Early and late paternal contribution to cell division of embryos in a time-lapse imaging incubation system

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of male age, semen quality and days of ejaculatory abstinence on embryo morphokinetics. A total of 1,220 zygotes obtained from 139 couples in a private in vitro fertilisation centre were analysed. The timing of specific events from the point of insemination, such as timings to pronuclei appearance and fading, to two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight cells and to blastulation were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of paternal factors on embryo morphokinetic events. Paternal age was positively correlated with delayed cell cleavage and blastulation, and negatively associated with implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy and live–birth chances. The ejaculatory abstinence was inversely correlated with the implantation rate. Inverse relationships were observed between semen parameters (sperm count, progressive sperm motility, total motile sperm count and morphology) and the timing of specific events during embryo development. Sperm morphology was also positively associated with implantation rate and pregnancy and live–birth chances. Increased paternal age and ejaculatory abstinence, and poor semen quality correlate with delayed cell cleavage and blastulation and negatively impact intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.     

The association between seminal vesicle size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation

There are few data describing the relationship between seminal vesicle (SV) size and duration of abstinence between ejaculations. This study evaluates the association between SV size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sexually active men 18–68 years old who underwent pelvic MRI for various medical indications were included. The date of last ejaculation was recorded, and the cross‐sectional areas of the right and left seminal vesicles were calculated separately using mediolateral and anteroposterior measurements on T2‐weighted MRI images. The association between SV area and duration of abstinence between ejaculations was determined via linear regression analysis. The study cohort consisted of 104 men with a mean age of 46.45 ± 11.4 (range 18–68) years old. Mean right and left SV cross‐sectional areas were 744.1 ± 351.1 (range: 149.9–1794.7) mm² and 727.6 ± 359.2 (range 171.4–2248.4) mm² respectively. The mean duration of abstinence between ejaculations in the cohort was 3.6 ± 2.6 (range 1–15) days. Although no correlation between age and SV area was observed (r = .007, p = .947), linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between SV area and the duration of abstinence from ejaculation (r = .372, p = .0001). SV cross‐sectional area increases with duration of abstinence from ejaculation and can be assessed using MRI. The use of SV size estimation may be applicable in diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of urological diseases.     

精浆尿酸的检测及其与精液参数的相关性研究

目的:建立精浆尿酸(UA)的检测方法并探讨精浆UA水平与精液参数的相关性。方法:根据检测血清UA的方法加以改良建立检测精浆UA的方法,并观察批内变异和不同技术人员检测结果之间的差异以评价方法的可接受性。同时分析138例男性精浆UA水平与患者年龄、禁欲时间、精液量、pH、精子密度、活动率、a+b级精子百分率和正常形态精子百分率之间的相关性。结果:精浆UA检测方法的批内变异为9.16%,2位技术人员的检测结果没有显著性差异(P=0.541)。精浆UA水平与正常形态精子百分率呈正相关(r=0.350,P=0.025),与精子活动率和a+b级精子百分率有呈正相关的趋势(r=0.147和0.156,P=0.085和0.068),而与精液分析其他参数如精液量、pH、精子密度、禁欲时间以及患者年龄等无相关性。结论:通过对血清UA检测方法加以改良可以建立可接受的精浆UA检测方法。精子形态学、活动率及a+b级精子百分率可能与精浆UA水平高低有关。     

Smoking Behavior and Perceived Stress in Cigarette Smokers Undergoing Elective Surgery

Background: The forced abstinence from cigarettes accompanying surgery in smoke-free facilities may increase psychological stress by removing a coping mechanism and by nicotine withdrawal. The authors tested the hypothesis that abstinence from cigarette smoking contributes to psychological stress in the perioperative period.

Methods: The authors assessed measures of nicotine withdrawal (Hughes-Hatsukami nicotine withdrawal scale) and perceived stress (including the Perceived Stress Scale) in 141 cigarette smokers scheduled to undergo elective surgery. To separate the effects of stress arising from tobacco abstinence from the effects of other perioperative stressors, such as pain, these measures were also obtained in 150 surgical patients who did not use tobacco. Assessments were performed at intervals beginning at the time of preoperative medical evaluation and ending 30 days postoperatively.

Results: Perceived Stress Scale scores were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in smokers throughout the study period. There was little significant interaction between smoking status and time, indicating that changes in Perceived Stress Scale score during the perioperative period did not differ between smokers and nonsmokers. The same result was found if analysis was restricted to data collected before hospital discharge (and thus during assured abstinence). Similar results were found for the nicotine withdrawal scale, suggesting that smokers did not experience more withdrawal symptoms relative to nonsmokers.     

Efficacy of bupropion in the indigenous Maori population in New Zealand

BACKGROUND: Smoking rates are high in indigenous populations and contribute to their poor health. In New Zealand the indigenous Maori population has a high rate of smoking, with around 50% of adults being smokers compared with 20% of the adult European population. A study was undertaken to determine whether bupropion is effective in the treatment of smoking cessation in the indigenous Maori population in New Zealand. METHODS: A randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, parallel group study was performed in 134 Maori smokers aged 16-70 years who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day. The main outcome measures were continued abstinence from smoking at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: At each time point continued abstinence was better for the subjects allocated to bupropion, with a risk ratio for abstinence over all time points of 2.44 (95% CI 1.22 to 4.88). The rates of continued abstinence in the bupropion and placebo groups at 3 months were 44.3% and 17.4%, respectively, with a risk ratio of 2.54 (95% CI 1.30 to 5.00). The corresponding figures at 12 months were 21.6% and 10.9%, respectively, with a risk ratio of 1.99 (95% CI 0.79 to 5.00). CONCLUSION: Bupropion is an effective treatment for smoking cessation in the indigenous Maori population in New Zealand.     

Efficacy of 6-month pretransplant abstinence for patients with alcoholic liver disease undergoing living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE: Questions have been raised regarding the ethics of liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), including the fairness of cadaveric organ allocation to individuals who abuse alcohol and the efficacy of transplantation in these patients, many of whom may relapse. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for ALD patients raises the similar ethical issues. ALD candidates for cadaveric liver transplants are required to abstain from alcohol for 6 months before being listed, but the efficacy of 6 months of abstinence in ALD patients receiving LDLT is not known. METHODS: We therefore determined the efficacy of 6 months of pretransplant abstinence in 15 ALD patients who underwent LDLT from February 1997 to December 2003. RESULTS: The Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 24 +/- 10, and mean pretransplant abstinence period was 15 +/- 13 months, with 11 (73.3%) patients being abstinent for at least 6 months. Four patients received dual grafts, making the number of living donors 19: 12 children, two wives, one brother, three nephews, and one aunt. There were no unrelated donors. Three patients showed a relapse to alcohol drinking. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 87.5%, respectively, and the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year relapse rates were 6.7%, 20%, and 20%, respectively. The relapse rates in patients who did and did not maintain 6 months of abstinence were 9.1% and 50%, respectively; this difference was not significant (P = .154), likely due to the small sample size. Younger recipient age was a significant risk factor for alcohol relapse (40 +/- 8 years versus 53 +/- 6 years; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Pretransplant abstinence of 6 months seemed to be beneficial. For ethical reasons, a 6-month abstinence rule should be strictly observed in LDLT.     

Relationship between age and semen parameters in men with normal sperm concentration: analysis of 6022 semen samples

This study evaluates retrospectively the relationship between age and semen parameters among men with normal sperm concentration. It was based on computerized data and performed in an Academic Fertility and IVF Unit. Six thousand and twenty-two semen samples with sperm concentrations of >or=20 x 10(6) ml(-1) were examined according to WHO criteria and analysed in relation to patients' age. For each age group, mean values +/- SD of semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of motile spermatozoa, normal morphology, acrosome index, total sperm count/ejaculate, total motile sperm count/ejaculate and sexual abstinence duration were examined. A peak semen volume of 3.51 +/- 1.76 ml(-1) was observed at age >or=30 to <35 years and a lowest volume of 2.21 +/- 1.23 ml(-1) was observed at age >or=55 years (P<0.05). Sperm motility was found to be inversely related to age with peak motility of 44.39 +/- 20.69% at age <25 years and lowest motility of 24.76 +/- 18.27% at age >or=55 years (P<0.05). A reduction of 54% was observed for total motile sperm, between values of 103.34 +/- 107 x 10(6) at age >or=30 to <35 years and 46.68 +/- 53.73 x 10(6) (P<0.05) at age >55 years. A statistically significant and inverse relationship was observed between semen volume, sperm quality and patient age, in spite of prolonged sexual abstinence duration. Top sperm parameters were observed at age >or=30 to <35 years, while the most significant reduction in sperm parameters occurred after the age of 55 years.     

Makler精子计算盘的应用及其临床意义

作者应用Ｍａｋｌｅｒ精子计算盘对精液有关参数进行了实验研究与临床应用。报道了１００例正常生育男性的精子密度与活动率分别为（６６．３５±２０．０９）×１０￣９／Ｌ和５８．６４±１８．３２％。３０例自愿者正常精液春、夏、秋、冬四季精子运动的平均速度依次为２４．６、３０．９、３１．２和２３．５μｍ／ｓ。指出了禁欲时间和不同生育年龄对精子运动速度与运动方式没有影响。同时还报道了解脲支原体感染不仅可降低精子的运动速度，而且还改变其运动方式。作者认为Ｍａｋｌｅｒ精子计算盘是有应用价值的精液分析工具，值得推广使用。     

Smoking behavior and perceived stress in cigarette smokers undergoing elective surgery

BACKGROUND: The forced abstinence from cigarettes accompanying surgery in smoke-free facilities may increase psychological stress by removing a coping mechanism and by nicotine withdrawal. The authors tested the hypothesis that abstinence from cigarette smoking contributes to psychological stress in the perioperative period. METHODS: The authors assessed measures of nicotine withdrawal (Hughes-Hatsukami nicotine withdrawal scale) and perceived stress (including the Perceived Stress Scale) in 141 cigarette smokers scheduled to undergo elective surgery. To separate the effects of stress arising from tobacco abstinence from the effects of other perioperative stressors, such as pain, these measures were also obtained in 150 surgical patients who did not use tobacco. Assessments were performed at intervals beginning at the time of preoperative medical evaluation and ending 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Perceived Stress Scale scores were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in smokers throughout the study period. There was little significant interaction between smoking status and time, indicating that changes in Perceived Stress Scale score during the perioperative period did not differ between smokers and nonsmokers. The same result was found if analysis was restricted to data collected before hospital discharge (and thus during assured abstinence). Similar results were found for the nicotine withdrawal scale, suggesting that smokers did not experience more withdrawal symptoms relative to nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Although smokers report increased baseline stress, smoking status does not affect changes in perceived stress over the perioperative period. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms do not seem to be a clinically significant problem in the perioperative period for most smokers.     

Effect of pre-freezing conditions on the progressive motility recovery rate of human frozen spermatozoa

We evaluated the effects of sperm concentration, progressive motility, sperm morphology, duration of abstinence and collection season on the progressive motility recovery rate of human frozen spermatozoa to identify characteristics that predict the progressive motility recovery rate of human frozen spermatozoa and improve the protocol for sperm collecting in sperm banks. A total of 14 190 semen samples donated at Zhejiang human sperm bank of China between September 2006 and June 2011 were collected from 1624 donors. Semen was evaluated according to WHO standard procedures for sperm concentration. Progressive motility, sperm morphology, ejaculate collection season and abstinence time were recorded. After freezing and thawing, the progressive motility was assessed. Results showed that sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly associated with the progressive motility recovery rate of human frozen spermatozoa. In addition, the abstinence time and collection season also significantly affected progressive motility recovery rate. Our results indicated that sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology could be valuable in predicting the progressive motility recovery rate of human frozen spermatozoa. As such, progressive motility recovery may be improved by donating semen when abstinent for 3–5 days and during seasons other than summer.     

Peri-operative tobacco cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tobacco smoking is associated with a substantially increased risk of postoperative complications. The peri-operative period offers a unique opportunity to support patients to stop tobacco smoking, avoid complications and improve long-term health. This systematic review provides an up-to-date summary of the evidence for tobacco cessation interventions in surgical patients. We conducted a systematic search of randomised controlled trials of tobacco cessation interventions in the peri-operative period. Quantitative synthesis of the abstinence outcomes data was by random-effects meta-analysis. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was abstinence at the time of surgery, and the secondary outcome was abstinence at 12 months. Thirty-eight studies are included in the review (7310 randomised participants) and 26 studies are included in the meta-analysis (5969 randomised participants). Studies were pooled for subgroup analysis in two ways: by the timing of intervention delivery within the peri-operative period and by the intensity of the intervention protocol. We judged the quality of evidence as moderate, reflecting the degree of heterogeneity and the high risk of bias. Overall, peri-operative tobacco cessation interventions increased successful abstinence both at the time of surgery, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.48 (1.20–1.83), number needed to treat 7; and 12 months after surgery, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.62 (1.29–2.03), number needed to treat 9. More work is needed to inform the design and optimal delivery of interventions that are acceptable to patients and that can be incorporated into contemporary elective and urgent surgical pathways. Future trials should use standardised outcome measures.     

Study of a group of 484 fertile men Part II: Relation between age (20–59) and semen characteristics

Commonly measured semen variables as well as post-thaw motility have been studied as a function of age in fertile men. The mean age was 34.6 (so = 6.6). No significant change with age was found for the sperm count, semen volume or total number of spermatozoa. Conversely, there were significant differences between age groups for the percentage of normal cells ( P < 0.01) and the percentage of motile forms ( P < 0.01) as well as for the after-thaw motility ( P < 0.001). These three variables rise, reach a maximum level at 30 to 35 years of age and then decrease. These changes are not explained by variations in the length of abstinence.     

Variation in, and inter-relationship between, prostaglandin levels and other semen parameters in normal men

In each of 135 ejaculates from 46 healthy men, semen volume, various sperm parameters and the level of prostaglandins (PGs) were determined. Data were analysed to determine the within- and between-subject variability, the effect of abstinence period and the correlation between different parameters. Data which did not reveal a Gaussian distribution were transformed logarithmically. For all variables the between-subject variance exceeded the variation within subjects (P less than 0.001). Variation in time of abstinence between 1 and 3 days influenced semen volume and sperm content as well as the content of 19-hydroxylated PGs, but did not affect sperm motility or the concentration of PGE or PGF. A significant negative correlation was found between the seminal content of PGE and PGF and the total sperm count as well as the sperm concentration. Sperm motility was related to the balance between the content of 19-hydroxy PGE and 19-hydroxy PGF but not to their separate concentrations. The ratio between 19-hydroxy PGE and 19-hydroxy PGF did not change when the time of abstinence differed. Synthesis of the two 19-hydroxylated PGs seemed to be regulated by the same mechanism, but their hydroxylation capacity still varied considerably between individuals.     

Abstinence from smoking reduces incisional wound infection: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Clinical studies show that the incidence of postoperative wound complications is higher in smokers than nonsmokers. In this study, we evaluated the effect of abstinence from smoking on incisional wound infection. METHODS: Seventy-eight healthy subjects (48 smokers and 30 never-smokers) were included in the study and followed for 15 weeks. In the first week of the study, the smokers smoked 20 cigarettes per day. Subsequently, they were randomized to continuous smoking, abstinence with transdermal nicotine patch (25 mg per day), or abstinence with placebo patch. At the end of the first week and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after randomization, incisional wounds were made lateral to the sacrum to excise punch biopsy wounds. At the same time identical wounds were made in 6 never-smokers. In 24 never-smokers a wound was made once. All wounds were followed for 2 weeks for development of wound complications. RESULTS: A total of 228 wounds were evaluated. In smokers the wound infection rate was 12% (11 of 93 wounds) compared with 2% (1 of 48 wounds) in never-smokers (P <0.05). Wound infections were significantly fewer in abstinent smokers compared with continuous smokers after 4, 8, and 12 weeks after randomization. No difference between transdermal nicotine patch and placebo was found. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers have a higher wound infection rate than never-smokers and 4 weeks of abstinence from smoking reduces the incidence of wound infections.     

男性年龄与精子顶体酶活性及精子DNA碎片指数的相关性分析

目的探讨男性年龄与精子顶体酶活性、精子DNA碎片指数(DFI)的相关性。方法选取2016年1~8月在我院生殖医学中心就诊的436例不育症男性患者为研究对象,所有患者均行精液常规检查、精子顶体酶活性检查和(或)精子DFI分析。将患者按年龄分为<30岁、30~39岁、≥40岁3组,分析各组的精液常规、顶体酶活性及精子核DFI的差异及其相关性。结果不同年龄段患者的体重指数(BMI)、禁欲天数、精液量无显著性差异(P>0.05);年龄≥40岁组患者的前向运动精子百分率、活动精子百分率及精子顶体酶活性显著低于<30岁和30~39岁组(P<0.05);≥40岁组患者的精子DFI显著高于<30岁和30~39岁组(P<0.05)。年龄与前向运动精子百分率及活动精子百分率之间呈负相关(P<0.05),但是相关性较弱。精子顶体酶活性与精子正常形态率、前向运动精子百分率、非前向运动精子百分率、活动精子百分率呈正相关(P<0.05);精子DFI与年龄、禁欲天数、前向运动精子百分率呈正相关(P<0.01),与精液量、精子浓度、活动精子百分率呈负相关(P<0.05);精子顶体酶活性和DFI之间无相关性(P>0.05)。结论年龄增长会导致精液前向运动精子百分率、活动精子百分率、精子顶体酶活性、DFI等参数改变,直接或间接影响男性生育力。说明年龄对男性不育的影响是多方面的,建议有生育需求的大龄(≥40岁)男性尽早进行生育咨询与评估。     

Opioid tolerance and dependence--pharmacological aspects

Prolonged opioids administration leads inevitably to tolerance and dependence, a phenomenon we meet more often in healthy people than in ill patients. Tolerance means a hypersensibility of neuronal membranes as well as changes in the number and affinity of opioid receptors, which implies intake of larger doses to obtain the initial effect. Physical dependence, quite different of the psychological one, is the appearance of abstinence syndrome on sudden interruption of opioid administration or on administration of an antagonist. There is usually cross-tolerance in opioids, but it can also be incomplete, when the initial opioid can be replaced with another one that produces a milder abstinence syndrome. Classically, metadone is used in long time therapy, after detoxification with an antagonist is performed (naloxon, naltrexon). Modern pharmacological alternatives are levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM) and agonists-antagonists (butorphanol, buprenorphine, pentazocine, nalbuphine). An antagonist can also be used if associated with an alpha--stimulant (clonidine), in order to remove noradrenergic manifestations of abstinence syndrome. Now other therapeutical principles are being studied: enkephalinaze inhibitors to reduce the abstinence syndrome, NMDA receptor antagonists, NO sintetasis inhibitors, that facilitates opioid analgesia and hinders tolerance development; colecystokinin-receptors agonists or antagonists to reduce tolerance on morphine. A recent study showed that the concomitant administration of an opioid agonist (sufentanil) and a calcium channels blocker (nimodipine) not only prevents from tolerance development but also triggers hypersensibility to analgesic effects of the opioid.     

Endocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm in healthy men following a 3-week sexual abstinence

This current study examined the effect of a 3-week period of sexual abstinence on the neuroendocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm. Hormonal and cardiovascular parameters were examined in ten healthy adult men during sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm. Blood was drawn continuously and cardiovascular parameters were constantly monitored. This procedure was conducted for each participant twice, both before and after a 3-week period of sexual abstinence. Plasma was subsequently analysed for concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations. Orgasm increased blood pressure, heart rate, plasma catecholamines and prolactin. These effects were observed both before and after sexual abstinence. In contrast, although plasma testosterone was unaltered by orgasm, higher testosterone concentrations were observed following the period of abstinence. These data demonstrate that acute abstinence does not change the neuroendocrine response to orgasm but does produce elevated levels of testosterone in males.     

Perioperative smoking cessation and anesthesia: a review.

Perioperative smoking causes acute changes in cardiopulmonary function that can have unfavorable implications for patients undergoing anesthesia. These cardiopulmonary effects are carbon monoxide and nicotine mediated changes in oxygen (O2) delivery and myocardial O2 balance. Smokers also are at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary complications that are secondary to chronic changes in lung function. Smoking-induced acute changes in cardiopulmonary function can be largely avoided by a brief period of preoperative smoking abstinence. Bringing about a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications requires a much longer period of preoperative abstinence. Because the perioperative period is in many ways an ideal time to abandon the smoking habit permanently, anesthesiologists, in cooperation with other health professionals, can perhaps play a more active role in facilitating this process.     

Semen quality changes among 2343 healthy Slovenian men included in an IVF-ET programme from 1983 to 1996

To determine whether semen quality in Slovenians has changed over 14 years (1983-96), we analysed retrospectively the semen of 2343 healthy men with a normal spermiogram, who were partners of women with tubal infertility included in the IVF-ET programme. Age at semen collection, duration of sexual abstinence, semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility, and normal morphology were determined. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the changes in sperm characteristics according to the year of semen collection, year of the man's birth and the duration of sexual abstinence. Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm count and total sperm motility did not change between 1983 and 1996, whereas between 1988 and 1996 rapid progressive sperm motility decreased by 0.95% per year (p < 0.0001). Semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm count increased with duration of sexual abstinence. After adjustment for the year of semen collection and duration of sexual abstinence, multiple regression analysis showed that sperm concentration decreased by 0.67% per each successive year of birth (p = 0.03). Thus the sperm concentration decreased from 87.6 x 10(6)/mL in men born in the 1940s to 77.3 x 10(6)/mL in those born between 1956 and 1960. After 1960, sperm concentration was found to increase. In 2343 healthy men, no decline in semen quality, except in rapid progressive motility, was observed in the study period. Lower sperm concentration was found among men born between 1950 and 1960. This could be related to worse socio-economic status, stress or negative environmental factors in this time period.     

Seminal Vesicle Aspiration of Fertile Men

Purpose

Whether sperm normally reside in the seminal vesicles of fertile men without ejaculatory duct obstruction, and the effect of duration of sexual abstinence on results of seminal vesicle aspiration were determined.

Materials and Methods

Bilateral seminal vesicle aspiration was performed on 12 fertile volunteers under transrectal ultrasound guidance with randomization according to 0 and 5 days of abstinence. Seminal vesicle were examined microscopically for number and motility of sperm. A positive aspirate was defined as greater than 3 sperm per high power microscopic field.

Results

Duration of abstinence had a significant effect on outcome of seminal vesicle aspiration in fertile volunteers. No volunteer with 0 days of abstinence had a positive aspirate from either seminal vesicle, whereas a third of those with 5 days of abstinence had at least 1 positive seminal vesicle aspirate.

Conclusions

Significant numbers of sperm are not normally found in the seminal vesicles of fertile men immediately after ejaculation. Diagnostic seminal vesicle aspiration should be performed after 0 days of abstinence. Longer periods of sexual abstinence may be used in patients undergoing seminal vesicle harvesting of sperm for assisted reproduction.