9 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Because a large proportion of the embryo's quality is dependent upon the egg, this investigation focuses on treatment of the oocyte during in vitro maturation (IVM). In typical IVF cycles, the egg is recovered when it is mature and ready to be fertilized. However, at this point the oocyte's quality has been set, and cannot be altered. Therefore, to have an impact on oocyte quality the use of in IVM is critical. Development of a successful IVM protocol for clinical use would not only provide an option for women of advanced maternal age, it would also reduce the cost of IVF due to fewer exogenous gonadotropins used for stimulation, and significantly lessen the risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation. The objective of this research study is to evaluate a newly developed oocyte maturation media system for human clinical use in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a newly developed embryo culture media system for human clinical use in ART.
Objectives: Male factor infertility is poorly understood and our ability to evaluate the male contribution to a couple's infertility is very limited. The overarching goal of this project is to understand at the molecular level what functional activities in human sperm are required for successful fertilization leading to full term development. These findings will allow us to develop new methods to determine the impact of environmental exposures on sperm quality and male fertility. A sperm protein known as phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta) initiates embryo development at fertilization. The primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that human PLC zeta activity correlates directly with the proportion of fertilized eggs that undergo early cleavage during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Secondary objectives for the study are to generate preliminary data regarding the variability in sperm PLC zeta activity within and between individuals and to determine if there are clinical or laboratory correlates for sperm PLC zeta activity. Study population: The study population will consist of 178 infertile couples undergoing IVF procedures at Duke Fertility Center (DFC) from which we will obtain 154 evaluable couples for the study. Overall Design: An observational cohort study design will be used to assess the association of PLC zeta activity in the residual sperm from the sample used for an IVF cycle with the proportion of eggs per couple that undergo early cleavage during the same cycle. Infertile couples enrolling in an IVF treatment cycle at DFC will be approached for inclusion in the study. Consent will be obtained from both male and female partners, and historical medical information and information about their IVF cycle will be collected by chart review. Blood for isolation of serum and DNA will be collected only from the male partner for evaluation of hormone levels and genetic analyses related to infertility. On the day of the egg retrieval, residual sperm not needed for clinical purposes will be transported via courier to NIEHS. Sperm PLC zeta activity will be measured in the investigator's laboratory using an experimental bioassay. Sperm PLC zeta protein will be analyzed at the University of Massachusetts. Outcome Parameters: The primary outcome will be the proportion of embryos that undergo early cleavage. Secondary outcomes will include proportion of eggs fertilized, embryo development parameters, and p...
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental treatment, known as in vitro activation (IVA) of dormant ovarian follicles, for infertility in women diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
The use of machine learning techniques using an artificial intelligence tool is proposed to analyze clinical data to predict best possible IVF/ART outcomes. This tool has been utilized to accurately predict embryo quality here at Cornell. Utilizing this tool to assess objective clinical findings and predict outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques is sought, with the ultimate goal of an automated tool to reduce implicit physician bias. Within this goal, using this tool to objectively and accurately assess baseline ovarian reserve at the start of an ART cycle is proposed, using 3D sonography to image the ovary and artificial intelligence tool to objectively identify baseline antral follicle counts.
Although the endometrium tissue has been traditionally considered free of bacteria, recent studies have documented the presence of an endometrial microbiome. In a pilot study conducted by our research team, the microorganisms present in the endometrium were analysed in samples of endometrial fluid (EF) using next generation sequencing (NGS).Consistent with previously published studies, in normal conditions the endometrium is mainly composed of different species of the genus Lactobacillus. It was further noted that the presence of other pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus, and/or Gardnerella may alter the endometrial microbiome and can disrupt the uterine environment, affecting implantation rates and pregnancy success. This project aims to validate the microbiome found in the endometrium of women of reproductive age and try to corroborate the relationship between the endometrial microbiome and the reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART). The use of Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) tool, together with the analysis of the endometrial flora before the embryo transfer will allow to evaluate the impact of the presence of endometrial pathogens on implantation in receptive patients. Therefore, the focus of this project is the development and clinical validation of a non-invasive diagnosis tool to analyse the microbiota, adding the microbiome study to the ERA analysis.
The purpose of this research study protocol is to collect imaging data on embryos followed to blastocyst stage (Day 5-6) and correlate Eeva parameters with array - Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) results and ongoing pregnancy rates.
The purpose of this research study protocol is to collect imaging data on embryos followed to blastocyst stage (Day 5-6) and correlate Eeva System parameters with comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) results, implantation and live birth.
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the Eeva™ System is compatible with the Eeva 12-well Dish.