Analysis of relative factors and prediction model for optimal ovarian response in patients with follicular phase long-acting long protocol北大核心CSCD

Objective To explore the relative factors for best ovarian response in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology with follicular phase long-acting long protocol, and to establish a Nomogram prediction model of ovarian response. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 1289 patients who received assisted reproductive treatment in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from July 1, 2018 to July 30, 2019. According to the number of oocytes retrieved, there were 164 cases in the low ovarian response group (≤5 oocytes retrieved), 891 cases in the normal ovarian response group (the number of retrieved oocytes was >5, and ≤18), and 234 cases in the high ovarian response group (>18 oocytes retrieved). Independent factors affecting ovarian reactivity were screened by logistic regression, which were the model entry variables, and a Nomogram prediction model was established based on the regression coefficients in the model. Results There were statistically significant differences in age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and antral follicle count (AFC) among the three groups [32.43±3.99, 31.48±3.89, 29.91±3.73; (2.53±1.90) μg/L, (3.79±2.20) μg/L, (5.94±3.12) μg/L; 10.24±3.10, 14.50±3.29, 19.81±3.44; all P<0.001]. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility and causes of tubal infertility (all P> 0.05). The initial dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used for ovarian hyperstimulation among the three groups was statistically different [(182.62±53.96) U, (166.79±48.20) U, (159.13±43.92) U, P<0.001], while the duration of Gn used and clinical pregnancy rate had no significant differences (all P>0.05). Multifactorial stepwise aggression analysis showed that female age [0.93(0.90-0.96), P=0.007], AFC [1.07(1.03-1.09), P=0.001], AMH [1.29(1.20-1.39), P=0.001], basal follicle-stimulating hormone [0.79(0.73-0.86), P=0.001], luteinizing hormone value [1.11(1.06-1.23), P=0.010], initial dosage of Gn used [1.00(1.00-1.01), P=0.003], total dosage of Gn usd [1.00(0.99-1.00), P=0.001] and the presence or absence of diagnosis of endometriosis [0.63(0.47-0.86), P=0.001] and polycystic ovary syndrome [0.30(0.22-0.91), P=0.030] were independent factors for the occurrence of different ovarian responses during ovarian hyperstimulation. The prediction model of ovarian reactivity was constructed based on the above factors, and the accuracy of predicting the optimal ovarian response state was 95%. The above model was verified with 306 patients' data from August 1, 2019 to October 30, 2019 in this center, and the predicted ovarian response (number of oocytes obtained) of a total of 279 patients was consistent with the actual situation, with a coincidence degree of 91.2%. The consistency index of the model was 0.71. Conclusion We screened out the relevant factors affecting ovarian response in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology with follicular phase long-acting long protocol, and established a Nomogram prediction model of ovarian response, which could effectively, intuitively and visually predict ovarian reactivity in hyperstimulation. © 2022 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltd. All rights reserved.     

Advances in the window of implantation in patients with repeated implantation failure北大核心CSCD

Repeated implantation failure (RIF) affects the improvement of the success rate of assisted reproductive technology. Embryo factors play a crucial role in it, but causes of endometrial origin may also be an aspect that cannot be ignored. Studies on asynchronous window of implantation and endometrial functional defects have continued to emerge in recent years. However, the accuracy, credibility and effect of the results on the improvement of clinical outcomes are questionable. Along with the advance of related technologies, experiments should be well-designed in order to achieve reliable results, which should be verified by clinical outcomes. This kind of studies may help increase pregnancy rates in patients with RIF. © 2022 Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery. All rights reserved.     

Effects of different gonadotropins in progestin primed ovarian stimulation protocol on ovulation induction of patients with diminished ovarian reserve北大核心CSCD

Objective In order to discuss the ovulation induction effect and clinical significance of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on progestin primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol in patients with diminished ovarian reserve during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Methods Using retrospective cohort study method, the patients with diminished ovarian reserve who received PPOS in IVF assisted reproduction in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2018 to June 2020 were included, 110 cycles met requirements and were divided into FSH group (63 cycles) and hMG group (47 cycles) according to the different gonadotropin (Gn) used. General information and the outcome of IVF between the two groups were compared. Results The total number of retrieved oocytes, MIIoocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleaved oocytes, day 3 (D3) embryos, all freezing embryo, two pronucleus (2PN) fertilization rate, the blastocyst formation rate, day 5 (D5) blastocyst rate and the utilization rate of oocytes, the biochemical pregnancy rate and the miscarriage rate had no statistical differences (all P>0.05). The rate of D3 high-quality embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate and the embryo implantation rate of FSH group were higher than those of hMG group [64.2% (111/173) vs. 50.0% (48/96), P=0.024; 45.8% (22/48) vs. 21.2% (7/33), P=0.023; 36.5% (27/74) vs. 16.7% (8/48), P=0.018] with statistical significances. Conclusion For patients with diminished ovarian reserve, the rate of D3 high-quality embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate and the embryo implantation rate of FSH group are higher. © 2021 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltdg. All rights reserved.     

Analysis of the influencing factors of embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle in polycystic ovary syndrome patients北大核心CSCD

Objective To explore the influencing factors of embryos quality during the cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods A retrospective case-control study design was used to analyze patients who received IVF/ ICSI treatment at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Tianjin Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019, underwent whole embryo cryopreserved and performed the first FET. The 1233 cycles included were divided into control group (n=561) and PCOS group (n=672) according to PCOS diagnosis. The general clinical characteristics, laboratory-related indicators and pregnancy outcomes of patients between the two groups were compared, and the affecting factors of the late miscarriage rate were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results 1) In terms of the general clinical characteristics between the two groups, the differences of duration of infertility [(3.95±2.01) years vs. (4.84±2.91) years, P=0.007], body mass index (BMI) [(21.96±2.52) kg/m2 vs. (23.96±3.50) kg/m2, P<0.001], basal luteinizing hormone [(4.71±2.38) mU/L vs. (8.18±5.40) mU/L, P<0.001], basal estradiol [(45.49±31.80) ng/L vs. (56.67±54.17) ng/L, P=0.032], basal testosterone [(42.80±13.45) ng/L vs. (53.45±38.67) ng/L, P=0.001], gonadortopin initial used dosage [(230.80±54.07) U vs. (192.11±53.79) U, P<0.001] were statistically significant. The endometrium preparation plan in the FET cycle, more PCOS group patients received hormone replacement treatment [64.1% (431/672) vs. 26.6% (149/561)], while more patients in control group received natural cycle transplantation [73.4% (412/561) vs. 35.9% (241/672)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). 2) In terms of the laboratory results, the number of oocytes retrieved in PCOS group (23.36±9.53) was higher than that in control group (20.32±8.81, P=0.002). The number of high-quality embryos and the rate of high-quality embryos in PCOS group [2.94±3.13; 33.3% (2016/6048)] were lower than those in control group [4.17±3.65, P=0.034; 46.3% (2339/ 5049), P<0.001], and the differences were statistically significant. 3) In the pregnancy outcomes, the high-quality embryo transfer rate and the biochemical pregnancy rate in control group were higher than those in PCOS group [71.0% (743/1046) vs. 59.3% (761/1284), P<0.001; 7.3% (41/561) vs. 4.5% (30/672), P=0.033], and the late miscarriage rate in PCOS group [10.3% (43/418)] was higher than that in control group [4.3% (16/326), P=0.002]. 4) Logistic regression analysis was performed on the influencing factors of late miscarriage. After correcting the confounding factors, PCOS (OR=2.573, 95% CI=1.270-5.212, P=0.009) and maternal high BMI (OR=1.080, 95% CI=0.991-1.176, P=0.031) were the risk factors for late miscarriage. Conclusion The number of high-quality embryos and the rate of high-quality embryos in PCOS patients were lower than those in non-PCOS patients. PCOS and high BMI were risk factors for late miscarriage in patients. Improving endocrine disorders and weight control in PCOS patients before fertility treatment is of positive significance for improving the pregnancy outcome of patients. © 2022 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltd. All rights reserved.     

Investigation and analysis of psychological stress of assisted reproduction patients after COVID-19 epidemic北大核心CSCD

Objective To analyze the psychological stress of infertile patients after COVID-19 epidemic and its related factors by Chinese version of the perceived stress scale (CPSS). Method The basic information, reproductive history, impact of the epidemic, psychological status of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from March 29, 2021 to April 29, 2021 were collected by questionnaire. According to CPSS, group comparison and correlation analysis were used to explore factors related to patients' psychological stress. Results A total of 251 valid questionnaires were received. The average CPSS score of the patients was 22.43±7.07. During the epidemic, about 33.86% (85/251) of the infertility patients postponed the fertilization plan; there were significant differences in the psychological stress among patients of different genders, occupations, and postponed fertilization plans at different stages of fertilization (P=0.001, P=0.005, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in CPSS score between infertile patients who delayed treatment or not (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the perceived stress of patients was negatively correlated with their age, income, and delay duration (r=-0.192, P=0.002; r=-0.323, P=0.001; r=-0.282, P=0.009). Among all patients who delayed treatment, patients with higher CPSS score would restart treatment sooner; most of the infertile patients knew little about the vaccine. Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has caused a certain impact on the psychological pressure of infertile couples who accepted treatment in our hospital. The psychological care for infertile patients is particularly important. In the future, in order to dispel the doubts of infertile patients about the vaccine, we should pay attention to the correct scientific promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine during the treatment process. © 2020 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltd. All Rights Reserved.     

Comparison of the NEI-VFQ and OSDI questionnaires in patients with Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye

Background

To examine the associations between vision-targeted health-related quality of life (VT-HRQ) and ocular surface parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dry eye and dry mouth.

Methods

Forty-two patients fulfilling European / American diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome underwent Schirmer testing without anesthesia, ocular surface vital dye staining; and measurement of tear film breakup time (TBUT). Subjects were administered the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the 25-item National Eye Institute Vision Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Main outcome measures included ocular surface parameters, OSDI subscales describing ocular discomfort (OSDI-symptoms), vision-related function (OSDI-function), and environmental triggers, and NEI-VFQ subscales.

Results

Participants (aged 31–81 y; 95% female) all had moderate to severe dry eye. Associations of OSDI subscales with the ocular parameters were modest (Spearman r (ρ) < 0.22) and not statistically significant. Associations of NEI-VFQ subscales with the ocular parameters reached borderline significance for the near vision subscale with TBUT (ρ = 0.32, p = .05) and for the distance vision subscale with van Bijsterveld score (ρ = 0.33, p = .04). The strongest associations of the two questionnaires were for: ocular pain and mental function with OSDI-symptoms (ρ = 0.60 and 0.45, respectively); and general vision, ocular pain, mental function, role function, and driving with OSDI-function (ρ = 0.60, 0.50, 0.61, 0.64, 0.57, and 0.67, respectively).

Conclusions

Associations between conventional objective measures of dry eye and VT-HRQ were modest. The generic NEI-VFQ was similar to the disease-specific OSDI in its ability to measure the impact of Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye on VT-HRQ.

     

Analysis of major factors of mosic embryo in blastocyst stage北大核心CSCD

Objective To analyze of the main influecing factors of mosic embryos during the preimplantation genetic test for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR) to avoid the increase of risk of abortion and genetic abnormalities and to improve the diagnostic rate of mosic embryos. Methods We used a retrospective cohort study to analyze 94 cycles of infertile patients undergoing PGT-SR and 551 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from January 2018 to December 2019 in the Reproductive Medical Center of the Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The relationship of mosic embryos was analyzed between the age, the number of oocytes, gonadotropin (Gn)/oocyte, the grade of blastocysts and chromosome carrier of different genders by the SPSS21.0 software. Results In the PGT-SR cycle, single factor analysis found that mosaic embryos were related to age and sperm concentration (P=0.02, P=0.04), but multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=3.41, 95% CI=1.34-8.66, P=0.01), sperm concentration (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.17-0.96, P=0.04) and chromosome carrier of different genders (OR=2.21, 95% CI=1.04- 4.70, P=0.04) were the main factors of embryo mosaicism. Conclusion Female age, sperm concentration and chromosome carrier of different genders maybe affect the formation of mosaic embryos, providing theoretical basis for selective transfer of mosaic embryos. © 2021 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltdg. All rights reserved.     

Factors influencing long-term survival in mesothelioma patients—results of the German mesothelioma register

Between 1987 and 2000, the German mesothelioma register recorded a total of 4,455 patients with malignant mesotheliomas. Survival times for 498 (11.2%) patients were available; 155 patients (study group, 3.5% of the total group) survived for more than 2 years and 343 patients (control group, 7.7% of the total group) survived for fewer than 24 months. Male patients were over-represented in both groups, with 13% of women in the study and 4.4% in the control group. The proportion of pleural mesotheliomas was more than 90% in both groups, with peritoneal cases comprising 6.5% in the study group and 3.2% in the control group. Histologically, the epithelioid subtype was represented in 58% of the study group, whereas the biphasic subtype predominated (67.6%) in the control group. Only 7% of tumours were of the sarcomatoid subtype. The average age of patients in the study group was 57.4 years, thus lower than in the control group (62.8 years). Lung dust analysis showed an increased pulmonary asbestos burden in 94% of all patients; significant differences between the study and control group were not observed. In the majority of the total group pleural effusions were the first symptoms. Therapeutic data were available in fewer than 40% of all cases. Surgical interventions were performed, partly in combination with radiation and chemotherapy and as alternative treatments. Significant deviations in survival time dependent on therapy applied could not be proved. By multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression model) favourable prognostic factors for long-term survival were epithelioid tumour subtype, comparatively young age (<60 years), and female gender (P<0.05).     

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro tests of resistance in patients treated with chloroquine in Yaoundé, Cameroon

The usefulness of an isotopic in vitro assay in the field was evaluated by comparing its results with the therapeutic response determined by the simplified WHO in vivo test in symptomatic Cameroonian patients treated with chloroquine. Of the 117 enrolled patients, 102 (87%) completed the 14-day follow-up, and 95 isolates obtained from these patients (46 children, 49 adults) yielded an interpretable in vitro test. A total of 57 of 95 patients (60%; 28 children and 29 adults) had an adequate clinical response with negative smears (n = 46) or with an asymptomatic parasitaemia (n = 11) on day 7 and/or day 14. The geometric mean 50% inhibitory concentration of the isolates obtained from these patients was 63.3 nmol/l. Late and early treatment failure was observed in 29 (30.5%) and 9 (9.5%) patients, respectively. The geometric mean 50% inhibitory concentrations of the corresponding isolates were 173 nmol/l and 302 nmol/l. Among the patients responding with late and early treatment failure, five isolates and one isolate, respectively, yielded a discordant result (in vivo resistance and in vitro sensitivity). The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the in vitro test to detect chloroquine-sensitive cases was 67%, 84% and 86%, respectively. There was moderate concordance between the in vitro and in vivo tests (kappa value = 0.48). The in vitro assay agrees relatively well with the therapeutic response and excludes several host factors that influence the results of the in vivo test. However, in view of some discordant results, the in vitro test cannot substitute for in vivo data on therapeutic efficacy. The only reliable definition of "resistance" in malaria parasites is based on clinical and parasitological response in symptomatic patients, and the in vivo test provides the standard method to determine drug sensitivity or resistance as well as to guide national drug policies.     

Research progress of maternal-fetal interface microenvironment in recurrent abortion北大核心CSCD

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a common adverse pregnancy outcome in women of childbearing age and its etiology is complex and still not clear. The maternal-fetal interface microenvironment plays a key role in maintaining pregnancy. There are trophoblast cells, decidual stromal cells and immune cells in the maternal-fetal interface microenvironment. The abnormal number or function of these cells may induce changes in the microenvironment of maternal-fetal interface, such as spiral artery remodeling disorder and abnormal decidualization, which may lead to RSA. This review discusses the role and mechanism of these three main cells in RSA. © 2022 by the authors.     

Effects of growth hormone in down-regulating hormone replacement cycle on the outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer北大核心CSCD

Objective To analyze whether the application of growth hormone (GH) in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle can improve the pregnancy outcome of patients. Methods The retrospective cohort study including 1042 FET cycles was carried out between January 2015 to July 2018 in Reproductive Medicine Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. According to medication before transfer, all patients were divided into GH group (group A ) and no GH group (group B). The pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups in aged patients (≥35 years), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients. Results In group A, the maternal age [(31.1±4.5) years old] and the clinical pregnancy rate [67.1% (114/170)] were higher than those in group B [(30.1±4.4) years old, 57.5% (501/872)] (P=0.010, P=0.020). There were no significant differences in the implantation rate, the clinical pregnancy rate, the abortion rate and the live birth rate between group A and group B in aged patients (all P>0.05). In PCOS patients, the live birth rate in group A [65.8% (25/38)] was significantly higher than that in group B [42.3% (96/227)] (P=0.007). In the RIF patients, the implantation rate [37.3% (57/153)], the clinical pregnancy rate [50.5% (46/91)] and the live birth rate [37.4% (34/91)] in group A were significantly higher than those in group B [23.0% (115/501), 29.1% (92/316), 21.8% (69/316)] (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003). Conclusion For the aged patients, adding GH could not improve pregnancy outcomes. The application of GH in PCOS patients could increase the live birth rate. For the RIF patients, the application of GH could increase the implantation rate, the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate. © 2021 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltdg. All rights reserved.     

Knowing patients and knowledge about patients: evidence of modes of reasoning in the consultation?

BACKGROUND: The idea that the patient is in some way known to the doctor is an important one in general practice. The thrust towards patient-centred medicine, the promotion of open and negotiative consultation skills and the development of a biopsychosocial model of primary care medicine all rely on the patient providing a history composed of more than a list of facts. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore the nature and importance of doctors' knowledge about patients. METHODS: Fifteen GPs audio-recorded 25-30 consultations with consecutive consenting patients. They scored each consultation according to how satisfying they found it. Semi-structured interviews based on a selection of consultations were conducted to draw out the doctor's views on the factors that were important to their satisfaction. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was inductive and iterative. RESULTS: Within doctors' narratives, we found accounts of two ways of 'knowing' the patient. The first was a deductive mode of reasoning derived from facts about the patient. The facts that were known were specific to the context of the general practice consultation and led to biomedical and biographical knowledge. The second was an inductive mode of reasoning derived from a contextual interpretation of the facts about the patient which resulted in knowledge of their behaviour and cognitions. Both modes of reasoning gave the doctor knowledge of the patient and permitted action by the doctor in the consultation but led to different interpretations of the patient and different experiences of the consultation. CONCLUSION: 'Knowing the patient' is important to the way GPs attribute meaning to their work. Doctors were more likely to identify as 'known' those patients with whom they adopted an inductive mode of reasoning. In addition, their experience of the consultation was more likely to be positive.     

How are new refugees doing in Canada? Comparison of the health and settlement of the Kosovars and Czech Roma

BACKGROUND: In 1999, a group of Kosovars arrived in Hamilton, Ontario, with a coordinated international pre-migration plan, as part of the United Nations Humanitarian Evacuation Program. Since 1997, a substantial number of Roma refugees from the Czech Republic also arrived in Hamilton, with no special pre-migration planning. This study examined whether the organized settlement efforts led to better adaptation and perceived health for the Kosovars, using the Czech Roma as a comparison group. METHODS: Adult members of 50 Kosovar (n=157 individuals) and 50 Czech Roma (n=76 individuals) randomly selected families completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics, health, well-being, and perceived adaptation to Canada. Differences between groups were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Comparison was made to the Ontario population where possible. RESULTS: There were more Kosovars than Czech Roma over the age of 50 (22.1% vs 10.5%, p=0.03). Nearly one quarter (21.7%) of the Kosovars had a score indicating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), compared to none of the Roma (p<0.001). After adjustment for age and PTSD, the Kosovars were significantly more likely to report fair or poor adaptation to Canada (OR=10.5, 95% CI=3.6-31.2) and that life is somewhat or very stressful (OR=3.9, 95% CI=2.1-7.4). Differences for other measures were no longer significant after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The health and adaptation of the Kosovars was not better than that of the Czech Roma. Reasons for this finding may include differences in demographics, the presence of PTSD, and differing length of time since arrival in Canada.     

Comparison of HIV-infected patients’ characteristics, healthcare resources use and cost between native and migrant patients

Objectives:  To assess whether patients’ characteristics and healthcare resources consumption and costs were different between native and migrant populations in Switzerland. Methods:  All adult patients followed-up in the Swiss HIV-cohort study in our institution during 2000–2003 were considered. Patients’ characteristics were retrieved from the cohort database. Hospital and outpatient resource use were extracted from individual charts and valued with 2002 tariffs. Results:  The 66 migrants were younger (29 ± 8 years versus 37 ± 11, p < 0.001), less often of male gender (38 % versus 70 %, p < 0.001), predominantly infected via heterosexual contact (87 % versus 52 %, p < 0.01), with lower mean CD4 level at enrolment (326 ± 235 versus 437 ± 305, p = 0.002) than their 200 native counterparts. Migrants had fewer hospitalizations, more frequent outpatient visits, laboratory tests, and lower total cost of care per year of follow-up (€ 2′215  ±  4′206 versus 4′155  ±  12′304, p = 0.037). Resource use and costs were significantly higher in people with < 200 CD4 cell counts in both groups. Conclusions:  Migrant population had more advanced disease, more outpatient visits but less hospitalizations, resulting in lower costs of care when compared with native population. Submitted: 14 May 2007; revised: 14 April 2008, 27 August 2008; accepted: 05 September 2008     

Association of CAT–262C/T with the concentration of catalase in seminal plasma and the risk for male infertility in Algeria

Catalase (CAT) plays a central role in the protection of different cell types against the deleterious effects of hydrogen peroxide. In human, CAT is implicated in many physiological and pathological conditions including idiopathic male infertility. In this study we examined the association between CAT levels in seminal plasma with different sperm parameters and with CAT–262 C/T polymorphism and their risk for idiopathic male infertility in Algeria. Semen and blood samples were obtained from 111 infertile males and 104 fertile controls from the region of Eastern Algeria following informed consent. Standard semen parameters, DNA integrity, and CAT concentration in seminal plasma were evaluated. CAT-262C/T genotypes were screened using allele specific PCR. Seminal CAT activity was significantly different (p<0.0001) between infertile males and controls, it was also markedly decreased in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (p<0.0001), azoospermia (p<0.0001), and normozoospermia (p=0.045) subgroups compared to controls. Positive correlations between CAT activity and semen parameters (volume, motility, concentration, and morphology) were detected, but not with sperm DNA integrity. There was no direct association between CAT-262C/T polymorphism and general male infertility. However, the results presented in this study showed that CAT activity is remarkably associated with the CAT-262T allele (p=0.001) and the different CAT-262C/T genotypes. This study highlighted the major differences in the seminal plasma CAT content between infertile and fertile males and the differences of CAT concentration between different CAT-262C/T genotypes carriers.     

Comparison of the mineral and trace element concentrations between ‘gazpacho’ and the vegetables used in its elaboration

Contents of moisture, ash and minerals and trace elements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese) were determined in vegetable samples—garlic, tomato, white onion, cucumber, pepper—in ‘gazpacho’, which was elaborated using these vegetables. The mean sodium concentration in ‘gazpacho’ was much higher than those mean values observed in the fresh vegetables. The mean values of the minerals studied in the ‘gazpacho’, except sodium and calcium, tend to be lower than the mean values in the vegetables used. Garlic presented significantly higher mean contents of the trace elements than the rest of the vegetables and the ‘gazpacho’. Many highly significant correlations between all the minerals analyzed, except calcium, were observed. Factor analysis makes it possible to differentiate the samples of garlic, onion, and ‘gazpacho’ from one another, and from the rest of the vegetables considered.     

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the FIM + FAM in patients with cerebrovascular accident

Background and aim: The study aim was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (FIM?+?FAM), which is unfamiliar in Japan, by using its Japanese version (FIM?+?FAM-j) in patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Material and methods: Forty-two CVA patients participated. Criterion validity was examined by correlating the full scale and subscales of FIM?+?FAM-j with several well-established measurements using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency (tested by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) and intra-rater reliability (tested by Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient).

Results: Good-to-excellent criterion validity was found between the full scale and motor subscales of the FIM?+?FAM-j and the Barthel Index, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, and lower extremity Brunnstrom Recovery Stage. High internal consistency was observed within the full-scale FIM?+?FAM-j and the motor and cognitive subscales (Cronbach’s alphas were 0.968, 0.954, and 0.948, respectively). Additionally, good intra-rater reliability was observed within the full scale and motor subscales, and excellent reliability for the cognitive subscales (taus were 0.83, 0.80, and 0.98, respectively).

Conclusion and significance: This study showed that the FIM?+?FAM-j demonstrated acceptable levels of validity and reliability when used for CVA as a measure of disability.     

Endodontic treatment and periapical health in patients of the Institute of Dentistry in Lódź

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective assessment of periapical health in relation to sex, age and quality of root-canal treatment among adult patients of the Institute of Dentistry in Lód?. Orthopantomograms of 439 subjects were assessed considering the prevalence of endodontic treatment, technical quality of root-canal fillings and the state of periapical tissues. The assessment of orthopantomograms of 174 (39.6%) men and 265 (60.4%) women was carried out. A significant increase (p=0.016) in the mean number of endodontically treated teeth according to age (range from 1.4 in subjects under the age of 20 to 3.4 in those aged 70 years and over) and the mean number of teeth with periapical pathosis (from 0.9 to 2.4, respectively) (p=0.020) was observed. Of 10054 radiographically examined teeth 9.7% was treated endodontically, whereas, 5.5% exhibited periapical pathosis. The percentage of teeth with periapical lesions was significantly higher (p=0.015) in men (6.2%) as compared to women (5.0%). Periapical radiolucency occurred significantly more often (p=0.0001) in endodontically treated teeth (36.4% of cases) than in those with untreated root canals (2.1%). Teeth with inadequately filled root canals significantly more often revealed the presence of periapical pathosis (49.6%) in comparison to teeth with adequately filled root canals (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis increases with age. The prevalence of apical periodontitis depends on sex - periapical lesions were more often found in men. The quality of endodontic treatment significantly affects periapical health.