Impact of sperm cryopreservation on child sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Sperm cryopreservation causes extensive damage to sperm membranes and its ultrastructural morphology, affecting the fertilization ability by decreasing the percentage of normal intact acrosomes and consequently the acrosine activity. This retrospective study aims at detecting the effect of sperm cryopreservation on the baby's sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] in terms of the susceptibility of X versus Y chromosome baring spermatozoa to cryopreservation. This retrospective study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. The patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. This study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. Patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. Group I included 43 patients with a sperm count less than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [countable samples]. Group II included 44 patients with a sperm count more than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [uncountable samples]. The numbers of fertilized M II, good embryos, clinical pregnancy, and male babies were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. ICSI using post-thawed spermatozoa of countable samples yielded a higher male sex ratio [80.8%] compared with uncountable samples [28.6%]. Thus, spermatozoa that successfully survived the freeze-thaw procedure exhibited an improved chromatin structure and nuclear maturity. These data suggest that sperm cryopreservation may improve the fertilization rate, enhance early embryo development parameters, as well as pregnancy outcome after ICSI

Serum visfatin in relation to some parameters of iron metabolism in egyptian subjects with altered glucose tolerance

Visfatin is an adipokine mainly synthesized and secreted in visceral fat. Visfatin was found to have important proinflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The aim of the present work was to clarify the relation between plasma visfatin, some parameters of iron metabolism and insulin resistance in altered glucose tolerance patients and its relation to obesity. Eighty subjects were included in this study; 60 diabetic patients, and 20 healthy subjects, sex and age matched, used as controls [Gr.I]. The patients were divided into: Gr. II impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]; Gr. Ill [type I]; Gr. IVa [obese type II] and Gr.IVb[non obese type II]. The following biochemical parameters were estimated in this study: serum visfatin, plasma fasting and postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbAlc], serum insulin, HOMA, HOMAp, QUICKI, serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triacylglycerols [TGs],as well as serum ferritin, sTFR and TNF-alpha Results indicated a significant positive correlation between serum visfatin and each of FPG [in IGT patients] and serum ferritin [in type I], but it was correlated negatively with sTFR/log ferritin [in type I] and serum sTFR [in obese type II diabetics]. Serum ferritin level showed a significant positive correlation with BMI, waist to hipratio, HDL-C [in non obese type II], and with TNF-alpha [in type Idiabetics]. No correlation was detected between ferritin and HOMAall patients. I As a conclusion, serum visfatin was correlated to some parameters of iron metabolism in type I and in obese type II diabetics. Visfatin was also correlated with FPG in IGT group, its increase may be due to hyperglycemia itself and at the same time it may induce progression of inflammatory condition. This study did not show an association of serum visfatin with insulin resistance or obesity. This as adapted from Ph.D thes is submitted to Ain Shams University by Doaa M. Ibrahim

Skin manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Cairo, Egypt

We assessed the dermatological manifestations associated with chronic hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and their association with liver status. Of 155 patients with chronic HCV infection in Cairo, Egypt, 71 [45.8%] had dermatological manifestations: pruritus without evident skin lesions [21.3%], pigmented purpuric eruption [5.2%], aphthous ulcer and lichen planus [3.9% each], leukocytoclastic vasculitis [2.6%], psoriasis [1.9%], tinea versicolor [1.3%] and other conditions [5.8%]. Shrunken liver, splenomegaly and ascites were significantly associated with the presence of skin lesions [relative risk 8.0, 2.7 and 1.8 respectively], and shrunken liver was significantly associated with pruritus [relative risk 2.1]. Sex was not associated with any of the skin lesions

Histopathological, histochemical and biochemical studies on hepatic hydatid cysts of some animals

Cystic echinococcosis is considered as a major cosmopolitan zoonotic disease affecting the health of man. Naturally infected hepatic cysts from camels, pigs, and sheep were collected from El-Basateen abattoir for histopathological, histochemical and biochemical, studies. Total proteins, uric acid, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, GOT, Alkaline phosphatase LDH, Na, K, and calcium showed a higher concentration in fertile cysts while creatinine only had a higher concentration in sterile ones. Dystrophic changes were observed in the infected liver specially around the cyst wall and around the portal areas this was accompanied with increased collagenous fibres. The cyst wall showed remarkable reaction for total proteins in camels and pigs associated with less stain affinity in the hepatocytes. A remarkable reaction for polysaccharides was detected in the cyst wall of all the studied animals comparing to hepatocytes

Evaluation of heat shock protein 70 in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic, relapsing, noninfectious inflammatory skin disease. The concept that psoriasis has a genetic basis has been accepted for many years and it is commonly thought of as a complex trait. Heat shock proteins [HSPs] are group of proteins whose expression is increased when the cells are exposed to elevated temperature or other stress.These proteins can be induced by a range of cellular stressors including increased temperature, oxidative stress and nutritional deficiencies. Hsps have been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this work is to detect the expression of HSP70 in psoriasis and its correlation to the disease severity and to review potential role of HSP70 in pathogenesis and therapy of psoriasis. Skin biopsies were taken from 20 patients with different severity of untreated chronic plaque-type psoriasis and from 20 healthy volunteers. Antibodies to HSP70 were analyzed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity intensity distribution index [IRIDI] scores including the proportion of immunoreactive cells and their staining intensity were calculated in the basal, suprabasal, superficial as well as the whole epidermal layers of patients and controls. Results of our study revealed that differential and total IRIDI scores for HSP70 expression showed highly significant higher values in psoriatic patients compared to controls. Statistical differences were found between the different groups of patients; according to their disease severity and controls. Positive correlations also existed between IRIDI scores of patients and disease severity. Our study provides further evidence on the importance of Hsp70 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and shows increased Hsp70 expression in psoriatic epidermis correlated to increased severity of psoriasis. To our knowledge no previous studies made correlation with HSP70 expression in psoriasis and disease severity. Finally, we are looking forwards to the application of a new therapy that targets Hsp70 or its receptor CD91 and helps in treatment of psoriasis

Investigation of the influence of euphorbia royleana and jatropha curcas extracts on nucleic acids, hormonal activity and fecundity of biomphalaria alexandrina snails

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of sublethal doses of the lyophilized latex of Euphorbia royleana and the acetonitrile extract of Jatropha curcas on some physiological parameters in Biomphalaria alexandrina, intermediate host snails of schistosomiasis. The effects of sublethal concentrations [LC[10] and LC[25]] of both plant extracts on nucleic acids [DNA and RNA] were investigated. Also, their influence on the levels of some hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine was evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of these sublethal concentrations [LC[10] and LC[25]] of both plant extracts, on the production of egg masses, their hatchability and growth rate of the newly hatched snails were studied. It was observed that both plant-derived molluscicides induced significant alteration in all measured parameters. It was shown that the nucleic acids contents were significantly affected. It was also indicated that the epinephrine and norepinephrine of treated snails were significantly increased. On the other hand, the level of dopamine was decreased significantly. It was also shown that there was a significant suppressive effect not only on the number of egg masses but also on the hatchability of these egg masses and on the growth rate of the newly hatched snails, which could be attributed to the physiological disturbances induced by both plant extracts

Evaluation of the structural changes of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on brain and testes of adult male mice

The increasing number of devices emitting magnetic fields raised valid questions concerning their safety and potential risk for human exposure and its limits. For this purpose fifteen adult mice were exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [ELMF] at a frequency of 60 Hertz [Hz] and intensity of 20 millitesla [mT] for 2 hours for 2 consecutive days. Other 10 animals served as a control. After their sacrifice, serum testosterone was determined. In addition, electron microscopic study of mice brains and testes was done. The present study revealed that exposure to EMF caused significant increase in serum testosterone. Electron microscopic examination of brain cells showed marked demyelination of nerve fibres with degeneration of nerve cells. There was also degeneration of some spermatogenic cells with abnormal sperm morphology. In conclusion, the present study showed evident biochemical and histopathological changes of ELMF on the brain and testis. Further studies would be useful to assess the effect of other doses of exposure and to follow the degree of reversibility of these changes. Other investigations are also advisable to minimize the above biological effects and protect against ELMF

Oxidant/antioxidant status and endothelial dysfunction in obese and hypertensive models of insulin resistance

[1] To investigate the oxidant-antioxidant status and nitric oxide [NO] production in essential hypertensive patients and comparing them to obese normotensive and obese hypertensive patients [2] To compare the NO, antioxidant and oxidants in insulin resistant [IR] patients [fasting glucose insulin ratio [F-G/l ratio] <4.5] versus insulin sensitive [IS] ones [F-G/l ratio > 4.5]. Design: A case control study. Patients: Fifty two patients ranging from 30-55 years of age, and classified into: Essential hypertensive, non obese patients [group II]; normotensive obese subjects [group III]; and hypertensive obese patients [group IV]. They were further subdivided according to the F.G/I ratio into IR and IS groups. Sixteen age and sex matched healthy subjects [group I] were chosen as controls. Setting: Internal Medicine and Biochemistry Depts., Cairo Medical Hospital. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] [as a marker for lipid peroxidation], total plasma nitrites and nitrates [Nox] [as an index for NO production], erythrocytic reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione peroxidase]. [GSH-PX], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and blood vitamin C were estimated by specific colourimetric assays. Plasma selenium was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A significant increase mean levels of MDA and reduction in Nox, GSH, vitamin C and, SOD was detected in all patients' groups. Significant reduction in GSH-PX was detected only in the obese groups III and IV. Significant increase in MDA and decrease in Nox, vitamin C and GSH were detected in IR versus IS patients. Simple correlation [r] showed positive relations between MDA and each of MABP, BMI and WHR. Negative correlation was detected between each of Nox, GSH and vitamin C, and each of mean arterial blood pressure [MABP], body mass index [BMI] and waist hip ratio [WHR]. The correlations were higher with WHR than BMI. The F.G/I ratio was negatively correlated with MDA and positively correlated with Nox, GSH and vitamin C. By multiple regression analysis, the WHR was an independent variable concerning F G-I ratio and MABP Activation of lipid peroxidation processes and depression of some antioxidants [especially vitamin C and GSH] proceed more or less in parallel with declining NO bioavailability, the severity of hypertension, extent of obesity, distribution of body fat and degree of IR. The body fat distribution appears to be a more important associate to hypertension and IR than total body fat

Prevalence and type of anaemia in young Egyptian patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Over a 2-month period, 200 type 1 diabetic patients attending a paediatric diabetic clinic in Cairo, Egypt were screened for anaemia and other complications of diabetes. The mean age was 11.2 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 4.0 years. Anaemia was diagnosed in 75 patients [37.5%] overall: 45 had microcytic hypochromic anaemia, 18 normocytic normochromic and 12 macrocytic hyperchromic. Of the 75, 41 patients [54.7%] had iron deficiency, 14 [18.7%] had folate deficiency and 14 [18.7%] had thalassaemia minor. Three patients [4%] had coeliac disease, and 18 patients [24%] had parasitic infections. None of the patients had hypothyroidism, renal failure or vitamin B12 deficiency

Investigation of Induced biochemical and histopathological parameters of acetonitril extract of Jatropha carcus in albino rats

Toxicological and histopathological investigations were carried on the acetonitrile extract from J. Carcus in comparison with praziquantel, the known anti-schistosomal drug. On a constant weight dose bases [single dose of 50 mg/kg body weight injected orally to albino rats], the acetonitrile extract from J. carcus showed mild toxicological parameters, biochemical parameters as well as histopathological profile in comparison with the control. However, these side effects were nonsignificant compared with the severe side effects caused by praziquantel

Neurotoxicity of the commenest volatile substances abused in El-Minia Governorate: clinical and experimental study

The current study was. performed to investigate the possible neurotoxic effects of chronic solvent abuse of some of the commonest abused substances in El-Minia governorate, namely, acetone and diethyl ether, and whether these changes, if present, are reversible or not. It was carried out as 2 parts: 1[st] part; 50 male persons aging between 20-45 were divided into 5 groups of 10 subjects each: group I; a normal volunteer control group, group II exposed daily to acetone for 1-2 year[s], group III: exposed daily to acetone for 8-10 year[s], group IV: exposed daily to diethyl ether for 1-2 year[s], group IV: exposed daily to diethyl ether for 8-10 year[s]. All subjects were examined thoroughly for any neuropsychiatric disorders 3 times 3 months apart. The 2[nd] part; 180 albino rats divided into 9 groups of 20 rats each as follows: group I: a control group received a daily oral dose of 1.5 ml of physiological saline for 1 month, group II: exposed to a daily dose of acetone [1250 ppm. / 30 min.] for 1 month, then examined immediately, group III: exposed to a daily dose of acetone [1250 ppm. / 30 min.] for 1 month, left for 1 month without any medical intervention, then examined, group IV: exposed to a daily dose of acetone [1250 ppm. / 30 min.] for 3 months, then examined immediately, group V: exposed to a daily dose of acetone [1250 ppm. / 30 min.] for 3 months, left for 1 month without any medical intervention, then examined, group VI: exposed to a daily dose of diethyl ether [2000 ppm. / 30 min.] 1 month, then examined immediately, group VII: exposed to a daily dose of diethyl ether [2000 ppm. / 30 min.] 1 month, left for I month without any medical intervention, then examined, group VIII: exposed to a daily dose of diethyl ether [2000 ppm. / 30 min.] for 3 months, then examined immediately, and group IX: exposed to a daily dose of diethyl ether [2000 ppm. / 30 min.] for 3 months, left without any medical intervention for 1 month, then examined. The results of the 1[st] part of the current study revealed that persons of the groups II and IV had mild neuropsychyatric disorders and that these changes were much more severe in the persons of group III and V as well as the appearance of another serious disorders including parkinsonism, cerebellar dysfunction, and cranial nerve affection. The results of the 2[nd] part revealed that animals of groups II and VI showed profound pathological changes of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum ranging from mild to moderate degrees with higher incidence towards the mild one. In addition, the animals of groups IV and VIII showed similar changes with increased incidence of the moderate degree. Moreover, animals of groups III and VII showed a mild improvement of the reported pathological changes when compared to those examined immediately after the last dose. On the other hand, animals of groups V and IX showed no improvement and nearly were the same when compared to those of groups IV and VIII. It could be concluded that volatile substance abuse induces serious neuropsychiatric and pathological changes, and that severity of the pathological changes increases with the increase of period of abuse, while reversibility becomes less likely

Molluscicidal and in-vitro Schistosomicidal activities of the latex and some extracts of some plants belonging to Euphorbiacea

The molluscicidal activities of the natural and lyophilized latex extracts of Euphorbia royleana and E. Mouritanica as well as acetonitrile and chloroform extracts of Jatropha carcus were investigated against Biomphalaria alexandrina the intermediate hosts for S. Mansoni. The lyophilized latex extract of E. royleana showed the highest toxicity against the snails with LC90 value of 11 ppm. While, the natural latex extract of E. mouritanica showed the lowest toxicity against the snails with LC90 value of 60 ppm. The acetonitrile extract of Jatropha carcus gave a high toxicity against the snails with LC90 value of 6 ppm and the chloroform extract gave a low toxicity with LC90 value of 55 ppm. The in vitro schistosomicidal activities of lyophilized latex extract of E. Royleana and the acetonitrile extract of J. Carcus were studied against S. Mansoni adults showed that the lyophilized latex extract of E. Royleana gave 100% mortality after exposure to 30 ppm for 4 consecutive days and 66.7% mortality after exposure to 10 ppm for 5 consecutive days. The acetonitrile extract of J. carcus gave 91.7% mortality after exposure to 100 ppm for 4 consecutive days and 58.3% mortality after exposure to 50 ppm for 5 consecutive days

Botanical biocides. 8 impact of some plant extracts on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and on Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and cercariae

The present work evaluates the molluscicidal, cercaricidal and miracidicidal activities of certain plants extracted by different solvents of increasing polarity [e.g., petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and water]. The data obtained from preliminary screening tests conducted on 20 plant species belonging to 10 different families revealed that the highly potent extracts were obtained from 14 plants [e.g., Ambrosia maritima, Artemisia herba-alba, Nigella sativa, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Mentha longifolia, Thymus capitatus, Acacia nilotica, Lupinus termis, Syzygium aromaticum, Piper nigrum, Quassia amara, Ammi majus, Ammi visnaga and Pimpinella anisum]. The toxicity results indicated that the petroleum ether extract of A. maritima was the most toxic to Biomphalaria alexandrina snails [LC50=56ppm], while M. longifolia ethanolic one was the least [LC50=500ppm]. The LC50 values of 38 different extracts from 12 plant species revealed the high potency of acetone extract of P. nigrum [LC50 = 37ppm] against cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, while water extracts of P, nigrum and A. visnaga as well as acetone extract of N. sativa [LC50 = 100ppm] were of low potencies. The toxicity tests against miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni indicated that the petroleum ether extract of T. capitatus was the most toxic [LC50 = 27ppm], while chloroform one of A. visnaga was the least toxic [LC50 = 96ppm]

Evaluation of V.A.T.S.S. [video assisted thoracoscopic spine surgery]

Only recently, video-assisted thoracoscopy had been introduced in complex spine therapeutic procedures. Enhanced illumination, greater magnification allowing better visualization as well as less morbidity have put the procedure in challenge with traditional thoracotomy. Aiming to evaluate the procedure, 30 cases were included in this study. A prospective study was done on 14 cases having kyphoscoliosis deformities [8 paralytic and 6idiopathic] with average age of 14 years for whom anterior spinal release and fusion is indicated either for rigid deformity, exaggerated kyphosis or to avoid crankshaft phenomenon which might occur after posterior fusion alone. To compare the results with open thoracotomy, a group of 16 cases having same diagnosis and similar indications for which anterior spinal release and fusion was done through thoracotomy were studied retrospectively and was taken as a control group; making a total of 30 cases. Second stage posterior stabilization was done in all the cases in the two groups and the results were promising. VATSS alleviated incisional pain and postoperative respiratory difficulties, reduced blood loss and chest tube drainage, minimized ICU and hospital stay;which are problems usually faced with in thoracotomies. It was concluded that VATSS proved an effective, safe, accurate procedure that can be used in different thoracic spine indications with minimal complications

Success of intervertebral implants in posterior lumbar interbody fusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of using the three types of posterior lumbar interbody fusion [PLIF]; the tricortical iliac bone graft, the carbon cage and the carbon ramp in managing cases of lumbar instability to evaluate the success of intervertebral implants in PLIF. A prospective study was done on 72 patients with average age of 38 years [46 males and 26 females] with lumbar instability due to different pathologies [infections, tumors and acute fractures were not included]. Cases were studied in three equal groups, each of 24. In group A, PLIF was done using autologous tricortical iliac bone graft, carbon cages were used in group B and carbon ramps in group C. For all, one level PLIF was done and was supplemented with rigid posterior stabilizing device to provide a solid biomechanical construct. Cases were followed up for an average period of 24 months. The results were compared clinically and radiologically with reference to fusion rate, time, intervertebral disc height, neural foraminal dimensions and degenerative changes in adjacent discs and facets

Prevention of post surgical peridural fibrosis using new anti-adhesion barrier gel

A prospective study was done on 40 patients [20 as controls and 20 for which Adcon-L was used]. All patients undergone first time unilateral, single level lumbar discectomy in a trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Adcon-L as an adjunct to surgery to inhibit peridural scar and related symptoms following lumbar discectomy. Patients were followed up and evaluated six months postoperatively both clinically and by MRI. Radicular pain was recorded using a [0-10] standardized visual analog scale in which 0 = no pain and 10 = excuriating pain. Scar was scored on 0-4 scale on MRI, in which 0 = no scar and 4 = more than 75% of the MRI field containing scar. The results were promising as there was an increase in the number of patients with minimal or no scar by 250% increase. The number of patients having extensive scar was reduced in Adcon group by 83.3%. No major complications were encountered

Small and large airway functions with urinary cotinin level in passive smoking children

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine a possible relationship between different categories of passive exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among children and both large and small airway function as an objective parameters of lower respiratory tract affection. This work included 80 children with history of exposure to indoor smoking [from one or more smoker's member of the family] as a passive smokers group and 40 age, sex, residence housing and social class matched children without history of exposure to indoor smoking as a control group. The different categories of passive exposure to environmental tobacco smoke were determined by both questionnaire about the degree of the active family member smoking and measurement [of urine cotinin [major metabolite of nicotine] level [ng/ml]. Large airway function was estimated through measurement of FEV[1]% pred where small airway function was determined by measurement of both FEF[25-75%] and FEF[50%] pred In this work, the source of active indoor smoking in the families [of passive smokers children was the father only in 87.5% and the father and others in 12.5% of families the urinary cotinin level [ng/ml] was increased in passive smokers than in controls [418.18 +/- 295.76 and 111.9 +/- 93] respectively, which was found to be corresponding with the degree of paternal or maternal active smoking There was a significant increase in the frequency of respiratory illness among passive smokers [43.7%] than in the controls [22.5%]. Also, the percentage of passive smokers with history of recurrent wheezy chest and chronic cough were [22.5% and 6.25%] respectively, compared to [5% and 0%] among controls respectively. In this study, FEV[1]% pred. was found to be decreased significantly in passive smokers children than in controls [100.86 +/- 16.7 and 108.0 +/- 16.4] respectively .Moreover, among passive smokers, as the degree of tobacco smoke exposure increased, FEV[1]% pred decreased As regards small airway function, FEF[25-75]%% pred. was very high significantly decreased in passive smokers than in controls [106.96 +/- 28.79 and 128.8 +/- 18.11] respectively. Also, FEF[50]% pred was very high significantly decreased in passive smokers than in controls [I10.58 +/- 29.85 and 128.7 +/- 20 37] respectively .As regards the association between urinary cotinin level and pulmonary function data among passive smokers with decreased pulmonary functions compared to those with normal pulmonary functions, it was [959.0 +/- 714.9 and 166.9 +/- 103.79] respectively.It was concluded that passive exposure to enviromental tobacco smoke must be considered one of the causes of pulmonary morbidity in children