scholarly journals Embryo Disposition and the New Death Scene

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ellison ◽  
Isabel Karpin
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Frozen Storage ◽  
Good Death ◽  
Death Scene ◽  
Usual Manner ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Technological Possibility ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Embryo Disposition ◽  
Cryopreserved Embryos

In the IVF clinic - a place designed principally for the production and implantation of embryos - scientists and IVF recipients are faced with decisions regarding the disposition of frozen embryos. At this time there are hundred of thousands of cryopreserved embryos awaiting such determinations. They may be thawed for transfer to the woman herself, they may be donated for research or for use by other infertile couples, they may remain in frozen storage, or they may variously be discarded by being allowed to 'succumb', or 'perish'. Where the choice is discard, some IVF clients have chosen to formalise the process through ceremony. A new language is emerging in response to the desires of the would-be-parents who might wish to characterise the discard experience as a ‘good death’. This article examines the procedure known as  ‘compassionate transfer’ where the embryo to be discarded is placed in the woman’s vagina where it is clear that it will not develop further. An alternate method has the embryo transferred in the usual manner but without the benefit of fertility-enhancing hormones at a point in the cycle unreceptive to implantation. The embryo destined for disposal is thus removed from the realm of technological possibility and ‘returned’ to the female body for a homely death. While debates continue about whether or not embryos constitute life, new practices are developing in response to the emotional experience of embryo discard. We argue that compassionate transfer is a death scene taking shape. In this article, we take the measure of this new death scene’s fabrication, and consider the form, significance, and legal complexity of its ceremonies.

97 BOER GOAT OFFSPRING BORN FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF CRYOPRESERVED EMBRYOS

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
K. C. Lehloenya ◽  
J. P. C. Greyling
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Boer Goat ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The University ◽  
Fresh Embryos ◽  
Cryopreserved Embryos

Cryopreservation of embryos is an important technique in the whole MOET program, which could help improve the transportation of genetic material across South Africa and globally. This trial evaluated the survival rate of goat embryos following transfer with cryopreserved Boer goat embryos. Twenty-seven multiparous Boer goat recipients were synchronized with CIDR for 16 days and injected with 300 IU of eCG at CIDR withdrawal. The recipients were allocated into 3 groups (n = 9). Group 1 received fresh embryos; Group 2 received slow frozen embryos; and Group 3 received vitrified embryos. Expanded blastocysts used were surgically collected from donors superovulated with pFSH on 7 following AI. Two blastocysts were transferred laparoscopically to the uterine horn ipsilateral to functional CL. A pregnancy rate of 85.7% (6) was obtained following the transfer of fresh embryos and tended to be better than in the does receiving slow frozen and vitrified embryos, (n = 4; 50.0% and n = 3; 37.5% does pregnant, respectively) with no significant differences. The kidding rate of the recipient does declined to 57.0% (4) and 25.0% (2) for fresh and slow frozen groups, respectively. The embryo survival rate of 35.7% (n = 5) for fresh, 25.0% (n = 4) for conventional slow freezing and 31.3% (n = 5) for vitrification was obtained and was not affected by the number of CL present on the respective ovaries at the time of embryo transfer. Although the pregnancy rate following the transfer of fresh embryos was satisfactory, the embryo survival rate following the transfer of fresh or cryopreserved embryos tended to be lower. The authors acknowledge the University of the Free State for financial and facility support and National Research Foundation (Thuthuka) for financial support for conducting this trial.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards embryo donation among infertile couples with frozen embryos

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 2432-2439 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Wanggren ◽  
J. Alden ◽  
T. Bergh ◽  
A. Skoog Svanberg
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Donation ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Infertile Couples

Relinquishing frozen embryos for conception by infertile couples.

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn S. Paul ◽  
Roni Berger ◽  
Eric Blyth ◽  
Lucy Frith
Keyword(s):  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Infertile Couples

P–351 Ethical challenges posed by an increase of surplus frozen embryos in Argentinean fertility centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N S Lima ◽  
A G Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
Embryo Disposition

Abstract Study question Can an increase in the quantity of frozen embryos lead to more difficulties in embryo disposition decisions (EDD)? Summary answer EDD posed clinical and ethical challenges and might be influenced by having more available embryos, due to changes in the laboratory procedures. What is known already Previous research suggests that many people find EDD difficult and emotionally distressing. Patients face ambivalence during the decision-making process which could lead to embryo abandonment. Regulation of embryo dispositions varies among countries, but in the Latin American context, the regulatory gap generates insecurities in healthcare professionals. Cultural values towards the embryo can be associated with discomfort, guilt, or psychological burden. Studies suggest that patients often feel that they are unable to make a satisfactory decision when presented with the current embryo disposition options. Thus, other ‘solutions’, such as the request for nonreproductive transfer, appear and raises ethical questions and concerns. Study design, size, duration This is an observational study which follows a thematic literature review, that identifies the main reasons for difficulties with embryo disposition decisions, in different countries. It focuses on the regulatory background of the principal ART providers worldwide to discuss the best course of action for Argentina, that faces the problem of EDD at a regulatory level. To inform the discussion, a comparative survey from an Argentinean context, was carried out. Participants/materials, setting, methods Most fertility clinics in Argentina are private entities, as there are very few public providers. Access to ART treatments has been regulated since 2013, but the law fails to define a number of important issues, including EDD and national registries. An online survey was sent to all reproductive facilities to collect data on storage content and the results were complemented with data from the Latin American Register (RedLara) and the Argentine Registry of Assisted Fertilization. Main results and the role of chance The survey results showed that in 2017, there were approximately 54.432 frozen embryos stored in 46 Argentinean fertility centers and the total amount in 2020 reached 91.724 stored in 54 centers. Despite the number of treatment cycles (IVF + OD) being constant between 2017 and 2020 (with a slight increase of 8%), the number of frozen embryos has increased exponentially (by 68.5%). This is a consequence of the improvements in cryopreservation techniques (vitrification) and the development of more efficient ovarian stimulation protocols, that have facilitated a rise in elective single embryo transfer. These advances, coupled with an inefficient regulatory framework, generate uncertainties in physicians who might already be conflicted and therefore provide little or inadequate guidance for patients facing EDD. Three strategies could be implemented to facilitate EDD under this particular setting. First, counseling sessions at different treatment stages should be encouraged and are conducted by trained mental health professionals, who are aware of their patient’s changing attitudes towards surplus embryos. Second, both aneuploid embryos and embryos which were cryopreserved more than 10 years ago could form part of a national bank for research purposes, using classified storage content. Third, promote effective regulation that includes EDD and explicit storage limits. Limitations, reasons for caution The influence of the Catholic Church on policy makers regarding embryo dispositions is the main drawback. There is a need to foster a regulatory framework that considers the changes in IVF procedures and practices. On a practical level, psychosocial care is missing as part of healthcare teams’ practices. Wider implications of the findings: The survey results revealed that IVF centers in Argentina will face an increase in euploid, aneuploid and untested frozen embryos, due to the changes registered in laboratory procedures. This tendency shows the need to discuss EDD with patients from the beginning of fertility treatment, through to its conclusion. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Patients' Attitudes towards the Surplus Frozen Embryos in China

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Jin ◽  
GongXian Wang ◽  
SiSun Liu ◽  
Ming Liu ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moral Status ◽  
Embryo Donation ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Narrative Style ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Biological Children ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Reproductive Techniques ◽  
Embryo Disposition

Background. Assisted reproductive techniques have been used in China for more than 20 years. This study investigates the attitudes of surplus embryo holders towards embryos storage and donation for medical research.Methods. A total of 363 couples who had completed in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and had already had biological children but who still had frozen embryos in storage were invited to participate. Interviews were conducted by clinics in a narrative style.Results. Family size was the major reason for participants’ (dis)continuation of embryo storage; moreover, the moral status of embryos was an important factor for couples choosing embryo storage, while the storage fee was an important factor for couples choosing embryo disposal. Most couples discontinued the storage of their embryos once their children were older than 3 years. In our study, 58.8% of the couples preferred to dispose of surplus embryos rather than donate them to research, citing a lack of information and distrust in science as significant reasons for their decision.Conclusions. Interviews regarding frozen embryos, including patients’ expectations for embryo storage and information to assist them with decisions regarding embryo disposal, are beneficial for policies addressing embryo disposition and embryo donation in China.

scholarly journals 82 EVALUATION OF CELL DEATH IN CRYOPRESERVED MOUSE EMBRYOS

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
A.R.S. Coutinho ◽  
A.B. Nascimeto ◽  
C.M. Mendes ◽  
R. Simoes ◽  
C.F. Lucio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Embryonic Cell ◽  
Slow Freezing ◽  
Cell Membrane Integrity ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Mammalian Embryos ◽  
Cryopreserved Embryos

Cryopreservation of mammalian embryos is an important tool for the application of reproductive biotechnology. Recent evidence indicates that apoptosis may be important in determining the viability of cryopreserved embryos. Our goal was to detect apoptosis and characterize and quantify the embryonic cell death caused by cryopreservation. Mouse morulae were collected, selected, and separated into three groups: fresh, slow-freezing, and vitrification. In the slow-freezing procedure, embryos were exposed to 10% ethylene glycol (EG) for 10 min. After loading, the straws were placed into methanol at −7°C for 5 min, seeded and after 5 min cooled at 0.5°C/minute. After 10 minutes at −31°C, straws were plunged into and stored in liquid nitrogen. Slow-frozen straws were thawed in air for 10 s, and then immersed in a 25°C water bath for 20 s. Embryos were vitrified by exposing them to 10% and 20% EG for 5 min followed by 40% EG + 18% Ficoll + 10% sucrose (EFS) for 30 s and the 0.25-mL straws then plunged into and stored in liquid nitrogen. The vitrified straws were warmed by immersing them in 25°C water for 20 s. Cell membrane integrity was assessed by Hoechst and propidium iodide double staining (H/PI). Fresh and thawed embryos were scored (following IETS recommendations) and then fixed after 30 min in PBS + 10% FCS. Morphology and apoptosis were assessed with Haematoxylin-Eosin staining (HE) and by electron microscopy (MET). The number of Grade I embryos recovered after thawing was higher for slow-frozen embryos (61.5%) than vitrified embryos (29.5%). H/PI detected more membrane permeability in the vitrified embryos (69.7%), than in the slow-frozen (48.4%) or non-frozen (13.8%) groups (P < 0,05, Wilcoxon's test). Nuclear evaluation by HE revealed that vitrification and slow-freezing induced pyknosis and chromatin condensation. Mitotic pattern was observed in the fresh and slow-frozen group, but not in vitrification group suggesting that the embryos were either not randomly allocated to the groups or not-treated and fixed at the same age, or that vitrification changed the nuclear status of the embryos. HE staining revealed weakly staining cytoplasm and degenerated cells in the vitrification group (indicating oncosis), while in the slow-frozen group the presence of cytoplasmic condensation and eosinophilic structures indicated apoptosis. The ultrastructure examination confirmed the HE observations. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that staining with HE allows detection of oncosis and apoptosis in cryopreserved embryos. According to these data, vitrification caused more cellular injuries than slow-freezing, and oncosis was the predominant injury. It is important to point that specific molecular apoptosis tests must be performed to confirm these results. This work was supported by FAPESP 04/01252-4.

P-351 Ethical challenges posed by an increase of surplus frozen embryos in Argentinean fertility centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N S Lima ◽  
A G Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Frozen Embryos ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
Embryo Disposition

Abstract Study question Can an increase in the quantity of frozen embryos lead to more difficulties in embryo disposition decisions (EDD)? Summary answer EDD posed clinical and ethical challenges and might be influenced by having more available embryos, due to changes in the laboratory procedures. What is known already Previous research suggests that many people find EDD difficult and emotionally distressing. Patients face ambivalence during the decision-making process which could lead to embryo abandonment. Regulation of embryo dispositions varies among countries, but in the Latin American context, the regulatory gap generates insecurities in healthcare professionals. Cultural values towards the embryo can be associated with discomfort, guilt, or psychological burden. Studies suggest that patients often feel that they are unable to make a satisfactory decision when presented with the current embryo disposition options. Thus, other ‘solutions’, such as the request for nonreproductive transfer, appear and raises ethical questions and concerns. Study design, size, duration This is an observational study which follows a thematic literature review, that identifies the main reasons for difficulties with embryo disposition decisions, in different countries. It focuses on the regulatory background of the principal ART providers worldwide to discuss the best course of action for Argentina, that faces the problem of EDD at a regulatory level. To inform the discussion, a comparative survey from an Argentinean context, was carried out. Participants/materials, setting, methods Most fertility clinics in Argentina are private entities, as there are very few public providers. Access to ART treatments has been regulated since 2013, but the law fails to define a number of important issues, including EDD and national registries. An online survey was sent to all reproductive facilities to collect data on storage content and the results were complemented with data from the Latin American Register (RedLara) and the Argentine Registry of Assisted Fertilization. Main results and the role of chance The survey results showed that in 2017, there were approximately 54.432 frozen embryos stored in 46 Argentinean fertility centers and the total amount in 2020 reached 91.724 stored in 54 centers. Despite the number of treatment cycles (IVF + OD) being constant between 2017 and 2020 (with a slight increase of 8%), the number of frozen embryos has increased exponentially (by 68.5%). This is a consequence of the improvements in cryopreservation techniques (vitrification) and the development of more efficient ovarian stimulation protocols, that have facilitated a rise in elective single embryo transfer. These advances, coupled with an inefficient regulatory framework, generate uncertainties in physicians who might already be conflicted and therefore provide little or inadequate guidance for patients facing EDD. Three strategies could be implemented to facilitate EDD under this particular setting. First, counseling sessions at different treatment stages should be encouraged and are conducted by trained mental health professionals, who are aware of their patient’s changing attitudes towards surplus embryos. Second, both aneuploid embryos and embryos which were cryopreserved more than 10 years ago could form part of a national bank for research purposes, using classified storage content. Third, promote effective regulation that includes EDD and explicit storage limits. Limitations, reasons for caution The influence of the Catholic Church on policy makers regarding embryo dispositions is the main drawback. There is a need to foster a regulatory framework that considers the changes in IVF procedures and practices. On a practical level, psychosocial care is missing as part of healthcare teams’ practices. Wider implications of the findings The survey results revealed that IVF centers in Argentina will face an increase in euploid, aneuploid and untested frozen embryos, due to the changes registered in laboratory procedures. This tendency shows the need to discuss EDD with patients from the beginning of fertility treatment, through to its conclusion. Trial registration number not applicable

Serum levels of E2 and hCG rise at a faster rate in pregnancies arising from the replacement of fresh rather than frozen embryos

1998 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 142A-142A
Author(s):  
S SPANDORFER ◽  
A KOWALIK ◽  
H LIU ◽  
G SCHATTMAN ◽  
L VEECK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Frozen Embryos

Stability of antioxidant vitamins in whole human blood during overnight storage at 4°C and frozen storage up to 6 months

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 151-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott W. Leonard ◽  
Gerd Bobe ◽  
Maret G. Traber
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Frozen Storage ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Optimal Conditions ◽  
Plasma Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Sample Handling

Abstract. To determine optimal conditions for blood collection during clinical trials, where sample handling logistics might preclude prompt separation of erythrocytes from plasma, healthy subjects (n=8, 6 M/2F) were recruited and non-fasting blood samples were collected into tubes containing different anticoagulants (ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA), Li-heparin or Na-heparin). We hypothesized that heparin, but not EDTA, would effectively protect plasma tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E catabolites (α- and γ-CEHC) from oxidative damage. To test this hypothesis, one set of tubes was processed immediately and plasma samples were stored at −80°C, while the other set was stored at 4°C and processed the following morning (~30 hours) and analyzed, or the samples were analyzed after 6 months of storage. Plasma ascorbic acid, as measured using HPLC with electrochemical detection (LC-ECD) decreased by 75% with overnight storage using EDTA as an anticoagulant, but was unchanged when heparin was used. Neither time prior to processing, nor anticoagulant, had any significant effects upon plasma α- or γ-tocopherols or α- or γ-CEHC concentrations. α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations remained unchanged after 6 months of storage at −80°C, when measured using either LC-ECD or LC/mass spectrometry. Thus, refrigeration of whole blood at 4°C overnight does not change plasma α- or γ-tocopherol concentrations or their catabolites. Ascorbic acid is unstable in whole blood when EDTA is used as an anticoagulant, but when whole blood is collected with heparin, it can be stored overnight and subsequently processed.

Emotional Variability Predicts Tiredness in Daily Life

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aire Mill ◽  
Anu Realo ◽  
Jüri Allik
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Experience Sampling ◽  
Experience Sampling Method ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Intraindividual Variability ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Over Time

Abstract. Intraindividual variability, along with the more frequently studied between-person variability, has been argued to be one of the basic building blocks of emotional experience. The aim of the current study is to examine whether intraindividual variability in affect predicts tiredness in daily life. Intraindividual variability in affect was studied with the experience sampling method in a group of 110 participants (aged between 19 and 84 years) during 14 consecutive days on seven randomly determined occasions per day. The results suggest that affect variability is a stable construct over time and situations. Our findings also demonstrate that intraindividual variability in affect has a unique role in predicting increased levels of tiredness at the momentary level as well at the level of individuals.

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