Background/Objectives: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been proposed as a physiological alternative to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for sperm immobilization during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This prospective sibling-oocyte study aimed to compare embryological outcomes and morphokinetic parameters between HA and PVP. Methods: A total of 811 sibling-oocytes from 51 ICSI cycles were allocated to the HA group (SpermCatch; n = 377) or the PVP group (10% PVP Solution; n = 434). Fertilization outcomes, cleavage, blastocyst formation, and good-quality embryo development were assessed. Embryo morphokinetic parameters (t2–tB) and an AI-derived embryo score were analyzed in a subset of blastocysts with available time-lapse data. Results: The fertilization rates were comparable between the HA and PVP groups (80.9% vs. 85.3%, p = 0.25), as were the cleavage rates (99.0% vs. 97.0%, p = 0.27). However, the HA group had significantly lower rates of good-quality cleavage-stage embryos (33.4% vs. 47.9%, p < 0.01), blastocyst formation (52.3% vs. 69.9%, p < 0.01), and good-quality blastocysts (49.4% vs. 64.1%, p < 0.01). Morphokinetic timings did not differ significantly, whereas embryos in the HA group showed lower AI scores than those in the PVP group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: In this prospective sibling-oocyte cohort, HA-based sperm immobilization did not improve embryological outcomes compared with conventional PVP-assisted ICSI. Differences observed at the blastocyst stage should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger, randomized studies with clinical follow-up.
BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary artery bypass grafting being the most effective treatment for severe cases. While autografts are preferred, donor veins are often limited. Human umbilical arteries (hUAs) show promise as an alternative. However, to make vascular graft by decellularization, a traditional chemical method can damage tissue structure and function.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the shortening of treatment time and the hUA decellularization efficiency of the perfusion bioreactor systems.MethodshUAs were perfused with 1% Triton X-100 for 6 h, followed by two different concentrations of (0.5% and 1%) SDS for 18 h, and subsequently subjected to a washing procedure. The decellularization process was evaluated using histological staining and DNA quantification, along with tests for cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and proliferation.ResultsThe 0.5% SDS protocol proved most effective, reducing residual DNA to below 50 ng/mg of dry weight while preserving collagen structure. It showed no cytotoxicity to L929 cells, SEM analysis confirmed human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) attachment and CCK-8 testing showed promoted HUVECs proliferation.ConclusionThe decellularization protocol of perfusing through 1% TX for 6 h and 0.5% SDS for 18 h through the perfusion bioreactor system is efficient in the intact hUAs tissue. This sets the stage for future in vivo studies and potential clinical applications.
First-trimester fetal abdominal cysts at the right thoracoabdominal border are typically regarded as benign findings. We report three cases in which such cysts, initially attributed to hepatic or pulmonary origin, subsequently evolved into right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), providing additional sonographic evidence for a previously under-recognized pattern. Notably, cyst regression in the second trimester coincided with-rather than preceded-the development of intrathoracic hepatic herniation. Recognition of this pattern may facilitate earlier CDH diagnosis and improve perinatal counseling.
Repeat induced abortion remains a major reproductive health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although abortion is legal in Vietnam up to 22 weeks of gestation, the country continues to report high abortion rates in Southeast Asia, with limited recent data on repeat abortion. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of repeat induced abortion and identify associated demographic, reproductive, and contraceptive factors among women seeking abortion services in Vietnam. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2025 at the Department of Family Planning, Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. Women aged 18–49 years presenting for induced abortion were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Repeat induced abortion was defined as a history of one or more previous induced abortions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with repeat abortion. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95
