[Sex selection by using albumin gradient technique for sperm separation in IUI cycles]

One of the primary desirers of couples, especially in Asian countries, is to have a male offspring. This wish is generally higher in fertile than infertile couples. One of the tech-niques used in infertility centers for separating the spermatozoa containing Y or X chromosomes, is the Ericsson method that is simple, cheap and practical with application of no toxic material. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of sex selection with sperm separation using albumin gradient technique in fertile and infertile couples under IUI treatment cycles. This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 32 couples [30 fertile and 2 infertile couples] were enrolled for sex selection techniques [31 asking for male and one for female offsprings] using Ericsson method. Following sperm evaluation, the sperm samples were prepared with Ericsson technique in less than 2 hours. Through a transfer catheter400-500?l of the fluid, containing more than 1x106 spermatozoa, was transferred into uterine cavity. All candidates had been super-ovulated for IUI cycles. The data were analyzed using ?2, t-test and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Out of 32 couples under study, 30 individuals already had one child. The rate of pregnancy after IUI plus albumin gradient was 34.4%. The pregnancies of 4 couples were aborted. The live birth rate was 21.8% and achieving the desirable offspring was 71.4% among the born babies. The findings also showed that two sperm parameters of fast and slow motilities and normal morphology, following sperm separation with albumin gradient, were significantly increased [p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively]. In addition, the rate of sperm progressive motility and normal morphology was higher in subjects who gave birth to male off springs than other candidates. Only one couple had asked for a female offspring, but the process resulted in a normal male infant. The separation of spermatozoa by albumin gradient technique, which was introduced by Ericsson, is a suitable technique for sex selection of off springs. However, the applicability of this technique for infertile couples needs further studies. The aforementioned technique is considered safe, since it neither requires toxic materials during sperm separation, nor involves embryo manipulation

[Celiac disease in Gonbad-Kavoos]

Northeast Iran has one of the highest rates of esophageal cancer in the world which is mainly squamous cell carcinoma [E SCC]. Celiac disease [CD] has been identified as a risk factor for ESCC. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CD in Gonbad at northeast Iran and probable relation between celiac and ESCC. fourteen hundred inhabitants of north eastern Iran were randomly selected. The subjects underwent blood sampling for determination of IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase [anti- TTG]. Subjects with positive anti-TTG underwent an interview, upper endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. The duodenal biopsies were classified according to Marsh criteria. A total of 1209 subjects [female: 699] with mean age of 50 +/- 11.7 years were studied. Twelve subjects [female: 9] had a positive anti-TTG [1%]. Four patients did not accept endoscopy. Eight cases underwent endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. Four, two and two subjects had Marsh III, II and I respectively. Flatulence and diarrhea [the most symptoms] were in five and four subjects and characteristic skin manifestation was reported in three subjects. One subject was already diagnosed as CD. although prevalence of ESCC in northeast Iran is significantly higher than central Iran, the prevalence of gluten sensitive enteropathy is the same [1%]. It dose not appear that CD has any impact on the prevalence of ESCC in Iran

[ prevalence of celiac disease in patients with type I diabetes mellitus that referred Iranian diabetes society]

Association between celiac disease [CD] and type I diabetes mellitus [DM] has been evaluated in different studies. If CD coexists with DM and is not diagnosed, it can lead to errors in diagnosis and management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with type I DM. So that with timely diagnosis and treatment of CD in DM patients, the progress of the disease and its complications are prevented. The study was done on 250 patients [M=102 and F=148] with type I DM and mean age of 18.7+/-9.9 years. Total IgA of serum was measured in all of the patients and anti-endomysial antibody [AEA] was measured in those patients who had a normal range of IgA. Then endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum was done for AEA-Positive patients and pathologic evaluation was done according to Marsh's classification. Total IgA of serum in all of the patients was in normal range and 6 patients [2.4%] were AEA-positive in whom duodenal biopsy was done. Histological changes of samples according to Marsh's classification were grade I in 2, grade II in 3 and grade IIIb in one patient. Out of patients with CD, 3 patients according to hematologic and biochemical tests had Iron deficiency anemia that 2 of them also had abdominal symptoms. Three of them were without any symptoms. Information obtained from this study expresses a high prevalence of CD in patients with type I DM [2.4%] relative to general population [0.6%]. Fifty percent of patients with CD had no signs or symptoms. Thus evaluation of patients with type I DM regardless of symptoms is recommended for CD