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Andrology Jul 2024This paper considers the practical and ethical issues related to the death of a sperm donor. It looks at whether sperm banks should check whether the donor is alive at...
This paper considers the practical and ethical issues related to the death of a sperm donor. It looks at whether sperm banks should check whether the donor is alive at the time the spermatozoa is made available. Knowing that the donor has died in combination with the cause of death can provide important medical information but the chance is very small. However, when the information is available, it may help to decide whether to tell previous recipients and/or to block the remaining samples for future use. A second advantage may be that the donor's offspring can be informed that contact will not be possible and that recipients who are planning to order spermatozoa from an identity-release donor can be told that the donor has died. However, these advantages presume that identifiable equals contactable while there is no strict link between these two conditions.
PubMed: 38953503
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13679 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2024To evaluate donor gamete utilization, patient satisfaction, and fertility treatment outcomes of patients pursuing treatment with donor gametes stratified by the desired...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate donor gamete utilization, patient satisfaction, and fertility treatment outcomes of patients pursuing treatment with donor gametes stratified by the desired race and ethnicity of the gamete donor.
DESIGN
Survey study SUBJECTS: Patients planning to undergo treatment using donor sperm and/or donor oocytes at a single academic fertility clinic in the Southeastern United States between 2015 and 2020.
INTERVENTION OR EXPOSURE
None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Utilization rates of donor gametes, satisfaction with donor gamete selection and fertility treatment outcomes stratified by race and ethnicity of patient, as well as that of their gamete donor.
RESULTS
Four hundred fifty patients were eligible for inclusion and 170 (38%) responded to the survey. Amongst the respondents, 59% desired a non-Hispanic White gamete donor and 20% desired a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor. Patients seeking a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor had lower odds of utilizing donor gametes (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04 - 0.40) compared to individuals seeking a non-Hispanic White gamete donor. When evaluating satisfaction with donor gamete selection, patients seeking a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor reported lower satisfaction compared to individuals seeking a non-Hispanic White gamete donor (OR 0.19, 95% CI [0.09-0.43]). When evaluating fertility outcomes, Non-Hispanic Black patients and those utilizing non-Hispaninc Black gamete donors were found to have a lower odds of successful conception compared to non-Hispanic White patients (OR=0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.46) and individuals seeking non-Hispanic White gamete donors (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.75), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Patients seeking non-Hispanic Black donor gametes have lower utilization rates, less satisfaction with gamete donor selection, and lower odds of conception when compared to those seeking non-Hispanic White gamete donors. These findings highlight the need for more racial diversity within donor gamete banks, as well as within the donor pools available through agencies and fertility clinics.
PubMed: 38944179
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.017 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Jun 2024Coral reefs are facing a crisis as the frequency of bleaching events caused by ocean warming increases, resulting in the death of corals on reefs around the world. The...
Coral reefs are facing a crisis as the frequency of bleaching events caused by ocean warming increases, resulting in the death of corals on reefs around the world. The subsequent loss of genetic diversity and biodiversity can diminish the ability of coral to adapt to the changing climate, so efforts to preserve existing diversity are essential to maximize the resources available for reef restoration now and in the future. The most effective approach to secure genetics long-term is cryopreservation and biobanking, which permits the frozen storage of living samples at cryogenic temperatures in liquid nitrogen indefinitely. Cryopreservation of coral sperm has been possible since 2012, but the seasonal nature of coral reproduction means that biobanking activities are restricted to just a few nights per year when spawning occurs. Improving the efficiency of coral sperm processing and cryopreservation workflows is therefore essential to maximizing these limited biobanking opportunities. To this end, we set out to optimize cryopreservation processing pathways for coral sperm by building on existing technologies and creating a semi-automated approach to streamline the assessment, handling, and cryopreservation of coral sperm. The process, which combines computer-assisted sperm analysis, barcoded cryovials, and a series of linked auto-datasheets for simultaneous editing by multiple users, improves the efficiency of both sample processing and metadata management in the field. Through integration with cross-cutting research programs such as the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program in Australia, cryopreservation can play a crucial role in large-scale reef restoration programs by facilitating the genetic management of aquaculture populations, supporting research to enhance thermal tolerance, and preventing the extinction of coral species. The described procedures will be utilized for coral cryopreservation and biobanking practitioners on reefs worldwide and will provide a model for the transition of cryopreservation technologies from research laboratories to large-scale applications.
Topics: Anthozoa; Cryopreservation; Animals; Male; Biological Specimen Banks; Aquaculture; Spermatozoa; Workflow; Semen Preservation; Coral Reefs
PubMed: 38912771
DOI: 10.3791/66233 -
Gynecology and Minimally Invasive... 2024Among various options of contraception, bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) remains the most frequently used method for women worldwide even at present. However, up to 30% of... (Review)
Review
Among various options of contraception, bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) remains the most frequently used method for women worldwide even at present. However, up to 30% of those who undergo BTL eventually change their minds and wish to conceive again for a variety of reasons, such as a change in marital status or simply wanting more children. In this case, we can either approach it surgically with tubal re-anastomosis (TA) or by fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer. Despite the many advantages of TA which lead the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Committee Opinion to recommend it as the primary choice of treatment in posttubal ligation infertility in 2012, IVF is widely being chosen as the first-line treatment nowadays. This study will review the efficacy of TA in various aspects, including pregnancy rate, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and accessibility, based on review of the literature and our experience. Through this study, we intend to provide a basis for gynecologists to consider TA as the first option in women who wish to conceive again after BTL in this day and age of IVF.
PubMed: 38911303
DOI: 10.4103/gmit.gmit_43_23 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Poor sperm quality is a major cause of male infertility. However, evidence remains scarce on how greenness affects male sperm quality.
BACKGROUND
Poor sperm quality is a major cause of male infertility. However, evidence remains scarce on how greenness affects male sperm quality.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the associations of residential greenness with male sperm quality and the modification effect of air pollution exposure on the relationship.
METHODS
A total of 78,742 samples from 33,184 sperm donors from 6 regions across China during 2014-2020 were included and analyzed. Individual residential greenness exposures of study subjects were estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the entire (0-90 lag days) and two key stages (0-37, and 34-77 lag days) of sperm development. Contemporaneous personal exposure levels to air pollutants were estimated using a spatio-temporal deep learning method. Linear mixed models were employed to assess the impact of greenspace in relation to sperm quality. The modification effect of air pollution on the greenspace-sperm quality relationship was also estimated.
RESULTS
Per IQR increment in NDVI exposure throughout spermatogenesis were statistically associated with increasing sperm count by 0.0122 (95 % CI: 0.0007, 0.0237), progressive motility by 0.0162 (95 % CI: 0.0045, 0.0280), and total motility by 0.0147 (95 % CI: 0.0014, 0.0281), respectively. Similar results were observed when the model added air pollutants (PM, PM or O) for adjustment. Additionally, specific air pollutants, including PM, PM, and O, were found to modify this association. Notably, the protective effects of greenness exposure were more pronounced at higher concentrations of PM and PM and lower concentrations of O (all P < 0.05). Statistically significant positive effects of NDVI were observed on sperm motility in early spermatogenesis and sperm count in late spermatogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to residential greenness may have beneficial effects on sperm quality and air pollution modifies their relationship. These findings highlight the importance of adopting adaptable urban greenspace planning and policies to safeguard male fertility against environmental factors.
PubMed: 38906295
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174038 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) both originate from uroepithelial tissue, sharing remarkably similar clinical...
BACKGROUND
Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) both originate from uroepithelial tissue, sharing remarkably similar clinical manifestations and therapeutic modalities. However, emerging evidence suggests that identical treatment regimens may lead to less favorable outcomes in UTUC compared to BLCA. Therefore, it is imperative to explore molecular processes of UTUC and identify biological differences between UTUC and BLCA.
METHODS
In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on three UTUC cases and four normal ureteral tissues. These data were combined with publicly available datasets from previous BLCA studies and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data for both cancer types. This pooled analysis allowed us to delineate the transcriptional differences among distinct cell subsets within the microenvironment, thus identifying critical factors contributing to UTUC progression and phenotypic differences between UTUC and BLCA.
RESULTS
scRNA-seq analysis revealed seemingly similar but transcriptionally distinct cellular identities within the UTUC and BLCA ecosystems. Notably, we observed striking differences in acquired immunological landscapes and varied cellular functional phenotypes between these two cancers. In addition, we uncovered the immunomodulatory functions of vein endothelial cells (ECs) in UTUC, and intercellular network analysis demonstrated that fibroblasts play important roles in the microenvironment. Further intersection analysis showed that MARCKS promote UTUC progression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed that the diverse expression patterns of MARCKS in UTUC, BLCA and normal ureter tissues.
CONCLUSION
This study expands our multidimensional understanding of the similarities and distinctions between UTUC and BLCA. Our findings lay the foundation for further investigations to develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets for UTUC.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Single-Cell Analysis; Tumor Microenvironment; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Urothelium; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Gene Expression Profiling; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38903524
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298087 -
Harefuah Jun 2024Sperm banks have shifted from assisting heterosexual couples with male infertility to primarily serving single women and female couples through medical services,...
INTRODUCTION
Sperm banks have shifted from assisting heterosexual couples with male infertility to primarily serving single women and female couples through medical services, reflecting advances in fertility treatments and societal changes.
AIMS
Evaluate demographic changes among single women who have applied for sperm donation during 30 years in the State of Israel.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study includes 4265 single women who received sperm donation between January 1992 and December 2021, at a tertiary medical center. We divided the follow-up period into 6 groups of 5 years each. A comparison was made of the demographic characteristics of single women applying for sperm donation in different periods according to: 1) age at the beginning of the treatment; 2) ethnic origin - 7 ethnic groups.
RESULTS
The average age of single women who received sperm donation was 38.2±4.4 years. The average age of patients decreased from 39.58 years in 1997-1992 to 38.08 years in 2017-2021 (p-value<0.05). Ashkenazic Jews (38.4%) and Sephardic Jews (37.7%) were the most common ethnic origins among single women, with Arab women comprising only 0.2%. Single Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent seek sperm donation treatment almost a year earlier than their Sephardic counterparts (Arab countries and North Africa).
CONCLUSIONS
Single Israeli women opting for early sperm donation carries significant clinical, social, and economic implications. Women from conservative social backgrounds appear to be less inclined to seek sperm donation as single individuals or tend to delay this option until a later age, in contrast to women from liberal backgrounds.
Topics: Humans; Israel; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Male; Female; Jews; Age Factors; Arabs; Ethnicity; Single Person; Tissue Donors; Spermatozoa; Sperm Banks
PubMed: 38884291
DOI: No ID Found -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024In the last two decades, there has been a fast-growing prevalence of infertility reported in China. Moreover, Chinese reproductive health has shown a clear decline....
In the last two decades, there has been a fast-growing prevalence of infertility reported in China. Moreover, Chinese reproductive health has shown a clear decline. Thus, it is imperative to determine the precipitating causes and the root causes of this decline. Environmental and climate risks (ECRs) may cause the decline in reproductive health. Experimental findings have shown that the impact of ECRs on reproductive health can be passed down from both males and females to their offspring, demonstrating an intergenerational and transgenerational lag effect. We perceive that the declined reproductive health may lead to negative demographic consequences in China; therefore, we suggest the following five regulations be implemented: (i) prevent Chinese of childbearing age from exposure to ECRs; (ii) further develop and promote assisted reproductive technology and set up sperm and ovum banks on a national scale; (iii) quantitatively establish the causality between fathers and mothers who suffer from ECRs and the impaired reproductive health in their progeny; (iv) teach ECRs-health knowledge in psychotherapeutic training and continuing education; and (v) propagate and further promote common prosperity.
PubMed: 38879036
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173994 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Jun 2024To investigate cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa among patients with azoospermia.
PURPOSE
To investigate cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa among patients with azoospermia.
METHODS
In this retrospective study spanning from October 1993 to December 2021, we examined men diagnosed with azoospermia who underwent testicular spermatozoa cryopreservation. Data from medical records included utilization and disposal of sperm samples, age at initial cryopreservation. We analyzed the data over 20 years using Kaplan-Meier curves, compared age with the log-rank test, and assessed hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Cox regression analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 356 patients with a mean age of 32.1 ± 6 were included. Of these, 225 patients utilized thawed testicular sperm for fertility treatments, with 118 patients using all their frozen straws and 107 patients partially using their stored straws. Additionally, 29 patients opted for disposal (six patients partially used their testicular spermatozoa before disposal), resulting in 108 patients who neither used nor disposed of their straws. From a laboratory standpoint, nearly 90% of patients contributed a single testicular sample, which was subsequently divided and cryopreserved as straws, with a median of 4 straws per sample. Notably, in the older age group (> 35 years old), there were a significantly lower usage rate and a higher disposal rate compared to the younger age groups (p < 0.05 for both), corroborated by univariable Cox analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
This extensive study unveils unique patterns in the preservation and disposal of testicular spermatozoa among azoospermic patients. Most patients utilize a significant portion of their stored samples, while older patients tend to use their testicular spermatozoa less frequently.
PubMed: 38878197
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03167-w -
Cancer Medicine Jun 2024According to the studies, more than 80% of pediatric patients with cancer can achieve a survival rate greater than 5 years; however, long-term chemotherapy and/or...
BACKGROUND
According to the studies, more than 80% of pediatric patients with cancer can achieve a survival rate greater than 5 years; however, long-term chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may seriously affect their reproductive ability. Fertility preservation in adolescents with cancer in China was initiated late, and related research is lacking. Analyze data to understand the current situation and implement measures to improve current practices.
METHODS
From 2011 to 2020, data on 275 male adolescents with cancer whose age ranged from 0 to 19 years old were collected from 16 human sperm banks for this retrospective study. Methods include comparing the basic situation of male adolescents with cancer, the distribution of cancer types, and semen quality to analyze the status of fertility preservation.
RESULTS
The mean age was 17.39 ± 1.46 years, with 13 cases (4.7%) aged 13-14 years and 262 cases (95.3%) aged 15-19 years. Basic diagnoses included leukemia (55 patients), lymphomas (76), germ cell and gonadal tumors (65), epithelial tumors (37), soft tissue sarcomas (14), osteosarcoma (7), brain tumors (5), and other cancers (16). There are differences in tumor types in different age stages and regions. The tumor type often affects semen quality, while age affects semen volume. Significant differences were found in sperm concentration and progressive motility before and after treatment (p < 0.001). Moreover, 90.5% of patients had sperm in their semen and sperm were frozen successfully in 244 patients (88.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
The aim of this study is to raise awareness of fertility preservation in male adolescents with cancer, to advocate for fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic therapy or other procedures that may impair future fertility, and to improve the fertility status of future patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Fertility Preservation; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasms; China; Young Adult; Semen Analysis; Infertility, Male; Cryopreservation; Child
PubMed: 38872364
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7354