Effects of partial or complete laser-assisted hatching on the hatching of mouse blastocysts and their cell numbers.

BACKGROUND: It is still debatable whether a full-thickness assisted hatching (AH) is better than the partial zona thinning. In this research, we used a mouse model to study the effect of partial and complete laser-AH on the rate of completely hatched blastocyst and their cell numbers. METHODS: In experiment 1, mouse morulae had 0, 1, 2 or 3 full-thickness openings of 10 microns created in the zona pellucida with an infrared laser beam. In the second experiment, 0, 1 and 2 openings of 20 microns were studied. In the third experiment, a full-thickness opening of 20 microns or quarter-thinning of the zonal circumference to a depth of 90% was compared with non-AH controls. RESULTS: No difference in blastocyst formation was found in laser-treated groups and in the controls. In experiment 1, the rate of completely hatched blastocysts was significantly lower than the controls. In experiment 2 when the size of the opening was increased, blastocysts completely hatched at a significantly higher rate than that in the controls. In experiment 3, the rate of completely hatched blastocysts was the highest in the full-thickness group. Cell numbers in completely hatched blastocysts from both AH groups were significantly fewer than those in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Full-thickness opening resulted in a higher rate of completely hatched blastocysts than quarter zonal-thinning and controls, but the cell numbers were significantly decreased.

Efficacy of cisplatin in early stage cervical cancer with a long waiting period for surgery.

This study was undertaken as a prospective trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pre-operative cisplatin for controlling the tumor volume of stage IB-IIA cervical cancer patients whose schedule for radical surgery was longer than 3 weeks. Between June 2004 and July 2005, 42 patients were recruited to enter the study. Seventy-five mg/m(2) of cisplatin was administered for 1-2 courses. Cervical tumor volume was measured 1 day before chemotherapy and 1 day before the operation by using 3-dimensional ultrasound. Reduction of cervical tumor volume was noted in 76.2%of cases. The clinical stage, gross appearance of the tumor, histology and number of chemotherapy courses did not significantly affect chemo-responsiveness. The incidence of lymph node metastases was 16.3%. One patient experienced severe vomiting which could be controlled by ondansetron antiemetic. No severe hematologic or other non-hematologic toxicities were identified. In conclusion cisplatin is effective and safe for administration in a pre-operative setting for early stage cervical cancer patients whose surgical schedule is delayed more than 3 weeks.