Successful pregnancies after oocyte cryopreservation with slow-freezing method: a report of 3 cases.

Background: The technology for successful oocyte cryopreservation has evolved only over the past decade. Fewer than 300 pregnancies achieved with cryopreserved oocytes were reported as of the end of 2006. Two cryopreservation techniques are currently available: the slow-cooling method and vitrification.

Immunohistochemical detection of heparanase-1 expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium from women with endometriosis.

Objective: To investigate the expression of heparanase-1, an endoglycosidase that degrades heparan sulfate proteoglycans, in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues from women with endometriosis.

Design: An immunohistochemical study.

Setting: Academic research laboratory and a private infertility clinic affiliated with a university medical center.

Estradiol induces heparanase-1 expression and heparan sulphate proteoglycan degradation in human endometrium.

Background: This study seeks to determine whether estrogen is able to regulate the expression of heparanase-1 (HPR1) in human endometrium.

Methods: HPR1 expression and heparan sulphate (HS) deposition in the endometrium collected in various menstrual phases were analysed by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. HPR1 expression in the endometrial cells unexposed or exposed to estradiol was analysed by using RT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay.

Quantitative expression of apoptosis-regulating genes in endometrium from women with and without endometriosis.

Objective: To quantitate antiapoptotic and proapoptotic gene expression in endometrial cells (ECs) of women with and without endometriosis.

Design: Determination of transcript abundance (TA) of apoptosis-regulating genes in eutopic and ectopic endometrial cells.

Setting: Institute for the Study and Treatment of Endometriosis, Chicago, Illinois, and university-based research laboratories.

Improved outcome of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with Menezo's two-step thawing compared to the stepwise thawing protocol.

Purpose: To compare the effects of two different blastocyst thawing protocols on implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Methods: Ninety four consecutive frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers from 1996 to 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Blastocysts were cryopreserved using Menezo's two-step slow freezing protocol.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in a female patient with situs inversus: case report and literature review.

Background: Situs inversus is an uncommon condition caused by a single autosomal recessive gene of incomplete penetration. A potential diagnostic dilemma can occur in the young female patient with a history of situs inversus who presents with pelvic pain.

Methods: A 32-year-old multiparous patient with a known history of situs inversus presented with complaints of pelvic pain.

Cycle-specific and cumulative fecundity in patients with endometriosis who are undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Objective: To compare controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-intrauterine insemination (COH-IUI) or IVF-ET pregnancy rates per cycle (PR) and cycle and cumulative fecundity (f and cf) with COH-IUI or IVF-ET in endometriosis.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: Endometriosis research institute.