The present review addresses the oocyte and the preimplantation embryo, and is intended
to highlight the underlying principle of the “nature versus/and nurture” question. Given the …

Reproductive medicine in China has developed rapidly since 1988 due to support from the
government and scientific exploration. However, the success rate of assisted reproduction …

Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is a critical step during embryonic development.
Several transcription factors have been identified that play major roles in initiating EGA; …

Background In mammalian biology, is there a point at which a given generation begins?
Historically, the answer was straightforward: it begins with the single-celled embryo, or …

Background Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely used in the
treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), as well as a performance …

Maternal-effect genes (MEGs) play an important role in maintaining the survival and
development of mammalian embryos at the cleavage stage after fertilization. Despite long …

Purpose/study question Does piercing oocyte membranes during ICSI allow the influx of
surrounding zwitterionic buffer into human oocytes and result in altered developmental …

Introduction: Cryopreservation of bipronuclear (2PN) stage zygotes is an integral part of IVF
laboratory practice in countries with strict embryo culture legislation. Vitrification of zygotes is …

Background The process of gamete formation and early embryonic development involves
rapid DNA replication, chromosome segregation and cell division. These processes may be …

Purpose To investigate developmental competence and neonatal outcomes of
nonpronuclear (0PN) zygotes following single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers (VBT) …