Contraception with RISUG® and functional reversal through DMSO and NaHCO3 in male rabbits / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The study aimed to evaluate reversal of short- and long-term vas occlusion with reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG) using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Animals were divided into seven groups containing five animals each. Fortnightly, semen analysis revealed that sperm concentration and output steadily declined after vas occlusion and complete azoospermia was attained at 30-60 days postinjection. Spermatozoa reappeared at 60-75 days of reversal and normozoospermia was noticed between 135 days and 150 days in the reversal groups. All spermatozoa were found nonmotile prior to azoospermia and a gradual recovery in sperm motility was observed between 105 days and 135 days of reversal. A significant decline in viability of sperms was noticed during vas occlusion up to 30-60 days which recovered at 60-75 days postreversal and normalized by 75-105 days in the reversal groups. A significant enhancement in the sperm abnormalities was recorded in all vas occluded animals as well as those in initial periods of reversal. Other parameters, namely, semen volume, ejaculation time, pH, color, and consistency, remained unaltered during all phases of the study. Fertility test, at the intervals of 15 days, demonstrated that animals exhibited complete sterility during the entire period of vas occlusion. A gradual recovery in fertility was observed with the appearance of spermatozoa following vas occlusion reversal and 100% fertility was observed following 135-150 days of reversal. F1 progeny of reversed animals was found normal. The results suggest that reversal with DMSO or NaHCO3 is feasible, with normal progeny, following short- and long-term contraception.

[The association between body composition and level of leptin in serum among aged 6-10 year old Tehranian students]

Introduction: the association between body composition and the hormones has been explored in a limited number of studies. Hence, this study was performed to examine the association between body composition and serum level of leptin among children

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 students aged 6-10 years, who were selected from 20 elementary schools in Tehran. We measured fasting plasma leptin by radioimmunoassay. The bioelectrical impedance was used to determine the subjects' body fat mass [FM], fat free mass [FFM] and their distribution in the body. The subjects' physical activity and sleep were recorded for a week by an accelerometer [Actigraph]

Results: results of this study showed no significant difference between boys and the girls regarding the level of leptin, FMI [Fat Mass Index, calculated using FM divided by height squared] and FFMI [Fat Free Mass Index, calculated using FFM divided by stature squared] [P>0.05]. FMI and FFMI in girls were not significantly associated with leptin whereas in boys, leptin was significantly associated with FMI [beta=-0.32, P=0.0001] and FFMI [beta=-0.28, P=0.01] after adjusting for age, physical activity, sleep, dietary intake, and watching TV and computer games

Conclusion: leptin may influence the gender-related differences of body composition during childhood in boys. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings

Diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the prostate presenting with urinary outlet obstruction: a case report

Large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the prostate accounts for 0.09% and 0.1% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We report a case of prostatic large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a 77-year-old male with symptoms of urinary retention most probably due to benign prostate hyperplasia. He underwent multiple needle core biopsies through transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. Histopathological examination of the core biopsies revealed diffuse infiltration by atypical lymphoid cells in the prostatic stroma, which was strongly positive for leukocyte common antigen and CD20. CD3, CK, PSA, BCL2, k-light chain, Cyclin D1 and synaptophysin were negative. Histopathology and immunohistochemical profile in the case was consistent with the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the prostate

Efficacy and safety of Iranian made deferasirox [Osveral]in Iranian major thalassemic patients with transfusional iron overload: a one year prospective multicentric open-label non-comparative study

To determine the efficacy, adverse effects and safety of a new Iranian generic product of deferasirox [Osveral] in Iranian transfusion dependent major thalassemic [TD-MT] patients. In 9 main thalassemia treatment centers, all of TD-MT patients [aged >/= 2 yrs] with serum ferritin [SF] levels >/= 1000 ng/ml, or >100 ml/kg of RBC transfusion, who could not tolerate parental iron chelating were recruited regardless of their previous iron chelation therapy. Periodical clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted for adverse effects [AEs]. Primary efficacy end point was Mean of Relative Change of Serum Ferritin [MRC-SF] from the baseline level during one year. Analysis of variance [ANOVA], t test, chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for statistic analysis appropriately [P values <0.05 were considered as statistical significant]. In 407 cases the male/female ratio was 0.98. Mean age was 11.5 +/- 7.4 [2-58] years. The mean of initiating dose of Osveral and mean usage dose during the study was 23.5 +/- 4.9 mg/kg and 24.9 +/- 4.9 mg/kg respectively. MRC-SF was -11.44% +/- 38.92 and it showed significant decline in SF [P value<0.001] one hundred and forty eight patients out of 407 patients experienced at least one. AE, the most common of them were transient increase in serum creatinin [97;24.1%] and > 5 time increase in transaminases [24;5.89%].The causes of discontinuation of treatment were non-satisfactory treatment [24; 5.8%], poor or non-compliance of patients [21;5.1%], and adverse effects [13; 3.1%]. A detailed comparison with similar studies on deferasirox [Exjade] shows a promising efficacy and safety for its Iranian generic product [Osveral]

Brain abscess with persistent left superior vena cava

Persistent left superior vena cava [PLSVC] is the most common congenital cardiac anomaly occurring in around 0.4% of the general population, and 1.3-4.5% in those with additional cardiac defects. Eighty-two percent of PLSVC coexists with a right superior vena cava. Usually PLSVC is asymptomatic, but can cause difficulties during central venous cannulation from the left side. There are a few cases of brain abscess in the literature associated with PLSVC. Here, we describe a patient of brain abscess with PLSVC in the intensive care unit of King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Nahavand: a population-based study

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated H. pylori seroprevalence and the relevant factors in 1518 people aged > /= 6 years from the general population of Nahavand, western Islamic Republic of Iran. Questionnaires covering sociodemographic variables were completed by interview. Blood samples were taken from each individual. Sera were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG using commercial enzyme immunoassay. Overall, seroprevalence of H. pylori was high, 71.0% [95% CI: 69.0%-73.0%]. There was a gradual increase with age. Based on multivariate adjustment, only female sex and age could be considered risk factors

[Comparison of higher-order aberrations in conventional versus customized ablation for photo refractive keratectomy]

To compare visual outcomes and changes in high-order aberrations [HOAs] following conventional versus customized photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. In this clinical trial, 58 eyes of 29 patients underwent myopic PRK using the Technolas 217Z excimer machine. After comprehensive evaluation for refractive surgery, one eye of each participant randomly received conventional ablation [group 1] while customized treatment was performed in the fellow eye [group 2]. Changes in postoperative visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, and contrast sensitivity function [CSF], HOAs and subjective complaints of halos and glare were compared between the two groups. Mean subject age was 26.7 +/- 6.0 years. Mean preoperative cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractive error and refractive astigmatism were -4.92 +/- 1.6 0 and 0.91 +/- 1.0 0, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative HOAs and CSF. Mean follow-up period was 8.1 +/- 3.3 months. After the operation, total HOAs for 4 mm pupil was increased by 0.24 +/- 0.19 pm in group 1 and by 0.31 +/- 0.21 pm in group 2 [P<0.001]. Corresponding figures for 6 mm pupil were 0.34 +/- 0.23 [range -0.08 to 0.75] and 0.52 +/- 0.32 [-0.04 to 1.43] pm respectively [P=0.03]. The increase in postoperative HOAs was statistically significant in group 2 in the 6 mm zone [P=0.03] but not in the 4 mm zone [P=0.26]. CSF was reduced in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of postoperative CSF and subjective complaints. HOAs significantly increased after PRK using conventional and customized ablation. The increase in HOAs after customized ablation was significantly greater than that after conventional ablation

Sperm motility inhibitory effect of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkey, Presbytis entellus entellus / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To assess the contraceptive efficacy of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkeys.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The test substance was given p.o. to five monkeys at 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 360 days. Control animals (n=3) received olive oil as vehicle. Sperm parameters as per World Health Organization standards, sperm functional tests, morphology of testis and epididymis, haematology, clinical biochemistry, serum testosterone and libido were evaluated. Following completion of 360 days treatment the animals were withdrawn from the treatment and the recovery pattern was assessed by semen analysis and sperm functional tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total inhibition of sperm motility was observed following 60 days of treatment that continued until 360 days study period. Sperm count, percent viability and percent normal spermatozoa showed a drastic decline following 30 days of treatment. Sperm morphology showed predominant mid piece abnormalities. Sperm functional tests scored in sterile range. Histology and ultrastructure of testis revealed vacuolization in the Sertoli cells and germ cells. Loss of cytoplasmic organelles was evident in spermatocytes and round spermatids. Histology and ultrastructure of epididymis of treated animals were comparable to those of control animals. Hematological and serum clinical parameters and testosterone levels fluctuated within the control range throughout the study period. Recovery was evident following 60-120 days of treatment withdrawal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya shows contraceptive efficacy without adverse toxicity, mediated through inhibition of sperm motility.</p>

Assessment of frequency of alloimmunization, and erythrocyte autoimmunization in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients

Life-long red blood transfusion remains the main treatment for severe thalassemia. The development of hemolytic alloantibodies and erythrocyte autoantibodies complicated transfusion therapy in thalassemia patients. The frequency causes and prevention of this phenomenon among 80 transfused thalassemia patients were evaluated in Ali Asghar Children's Hospital during 1998-2004 in a cross-sectional study. In our study the mean age at the initiation of transfusion was 1.7 years [SD = 1.94] and mean interval of transfusion 33.73 day [SD = 20.74]. Autoimmunization in 15 patients was positive and 8 patients had hemolytic reaction in transfusion. Our data show that alloimmunization to minor erythrocyte antigens and erythrocyte autoimmunization of significant clinical variables, are frequent findings in transfused thalassemia patients. However data suggest that prevalence of immunization in our patients is less than other Asian countries

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E in Nahavand, Islamic Republic of Iran: a population-based study

A 2-month community-based survey in February/March of 2003 was carried out to study the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus [HEV] infection in Nahavand, Islamic Republic of Iran. From each of 6 urban regions of Nahavand, 304 inhabitants >/= 6 years were recruited through systematic random sampling [total 1824]. Participants were tested for anti-HEV IgG using ELISA. The overall seroprevalence of HEV was 9.3% [95% CI: 8.2%-10.9%]. Based on multivariate adjustment, only sex [OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13-2.28] and age [OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04] emerged as significant risk factors. This intermediate prevalence urges further investigations on HEV infection in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Use of immunoglobulin heavy chain and kappa light chain gene rearrangements by PCR for molecular diagnosis of minimal residual disease in Iranian children suffering from beta-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diversity of IgH and IgK molecules is generated during B and T Lymphocyte differentiation through the rearrangement of variable, diversity, junction and constant gene segments. Additionally, random insertion and deletions of nucleotides between gene segments make unique sequences which are cell or clone specific. Similar IgH and IgK genes rearranged in normal cells of lymphoid leukemia cases can be used as a marker of clonality and for evaluation of minimal residual disease [MRD]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern of IgH chain and IgK gene rearrangements using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] in beta-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias [ALL] to follow the MRD at day 14, day 28 [end of remission induction], week 10, 3-6 months and 6-12. month after the initiation of treatment. In our prospective study bone marrow aspirates of 183 children at the mean age of 63.6 months with diagnosis of acute leukemia were collected at admission before any chemotherapy. After reviewing cytomorphology and immunophenotyping, only 140 cases with diagnosis of beta-precursor ALLs were selected for study. Mononuclear cells including leukemic blasts were isolated by density gradient. After DNA extraction, IgH and IgK [V[K] I-IV / Kde] were amplified by consensus primers using PCR. PCR products were analyzed after heteroduplex analysis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [silver stain]. The DNA sequences were compared and aligned with the sequences homologous for IgH and IgK published by Gene Bank. The follow up specimens were collected at day 14, day 28 [end of remission induction], day 45-month 3, and 3-6 months and 6-12 months after initiation of treatment. After routine cytomorphologic analysis, similar PCR was done on follow up extracted DNAs in parallel with diagnosis DNA. MRD was considered to be approved positive if bands similar to those at the time of diagnosis were present. Statistical analysis using SPSS software [version 11.5] was performed. 90.5% of patients had clonal IgH gene rearrangements. Monoclonal, biclonal and oligoclonal patterns were observed in 57.8%, 34.9% and 5.5% of patients with IgH [CDR III] rearrangement, respectively. Clonal patterns of IgK-Kde were detected in 59 [67%; n: 88] of BP-ALLs. According to cytomorphology about 92% of patients were in complete remission. MRD positivity decreased from more than 90% to 20% using different gene rearrangements in defined time points. Four patients who relapsed during follow up were MRD positive using 1-3 rearrangements and all except one were in clinical remission. Clonal rearrangement of IgH had a pattern similar to other populations. IgK was slightly more frequent than previously reported and the VKI [25%] was the most common type. These differences can be explained by different techniques, DNAs and clonality markers. According to the results, these clonal markers can be used in diagnosis and follow up of MRD

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B in Nahavand, Islamic Republic of Iran

We determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in Nahavand in a sample of 1824 subjects > 5 years in 2002. Face- to- face interviews were conducted and blood samples taken. The association between risk factor and hepatitis B was assessed using logistic regression. The prevalence of HbsAg positive cases was 2.3%, and HBcAb and HBsAb were isolated in 7.8% and 11.6% of the participants respectively; 11.9% were positive for both HBcAb and HBsAb. History of surgery and imprisonment were the major risk factors for infection with odds ratios of 2.14 [95% CI: 1.22- 3.05] and 3.57 [95% CI: 1.68- 5.4] respectively

Production of Egg Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Laying Hens

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of flaxseed [0, 5, 10 and 15% of diet] and copper [in the form of cupric sulfate pentahydrate, 0 and 250 ppm of diet] on fatty acids and cholesterol in egg yolk of laying hens. A total of 128 White Leghorn layers aged 50 weeks were used in a factorial design and randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups. The experiment lasted 120 days. The birds were fed ad libitum on the experimental diets. Cholesterol concentration and fatty acids in plasma and egg yolk were measured monthly and bimonthly, respectively. Egg yolk cholesterol was extracted using modified Folch procedure and measured using Zak's method. The results showed that experimental diets had no effect on plasma cholesterol. The different levels of flax had no significant effects on egg yolk cholesterol but the presence of copper with flax at levels of 5 and 10 percent decreased cholesterol in egg yolk [mg per gram yolk] significantly [P<0.05]. The egg cholesterol [mg per egg] in the group treated with 15% flax without copper also decreased significantly [P<0.05]. The unsaturated fatty acids of egg yolk increased significantly in all experimental diets [P<0.05]. The highest ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids was observed in groups treated with 10% and 15% flax diets. This experiment showed that feeding flaxseed to laying hens can increase omega-3 fatty acids of egg yolk