We thank Tatsuji Ihana, Sachiyo Kurimoto, Kazuko Takahasih, Yuki Yoshizawa, Maho Arashi, Kentaro Fujita, Erina Kudo, Yuka Kurimoto and Mayuko Wakatsuki for supporting the drug-free IVA procedure and Prof. Aaron J.W. Hsueh (Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA) for critical reading and editing of the manuscript. We also thank Rebecca Truman and Gregory Truman for inserting English narration. This study was supported by The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Scientific Research B (19H03801), and Challenging Exploratory Research (18K19624).

Written informed consent was obtained from each POR patient with diminishing ovarian reserve who enrolled in the drug-free IVA treatment. This study was approved by ethical committee of International University of Health and Welfare (No. 17-S-21). Clinical trial was registered under number UMIN000034464 and carried out in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki).
1. Ovarian cortex extraction
<ol>
	<li>Remove part of ovarian cortex (10 x 10 mm, 2-3 mm thickness) from one or both ovaries under general anesthesia through laparoscopic surgery as previous described19,20.</li>
	<li>Place the collected ovarian cortexes in a sterile container containing 10 mL of modified HTF (mHTF) at 37 &#176;C.</li>
</ol>
2. Ovarian cortex fragmentation
NOTE: Prior to dissection of the ovarian cortex, warm up mHTF to 37 &#176;C. Maintain sterile conditions throughout the procedure. All tools for this procedure are listed in Table of Materials.
<ol>
	<li>Place the collected ovarian cortexes in a plastic dish containing 5-10 mL of mHTF at 37 &#176;C and place them on the heat plate to maintain the tissue at 37 &#176;C (Figure 2A).</li>
	<li>Take a picture of each cortex using a digital camera with patient&#39;s name before starting next procedure to link patient background data.</li>
	<li>Place an individual cortex on a sterile gauze moistened with mHTF (Figure 2B). 
	NOTE: Apply additional mHTF with a disposable pipette on the gauze to prevent the surface of cortex being dried out during this procedure.</li>
	<li>Remove residual medulla tissue where looks pink using a micro-scissors so that thickness of tissue reaches 1-2 mm (Figure 2C and D). 
	NOTE: To avoid the loss of follicles at early stage, do not prepare the cortical strips less than 1 mm in thickness, because the early-stage follicles are located within 1-2 mm from the surface of ovarian cortex21.</li>
	<li>Dissect a 1 mm x 1 mm x 5 mm of tissue piece from each ovarian cortical strip using a fine scalpel and subject it to histological analysis to determine the presence of residual follicles as previous described18 (Figure 2E). 
	NOTE: The dissected tissues for histology are immersed in mHTF and keep at 4 &#176;C until fixing (Figure 2F, see Step 4).</li>
	<li>Cut the cortex into 1mm x 1 mm x 10 mm strips using a fine scalpel (Figure 2G). 
	NOTE: It is easier to cut by pressing down on the scalpel than by pulling on it.</li>
	<li>Cut these tissue strips into 1 mm x 1 mm x 1 mm small cubes (Figure 2H). 
	NOTE: To avoid changes of osmotic pressure in the medium, add mHTF in moderation before tissue autografting.</li>
</ol>
3.&#160;Auto-grafting of ovarian cortical fragments
<ol>
	<li>Open the package of the IVA cannula and put it on a sterile drape.</li>
	<li>Rinse inside of the IVA cannula with mHTF by aspirating and discharging mHTF several times.</li>
	<li>Aspirate 100-200 &#181;L of mHTF to fill the tip of IVA cannula to avoid the cortical cubes from drying out during loading (Figure 3A).</li>
	<li>Load the cortical cubes into the tip of IVA cannula using a fine tweezer (Figure 3B-E). 
	NOTE: The number of cortical cubes for loading depends on the grafting site. Generally, 20-30 cubes can be transplanted into an orthotropic remaining ovary, whereas 10-15 cubes can be transplanted into a pouch beneath the serosa of the Fallopian tube.</li>
	<li>After loading the cortical cubes, hold the tip of the cannula containing the cortical cubes by the fingers until transferring the IVA cannula to a surgeon. This will avoid the cube temperature to decreases. 
	&#8203;NOTE: The details of autografting procedure under laparoscopic surgery have been reported previously19. For grafting ovarian cortical cubes, a cannula-shaped device (IVA cannula) was developed by our collaborator, the Kitazato Corporation.</li>
</ol>
4.&#160;Histological analysis of ovarian cortex
NOTE: To count the number of residual follicles, perform histological analysis as previous described15.
<ol>
	<li>Mark the cortical strip surface with a tissue marking dye before sample fixation. This will indicate the side of cortex in strip for histology.</li>
	<li>Fix the tissue strips overnight at 4 &#176;C using Bouin&#39;s solution. 
	NOTE: To detect atretic follicles, we do not recommend using paraformaldehyde for fixing to avoid shrinkage of oocyte cytoplasm.</li>
	<li>Dehydrate and embed the tissue strips in paraffin.</li>
	<li>Serially section the paraffin block containing the tissue sample.</li>
	<li>Stain each section using hematoxylin and eosin to visualize the follicles.</li>
	<li>Count the follicles as previously described17.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Liang, T., Motan, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mature+Oocyte+Cryopreservation+for+Fertility+Preservation.">Mature Oocyte Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation.</a> Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 951, 155-161 (2016).</li><li>Yoon, T. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Live+births+after+vitrification+of+oocytes+in+a+stimulated+in+vitro+fertilization-embryo+transfer+program.">Live births after vitrification of oocytes in a stimulated in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program.</a> Fertility and Sterility. 79 (6), 1323-1326 (2003).</li><li>Donnez, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Livebirth+after+orthotopic+transplantation+of+cryopreserved+ovarian+tissue.">Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue.</a> Lancet. 364 (9443), 1405-1410 (2004).</li><li>Meirow, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pregnancy+after+transplantation+of+cryopreserved+ovarian+tissue+in+a+patient+with+ovarian+failure+after+chemotherapy.">Pregnancy after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in a patient with ovarian failure after chemotherapy.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 353 (3), 318-321 (2005).</li><li>De Vos, M., Devroey, P., Fauser, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Primary+ovarian+insufficiency.">Primary ovarian insufficiency.</a> Lancet. 376 (9744), 911-921 (2010).</li><li>Scott, R. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Follicle-stimulating+hormone+levels+on+cycle+day+3+are+predictive+of+in+vitro+fertilization+outcome.">Follicle-stimulating hormone levels on cycle day 3 are predictive of in vitro fertilization outcome.</a> Fertility and Sterility. 51 (4), 651-654 (1989).</li><li>Ferraretti, A. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ESHRE+consensus+on+the+definition+of+'poor+response'+to+ovarian+stimulation+for+in+vitro+fertilization:+the+Bologna+criteria.">ESHRE consensus on the definition of 'poor response' to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: the Bologna criteria.</a> Human Reproduction. 26 (7), 1616-1624 (2011).</li><li>Huhtaniemi, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advances+in+the+Molecular+Pathophysiology,+Genetics,+and+Treatment+of+Primary+Ovarian+Insufficiency.">Advances in the Molecular Pathophysiology, Genetics, and Treatment of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.</a> Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 29 (6), 400-419 (2018).</li><li>M&#281;czekalski, B., Maciejewska-Jeske, M., Podfigurna, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reproduction+in+premature+ovarian+insufficiency+patients+-+from+latest+studies+to+therapeutic+approach.">Reproduction in premature ovarian insufficiency patients - from latest studies to therapeutic approach.</a> Prz Menopauzalny. 17 (3), 117-119 (2018).</li><li>Baker, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Life+plans+and+family-building+options+for+women+with+primary+ovarian+insufficiency.">Life plans and family-building options for women with primary ovarian insufficiency.</a> Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 29 (4), 362-372 (2011).</li><li>Englert, Y., Govaerts, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oocyte+donation:+particular+technical+and+ethical+aspects.">Oocyte donation: particular technical and ethical aspects.</a> Human Reproduction. 13, 90-97 (1998).</li><li>Englert, Y., Rodesch, C., Laruelle, C., Govoerts, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oocyte+donation:+ethical+aspects+related+to+the+donor.">Oocyte donation: ethical aspects related to the donor.</a> Contraception, Fertilite, Sexualite. 25 (3), 251-257 (1997).</li><li>Storgaard, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Obstetric+and+neonatal+complications+in+pregnancies+conceived+after+oocyte+donation:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Obstetric and neonatal complications in pregnancies conceived after oocyte donation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 124 (4), 561-572 (2017).</li><li>Storgaard, M., Malchau, S., Loft, A., Larsen, E., Pinborg, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oocyte+donation+is+associated+with+an+increased+risk+of+complications+in+the+pregnant+woman+and+the+fetus.">Oocyte donation is associated with an increased risk of complications in the pregnant woman and the fetus.</a> Ugeskrift for Laeger. 179 (11), (2017).</li><li>Kawamura, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hippo+signaling+disruption+and+Akt+stimulation+of+ovarian+follicles+for+infertility+treatment.">Hippo signaling disruption and Akt stimulation of ovarian follicles for infertility treatment.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 110 (43), 17474-17479 (2013).</li><li>Hsueh, A. J., Kawamura, K., Cheng, Y., Fauser, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intraovarian+control+of+early+folliculogenesis.">Intraovarian control of early folliculogenesis.</a> Endocrine Reviews. 36 (1), 1-24 (2015).</li><li>Li, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Activation+of+dormant+ovarian+follicles+to+generate+mature+eggs.">Activation of dormant ovarian follicles to generate mature eggs.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 107 (22), 10280-10284 (2010).</li><li>Suzuki, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Successful+fertility+preservation+following+ovarian+tissue+vitrification+in+patients+with+primary+ovarian+insufficiency.">Successful fertility preservation following ovarian tissue vitrification in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency.</a> Human Reproduction. 30 (3), 608-615 (2015).</li><li>Tanaka, Y., Hsueh, A. J., Kawamura, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+approaches+of+drug-free+in+activation+and+laparoscopic+ovarian+incision+to+treat+patients+with+ovarian+infertility.">Surgical approaches of drug-free in activation and laparoscopic ovarian incision to treat patients with ovarian infertility.</a> Fertility and Sterility. , (2020).</li><li>Kawamura, K., Ishizuka, B., Hsueh, A. J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drug-free+in-vitro+activation+of+follicles+for+infertility+treatment+in+poor+ovarian+response+patients+with+decreased+ovarian+reserve.">Drug-free in-vitro activation of follicles for infertility treatment in poor ovarian response patients with decreased ovarian reserve.</a> Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 40 (2), 245-253 (2020).</li><li>Haino, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Determination+of+Follicular+Localization+in+Human+Ovarian+Cortex+for+Vitrification.">Determination of Follicular Localization in Human Ovarian Cortex for Vitrification.</a> Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology. 7 (1), 46-53 (2018).</li><li>Baird, D. T., Webb, R., Campbell, B. K., Harkness, L. M., Gosden, R. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+ovarian+function+in+sheep+after+ovariectomy+and+transplantation+of+autografts+stored+at+-196+C.">Long-term ovarian function in sheep after ovariectomy and transplantation of autografts stored at -196 C.</a> Endocrinology. 140 (1), 462-471 (1999).</li><li>Qin, Y., Jiao, X., Simpson, J. L., Chen, Z. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetics+of+primary+ovarian+insufficiency:+new+developments+and+opportunities.">Genetics of primary ovarian insufficiency: new developments and opportunities.</a> Human Reproduction Update. 21 (6), 787-808 (2015).</li><li>Domniz, N., Meirow, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Premature+ovarian+insufficiency+and+autoimmune+diseases.">Premature ovarian insufficiency and autoimmune diseases.</a> Best Practice &amp; Research: Clinical Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology. 60, 42-55 (2019).</li><li>Laven, J. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Primary+Ovarian+Insufficiency.">Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.</a> Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 34 (4), 230-234 (2016).</li><li>Grynberg, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fertility+preservation+in+Turner+syndrome.">Fertility preservation in Turner syndrome.</a> Fertility and Sterility. 105 (1), 13-19 (2016).</li><li>Tomao, F., Spinelli, G. P., Panici, P. 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The authors confirm that they have no conflict of interest.

In this manuscript, we showed a detailed laboratory protocol for drug-free IVA. The drug-free IVA is a new approach of infertility treatment for POR patient with diminishing ovarian reserve to promote secondary follicles growth, resulting in yielding more mature oocytes after ovarian stimulation and increasing in successful pregnancy20. In 15 POR patients with diminishing ovarian reserve, this approach achieved one spontaneous pregnancy, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer allowed four live bir...

Ovarian function declines progressively during aging and some pathophysiological conditions including karyotype abnormality, autoimmune diseases, chemo- and radiation-therapies, and ovarian surgeries. Fertility preservation is one of the best options for unmarried women with severe ovarian dysfunction to preserve their potential for future pregnancy. For fertility preservation, currently two methods are available mostly in the onco-fertility field. Oocyte cryopreservation is a well-established procedure for fertility preservation and many successful cases have been reported1,2. On the other hand, ovarian tissue cryopreservation was also established for fertility preservation in cancer patients but it is still an experimental strategy3,4. In both methods, multiple numbers of mature oocytes are needed for pregnancy to occur. Generally, patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), who become amenorrhea before 40 years of age, and middle-aged women with low ovarian reserve showed poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation for yielding mature oocytes5,6,7. Furthermore, young patients with a low number of antral follicles also showed POR to the ovarian stimulation7. These patients have very limited number of retrievable oocytes even after proper ovarian hyperstimulation, thus requiring multiple expensive procedures to ensure a sufficient number of oocytes for pregnancy.
Oocyte donation followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with husband&#39;s sperm and embryo transfer (ET) is the only option for these POI and POR patients who have difficulties obtaining their own oocytes8,9,10. However, oocyte donation is complicated by ethical issues as well as autoimmune and pregnancy complications11,12,13,14. To solve these issues, the establishment of infertility treatment using patients&#39; own oocytes is desired. For POI patients, we have developed the in vitro activation (IVA) approach to allow successful follicle growth and the generation of mature oocytes, leading a number of pregnancies and deliveries15. In IVA, we fragmented ovarian cortexes after removal of ovaries under laparoscopic surgery and cultured them for two days to activate follicles by Akt-stimulating drugs and then perform heterotopic grafting back into artificial pouches made beneath the serosa of Fallopian tubes under second laparoscopic surgery15. This procedure promoted growth of primordial, primary and secondary follicles after ovarian cortex fragmentation to promote Hippo signaling disruption16, followed by two days culture with Akt signaling stimulators17.
In contrast to severe POI cases, POR patients with decreased ovarian reserve have multiple secondary follicles. Because Hippo signaling disruption alone is effective in promoting secondary follicle growth16, we recently demonstrated successful pregnancies and deliveries for POR patients using the drug-free IVA procedure involving cortical fragmentation and orthotopic grafting without treatment of the Akt stimulating drugs. Drug-free IVA stimulates early stage of ovarian follicles to develop to the preantral follicle stage after only one surgery and increased the number of retrieved oocytes for IVF-embryo transfer15,18. The drug-free IVA approach has several advantages as compared with our original IVA by 1) avoiding potential follicle loss during culture, 2) minimizing invasiveness and costs of the second surgery, 3) involving only short-term post-surgery bed rest and 4) potential of spontaneous pregnancy due to orthotopic grafting. We recently published a video article showing the surgical procedures of drug-free IVA19 and detailed protocols of ovarian stimulation after the surgery20. Here, we present details of laboratory methods required for drug-free IVA.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4.5 onz specimen container</td>
			<td>FALCON</td>
			<td>354013</td>
			<td>Other products may also be suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>60mm dish</td>
			<td>FALCON</td>
			<td>351007</td>
			<td>Other products may also be suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50 x 50 cm sterile drape</td>
			<td>HOGY Medical</td>
			<td>SR-823</td>
			<td>Any type of sterile produsts may also be suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable pippete</td>
			<td>FALCON</td>
			<td>357575</td>
			<td>Other products may also be suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fine scissors, Curved</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>#14224-G</td>
			<td>Although other products may also be suitable, we strongly recommend use this products</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hot plate</td>
			<td>TOKAI HIT</td>
			<td>TPiE-SP</td>
			<td>Use at operation room to maintain the temperature of dishes containing ovarian tissue before transplantation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Serum Albumin Solution</td>
			<td>Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>9988</td>
			<td>Medium for handling ovarian tissue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVA cannule</td>
			<td>KITAZATO</td>
			<td>446030 IVA-6030E</td>
			<td>Specific cannula for tissue autografting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KAI medical Disposable scalpel</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>#5 10-A</td>
			<td>Although other products may also be suitable, we strongly recommend use this products</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro scissors, Curved</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>#503364</td>
			<td>Although other products may also be suitable, we strongly recommend use this products</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modified HTF Medium-HEPES</td>
			<td>Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90126</td>
			<td>Medium for handling ovarian tissue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile gauze</td>
			<td>Osaki Medical</td>
			<td>15004</td>
			<td>Any type of sterile produsts may also be suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Swiss Tweezers, Curved Tips</td>
			<td>KAI</td>
			<td>#504505</td>
			<td>Although other products may also be suitable, we strongly recommend use this products</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

fertility preservation in patients with severe ovarian dysfunction

Ovarian function progressively declines during aging and in some pathophysiological conditions including karyotype abnormality, autoimmune diseases, chemo- and radiation-therapies, as well as ovarian surgeries. In unmarried women with severe ovarian dysfunction, fertility preservation is important for future pregnancies. Although oocyte cryopreservation is an established method for fertility preservation, these patients could only preserve a limited number of oocytes even after ovarian hyperstimulation, leading to repeated stimulations to ensure sufficient oocytes to guarantee future pregnancy. To solve this issue, we have recently developed a drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) procedure, which enable us to stimulate early stages of ovarian follicles to develop to the preantral follicle stage. These preantral follicles can respond to the unique protocol of gonadotropin stimulation, resulting in increased number of retrieved oocytes per ovarian stimulation for cryopreservation. The drug-free IVA comprised from the surgical approach and ovarian stimulation. We removed a part of cortex from one or both ovaries from patients under laparoscopic surgery. The ovarian cortical tissues were cut into small cubes to disrupt the Hippo signaling pathway and stimulate the development of early stage follicles. These cubes were grafted orthotropically into remaining ovaries as well as beneath the serosa of both Fallopian tubes. We have already published the surgical procedure of the drug-free IVA and the protocol of subsequent ovarian stimulation, but herein we present the details of laboratory methods required for drug-free IVA.

In the first publication of the IVA approach15, we transplanted the ovarian cortical cubes one by one into the grafting sites under laparoscopic surgery (Figure 1A). Because 100-150 ovarian cubes were used, it took 3-4 hours for tissue grafting under laparoscopic surgery. Also, some ovarian cubes were lost before grafting. Because the IVA cannula could transfer 20-30 cubes to a grafting site at one time (Figure 1B), we could shorten the o...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction at JoVE.com

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

We present details of laboratory procedures for drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) of ovarian follicles for patients with severe ovarian dysfunction. This method could increase the number of retrievable oocytes per ovarian hyperstimulation and benefit fertility preservation for those patients.

Ovarian function progressively declines during aging and in some pathophysiological conditions including karyotype abnormality, autoimmune diseases, ...

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4.4K Views.  International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine. We present details of laboratory procedures for drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) of ovarian follicles for patients with severe ovarian dysfunction. This method could increase the number of retrievable oocytes per ovarian hyperstimulation and benefit fertility preservation for those patients.

Video: Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

A Contusion Model of Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

The translational potential of novel treatments should be investigated in severe spinal cord injury (SCI) contusion models. A detailed methodology is described to obtain a consistent model of severe SCI. Use of a stereotactic frame and computer controlled impactor allows for creation of reproducible injury. Hypothermia and urinary tract infection pose significant challenges in the post-operative period. Careful monitoring of animals with daily weight recording and bladder expression allows for early detection of post-operative complications. The functional results of this contusion model are equivalent to transection models. The contusion model can be utilized to evaluate the efficacy of both neuroprotective and neuroregenerative approaches.

A contusion model of severe spinal cord injury is described. Detailed pre-operative, operative and post-operative steps are described to obtain a consistent model.

The translational potential of novel treatments should be investigated in severe spinal cord injury (SCI) contusion models. A detailed methodology is ...

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Computerized dynamic posturography with the EquiTest is an objective technique for measuring postural strategies under challenging static and dynamic conditions. As part of a diagnostic assessment, the early detection of postural deficits is important so that appropriate and targeted interventions can be prescribed. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) on the EquiTest determines an individual&#39;s use of the sensory systems (somatosensory, visual, and vestibular) that are responsible for postural control. Somatosensory and visual input are altered by the calibrated sway-referenced support surface and visual surround, which move in the anterior-posterior direction in response to the individual&#39;s postural sway. This creates a conflicting sensory experience. The Motor Control Test (MCT) challenges postural control by creating unexpected postural disturbances in the form of backwards and forwards translations. The translations are graded in magnitude and the time to recover from the perturbation is computed.
Intermittent claudication, the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease, is characterized by a cramping pain in the lower limbs and caused by muscle ischemia secondary to reduced blood flow to working muscles during physical exertion. Claudicants often display poor balance, making them susceptible to falls and activity avoidance. The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is a noninvasive method for indicating the presence of peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication, a common symptom in the lower extremities. ABPI is measured as the highest systolic pressure from either the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial artery divided by the highest brachial artery systolic pressure from either arm. This paper will focus on the use of computerized dynamic posturography in the assessment of balance in claudicants.

Individuals with intermittent claudication exhibit poor balance compared to healthy controls. Computerized dynamic posturography is an objective method for measuring an individual's postural responses to balance disturbances. This provides an objective reflection of the person&#x2019;s ability to respond to situations under which sensory stimuli are altered and unexpected perturbations occur.

Computerized dynamic posturography with the EquiTest is an objective technique for measuring postural strategies under challenging static and dynamic ...

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population, and this is only partially explained by traditional CVD risk factors. Vascular dysfunction is an important non-traditional risk factor, characterized by vascular endothelial dysfunction (most commonly assessed as impaired endothelium-dependent dilation [EDD]) and stiffening of the large elastic arteries. While various techniques exist to assess EDD and large elastic artery stiffness, the most commonly used are brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMDBA) and aortic pulse-wave velocity (aPWV), respectively. Both of these noninvasive measures of vascular dysfunction are independent predictors of future cardiovascular events in patients with and without kidney disease. Patients with CKD demonstrate both impaired FMDBA, and increased aPWV. While the exact mechanisms by which vascular dysfunction develops in CKD are incompletely understood, increased oxidative stress and a subsequent reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability are important contributors. Cellular changes in oxidative stress can be assessed by collecting vascular endothelial cells from the antecubital vein and measuring protein expression of markers of oxidative stress using immunofluorescence. We provide here a discussion of these methods to measure FMDBA, aPWV, and vascular endothelial cell protein expression.

The degree of vascular dysfunction and contributing physiological mechanisms can be assessed in patients with chronic kidney disease by measuring brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, aortic pulse-wave velocity, and vascular endothelial cell protein expression.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population, and this ...

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids. For patients desiring pregnancy, laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy (LM) is an alternative surgery option. Although LM is widely accepted to treat fibroids, it is technically demanding with risk of excessive bleeding and difficult suturing, especially in cases with large fibroids or tumors in unusual locations. Therefore, we developed an intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP) as a modification of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy, with the intention to minimize risks of LM and help uterine healing. A summary of the improvements to the IRCP is described: 1) making an incision at the site of the fibroid with a length of one-third to one-half of the fibroid&#39;s diameter at a depth reaching the fibroid&#39;s surface; 2) holding the fibroid stably and making rotary cuts on the fibroid at a depth of 0.5&#8211;1 cm within its pseudo-capsule while pulling it outward slightly, making sure not to cut off any pieces of the fibroid; and 3) repeating the cutting-and-pulling until the longest dimension of the fibroid is outside the incision. The multiple cuts are to minimize the diameter and extend the length of the fibroid. When the multiple cuts cause half of the fibroid body to &#34;shrink&#34;, the fibroid is squeezed out by contraction of the surrounding myometrium. Evaluation of the outcomes of IRCP showed that the time of enucleation and suturing, intraoperative bleeding, and decline of hemoglobin were significantly lower in the IRCP group than the LM group. As for reproductive outcomes, the full-term live birth rate of the IRCP group was significantly higher than that of LM group. However, there was no difference in delivery modes between the two groups. In conclusion, IRCP significantly benefits fertility preservation by minimizing damage to the uterus, protecting myofibers of the pseudo-capsule, and resulting in a shallower residual cavity, which eases stitching and causes less bleeding. It is worthwhile to adopt IRCP in younger patients who desire preservation of their fertility.

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

Here, we present a protocol for performing an intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP), a modified laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy that promotes fertility preservation.

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids. For ...

Semi-quantitative Assessment Using [18F]FDG Tracer in Patients with Severe Brain Injury

Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) have difficulty knowing whether they are accurately expressing their thoughts and emotions because of disorders of consciousness, disrupted higher brain function, and verbal disturbances. As a consequence of an insufficient ability to communicate, objective evaluations are needed from family members, medical staff, and caregivers. One such evaluation is the assessment of functioning brain areas. Recently, multimodal brain imaging has been used to explore the function of damaged brain areas. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) is a successful tool for examining brain function. However, the assessment of brain glucose metabolism based on [18F]FDG-PET/CT is not standardized and depends on several varying parameters, as well as the patient&#39;s condition. Here, we describe a series of semiquantitative assessment protocols for a region-of-interest (ROI) image analysis using self-produced [18F]FDG tracers in patients with sTBI. The protocol focuses on screening the participants, preparing the [18F]FDG tracer in the hot lab, scheduling the acquisition of [18F]FDG-PET/CT brain images, and measuring glucose metabolism using the ROI analysis from a targeted brain area.

Semi-quantitative Assessment Using [18F]FDG Tracer in Patients with Severe Brain Injury

[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography is useful for studying glucose metabolism related to brain function. Here, we present a protocol for an [18F]FDG tracer set-up and semiquantitative assessment of the region-of-interest analysis for targeted brain areas associated with clinical manifestations in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) have difficulty knowing whether they are accurately expressing their thoughts and emotions because of ...

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Biliary acute pancreatitis induction by sodium taurocholate infusion has been widely used by the scientific community due to the representation of the human clinical condition and reproduction of inflammatory events corresponding to the onset of clinical biliary pancreatitis. The severity of pancreatic damage can be assessed by measuring the concentration, speed, and volume of the infused bile acid. This study provides an updated checklist of the materials and methods used in the protocol reproduction and shows the main results from this acute pancreatitis (AP) model. Most of the previous publications have limited themselves to reproducing this model in rats. We have applied this method in mice, which provides additional advantages (i.e., the availability of an arsenal of reagents and antibodies for these animals along with the possibility of working with genetically modified strains of mice) that may be relevant to the study. For acute pancreatitis induction in mice, we present a systematic protocol, with a defined dose of 2.5% sodium taurocholate at an infusion speed 10 &#181;L/min for 3 min in C57BL/6 mice that reaches its maximal level of severity within 12 h of induction and highlight results with outcomes that validate the method. With practice and technique, the total estimated time, from the induction of anesthesia to the completion of the infusion, is 25 min per animal.

Animal models for severe acute pancreatitis enable the study of pathophysiological changes at the initial stage, facilitating observation of the evolution of inflammatory events. Here we provide a protocol for the induction of severe acute biliary pancreatitis by retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct of anesthetized C57BL/6 mice.

Biliary acute pancreatitis induction by sodium taurocholate infusion has been widely used by the scientific community due to the representation of the ...

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Preserving female fertility is crucial in a multifunctional healthcare system that takes care of patients' future quality of life. Oocyte cryopreservation is recognized by several international scientific societies as the gold standard for fertility preservation in postpubertal women, for both medical and non-medical indications. The main medical indications are oncologic diseases, gynecologic diseases such as severe endometriosis, systemic diseases compromising the ovarian reserve, and genetic conditions involving premature menopause. This paper describes the whole clinical and laboratory work-up of a fertility preservation treatment by outlining recommendations for objective and evidence-based counseling. Furthermore, it focuses on the effectiveness of the procedure and describes the most appropriate strategies to fully exploit the ovarian reserve and maximize the number of oocytes retrieved in the shortest possible time. The evaluation of the ovarian reserve, the definition of an ideal stimulation protocol, as well as oocyte retrieval, denudation, and vitrification procedures have been detailed along with approaches to maximize their efficacy, efficiency, and safety.

Oocyte cryopreservation is recognized by several international scientific societies as the gold standard for fertility preservation in postpubertal women. Appropriate clinical and laboratory strategies ensure maximum efficacy, efficiency, and safety of fertility preservation treatments.

Preserving female fertility is crucial in a multifunctional healthcare system that takes care of patients' future quality of life. Oocyte cryopreservation ...

Fertility Sparing Procedure using Carbon Dioxide Fiber Laser Vaporization of Ovarian Endometrioma

The surgical management of endometrioma is still a matter of debate. Cystectomy, which is recognized as the standard technique, seems to be associated with a potential reduction in the ovarian reserve due to the inadvertent removal and thermal damage of healthy ovarian tissue. New ablative techniques with reduced tissue penetration depth and less thermal spread to the surrounding parenchyma may represent a viable alternative to cystectomy. For these reasons, the aim of this manuscript is to demonstrate the ablation of the endometrioma capsule using a CO2 fiber laser technique and discuss the clinical outcomes. Once the cyst has been drained and washed, a biopsy is taken. After cyst eversion, vaporization of the inner surface of the cyst is performed using a CO2 fiber laser. The technique is simple and reproducible as even young surgeons without any surgical experience were more confident in performing laser CO2 vaporization instead of cystectomy. The positive effects of CO2 technology are reported in a randomized controlled trial, where the postoperative changes in the antral follicular count (AFC) and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels were compared between patients who had their endometrioma excised (cystectomy) and those who had undergone endometrioma vaporization with CO2 laser. The patients treated with CO2 laser showed significantly increased AFC without a reduction in serum AMH levels as compared to the cystectomy group, in which both parameters were significantly reduced. The postoperative pregnancy rate was also assessed, and comparable pregnancy rates were found after both treatments. On the contrary, patients treated with the CO2 fiber laser technique had more favorable in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes compared to cystectomy.
In conclusion, the CO2 fiber laser technique may represent a viable alternative to cystectomy in the surgical treatment of endometrioma in terms of ovarian preservation, pregnancy rates, and IVF outcomes. Moreover, it has the advantage of being independent of the surgeon's skills and personal experience.

In this protocol, CO2 fiber laser technique is demonstrated for the surgical treatment of ovarian endometriosis, which represents a viable alternative in terms of fertility preservation with the major advantage of not being dependent on the surgeon's skills and personal experience.

The surgical management of endometrioma is still a matter of debate. Cystectomy, which is recognized as the standard technique, seems to be associated ...

Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by high mortality rates, numerous complications, and extreme difficulties in treatment. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) enema has been widely utilized in clinical and experimental studies of SAP. It has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in protecting pancreatic function and delaying disease progression. The procedure of TCM enema is to perfuse the Chinese medicinal liquid of raw rhubarb (Rheum officinale Baill. DaHuang) from the anus into the rectum and colon. Basic steps of the procedure include boiling the herbal solution in advance, using a disposable enema kit to assist patients in taking a left lying position, raising the patient's hip 10 cm, and carefully inserting the enema 30-35 cm into the anus, with a drip speed of 60-80 drops/min. The medicine liquid temperature should be equivalent to the patient's body temperature, typically between 37-39 &#176;C. The end of the enema operation should be slow, and Tui na (massage therapy) should be administered before extubation. The medication liquid should be kept in the rectum for more than 1 h. After issuing an enema, it is essential to observe the patient's feces and abdomen, and to evaluate the remission of abdominal signs and symptoms.

An enema is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy used to treat severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The therapy involves instilling a TCM liquid into the rectum and colon through the anus to keep the liquid in the intestine, absorbing through the intestinal mucosa. This study aims to standardize the enema procedure for SAP patients.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by high mortality rates, numerous complications, and extreme difficulties in treatment. A traditional ...

Enhancing Stroke Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality-Based Occupational Training

Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System

Stroke rehabilitation often requires frequent and intensive therapy to improve functional recovery. Virtual reality (VR) technology has shown the potential to meet these demands by providing engaging and motivating therapy options. The digital occupational training system is a VR application that utilizes cutting-edge technologies, including multi-touch screens, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction, to offer diverse training techniques for advanced cognitive capacity and hand-eye coordination abilities. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of this program in enhancing cognitive function and upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. The training and assessment consist of five cognitive modules covering perception, attention, memory, logical reasoning, and calculation, along with hand-eye coordination training. This research indicates that after eight weeks of training, the digital occupational training system can significantly improve cognitive function, daily living skills, attention, and self-care abilities in stroke patients. This software can be employed as a time-saving and clinically effective rehabilitation aid to complement traditional one-on-one occupational therapy sessions. In summary, the digital occupational training system shows promise and offers potential financial benefits as a tool to support the functional recovery of stroke patients.

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

The current protocol outlines how the VR-based digital occupational training system enhances the rehabilitation of patients with cognitive impairment and upper limb dysfunction following a stroke.