Ultrasonographic parameters of the spermatic veins at the inguinal and scrotal levels in varicocele diagnosis and post-operative repair.

Varicocele has been identified as an important cause of male infertility where its influence on men's reproductive capacity is due to its markedly diverse effects on the testicles. This study aimed to assess the value of ultrasonographic parameters of the spermatic veins at the inguinal and scrotal levels in varicocele diagnosis and post-operative evaluation. Forty-five infertile men associated with varicocele and 15 fertile men were subjected to history taking, genital examination and semen analysis. In addition, inguinal and scrotal ultrasonography was carried out pre-varicocelectomy and 3 months post-varicocelectomy. At both the scrotal or inguinal levels, the mean spermatic vein diameter demonstrated significant post-operative decrease compared with the pre-operative resting condition and on Valsalva' manoeuvre. The mean diameters of the pampiniform plexus of veins also demonstrated significant decreases post-operatively compared with the pre-operative resting condition or on Valsalva' manoeuvre. It is concluded that colour Doppler ultrasound is a reliable and noninvasive method that is useful not only for diagnosis but also for post-varicocele repair follow-up.

Erectile function in men with diabetes type 2: correlation with glycemic control.

Men with diabetes have an increased risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without diabetes. The diabetes control and complications trial clearly showed that better long-term control of blood glucose in diabetes type 1 is associated with decreased frequency and delayed the onset of microvascular complications. The aim of this study is to explore the role of glycemic control, and its correlation to sexual function in patients with diabetes type 2. One hundred patients were selected for the study according to the following criteria: all the cases were presenting with diabetes type 2 as a single risk factor for ED, age being between 35 and 50 years and free of liver and kidney failure, and blood dyscrasis. The selected patients were evaluated for sexual function by asking the patients to complete the abridged form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The evaluation of glycemic control was based on the measurement of hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) values. Our results showed that the level of HbA(1c) is significantly higher with declining degrees of potency (P-value=0.003). Also, there is an association between potency degree and glycemic control (P=0.002). We conclude that glycemic control is independently and inversely associated with ED in men with diabetes type 2.

Sperm disomy in idiopathic severely oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males.

This work aimed to determine the incidence of sperm disomy in infertile men with idiopathic severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Fifty male subjects were included in this study: 30 infertile men with idiopathic severe OAT and 20 healthy fertile men as controls. Semen analysis, hormonal assay (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and testosterone), scrotal ultrasound examination and fluorescent in situ hybridisation of their semen samples were performed to determine the disomy levels of chromosomes X and Y. There was a significant higher frequency for XX disomy and XY disomy in spermatozoa from severe OAT patients than that in controls. There was nonsignificant difference in the percentage of YY disomy between OAT cases and controls. XX, YY and XY disomy showed nonsignificant correlation with the age. Sperm concentration and sperm motility demonstrated significant negative correlation with XX and XY disomy. Sperm abnormal forms had significant negative correlation with XX and XY disomy. Nonsignificant correlation was demonstrated between YY disomy and semen parameters. XX disomy showed significant positive correlation with XY disomy and nonsignificant correlation with YY disomy. YY disomy showed nonsignificant correlation with XY disomy. It is concluded that sperm disomy in severe OAT is increased, which should be taken into account when undergoing micromanipulation.

The effect of mandibular overdenture to manage trauma to anterior maxillary residual ridge.

Residual alveolar ridge changes brought on by bone loss has always been one of the great problems related to denture prosthesis. The changes beneath denture bases has been investigated and the agreement on individual difference on the rate of bone resorption has been proven. Clinical experience and studies gave great knowledge of the prosthetic factors which influence bone resorption. It has been proved that excessive pressure, and shearing forces are the main causes of ridge changes. Very common is the problem associated with patient having only natural mandibular anterior teeth occluded with complete upper denture. The anterior maxillary region is the weakest area in the upper arch to resist stress when the lower natural anterior teeth occlude anterior to the basal support; trauma is inevitable.