Primary male infertility in Kuwait: a cytogenetic and molecular study of 289 infertile Kuwaiti patients

Infertility is one of the major public health problems, affecting 15% of couples who attempt pregnancy; in 50% of these, the male partner is responsible. Chromosomal abnormalities and Y microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region are known to be associated with spermatogenetic failure. In the present study, 289 patients with primary male infertility because of spermatogenetic failure were studied in order to highlight the molecular background of male infertility in Kuwait, and to avoid the possibility of transmission of any microdeletions/chromosomal aberrations to offspring via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Of the 289 infertile men, 23 patients (8%) had chromosomal aberration in the form of Klinefelter syndrome/variant (16/23; 69.6%), XYY syndrome (3/23; 13%), XX male syndrome (2/23; 8.7%), 45,X/46X, i(Yp)(1/23; 4.4%) and 45,XY, t(9;22) (1/23;4.4%). Y-chromosome microdeletion in the AZFb and AZFc regions were detected in 7/266 cases (2.6%). Testicular biopsy was carried out in 31 azoospermic patients, of whom five men had Sertoli-cell only syndrome, while 26 patients had spermatogenic arrest. In conclusion, this study showed that the frequency of both chromosomal anomalies and Y microdeletions were found in 10.4% of the infertile men. The potential risk of transmitting these genetic disorders to offspring provides a rationale for screening infertile men prior to ICSI.     

Recent advances of siRNA delivery by nanoparticles

INTRODUCTION: The field of RNA interference technology has been researched extensively in recent years. However, the development of clinically suitable, safe and effective drug delivery vehicles is still required. AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews the recent advances of non-viral delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by nanoparticles, including biodegradable nanoparticles, liposomes, polyplex, lipoplex and dendrimers. The characteristics, composition, preparation, applications and advantages of different nanoparticle delivery strategies are also discussed in detail, along with the recent progress of non-viral nanoparticle carrier systems for siRNA delivery in preclinical and clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION: Non-viral carrier systems, especially nanoparticles, have been investigated extensively for siRNA delivery, and may be utilized in clinical applications in the future. So far, a few preliminary clinical trials of nanoparticles have produced promising results. However, further research is still required to pave the way to successful clinical applications. The most important issues that need to be focused on include encapsulation efficiency, formulation stability of siRNA, degradation in circulation, endosomal escape and delivery efficiency, targeting, toxicity and off-target effects. Pharmacology and pharmacokinetic studies also present another great challenge for nanoparticle delivery systems, owing to the unique nature of siRNA oligonucleotides compared with small molecules.     

Neuromuscular monitoring and postoperative residual curarisation: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of intraoperativemonitoring of neuromuscular function on the incidence of postoperativeresidual curarisation (PORC). PORC has been considered presentwhen a patient has a train-of-four (TOF) ratio of < 0.7 or< 0.9. We analysed data from 24 trials (3375 patients) thatwere published between 1979 and 2005. We excluded data on mivacuriumfrom this meta-analysis because only three studies had examinedthe incidence of PORC associated with its use. Long- and intermediate-actingneuromuscular blocking drugs had been given to 662 and 2713patients, respectively. Neuromuscular function was monitoredin 823 patients (24.4%). A simple peripheral nerve stimulatorwas used in 543 patients, and an objective monitor was usedin 280. The incidence of PORC was found to be significantlylower after the use of intermediate neuromuscular blocking drugs.We could not demonstrate that the use of an intraoperative neuromuscularfunction monitor decreased the incidence of PORC.     

Effect of self-etch adhesives on the internal adaptation of composite restoration: a CP-OCT Study

Odontology - Despite improvements in dental adhesive materials, internal adaptation remains a challenge in bonded restorations. The aim of this study was to compare microgaps and internal floor...