"Universal Warming" protocol for vitrified oocytes to streamline cell exchange for transnational donation programs: a multi-center study.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of a "Universal Warming" protocol, based on subsequent steps with 1 M and 0.5 M concentration of extracellular cryoprotectant (ECCP), on shipped oocytes. Oocytes are vitrified using different brands of ready-to-use kits which recommend that the use of their own warming kit and combining different vitrification/warming kits may have legal consequences for assisted reproductive (AR) centers, until this practice has been validated with clinical studies.

Testing the efficacy and efficiency of a single "universal warming protocol" for vitrified human embryos: prospective randomized controlled trial and retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

Purpose: To study the efficacy and efficiency of a "universal warming protocol" for vitrified human embryos, based on subsequent steps with 1 and 0.5 M concentration of extracellular cryoprotectant (ECCP).

Method: Two studies on patients undergoing fertility treatments via ICSI: a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a retrospective cohort study (CS).

Efficiency of hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection.

Purpose: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has a role as "physiologic selector" for spermatozoa prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study is to analyze the results achievable by the introduction of a routine HA-ICSI programme.

Methods: We retrospectively observed 293 couples treated with HA-ICSI versus 86 couples treated with conventional PVP-ICSI (historical control group).

Birth of a baby conceived from frozen oocytes of a 40-year-old woman.

The potential, limits and safety of oocyte freezing are still being explored. Female age may play a relevant role in treatment outcome. The present study is the first report of the birth and normal development of a baby conceived from frozen oocytes of a 40-year-old woman.