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Standardization of morphological assessment for embryo grading system was developed and is being implemented by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). A recent European consensus conference of embryologists from Europe and America is working toward adopting an embryo classification system modeled similarly to that of SART which, if adopted, would produce a de facto international standard to aid cross border collaboration.Keywords Embryo . Grading . Evaluation . Standardization . SARTWe write with regards to implementation of international standards for grading and reporting embryo quality in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. This year marks a turning point in the history of grading preimplantation embryos. First, in the United States, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) mandated reporting of embryo grade. This resulted from efforts of a SART Embryo Morphology Subcommittee, comprised of embryologists and a clinician, who devised a simple standardized grading system that can be easily implemented in any ART laboratory. Second, last February, Capsule An embryo grading system was developed and implemented by SART in 2006. A similar system is under development in Europe. International standardization of morphology assessments will aid cross border collaboration.

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We tested the feasibility and toxicity of high activities Rhenium-186 hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate, with peripheral blood stem cell rescue in patients with progressive hormone refractory prostate cancer metastatic to bone. Twenty-five patients received between 2500 and 5000 MBq of Rhenium-186 hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate followed 14 days later by the return of peripheral blood peripheral blood stem cells. Activity limiting toxicity was defined as grade III haematological toxicity, lasting at least 7 days, or grade IV haematological toxicity of any duration or any serious unexpected toxicity. Activity limiting toxicity occurred in two of six who received activities of 5000 MBq and maximum tolerated activity was defined at this activity level. Prostate specific antigen reductions of 50% or more lasting at least 4 weeks were seen in five of the 25 patients (20%) all of whom received more than 3500 MBq of Rhenium-186 hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate. The actuarial survival at 1 year is 54%. Administered activities of 5000 MBq of Rhenium-186 hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate are feasible using autologous peripheral blood peripheral blood stem cell rescue in patients with progressive hormone refractory prostate cancer metastatic to bone. The main toxicity is thrombocytopaenia, which is short lasting. A statistically significant activity/prostate specific antigen response was seen. We have now commenced a Phase II trial to further evaluate response rates. Prostate cancer is becoming the most common cause of cancer death in males. Of patients who die from the condition, between 80 and 100% have bone metastases. Bone metastases frequently result in pain, pathological fracture, deformity and neurological deficit and have enormous social and economic implications. Most patients with bone metastases will initially respond to primary androgen deprivation therapy but the duration of this response is variable with a median of 18 months. Once this strategy has failed, second line treatments including corticosteroids, anti-androgens, diethylstilbesterol and cytotoxic chemotherapy including estramustine have only had limited success in preventing disease progression with short-lasting subjective responses in approximately 30% of cases (Dearnaley, 1994;Tannock et al, 1996;Pisters, 1999). The average survival in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer metastatic to bone is in the order of 8 months (Fossa et al, 1992;Kelly et al, 1993;Sridhara et al, 1995;Small and Vogelzang, 1997). Radionuclides including strontium-89, rhenium-186 and samarium-153 have been used in the palliation of bone metastases in prostate cancer (Lewington et al, 1991;Porter et al, 1993;Quilty et al, 1994;Kolesnikov-Gauthier et al, 2000). Pain response occurs in about 70% of cases. A correlation between injected activity and rates of pain control in prostate cancer bone metastases have been demonstrated in radionuclide therapy with Strontium-89 (Mertens et al, 1993).Rhenium is a group VII metal with a similar labelling chemistry to Technetium. The ...

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Examine good tissue practices as relates to in vitro fertilization, biopsying, and vitrificationto compare current knowledge of ova, sperm, and embryos as vectors for disease transmission as it relates to our current knowledge regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Unknown risks relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and sperm, ova, and embryos necessitate a reexamining of how human IVF is performed. Over the last decade, improvements in cryosurvival and live birth outcomes have been associated with zona pellucida breaching procedures (e.g., blastocyst collapsing and biopsying). In turn, today embryos are generally no longer protected by an intact zona pellucida when vitrified and in cryostorage. Additionally, high security storage containers have proven to be resilient to potential cross-contamination and reliable for routine human sperm freezing and embryo vitrification. Several options to current IVF practices are presented that can effectively mitigate the risks of cross-contamination and infection due to the current Covid-19 pandemic or other viral exposures. The question remains; is heightened security and change warranted where the risks of disease transmission likely remain negligible?

In oviparous animals, the egg hatches outside of the body and is exposed to light; in some cases throughout the development of the fetus. In mammals, fertilization and the growth of embryos in vivo occurs in the dark but in human IVF, these embryos are exposed to variable light sources and intensities. Light can affect embryonic development in some species via either a direct toxic effect on the embryo, or indirectly via photo-oxidation of components in the media or oil. Although data regarding the effect of light on human embryos is lacking, it is prudent to take appropriate steps to minimize the potential harmful effects of both ambient and microscopic light on embryos. Disclaimer:The authors declare no conflicts of interest, whether of a financial or other nature J Reprod Stem Cell Biotechnol 3(2):46-54