ABSTRACT
Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.
Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects' tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.
Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.
Subject(s)
Animals , Arthropods , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Hemiptera , Herbicides/toxicity , Ecotoxicology , GenitaliaABSTRACT
Trees occurring on the margins of agricultural areas can mitigate damage from residual herbicides. Rhizospheric microbial activity associated with trees is one of the main remedial capacity indicators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rhizospheric microbiological activity in tree species subjected to the herbicides atrazine and sulfentrazone via the rhizosphere. The experiment was designed in four blocks and a 6 × 3 factorial scheme. The first factor consisted of six tree species from Brazil and the second of atrazine, sulfentrazone, and water solutions. Four herbicide applications were performed via irrigation. The total dry mass of the plants, mycorrhizal colonization, number of spores, basal respiration of the rhizospheric soil, and survival rate of bioindicator plants after phytoremediation were determined. Trichilia hirta had higher biomass when treated with atrazine and sulfentrazone. Herbicides decreased the microbial activity in Triplaris americana and did not affect the microbiological indicators of Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba, and Toona ciliata. Fewer bioindicator plants survived in soil with Triplaris americana and sulfentrazone. Microbiological indicators were influenced in different ways between species by the presence of herbicides in the rhizosphere.
As árvores que ocorrem nas margens das áreas agrícolas podem mitigar os danos dos herbicidas residuais. A atividade microbiana rizosférica associada às árvores é um dos principais indicadores de capacidade corretiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade microbiológica rizosférica em espécies arbóreas submetidas aos herbicidas atrazina e sulfentrazone via rizosfera. O experimento foi estruturado em quatro blocos e esquema fatorial 6 × 3. O primeiro fator consistiu em seis espécies de árvores do Brasil e o segundo em soluções de atrazine, sulfentrazone e água. Quatro aplicações de herbicidas foram realizadas via irrigação. Foram determinados a massa seca total das plantas, colonização micorrízica, número de esporos, respiração basal do solo rizosférico e taxa de sobrevivência de plantas bioindicadoras após fitorremediação. Trichilia hirta apresentou maior biomassa quando tratada com atrazina e sulfentrazone. Os herbicidas diminuíram a atividade microbiana em Triplaris americana e não afetaram os indicadores microbiológicos de Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba e Toona ciliata. Menos plantas bioindicadoras sobreviveram no solo com Triplaris americana e sulfentrazone. Os indicadores microbiológicos foram influenciados de formas distintas entre as espécies pela presença dos herbicidas na rizosfera.
Subject(s)
Fabaceae/drug effects , Fabaceae/microbiology , Herbicides/administration & dosage , Meliaceae/drug effects , Meliaceae/microbiology , Myrsine/drug effects , Myrsine/microbiology , Polygonaceae/drug effects , Polygonaceae/microbiology , Rhizosphere , AtrazineABSTRACT
Edaphic predatory mites could be introduced in pest management programs of pests that live, or spend part of their life cycle, in the soil. Some mesostigmatic mites have been widely used for the management of different species of thrips (Thysanoptera), especially in protected cultivation. The edaphic predator Cosmolaelaps sabelis (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) was a model species in this study, being exposed to the most applied insecticides for the control of thrips in Brazil. After lethal, sublethal and transgenerational effects were evaluated. The pesticides acephate, acetamiprid + etofenprox, azadirachtin, spinetoram, formetanate hydrochloride, and imidacloprid were classified according to the IOBC/WPRS (International Organization for Biological Control-West Paleartic Regional Section) recommendation, considering the acute toxicity and the effects on adult females' reproduction, in the maternal and first generation. The pesticides acetamiprid + etofenprox and azadirachtin were classified as slightly harmful (Class 2), while spinetoram was classified as moderately harmful (Class 3). Acephate and formetanate hydrochloride were classified as harmful (Class 4). Only imidacloprid didn't cause negative effects on the females. Regarding effects on the first generation, acetamiprid + etofenprox, azadirachtin, and spinetoram caused reduction in the oviposition rates. Therefore, we suggest that complimentary bioassays should be done under semi-field and field conditions using the pesticides that were considered harmful in this study, to assess their effects on this predator in other environments prior to recommending not to use them in integrated programs to manage soil-based pests using chemical and biological tools.
Subject(s)
Mites , Pesticides , Thysanoptera , Animals , Female , Pest Control, Biological , Pesticides/pharmacology , Predatory Behavior , SoilABSTRACT
Data analytics techniques have been gaining more space in the scientific environment with applications in various areas of knowledge, including education. This paper aims to analyse data taken from a questionnaire of the Organization for Economic Development Cooperation (OECD) given to teachers and school managers. In this questionnaire, school environment issues are assessed, specifically: school environment, professional development, school leadership, and efficient management. As a methodology, Teaching and Learning Analytics (TLA) was used, particularly correlation analysis, which enables the extraction of useful information from raw data, relating issues that interfere with the teaching and learning relationship, besides specific analysis of student learning. The results obtained about the school environment are not linear. They do not present moderate or a solid linear correlation, making it impossible to validate and integrate answers related to the statements of the themes and sub-themes chosen for this analysis. In this sense, the research found dichotomous observations that mirrored many controversies and insecurities, enabling considerations about possible school scenarios and their effective practices.
ABSTRACT
Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects' tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.
Subject(s)
Arthropods , Hemiptera , Herbicides , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Ecotoxicology , Genitalia , Herbicides/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicityABSTRACT
Watershed studies that account for nutrient loadings are crucial for suitable river basin and estuarine management. This study aims to contribute to the environmental planning and decision making regarding nitrogen and phosphorus loadings for the watershed of the Vitória Bay Estuarine System (VBES; 1925 km2) in southeast Brazil. Here, we estimate that the VBES had annual loadings (in 2016) from ten tributary river basins of 5480 and 10,784 t for P and N, respectively, based on emission factors for natural and anthropogenic sources. The main contribution sources were related to livestock farming (4801 t of P and 8000 t of N) and domestic wastewater (492 t of P and 1706 t of N). However, urban loadings have higher expressions when considering the input by watershed area (0.25 and 0.87 t km-2 year-1 of P and N yields, respectively), which are mainly due to wastewater since 70% of the sewage is untreated. Urban emissions play a prominent role and have a tendency to be aggravated due to Brazilian population growth (0.8% annual rate). If the current wastewater emissions continue, P and N loadings will likely increase by 1.316% to totals of 713 and 2474 t year-1 in 2050 for P and N, respectively. Considering that the wastewater tertiary treatment cost is US$ 0.50 m-3, and that in the future 70% of all wastewater will be collected, the P and N loadings will drop to 18.4 and 424.1 t year-1, respectively, with a treatment cost of 25 million USD year-1. The model holds well for non-regulated watersheds. However, for regulated basins, such as the Santa Maria de Vitória, the model overestimates the loadings mainly due to the damming systems in these watersheds (accounting for 49% retention of P and 0.13% retention of N).
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Nitrogen/analysis , Phosphorus/analysis , Rivers/chemistry , Sewage/chemistry , Soil/chemistry , Animals , Brazil , Livestock , Models, Theoretical , Remote Sensing Technology , Water Purification/economicsABSTRACT
Since the function of the spinal cord depends on the proteins found there, better defing the normal Spinal Cord Proteome is an important and challenging task. Although brain and cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with different central nervous system (CNS) disorders have been studied, a thorough examination of specific spinal cord proteins and the changes induced by injury or associated to conditions such as neurodegeneration, spasticity and neuropathies has yet to be performed. In the present study, we aimed to describe total protein content in the spinal cord of healthy rats, employing different proteomics tools. Accordingly, we have developed a fast, easy, and reproducible sequential protocol for protein extraction from rat spinal cords. We employed conventional two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) in different pH ranges (eg. 4-7, 3-11 NL) combined with identification by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF), as well as first dimension protein separation combined with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to maximise the benefits of this technology. The value of these techniques is demonstrated here by the identification of several proteins known to be associated with neuroglial structures, neurotransmission, cell survival and nerve growth in the central nervous system. Furthermore this study identified many spinal proteins that have not previously been described in the literature and which may play an important role as either sensitive biomarkers of dysfunction or of recovery after Spinal Cord Injury.
ABSTRACT
The Agrocybe aegerita mitochondrial genome possesses two polB genes with linear plasmid origin. The cloning and sequencing of the regions flanking Aa-polB P1 revealed two large inverted repeats (higher than 2421 nt) separated by a single copy region of 5834 nt. Both repeats contain identical copies of the nad4 gene. The single copy region contains two disrupted genes with plasmid origin Aa-polB P1 and a small ORF homologous to a small gene described in two basidiomycete linear plasmids. The phylogenetic analyses argue in favor of a same plasmid origin for both genes but, surprisingly, these genes were separated by a mitochondrial tRNA-Met. Both strands of the complete region containing the two nad4 inverted copies and the tRNA-Met appear to be transcribed on large polycistronic mRNAs. A model summarizing the events that would have occurred is proposed: (1) capture of the tRNA by the plasmid before its integration in the mtDNA or acquisition of the tRNA gene by recombination after the plasmid integration, (2) integration of the plasmid in the mtDNA, accompanied by a large duplication containing the nad4 gene and (3) erosion of the plasmid sequences by large deletions and mutations.
Subject(s)
Agaricales/genetics , Electron Transport Complex I/genetics , Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics , Plasmids/genetics , Agaricales/classification , Base Sequence , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Evolution, Molecular , Fungal Proteins/genetics , Gene Duplication , Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Phylogeny , Polymerase Chain Reaction , RNA, Transfer/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
Two genes (Ac-polB O1and Ac-polB O2), each encoding a family B DNA polymerase, were characterized from the mitochondrial genome of the basidiomycete Agrocybe chaxingu. These two polB genes constitute orthologs of the potentially functional Aa-polB gene and its disrupted paralog Aa-polB P1, previously described in the closely related species A. aegerita. Unlike the case in Aa-polB, both gene copies in A. chaxingu are constituted by large but disrupted ORFs, which very probably encode nonfunctional enzymes: Ac-polB O1 has a deletion of 126 bp between the segments encoding the Exo II and Pol I domains and a 78-bp insertion between the Exo II and Exo III domains, whereas Ac-polB O2 has a large deletion of 1208 bp between the Exo II and Pol III domains and a deletion of 54-bp involving the 3' end of the gene. Hence, rearrangements in the Ac-polB ORFs appear to have led to their functional erosion in the mitochondrial genome in this species. Phylogenetic analysis has shown a close relationship between the mitochondrial polB genes and homologous genes carried by fungal linear plasmids, suggesting that they may have been acquired by the integration of linear plasmids into the mitochondrial genome.
Subject(s)
Basidiomycota/genetics , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Evolution, Molecular , Genome, Fungal , Base Sequence , Cloning, Molecular , DNA Primers , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
The interactive function between intrafollicular factors related with ovum competence and embryo development played an important role getting high quality embryos during the embryo transference in in-vitro fertilization programs. Urinary gonadotropins are used widely to get homogeneous follicles during ovarian stimulation. Recombinant technology has been applied in these compounds to correlate with a best egg formation and higher pregnancy rates. We developed a prospective, linear and comparative study to aim the ovum/embryo development using urinary and recombinant FSH. A total of 100 patients were included in the study, 56 patients received rFSH (group I) and 44 hMG (group II). There were not differences in age, weight and body mass index as well as ovarian reserve. However, patients who used urinary gonadotrophins required a higher number of ampoules [31.7 +/- 8.6 vs. 20.7 +/- 6.4 (p < 0.001)]. No differences in peak E2, day of hCG and endometrial thickness. Although, no differences in number of egg mature, the fertilization rate was higher in the recombinant group [5.9 +/- 3.7 vs. 3.4 +/- 2.3 (p < 0.02)]. A higher number of embryo transfer were observed in the same group (3.4 +/- 1.7 vs. 1.9 +/- 2.2 (p < 0.004)]. The pregnancy rates were 34.3% and 29.6% for each group respectively.
Subject(s)
Fertilization in Vitro , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/pharmacology , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/urine , Ovarian Follicle/drug effects , Ovarian Follicle/growth & development , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology , Recombinant Proteins/urine , Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy/statistics & numerical data , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
In recent years endoscopic surgery has became a highly demanded procedure because it is an easy method for diagnosis and treatment in gynecological field. Post-operative pain is considered as a condition in the morbidity status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nociceptive suppression in laparoscopic surgery. A prospective randomized trial was performed in order to evaluate this condition. A total of 45 patients were included. Three groups were randomized using two different anesthetics applied in the cult-de-sac and uterine-bladder union. Group A (n-15) received bupivacaine, group B (n = 15) ropivacaine and group C (control) saline solution was instilled. The pain was scored using the visual analog scale as same as blood pressure and heart rate in a 15 minute intervals in the recovery room. For study design there were no differences in age, weight, height and body mass index (EMI). The surgical and anesthetic times were similar among groups. However there were significant differences when pain was evaluated. For a less toxic effects and good preventive analgesia we recommend to use ropivacaine in the postoperative status.
Subject(s)
Amides/therapeutic use , Anesthetics, Local/therapeutic use , Bupivacaine/therapeutic use , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Nociceptors/drug effects , Pain, Postoperative/etiology , Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Postoperative Care , Prospective Studies , RopivacaineABSTRACT
There is series of factors associated to fertilization and embryo development events. Each factor has a role in the inter-relationship between various molecular events related to oocyte/embryo quality. Dynamic features associated to endocrine-paracrine environment are determinant to the role of each factor in ovaric follicullar development. Growth factors, vascular-endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide, leptin and others correlate in ovular maturity process. That is why growth factors, vascular-endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide, leptin and others can be expressed as embryo viability and implantation biomarkers.
Subject(s)
Embryo, Mammalian/physiology , Ovarian Follicle/growth & development , Female , HumansABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To examine the impact of low basal cycle day 3 serum LH levels or a high FSH:LH ratio on IVF results. METHODS: A homogeneous group of patients was analyzed as identified by normal basal cycle of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels. High responders (high LH:FSH ratio) and low responders (high FSH or E2 levels, and women > or = 42 years of age) were excluded from analysis. Only cycles stimulated with a combination of a GnRHa (luteal suppression) and pure FSH were studied. RESULTS: Patients with low basal LH levels (< 3 mIU/mL) did not differ significantly from controls in terms of response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation but there was a clear trend toward poorer implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. On the other hand, patients with a high FSH:LH ratio (> 3) had significantly fewer mature oocytes aspirated, and lower implantation and clinical pregnancy rates than patients with gonadotropin ratio < or = 3. These negative effects were evident in the presence of normal basal FSH levels and after adequate matching of female's age and number of embryos transferred. CONCLUSIONS: These studies highlight a negative impact of a basal cycle high FSH:LH ratio (and possibly low LH levels) on follicular development and oocyte quality in these patients subjected to pituitary down-regulation followed by pure FSH administration. A high FSH:LH ratio may be therefore used as an early biomarker of poor ovarian response.
Subject(s)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Ovarian Follicle/physiology , Ovulation Induction/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Rate , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The advances and development of new procedures and techniques related to embryo development, and its final outcome, the embryo transfer; have increased significantly the pregnancy rate through this reproductive assisted technique. The embryo transfer is probably the last part in in-vitro fertilization programs and the success should be determined through the technical approach and procedure's characteristics. The use and standardization of the current techniques during the embryo transfer process allow increasing the success in pregnancy and implantation rates in a short period of time in the current Assisted Reproduction Programs.
Subject(s)
Embryo Transfer/methods , Female , HumansABSTRACT
The Agrocybe aegerita mitochondrial genome contains a truncated family B DNA polymerase gene (Aa-polB P1) whose nucleotide sequence is 86% identical to the previously described and potentially functional Aa-polB gene. A tRNA(Met) gene occurs at the 3' end of the Aa-polB P1 gene. The Aa-polB P1 gene could result from reverse transcription of an Aa-polB mRNA primed by a tRNA(Met) followed by the integration of the cDNA after recombination at the mitochondrial tRNA locus. Two naturally occurring alleles of Aa-polB P1 carry one or two copies of the disrupted sequence. In strains with two copies of Aa-polB P1, these copies are inverted relative to one another and separated by a short sequence carrying the tRNA(Met) gene. Both A. aegerita mitochondrial family B DNA polymerases were found to be related to other family B DNA polymerases (36 to 53% amino acid similarity), including the three enzymes of the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. If mitochondria originated from a fusion between a Clostridium-like eubacterium and a Sulfolobus-like archaebacterium, then the A. aegerita family B DNA polymerase genes could be remnants of the archaebacterial genes.
Subject(s)
Agaricales/genetics , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics , Fungal Proteins , Gene Duplication , Genome, Fungal , Agaricales/growth & development , Amino Acid Sequence , DNA, Fungal/genetics , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/chemistry , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism , Evolution, Molecular , Molecular Sequence Data , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
Cervical lavage used to remove and cleaning some of the scale elements as well as cervical mucous during embryo transfer has been a regular practice in many reproductive centers worldwide. However, the microenvironment influence using these techniques will or not be detrimental in the embryo development. Under this issue, a prospective study was doing in 16 patients (underwent hysterectomy). A cervical lavage was performed previous to the procedure similar to the embryo's transfer step, subsequently cervical invasion was checking. The age was 36.4 +/- 8.6 years, preoperatory diagnosis was abnormal uterine bleeding (n = 4), myomata (n = 4), adenomiosis (n = 4), endometrial polyp (n = 3) and chronic pelvic pain (n = 1). Uterine weight was 127.5 +/- 55.4 g with a surgical time of 48.8 +/- 12.5 minutes. Medium in the uterine cavity was founded in only one case. We believe that cervical lavage is a secure technique in embryo transfer.
Subject(s)
Culture Media , Embryo Transfer , Uterus , Adult , Cervix Uteri , Female , Humans , Hysterectomy , Prospective Studies , Therapeutic IrrigationABSTRACT
Although the use of prostaglandin plays an important role in the reproductive human physiology, it is still controversial in the reproductive field. Ovarian stimulation as well as intrauterine insemination increased the reproductive goals in certain group of patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prostaglandin effect (misoprostol) in patients under ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination and their final outcome in the clinical pregnancy rate. There were a total of 59 ovarian stimulated cycles, the study group (n = 29) received 200 micrograms of prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol) intravaginal after IUI, compared with the control group (n = 30). Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in age, FSH. LH and E2, hCG day and number of ampoules between groups. However, a significant pregnancy rate was observed between groups (31% study group vs. 20% control group). We concluded that prostaglandin application in stimulated cycles under intrauterine insemination remain a beneficial effect showing in the pregnancy outcome.
Subject(s)
Insemination, Artificial , Misoprostol/pharmacology , Oxytocics/pharmacology , Pregnancy Rate , Administration, Intravaginal , Adult , Confidence Intervals , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Female , Humans , Misoprostol/administration & dosage , Ovulation Induction , Oxytocics/administration & dosage , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Currently, we are witnesses of the Assisted Reproductive techniques; advances reproductive goals have been reached with the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in patients with male factor. However, micromanipulation techniques allowed the reproductive solution without an etiologic and/or physiopathologic diagnosis. The andrologic workup of the dynamic and functional sperm characteristics with the endocrine and urologic evaluation should be performed into the infertility management.
Subject(s)
Infertility, Male/diagnosis , Infertility, Male/therapy , Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The objectives of this cross-sectional observational study were: (i) to detect DNA damage and plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine in purified sperm populations of high and low motility, and (ii) to analyse their relationship with the endogenous generation of reactive oxygen species. Ejaculates from infertile men were examined following gradient centrifugation. The main outcome measures were: sperm motion parameters (assessed with a computer analyser), generation of reactive oxygen species (measured by chemiluminescence), DNA damage (detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling and monoclonal antibody labelling of single-stranded DNA) and translocation of membrane phosphatidylserine (examined with annexin V staining). DNA fragmentation and membrane translocation of phosphatidyl-serine were observed in the fractions with low and high sperm motility in all patients. The fractions with low sperm motility had significantly higher proportion of cells with DNA damage and production of reactive oxygen species than the fractions with high sperm motility (P < 0.005). DNA fragmentation was significantly and positively correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (r = 0.42; P = 0.02). IN CONCLUSION: (i) spermatozoa from infertile men display translocation of membrane phosphatidylserine as diagnosed by annexin V positive staining; (ii) DNA damage (fragmentation and presence of single-stranded DNA) can be detected in ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile men in fractions with low and high sperm motility, and (iii) there is a relationship between DNA damage and oxidative stress.
