A method for semi-automatic grading of human blastocyst microscope images

Filho, Edson Santos Ferreira; Noble, J. Alison; Poli, Maurizio; Griffiths, Tracey; Emerson, G.; Wells, Dagan

doi:10.1093/humrep/des219

Cited by 98 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…While automated image analysis of cleavage stage human embryos (Day 1 to 3 post-fertilization) has been the subject of several studies investigating cleavage stage embryos parameters as cell number, symmetry, multinucleation, fragmentation [14][15][16][17][18], few attempts at semi-automatic objective evaluation of the rather complex blastocyst structure have previously been made [19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes

Lagalla¹,

Barberi²,

Orlando³

et al. 2015

J Assist Reprod Genet

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Purpose To quantify blastocyst morphologic parameters with a feasible and standardized tool, investigating their predictive value on implantation outcome. Method The study retrospectively analyzes 124 blastocysts from 75 patients. Quantitative measurements of blastocyst expansion, inner cell mass and trophoectoderm were taken using digital image analysis software. Result(s) Blastocysts areas were found to be ranging from 11626.2 up to 35076.4 μm 2 . The area of an early blastocyst is A≤18500 μm 2 with a mean diameter d=140±9 μm, and the area of an expanded blastocyst is A≥24000 with d=190 ±9 μm. While blastocyst mean area was not related to implantation rate, more expanded blastocysts displayed a significantly higher implantation rate. Trophoectoderm cell number is a predictor of positive outcome: since a higher of cells (25.6±11.3 vs 16.3±12.8)`forming a tightly knit epithelium is prognostic of implantation potential. Conversely, inner cell mass size is significantly related to implantation only in expanded blastocysts (3122.7±739.0 vs. 2978.1±366.0 μm 2 ). Conclusion(s) Evaluation of blastocyst morphology with a digital image system could be a valuable tool to standardize blastocyst grading based on quantitative parameters. Therefore, digital analysis may be helpful in identifying the best blastocyst to transfer.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes

Lagalla¹,

Barberi²,

Orlando³

et al. 2015

J Assist Reprod Genet

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show abstract

“…There are several ways to detect and track cell outlines in embryo imaging, both segmentation-based (requiring an identiication of embryonic cell outlines), segmentation-free [52][53][54][55], or a combination of these [56]. Usually, a correctly performed segmentation [54,[57][58][59] provides the most detailed information on cell position, shape, and outline, but is computationally also the more challenging.…”

Section: Challenges In Live Embryo Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods for Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Embryo Cleavage In Vitro

Mölder¹,

Fierro-González²,

Khan³

2017

Embryo Cleavage

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Automated or semiautomated time-lapse analysis of early stage embryo images during the cleavage stage can give insight into the timing of mitosis, regularity of both division timing and patern, as well as cell lineage. Simultaneous monitoring of molecular processes enables the study of connections between genetic expression and cell physiology and development. The study of live embryos poses not only new requirements on the hardware and embryo-holding equipment but also indirectly on analytical software and data analysis as four-dimensional video sequencing of embryos easily creates high quantities of data. The ability to continuously ilm and automatically analyze growing embryos gives new insights into temporal embryo development by studying morphokinetics as well as morphology. Until recently, this was not possible unless by a tedious manual process. In recent years, several methods have been developed that enable this dynamic monitoring of live embryos. Here we describe three methods with variations in hardware and software analysis and give examples of the outcomes. Together, these methods open a window to new information in developmental embryology, as embryo division patern and lineage are studied in vivo.

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“…However, the attributes of 'optimal embryos' and the methods to identify embryos with a high developmental potential are still unknown entities (Cruz et al, 2012). In most cases, embryologists select embryos by visual examination and their evaluation is totally subjective and has several limitations (Manna et al, 2013;Montag et al, 2013;Santos Filho et al;, Freour et al, 2012.…”

Section: Embryo Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Charting new frontiers in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The Role of Bioengineering

Carneiro

Lamaita

Barbosa

et al. 2015

JBRA Assisted Reproduction

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Since the beginning of in vitro fertilization (IVF) 36 years ago, scientists have studied and critically analyzed the techniques in order to find ways to improve outcomes. However, success rates vary significantly among clinics due to poor reproducibility and inconsistency across operators. Much research has been conducted on the chemical environment, or culture medium, surrounding the oocyte/ embryo, but little attention has been given to the actual equipment and physical culture environment, which has changed very little over the years. The aim of this paper was to evaluate how the physical factors are important regulators of oocyte and embryo function and to improve understanding of the physical forces involved in the processes in human reproduction. A review the available literature was conducted using PubMed from 1966 through July 2014 in an attempt to help integrate mechanics into our understanding of the molecular basis of IVF. Keywords included in vitro fertilization, biomechanics, bioengineering, oocyte and embryo. The mechanical characterization of oocytes and embryos represents an opportunity to detect cellular defects, assess quality and bio-viability of processes such as cryopreservation as well as select the best embryo for transfer. Defining the mechanical forces at play during embryo transfer is also an important step towards improving results in in vitro fertilization. The further analysis of these phenomena needs a detailed monitoring of the mechanical conditions and more extensive studies of events on the cellular and molecular levels.

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A method for semi-automatic grading of human blastocyst microscope images

Abstract: Semi-automatic grading of human blastocysts by a computer is feasible and may offer a more precise comparison of embryos, reducing subjectivity and allowing embryos with apparently identical morphological scores to be distinguished.

Cited by 98 publications

References 21 publications

A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes

A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes

Methods for Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Embryo Cleavage In Vitro

Charting new frontiers in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The Role of Bioengineering

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