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Fluks M, Collier R, Walewska A, Bruce AW, Ajduk A. How great thou ART: biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos as indicators of quality in assisted reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342905. [PMID: 38425501 PMCID: PMC10902081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatment and animal breeding, but their success largely depends on selecting high-quality oocytes for fertilization and embryos for transfer. During preimplantation development, embryos undergo complex morphogenetic processes, such as compaction and cavitation, driven by cellular forces dependent on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell-cell interactions. These processes are pivotal in dictating an embryo's capacity to implant and progress to full-term development. Hence, a comprehensive grasp of the biomechanical attributes characterizing healthy oocytes and embryos is essential for selecting those with higher developmental potential. Various noninvasive techniques have emerged as valuable tools for assessing biomechanical properties without disturbing the oocyte or embryo physiological state, including morphokinetics, analysis of cytoplasmic movement velocity, or quantification of cortical tension and elasticity using microaspiration. By shedding light on the cytoskeletal processes involved in chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, cellular trafficking, and cell adhesion, underlying oogenesis, and embryonic development, this review explores the significance of embryo biomechanics in ART and its potential implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes, offering valuable insights and research directions to enhance oocyte and embryo selection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Rebecca Collier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Sciorio R, Aiello R, Janssens R. Considerations on staffing levels for a modern assisted reproductive laboratory. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:120-130. [PMID: 36515254 PMCID: PMC10065777 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The duties recently performed in the embryology laboratory have deeply increased compared to those realized a couple of decades ago. Currently, procedures include conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI techniques, or processing of surgically retrieved sperm, embryo culture and time-lapse monitoring, blastocyst culture, as well as trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing and cryopreservation. These techniques require not only time, but also high knowledge level and acutely concentration by the embryologist team. The existing data indicate that an IVF laboratory need to have adequate staffing levels to perform the required daily duties, and to work in optimal conditions that are critical to assure a high quality service, as well as avoiding incidents and to provide the best outcomes. As a result, IVF clinics have invested in human resources, but there is still a large discrepancy between IVF centres on the number of embryologists employed. Currently there is no golden standard on the human resource requirements for assisted reproductive technology procedures; therefore, in this review paper we aim to provide arguments to take into account to determine the embryology staffing requirements in an embryology laboratory to assure optimal safety and efficiency of operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of
Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16
4SA, UK
| | - Raffaele Aiello
- OMNIA Lab S.C.a.R.L, Via Cesare Rosaroll 24, 80139 Naples, Italy
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p38-MAPK-mediated translation regulation during early blastocyst development is required for primitive endoderm differentiation in mice. Commun Biol 2021; 4:788. [PMID: 34172827 PMCID: PMC8233355 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful specification of the two mouse blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) lineages (the primitive endoderm (PrE) and epiblast) is a prerequisite for continued development and requires active fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) signaling. Previously, we identified a role for p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38-MAPKs) during PrE differentiation, but the underlying mechanisms have remained unresolved. Here, we report an early blastocyst window of p38-MAPK activity that is required to regulate ribosome-related gene expression, rRNA precursor processing, polysome formation and protein translation. We show that p38-MAPK inhibition-induced PrE phenotypes can be partially rescued by activating the translational regulator mTOR. However, similar PrE phenotypes associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibition targeting active FGF4 signaling are not affected by mTOR activation. These data indicate a specific role for p38-MAPKs in providing a permissive translational environment during mouse blastocyst PrE differentiation that is distinct from classically reported FGF4-based mechanisms.
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Foot NJ, Gonzalez MB, Gembus K, Fonseka P, Sandow JJ, Nguyen TT, Tran D, Webb AI, Mathivanan S, Robker RL, Kumar S. Arrdc4-dependent extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for sperm maturation. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12113. [PMID: 34188787 PMCID: PMC8217992 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important players in cell to cell communication in reproductive systems. Notably, EVs have been found and characterized in the male reproductive tract, however, direct functional evidence for their importance in mediating sperm function is lacking. We have previously demonstrated that Arrdc4, a member of the α-arrestin protein family, is involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis and release. Here we show that Arrdc4-mediated extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for proper sperm function. Sperm from Arrdc4-/- mice develop normally through the testis but fail to acquire adequate motility and fertilization capabilities through the epididymis, as observed by reduced motility, premature acrosome reaction, reduction in zona pellucida binding and two-cell embryo production. We found a significant reduction in extracellular vesicle production by Arrdc4-/- epididymal epithelial cells, and further, supplementation of Arrdc4-/- sperm with additional vesicles dampened the acrosome reaction defect and restored zona pellucida binding. These results indicate that Arrdc4 is important for proper sperm maturation through the control of extracellular vesicle biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J. Foot
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of MedicineRobinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Macarena B. Gonzalez
- School of MedicineRobinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kelly Gembus
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Pamali Fonseka
- Department of Biochemistry and GeneticsLa Trobe Institute for Molecular SciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jarrod J. Sandow
- Advanced Technology and Biology DivisionWalter and Eliza Hall InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Thuy Tien Nguyen
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Diana Tran
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced MaterialsUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Andrew I. Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology DivisionWalter and Eliza Hall InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Suresh Mathivanan
- Department of Biochemistry and GeneticsLa Trobe Institute for Molecular SciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rebecca L. Robker
- School of MedicineRobinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental BiologyBiomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Dell'Aquila ME, Asif S, Temerario L, Mastrorocco A, Marzano G, Martino NA, Lacalandra GM, Roelen BA, Carluccio A, Robbe D, Minervini F. Ochratoxin A affects oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo developmental dynamics in the juvenile sheep model. Mycotoxin Res 2021; 37:23-37. [PMID: 32996062 PMCID: PMC7819917 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-020-00410-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The genotoxic and nephrotoxic mycotoxin Ochratoxin A (OTA) has also been reported to have adverse effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development. Previous studies on the effects of OTA on female fertility have used micromolar concentrations, but no information is available to date on effects in a more relevant nanomolar range. This study used a juvenile sheep model to evaluate the effects of oocyte exposure to low levels of OTA on maturation, fertilization, and embryo development. Further, it was investigated whether different mechanisms of action of OTA could be responsible for varying toxic effects at different levels of exposure. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were exposed to 10 μmol/L-0.1 nmol/L OTA during in vitro maturation and evaluated for cumulus viability, oocyte maturation, and bioenergetic/oxidative status. COCs were subjected to in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo quality assessment via morphology, viability, bioenergetic/oxidative status, and time-lapse monitoring. At micromolar concentrations, OTA induced cytotoxic effects, by reducing cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. OTA altered temporospatial dynamics of zygote pronuclear formation and embryo morphokinetics. Blastocysts, even morphologically normal, were found to undergo collapse events, which were probably related to boosted blastocyst mitochondrial activity. At nanomolar concentrations, OTA did not affect COC morpho-functional parameters, but impaired oocyte ability to prevent polyspermy and increased blastocyst apoptosis. In conclusion, in the female germ cell, cytotoxic nonspecific effects characterize OTA-induced toxicity at high exposure levels, whereas fine tuning-mode effects, not associated with altered cell viability and integrity, characterize OTA toxic action at low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Dell'Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Shafaq Asif
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Marzano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics E. de Giorgi, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Bernard Aj Roelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Minervini
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70125, Bari, (BA), Italy
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Sciorio R, Thong D, Thong KJ, Pickering SJ. Clinical pregnancy is significantly associated with the blastocyst width and area: a time-lapse study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:847-855. [PMID: 33471232 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to maintain pregnancy rates following single embryo transfer, optimisation of embryo culture and selection is vital. Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has the potential to play a crucial role by providing sequential images of embryo development and minimal disturbance. Therefore, in this study morphometric assessment of blastocyst area and maximum width was performed in order to evaluate if these parameters are associated with pregnancy outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles. This is a retrospective study of 664 patients who had elective single blastocyst transfer (eSBT). The EmbryoScope drawing tools were used to measure specific variables such as the maximum blastocyst width and blastocyst area. Our results show that women who were pregnant had significantly (P < 0.01) larger blastocyst width [median (range) μm] 184 (125-239) versus non-pregnant, 160 (120-230)] and area [median (range) μm2] 26099 (12101-45,280) versus non-pregnant women, 22,251 (10992-37,931)]. A univariate logistic regression performed showed that blastocyst width [(OR = 1.026, 95% CI = (1.019, 1.033)] was significant (P < 0.01) and for every μm increase of blastocyst width, the odds of clinical pregnancy increase by 2.6%. A univariate logistic regression performed showed that blastocyst area [(OR = 1.00008, 95% CI = (1.00006, 1.00011)] was significant with P < 0.01. For every μm2 increase of blastocyst area, our data showed the odds of clinical pregnancy increase by 0.008%. Hosmer-Lemeshow tests of calibrations were performed to verify calibration. Although our findings show a clear correlation between blastocyst dimensions and the clinical pregnancy rate, further studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 4SA, UK.
| | - D Thong
- Independent Statistician, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - K J Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Susan J Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 4SA, UK
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Kobayashi M, Kobayashi J, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. Abundance of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in spent culture medium associated with morphokinetics and blastocyst collapse of expanded blastocysts. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:404-414. [PMID: 33071643 PMCID: PMC7542021 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This retrospective observational study investigated relationships between the abundance of cell‐free mitochondrial DNA (cf‐mtDNA) in spent culture medium (SCM) of human‐expanded blastocysts and their morphokinetics to address the question of whether the abundance of cf‐mtDNA in SCM could predict the quality of blastocysts. Methods Embryos (n = 53) were individually cultured in a time‐lapse incubator until they reached the expanded blastocyst stage (5 or 6 days), following which copy numbers of cf‐mtDNA in SCM (20 μL) of expanded blastocysts were determined using real‐time PCR. Results The duration between start of blastulation to expanded blastocyst (tEB–tSB) and between that of the blastocyst stage to expanded blastocyst (tEB–tB) significantly and positively correlated with the abundance of cf‐mtDNA in the SCM (tEB–tSB: r = .46; P < .01; tEB–tB: r = .47; P < .01). The abundance of cf‐mtDNA in the SCM was significantly greater in blastocysts with blastocyst collapse (BC), than without BC, and significantly and positively correlated with the number of BC. Conclusions The abundance of cf‐mtDNA in the SCM was associated with expansion duration and BC. Thus, cf‐mtDNA abundance in the SCM serves as a marker to predict the quality of expanded blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Kobayashi
- Department of Animal Science Tokyo University of Agriculture Atsugi Japan.,Kanagawa Ladies Clinic Yokohama Japan
| | | | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science Tokyo University of Agriculture Atsugi Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science Tokyo University of Agriculture Atsugi Japan
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Sandi-Monroy NL, Musanovic S, Zhu D, Eibner K, Reeka N, Koglin J, Bundschu K, Gagsteiger F. Blastulation of a zygote to a hatched blastocyst without any clear cell division: an observational finding in a time-lapse system after in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:693-697. [PMID: 32026203 PMCID: PMC7125290 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe an interesting not previously described morphokinetic finding. METHODS Retrospective case report of a couple undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) followed by in vitro fertilization and blastocyst transfer. RESULTS We identified a unique finding of blastulation of a fertilized human zygote after conventional in vitro fertilization. The fertilized zygote did not show any clear cytokinesis until approximately 107 h post insemination, when it started dividing into a blastocyst. By 113 h post insemination, inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells could be clearly distinguished and the blastocyst was completely hatched by 136 h post insemination. CONCLUSION Time-lapse systems offer more detailed observations of embryonic development. Here, we report an atypical development of an embryo that was not described previously. We hope to become an insightful discussion among peers and incentive the publication of such findings in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Sandi-Monroy
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany.
| | - S Musanovic
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - D Zhu
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - K Eibner
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
| | - N Reeka
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
| | - J Koglin
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
| | - K Bundschu
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
- Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - F Gagsteiger
- NextClinics International GmbH, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch-MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany
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