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STUDY QUESTION Do embryos displaying abnormal cleavage (ABNCL) up to Day 3 have compromised live birth rates and neonatal outcomes if full blastulation has been achieved prior to transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER ABNCL is associated with reduced full blastulation rates but does not impact live birth rates and neonatal outcomes once full blastulation has been achieved. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY? It is widely accepted that ABNCL is associated with reduced implantation rates of embryos when transferred at the cleavage stage. However, evidence is scarce in the literature reporting birth outcomes from blastocysts arising from ABNCL embryos, likely because they are ranked low priority for transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study included 1562 consecutive autologous in vitro fertilization cycles (maternal age 35.1 ± 4.7 years) performed at Fertility North, Australia between January 2017 and June 2022. Fresh transfers were performed on Day 3 or 5, with remaining embryos cultured up to Day 6 before vitrification. A total of 6019 embryos were subject to blastocyst culture, and a subset of 664 resulting frozen blastocysts was included for live birth and neonatal outcome analyses following single transfers. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ABNCL events were annotated from the first mitotic division up to Day 3, including direct cleavage (DC), reverse cleavage (RC) and <6 intercellular contact points at the 4-cell stage (<6ICCP). For DC and RC in combination, the ratios of affected blastomeres over the total number of all blastomeres up to Day 3 were also recorded. All pregnancies were followed up until birth with gestational age, birthweight, and sex of the baby being recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Full blastulation rates for embryos showing DC (19.5%), RC (41.7%), <6ICCP (58.8%), and mixed (≥2) ABNCL types (26.4%) were lower than the rates for those without ABNCL (67.2%, P  <   0.01 respectively). Subgroup analysis showed declining full blastulation rates with increasing ratios of combined DC/RC affected blastomeres over all blastomeres up to the 8-cell stage (66.2% when 0 affected, 47.0% when 0.25 affected, 27.4% when 0.5 affected, 14.5% when 0.75 affected, and 7.7% when all affected, P  <   0.01). However, once full blastulation had been achieved, no difference was detected between DC, RC, <6ICCP, and no ABNCL blastocysts following single frozen transfers in subsequent live birth rates (25.9%, 33.0%, 36.0% versus 30.8%, P  >   0.05, respectively), gestational age (38.7 ± 1.6, 38.5 ± 1.2, 38.3 ± 3.5 versus 38.5 ± 1.8 weeks, P  >   0.05, respectively) and birthweight (3343.0 ± 649.1, 3378.2 ± 538.4, 3352.6 ± 841.3 versus 3313.9 ± 509.6 g, P  >   0.05, respectively). Multiple regression (logistic or linear as appropriate) confirmed no differences in all of the above measures after accounting for potential confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is limited by its retrospective nature, making it impossible to control every known or unknown confounder. Embryos in our dataset, being surplus after selection for fresh transfer, may not represent the general embryo population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the incremental impact of ABNCL, depending on the ratio of affected blastomeres up to Day 3, on subsequent full blastulation. The reassuring live birth and neonatal outcomes of ABNCL blastocysts imply a potential self-correction mechanism among those embryos reaching the blastocyst stage, which provides valuable guidance for clinical practice and patient counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETTING INTEREST(S) This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. All authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of the genus Caridina are described from the northernmost part of Australia. Caridina darwin n. sp. resembles Caridina temasek Choy and Ng, 1991 but differs in the armature of the rostrum, the development of epipods on the pereiopods and the absence of an appendix interna on the male first pleopods. Caridina magnovis n. sp. resembles Caridina serratirostris de Man, 1892 but differs in the armature of the ventral margin of the rostrum, a shorter stylocerite, a stouter carpus of the first pereiopod, the number and size of spiniform setae on the third and fifth pereiopods, the shape of the preanal carina and the size of the embryos (referred to as "eggs" in most previous publications). Caridina wilsoni n. sp. resembles Caridina gracilirostris de Man, 1892 but differs in the size of the embryos and in some length to width ratios of the segments of the pereiopods. Detailed morphological descriptions of all three new species are given. A molecular phylogeny (mt DNA 16S) supports the morphospecies hypothesis and illustrates the phylogenetic relationship with morphologically similar species from outside Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superovulation is a key technique in embryo transfer. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two different sources of FSH (Ningbo Second Hormone Factory – NSHFTM, China and Vetoquinol, Australia), FSH injection methods (decreasing dose and equal dose), embryo collection methods (injection-type flushing tube and three-channel type flushing tube) and seasons (winter and spring) on superovulation response in Belgian Blue cattle. For this purpose, 80 Belgian Blue cattle (aged 2-3 years, parity=1) were randomly divided into four groups, with each group was further divided into two sub-groups. Superovulation experiments were carried out through Cue-Mate+FSH+PGF2α+GnRH, followed by artificial insemination. The effects of the above four factors on superovulation response were determined by comparing the mean numbers of corpora lutea, total embryos and viable embryos. The results showed non-significant difference in the effects of FSH produced by NSHFTM, China and Vetoquinol, Australia on the superovulation response, though the cost of NSHFTM was lower. Moreover, the superovulation response to decreasing-dose injection of FSH was significantly better than that of equal dose injection (P<0.05). Regarding embryo collection methods, the results of injection-type flushing tube were significantly better than those of three-channel type flushing tube (P<0.05). Similarly, superovulation results during spring season were significantly better than those during winter (P<0.05). In summary, the best method of superovulation in Belgian Blue cattle is to inject FSH with reduced dose/s and collect embryos through injection-type flushing tube method during spring season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the likelihood of a live birth is important for fertility treatment planning, particularly when one cycle fails and further treatment may be contemplated. This study aims to estimate the chance of live birth among gestational surrogates undergoing altruistic surrogacy arrangements between 2009 and 2016 in Victoria, Australia. A total of 81 gestational surrogates with 170 embryo transfer cycles were included. Of the 170 embryo transfer cycles, the majority were single embryo transfers (SETs; 97.1%), using frozen/thawed embryos (97.6%) which had been fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (77.6%). The cumulative live birth rate was 23.5% (95% CI, 15.6–33.8%) after the first cycle and increased to 50.6% (95% CI, 40.0–61.2%) after the sixth cycle. Of the 41 deliveries, 40 were singletons and one was a twin delivery. Two of the 42 deliveries were preterm, two were low birthweight and one was small for gestational age. The findings imply that surrogacy treatment can be offered up to six consecutive embryo transfer cycles to gestational surrogates. SET is encouraged in surrogacy practice to improve perinatal outcomes. These estimates can be used in counselling and decision-making for intended parents and gestational surrogates to continue a surrogacy treatment and informing public policy on assisted reproductive technology treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Kingdom Warnock Committee (1984) was a landmark contributor to the ethics and law governing human embryo experimentation. It recommended a time limit up to 14 days of development after fertilisation within which such experimentation may take place, which mirrors the late 1970s' proposal of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Ethics Advisory Board (EAB). This study analyses the EAB's and the Warnock Committee's reasoning and conclusions regarding what constitutes ethical behaviour towards the human embryo. Current embryology and recently created embryo-like structures are considered. After the Warnock Report, several Australian Federal and State committees in Australia investigated the ethics which should guide experimentation on human embryos. The reports of these Australian committees are reviewed and the potential influence of both earlier committees on their deliberations is discussed. The rationale informing current Australian law governing human embryo experimentation is examined. Considering current more advanced knowledge of embryology, it is concluded that this legislation should be reassessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can label-free, non-invasive optical imaging by hyperspectral autofluorescence microscopy discern between euploid and aneuploid cells within the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mouse preimplantation embryo?Summary Answer: Hyperspectral autofluorescence microscopy enables discrimination between euploid and aneuploid ICM in mouse embryos.What Is Known Already: Euploid/aneuploid mosaicism affects up to 17.3% of human blastocyst embryos with trophectoderm biopsy or spent media currently utilized to diagnose aneuploidy and mosaicism in clinical in vitro fertilization. Based on their design, these approaches will fail to diagnose the presence or proportion of aneuploid cells within the foetal lineage ICM of some blastocyst embryos.Study Design, Size, Duration: The impact of aneuploidy on cellular autofluorescence and metabolism of primary human fibroblast cells and mouse embryos was assessed using a fluorescence microscope adapted for imaging with multiple spectral channels (hyperspectral imaging). Primary human fibroblast cells with known ploidy were subjected to hyperspectral imaging to record native cell fluorescence (4-6 independent replicates, euploid n = 467; aneuploid n = 969). For mouse embryos, blastomeres from the eight-cell stage (five independent replicates: control n = 39; reversine n = 44) and chimeric blastocysts (eight independent replicates: control n = 34; reversine n = 34; 1:1 (control:reversine) n = 30 and 1:3 (control:reversine) n = 37) were utilized for hyperspectral imaging. The ICM from control and reversine-treated embryos were mechanically dissected and their karyotype confirmed by whole genome sequencing (n = 13 euploid and n = 9 aneuploid).Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Two models were employed: (i) primary human fibroblasts with known karyotype and (ii) a mouse model of embryo aneuploidy where mouse embryos were treated with reversine, a reversible spindle assembly checkpoint inhibitor, during the four- to eight-cell division. Individual blastomeres were dissociated from control and reversine-treated eight-cell embryos and either imaged directly or used to generate chimeric blastocysts with differing ratios of control:reversine-treated cells. Individual blastomeres and embryos were interrogated by hyperspectral imaging. Changes in cellular metabolism were determined by quantification of metabolic co-factors (inferred from their autofluorescence signature): NAD(P)H and flavins with the subsequent calculation of the optical redox ratio (ORR: flavins/[NAD(P)H + flavins]). Autofluorescence signals obtained from hyperspectral imaging were examined mathematically to extract features from each cell/blastomere/ICM. This was used to discriminate between different cell populations.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: An increase in the relative abundance of NAD(P)H and decrease in flavins led to a significant reduction in the ORR for aneuploid cells in primary human fibroblasts and reversine-treated mouse blastomeres (P < 0.05). Mathematical analysis of endogenous cell autofluorescence achieved separation between (i) euploid and aneuploid primary human fibroblast cells, (ii) control and reversine-treated mouse blastomeres cells, (iii) control and reversine-treated chimeric blastocysts, (iv) 1:1 and 1:3 chimeric blastocysts and (v) confirmed euploid and aneuploid ICM from mouse blastocysts. The accuracy of these separations was supported by receiver operating characteristic curves with areas under the curve of 0.97, 0.99, 0.87, 0.88 and 0.93, respectively. We believe that the role of chance is low as mathematical features separated euploid from aneuploid in both human fibroblasts and ICM of mouse blastocysts.Large Scale Data: N/A.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Although we were able to discriminate between euploid and aneuploid ICM in mouse blastocysts, confirmation of this approach in human embryos is required. While we show this approach is safe in mouse, further validation is required in large animal species prior to implementation in a clinical setting.Wider Implications Of the Findings: We have developed an original, accurate and non-invasive optical approach to assess aneuploidy within the ICM of mouse embryos in the absence of fluorescent tags. Hyperspectral autofluorescence imaging was able to discriminate between euploid and aneuploid human fibroblast and mouse blastocysts (ICM). This approach may potentially lead to a new diagnostic for embryo analysis.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): K.R.D. is supported by a Mid-Career Fellowship from the Hospital Research Foundation (C-MCF-58-2019). This study was funded by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics (CE140100003) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP2003786). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity is hypothesized to facilitate adaptive responses to challenging conditions, such as those resulting from climate change. However, tests of the key predictions of this 'rescue hypothesis', that variation in plasticity exists and can evolve to buffer unfavourable conditions, remain rare. Here, we investigate among‐female variation in temperature‐mediated plasticity of incubation schedules and consequences for egg temperatures using the chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps) from temperate regions of inland south‐eastern Australia. Given recent phenological advances in this seasonal breeder and thermal requirements of developing embryos (>~25°C, optimally ~38°C), support for evolutionary rescue—perhaps paradoxically—requires that plasticity serves to buffer embryos more from sub‐optimally low temperatures. We found significant variation in the duration of incubation bouts (mean ± SD = 27 ± 22 min) and foraging bouts (mean ± SD = 17 ± 11 min) in this maternal‐only incubator. However, variation in each arose because of variation in the extent to which mothers increased on‐ and off‐bout durations when temperatures (0–36°C) were more favourable rather than unfavourable as required under rescue. In addition, there was a strong positive intercept‐slope correlation in on‐bout durations, indicating that those with stronger plastic responses incubated more at average temperatures (~19°C). Combined, these effects reduced the functional significance of plastic responses: an individual's plasticity was neither associated with daily contributions to incubation (i.e. attentiveness) nor average egg temperatures. Our results highlight that despite significant among‐individual variation in environmental‐sensitivity, plasticity in parental care traits need not evolve to facilitate buffering against unfavourable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSP) is defined as blastocyst implantation occurring in a uterine scar. The incidence of CSP continues to rise with increasing caesarean section rates; prevalence is estimated to be 1:1800 to 1:2226 of all pregnancies. To date, over 30 treatment regimens have been published. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines (2016) state there is insufficient evidence to support one specific intervention over another. Aim: To review outcomes of medical and surgical management of CSP cases at a single tertiary centre over a nine‐year period, in order to establish the safest and most effective management approach. Materials and Methods: An audit was undertaken of patients treated for CSP between January 2009 and March 2017 at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Western Australia. Patient demographic and treatment outcome data were extracted from medical records. Results: Fifty‐one patients were identified as having CSP diagnosed during this time period, of which five were excluded due to lack of data, leaving a total of 46 cases. The majority of patients (52%, n = 24) elected for initial surgical management, while 41% (n = 19) trialled medical management. Seven percent (n = 3) opted for conservative management. Success rates of surgical, medical and conservative management were 100%, 53% and 0% respectively (P < 0.001). Medical management was associated with prolonged follow‐up; there was no difference in complication rates between surgical and medical managements. Conclusions: In this audit, surgical management was the most effective way to manage CSP. There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model predict human embryo viability using images captured by optical light microscopy?Summary Answer: We have combined computer vision image processing methods and deep learning techniques to create the non-invasive Life Whisperer AI model for robust prediction of embryo viability, as measured by clinical pregnancy outcome, using single static images of Day 5 blastocysts obtained from standard optical light microscope systems.What Is Known Already: Embryo selection following IVF is a critical factor in determining the success of ensuing pregnancy. Traditional morphokinetic grading by trained embryologists can be subjective and variable, and other complementary techniques, such as time-lapse imaging, require costly equipment and have not reliably demonstrated predictive ability for the endpoint of clinical pregnancy. AI methods are being investigated as a promising means for improving embryo selection and predicting implantation and pregnancy outcomes.Study Design, Size, Duration: These studies involved analysis of retrospectively collected data including standard optical light microscope images and clinical outcomes of 8886 embryos from 11 different IVF clinics, across three different countries, between 2011 and 2018.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The AI-based model was trained using static two-dimensional optical light microscope images with known clinical pregnancy outcome as measured by fetal heartbeat to provide a confidence score for prediction of pregnancy. Predictive accuracy was determined by evaluating sensitivity, specificity and overall weighted accuracy, and was visualized using histograms of the distributions of predictions. Comparison to embryologists' predictive accuracy was performed using a binary classification approach and a 5-band ranking comparison.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: The Life Whisperer AI model showed a sensitivity of 70.1% for viable embryos while maintaining a specificity of 60.5% for non-viable embryos across three independent blind test sets from different clinics. The weighted overall accuracy in each blind test set was >63%, with a combined accuracy of 64.3% across both viable and non-viable embryos, demonstrating model robustness and generalizability beyond the result expected from chance. Distributions of predictions showed clear separation of correctly and incorrectly classified embryos. Binary comparison of viable/non-viable embryo classification demonstrated an improvement of 24.7% over embryologists' accuracy (P = 0.047, n = 2, Student's t test), and 5-band ranking comparison demonstrated an improvement of 42.0% over embryologists (P = 0.028, n = 2, Student's t test).Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The AI model developed here is limited to analysis of Day 5 embryos; therefore, further evaluation or modification of the model is needed to incorporate information from different time points. The endpoint described is clinical pregnancy as measured by fetal heartbeat, and this does not indicate the probability of live birth. The current investigation was performed with retrospectively collected data, and hence it will be of importance to collect data prospectively to assess real-world use of the AI model.Wider Implications Of the Findings: These studies demonstrated an improved predictive ability for evaluation of embryo viability when compared with embryologists' traditional morphokinetic grading methods. The superior accuracy of the Life Whisperer AI model could lead to improved pregnancy success rates in IVF when used in a clinical setting. It could also potentially assist in standardization of embryo selection methods across multiple clinical environments, while eliminating the need for complex time-lapse imaging equipment. Finally, the cloud-based software application used to apply the Life Whisperer AI model in clinical practice makes it broadly applicable and globally scalable to IVF clinics worldwide.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): Life Whisperer Diagnostics, Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company, Presagen Pty Ltd. Funding for the study was provided by Presagen with grant funding received from the South Australian Government: Research, Commercialisation and Startup Fund (RCSF). 'In kind' support and embryology expertise to guide algorithm development were provided by Ovation Fertility. J.M.M.H., D.P. and M.P. are co-owners of Life Whisperer and Presagen. Presagen has filed a provisional patent for the technology described in this manuscript (52985P pending). A.P.M. owns stock in Life Whisperer, and S.M.D., A.J., T.N. and A.P.M. are employees of Life Whisperer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Spontaneous blastocyst collapse during in vitro embryo development has been suggested as a novel marker of embryo quality. Therefore, the aim of this multicentre study was to carry out a retrospective multicentre analysis to investigate the correlation between blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. Here, 1297 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) fresh cycles, with an elective single blastocyst transfer (eSET) were included in this study. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTLTM VitroLife, Sweden) or sequential medium (CookTM, Cook Medical, Australia) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. With the use of time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts were analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed, if there was ≥ 50% volume reduction from the expanded blastocyst and the collapse event. Following embryo replacement, each blastocyst was retrospectively allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). Here, 259 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (19.9%) and the remaining 1038 either contracted minimally or not collapsed (80.1%). A significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 51.9% (95% CI 48.9–59.9%) was observed when blastocysts that had not collapsed were replaced compared with cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were transferred 37.5% (95% CI 31.6–43.4%). This study suggests that human blastocysts that collapse spontaneously during development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos that do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results demonstrated the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic perturbations during the reprogramming process have been described as the primary cause of the low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we tested three strategies targeting nuclear reprogramming to investigate effects on equine SCNT. First, we evaluated the effect of treating somatic cells with chetomin, a fungal secondary metabolite reported to inhibit the trimethylation on histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9 me3). Second, caffeine was added to the culture medium during the enucleation of oocytes and before activation of reconstructed embryos as a protein phosphatase inhibitor to improve nuclear reprogramming. Third, we tested the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) added during both activation and early embryo culture. Although none of these treatments significantly improved the developmental rates of the in vitro aggregated cloned equine embryos, the first equine cloned foal born in Australia was produced with somatic cells treated with chetomin. The present study describes the use of chetomin, caffeine and TSA for the first time in horses, serving as a starting point for the establishment of future protocols to target epigenetic reprogramming for improving the efficiency of equine cloning. Cloning is an expensive and inefficient process, but has gained particular interest in the equine industry. In this study we explored different strategies to improve cloning efficiency and produced the first cloned foal born in Australia. Our data serve as a starting point for the establishment of future protocols for improving equine cloning efficiency. Cloning is an expensive and inefficient process, but has gained particular interest in the equine industry. In this work we explored different strategies to improve cloning efficiency and we produced the first cloned foal born in Australia. Our data serves as a starting point for the establishment of future protocols for improving equine cloning efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on the add-ons are non-essential interventions/treatments used during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with the intention of improving pregnancy outcomes. Topics include the systematic assessment of add-on advertising on Australian IVF clinic websites, the private sector in Australia, the cost of add-ons like preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is not insignificant, and the patient-facing websites were found to make claims of benefit for PGT-A.

Aim: To assess the effect of oral complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on the oocyte, embryo and pregnancy rate in first‐cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Method: A prospective cohort study using the International CAM Questionnaire, reviewing patient IVF outcomes. Local ethics approval was obtained. Results: Over 18 months (October 2015 to April 2017) 25 patients were prospectively recruited, with 52% (n = 13) using herbal or dietary supplements, including Chinese medicine, fish oil, liver 'detox', co‐enzyme Q10, spirulina, probiotics and maca root. Comparing users to non‐users, there was no statistical difference in age, body mass index, primary infertility, gravidity or parity. Total follicle‐stimulating hormone dose was equivalent (2760 vs 2451 IU, P = 0.60), but there was a significant difference in maximum oestradiol response (4134 vs 8335, P = 0.045), on univariate analysis alone. While no difference was found in the number of follicles >11 mm (7.5 vs 11.5, P = 0.80), or eggs collected (8.0 vs 12.5, P = 0.91), there was a lower number of eggs fertilised in users (3.0 vs 4.0, P = 0.046). There was no difference in the chemical or clinical pregnancy rate. Conclusion: This small study demonstrates a high use of oral CAM in first‐cycle IVF patients, with a wide range of types. There appears to be a lower fertilisation rate in the women who used oral CAMs. It is unclear whether this is a negative effect of the CAM or selection bias. This concern about confounders supports the need for further research into unregulated herbal medicine on IVF outcomes, given that so many women are using these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination traits are key drivers of population dynamics, yet they are under-represented in community ecology studies, which have predominately focussed on adult plant and seed morphological traits. We studied the seed traits and germination strategy of eight woody plant species to investigate regeneration strategies in the arid zone of eastern Australia. To cope with stochastic and minimal rainfall, we predict that arid seeds will either have rapid germination across a wide range of temperatures, improved germination under cooler temperatures, or dormancy and/or longevity traits to delay or stagger germination across time. To understand how temperature affects germination responses, seeds of eight keystone arid species were germinated under laboratory conditions, and under three diurnal temperatures (30/20°C, 25/15°C and 17/7°C) for 30 days. We also tested for decline in seed viability across 24 months in a dry-aging treatment (~20°C). Six of the eight arid species studied had non-dormant, rapidly germinating seeds, and only two species had physiological dormancy traits. Seed longevity differed widely between species, from one recalcitrant species surviving only months in aging (P50 = <3 months) and one serotinous species surviving for many years (P50 = 84 months). Our results highlight the importance of understanding the reproductive strategies of plant species in arid environments. Rapid germination, the dominant seed trait of species included in this study, allows arid species to capitalise on sporadic rainfall. However, some species also exhibit dormancy and delayed germination; this an alternative strategy which spreads the risk of germination failure over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disciplines of ethics, science, and the law often conflict when it comes to determining the limits and boundaries of embryo research. Under current Australian law and regulations, and in various other jurisdictions, research conducted on the embryo in vitro is permitted up until day fourteen, after which, the embryo must be destroyed. Reproductive technology and associated research is rapidly advancing at a rate that contests current societal and ethical limits surrounding the treatment of the embryo. This has brought about the question of the adequacy of the fourteen-day rule and whether it is necessary for it be reconsidered and reformed. This paper will highlight some of the tensions that exist in ethics, science, and the law in relation to the extension of the rule. It will be concluded that any move to extend the rule must be accompanied by close consultation with the public as the ultimate stakeholders in how the future of reproductive technology is created, constructed, and contested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists working in assisted reproduction [members of Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) Australia, and subscribers of the online forums EmbryoMail and Quartec] were invited to complete an online questionnaire on the use of human blood products in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A total of 260 started the questionnaire, with 208 (80%) completing it. A total of 62% of respondents had worked in human ART ≥8 years and 68% had post-graduate qualifications. The majority (82%) reported using products of animal or human origin, with 75% knowing why protein was added to culture media and 41% not worried by this. Almost half (49%) of respondents were unaware of regulations surrounding the use of human blood products in health care and 70% were unaware of adverse events involving human blood products in human ART. Most respondents (70%) indicated that they were not concerned about infections such as hepatitis, but agents such as prions were a cause for concern (57%). A total of 57% of respondents were unaware of alternatives, but 77% would use a suitable alternative. Using blood products in human ART is surrounded by a lack of awareness, often independent of respondents’ qualifications or experience. A better understanding of these products and possible alternatives is required if informed decisions about their suitability are to be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The national ethical guidelines relevant to assisted reproductive technology (ART) have recently been reviewed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The review process paid particular attention to the issue of non-medical sex selection, although ultimately, the updated ethical guidelines maintain the pre-consultation position of a prohibition on non-medical sex selection. Whilst this recent review process provided a public forum for debate and discussion of this ethically contentious issue, the Victorian case of JS and LS v Patient Review Panel (Health and Privacy) [2011] VCAT 856 provides a rare instance where the prohibition on non-medical sex selection has been explored by a court or tribunal in Australia. This paper analyses the reasoning in that decision, focusing specifically on how the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal applied the statutory framework relevant to ART and its comparison to other uses of embryo selection technologies. The Tribunal relied heavily upon the welfare-of-the-child principle under the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (Vic). The Tribunal also compared non-medical sex selection with saviour sibling selection (that is, where a child is purposely conceived as a matched tissue donor for an existing child of the family). Our analysis leads us to conclude that the Tribunal’s reasoning fails to adequately justify the denial of the applicants’ request to utilize ART services to select the sex of their prospective child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) has offered hope to those struggling with infertility, it has also had some unintended consequences, including the fate of embryos that may be “surplus” to requirement following IVF treatment. The number of embryos in storage across the world is high, creating a dilemma for patients who need to make disposal decisions, as well as presenting an administrative and practical dilemma for clinics. Research has suggested that patients’ views of the status of their embryo/s may affect their disposal decisions, and yet the nature of the links between views of the embryo and decisions to either donate or discard remain unclear. In this article, we engage in a discursive analysis of literature on disposal decisions. We discuss the range of ways in which embryos may be constructed, and demonstrate how these discourses make available or constrain particular action possibilities, and offer particular subject positions for patients. The analysis highlights the complexity of the relationship between embryo status and decision making, and may assist clinicians in supporting and guiding patients’ decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalies in embryos and hatchlings of the Australian lungfish are now found in many of the environments inhabited by lungfish, such as reservoirs (Lakes) created over natural rivers and affect many tissues and organs in the body, most obviously the epidermis and related sense organs, but extending to blood vessels and skeletal structures as well. Development of muscular tissues is affected, but only by the lack of nutrition in the eggs as laid by the parents and by failure of the hatchlings to feed. They are found in embryos collected from the Lakes and reared in the laboratory by standard methods and are also present in embryos and hatchlings collected directly from the Lakes. They are not found in fish collected from unaltered parts of Rivers below the Lakes. Recently, in the Lakes, the anomalies are so widespread and so serious, that they affect all the young of one season. The most probable cause of abnormal development is a lack of volatile fatty acids in the diet of adults, resulting in the production of poor quality eggs, as has been found in other species of fish. The results of this study have serious implications for survival of the species, since almost every habitat where lungfish are found and are still spawning, has now been altered by the building of water impoundments. Restoration of freshwater environments in south-east Queensland should be a priority for the State and Federal Governments and for water authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between the existence of control rights and property in separated human biomaterials. Much of the theory as to what constitutes property is examined and it is contended that Article 22 of the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine does not presuppose property in such materials. An analysis is undertaken of the case-law relating to control and property in sperm and embryos from the UK, Australia and the US and the shortcomings of utilising the property paradigm in these disputes are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, donor-assisted conceptions are increasing with legislative reforms in some countries providing opportunities for participants of a donor-assisted conception programme, i.e. recipients, donors, donor-conceived adults and their genetically related siblings and half-siblings, to access information. Whilst policy and practice for accessing donor-identifying information vary, there has been no research exploring the perceptions and experiences of those who provide the service. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Australian and New Zealand infertility counsellors who provide counselling for release of information to participants of a donor-assisted conception programme. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interview data of six infertility counsellors were thematically analysed to identify key themes. We report the primary themes that emerged from the data which include professional perspectives on the role of counsellor in the counselling process, the professional and societal responsibility to provide counselling, and influences on professional practice. Findings from this qualitative study can be used as a platform for larger international studies on the clinical practice of donor information release and to inform clinical practice and service delivery. The implications of these results for policy and future longitudinal research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the laws controlling assistive reproductive technology (ART) in Australia. The laws control the development and use of embryos created specifically for the purpose of reproduction. The state of Victoria imposes mandatory child protection and criminal record checks on all people who want to use ART services; and there is a presumption against treatment which is applicable if a criminal record check specifies criminal charges against the women or her partner. In Australia, there are federal guidelines on how a pre-gestated embryo may be used after it is frozen, and the frozen embryo can be stored for a maximum period of 10 years.

“Cyborg” entities do not easily fit into pre-existing categories and can therefore be useful in deconstructing these categories and showing their contingency and political power. In this paper, some cyborg stem cells are examined. They were discussed in Australian public debates as well as during interviews with scientists. Multiple ways of making sense of them are possible, but one became dominant, was inscribed in Australian parliamentary documents and may now seem to be a simple reflection of nature. By showing other possible categorizations and highlighting the contingency and ambiguity of concepts such as “embryo,” or “fetus,” the established definition of these cells is contested. In particular, the way it can displace conversations about women's bodies and the use in research of material from terminations is highlighted. Alternative stem cell categorizations are put forward; these are not “innocent” either, but may offer fruitful ways of talking about this area of techno-science in public. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the stage of development that an embryo or a fetus can be considered a person in order that it can be called a victim of homicide. The born alive rule prevails in England and Australia to decide which infant is the victim of homicide and has two parts including that the fetus must be completely separated from the body of the mother and the infant is alive at or after birth. Aside from it being alive, the being must reportedly be a person.

Melita plumulosa is an epibenthic estuarine amphipod that has recently been adopted in Australia as a test organism for the evaluation of estuarine-sediment toxicity. In this study, the embryological development of M. plumulosa was observed following the mating of individuals reared in laboratory cultures. Intra-marsupial development until hatching was completed within seven days, and five distinct stages of development were recognized that closely resemble those described previously for gammarid amphipods. There was no distinct relationship between the size of females and the number of embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults of motile intertidal invertebrates are able to seek shelter to avoid environmental stress associated with low tides, but embryos within egg masses are effectively sessile for the duration of their encapsulation. Gastropod egg masses from 34 taxa on two rocky shores in SE Australia (34°37′08″S, 150°92′03″E and 34°35′45″S, 150°53′20″E) were surveyed over 2 years (June 2002–May 2004) to test the hypothesis that eggs are deposited in patterns that minimize exposure to environmental stress. Egg masses were expected to be predominantly deposited in shaded habitats not prone to environmental extremes. It was also anticipated that the deposition of egg masses in habitats exposed to UVR, desiccation, and/or extremes in temperature would occur when exposure to these abiotic factors was minimized. Among the taxa investigated, only four species spawned in full sun ( Bembicium nanum, Nerita morio, Siphonaria zelandica and S. denticulata). Summer had the highest UVR index, water temperature, and air temperature as well as the lowest daytime tides. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that egg mass abundance was highest during summer, with no change in egg mass size. This study shows that those species depositing egg masses on the surfaces of rock platforms do not adjust the seasonal timing or macrohabitat location of their spawning to avoid physiologically stressful conditions, particularly UVR. Alternate reasons for the evolution of egg mass deposition behavior in apparently sub-optimal habitats are discussed, and it is almost certainly the complex interplay of a variety of highly species-specific factors that is responsible for the patterns observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryonic stem cells are currently derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts, generated from spare embryos donated for research. To overcome ethical concerns raised by destruction of the embryo, two groups of workers have attempted to derive these cells from isolated blastomeres of 8- to 10-cell stage embryos using the embryo biopsy method akin to that used in preimplantation diagnosis. This paper briefly discusses these two techniques in relation to the routine derivation of stem cells from blastocysts. Some embryological aspects of using the inner cell mass of blastocysts in preference to early embryonic cells are presented. The paper also considers some pitfalls in therapeutic cloning, especially in non-human primates, since legislation to allow this procedure for stem cell research is currently being passed in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sets out to provide a systematic analysis of the development of the primordial central nervous system (CNS) in embryos of two decapod crustaceans, the Australian crayfish Cherax destructor (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Astacida) and the parthenogenetic Marbled crayfish (Marmorkrebs, Malacostraca, Decapoda, Astacida) by histochemical labelling with phalloidin, a general marker for actin. One goal of our study was to examine the neurogenesis in these two organisms with a higher temporal resolution than previous studies did. The second goal was to explore if there are any developmental differences between the parthenogenetic Marmorkrebs and the sexually reproducing Australian crayfish. We found that in the embryos of both species the sequence of neurogenetic events and the architecture of the embryonic CNS are identical. The naupliar neuromeres proto-, deuto-, tritocerebrum, and the mandibular neuromeres emerge simultaneously. After this “naupliar brain” has formed, there is a certain time lag before the maxilla one primordium develops and before the more caudal neuromeres follow sequentially in the characteristic anterior–posterior gradient. Because the malacostracan egg-nauplius represents a re-capitulation of a conserved ancestral information, which is expressed during development, we speculate that the naupliar brain also conserves an ancestral piece of information on how the brain architecture of an early crustacean or even arthropod ancestor may have looked like. Furthermore, we compare the architecture of the embryonic crayfish CNS to that of the brain and thoracic neuromeres in insects and discuss the similarities and differences that we found against an evolutionary background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent House of Lords decision in Quintavalle v Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has raised difficult and complex issues regarding the extent to which embryo selection and reproductive technology can be used as a means of rectifying genetic disorders and treating critically ill children. This comment outlines the facts of Quintavalle and explores how the House of Lords approached the legal, ethical and policy issues that arose out of the of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's (UK) decision to allow reproductive and embryo technology to be used to produce a 'saviour sibling' whose tissue could be used to save the life of a critically ill child. Particular attention will be given to the implications of the decision in Quintavalle for Australian family and medical law and policy. As part of this focus, the comment explores the current Australian legislative and policy framework regarding the use of genetic and reproductive technology as a mechanism through which to assist critically ill siblings. It is argued that the present Australian framework would appear to impose significant limits on the medical uses of genetic technology and, in this context, would seem to reflect many of the principles that were articulated by the House of Lords in Quintavalle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in temperature, within bounds, will accelerate development of reptile embryos, and morphogenesis can be normal over a range of temperatures despite those varying rates of development. Less well understood is the form of the relationship that best describes variation in developmental rate with temperature. In this article, we apply a linear degree hour model, an empirical curvilinear model, a biophysical model, and a polynomial model to data on rates of embryonic development and temperature in the pig-nosed turtle Carettochelys insculpta from northern Australia. The curvilinear models, which have been applied with success to development of insects, describe the embryonic development of turtles well. When fluctuating temperatures extend beyond the constant temperatures that support successful incubation, the curvilinear models continue to perform well, whereas the linear model predictions fail. Sensitivity analysis indicates that under some circumstances, incubation duration may be increased by diel temperature fluctuations, independent of an influence of mean temperature. In other circumstances, incubation duration may be decreased, and in still other circumstances, diel temperature fluctuations will have no impact on incubation duration. This adds an additional dimension to our understanding of how thermal regimes can be selected or manipulated by reptiles to optimise incubation duration and the timing of offspring emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eggs, embryos, and tadpoles of Spicospina flammocaerulea are described. The free-swimming tadpole has a distinctive body form among described Australian genera but shares morphological similarities with the myobatrachid genera Taudactylus and Uperoleia. The egg capsules have an unusual semiopaque outer envelope that is similar to a firm gelatinous envelope present on egg capsules of some species of Uperoleia. The embryos are unique among described Australian genera in that they do not develop visible adhesive organs. Spicospina and Taudactylus and some Uperoleia larvae share a narial flap. Both Spicospina and Uperoleia have large nares that open in a dorsal direction. Larvae of S. flammocaerulea car, be readily distinguished from other sympatric species by a combination of features of the oral disc and nares, position of the spiracle and eyes, and the low tail fins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants of Scaevola aemula R. Br. was achieved. Somatic embryos were induced from explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.2?0.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Various developmental stages of somatic embryos were found on this medium?from globular embryos to germinated embryos. The transfer of globular embryos to MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP resulted in a high frequency of shoot regeneration. Leaf explants cultured on MS medium containing different combinations of BAP and a-naphthaleneacetic acid formed adventitious shoots and roots. Histological examination confirmed the process of somatic embryogenesis. Induction of somatic embryogenesis in Scaevola provides a system for studying embryogenesis in Australian native plants and will facilitate the improvement of these plants using genetic transformation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gregarious behavior among oviparous female animals just prior to oviposition can be explained by several mechanisms, including a benefit to offspring survival. By clustering eggs together in one area, females may dilute the probability of egg predation. We tested the hypothesis that nest density influences egg survival in the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) along a river in northern Australia. Beaches with multiple nests were three times more likely to experience a predation event than beaches with single nests. However, the number of nests on a beach did not influence the probability of predation of individual nests, when considering either beaches with single versus groups of nests, or when comparing beaches with single nests, small groups of nests (n = 2-5), and large groups of nests (n = 6-8). Therefore, gregarious behavior of reproductive females during the nesting period did not dilute predation risk to nests. Four other hypotheses might explain the behavior: (1) nesting areas are limited; (2) nesting in groups dilutes predation risk to nesting females; (3) nesting in groups dilutes predation risk to hatchlings; and (4) social interactions in aggregations of nesting females provide additional information on nesting beaches/sites, reducing some cost associated with independent assessments of nesting beaches/sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Australian debate over the permissability of embryo experimentation, four lobby groups are equally divided into supporting and opposing parties, although for differing reasons. The scientific and the infertile women's lobbies support experimentation while the pro-life and feminist lobbies oppose it, and the recommendations of committees of enquiry as to a proper legal position tend to reflect representation of these groups in their memberships. Community opinion is often invoked as a way out of this stalemate, but little is yet known of levels of community support for the opposing views. The present survey elicited the views of middle-class Australians (345 respondents) on the acceptability of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo experimentation, and on the humanity of the embryo. It was found that while there was almost consensus support for IVF (90 per cent approval in principle), little more than half the respondents approved of embryo experimentation on the just fertilized one-cell embryo, and this fell to only a third for the fourteen day embryo. This was despite the fact that more respondents regarded the embryo of a few days old as 'object/tissue' than as 'human/a baby'. Disapproval of embryo experimentation was more strongly associated with female sex, younger age, and fertility than with male sex, older age and infertility. Implications for the ethics of research policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses various reports within the journal on topics including the legal aspects of human body transplantation, women's use of the drug mifepristone to terminate pregnancies, and information about abortion and breast cancer in South Asia.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) has been an important and promising option for the couples experiencing repeated IVF failures in the recent years. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has become a popular technology in the last years for The utilization of PGT-A. In this way, pregnancy rates increased by the selection and transfer of euploid embryos with a higher chance to implant and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, use of NGS technology is advantageous in the selection of embryos that do not carry any chromosomal abnormalities due to inherited structural rearrangements with high resolution, which is extremely important especially for translocation carrier patients known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Chromosome Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR). In this study, we report NGS based PGT results of 7436 embryos from 2324 patients including translocation carriers. SurePlex DNA Amplification System (Illumina, USA) and DOPlify (PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Australia) were used for Whole Genome Amplification (WGA) on biopsied cells. WGA samples were further processed using Veriseq PGS (Illumina, USA) and PG-Seq kits (PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Australia). Data obtained from Miseq System were analysed using BlueFuse Multi Software (Illumina, USA) and Nexus Software (BioDiscovery, USA). 7436 embryos collected from 2324 patients were processed in this study. Results of 7213 embryos were interpreted after the elimitation of amplification failure group. Among these embryos, 705 were obtained from translocation carrier patients. Our results show that 36.7% of embryos was euploid and this ratio was 25.6% for translocation carrier patients. For PGT-A and PGT-SR patients, aneuploidy rates were 16.3% and 18.2%, respectively. We observed higher complex aneuploidy in translocation patients (51.6%) compared to the rest of the samples (29.5%). In addition to these findings, we also obtained pregnancy rate data from 1245 embryos of 470 patients. Pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 62% in the group of patients in the range of 35-39 years, which was 53% in the group of patients over 40 years of age. Our data suggest that this technology is valuable for the selection of euploid embryos and improvement of IVF success together with pregnancy rates. Additional information obtained from NGS application prevents the transfer of aneuploid embryos, which is extremely important especially for translocation carrier patients. Moreover, this technology yielded promising results in the group of patients with advanced maternal age. At the point we have arrived through this aneuploidy testing adventure in embryos started in 1993 with FISH that detects only a limited number of chromosomes, detailed information accumulation obtained from 24 chromosome screening will increase the acceptability of this technique in IVF applications every passing day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers global news briefs from July 19-25, 2013. The French National Assembly has given permission to permit research on human embryonic stem cells and embryos. As per Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the country will shift to an emissions trading system for greenhouse gases one year ahead of schedule. The European Union is planning to ban insecticide fipronil from using in agricultural fields.

The article reports on the decision of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council to grant license for therapeutic cloning of embryos. The council's embryo research licensing committee had issued three simultaneous three-year licenses to produce cloned embryos, not for reproductive purposes but for the derivation of stem cell lines. The licenses apply to cumulus cells, fibroblasts and human embryonic stem cell lines. Details of the licenses are provided.

The article reports that the researchers in Australia have discovered that the placoderms have been copulating and giving birth to live young for at least 380 million years. According to paleontologist John Long at Museum Victoria, the team has uncovered the world's oldest pregnant mother based on the discovery of embryos in fossils of these ancient armoured, jawed fish. The fossils are from the Gogo Formation, which is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved fish from the Devonian period. Furthermore, the researchers have identified a single embryo in a new Gogo fish genus and three embryos in a previously discovered specimen.

BACKGROUND In Victoria, Australia, legislation governing fertility treatment provides that surplus human embryos must not be stored for longer than 5 years. Couples must then choose one of three options: discard, donate to research or donate to another infertile couple. Previous research suggests that many people find these decisions difficult and emotionally distressing. This study aims to elucidate the nature of these difficulties and to identify ways in which the decision-making process could be facilitated. METHODS This project used a combination of qualitative research methods. In total, 42 people agreed to participate in either a structured interview or a group discussion. All participants had completed IVF treatment and had surplus embryos in storage. The aim of the interviews was to discuss participants’ decision making regarding their surplus embryos. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Most participants described the decision-making process as difficult and emotional. Findings indicate that participants could be assisted by more information about each of their current options, and opportunities to talk to others in similar situations. Many responded positively to the idea of having more options, including choice about which research projects to donate to (directed research), and about the recipients of their donated embryos (directed donation). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that there are practical ways to assist people in making decisions about their surplus embryos, which could be easily implemented. In addition, the study demonstrated interest in the possibility of directed donation to other couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that a government-commissioned review of Australia's stem cell research has recommended changes to the country's laws to allow therapeutic cloning. Australia's existing laws permit the creation of new stem cell lines from excess embryos created during in vitro fertilization. The government appointed a committee to review the law in view of scientific development and community attitudes about the field.