Editorial Commentary

Welcome to the first issue of the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences for the Year 2023! It includes a narrative review, nine original articles addressing various aspects of human reproduction and a case report.

Thanikachalam et al. provide a comprehensive review of the literature on pain management during oocyte retrieval and highlight the safety and efficiency of conscious sedation analgesia as the preferred choice. Kumar et al. address the possible role of artificial intelligence in identifying sperm DNA fragmentation through a machine learning model. Kadian et al. discuss the prognostic indicators for a successful vaso-epididymal anastomosis in men with obstructive azoospermia. Despite the limited role of surgery when compared to ICSI, it may be the only option for fertility in those who do not wish to undergo ICSI for personal or financial reasons.

In a study involving infertile women, Jaffer et al. identify differences in the age related AMH values between North and South Indian cohorts. This may have important implications for the clinical decisions we make to guide women with infertility. Using a health related Quality of Life questionnaire, Hariprasath et al. identify infertility and social factors as having the most important impact in women with PCOS. In a retrospective study, Huang et al. attempt to identify the factors which influence the success of IUI. The generalisability of these findings may be limited to a population of infertile women with favourable prognosis.

Pappa et al. highlight the emotional challenges faced by women undergoing IVF in the face of Covid-19 pandemic, in particular those needing international travel for the treatment, in a cross-sectional study. There is a continued interest in exploring the ability of AMH to predict pregnancy outcomes in addition to response to ovarian stimulation. Karacin et al. report a lack of association between AMH values and miscarriages following IVF. Ranji et al., show in a retrospective study, the lack of any benefit of extended incubation for vitrified and warmed embryos. Udumudi et al. have identified an association between certain genes and poor response to ovarian stimulation in a small study population. Mahey et al. demonstrate the challenges involved in distinguishing between Robert's uterus and juvenile cystic adenoma in a case report along with a comprehensive review of the surrounding literature.

This issue includes a retraction notice for an article published in the journal in 2011 by a single author and subsequently retracted in 2015. Plagiarism, whether a conscious act or an inadvertent one due to ignorance, has the same consequences. The damaging repercussions extend beyond those for the individual or the group, to the society and the country they belong to! It is important to be cognisant of this from the very beginning of one's journey as a researcher, and maintain the integrity of science and research at all times.

Best Wishes.