Jambert ◽  
Francois Severac ◽  
Hélène Lambach ◽  
Jonathan Tousch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Observation Period

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) penetrates respiratory epithelium through angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 binding, raising concerns about the potentially harmful effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) on Human Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) evolution. This study aimed to provide insight into the impact of RASi on SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of hospitalized adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a university hospital in France. The observation period ended at hospital discharge. (3) Results: During the study period, 943 COVID-19 patients were admitted to our institution, of whom 772 were included in this analysis. Among them, 431 (55.8%) had previously known hypertension. The median age was 68 (56–79) years. Overall, 220 (28.5%) patients were placed under mechanical ventilation and 173 (22.4%) died. According to previous exposure to RASi, we defined two groups, namely, “RASi” (n = 282) and “RASi-free” (n = 490). Severe pneumonia (defined as leading to death and/or requiring intubation, high-flow nasal oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, and/or oxygen flow at a rate of ≥5 L/min) and death occurred more frequently in RASi-treated patients (64% versus 53% and 29% versus 19%, respectively). However, in a propensity score-matched cohort derived from the overall population, neither death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–1.50), p = 0.76) nor severe pneumonia (HR 1.03 (95%CI 0.73–1.44), p = 0.85) were associated with RASi therapy. (4) Conclusion: Our study showed no correlation between previous RASi treatment and death or severe COVID-19 pneumonia after adjustment for confounders.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related psychological effect on orthopedic surgeries conducted in different types of hospitals in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902199607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Lung Shih ◽  
Peng-Ju Huang ◽  
Hsuan-Ti Huang ◽  
Chung-Hwan Chen ◽  
Tien-Ching Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Hospital ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Total Knee Arthroplasties ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Investigation Period ◽  
Orthopedic Diseases ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Aim: Taiwan’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differed in that it successfully prevented the spread without having to shutdown or overburden medical services. Patients’ fear regarding the pandemic would be the only reason to reduce surgeries, so Taiwan could be the most suitable place for research on the influence of psychological factors. This study aimed to assess the impact of patients’ fear on orthopedic surgeries in Taiwan amid the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: The investigation period included the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to April 2020) and the corresponding period in the previous year. The following data on patients with orthopedic diseases were collected: outpatient visits, hospital admission, and surgical modalities. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 22%–29% and 20%–26% reduction in outpatients, 22%–27% and 25%–37% reduction in admissions, and 26%–35% and 18%–34% reduction in surgeries, respectively, at both hospitals. The weekly mean number of patients was significantly smaller during the COVID-19 pandemic for all types of surgery and elective surgeries at the university hospital, and for all types of surgery, elective surgeries, and total knee arthroplasties at the community hospital. Further, patients visiting the community hospital during the pandemic were significantly younger, for all types of surgery, elective surgeries, and total knee arthroplasties. Conclusions: The reduction in orthopedic surgeries in Taiwan’s hospitals during COVID-19 could be attributed to patients’ fear. Even without restriction, the pandemic inevitably led to a reduction of about 20%–30% of the operation volume.

scholarly journals POS0998 SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND SLEEP DISORDERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 767.2-768
Author(s):  
S. Lahrichi ◽  
K. Nassar ◽  
S. Janani
Keyword(s):  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sleep Deficit ◽  
Impaired Sleep ◽  
The Impact

Background:Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are a group of chronic and progressive diseases, characterized in particular by a progressive stiffening of the spine, spreading to neighboring joints or to certain tissues, which could lead in the long term to progressive stiffening and functional impairment. This conditioncancauseinsomnia problems and impaired sleep quality.Objectives:To assess the impact of SpA on the quality of sleep.Methods:This is a retrospective study over a period of 4 years from January 2015 to December 2019, including all the medical records of patients with SpA followed in the Department of Rheumatology of the University Hospital of Ibn Rochd, Casablanca. We evaluated for each patient two validated scores: the Epworth somnolence scale rated from 0 to 24, and the Pittsburgh sleep score rated from 0 to 21 with 7 components. Patients with a psychiatric history or who were followed up for neurological pathologies were excluded.Results:178 patients were included. 60.67% were men with an average age of 36.32 years (14-68 years). 45.01% had axial SpA, 29.77% had psoriatic arthritis, and 25.22% were followed for SpA associated with inflammatory bowel disease. 45% had associated comorbidities: there were 18 diabetics and 34 hypertensive, 16.58% were smokers. Clinically, 85.42% presented a back pain initially on examination, 55% presented a polyarthralgia, and 39.88% an oligoarthritis. 63% had radiological sacroiliitis, and 35.14% had bilateral coxitis. 13.48% had a positive HLA B27 and 58.89% had a positive inflammatory assessment with very high activity indices,with a mean of 4.6. 64.66% of the patients received NSAIDs,of which 11% responded well. 57% were treated with csDMARDs, and 17.86% were treated with biologics. At the time of our study, the mean visual analog scale was 5.84 ± 1.7 out of 10 (2-9). The mean Epworth score was 8.38 ± 5.2 (0-21). 56.1% of patients had no sleep debt, 33.3% had a sleep deficit, and only 10.6% had signs of drowsiness. For the overall Pittsburgh score, the mean was 7.02 ± 3.6 (1-18). The mean of “subjective quality of sleep” was 1.12, “sleep latency” was 1.22, “duration of sleep” was 1.06, “usual sleep efficiency” was 0.74, “Sleep disturbance” of 1.28, “use of a sleep medication” of 0.54, and the average of the component concerning “poor shape during the day” was 1.03 out of 3. The LEQUESNE index went from an average of 6 to 8, which corresponds to an average handicap (P = 0.2) over a period of 3 years. 68% of the patients had an alteration in the quality of sleep, starting on average three years after the onset of symptoms. 11% reported having experiencedanxiety and depressive symptoms, and reported having used antidepressants or anxiolytics in the past 5 years.Conclusion:Our study showed the negative impact of SpA on the duration and overall quality of sleep. The degree of pain as well as functional impairment can cause and worsen sleep disturbances in SpA. We have shown that the Pittsburg score increases significantly with the increase of pain.The Lequesne score and that the Epworth score increase with disease activity[1].References:[1]StolwijkC,vanTubergenA,Castillo-OrtizJD,BoonenA.Prevalenceofextra-articularmanifestationsinpatientswithankylosingspondylitis:asystematicreviewandmeta-analysis.AnnRheumDis2015;74:65—73.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

scholarly journals Impact of Cardiovascular Failure in Intensive CareUnit-Acquired Pneumonia: A Single-Center, Prospective Study

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 798
Author(s):  
Ignacio Martin-Loeches ◽  
Adrian Ceccato ◽  
Marco Carbonara ◽  
Gianluigi li Bassi ◽  
Pierluigi di Natale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cox Regression ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Cardiovascular Failure ◽  
Icu Length Of Stay ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Surgical Icus ◽  
Pulmonary Superinfection ◽  
The Impact

Background: Cardiovascular failure (CVF) may complicate intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP) and radically alters the empirical treatment of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of CVF on outcome in patients with ICUAP. Methods: A prospective, single-center, observational study was conducted in six medical and surgical ICUs at a University Hospital. CVS was defined as a score of 3 or more on the cardiovascular component of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. At the onset of ICUAP, CVF was reported as absent, transient (if lasting ≤ 3 days) or persistent (>3 days). The primary outcome was 90-day mortality modelled through a Cox regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality, hospital mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS. Results: 358 patients were enrolled: 203 (57%) without CVF, 82 (23%) with transient CVF, and 73 (20%) with persistent CVF. Patients with transient and persistent CVF were more severely ill and presented higher inflammatory response than those without CVF. Despite having similar severity and aetiology, the persistent CVF group more frequently received inadequate initial antibiotic treatment and presented more treatment failures than the transient CVF group. In the persistent CVF group, at day 3, a bacterial superinfection was more frequently detected. The 90-day mortality was significantly higher in the persistent CVF group (62%). The 28-day mortality rates for patients without CVF, with transient and with persistent CVF were 19, 35 and 41% respectively and ICU mortality was 60, 38 and 19% respectively. In the multivariate analysis chronic pulmonary conditions, lack of Pa02/FiO2 improvement at day 3, pulmonary superinfection at day 3 and persistent CVF were independently associated with 90-day mortality in ICUAP patients. Conclusions: Persistent CVF has a significant impact on the outcome of patients with ICUAP. Patients at risk from persistent CVF should be promptly recognized to optimize treatment and outcomes.

Impact of routine S100B protein assay on CT scan use in children with mild traumatic brain injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fleur Lorton ◽  
Jeanne Simon-Pimmel ◽  
Damien Masson ◽  
Elise Launay ◽  
Christèle Gras-Le Guen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
S100b Protein ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Protein Assay ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of implementing a modified Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) rule including the S100B protein assay for managing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children.MethodsA before-and-after study was conducted in a paediatric emergency department of a French University Hospital from 2013 to 2015. We retrospectively included all consecutive children aged 4 months to 15 years who presented mTBI and were at intermediate risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI). We compared the proportions of CT scans performed and of in-hospital observations before (2013–2014) and after (2014–2015) implementation of a modified PECARN rule including the S100B protein assay.ResultsWe included 1,062 children with mTBI (median age 4.5 years, sex ratio [F/M] 0.73) who were at intermediate risk for ciTBI: 494 (46.5%) during 2013–2014 and 568 (53.5%) during 2014–2015. During 2014–2015, S100B protein was measured in 451 (79.4%) children within 6 h after mTBI. The proportion of CT scans and in-hospital observations significantly decreased between the two periods, from 14.4 to 9.5% (p=0.02) and 73.9–40.5% (p<0.01), respectively. The number of CT scans performed to identify a single ciTBI was reduced by two-thirds, from 18 to 6 CT scans, between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. All children with ciTBI were identified by the rules.ConclusionsThe implementation of a modified PECARN rule including the S100B protein assay significantly decreased the proportion of CT scans and in-hospital observations for children with mTBI who were at intermediate risk for ciTBI.

scholarly journals Smoking and associated unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in patients with chronic cardiac diseases during COVID-19 related lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Chague ◽  
M Boulin ◽  
JC Eicher ◽  
F Bichat ◽  
M Saint-Jalmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screen Time ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Weight Increase ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
P Value ◽  
Time Increase ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Dijon University Hospital France OnBehalf CLEO-CD Background   Lockdown can affect tobacco smoking (TS) behaviours.  Purpose To evaluate the impact of lockdown on (TS) and associated lifestyle behaviours in patients with Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and congestive heart failure (CHF) Methods CCS and CHF patients were invited to answer to a phone-call questionnaire during the 1st COVID-19 lockdown start  Results (Table) 343 questionnaires were fit for analysis, 43 (12.5%) were current smokers (CS). CS were younger (p &lt; 0.001), none stopped and 13 increased their consumption (main reasons were stress and boredom). CS felt more often cramped (p = 0.023). CS who increased their TS consumption showed a trend toward a higher rate of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours Conclusions During the lockdown, more than ¼ of CS with CCS or CHF increased their TS consumption and none quitted. Moreover, TS was often associated with other deleterious behaviours increasing their risk for short and long term Main results Total Non-Smokers Smokers p* N(%) 344 301 43 Age, years 67.7 ± 12.8 69.2 ± 12.2 57.2 ± 12.1 &lt;0.001 Men/Women 229/115 197/104 32/11 0.300 CCS/CHF 220/124 185/116 36/7 0.004 Urban/Rural 163/181 137/164 26/17 0.073 Living alone at home 83(24.3) 68(22.7) 15(34.9) 0.089 COVID screening (PCR) 11(3.2) 7(2.3) 4(9.3) 0.037 Feeling cramped 19(5.5) 13(4.4) 6(14.0) 0.023 Feeling less well 75(21.9) 65(21.7) 10(23.8) 0.842 K6 ≥ 5 81(23.7) 70(23.5) 11(25.6) 0.845 Physical activity decrease 146(42.6) 125(42.1) 21(48.8) 0.323 Screen time increase 154(45.0) 130(43.5) 24(55.8) 0.100 Alcohol consumption increase 14(5.5) 11(4.9) 3(7.5) 0.419 Sleep change 83(24.6) 68(22.5) 15(39.5) 0.083 Weight increase 77(22.4) 64(21.3) 13(30.2) 0.242 Smokers (n = 43) Smoking increase No smoking increase p** Feeling less well 5(38.5) 5(17.2) 0.238 Screen time increase 10(76.9) 14(46.7) 0.104 Weight increase 6(46.2) 7(23.3) 0.173 n(%) or mean ± SD. *p value: Smokers vs non smokers. **p value: Smoking increase vs no smoking increase

The impact of a health introduction course for medical interpreters in the healthcare sector

2020 ◽  
pp. 205715852097518
Author(s):  
Leila Saud Abdulkadir ◽  
Morten Sodemann ◽  
Claire Gudex ◽  
Sören Möller ◽  
Dorthe Susanne Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Medical Interpreters ◽  
The One ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

The aim was to examine the impact on interpreters’ health knowledge, attitudes and self-evaluated skills after they participated in a pilot health introduction course at a university hospital in Denmark. The study was conducted as an intervention study using a questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was distributed to interpreters one week before the six-week course started, and again at one week and at three months after course completion. Level of knowledge was calculated based on the number of answers to 18 multiple-choice questions on common health issues, diagnoses and treatments. Of the 100 interpreters who registered for the course, 86 completed the course, and 61 of these participants (70%) completed both the baseline and the one-week questionnaire. The mean knowledge score increased from 48 ( SD 6.9) at baseline to 52 ( SD 3.4; p < 0.001) one week after the course and was 51 ( SD 7.3; p < 0.001) three months after the course ( n = 55). Participants who increased their knowledge score the most were those with the least interpreter experience ( p = 0.001). One week after the course, most participants (83–95%) agreed that the individual lessons had been useful in their subsequent interpreting activities and that they had gained useful information. The health introduction course appeared to be beneficial for interpreters. This study highlights the need for greater focus on education for interpreters working in the healthcare sector.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document