P–228 AI-based assessment of embryo viability correlates with features of embryo ploidy

Study question Do AI models used to assess embryo viability (based on pregnancy outcome) also correlate with known embryo quality measures such as ploidy status? Summary answer An AI for embryo viability assessment correlated with ploidy status, and with karyotypic features of aneuploidy, supporting its use for embryo selection. What is known already One factor that can influence pregnancy success is the genetic status of the embryo. PGT-A is commonly used to test for embryo ploidy, with the aim of identifying karyotypically normal embryos (euploid embryos), for preferential transfer. There is evidence suggesting that transfer of euploid embryos produces favorable clinical outcomes over aneuploid embryos. Given the AI model was trained to evaluate clinical pregnancy, it was hypothesized that the score might also correlate with ploidy status, and with different types of aneuploidies. Little is known about morphological correlations with embryo ploidy status, so we also sought to explore this relationship. Study design, size, duration This study involved analysis of a retrospective dataset of single static Day 5 embryo (blastocyst) images with associated PGT-A results and AI viability scores. The dataset comprised images of 5,469 embryos from 2,615 consecutive patients treated at five US IVF clinics between February 2015 and April 2020. The AI was trained on thousands of Day 5 embryo images from multiple IVF laboratories in multiple countries, but was not trained on data used in this study. Participants/materials, setting, methods Average patient age was 36.2 years, and average embryo cohort size was 2.1/patient. PGT-A analysis was performed on embryos at time of evaluation. The dataset comprised 3,251 (59.4%) euploid embryos, 1,815 (33.2%) aneuploid embryos, and 403 (7.4%) mosaic embryos. The AI was retrospectively used to provide a score between 0 (predicted non-viable) and 10 (predicted viable) for each image. Correlation between the AI viability score and euploid, mosaic and aneuploid embryos was then assessed. Main results and the role of chance Results showed a statistically significant correlation between AI viability score and PGT-A outcome, consistent with a relationship between pregnancy outcome and ploidy status. The average score for euploid embryos was 8.20, which was significantly higher than the average score for aneuploid embryos of 7.80 (p < 0.0001). There was a significant linear increase in confidence score from full aneuploid embryos, through mosaic embryos (average score 7.97), to full euploid embryos (mosaic threshold of 20–80%). High mosaic embryos tended to have a lower average score (7.60) than low mosaic embryos (7.96), consistent with correlation of viability (pregnancy outcome) with the degree of mosaicism. AI viability score also correlated with ploidy features believed to affect pregnancy outcomes. Trisomic changes had higher average scores than monosomic changes. Segmental changes had higher average scores than full gain or loss. The AI score differentiated euploid from aneuploid status more efficiently in embryos with poorer morphology than those with good morphology. Whilst there was an evident correlation between pregnancy outcome and ploidy status, the AI was only weakly predictive of euploidy, with an accuracy of 57.3% using an AI viability score threshold of 7.5/10.This suggests pregnancy-related morphological features are somewhat correlated with embryo ploidy, but not completely. Limitations, reasons for caution The PGT-A technique is held to have some limitations for evaluating ploidy status, therefore it would be of benefit to perform additional confirmatory studies on independent datasets. It would be of interest to conduct prospective studies evaluating correlations between the AI’s evaluation of morphology and pregnancy outcome with ploidy status. Wider implications of the findings: The AI score correlated with genetic features of embryos that are known to correlate with pregnancy, which further supports the efficacy and use of AI for embryo viability assessment. The AI identified morphological features that are somewhat predictive of ploidy status, with potential application to embryos of poorer Gardner score. Trial registration number none

Modification of the methodology for ssessing the viability of introduced species in accordance with the conditions of dry steppe zone of the Orenburg region

The work was carried out to modify the method of assessing the viability of plants, taking into account the limiting factors of the climatic conditions of the Orenburg Preduralie. Are studied several species of plants, during the introduction at the steppe zone (on example of Оrenburg). Introduction study of all taxons was carried out for 8 years (20122020). The results of visual and laboratory observations of the seasonal development of species. During the entire observation period such indicators, as lignification of shoots, heat resistance, drought resistance, winter hardiness, shoot-forming capacity, height increase, generative development, and possible ways of reproduction in culture were evaluated annually. For each indicator numerical values in points corresponding to a certain state of the plant were selected. Based on the integrated assessment, the total viability score was calculated separately for each year of observations and the average score for the observation period. The sum of the average scores is an integral numerical expression of the viability of the introduced plants. Was established that the studied species belong to the I and II group relatively the criterion of life skills. The most species and sorts are among the most promising plants for introduction.

Using Machine Learning to design AAV2 with high likelihood of viral assembly

We study the application of Machine Learning in designing AAV2 capsid sequences with high likelihood of viral assembly, i.e. capsid viability. Specifically, we design and implement Origami, a model-based optimization algorithm, to identify highly viable capsid sequences within the vast space of 2033 possibilities. Our evaluation shows that Origami performs well in terms of optimality and diversity of model-designed sequences. Moreover, these sequences are ranked according to their viability score. This helps designing experiments given budget constraint.

A conservation checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Mexico City, with comparisons with adjoining states

Mexico City houses one of the most populous urban areas of the world, and the modification of its natural habitat likely influences the biological diversity found there. In particular, amphibians and reptiles are likely affected by these modifications. Herein, we present an updated list of the species of amphibians and reptiles that inhabit Mexico City. Mexico City harbors 65 species of amphibians and reptiles, which represent 21 families and 33 genera. These include 18 species of amphibians (nine anurans and nine salamanders) and 47 species of reptiles (14 lizards, 30 snakes [one introduced], and three turtles [one introduced]). Forty-eight of the amphibian and reptile species in Mexico City are endemic to Mexico, with two endemic to Mexico City. The most diverse region of Mexico City is the Forests and Ravines region, which is home to 43 species. Eleven species of amphibians and reptiles in Mexico City are IUCN listed, 16 are placed in a protected category by SEMARNAT (Secretaria del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales), and 27 species are categorized as high risk by the EVS (Environmental Viability Score). Mexico City shares almost 94% of its species with the State of Mexico.

Ocular Surface Cytotoxicity and Safety Evaluation of Tafluprost, a Recently Developed Anti-Glaucoma Prostaglandin Analog

In vitro cytotoxicity of tafluprost, which is the most recently developed anti-glaucoma prostaglandin (PG) analog, in ocular surface cells is addressed in comparison with other PG analogs. Irrespective of cell lines and models, the cytotoxicity of anti-glaucoma PG eyedrops was primarily related to the concentration of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) contained in the eyedrops as a preservative. Accordingly, preservative-free tafluprost was apparently less cytotoxic than BAK-preserved PG analogs. Furthermore, our study for cytotoxicity assays on ocular cells, conducted by comprehensive investigations covering a variety of concentrations and treatment times, which is termed the cell viability score (CVS) system, demonstrated that 0.001% BAK-preserved tafluprost was not cytotoxic, and suggested that tafluprost may even reduce the cytotoxic effect of BAK. It has been reported that adverse reactions associated with tafluprost in healthy human volunteers and patients with glaucoma include conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid pigmentation, eyelash bristles, and deepening of upper eyelid sulcus. Nonetheless, most clinical studies have demonstrated that not only preservative-free tafluprost but also BAK-preserved tafluprost is well tolerated and safe in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.