1. Work-up and clinical counseling
NOTE: In case of patients requiring fertility preservation for oncologic reasons, ensure that there is no waiting list for scheduling consultation, and the appointment is provided as soon as possible.
<ol>
	<li>Examine the medical history and previous documentation, and assess the patient&#39;s general health status.</li>
	<li>Record all information (including the oncologist&#39;s approval to undergo ovarian stimulation in case of cancer patients) in a relational database.</li>
	<li>Provide the patient with specific counseling about the feasibility of the procedure. Explain the steps of the procedure (ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, oocyte vitrification), and inform her about the realistic chances of success (mainly dependent on maternal age and expected number of MII oocytes at the time of oocyte retrieval), as well as the cost and limitations of the procedure.</li>
	<li>Perform transvaginal ultrasound to obtain information on the ovarian reserve (i.e., AFC) and to assess the accessibility of the ovaries for egg collection.</li>
	<li>Request blood tests to assess blood group and Rhesus factor, coagulation screening (blood count, prothrombin, thromboplastin, fibrinogen, Protein C, Protein S, anti-thrombin III, homocysteine), and infectious diseases (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory/Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Assay). 
	NOTE: In case of patients accessing a fertility preservation program for non-urgent medical reasons, a more comprehensive assessment may include basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, AMH, breast examination, Papanicolaou test, genetic screening of coagulation (factor V of Leiden and prothrombin), and TORCH screening (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus).</li>
	<li>Request a cardiological evaluation (electrocardiogram).</li>
	<li>Recommend psychological counseling.</li>
</ol>
2. Controlled ovarian stimulation protocols for fertility preservation
NOTE: When the time available before starting the cancer treatment is limited, the random-start protocol (i.e., starting ovarian stimulation at any time during the menstrual cycle) is recommended for the ovarian stimulation in oncologic patients who are candidates for fertility preservation. In a fertility preservation program for non-urgent medical reasons or social reasons, conventional stimulation starting in the early follicular phase is preferable, and ovarian stimulation is started based on the menstrual cycle. Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) approaches should be performed according to the recent European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines24.

<ol>
	<li>Tailor COS according to the patient&#39;s characteristics and ovarian reserve markers, mainly maternal age, FSH, AMH, and AFC.</li>
	<li>Start COS on day 5 of the menstrual cycle using recombinant or urinary FSH with a fixed dose of 150-300 IU/day (antagonist protocol). 
	NOTE: In a specific patient population with LH deficiency or poor-suboptimal response, additional LH 75/150 IU/day may be administered according to the ovarian response, LH levels, and the gynecologist&#39;s judgement.</li>
	<li>In patients with estrogen-sensitive diseases, include gonadotropins associated with aromatase inhibitors (letrozole) from day 1 of stimulation until day 7 after oocyte retrieval.</li>
	<li>Administer a fixed dose of gonadotropins for 4 days.</li>
	<li>Monitor follicular growth on day 5 and then every 2-3 days; eventually, adjust the gonadotropin dosage.</li>
	<li>Once at least 3 follicles reach 17-18 mm in diameter, administer the trigger for final oocyte maturation with a single subcutaneous bolus of GnRH agonist at the dose of 0.5 mL.</li>
</ol>
3. Oocyte retrieval
<ol>
	<li>Preparing for oocyte retrieval
	<ol>
		<li>For materials required, refer to the Table of Materials, and keep ready laboratory footwear and outfit, surgical facemask, hair cover, surgical gloves, a permanent non-toxic marker, tweezers, sterile small gauzes, disposable or reusable speculum, vaginal surgery equipment and surface disinfectant. Ensure the availability of resuscitation equipment, anesthetic drugs for reversal, a kit prepared for the treatment of anaphylactic shock, and oxygen in the operating room.</li>
		<li>Perform the oocyte retrieval procedure according to the recommendations of the ESHRE Working Group on Ultrasound in assisted reproduction technologies (ART)25.
		<ol>
			<li>Administer sedation or general anesthesia, and antibiotics for prophylaxis. 
			&#8203;NOTE: In this protocol, deep sedation was achieved by administrating propofol (whose dosage is adjusted according to the patient&#39;s weight) and 50-100 &#181;g of fentanyl, 1000 mg of paracetamol, and assisted mask ventilation with oxygen.</li>
			<li>Perform oocyte retrieval using an aspiration unit composed of a vacuum pump, a collection tube connected to a 17 G single-lumen needle, and an oocyte-collecting tube. During the collection, do not exceed a pressure of ~120 mmHg to avoid the risk of damage to the oocytes such as stripping off the cumulus cells or fracturing the zona pellucida.</li>
			<li>Calibrate working surface temperature to ensure 37 &#176;C in the culture media. During the whole procedure, minimize oocyte exposure to even transient temperature that may affect their developmental competence.</li>
			<li>At the end of oocyte retrieval, observe the patient for 3-4 h before discharge.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Operation theater
	<ol>
		<li>Before entering the operating room, identify the patient and confirm the time of ovulation trigger.</li>
		<li>Have the patient lie down on the operating table in a gynecological position.</li>
		<li>Cleanse the vagina/cervix prior to oocyte retrieval to minimize bacterial contamination.</li>
		<li>Perform a preliminary transvaginal ultrasound to assess the position of the ovaries and the anatomical relationships with the various organs and blood vessels.</li>
		<li>Under ultrasound guidance, insert a single-lumen needle through the vaginal wall and into an ovarian follicle, taking care not to injure the organs or blood vessels located between the vaginal wall and the ovary.</li>
		<li>Start aspiration from the closest follicle and moving on to the most distal ones.</li>
		<li>Puncture all follicles of a diameter larger than 11-12 mm, performing &#34;twisting movements&#34; of the needle to aspirate the whole follicular fluid, which is then released into a sterile tube (round bottom 14 mL) preheated in the block heater of the operating room.</li>
		<li>Immediately after retrieval, seal and label the tube with details of the patient&#39;s identity.</li>
		<li>Ensure that the nurse brings the tube to the laboratory, where it is immediately screened for the presence of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).</li>
		<li>Instruct the embryologists to inform the clinician of the total number of COCs retrieved.</li>
		<li>Once the procedure is complete for the first ovary, flush the needle with clean medium, and proceed with the second ovary using the same procedure.</li>
		<li>After oocyte retrieval, evaluate any bleeding from the ovaries or blood vessels of the parametrium and free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. 
		&#8203;NOTE: To automate and improve the effectiveness of gamete and embryo traceability at the clinical level, an electronic witnessing system (EWS) was implemented in the center26. Nevertheless, this protocol does not mention the EWS, to ensure reproducibility of the protocol in any IVF laboratory. Still, consider that all steps of the procedure require a second operator (i.e. a witness) to ensure gamete and embryo traceability.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. IVF laboratory
<ol>
	<li>The day before the oocyte retrieval procedure
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare oocyte collecting tubes (refer to the Table of Materials).
		<ol>
			<li>Dispense 1 mL of IVF medium (refer to the Table of Materials) in each oocyte collection tube (round bottom, 5 mL), and cover with 0.2 mL of mineral oil (refer to the Table of Materials) for embryo culture. 
			&#8203;NOTE: The number of tubes will be defined according to the number of follicles expected to be retrieved. Each tube might contain up to 4 COCs.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Seal the tubes with the cap (first snap). Label the tubes with details of the type of medium and date of preparation. Incubate the tubes overnight at 37 &#176;C in a controlled atmosphere (6% CO2, 5% 02).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>On the day of the oocyte retrieval
	<ol>
		<li>Prewarm the plastic supplies at 37 &#176;C (sterile culture dishes and Pasteur pipettes).</li>
		<li>Ask the patients to confirm their identity (full name and date of birth) and the time of ovulation trigger. Annotate on the laboratory sheet that the identification (ID) procedure has been accomplished, and that the time of ovulation trigger has been confirmed.</li>
		<li>Take the oocyte collection tubes off the incubator (right before the procedure begins), and push down the cap to ensure tight closure. Label the oocyte collection tubes with the patient&#39;s information. Place the oocyte collection tubes in the block heater at 37 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Examine the follicular fluid in the prewarmed sterile culture dishes, and identify COCs. Once one or more COCs are identified, rinse them twice in two drops of medium to remove the follicular fluid and blood contamination.</li>
		<li>Transfer the COCs to the oocyte collection tubes and annotate the number of COCs on the tube. Loosen the caps of the medium tubes, and promptly incubate them at 37 &#176;C in an a atmosphere of 6% CO2, 5% O2.</li>
		<li>Repeat steps 7 to 9 according to the number of oocytes retrieved. Update the laboratory sheet. 
		&#8203;NOTE: Ensure that a witness checks that all the tube-warming blocks (including the ones in the operating theater) are empty and signs the closing of the procedure on the laboratory sheet.</li>
		<li>Wipe down the working stage after completion of the procedure.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Oocyte denudation
<ol>
	<li>Prewarm 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES)-buffered medium and hyaluronidase (refer to the Table of Materials) at 37 &#176;C at least 1 h before starting.</li>
	<li>Prepare a 4-well IVF plate (refer to the Table of Materials) with 0.6 mL/well of prewarmed HEPES-buffered medium (supplemented with 5% human serum albumin [HSA]) covered with 0.3 mL of mineral oil for embryo culture, and warm at 37 &#176;C for at least 30 min.</li>
	<li>Label the oocyte denudation plate with details of the patient&#39;s identity.</li>
	<li>Immediately before starting the procedure, add hyaluronidase to the first well to obtain a final concentration of about 20 IU/mL.</li>
	<li>Place a limited number of COCs (up to 6) in the first well containing the enzyme to disperse the cumulus cells.</li>
	<li>To enhance enzymatic removal of the cumulus and corona cells, perform the stripping of cumulus cells by pipetting the oocytes repeatedly through a Pasteur pipette with an inner diameter of approximately 250 &#956;m for up to 30 s. After initial cell dissociation is observed, transfer the oocytes to the second well containing only HEPES-buffered medium, taking care to carry over a minimum amount of the enzyme.</li>
	<li>Perform further denudation to remove the corona cells by using denuding pipettes with decreasing inner diameters (170-145 &#181;m). Use lower diameters (135&#181;m) only if strictly necessary.</li>
	<li>Carefully wash the denuded oocytes to wash out the enzyme.</li>
	<li>After denudation, examine the oocytes under an inverted microscope to assess their integrity and stage of maturation. Separate MII oocytes from the immature ones (germinal vesicle and metaphase-I).</li>
	<li>Move the MII oocytes to the vitrification area to immediately perform cryopreservation. Update the laboratory sheet.</li>
</ol>
6. Oocyte vitrification
NOTE: Perform oocyte vitrification preferably within 38 h of oocyte retrieval and immediately after denudation. The vitrification procedure described here has to be accomplished at room temperature (RT) and by using a stripper pipette with an inner diameter of 170 &#181;m so as not to damage oocytes during manipulation.
<ol>
	<li>Approximately 30 min before the procedure, bring the equilibration solution (ES) and vitrification solution (VS) to RT (25-27 &#176;C).</li>
	<li>Properly label the cryodevices with the patient&#39;s name and ID, treatment ID, date of freezing, number of oocytes, and cryobarcode.</li>
	<li>Fill a disposable cooling rack up to the top with fresh liquid nitrogen, and start the sterilization process.</li>
	<li>Label the vitrification plate (refer to the Table of Materials) with the patient&#39;s name and ID. Ask a witness to check the correct ID of the cryodevices.</li>
	<li>Carefully invert each vial twice to mix its contents before use, and prepare the lid of a 6 mm Petri dish with one drop of 30 &#181;L of HEPES-buffered medium (with 5% HSA) and one adjacent drop of 30 &#181;L of ES. 
	NOTE: Place drops just before use to limit medium evaporation.</li>
	<li>Using a 170 &#181;m diameter stripper pipette, place the oocytes (up to 9) in the first drop with the smallest possible volume of medium. Using the stripper pipette, create a bridge of medium between the drop n.1 and n.2 to obtain a gradual increase in concentration of the CPAs (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Incubate the oocytes in the first drop for 3 minutes. Add a third drop of 30 &#181;L of ES (n.3). After 3 min, transfer the oocytes into the second drop of ES, and create a medium bridge between drops n.3 and n.2 (Figure 1B). Incubate the oocytes in drop n.3 for 3 min.</li>
	<li>During the incubation, add one 30 &#181;L drop of ES for each cryodevice that will be used (if 9 oocytes are to be cryopreserved, place 3 drops of ES with 3 oocytes in each drop of ES). Move the oocytes into pure ES solution, and leave them for 6-9 min (until they recover their initial size after shrinkage) (Figure 1C).</li>
	<li>Prepare a central well dish (60 x 15 mm) with 1 mL of VS. At the end of the first 6 min, transfer the oocytes to be cryopreserved into the VS solution, releasing as little medium as possible. Leave the oocytes in VS for 1 min, and wash them carefully by moving them from the bottom to the top of the dish to remove the excess of ES.</li>
	<li>Approximately 10 s before the end of the minute of incubation, place the cryodevice under the microscope, and adjust the focus on the black mark (i.e., the tip of the cryodevice). Place the oocytes on the cryodevice beside the black mark with the minimum amount of VS (Figure 2A).</li>
	<li>Move the stripper pipette away from the oocytes, and remove the excess of VS medium (Figure 2B) so that the oocytes remain covered by a thin layer of medium (Figure 2C).</li>
	<li>Quickly plunge the cryodevice in liquid nitrogen, rapidly shaking it to remove air bubbles from its surface. Hold the protective cap of the cryodevice with tweezers, and fill it with liquid nitrogen; then insert the cryodevice into it while keeping the propylene strips in liquid nitrogen.</li>
	<li>Store the cryodevice in a visiotube previously labeled with the patient&#39;s information. Update the laboratory sheet.</li>
</ol>
7. Oocyte warming
<ol>
	<li>Approximately 30 min before the procedure, warm the thawing solution (TS), dilution solution (DS), and washing solution (WS) to RT (25-27 &#176;C). Carefully invert each vial twice to mix its contents. Place 1 mL of TS in a central well Petri dish, and warm it at 37 &#176;C for at least 1 h before starting the procedure.</li>
	<li>Label all plastic supplies with the patient&#39;s name and ID and the type of solution. Ask a witness to confirm the patient&#39;s information on the cryodevice.</li>
	<li>For each cryodevice to be warmed, prepare a 6-well plate with 200 &#181;L of DS in the first well and an equal amount of WS in the second and third ones (named WS1 and WS2, respectively). Add phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or sterile water in the area outside the wells to prevent evaporation.</li>
	<li>Take the TS dish out from the incubator, and place it under the microscope. Adjust the focus of the microscope to the center of the Petri dish.</li>
	<li>Carefully twist and remove the protective cap of the cryodevice, while keeping the propylene strips in liquid nitrogen. Transfer the cryodevice from liquid nitrogen into the TS as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of devitrification and initiate the countdown (1 min).</li>
	<li>Localize the oocytes by focusing on the tip of the cryodevice (i.e., the black mark). Using a stripper pipette, release the oocytes from the cryodevice. 
	NOTE: Try not to aspirate the oocytes from the cryodevice; gently release some media on them until they move into the TS.</li>
	<li>Using a 170 &#181;m diameter stripper pipette, transfer the oocytes to DS with a little amount of TS (to create a gradient), and leave them in the DS for 3 min. Move the oocytes to WS1 likewise, and leave them for 5 min. Finally, transfer the oocytes to WS2 for 1 min.</li>
	<li>Transfer the oocytes into an appropriate preequilibrated IVF culture medium, and incubate them for 1 h before proceeding with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Update the laboratory sheet.</li>
</ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Clinical considerations 
Although emerging strategies, such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation and in vitro maturation, have been explored, oocyte vitrification after COS is the gold standard technique for fertility preservation. In this scenario, the number of oocytes retrieved and cryopreserved should be maximized in the shortest possible time as most cancer patients might benefit solely from one ovarian cycle before they have to commence their cancer treatment(s). Thus, a p...

The development and implementation of an efficient cryopreservation program for human oocytes has been a significant breakthrough in reproductive medicine. According to recent evidence, vitrification is the most effective strategy to cryopreserve metaphase II (MII) oocytes, as it results in statistically higher survival rates compared to slow freezing, independently of the patient population (infertile patients or oocyte donation program)1,2,3. The remarkable achievements of oocyte vitrification led the Practice Committees of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) to pronounce this technique to be the most effective for elective fertility preservation in postpubertal women, for both medical and non-medical indications4,5,6. Medical indications for fertility preservation include (i) cancer and autoimmune diseases that require therapies7 such as radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy (whose detrimental effect on the ovarian reserve is associated with maternal age as well as type and dose of the treatment); (ii) ovarian diseases requiring repeated or radical surgery (such as endometriosis)8; and (iii) genetic conditions (e.g., X-fragile) or premature ovarian failure. In addition, fertility preservation has become a valuable option for all women who have not accomplished their parental objective for non-medical reasons (also known as social freezing).
Regardless of the indication for fertility preservation and according to the major international guidelines on fertility preservation, all patients willing to vitrify their oocytes should receive appropriate counseling to be informed about their realistic chance of success, the costs, risks, and limitations of the procedure9,10,11,12,13. Most importantly, it should be clear that vitrifying a cohort of MII oocytes does not ensure a pregnancy, but that it offers a higher chance of success for future in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, if necessary14. In this regard, the woman&#39;s age at the time of oocyte vitrification is certainly the most important limiting factor15 as advanced maternal age (AMA; &#62;35 years) is the main cause of female infertility16. Besides a progressive reduction in the ovarian reserve, AMA is associated with an impairment of oocyte competence due to defective physiological pathways such as metabolism, epigenetic regulation, cell cycle checkpoints, and meiotic segregation17. Therefore, the reasonable number of eggs to vitrify mainly depends on maternal age. In women younger than 36 years, at least 8-10 MII oocytes18 are required to maximize the chance of success. In general, the higher the number of vitrified oocytes, the higher is the likelihood of success. Therefore, tailoring ovarian stimulation according to ovarian reserve markers such as anti-M&#252;llerian hormone (AMH) levels or antral follicle count (AFC) is crucial to fully exploit the ovarian reserve in the shortest possible time.
The safety of the whole procedure is the other key issue when enrolling patients for fertility preservation. Clinicians should employ the best strategies to minimize the risks and prevent (i)ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by using safe approaches such as the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol followed by a GnRH agonist trigger19 and (ii) the remote, yet possible, risks of peritoneal bleeding, injury to the pelvic structures (ureter, bowel, appendix, nerves), or pelvic infection during oocyte retrieval. Lastly, (iii) traditional regimens for stimulation are associated with supraphysiologic serum estradiol and therefore, are not recommended in estrogen-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer. Protocols involving aromatase inhibitors (such as letrozole or tamoxifen) are more suitable in these cases20,21. In the laboratory setting, the most widespread protocol for oocyte vitrification is still the one first described by Kuwayama and colleagues2,23, which consists of a stepwise procedure involving the gradual addition of cryoprotectants (CPAs). In the first phase (equilibrium/dehydration), oocytes are exposed in a CPA solution containing 7.5% v/v ethylene glycol and 7.5% v/v dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while in the second phase, oocytes are moved to a vitrification solution with 15% v/v ethylene glycol and 15% v/v DMSO, plus 0.5 mol/L sucrose. After a short incubation in the medium of vitrification, the oocytes can be placed in specifically designed, open cryodevices and finally plunged in liquid nitrogen at -196 &#176;C to be stored until use.
Here, the whole clinical and laboratory work-up of a fertility preservation treatment has been described by (i) outlining recommendations for objective and evidence-based counseling, (ii) focusing on the cost-effectiveness of the procedure, and (iii) describing 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 will be detailed along with approaches to maximize their efficacy, efficiency, and safety. As other protocols or adaptations of this protocol exist in the literature, the representative results and the discussion sections of this manuscript only apply to this procedure.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Collection</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hot plate</td>
			<td>IVF TECH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Markers</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>IVF TECH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Grade A air flow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>Leica M80</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermometer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Test tube Warmer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tri-gas incubator</td>
			<td>Panasonic</td>
			<td>MCO-5M-PE</td>
			<td>02/CO2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacuum Pump</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-MAR-5200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CSCM (Continuos single culture complete) medium</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90165</td>
			<td>IVF culture medium supplemented with HSA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral Oil for embryo culture</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>9305</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ovum Aspiration Needle (Single lumen)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td colspan="2">K-OSN-1730-B-60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primaria Dish</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>353803</td>
			<td>Corning Primaria Dish 100x20 mm style standard cell culture dish</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Round- bottom tubes</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>352001</td>
			<td>Falcon 14ml Round Bottom Polystyrene Test tube with snap cap</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Round- bottom tubes</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>352003</td>
			<td>Oocyte collection tubes/ Falcon 5ml 12x75 Round Bottom Polipropilene Test tube with snap cap</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber Bulb</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z111589-12EA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile glass Pasteur pipettes</td>
			<td>Hunter Scientific</td>
			<td>PPB150-100PL</td>
			<td>Pipette Pasteur Cotonate, 150mm, MEA e CE</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Denudation</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2 incubator</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>Galaxy 14S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexipet adjustable handle set</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>G18674</td>
			<td>Stripper&#160; holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gilson Pipetman</td>
			<td>Gilson</td>
			<td>66003</td>
			<td>p20</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>k-System Incubator</td>
			<td>Coopersurgical</td>
			<td>G210Invicell</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Markers</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>IVF TECH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Grade A air flow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>Leica M80</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biopur epTIPS Rack</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>30075331</td>
			<td>Micropipettes epTIPS Biopur 2-200 &#181;l</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Serum Albumin</td>
			<td>thermoFisher Scietific</td>
			<td>9988</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hyaluronidase</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90101</td>
			<td>80 IU/mL of hyaluronidase enzyme in HEPES-buffered HTF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF culture dish (60 x 15mm)</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>353802</td>
			<td>Corning Primaria Falcon Dish 60X15mm TC Primaria standard cell culture dish</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF dish 4-well plate with sliding lid</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scietific</td>
			<td>176740</td>
			<td>Multidishes 4 wells (Nunc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF One well dish</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>353653</td>
			<td>Falcon 60 x 15 mm TC treated center-well IVF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral Oil for embryo culture</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>9305</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modified HTF Medium</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90126</td>
			<td>HEPES-Buffered medium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber Bulb</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z111589-12EA</td>
			<td>1 mL for pasteur pipettes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile glass Pasteur pipettes</td>
			<td>Hunter Scientific</td>
			<td>PPB150-100PL</td>
			<td>Pipette Pasteur Cotonate, 150 mm, MEA e CE</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stripping pipette&#160; tips (140 &#181;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1140-10BS-6</td>
			<td>PIPETTE FLEXIPETS PER DENUDING</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stripping pipette tips (130 &#181;m )</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1130-10BS-7</td>
			<td>PIPETTE FLEXIPETS PER DENUDING</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stripping pipette tips (170 &#181;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1170-10BS-5</td>
			<td>PIPETTE FLEXIPETS PER DENUDING</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrification</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electronic Timer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexipet adjustable handle set</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>G18674</td>
			<td>Stripper&#160; holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gilson Pipetman</td>
			<td>Gilson</td>
			<td>F123601</td>
			<td>p200</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Markers</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>IVF TECH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Grade A air flow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless Container for Cooling Rack</td>
			<td>Kitazato</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Liquid nitrogen container for vitrification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>Leica M80</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biopur epTIPS Rack</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>30075331</td>
			<td>Micropipettes epTIPS Biopur 2-200 &#181;L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Serum Albumin</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>9988</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF culture dish (60 x 15 mm)</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>353802</td>
			<td>Corning Primaria Falcon Dish 60 x 15 mm TC Primaria standard cell culture dish</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF dish 6-well</td>
			<td>Oosafe</td>
			<td>OOPW-SW02</td>
			<td>OOSAFE&#160;6 WELL DISH WITH STRAW HOLDER</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modified HTF Medium</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90126</td>
			<td>HEPES-Buffered medium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stripping pipette tips (170 &#181;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1170-10BS-5</td>
			<td>PIPETTE FLEXIPETS PER DENUDING</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrification Freeze kit</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90133-so</td>
			<td>2 Vials of ES (Equilibration Solution, 2 x 1 mL) and 2 Vials of VS (Vitrification Solution, 2 x 1 mL)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrifit</td>
			<td>Coopersurgical Origio</td>
			<td>42782001A</td>
			<td>VitriFit&#160; Box</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Warming</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electronic Timer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexipet adjustable handle set</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>G18674</td>
			<td>Stripper&#160; holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gilson Pipetman</td>
			<td>Gilson</td>
			<td>F123601</td>
			<td>p200</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>k-System Incubator</td>
			<td>Coopersurgical</td>
			<td>G210Invicell</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Markers</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>IVF TECH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Grade A air flow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless Container for Cooling Rack</td>
			<td>Kitazato</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Liquid nitrogen container for vitrification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>Leica M80</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biopur epTIPS Rack</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>30075331</td>
			<td>Micropipettes epTIPS Biopur 2-200 &#181;L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CSCM (Continuos single culture complete) medium</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90165</td>
			<td>IVF culture medium supplemented with HSA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF culture dish (60 x 15 mm)</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>353802</td>
			<td>Corning Primaria Falcon Dish 60X15mm TC Primaria standard cell culture dish</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF dish 4-well plate with sliding lid</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scietific</td>
			<td>176740</td>
			<td>Multidishes 4 wells (Nunc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF dish 6-well</td>
			<td>Oosafe</td>
			<td>OOPW-SW02</td>
			<td>OOSAFE&#174;&#160;6 WELL DISH WITH STRAW HOLDER</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral Oil for embryo culture</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>9305</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAtripping pipette tips (300&#181;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1300-10BS-5</td>
			<td>PIPETTE FLEXIPETS PER DENUDING</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrification Thaw kit</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90137-so</td>
			<td>4 Vials of TS (Thawing Solution, 4 x 2 mL) + 1 Vial of DS (Dilution Solution, 1 x 2 mL) +1 Vial of WS (Washing Solution, 1 x 2 mL)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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.

Overview of the fertility preservation program at the center
Over a 12-year period (2008-2020), 285 women underwent at least one oocyte retrieval entailing the vitrification of the whole cohort of mature eggs collected. Most of these women (n=250) underwent a single retrieval, and 35 underwent multiple retrievals. The reasons for undergoing oocyte retrieval for egg vitrification are summarized into 4 categories: medical (except for cancer), cancer, non-medical, and others. Amo...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives at JoVE.com

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

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 ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

5.8K Views.  GeneraLife IVF. 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.

Video: Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and neurological patients1-4, but also in healthy older adults5,6. The quantitative gait analysis described in this protocol is performed with a recently-introduced photoelectric system (see&#160;Materials table) which has the potential to be used in the clinic because it is portable, easy to set up (no subject preparation is required before a test), and does not require maintenance and sensor calibration. The photoelectric system consists of series of high-density floor-based photoelectric cells with light-emitting and light-receiving diodes that are placed parallel to each other to create a corridor, and are oriented perpendicular to the line of progression7. The system simply detects interruptions in light signal, for instance due to the presence of feet within the recording area. Temporal gait parameters and 1D spatial coordinates of consecutive steps are subsequently calculated to provide common gait parameters such as step length, single limb support and walking velocity8, whose validity against a criterion instrument has recently been demonstrated7,9. The measurement procedures are very straightforward; a single patient can be tested in less than 5 min&#160;and a comprehensive report can be generated in less than 1&#160;min.

This protocol is used to evaluate spatial and temporal gait variables of neurological/orthopedic patients and older persons by means of a recently-introduced floor-based photocell system.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and ...

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

The technique of sputum induction and processing is a recognized non-invasive method allowing the collection and analysis of cells from the airways, which is interesting in various respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic cough, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This technique is well tolerated, safe and non-invasive, but is currently limited to research services and specialized centers in clinical practice because it is technically demanding, time-consuming, and requires trained staff. The success rate of sputum induction and analysis is about 80%.
Here, we describe the induction and laboratory processing of sputum samples. Sputum is induced by inhalation of hypertonic or isotonic saline with salbutamol. For the processing, we use the whole sputum technique. Dithiothreitol (DTT) is used to allow mucolysis of sputum samples. The primary aim of sputum processing is to obtain a differential cell count to study the cell types present in the airway lumen. Additional analyses may also be performed on sputum supernatant and sputum cells, which may allow further investigation into inflammatory processes and immune mechanisms. Examples include studying mediators in sputum supernatant and performing a large spectrum of analysis on sputum cells such as flow cytometry, genomics, or proteomics.
Finally, representative results of sputum analysis in healthy controls, asthmatics, and COPD patients are presented.

Here we describe the technique of sputum induction. This protocol also explains the sputum processing to perform a differential cell count and to collect sputum supernatant and cells for further analysis.

The technique of sputum induction and processing is a recognized non-invasive method allowing the collection and analysis of cells from the airways, which ...

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 ...

OP-IVM: Combining In vitro Maturation after Oocyte Retrieval with Gynecological Surgery

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery. OP-IVM is suitable for patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery who have the need for fertility preservation (FP) or infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). In the operating room, patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery are first anesthetized and receive ultrasound-guided immature follicle aspiration (IMFA) treatment. As the subsequent gynecological surgery is performed, the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are examined, and the immature COCs are transferred into the IVM medium and cultured for 28-32 hours in the IVF laboratory. After assessment, mature oocytes in the MII stage will be selected and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for FP or fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for IVF-ET. By combining IVM with gynecological surgery, immature oocytes that would have been discarded can be saved and used for assisted reproductive technology (ART). The procedure, significance and critical aspects of OP-IVM are described in this article.

In vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery and serves as an extension of conventional IVM applications for fertility preservation.

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte ...

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.

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, ...

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 ...

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia has become a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver injury worldwide. Fructus Phyllanthi (FP) is an effective drug against hyperlipidemia in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Medicine theories, however the potential mechanism requires further exploration. The present research aims to reveal the mechanism of FP against hyperlipidemia based on an integrated strategy combining network pharmacology prediction with metabolomics validation. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice model was established by evaluating the plasma lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Network pharmacology was applied to find out the active ingredients of FP and potential targets against hyperlipidemia. Metabolomics of plasma and liver were performed to identify differential metabolites and their corresponding pathways among the normal group, model group, and intervention group. The relationship between network pharmacology and metabolomics was further constructed to obtain a comprehensive view of the process of FP against hyperlipidemia. The obtained key target proteins were verified by molecular docking. These results reflected that FP improved the plasma lipid levels and liver injury of hyperlipidemia induced by a HFD. Gallic acid, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol in FP were demonstrated as the key active compounds. A total of 16 and six potential differential metabolites in plasma and liver, respectively, were found to be involved in the therapeutic effects of FP against hyperlipidemia by metabolomics. Further, integration analysis indicated that the intervention effects were associated with CYP1A1, AChE, and MGAM, as well as the adjustment of L-kynurenine, corticosterone, acetylcholine, and raffinose, mainly involving tryptophan metabolism pathway. Molecular docking ensured that the above ingredients acting on hyperlipidemia-related protein targets played a key role in lowering lipids. In summary, this research provided a new possibility for preventing and treating hyperlipidemia.

The present protocol describes an integrated strategy for exploring the key targets and mechanisms of Fructus Phyllanthi against hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology prediction and metabolomics verification.

Hyperlipidemia has become a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver injury worldwide. Fructus Phyllanthi (FP) is an effective drug ...

Advancing Cryostorage of Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Cryopreservation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells at the Optimal Stage

Retinal pigment epithelial&#160;(RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are superior cell sources for cell replacement therapy in individuals with retinal degenerative diseases; however, studies on the stable and secure banking of these therapeutic cells are scarce. Highly variable cell viability and functional recovery of&#160;RPE cells after cryopreservation are the most commonly encountered issues. In the present protocol, we aimed to achieve the best cell recovery rate after thawing by selecting the optimal cell phase for freezing based on the original experimental conditions. Cells were frozen in the exponential phase determined by using the 5-ethynyl-2&#8242;-deoxyuridine labeling assay, which improved cell viability and recovery rate after thawing. Stable and functional cells were obtained shortly after thawing, independent of a long differentiation process. The methods described here allow the simple, efficient, and inexpensive preservation and thawing of hESC-derived RPE cells. Although this protocol focuses on RPE cells, this freezing strategy may be applied to many other types of differentiated cells.

Author Spotlight: Development of an Efficient and Feasible Method of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Freezing

This study provides a detailed protocol for the efficient cryopreservation of human stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Retinal pigment epithelial&#160;(RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are superior cell sources for cell replacement therapy in ...

Therapeutic Efficacy of Small Needle Knife Therapy in Treating Frozen Shoulder

Clinical Efficacy of Small Needle Knife Therapy on Stage I-II Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a kind of aseptic inflammatory disease of the shoulder caused by strain, trauma, and other reasons, resulting in shoulder joint pain and limited function. The protocol presented here demonstrates the operation of a small needle knife in treating frozen shoulders, including patient management, material preparation, positioning, operation, and postoperative care. The purpose of this protocol is to relieve the pain and functional limitations and improve the living ability of patients with frozen shoulders. In our study, 76 stage I-II frozen shoulder patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group (n=38). Patients in the control group received functional exercise, while the treatment group received small needle knife therapy with functional exercise. The visual analogue scores (VAS), the Constant and Murley scores (CMS), and the thickness of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) under ultrasound were evaluated. After small needle knife therapy, the VAS score was significantly lower in the treatment group (5.11 &plusmn; 0.89) than in the control group (5.49 &plusmn; 0.65; t=-2.065, p&lt;0.05); the CMS score was significantly higher in the treatment group (64.72 &plusmn; 4.78) than in the control group (60.97 &plusmn; 6.00; t=2.947, p&lt;0.05); the CHL thickness was significantly decreased in the treatment group (2.38 &plusmn; 0.36) than in the control group (2.57 &plusmn; 0.42; t=-2.117, p&lt;0.05). These results indicate that the small needle knife significantly relieved the pain symptoms, improved the shoulder function, reduced the CHL thickness, and improved the quality of life and, therefore, had significant therapeutic efficacy in stage I-II frozen shoulder patients.

Author Spotlight: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Small Needle Knife Therapy 

The protocol presented here describes the detailed operation method and proves the effectiveness of a small needle knife in the treatment of frozen shoulders.

Frozen shoulder is a kind of aseptic inflammatory disease of the shoulder caused by strain, trauma, and other reasons, resulting in shoulder joint pain ...

Hysteroscopic Technique with Micro-Scissors and Forceps for Polyp Removal

Improved Hysteroscopic Resection of Endometrial Polyps Using 6-Fr Micro-Scissors and Forceps

Endometrial polyps commonly contribute to female infertility, and hysteroscopic resection is the established surgical approach for their treatment. Numerous resection methods are available, with the most used and cost-effective options being cold resection employing micro-scissors or hot resection using an electric loop. However, both methods involve sharp resection, posing a challenge in achieving complete polyp removal while avoiding damage to the uterine endometrium. To address this issue, this study proposes an innovative approach: the combined use of the 6 Fr micro-scissors and forceps under hysteroscopy. The method entails utilizing 6 Fr micro-scissors to initially remove large polyps, followed by using 6 Fr micro-forceps to extract the remaining polyp tissue expeditiously and bluntly near the basal layer of the endometrium. This approach not only prevents surgical damage to the basal layer of the endometrium but also mitigates the risk of residual polyps resulting from incomplete resection. This method is particularly suitable for women with fertility requirements, offering additional considerations for the selection of treatment options for endometrial polyp resection.

Author Spotlight: A Reproductive Hysteroscopy Approach for Complete Endometrial Polyp Removal and Enhanced Endometrial Receptivity

The novel technique presented here employs a combination of 6-Fr micro-scissors and forceps for hysteroscopic treatment of endometrial polyps, demonstrating encouraging outcomes for infertile patients afflicted with this condition.

Endometrial polyps commonly contribute to female infertility, and hysteroscopic resection is the established surgical approach for their treatment. ...