Analyis of Protamine mRNA in sperm of men,rats and mice

Aim: To investigate the existence of the protamine mRNA insperm of men, rats and mice. Methods: By means of RT-PCRtechniques, protamine cDNA fragments were obtained from totalRNA of the mature sperm of men, rats and mice. Results:mRNA of protamine gene was present in the mature sperm of men,rats and mice. The protamine cDNA obtained by RT-PCR in ratsperm with an abnormal head was much less in number than that inthe normal rat sperm. Conclusion: mRNA in the sperm mightrepresent the condition of corresponding gene expression duringspermatogenesis. (Reprod Contracep 2001; 21: 200 - 5)     

Effect of α-lipoic acid on sperm quality, reproductive tract measures in thinner exposed rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA, an universal antioxidant) on thinner-induced testicular toxicity regarding spermatological features, body and reproductive tract measures in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five treatment groups, eight rats in each. Control group was treated with placebo. Group O was given only olive oil. The group L received only α-lipoic acid. Thinner + Lipoic Acid group received thinner + α-lipoic acid and group T received only thinner. Thinner alone administration caused significant decreases in body and some reproductive organ weights, sperm count, motility and sperm membrane integrity, and significant increases in seminal vesicle weight and abnormal sperm rates compared with the values in the control group. However, concomitant administration of thinner with α-lipoic acid provided significant improvements in sperm parameters compared with values in alone group T. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that α-lipoic acid has a protective effect against thinner-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats.     

Improved sexual behavior in male rats treated with a Chinese herbal extract： hormonal and neuronal implications

Aim： To investigate the influence of an extract obtained from five Chinese medicinal plants on sexual behavior of adult male rats. Methods： The extract was administered at doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg by oral gavage, acutely （one time, 45 min before mating test） or subchronically （daily for 10 days） in sexually potent and sexually sluggish/impotent rats. Sexual behavior, serum levels of luteinizing hormone （LH） and testosterone （T） were evaluated in treated rats and compared with controls receiving vehicle. The effect of the extract on central dopaminergic neurotransmission was assessed in the nucleus accumbens using a microdialysis technique. Results： In sexually potent rats, both acute and subchronic treatment with the extract dosed at 30 and 60 mg/kg reduced mount latency and intromission latency. In sluggish/impotent rats, the acutely administered extract at the dose of 60 mg/kg shortened ejaculation latency, whereas subchronically administered at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, increasing also the percentage of mounting and ejaculating rats. The extract dosed at 60 mg/kg significantly increased LH and T following acute and subchronic administration and increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the nucleus accumbens, 30 min after the acute administration. Conclusion： The improvement in both appetitive and consummatory components of sexual behavior observed in male rats treated with the extract could be ascribed to increased serum T level in parallel with the activation of the central dopaminergic system.     

Is there any correlation between sperm parameters and chromatin quality with embryo morphokinetics in patients with male infertility?

The main goal was to evaluate the correlation between sperm parameters and chromatin quality with embryo kinetics via time‐lapse monitoring system (TLM). A total of 40 couples involved in the ICSI program as a result of male infertility. For assessment of sperm chromatin and DNA quality, we used aniline blue, toluidine blue, chromomycin A3, acridine orange and terminal transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin end labelling assays. All mature oocytes were injected, and the generated zygotes (2PNs) were cultured in TLM. In day 3 after injection, single embryo transfer (SET) was carried out according to the morphology and morphokinetics. The patients were followed up until delivery. There were positive significant correlations between sperm count with CC2 (r = .330, p = .049), T4 (r = .329, p = .038), T6 (r = .342, p = .035) and T7 (r = .374, p = .025). Also, there were positive significant correlations between nonprogressive motility and T2 (r = 0.323, p = .042), T3 (r = .411, p = .013) and T4 (r = .418, p = .007). Regarding the sperm chromatin quality assays, there were negative significant correlations between CMA3 and CC2 (r = ?.272, p = .049) and between acridine orange and T5 (r = ?.221, p = .040). It seems that the abnormal sperm parameters and chromatin alteration affect the normal embryo kinetics in ICSI program.     

Effect of vas ligation on testicular sperm extraction results in nonobstructive azoospermic rats: Shaeer’s lock-in technique

This study evaluates the efficacy of vas ligation in enhancing sperm retrieval in nonobstructive azoospermia cases, by accumulating intratesticular spermatozoa. Fifty-six mature male rats with equally sized testes were included in this study. Forty-six were in the study group, and 10 were in the control group. Bilateral testicular fine needle aspiration was performed for all, to confirm presence of spermatozoa in all testes. Nonobstructive azoospermia was induced in all 56 rats, using Dienogest (40 mg/kg) + Testosterone Undecanoate (25 mg/kg) every month for three months. Monthly aspirations confirmed nonobstructive azoospermia from all rats, within the three months treatment. This was followed by unilateral vas ligation and was performed for 46 rats of the study group, with no ligation performed in the control group. After a further period of 90 days (2 spermatogenic cycles) with the same medical treatment maintained, bilateral testicular sperm extraction was performed. Sperm retrieval was evaluated, comparing the outcome of vas-ligated testicles to the nonligated. Upon evaluation, spermatozoa were found in 14/46 of the vas-ligated testes (30.4%), compared to none of the nonligated (0/66), p = .0005. Ligation of the vas deferens in rats with nonobstructive azoospermia may enhance the results of sperm retrieval via sperm accumulation.     

Should the ‘normal’ and ‘ideal’ nipple position in a male influence the surgeon when planning severe gynaecomastia correction?

BackgroundThe ideal nipple areolar complex (NAC) position of the male chest following gynaecomastia surgery is well documented; however, with increased development of the chest muscles, the NAC placement can change, leading to the medial displacement of the nipple giving a poor aesthetic outcome. Therefore, we believe that these measurements need to be applied to the patients’ build and take into consideration the future fitness goals of the patients.MethodWe have analysed the photographs of three groups of men: super athletes, athletes and individuals with severe gynaecomastia. We have assessed the proportions of the chest in relation to the NAC, degree of ptosis and TAP index.ResultsThere was a wide variation between the athlete and the super athlete group, with minor variations within each group. The range of measurement in the severe gynaecomastia group was significantly larger than those in the other groups. We feel that based on this research study, surgeons should however be somewhat circumspect in their choice of nipple position as there is a wide variation in what can be considered as normal, and positioning of the NAC too early in the recovery process may lead to an abnormal aesthetic appearance following muscle development.ConclusionDespite the multitude of techniques available in the literature to determine the position of nipple, there is a lack of understanding on how the NAC position changes with muscle development. Adopting a dogmatic approach may result in a very aesthetically displeasing outcome, which can be very difficult to correct in men.     

Changes in aortic endothelium ultrastructure in male rats following castration, replacement with testosterone and administration of 50α-reductase inhibitor

Aim： To investigate the relationship between low androgen level and ultrastructure of vascular endothelium. Methods： Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups： group A, normal rats with sham castration; group B, castrated rats; group C, castrated rats given testosterone （T） undecanoate; and group D, intact rats treated with 5α-reductase inhibitor. After 10 weeks of treatment or castration, rats in different groups were killed and serum T, free T （FT） and dihydrotestosterone （DHT） were measured. The aortic endothelia were scanned under electron microcopy and the Vascular Endothelium Structure Score （VESS） was computed. Results： Serum T and FT concentrations of rats in group B were significantly lower than those of the other three groups （P 〈 0.01）; DHT concentrations of group D rats were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01 ） when compared with those of groups A and C. Rats in groups B and D rats （with low androgen levels） had obvious damage to their endothelial surfaces, which appeared crimpled, rough, adhesive and ruptured, and had high destruction of VESS. Conclusion： These results suggest that low concentrations of T and DHT are associated with ultrastructural damage of the aortic endothelia in male rats.     

Functional outcomes,quality of life,sexual function,and fertility of adult patients undergoing ileo‐anal pouch anastomosis in childhood

BackgroundWe conducted a questionnaire-based study of pouch function, quality of life, sexual function, and fertility among patients who had undergone ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in childhood and who are now more than 18 years old.MethodsA consecutive series of patients were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Pouch function score (PFS), short form 36 (SF-36), International index of erectile function (IIEF) (males), and Female sexual function index (FSFI) (females). Fertility in females was also assessed. Data are quoted as a median (SD).ResultsOf 144 patients who had IPAA, 101 were eligible, and 70 responded. Mean age at surgery was 14 years, and mean current age is 26 years. Most patients had either ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. The questionnaire was completed by 38/70 (54%). Median PFS score was 6 (5). SF-36 were lower than previous reports. Median FSFI was 30 (7.6), 84% of possible maximum. Median IIEF was 69, 92% of possible maximum. Successful conception was reported in 5/7 women who had tried. However, there were several miscarriages and two surgical emergencies during pregnancies.ConclusionsIPAA can be performed in childhood with similar pouch function to reported adult series. Quality of life appears poorer, but sexual function is maintained. There may be an association with adverse events in pregnancy.Level of evidenceIV.     

Surgical resident’s training in colonoscopy: numbers, competency, and perceptions

Background  

There is currently great discrepancy in the training requirements between medical societies regarding the recommended threshold number of colonoscopies needed to assess for technical competence. Our goal was to determine the number of colonoscopies performed by surgical residents, rate of cecal intubation, as well as trainee perceptions of colonoscopy training after completion of their training period.     

Articulating choices in total hip arthroplasty: Why’s,wherefores, and caveats

Over the last several decades, our understanding of total hip arthroplasty (THA) tribology (friction, lubrication, wear, and the design of bearings) has evolved tremendously. Overall, THA implants and bearing surfaces are improving and with current generation highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE), it is expected that the longevity of THA will be unprecedented. Bearings surface usage varies significantly by region, but today the North American market is heavily dominated by cobalt chrome or ceramic on HXLPE. There has also been a dramatic decline in the number of metal-on-metal THAs being used due to the large (and growing) number of controversies surrounding these implants. Nevertheless, as trends in THA bearing surfaces change, one thing will always remain constant: meticulous surgical technique is critical to the success and durability of these implants.     

The surgical management of obesity in young women: consideration of the mother’s and baby’s health before, during, and after pregnancy

Background  Maternal obesity has a substantial associated morbidity and mortality affecting both mother and child. This has a major impact on provision of care due to increased requirements for both medical and surgical management of the consequences that follow obesity in pregnancy. Methods  A review examined the English language literature on Medline databases describing the effect of obesity on pregnancy and outcomes of pregnancy after bariatric surgery. Guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence yielded information on selection criteria for fertility treatment and bariatric surgery. The World Health Organization definitions of overweight and obesity were adhered to throughout this review. Results  The level of clinical and morbid obesity has shown a dramatic increase in women of childbearing age, with far-reaching consequences for both their own health and that of their offspring. Obese women require a substantial amount of additional clinical care beyond that offered to women of normal weight due to the wide range of medical and obstetric complications they experience. Recent evidence suggests that obesity may be implicated in approximately one-third of maternal deaths. The consensus of the literature is that the best way to reduce obesity-associated morbidity is by weight reduction before pregnancy. Where behavioral and medical interventions fail, the most successful method is bariatric surgery. The effect of surgery on the outcome of subsequent pregnancies indicate improved chances of normal pregnancy, delivery, and healthy babies. Conclusions  Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method of weight loss for morbidly obese women of childbearing age, with favorable outcomes for pregnancies after surgery.     

The quality of placebos used in randomized,controlled trials of lumbar and pelvic joint thrust manipulation—a systematic review

Background Context

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been attributed with substantial non-specific effects. Accurate assessment of the non-specific effects of SMT relies on high-quality studies with low risk of bias that compare with appropriate placebos.

Enteric hyperoxaluria, recurrent urolithiasis, and systemic oxalosis in patients with Crohn’s disease

Background

Prevalence of recurrent calcium-oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis (UL) is up to fivefold higher in Crohn’s disease than in the general population. Treatment options are scarce and the risk of recurrent UL or progressive renal CaOx deposition, (oxalosis) based early end-stage renal failure (ESRF), subsequent systemic oxalosis, and recurrence in the kidney graft is pronounced. We aimed to find proof that secondary hyperoxaluria is the main risk factor for the devastating course and correlates with intestinal oxalate absorption.

Methods

24-h urines were collected and analyzed for urinary oxalate (Uox) in 27 pediatric (6–18?years) and 19 adult patients (20–62?years). In the 21 patients (8 adults and 13 children) with hyperoxaluria a [¹³C₂]oxalate absorption test was performed under standardized dietary conditions.

Results

Mean Uox was significantly higher in patients with UL or oxalosis (0.92 ±?0.57) compared with those without (0.53 ±?0.13?mmol/1.73?m²/24?h, p<0.05, normal < 0.5). Hyperoxaluria then significantly correlated with intestinal oxalate absorption (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

As UL/oxalosis has major implications for the general health in patients with Crohn’s disease (ESRF and systemic oxalosis), new medication, e.g. to reduce intestinal oxalate absorption, is definitely needed.     

Comparative study of intravenous administration of Ringer’s lactate,Ringer’s acetate and 5% glucose containing these Ringer’s solutions in human being

The effects of the administration of Ringers lactate (L) and Ringers acetate (A) solution on blood biochemistry in human subjects operated for tympanoplasty under general anesthesia were investigated. And the feasibilities of the clinical use of Ringers lactate (LD) and Ringers acetate (AD) solution containing 5% glucose were also assessed. In all cases the rate of infusion was 500ml for initial 20min, and then 5ml·hr^–1·kg^–1 B.W. for 3hr and 10min.There were significant increases in blood L- and D-lactate, pyruvate, and L-lactate/pyruvate ratio in L group. A significant increase in blood acetate but not lactate was found in A group. These metabolic changes were minimal and considered as clinically not significant. The urinary excretion of lactate, pyruvate, acetate and glucose were also negligible. In both LD and AD group, the higher blood concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, acetate and glucose were found than in L and A group. Urinary excretions of these metabolites were much higher in LD and AD group than in L and A group. So glucose containing Ringers lactate or acetate solutions should be administered in appropriate amounts and rate not to induce clinically significant metabolic alterations.(Kuze S, Naruse T, Ito Y et al.: Comparative study of intravenous administration of Ringers lactate, Ringers acetate and 5% glucose containing these Ringers solutions in human being. J Anesth 4: 155–161, 1990)     

Expression of gap junction proteins connexins 26, 30, and 43 in Dupuytren’s disease

Background and purpose

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a benign fibroproliferative process of the palmar aponeurosis showing similarities to wound healing. Communication of cells involved in wound healing is mediated by the composition of gap junction (GJ) proteins. We investigated the expression of 3 GJ proteins, connexins 26, 30, and 43 (Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43) in DD.

Patients and methods

Fragments of Dupuytren’s tissue from 31 patients (mean age 56 (30–76) years, 24 male) were analyzed immunohistochemically and compared to control tissue for expression of the GJ proteins Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 and also alfa-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA).

Results

14 of 31 samples could be attributed to the involutional phase (α-SMA positive) whereas 17 samples had to be considered cords in the residual phase (α-SMA negative). Expression of Cx26 and Cx43 was seen in 12 of the 14 samples from the involutional phase, and Cx30 was seen in 7 of these. Only 4 of the 17 samples from the residual phase showed any Cx, and there was none in the controls.

Interpretation

The high expression of GJ proteins Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 in α-SMA positive myofibroblast-rich nodules, which are characteristic of the active involutional phase of DD, suggests that connexins could be a novel treatment target for the treatment of DD.Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a benign progressive disease of the palmar aponeurosis that leads to a permanent and irreversible flexion contracture of the fingers. Various genetic aberrations (Dolmans et al. 2011) and environmental factors (Burge et al. 1997) have been linked to the development of DD. Local tissue damage can cause myofibroblast proliferation or tissue repair (Verjee et al. 2009, Shih and Bayat 2010). Because of the similarities, parallels have been drawn between DD and wound healing (Tomasek et al. 2002, Howard et al. 2004, Shih and Bayat 2010, Holzer et al. 2013). Myofibroblasts are present in both DD and in wound healing, and play an important role throughout the wound healing process, eventually causing a large deposit of collagen III (Shih and Bayat 2010).Wound healing is a complex, carefully regulated process requiring communication between different cell types. In normal tissues, fibroblasts are widely separated by extracellular matrix, but contact each other through elongated protoplasmic extensions. Communication is provided by gap junction (GJ) channels (Kumar and Gilula 1996, Mese et al. 2007, Churko and Laird 2013). These GJs allow the passage of small molecules, including ions and second messengers, between cells (Kumar and Gulila 1996). The protein subunits of GJ channels are called connexins. Their composition is important for their selectivity regarding passage of molecules and—as a result—communication between cells (Kumar and Gulila 1996). GJs have been shown to be important in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation (Kumar and Gulila 1996, Mese et al 2007). In recent years, it has been shown that connexins play a critical role in wound healing, and Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 are involved in this process (Brandner et al. 2004).Connexin expression changes in the different stages of wound healing, and this is important in regulation of the process. Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 expression is rapidly downregulated at the wound edge within 6 h of wounding. In the subsequent stages, cells at the edges continue to be Cx26- and Cx30-negative whereas cells behind the edges show upregulation. The loss of Cx43 staining in all cells of the regenerating epidermis appears to be important for induction of human wound healing (Coutinho et al. 2003, Brandner et al. 2004, Davis et al. 2013). Additionally, connexins have recently been shown to directly control gene expression and cell migration (Kardami et al. 2007).3 connexins have been reported to have a role in human wound healing: Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 (Brandner et al. 2004). We determined the expression of Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 in Dupuytren’s tissue immunohistochemically, to investigate a possible involvement of GJ proteins in the pathogenesis of DD.     

Social relationships,inflammation markers,and breast cancer incidence in the Women’s Health Initiative

ObjectivesPrevious research has reported associations between social relationships and carcinogenesis. Inflammation is a potential mediator of these associations. To clarify these links for one tumor site, we examined associations between social relationships, circulating inflammation markers, and breast cancer incidence.Materials and MethodsAmong 132,262 participants from the prospective Women’s Health Initiative, we used linear and logistic regression to evaluate associations between social relationship characteristics (social support, social strain, social network size) and inflammation markers of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Cox regression was used to evaluate associations between inflammation markers and breast cancer incidence, as well as associations between social relationship characteristics and breast cancer incidence with and without adjustment for inflammation markers.ResultsLarger social networks were associated with lower continuous CRP (beta = −0.22, 95% CI -0.36, −0.08) and WBC (beta = −0.23, 95% CI -0.31, −0.16). Greater social strain was associated with higher continuous CRP (beta = 0.24, 95% CI 0.14, 0.33) and WBC (beta = 0.09, 95% CI 0.04, 0.14). When WBC was dichotomized at 10,000 cells/uL, high WBC was associated with greater hazards of in situ breast cancer (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.17, 2.33) but not invasive breast cancer. Social relationship characteristics were not associated with incidence of invasive or in situ breast cancer.ConclusionLarger social networks were associated with lower inflammation and greater social strain was associated with higher inflammation. Higher inflammation might be associated with development of in situ breast cancer, but this appeared to be due to factors other than social relationships.