A Comparative Study of the Biological and Physical Properties of Viscosity Enhanced Root Repair Material (VERRM) AND MTA

Master'sMASTER OF SCIENC

Early prepubertal cyclophosphamide exposure in mice results in long-term loss of ovarian reserve, and impaired embryonic development and blastocyst quality.

BackgroundDue to improved treatment, there is an increasing focus on the reproductive potential of survivors of childhood cancer. Cytotoxic chemotherapy accelerates the decline in the number of primordial follicles within the mammalian ovary at all ages, but effects on the developmental potential of remaining oocytes following prepubertal cancer treatment are unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate whether cyclophosphamide (CY) exposure in the prepubertal period in female mice influences ovarian function and the functional competence of oocytes in adulthood.MethodsThis study used Swiss albino mice as the experimental model. Female mice were treated with 200 mg/kg CY on either postnatal day 14 (CY14), 21 (CY21) or 28 (CY28) i.e at a prepubertal and 2 young postpubertal ages. At 14 weeks of life, ovarian function, functional competence of oocytes, and embryo quality were assessed.ResultsThe number of primordial follicles decreased significantly in CY14 and CY21 groups compared to control (p ConclusionOur results indicate long-term effects on the developmental competence of oocytes exposed to CY in early but not adult life. These data provide a mechanism whereby long-term fertility can be impaired after chemotherapy exposure, despite the continuing presence of follicles within the ovary, and support the need for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls before alkylating agent exposure

Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India [version 1; peer review: 2 approved, 1 not approved]

Background: Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation. Methods: An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020.  Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients.  Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India

Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 not approved]

Background: Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation. Methods: An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020.  Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients.  Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India

Sperm DNA fragmentation: A new guideline for clinicians

Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations

Germinal stage vitrification is superior to MII stage vitrification in prepubertal mouse oocytes

This study investigated if in vitro maturation (IVM) before or after vitrification would be more successful for prepubertal oocytes. To mimic prepubertal conditions in an experimental setup, oocytes were collected from healthy 14, 21 and 28day old Swiss albino mice. The germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes and in vitro matured MII oocytes were subjected to vitrification-warming. Both structural (meiotic spindle morphology, mitochondrial integrity, cortical granules) and functional (sperm zona binding, fertilization) characteristics were assessed in oocytes after warming. This study demonstrated that IVM was more detrimental to prepubertal oocytes than to young adults. Further, vitrification of the IVM oocytes resulted in an increase in the number of abnormal meiotic spindles, a change in the cortical distribution pattern, a reduction in sperm zona binding and the fertilization rate. Importantly, oocyte integrity was better when prepubertal oocytes were vitrified before, rather than after, IVM. The above observations support GV stage vitrification for prepubertal oocytes requiring fertility preservation. Understanding the mechanisms behind the differing outcomes for oocytes from immature females will help in refining current protocol, thereby retaining the oocytes' maximum structural and functional integrity Further investigation is necessary to determine whether human prepubertal oocytes also behave in a similar way. It is to be noted here, with great emphasis, that a major limitation of this study is that the oocytes’ abilities were tested only until fertilisation, as a consequence of which the study cannot reveal the developmental potentials of the embryos beyond fertilisation

Fertility preservation during the COVID-19 pandemic: mitigating the viral contamination risk to reproductive cells in cryostorage

Reopening fertility care services across the world in the midst of a pandemic brings with it numerous concerns that need immediate addressing, such as the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the male and female reproductive cells and the plausible risk of cross-contamination and transmission. Due to the novelty of the disease the literature contains few reports confirming an association of SARS-CoV-2 with reproductive tissues, gametes and embryos. Cryobanking, an essential service in fertility preservation, carries the risk of cross-contamination through cryogenic medium and thus calls for risk-mitigation strategies. This review aims to address the available literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on tissues, gametes and embryos, with special reference to the possible sources of cross-contamination through liquid nitrogen. Strategies for risk mitigation have been extrapolated from reports dealing with other viruses to the current global crisis, for safety in fertility treatment services in general, and specifically for oncofertility