Effect of cryopreservation on human sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity in fresh and processed sperms

To investigate The effects of cryopreservation on sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity in fresh and processed sperms. Pre-cryopreservation and post-cryopreservation analysis of sperm vitality, motility and DNA integrity in fresh and processed semen. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, in coordination with the Department of Clinical Pathology Assiut University Hospital. Patients: 50 fertile men [within the last year] who are clinically free and with normal semen parameters the, semen samples collected by masturbation into sterile containers after at least 3 days of sexual abstinence. Semen evaluation for, conventional semen analysis, sperm vitality with Hypo-Osmotic Swelling test [HOS], sperm DNA integrity by flowcytometry. Each sample was divided into 2 halves: The first half was cryoperserved without processing. The second half of the sample was processed by swim up technique. HOS test, percentage of progressive motility and DNA integrity after processing. Cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for at least 24 hours for all samples [fresh and processed,] was done. HOS test, percentage of progressive motility and DNA integrity after thawing for all samples [fresh and processed]. Sperm DNA fragmentation index was determined using flowcytometry, sperm vitality was determined using HOS test and percentage of progressive sperm motility was determined using light microscopic examination according to criteria of WHO [1999]. Sperm frozen after processing had higher resistance to freezing damage as regards vitality and motility when compared with sperm frozen without processing however, sperm DNA fragmentation index was more in frozen processed than unprocessed sperms. Cryopreservation results in decreased sperm vitality, motility and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Freezing processed sperm give better post-thawing vitality and motility but, increased sperm DNA fragmentation when compared with unprocessed sperm

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome [Pickwickian syndrome] obstructive sleep apnoea

A 65 year old obese female with symptoms of obesity hypoventilation syndrome [Pickwickian syndrome] and obstructive sleep apnoea was admitted to our department. She was put on non invasive pressure ventilation [BIPAP] and showed dramatic clinical response

Relationship of body weight to altitude in Saudi Arabia

Measurement of weight and height in 451 Saudi nationals ages 17 to 72 years, born and living permanently at high altitude [3150 meters] and Saudi nationals ages 17 to 76 years, born and living permanently at low altitude [500 meters] are reported. The native highlanders were significantly heavier [P<0.005 for men and <0.001 for women] and taller [P<0.001 for both men and women] than lowlanders. Body mass index [BMI=kg/m[2]] was used for assessment of normal weight, overweight or obesity, and underweight or thinness in the two communities. Only 30.8% of all highlanders and 34% of all lowlanders were found to have normal weight. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was significantly greater among highlanders [55.7%] than among lowlanders [42.9%] [P<0.01], while underweight or thinness was significantly more common among lowlanders [23.1%] as compared to highlanders [13.5%] [P<0.01]. Among highlanders, overweight or obesity was significantly more common in women than men [P<0.01] while underweight or thinness was more common among men than women, although the difference was not statistically significant. This sex difference in the prevalence of overweight or obesity and underweight or thinness was not apparent among lowlanders. The percentage of overweight or obese highland and lowland men and women increased after the age of 39 years; conversely, the incidence of underweight or thinness in highland and lowland men and women decreased after the age of 39 years. The findings of this study indicate that overweight or obesity and, to a lesser extent, underweight or thinness are major nutritional problems in the two groups studied

Haematuria in adults

Medical records of 27100. adults population attending primary health care clinics attached to King Saud University Hospitals in Ryadh - Saudi Arabia, were analysed for cases presenting with haemturia [5 R.B.C.s per H.P.F. or more]. Haematuria was the presenting symptom or sign in 1084 cases of haematuria. Urinary calculi accounted for 21.95% of all cases of haematur. Urethritis and urethrotrigonitis accounted for 15% of cases. Urinary bilharsiasis was detected in 9.9% of all cases of haematuria, mostly coming form southern province of Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Egypt. Urinary infections accounted for 10%, mostly cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis and tuberculosis. Benign prostatic hypertrophy was detected in 11.6% of cases of haematuria, mostly during the age period 55 - 65 years of age. Glomerulo - nephritis was the cause of haematuria in 11.2% cases. Only 18 cases [1.7%] suffered from drug induced haematuria. Causes of haematuria could not be diagnosed at primary health care level in 17.9% of all cases which were referred by specialist hospital care

Recommended health-based limits in occupational exposure

Assessment of air contamination in occupations resulted in the foundation by the World Health Organization of tables titled 'Recommended health-based limits in occupational exposure'. Special consideration in these tables is given to the mode of action of the injurious substances in the body, the system or organ prone to be affected, the degree of accumulation of the toxic substance in the body and the rate of excretion. Through animal experimentation, the toxic range of the substances under consideration could be specified as well as the minimal lethal dose. The variability between animal and human responses is, however, an important limitation of animal experimentation. Observational studies on human beings as a tool for determination of recommended health-based limits [RHBL] are valuable but have limitations including the difficulty of differentiating manifestations of industrial poisoning from non-industrial diseases, individual idiosyncracy and ultrasensitivity. Range finding tests depending on correlation between animal experiments and human observations can help to define RHBL for new organic compounds developed for industrial use. Industrial applications of such measurements include the implementation of specific control measures, efficient design of ventilation systems, replacement by safer or less toxic substances and adequate clinical decisions. Limitations and reservations have been expressed. Industrial health authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should compose local RHBL tables allowing for the different environmental and physical variations