Semen preparation with the Sperm Select System versus a washing technique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare sperm migration through sodium hyaluronate with simple washing as methods for preparing sperm for IUI. DESIGN: Ten normal semen specimens were prospectively collected and samples were prepared by simple washing and by migration into sodium hyaluronate using the Sperm Select System (Select Medical Systems, Williston, VT). The semen and each treatment group were evaluated for sperm concentration, percent motile, viability, acrosomal status, longevity, and computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) parameters. SETTING: University reproductive endocrinology facility. RESULTS: The recovery of motile sperm was significantly higher for the washing method (mean +/- SEM 75% +/- 7%) than for the hyaluronate method (10% +/- 1%). The number of motile sperm recovered by migration into hyaluronate was independent of the percentage of motile sperm in the semen specimen and positively correlated with sperm concentration. The hyaluronate method produced greater percentages of motile, viable, and morphologically normal sperm, with lower proportions of premature acrosome reactions, higher sperm velocity, and greater linearity. CONCLUSIONS: The Sperm Select System method of sperm separation provides a highly uniform specimen with improved sperm quality. However, the recovery of motile sperm is considerably lower than for simple washing methods.

The prevalence of fluorosis-like lesions associated with topical and systemic fluoride usage in an area of optimal water fluoridation.

The frequency of using self-applied (over-the-counter) fluoride products and prescribed supplemental fluorides, and the prevalence of fluorosis-like enamel lesions in the permanent dentitions of children living in an optimally fluoridated urban community were investigated. Subjects were selected randomly, and consent forms and questionnaires concerning fluoride usage and residency status were provided to guardians prior to examination. After a supervised tooth brushing event, 300 consenting subjects were examined by the principal investigator using Dean's index to assess levels of fluorosis-like lesions. The principal investigator was standardized with another investigator prior to the examinations to obtain an interexaminer agreement level of 97%, and an intraexaminer agreement level of 96%. Portable dental equipment was used during all examinations. Chi-square analysis indicated no statistically significant difference between the frequency of tooth brushing with a fluoridated dentifrice at an early age and the prevalence of fluorosis-like enamel lesions. However, there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) between the prevalence of fluorosis-like lesions, and the frequency of using prescribed fluoride supplements and gels, and over-the-counter rinses.

Prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in areas with negligible, optimal, and above-optimal fluoride concentrations in drinking water.

The prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis was assessed in 1,123 children aged 8 to 16 years who were lifelong residents of areas with negligible, optimal, and above-optimal concentrations of natural fluoride in drinking water. Caries prevalence in the optimal fluoride area was 38.1% lower than it was in the negligible fluoride area, and, in the higher-than-optimal fluoride areas, even greater caries protection was evident. Caries protection was compromised in children with severe fluorosis. Findings do not support the contention that definite increases in the prevalence of fluorosis are occurring in communities with negligible and optimal water-fluoride concentrations because of increased total fluoride consumption from various sources.

Prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in areas with optimal and above-optimal water fluoride concentrations.

The prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis was assessed among 807 schoolchildren in four areas of Illinois where the respective water supplies contained natural fluoride at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, and 4 times the recommended optimal for the geographic area. Mean caries scores in all three above-optimal fluoride areas were significantly lower than in the optimal area. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was characteristically low in the optimal fluoride area. Substantial increases in fluorosis occurred in the above-optimal fluoride areas, with the condition being most pronounced in the 4-times optimal area.