The relationship between morphology, motility and zona pellucida binding potential of human spermatozoa

Summary. Prediction of the fertilizing potential of human gametes under in vitro conditions has been a major field of interest of assisted reproductive programmes. However, sperm morphology has been regarded as a predictor of human in vitro fertilization rate. This paper prospectively evaluates the relationships among normal sperm morphology and (1) motion characteristics viz. curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), and linearity (LIN) (n = 37) and (2) spermzona pellucida binding capacity under HZA conditions (n = 144) of two separate groups of infertile couples. Semen was evaluated for sperm concentration, percentage motility, forward progression, and percentage normal morphology (strict criteria). The motility characteristics were measured using a computerized Sperm Motility Quantifier (SMQ). The zona binding potential of sperm was evaluated using the hemizona assay. Firstly, the VCL significantly differred between the P-pattern and both the G (72.9 ± 7 vs. 86.3±16 μm s^?1; P = 0.04) and N patterns (72.9 ± 7 vs. 91.0 ± 15 μm s^?1; P = 0.002). The VSL differed only between the P and N patterns, being 19.7 ± 7 vs. 32.6±15 μm s^?1 (P = 0.02), respectively. No significant differences in LIN were noted between any of the three patterns. The sperm concentration differed significantly between the P and both the G (37.9±35 vs. 80.8 ± 9 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P = 0.03) and the N patterns (37.9 ± 35 vs. 89.7 ± 72 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P = 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the percentage motility between the P and both the G (38.0 ± 21% vs. 43.7 ±9%; P = 0.03) and the N patterns (38.0 ± 21% vs. 52.1±8%; P = 0.04). In the second study, the hemizona indices (HZI) differed significantly between the P and both the G (29.3 ± 26% vs. 57.6 ± 62%; P = 0.01) and the N patterns (29.3 ± 26% vs. 102.4 ± 80%; P < 0.001). The G and N patterns also differed significantly in their HZI (57.6 ± 62% vs. 102.4 ± 80%; P = 0.005). Sperm concentration differed between the P and both the G (32.8 ± 29 vs. 76.1±54 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P < 0.001) and the N patterns (32.8 ± 29 vs. 95.44 ± 61 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P < 0.001). The percentage motility differs significantly between the P pattern and both the G (41.2± 17% vs. 50.9±11%; P = 0.002) and the N patterns (41.2±17% vs. 53.4±11%; P = 0.001). Sperm morphology seems to be indicative of important functional characteristics of spermatozoa, for example motility and zona pellucida binding.     

The antihypertensive effect of guanfacine compared with methyldopa

Guanfacine (BS 100-141) (N-amidino-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-acetamide hydrochloride) is a centrally acting alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. A comparison of its anti-hypertensive effect with that of methyldopa was made in patients with essential hypertension. After a wash-out period of 8-10 days, 33 patients with hypertension of different degrees of severity were treated with guanfacine or methyldopa, both combined with clorexolone, in a randomized double-blind study extending over 8 weeks. Blood pressure was reduced significantly by both drug treatments, compared with the placebo. The incidence of side-effects with both drugs was low. Those that did occur decreased after adjustment of dosage. Guanfacine was clinically effective in all patients with various degrees of hypertension, but treatment with methyldopa was inadequate in 30% of patients even at maximum dosage. Up to 40 hours after abrupt drug withdrawal, no rebound hypertension was noted in the guanfacine group.     

Results of the in vitro fertilization programme at Tygerberg Hospital, phases II and III

Phases II and III of the human in vitro fertilization programme at Tygerberg Hospital are presented. In phase II, 42 laparoscopies were performed and oocytes were obtained from 76% of the follicles aspirated, but with a fertilization rate of only 37%. The viable pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 4%. Important changes took place in the programme, which led to a fertilization rate of 77% in phase III. Of the 78 patients subjected to laparoscopy, 65 (83%) reached the embryo transfer stage, resulting in a clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer of 23%, and with a 19% pregnancy rate per laparoscopy. The changes, methods and results of phases II and III are discussed.     

An electrophysiological study of the visual projection to the superior colliculus of the rat

The topographical relations of the visual field with the superior colliculus of the rat was investigated using constant small visual stimuli and recording the electrical response of aggregate unit activity with fine tip metal microelectrodes. A precise essentially linear projection onto the contralateral colliculus was demonstrated after appropriate corrections for brain curvature were performed. The general pattern and arrangement of the retinotopic projection is similar to that found in infra-mammalian vertebrates. An ipsilateral projection appears to be absent. The phasic properties and rhythmic discharge patterns of single units in the coliculus were studied with stationary and moving luminous stimuli.     

A Methodological Note: Comparison Between Period and Rate Data in Studies of Cardiac Function

The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of analyzing EKG data, period (R–R intervals) and frequency (heart rate). Simulated data as well as EKGs recorded from newborn infants were utilized to show the effects of transforming cardiac periods into frequencies. The results showed that this transformation introduces errors, which are reflected in the mean, variance, and the degree of skewness of the basic data. It is argued that the widely used convention of transforming period data into heart rate should not be used without valid justification.     

Analysis and correction of condylar displacement of the TMJ

Previous questioning of the validity of centric relation has been academic in nature since no alternative reproducible position is available. This article has discussed the concept of concentrically placed condyles and presented a method of analyzing and correcting condylar displacement. An articulator with condylar repositioning capabilities has also been presented.     

Acute fluoride poisoning after ingestion of sodium fluoride tablets

Between 1978 and 1983, at least 20 children with fluoride poisoning were admitted to two major children's hospitals in Brisbane. Data on telephone calls received by Poisons Information Centres in Australia about fluoride toxicity show that Brisbane, the water supply of which is not fluoridated, received approximately twice as many calls per head of population as were received in Sydney and Melbourne. Concern is also expressed at the standard of packaging of fluoride tablets currently marketed in Australia. A treatment plan for cases of acute fluoride poisoning after oral ingestion is presented.