Semen parameters on the intracytoplasmic sperm injection day: Predictive values and cutoff thresholds of success / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of semen parameters in samples used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with fertilization and pregnancy rates in infertile couples. @*Methods@#In this prospective study of Infertile couples with male factor infertility that had undergone ICSI, fractions of the same semen samples obtained for microinjection (to ensure the best predictability) were evaluated to determine the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on the day of oocyte recovery. @*Results@#In total, 120 couples completed the study and were subdivided into fertilized (n=87) and non-fertilized couples (n=33). The fertilized couples were further classified into pregnant (n=48) and non-pregnant (n=39) couples. Compared to non-fertilized and non-pregnant couples, fertilized and pregnant couples showed statistically significantly higher sperm viability and percentage of normal sperm morphology, as well as significantly lower sperm DFI values. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of data from the 120 ICSI cycles showed that sperm viability, normal sperm morphology percentages, and sperm DFI were significant prognostic indicators of fertilization at cutoff values of 40%, 7%, and 46%, respectively. A sperm DFI of 46% showed sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 90%, respectively, for predicting fertilization, and no clinical pregnancies occurred in couples with a sperm DFI above 46%. @*Conclusion@#Semen parameters from the ICSI day sample, especially sperm viability, normal morphology, and DFI, had an impact on fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in ICSI cycles.

Evaluation ultrasonographic changes of the uterus in puerperium

To describe the ultrasonographic features of the uterus and uterine cavity within the first 24 hours following vaginal delivery, and to correlate it with postnatal maternal morbidities, if any. this was a prospective, descriptive, observational study. Postpartum women were scanned by transabdominal ultrasound within 24 hours after vaginal delivery. The women were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of predefined risk factor[s]. Uterine length, AP, uterine width, volume, endometrial stripe thickness and endometrial contents were evaluated. They were interviewed by telephone after 2 weeks. Results expressed as range and mean with standard deviations [SD] and compared using independent-samples were t-test. Categorical data were presented as numbers and percentages and compared by Chi-square test. Statistical significance was considered at a p<0.05. The postpartum uterus normally appears enlarged, has an angulated form and lies in a retroverted position. The myometrium is found to have a heterogeneous echo appearance. A mixed echo pattern with fluid and solid components was seen in the cervical area. In the majority of cases the upper uterine segment is empty. The mean uterine length was 18.8cm for both low-risk and high-risk groups. Similarly, the mean AP, width, volume and endometrial thickness did not differ significantly between the two groups. All uterine dimensions were significantly larger in multiparous women. Neither endometrial stripe thickness nor the sonographic presence of echogenic material in the uterine cavity can be used to predict clinically significant postpartum complications; and the presence of risk factors were found to increase the probability of puerperal uterine complications. The uterine body and position, as well as the cavity, are easy to examine by ultrasound. Accumulation of fluid and debris in the cervical area in the early puerperium is a common and insignificant finding of the uterus. The presence of risk factor [s] were found to increase the probability oj puerperal uterine complications

Students' feedback on objective structured clinical examinations [OSCEs] experience in emergency nursing course

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations [OSCEs] are an effective assessment strategy for assessing clinical skills and for highlighting curriculum problem areas Since its inception, the OSCE has been increasingly used to provide formative and summative assessment in various medical disciplines. The study was conducted at Critical Care Nursing and emergency Department, the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Specifically in emergency nursing course. Data were collected using questionnaire comprised 26 items to determine students' feedback in relation to OSCE as an assessment method in acute care. The majority of students agreed that the OSCE was comprehensive and covered a wide range of knowledge and clinical skills taught and in addition the exam was less stressful than other exams and the students felt the OSCE exam highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the exam increase their self confidence to face real situations. OSCE as an assessment method is an effective method to test students' competencies and teachers can diagnose the teaching defects and OSCE provides opportunities for students to learn from mistakes and increase their self confidence .OSCE can be implemented in different nursing specialties

Effects of passive cigarette smoking on serum lipid profile, some apolipoproteins and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase enzyme activity in exposed children

In this study, serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins A and B as well as plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase [LCAT] activity were assayed in 61 passive cigarette exposed children vs 20 non-exposed children of matched age and sex. The results provided a further evidence for a definite disturbance of lipid metabolism and reduced level of LCAT enzyme activity in the plasma of exposed children is an important contributing risk factor in lipoprotein abnormalities in those children

Decreased serum levels of insulin - like growth factor - 1 [I G F - 1] and insulin - like growth factor binding protein - 3 [I G F B P - 3] in children with underscended testes

This study was carried out on 65 boys with undescended testes [22 bilateral and 43 unilateral] in comparison with 20 apparently healthy normal controls of a matched age. All of them were subjected to hormonal estimation follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], LH, growth hormone [GH], testosterone in addition to IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 and sonographic evaluation for an accurate localization of testes. The serum levels of FSH, LH and GH were determined using solid phase, two- site chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay. Total testosterone was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Free testosterone and IGFBP-3 were measured by radioimmunoassay technique, while IGF-1 was measured by active non-extraction ELISA technique

Study of thyroid status in Down Syndrome patients, a biochemical background

The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid status in patients with Down syndrome in an early period [four months to three years]. This study comprised 71 children with Down syndrome diagnosed initially on clinical grounds. The diagnosis was confirmed by chromosomal studies using Giemsa- trypsin banding technique. Fourteen cases showed a significant increase in serum TSH levels compared with the control and other Down syndrome patients, while T4 levels showed no significant difference between patients and controls as well as between euthyroid and hypothyroid patients

Increased tumor necrosis factor [TNF] level in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma with higher values in patients with bone marrow metastasis

TNF is a protein produced by various cell types, mainly monocytes, and has been originally shown to induce necrosis of tumors in vivo. Serum TNF-alpha levels were demonstrated by radioimmunoassay in 17 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma [9 cases with small cell carcinoma and 8 with squamous cell carcinoma]. TNF level was significantly increased in 14 patients [65 +/- 12 ng/L] in comparison with the control group [19 +/- 6 ng/L]. The highest TNF level was encountered in patients with small cell carcinoma, especially in those with bone marrow metastasis [3 cases]. The variation in the TNF level may be due to a variation in immunogenicity of different pathological types or a variation in the TNF receptor numbers of affinity on different cell types. TNF may have a role in the progress of the disease and the bone marrow Involvement

Tumor necrosis factor [TNF] in children with chronic liver diseases

TNF-alpha is a cytokine produced from monocytes and macrophages and has multiple biological activities. Serum TNF levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 11 children with chronic liver diseases. TNF level was significantly increased in children with chronic liver diseases when compared with reference group [10 healthy children]. There was a significant positive correlation between TNF and liver enzymes [AST and ALT] and a significant negative one between TNF and Hb% and red cell count. TNF production may be related to hepatitis activity or viral replication. Elevations of TNF may contribute in a degree to bone marrow depression in those patients

Histological variations in the somatic lymph nodes of young dog and rabbit

The somatic lymph nodes [cervical, brachial, axillary, inguinal, popliteal and gluteal] from two animal species; dog and rabbit of one month old were examined microscopically seeking to verify eventual structural variations. The results revealed that the main differences between the somatic nodes of the dog and rabbit were the more compact appearance of the nodes of the latter than those of the former. This was in part due to the predominance of the cortex over the medulla in most of the nodes. The nodes of the dog also showed more thicker capsule and thicker trabeculee. Another prominent variation between the nodes of the two species was the dense reticular stroma in the nodes of the dog. Whereas, in the rabbit the reticular fibers restricted in fine and few amount in the thin trabeculae. There were also variations among the different types of the somatic lymph nodes in the dog and in the rabbit. However, none of these deviations affected the fundamental structure of the lymph nodes. The cervical and gluteal lymph nodes were not observed in the examined dogs