F. Licciardi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by F. Licciardi

Research paper thumbnail of P-26

Fertility and Sterility, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Opening of the mouse zona pellucida by laser without a micromanipulator

Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 1993

A contact-free laser system is described for ablation of the embryonic mouse zona pellucida using... more A contact-free laser system is described for ablation of the embryonic mouse zona pellucida using a pulsed excimer 308 nm laser. Effects on further embryonic development were evaluated. Zonae of 8- to 16-cell mouse embryos were either lased (n = 189), zona-drilled with acidified Tyrode's solution (n = 183) or left zona-intact (n = 188). Blastocyst formation (99-100%) was similar in the three groups. Hatching occurred earlier in lased embryos compared to those of the control group. These blastocysts hatched through the laser ablated area. Significantly more embryos were hatching on day 4 in the conventionally drilled group when compared to the laser treated group (50% versus 24% respectively). On day 7 of development, significantly (P < 0.05) more embryos conventionally zona-drilled (37%) were intact than those which were previously laser treated (10%). Abnormal development was also noted in a small group of embryos which were lased just on the outside of the zona in compariso...

Research paper thumbnail of Mature cystic teratoma: a clinicopathologic evaluation of 517 cases and review of the literature

Obstetrics and gynecology, 1994

To evaluate the clinical and pathologic presentation of mature cystic teratomas and the trends in... more To evaluate the clinical and pathologic presentation of mature cystic teratomas and the trends in management over a 14-year study period. Tumor registry data and medical records between January 1, 1975 and December 31, 1989 were analyzed with respect to patient age, tumor size, bilaterality, malignant transformation, and treatment. Five hundred seventy-three tumors were removed from 517 patients. The median and mean (+/- standard deviation) age was found to be 30 and 32 +/- 11.3 years, respectively. Three hundred ten (60%) of the patients were asymptomatic. The mean tumor size was 6.4 +/- 3.5 cm. The bilaterality rate was 10.8%. The rate of torsion was 3.5%; larger tumors underwent torsion more frequently than smaller tumors (P = .029). The rate of malignant transformation was 0.17%. The mean cyst diameter for patients undergoing cystectomy was 5.7 +/- 2.4 cm; for oophorectomy, 8.0 +/- 4.1 cm; and for hysterectomy, 6.1 +/- 3.8 cm. Oophorectomies were performed for larger tumors when...

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment experience of hidradenitis suppurativa at Mayo Clinic

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Fertility after hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas

The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 1999

Study Objective. To analyze fertility outcomes after resection of submucous myomas by operative h... more Study Objective. To analyze fertility outcomes after resection of submucous myomas by operative hysteroscopy in infertile women. Design. Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification 11-2). Setting. Academic tertiary referral center. Patients. Forty-one women (age 28-42 yrs) old with primary and secondary infertility, and histologically proved submucous myomas. Intervention. Hysteroscopic myomectomy performed with a rigid resectoscope. Measurements and Main Results. Of the 41 patients, 25 (60.9%) became pregnant overall and 20 (48.7%) delivered at term. Seventeen patients delivered a single fetus. Five delivered twins, three at term and two at 33 and 35 weeks. One woman delivered triplets at 31 weeks. The total delivery rate was 56.0%. Two women miscarried, at 6 and 8 weeks. One patient developed postoperative Asherman's syndrome. Conclusion. Our results indicate that hysteroscopic myomectomy improves fertility in previously infertile women. Resection is a viable alternative to abdominal myomectomy for submucous myomas.

Research paper thumbnail of Laser ablation of the mouse zona pellucida for blastomere biopsy

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 1995

... Yossi Neev Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic University of California Irvine Irvine,... more ... Yossi Neev Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic University of California Irvine Irvine, California 92715 Present address: CREI, Womans Wellness Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, New York. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relation between antibodies toChlamydia trachomatis and spontaneous abortion following in vitro fertilization

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 1992

due to occlusion of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a major cause of th... more due to occlusion of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a major cause of this tubal damage. Since this organism has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcome, we investigated whether a past exposure to C. trachomatis was associated with spontaneous abortion following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the necessity for universal screening of prospective oocyte donors using enhanced genetic and psychological testing

Human Reproduction, 2010

To minimize the potential for harmful inheritable conditions, donors are rigorously screened acco... more To minimize the potential for harmful inheritable conditions, donors are rigorously screened according to standard guidelines, yet such guidelines may not be sufficient to exclude egg donors with certain known inheritable conditions. We compared universal screening of oocyte donors with Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotype and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) versus standard American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines that do not include such testing. In this 12 year retrospective cohort study, results of enhanced universal screening of all anonymous oocyte donor candidates from 1997 to 2008 at a university hospital oocyte donation program were reviewed. Primary outcomes were the frequency of oocyte donor candidates excluded as a result of enhanced universal screening (Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotypic analysis and MMPI-2) versus basic screening according to ASRM guidelines. Of 1303 candidates who underwent on-site evaluation, 47% passed the screening process, 23% were lost to follow-up and 31% were excluded. Genetic and psychological factors accounted for the most common reasons for candidate exclusion. Enhanced genetic screening excluded an additional 25 candidates (19% of all genetic exclusions) and enhanced psychological screening excluded an additional 15 candidates (12% of all psychological exclusions). Altogether enhanced screening accounted for 40 candidates (10%) of the total pool of excluded candidates. Although our study is limited by its retrospective nature and center-specific conclusions, we show that enhanced comprehensive screening can exclude a significant number of candidates from an oocyte donor program and should be encouraged to assure optimal short-term and long-term outcomes for pregnancies achieved through oocyte donation.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro fertilization outcome relative to embryo transfer difficulty: a novel approach to the forbidding cervix

Fertility and Sterility, 1999

To assess the impact of ET difficulty on IVF outcome and to optimize the ET procedure. Design: Re... more To assess the impact of ET difficulty on IVF outcome and to optimize the ET procedure. Design: Retrospective analysis of IVF outcome by ET catheter type and ET difficulty. Prospective treatment and follow-up of patients with a history of extremely difficult cervical passage. Setting: Large university-based IVF program. Patient(s): All patients Ͻ40 years of age undergoing IVF-ET from September 1995 to May 1998. Intervention(s): Surgical correction of cervical stenosis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy and embryo implantation rates. Result(s): Only 0.6% of ETs were "extremely difficult." Pregnancy rates were not statistically significantly different among ETs graded easy, moderate, and difficult. In contrast, no pregnancies occurred in the rare "extremely difficult" ET group. Eight patients with a history of extremely difficult cervical passage underwent surgical correction of their cervical stenosis. Twelve postoperative IVF-ET in these women resulted in eight clinical pregnancies, six of which were multiple gestations. The embryo implantation rate of these cycles was 42.2%.

Research paper thumbnail of Donor age does not impact the success of oocyte donation cycles

Fertility and Sterility, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Ovarian stimulation in 2007: the evolving role of GNRH analogues at a large, university-based fertility center

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

RESULTS: Of 117 women, 48 (41%) achieved pregnancy. There were 5 (10%) high-order multiple pregna... more RESULTS: Of 117 women, 48 (41%) achieved pregnancy. There were 5 (10%) high-order multiple pregnancies. The mean age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos transferred were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Sensitivity and specificity of our mathematical model for high-order multiple pregnancy were 40% and 84%, respectively. Negative predictive value was 97%. Stepwise logistic regression analysis selected our model as the best predictor of high-order multiple pregnancy (LR 3.55, P¼0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of our model for any pregnancy were 42% and 72%. Stepwise logistic regression revealed our model to be the best predictor of pregnancy (LR 3.96, P<0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Leader of the pack: lead embryo development on day 5 (D5) best determines outcome in oocyte donation (OD) cycles

Fertility and Sterility, 2010

OBJECTIVE: D5 embryo selection for transfer (ET) is primarily based on developmental stage. The m... more OBJECTIVE: D5 embryo selection for transfer (ET) is primarily based on developmental stage. The most advanced stage embryos are preferentially transferred since they have the highest pregnancy rates. Whether morphologic assessment further improves selection remains to be determined, particularly in OD cycles. We examined this by analyzing pregnancy, implantation, live birth and twin outcome rates (PR, IR, LB, Twin) in OD recipients.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic screening of prospective oocyte donors

Fertility and Sterility, 1998

Objective: To report our experience with genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates and to dete... more Objective: To report our experience with genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates and to determine the frequency with which significant genetic issues are identified.

Research paper thumbnail of History of spontaneous abortion increases the risk of oocyte donation pregnancy loss

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as a marker of ovarian response in anonymous oocyte donors: quantity or quality?

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

growing follicles and decreases the sensitivity of small pre-antral follicles to FSH. Along with ... more growing follicles and decreases the sensitivity of small pre-antral follicles to FSH. Along with its pivotal role in follicular development, AMH serves as a putative marker of ovarian reserve and of assisted reproductive technology outcome. Aromatase cytochrome P450 (encoded by the CYP19 gene) is the key enzyme in biosynthesis of estrogens from C 19 -steroid precursors. Previous animal studies suggest that AMH inhibits expression of aromatase in fetal ovaries; however, the effect of AMH on aromatase in postnatal human ovaries is not well understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMH on expression of aromatase in human granulosa cells (hGCs).

Research paper thumbnail of Donor egg banking: deliveries from cryopreserved donor oocytes-a new paradigm for egg donation?

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Estradiol: oocyte ratio a predictor of pregnancy outcome

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the luteal estradiol (E2) PATCH/GNRH antagonist (E2-prime) protocol for patients with evidence of diminished ovarian reserve

Fertility and Sterility, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Age-related pregnancy outcomes in elective single embryo transfers (eSET) vs. double-embryo transfer (2ET) on day 5 in women <40 years of age

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Elective single blastocyst transfers (eSBT) in oocyte donor IVF cycles (OD-IVF) result in a reduction of multiples without compromising the live birth rate (LBR)

Fertility and Sterility, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of P-26

Fertility and Sterility, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Opening of the mouse zona pellucida by laser without a micromanipulator

Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 1993

A contact-free laser system is described for ablation of the embryonic mouse zona pellucida using... more A contact-free laser system is described for ablation of the embryonic mouse zona pellucida using a pulsed excimer 308 nm laser. Effects on further embryonic development were evaluated. Zonae of 8- to 16-cell mouse embryos were either lased (n = 189), zona-drilled with acidified Tyrode's solution (n = 183) or left zona-intact (n = 188). Blastocyst formation (99-100%) was similar in the three groups. Hatching occurred earlier in lased embryos compared to those of the control group. These blastocysts hatched through the laser ablated area. Significantly more embryos were hatching on day 4 in the conventionally drilled group when compared to the laser treated group (50% versus 24% respectively). On day 7 of development, significantly (P < 0.05) more embryos conventionally zona-drilled (37%) were intact than those which were previously laser treated (10%). Abnormal development was also noted in a small group of embryos which were lased just on the outside of the zona in compariso...

Research paper thumbnail of Mature cystic teratoma: a clinicopathologic evaluation of 517 cases and review of the literature

Obstetrics and gynecology, 1994

To evaluate the clinical and pathologic presentation of mature cystic teratomas and the trends in... more To evaluate the clinical and pathologic presentation of mature cystic teratomas and the trends in management over a 14-year study period. Tumor registry data and medical records between January 1, 1975 and December 31, 1989 were analyzed with respect to patient age, tumor size, bilaterality, malignant transformation, and treatment. Five hundred seventy-three tumors were removed from 517 patients. The median and mean (+/- standard deviation) age was found to be 30 and 32 +/- 11.3 years, respectively. Three hundred ten (60%) of the patients were asymptomatic. The mean tumor size was 6.4 +/- 3.5 cm. The bilaterality rate was 10.8%. The rate of torsion was 3.5%; larger tumors underwent torsion more frequently than smaller tumors (P = .029). The rate of malignant transformation was 0.17%. The mean cyst diameter for patients undergoing cystectomy was 5.7 +/- 2.4 cm; for oophorectomy, 8.0 +/- 4.1 cm; and for hysterectomy, 6.1 +/- 3.8 cm. Oophorectomies were performed for larger tumors when...

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment experience of hidradenitis suppurativa at Mayo Clinic

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Fertility after hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas

The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 1999

Study Objective. To analyze fertility outcomes after resection of submucous myomas by operative h... more Study Objective. To analyze fertility outcomes after resection of submucous myomas by operative hysteroscopy in infertile women. Design. Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification 11-2). Setting. Academic tertiary referral center. Patients. Forty-one women (age 28-42 yrs) old with primary and secondary infertility, and histologically proved submucous myomas. Intervention. Hysteroscopic myomectomy performed with a rigid resectoscope. Measurements and Main Results. Of the 41 patients, 25 (60.9%) became pregnant overall and 20 (48.7%) delivered at term. Seventeen patients delivered a single fetus. Five delivered twins, three at term and two at 33 and 35 weeks. One woman delivered triplets at 31 weeks. The total delivery rate was 56.0%. Two women miscarried, at 6 and 8 weeks. One patient developed postoperative Asherman's syndrome. Conclusion. Our results indicate that hysteroscopic myomectomy improves fertility in previously infertile women. Resection is a viable alternative to abdominal myomectomy for submucous myomas.

Research paper thumbnail of Laser ablation of the mouse zona pellucida for blastomere biopsy

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 1995

... Yossi Neev Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic University of California Irvine Irvine,... more ... Yossi Neev Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic University of California Irvine Irvine, California 92715 Present address: CREI, Womans Wellness Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, New York. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relation between antibodies toChlamydia trachomatis and spontaneous abortion following in vitro fertilization

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 1992

due to occlusion of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a major cause of th... more due to occlusion of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a major cause of this tubal damage. Since this organism has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcome, we investigated whether a past exposure to C. trachomatis was associated with spontaneous abortion following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the necessity for universal screening of prospective oocyte donors using enhanced genetic and psychological testing

Human Reproduction, 2010

To minimize the potential for harmful inheritable conditions, donors are rigorously screened acco... more To minimize the potential for harmful inheritable conditions, donors are rigorously screened according to standard guidelines, yet such guidelines may not be sufficient to exclude egg donors with certain known inheritable conditions. We compared universal screening of oocyte donors with Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotype and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) versus standard American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines that do not include such testing. In this 12 year retrospective cohort study, results of enhanced universal screening of all anonymous oocyte donor candidates from 1997 to 2008 at a university hospital oocyte donation program were reviewed. Primary outcomes were the frequency of oocyte donor candidates excluded as a result of enhanced universal screening (Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotypic analysis and MMPI-2) versus basic screening according to ASRM guidelines. Of 1303 candidates who underwent on-site evaluation, 47% passed the screening process, 23% were lost to follow-up and 31% were excluded. Genetic and psychological factors accounted for the most common reasons for candidate exclusion. Enhanced genetic screening excluded an additional 25 candidates (19% of all genetic exclusions) and enhanced psychological screening excluded an additional 15 candidates (12% of all psychological exclusions). Altogether enhanced screening accounted for 40 candidates (10%) of the total pool of excluded candidates. Although our study is limited by its retrospective nature and center-specific conclusions, we show that enhanced comprehensive screening can exclude a significant number of candidates from an oocyte donor program and should be encouraged to assure optimal short-term and long-term outcomes for pregnancies achieved through oocyte donation.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro fertilization outcome relative to embryo transfer difficulty: a novel approach to the forbidding cervix

Fertility and Sterility, 1999

To assess the impact of ET difficulty on IVF outcome and to optimize the ET procedure. Design: Re... more To assess the impact of ET difficulty on IVF outcome and to optimize the ET procedure. Design: Retrospective analysis of IVF outcome by ET catheter type and ET difficulty. Prospective treatment and follow-up of patients with a history of extremely difficult cervical passage. Setting: Large university-based IVF program. Patient(s): All patients Ͻ40 years of age undergoing IVF-ET from September 1995 to May 1998. Intervention(s): Surgical correction of cervical stenosis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy and embryo implantation rates. Result(s): Only 0.6% of ETs were "extremely difficult." Pregnancy rates were not statistically significantly different among ETs graded easy, moderate, and difficult. In contrast, no pregnancies occurred in the rare "extremely difficult" ET group. Eight patients with a history of extremely difficult cervical passage underwent surgical correction of their cervical stenosis. Twelve postoperative IVF-ET in these women resulted in eight clinical pregnancies, six of which were multiple gestations. The embryo implantation rate of these cycles was 42.2%.

Research paper thumbnail of Donor age does not impact the success of oocyte donation cycles

Fertility and Sterility, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Ovarian stimulation in 2007: the evolving role of GNRH analogues at a large, university-based fertility center

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

RESULTS: Of 117 women, 48 (41%) achieved pregnancy. There were 5 (10%) high-order multiple pregna... more RESULTS: Of 117 women, 48 (41%) achieved pregnancy. There were 5 (10%) high-order multiple pregnancies. The mean age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos transferred were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Sensitivity and specificity of our mathematical model for high-order multiple pregnancy were 40% and 84%, respectively. Negative predictive value was 97%. Stepwise logistic regression analysis selected our model as the best predictor of high-order multiple pregnancy (LR 3.55, P¼0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of our model for any pregnancy were 42% and 72%. Stepwise logistic regression revealed our model to be the best predictor of pregnancy (LR 3.96, P<0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Leader of the pack: lead embryo development on day 5 (D5) best determines outcome in oocyte donation (OD) cycles

Fertility and Sterility, 2010

OBJECTIVE: D5 embryo selection for transfer (ET) is primarily based on developmental stage. The m... more OBJECTIVE: D5 embryo selection for transfer (ET) is primarily based on developmental stage. The most advanced stage embryos are preferentially transferred since they have the highest pregnancy rates. Whether morphologic assessment further improves selection remains to be determined, particularly in OD cycles. We examined this by analyzing pregnancy, implantation, live birth and twin outcome rates (PR, IR, LB, Twin) in OD recipients.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic screening of prospective oocyte donors

Fertility and Sterility, 1998

Objective: To report our experience with genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates and to dete... more Objective: To report our experience with genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates and to determine the frequency with which significant genetic issues are identified.

Research paper thumbnail of History of spontaneous abortion increases the risk of oocyte donation pregnancy loss

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as a marker of ovarian response in anonymous oocyte donors: quantity or quality?

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

growing follicles and decreases the sensitivity of small pre-antral follicles to FSH. Along with ... more growing follicles and decreases the sensitivity of small pre-antral follicles to FSH. Along with its pivotal role in follicular development, AMH serves as a putative marker of ovarian reserve and of assisted reproductive technology outcome. Aromatase cytochrome P450 (encoded by the CYP19 gene) is the key enzyme in biosynthesis of estrogens from C 19 -steroid precursors. Previous animal studies suggest that AMH inhibits expression of aromatase in fetal ovaries; however, the effect of AMH on aromatase in postnatal human ovaries is not well understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMH on expression of aromatase in human granulosa cells (hGCs).

Research paper thumbnail of Donor egg banking: deliveries from cryopreserved donor oocytes-a new paradigm for egg donation?

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Estradiol: oocyte ratio a predictor of pregnancy outcome

Fertility and Sterility, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the luteal estradiol (E2) PATCH/GNRH antagonist (E2-prime) protocol for patients with evidence of diminished ovarian reserve

Fertility and Sterility, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Age-related pregnancy outcomes in elective single embryo transfers (eSET) vs. double-embryo transfer (2ET) on day 5 in women <40 years of age

Fertility and Sterility, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Elective single blastocyst transfers (eSBT) in oocyte donor IVF cycles (OD-IVF) result in a reduction of multiples without compromising the live birth rate (LBR)

Fertility and Sterility, 2010