Human cloning refers to the production of genetically identical humans. This cloning is possible via either ‘‘embryo splitting’’ or ‘‘nuclear transfer’’. Embryo splitting involves the separation of an early human embryo into two or more parts. Each of these parts has the potential to develop into a blastocyst (late embryo), which, if implanted, can develop into a child. This is how genetically ...

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) has the potential to increase the rates of genetic improvement in sheep. However, better realization of this potential requires a higher yield of transferable embryos. Thus we investigated some factors that may contribute to high embryo yield and quality under field conditions, as part of an ongoing MOET program. Comparison of the effects of 2 breed...

The aim of this study was to investigate whether standing upright shortly after embryo transfer has any potential to affect the position of embryos transferred to the uterine cavity during treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This was assessed by ultrasound-guided tracking of embryo-associated air within the uterine cavity. A prospective study of 93 patients undergoing 101 consecutive e...

Ever since the birth of the first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) baby in 1978 (1), the advancement in ovulation stimulation regimes, oocyte collection and culture mediums has been phenomenal. However, the technique of uterine embryo transfer remains largely unchanged, since it was first described. The vast majority of transferred embryos fails to implant in spite of improvements in ovulation indu...

Preimplantation development directs the formation of an implantation- or attachment-competent embryo so that metabolic interactions with the uterus can occur, pregnancy can be initiated, and fetal development can be sustained. The preimplantation embryo exhibits a form of autonomous development fueled by products provided by the oocyte and also from activation of the embryo's genome. Despite th...

Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process and therefore the number of infertile couples is high. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have facilitated the birth of over five million children worldwide. ART, however, superimposes its own relative inefficiency on the preexisting inefficiency of normal reproduction. The efficiency (expressed as pregnancy rate) is generally not mor...

BACKGROUND Embryo transfer, a crucial step for achieving pregnancy after in vitro fertilization, is an operator-dependent technique but the number of procedures required for a trainee to reach proficiency is unknown. We set out to evaluate the learning curve (LC) of embryo transfer using a specifically designed statistical tool. METHODS The first embryo transfers performed by five trainees we...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the 2004 Italian regulations (insemination of <or=3 oocytes/cycle, transfer of all embryos, prohibition of embryo cryopreservation) on outcomes of assisted reproduction treatment (ART). DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING The Center of Reproductive Medicine, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. PATIENT(S) Women undergoing ART for the firs...

Embryo transfer in camels was initiated to respond to demand from the camel industry particularly in the United Arab Emirates since 1990. This paper reviews the research performed in critical areas of reproductive physiology and reproductive function evaluation that constitute a pre-requisite for a successful embryo transfer program. A description of donor and recipient management as well as a ...