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Alfaraj S, Alfagih A, Al-Zahrani EF, Aljahdali GL, Alrabieaa H, Alsalman F, Gill R, Albadah B. Prevalence of Psychological Stress Among Women Attending the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Unit at King Abdulaziz Medical City: A COVID-19 Pandemic Experience. Cureus 2023; 15:e47145. [PMID: 37859679 PMCID: PMC10582646 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The present study aimed to measure the prevalence of psychological stress among women attending the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) unit in King Abdulaziz Medical City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted between January 2020 and December 2022. A sample of 104 women attending the ART unit were recruited in this study. To collect data, the researchers developed a study questionnaire that consisted of 26 items. Nine items were designed to measure the participants' demographic characteristics, and 17 items were designed to depict their responses related to psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (v. 26l; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Chi-square and t-tests were used to assess the association between stress and sociodemographics. Results The findings of the study showed an overall prevalence of 86.53% (n=90). Levels of psychological stress were moderate (34.62%, n=36), severe (39.42%, n=41), and extremely severe (12.50%, n=13). The study found that there is a significant statistical interaction between the number of previous ART attempts and psychological stress (p=0.0019). Conclusion The study concluded that women attending the ART unit at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were experiencing high levels of psychological stress, and these levels were affected by the number of previous ART attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaher Alfaraj
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Asem Alfagih
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Eman F Al-Zahrani
- Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ghadeer L Aljahdali
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Hayat Alrabieaa
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Fahad Alsalman
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Rashpal Gill
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bayan Albadah
- Biostatisitcs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, SAU
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Park Y, Park YB, Lim SW, Lim B, Kim JM. Time Series Ovarian Transcriptome Analyses of the Porcine Estrous Cycle Reveals Gene Expression Changes during Steroid Metabolism and Corpus Luteum Development. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030376. [PMID: 35158699 PMCID: PMC8833361 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The estrous cycle, which is divided into follicular and luteal phases based on ovulation, is influenced by reproductive hormones which affect reproduction and cause changes in the reproductive system of the pig. As the main reproductive organ, the ovary is involved in ovulation and changes in the corpus luteum. We aimed to identify dynamic changes in gene expression through differentially expressed gene profiling and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that occur in the pig ovary during the estrous cycle. The transcriptome analysis revealed that the dynamic change in gene expression was more activated in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. Functional analysis revealed that the metestrus and diestrus periods are important in preparation for pregnancy or the next estrous cycle after ovulation. Abstract The porcine estrous cycle is influenced by reproductive hormones, which affect porcine reproduction and result in physiological changes in the reproductive organs. The ovary is involved in ovulation, luteinization, corpus luteum development, and luteolysis. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the gene expression patterns in porcine ovarian transcriptomes during the estrous cycle through differentially expressed genes profiling and description of molecular mechanisms. The transcriptomes of porcine ovary were obtained during the estrous cycle at three-day intervals from day 0 to day 18 using RNA-seq. At seven time points of the estrous cycle, 4414 DEG were identified; these were classified into three clusters according to their expression patterns. During the late metestrus and diestrus periods, the expression in cluster 1 increased rapidly, and steroid biosynthesis was significant in the pathway. Cluster 2 gene expression patterns represented the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction in significant pathways. In cluster 3, the hedgehog signaling pathway was selected as the significant pathway. Our study exhibited dynamic gene expression changes with these three different patterns of cluster 1, 2, and 3. The results helped identify the functions and related significant genes especially during the late metestrus and diestrus periods in the estrous cycle.
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Zhang CH, Chen C, Wang JR, Wang Y, Wen SX, Cao YP, Qian WP. An endometrial receptivity scoring system basing on the endometrial thickness, volume, echo, peristalsis, and blood flow evaluated by ultrasonography. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:907874. [PMID: 36017318 PMCID: PMC9395662 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.907874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Establishing a successful pregnancy depends on the endometrium and the embryo. It is estimated that suboptimal endometrial receptivity account for one-third of implantation failures. Despite the indepth understanding of the processes associated with embryo-endometrial cross-talk, little progress has been achieved for diagnosis and treatments for suboptimal endometrial receptivity. METHODS This retrospective study included women undergoing their first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles at our reproductive medicine center from March 2021 to August 2021. Transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound was performed in the morning on the day of embryo transfer for all the thawed embryo transfer patients, to evaluate endometrial receptivity, including endometrial thickness, echogenicity, volume, movement and blood flow. RESULTS A total number of 562 patients of FET with 315 pregnancies (56.0%) was analyzed. It was found that only the echo of the endometrial central line was different between the pregnant group and non-pregnant group. Other parameters, such as endometrial thickness, volume, endometrial peristalsis, or the endometrial blood flow were not statistically different between the two groups. Then, according to the relationship between the different groups and the clinical pregnancy rate, a score of 0 to 2 was respectively scored. The sum of the scores for the six items was the patient's endometrial receptivity score. It showed that the clinical pregnancy rate increased as the endometrial receptivity score increased, and when the receptivity score reaches at least 5, the clinical pregnancy rate is significantly improved (63.7% versus 49.5%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION We developed an endometrial receptivity scoring system and demonstrated its validity. It may aid clinicians in choosing the useful marker in clinical practice and for informing further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-hui Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia-rui Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Si-xi Wen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-pei Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-ping Qian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-ping Qian,
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Camargo Ferreira J, Silva Amaral R, Mara Cardoso L, Panelli Marchió S, Aldrovani Rodrigues M, Fonseca Alves CE, de Meira C. Endometrial angiogenesis induced by uterine insufflation with an oxygen-ozone gas mixture in mares. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1176-1183. [PMID: 34021934 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ozone (O3 ) therapy has been used to improve peripheral tissue oxygenation in humans and domestic animals. The goal of the present study was to characterize histological changes in the endometria of healthy equines following tissue exposure to gas mixtures enriched with different concentrations of O3 . Cycling mares without endometrial degeneration were divided into three groups according to treatment (n = 9 mares/group). The uteri from the O3 , ½O3 and control groups were insufflated for 3 min with gas containing 42, 21 and 0 μg O3 ml-1 , respectively. Treatments were performed every three days from D0 to D6. Endometrial samples were collected immediately before the first treatment and 24 hr after the last treatment. The following nine histological parameters were evaluated: (i) the number of endometrial blood vessels, (ii) endometrial vascular degree (EVD), (iii) increase rate of blood vessels, (iv) increase rate of EVD, (v) glandular total area, (vi) glandular lumen area, (vii) intraglandular secretion area, (viii) glandular epithelial height and (ix) luminal epithelial height. In the O3 group, a positive effect from treatment (p < .01) was detected for all vascular parameters (i, ii, iii and iv), glandular total area, intraglandular secretion area and glandular epithelial height. Compared to the control group, the ½O3 group had greater (p < .01) EVD (84.1 ± 12%) and a higher increase rate of blood vessels (151.9 ± 47.1%). Uterine insufflation with low or intermediate concentrations of the O2 -O3 gas mixture induced endometrial angiogenesis. Morphometry, but not morphology, of the endometrial glands was affected by local O3 therapy. These findings would be of great significance for the development of new therapies for infertility in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Silva Amaral
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Eduardo Fonseca Alves
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Cezinande de Meira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Fata S, Tokat MA. Does Hypnofertility-Based Nursing Care Affect Cortisol Levels, Fertility Preparedness, and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Res Nurs 2020; 23:418-429. [PMID: 33297757 DOI: 10.1177/1099800420976916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study used Hypnofertility-based interventions to determine whether these interventions would lead to increased fertility preparedness and pregnancy outcomes and decreased cortisol levels in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. This randomized, controlled, prospective study was conducted from November 2017 through March 2019 in 61 Turkish women with unexplained infertility (intervention group: 30, control group: 31). Hypnofertility-based nursing care included affirmations, visualization, imagination, and relaxation from the first day of treatment until the day of the pregnancy test. The Fertility Preparedness Scale, a saliva sample for cortisol level, and the pregnancy test results were used for data collection. Hypnofertility-based nursing care decreased the cortisol levels of women in the intervention group compared to that in the control group (p = 0.00). Though fertility preparedness was higher in the intervention group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). Although interventions relieved the women during the treatment process, there was no anticipated effect on pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.75). Hypnofertility-based nursing care significantly reduce the cortisol levels, suggesting that the intervention helped women relax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevcan Fata
- 37508Dokuz Eylul University Nursing Faculty, Gynecology & Obstetrics Nursing Department, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Merlinda Aluş Tokat
- 37508Dokuz Eylul University Nursing Faculty, Gynecology & Obstetrics Nursing Department, Izmir, Turkey
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Fogarty S. Fertility Massage: an Unethical Practice? Int J Ther Massage Bodywork 2018; 11:17-20. [PMID: 29593844 PMCID: PMC5868897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Preparation and characterization of intravaginal vardenafil suppositories targeting a complementary treatment to boost in vitro fertilization process. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 111:113-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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