Are computational applications the “crystal ball” in the IVF laboratory? The evolution from mathematics to artificial intelligence

Mathematics rules the world of science. Innovative technologies based on mathematics have paved the way for implementation of novel strategies in assisted reproduction. Ascertaining efficient embryo selection in order to secure optimal pregnancy rates remains the focus of the in vitro fertilization scientific community and the strongest driver behind innovative approaches. This scoping review aims to describe and analyze complex models based on mathematics for embryo selection, devices, and software most widely employed in the IVF laboratory and algorithms in the service of the cutting-edge technology of artificial intelligence. Despite their promising nature, the practicing embryologist is the one ultimately responsible for the success of the IVF laboratory and thus the one to approve embracing pioneering technologies in routine practice. Applied mathematics and computational biology have already provided significant insight into the selection of the most competent preimplantation embryo. This review describes the leap of evolution from basic mathematics to bioinformatics and investigates the possibility that computational applications may be the means to foretell a promising future for the IVF clinical practice.     

Gluten neuropathy: electrophysiological progression and HLA associations

Journal of Neurology - Gluten neuropathy (GN) is the term used to describe peripheral neuropathy that occurs in patients with gluten sensitivity (GS) or coeliac disease (CD) in the absence of other...     

Disruption of neonatal Purkinje cell function underlies injury-related learning deficits

It is hypothesized that perinatal cerebellar injury leads to long-term functional deficits due to circuit dysmaturation. Using a novel integration of GCaMP6f fiber photometry with automated measurement of cerebellar behavior using the ErasmusLadder, we causally link cerebellar injury to altered Purkinje cell responses during maladaptive behavior. Chemogenetic inhibition of neonatal Purkinje cells is sufficient to phenocopy the effects of perinatal cerebellar injury. Our results uncover a direct link between perinatal cerebellar injury and activity-dependent maturation of cerebellar cortex.

Perinatal complications of preterm or term neonates often result in adaptive behavioral deficits. While injury to the developing cerebellum has been correlated to long-term behavioral abnormalities, especially in locomotor function, the specific neural circuits and physiological mechanisms that are disrupted are unknown. Recent work characterized the spatial and temporal components of interlimb coordination in cerebellum-dependent locomotor learning (1). However, the sparsity of techniques available to directly measure neuronal activity during adaptive cerebellar behavior hampers efforts to identify the functional and mechanistic basis of behavioral pathology.We designed a unique method to measure Purkinje cell (PC) activity during an adaptive cerebellum-dependent locomotor learning task. We utilized the ErasmusLadder––an automated behavioral system that can accurately quantify cerebellum-dependent locomotor learning and adaptive behavior. The ErasmusLadder enables the use of an associative conditioned-learning paradigm that is temporally tuned to define cerebellum-specific aspects of motor learning over multiple trials (2, 3). By directly integrating fiber photometry of the genetically encoded Ca²⁺ indicator—GCaMP6f—with the ErasmusLadder, we successfully and simultaneously recorded population responses of PCs in mice in real time during unrestrained behavior on the ErasmusLadder. We used our method to integrate PC activity measurement with adaptive behavioral quantification to identify a mechanistic basis for locomotor learning dysfunction in a clinically relevant mouse model of neonatal brain injury (4).     

Minimizing Ports During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Methods:Data on 11 robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed by using our technique from February 2015 through June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The robotic platform used was DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA) with a 3-arm setup. The AirSeal system (SurgiQuest, Milford, Connecticut, USA) was used as a port allowing simultaneous introduction of 2 instruments for the bedside surgeon, obviating the need for an additional (fourth) robotic arm. A long suction-and-irrigation device and atraumatic grasping forceps were used. Both instruments were introduced through the trocar of the AirSeal system, making simultaneous introduction and use possible. We preferred the long suction-and-irrigation device, because it minimizes collision of the instruments.Results:Mean age and BMI of the patients were 55 ±14.6 y and 29.18 ± 6.85, respectively. Seven tumors were on the right side and 4 were on the left. The mean size of the tumors was 32.45 mm (± 11.31). Surgical time was 132.2 minutes (±37.17), with an estimated blood loss and ischemia time of 103.63 mL (±65.92) and 16.72 minutes (±9.52), respectively. One patient had postoperative bleeding that was resolved without transfusion. The median hospitalization period was 3.9 d (±0.53). Loss of intra-abdominal pressure was not observed, and pressure was stable at 10 mm Hg.Conclusion:The AirSeal System and its valveless trocar eliminated the need for an additional port placement in our series. The technique is feasible, safe, and reproducible; therefore, it may be implemented in selected cases of robot-assisted partial nephrectomies.     

Efficacy of Colchicine in the Treatment of Mesenteric Panniculitis in a Young Patient

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the mesentery of unknown etiology. It has various clinical and radiological manifestations, posing a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Its diagnosis is indicated via radiologic imaging and is usually confirmed via peritoneal biopsies. We describe a case of a patient with histopathologically proven MP, in which steroid dependence was successfully managed with colchicine.     

Report of 7 Uterine Rupture Cases After Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Update of the Literature

The objective of this article is to report 7 previously unpublished uterine rupture cases in pregnancy after laparoscopic myomectomy and to update the medical literature. All cases were reported to the Board of Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery (Athens, Greece) from 1998 to 2011. Myomas were single in 85.7% of patients, subserosal or pedunculated in 85.7%, and ≤5 cm in 71.4%. Bipolar diathermy was the sole method used for hemostasis in 28.6%, and could be characterized as excessive in 85.7%. A 2-layer closure with stitches of the myometrium was performed in just 14.3% of cases. Mean (SD) time between surgery and pregnancy was 1.4 (0.5) years. Uterine rupture occurred at 34 weeks of gestation or later in 85.7%, and during labor in 14.3% of cases. All women survived. Fetal demise was reported in 1 twin pregnancy (both fetuses) with rupture at 24 weeks of gestation. Laparoscopic myomectomy should be performed by adequately trained and experienced surgeons. Excessive use of diathermy for hemostasis should be avoided, and multiple-layer suturing should always be used for repairing the myometrial defect in cases of intramural and subserosal myomas with deep intrusion.