Screening for SARS-CoV-2 via PCR and serological testing in asymptomatic healthcare workers

The prevalence and seroconversion rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic health care workers in the US is unclear. Our study utilized real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 testing and serological evaluation to detect IgG antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 antigens in asymptomatic health care workers. A total of 197 subjects with a mean age of 35 years were recruited into the study. While most (67%) reported prolonged contact with known COVID-19 patients, only 8 (4.2%) tested positive on RT-PCR and 23 (11.7%) had detectable levels of IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2. Out of 19 subjects with detectable IgG antibody at week 1, 11 (57.9%) lost their antibody response by week 3. No statistically significant difference was found in baseline characteristics or exposure status between subjects with positive and negative results on RT-PCR or antibody positivity. In conclusion, we found a low incidence of PCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 in a high-risk group. This likely demonstrates the effectiveness of proper personal protective equipment use and low transmission risk in health care settings. The detectable IgG antibody titer was low, and a significant portion of subjects lost their antibody response on repeat testing. This may mean that antibody response in asymptomatic patients is categorically different than in symptomatic hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Role of Ischemic Heart Disease in Major Adverse Renal and Cardiac Events Among Individuals With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (from the TOPCAT Trial)

Despite improvements in the prognosis of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), established therapy for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is lacking. Additionally, ischemic heart disease adversely impacts the clinical course of HFrEF patients; however, its role in HFpEF is not fully understood. We conducted a post hoc analysis of propensity score matched patients from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist trial to compare HFpEF patients with versus without myocardial ischemia in terms of major adverse renal and/or cardiac events (MARCE). Of 3,445 participants, the prevalence of ischemia was 59%. For this analysis, we included 1,747 ischemic patients and 1,207 propensity matched nonischemic patients. Ischemia was associated with a 20% increased risk (HR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.042 to 1.382, p value = 0.0112) of major adverse renal and/or cardiac events (MARCE) in adjusted analyses. Other important predictors of MARCE were diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.38 to 1.87, p <0.0001), dyslipidemia (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.52, p = 0.001) and smoking (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.69, p = 0.0197). Revascularization was not significantly associated with MARCE in the subgroup of ischemic HFpEF patients. Future work is warranted to develop tailored interventions for patients with both HFpEF and ischemic heart disease to mitigate the risk of MARCE .

Impact of systematic cavity shave margins in breast-conserving surgery at a large community hospital with a low baseline re-excision rate

Systematic cavity shave margins (CSM) can decrease rate of positive margins and re-excision beyond that of selective CSM. The objective of this study was to determine whether systematic CSM decreased re-excision rate in a population with a low baseline re-excision rate. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) from November 2013 to November 2017. Primary end points were re-excision rate and margin status. Secondary end points were total volume of tissue excised, operative time, and concordance of core needle biopsy (CNB) pathology with final surgical pathology. The re-excision rates were 14.29% in the no shave margin group; 15.38% in the selective CSM; and 14.59% in the systematic CSM (P = .985). Odds of re-excision with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was 5.04 times greater than with invasive cancer (INV) and 1.94 times higher than with INV and DCIS. There was no significant difference in positive margins between groups (P = .362). Mean specimen volume was lowest in the systematic CSM group (64.6 cm³ ), compared to no CSM and selective CSM (94.6 cm³ and 91.8 cm³ , respectively). With inclusion of shave margin volumes, total volume removed was not significantly different between no shave margin group (94.6 cm³ ) and systematic CSM (89.7 cm³ ) (P = .949). For patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) alone on their initial biopsy pathology, 69% were discovered to also have DCIS upon final pathology. Re-excision rate and specimen volume between all groups were not statistically different. There was a higher re-excision rate when DCIS was present, especially when not identified on CNB. As systematic CSM is most impactful when DCIS is involved, it is important to establish its presence for proper surgical planning.

Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Ziferon and Betaferon in Patients With Remitting- Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Background: The present study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety profile of Ziferon and Betaferon. Objectives: In total, 41 consecutive patients with relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were selected from the MS outpatient clinic affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Methods: Each group either received Ziferon 250 mcg Subcutaneously (SC) in alternate days or Betaferon 250 mcg SC on alternate days. Clinical and para-clinical outcomes, such as mean relapse rate/year score, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)/year score, the cumulative number, and the volume of gadolinium-enhancing lesions, in addition to the cumulative number of new T2 lesions and safety profile were evaluated for each group during the years of treatment. Results: There were no significant differences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) outcomes (change in total lesion volume, new lesion per T2-weighted scan, and gadoliniumenhancing lesions per T1-weighted scan from baseline; P=0.236, P=0.56, & P=0.496, respectively was observed). There was no significant difference in the relapse rate between Ziferon and Betaferon treated groups (P=0.56). There were no unexpected safety events. The number of patients who discontinued the study due to adverse events occurrence was similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Evidence demonstrates the non-inferiority and bio-similarity of Ziferon (interferon beta-1b) to Betaferon in terms of efficacy and safety profile.

Correction: Ultrasound-assisted leaching of vanadium from fly ash using lemon juice organic acids

Correction for ‘Ultrasound-assisted leaching of vanadium from fly ash using lemon juice organic acids’ by G. Rahimi et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 1685–1696, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09352G.

Ultrasound-assisted leaching of vanadium from fly ash using lemon juice organic acids

In this work, vanadium (V) was selectively extracted from fuel-oil fly ash using a leaching process utilizing organic acids extracted from lemon juice with assistance from ultrasound and H₂O₂. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the main operating factors. The V recovery was 88.7% at the optimal conditions: 27.9% (v/v) lemon juice, 10% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), solid/liquid (S/L) ratio 0.01% (w/v), ultrasound power 159 W at 20 kHz in 2 h, and initial temperature of 35 °C. The effect of time on the V recovery was examined. The maximum recovery was 100% after 3 h. Furthermore, the individual effects of ultrasound and H₂O₂ on V recovery were studied, and the results showed that without H₂O₂ and ultrasound, the V recovery decreased greatly, indicating that both factors were essential in the leaching process. According to the modified shrinking core model, test results indicated that mass diffusion was the controlling step of the overall reaction kinetics. The activation energy of the leaching reaction in the temperature range 25 to 65 °C was found to be 17.1 kJ mol⁻¹.

In this work, vanadium (V) was selectively extracted from fuel-oil fly ash using a leaching process utilizing organic acids extracted from lemon juice with assistance from ultrasound and H₂O₂.

Use of the fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester perchlorate for mitochondrial membrane potential assessment in human spermatozoa

Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is an indicator of sperm quality and its evaluation complements the standard semen analysis. The fluorescent dye JC-1 has been widely used to assess sperm ΔΨm; however, some problems have been detected under certain experimental conditions. Another fluorescent compound, tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester perchlorate (TMRM), has been used in somatic cells and bovine spermatozoa but not in human spermatozoa. TMRM accumulates in hyperpolarised mitochondria and the fluorescence intensity of this compound correlates with ΔΨm. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and validate the usefulness of the fluorescent dye TMRM for measuring sperm ΔΨm. The results showed that TMRM accurately detects sperm populations displaying either high or low ΔΨm. Moreover, TMRM was able to measure sperm ΔΨm under the experimental conditions in which JC-1 had previously presented difficulties. Differences in ΔΨm according to sperm and semen quality were properly detected and a positive correlation between ΔΨm and conventional semen parameters was observed. Finally, a positive correlation was found between the ΔΨm measurement by TMRM and by the widely used JC-1. In conclusion, TMRM is a simple, time-effective method, easy to set in laboratories equipped with flow cytometry technology, and can accurately detect changes in ΔΨm with efficiency comparable to JC-1 without its limitations.

Allele specific-PCR and melting curve analysis showed relatively high frequency of β-casein gene A1 allele in Iranian Holstein, Simmental and native cows

There are two allelic forms of A1 and A2 of β-casein gene in dairy cattle. Proteolytic digestion of bovine β-casein A1 type produces bioactive peptide of β-casomorphin-7 known as milk devil. β-casomorphin-7 causes many diseases, including type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease syndrome, sudden death and madness. The aim of the present study was to determine the different allelic forms of β-casein gene in Iranian Holstein, Simmental and native cattle in order to identify A1 and A2 variants. The blood samples were collected randomly and DNA was extracted using modified salting out method. An 854 bp fragment including part of exon 7 and part of intron 6 of β-casein gene was amplified by allele specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). Also, the accuracy of AS-PCR genotyping has been confirmed by melting temperature curve analysis using Real-time PCR machinery. The comparison of observed allele and genotype frequency among the studied breeds was performed using the Fisher exact and Chi-squared test, respectively by SAS program. Obtained results showed the A1 allele frequencies of 50, 51.57, 54.5, 49.4 and 46.6% in Holstein, Simmental, Sistani, Taleshi and Mazandarani cattle populations, respectively. The chi-square test was shown that no any populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for studied marker locus. Comparison and analysis of the test results for allelic frequency showed no any significant differences between breeds (P&gt;0.05). The frequency of observed genotypes only differs significantly between Holstein and Taleshi breeds but no any statistically significant differences were found for other breeds (P&gt;0.05). A relatively high frequency of β-casein A1 allele was observed in Iranian native cattle. Therefore, determine the genotypes and preference alleles A2 in these native and commercial cattle is recommended.

The Bacillus subtilis and Lactic Acid Bacteria Probiotics Influences Intestinal Mucin Gene Expression, Histomorphology and Growth Performance in Broilers

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of commercial monostrain and multistrain probiotics in diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology and mucin gene (MUC2) expression in broiler chicks. Three hundred seventy-eight 1-d-old male Arian broiler chicks were allocated in 3 experimental groups for 6 wk. The birds were fed on a corn-soybean based diet and depending on the addition were labeled as follows: control-unsupplemented (C), birds supplemented with Bacillus subtilis (BS) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based probiotics. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 21 broilers each. Treatment effects on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and biomarkers such as intestinal goblet cell density, villus length, villus width, and mucin gene expression were determined. Total feed intake did not differ significantly between control birds and those fed a diet with probiotics (p>0.05). However, significant differences in growth performance were found. Final body weight at 42 d of age was higher in birds fed a diet with probiotics compared to those fed a diet without probiotic (p<0.05). Inclusion of Bacillus subtilis based probiotic in the diets also significantly affected feed conversion rate (FCR) compared with control birds (p<0.05). No differences in growth performance were observed in birds fed different types of probiotic supplemented diets. Inclusion of lactic acid bacteria based probiotic in the diets significantly increased goblet cell number and villus length (p<0.05). Furthermore, diets with Bacillus subtilis based probiotics significantly increased gene expression (p<0.05), with higher intestinal MUC2 mRNA in birds fed diet with probiotics compared to those fed the control diet. In BS and LAB probiotic fed chicks, higher growth performance may be related to higher expression of the MUC2 gene in goblet cells and/or morphological change of small intestinal tract. The higher synthesis of the mucin gene after probiotic administration may positively affect bacterial interactions in the intestinal digestive tract, intestinal mucosal cell proliferation and consequently efficient nutrient absorption.

In vitro perfusion of whole bovine ovaries by freezing medium: effect of perfusion rate and elapsed time after extraction

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation and transplantation of the whole ovary with vascular pedicle would be helpful to prevent posttransplantation ischemia. In fact, perfusion of the intact mammalian ovary through arteries and veins is the most technically difficult part of the whole cryopreservation process because of its complexity. It is important to develop the technology of long-time perfusion of intact ovaries by cryoprotectants at low temperatures because it was established earlier that 24-hour cooling to 5 degrees C before cryopreservation is beneficial for the freezing of human ovarian tissue. The aim of this research was to study the effectiveness of perfusion of intact bovine ovaries with different rates of perfusion and elapsed time between extraction of these ovaries and beginning of perfusion.

METHODS

Arteria ovarica was cannulated and ovaries were perfused with Leibovitz L-15 medium + 100 IU/mL heparin + 5% bovine calf serum + 6% dimethyl sulfoxide + 6% ethylene glycol + 0.15 M sucrose + Indian ink at room temperature (22 degrees C). In the first cycle of experiments, ovaries (n = 145) were perfused for 60 minutes during 1 to 1.5 hours after extraction of ovaries in the slaughter house at perfusion rates of 150 mL/hour (2.5 mL/minute), 100 mL/hour (1.67 mL/minute), 75 mL/hour (1.25 mL/minute), 50 mL/hour (0.83 mL/minute), 25 mL/hour (0.42 mL/minute), and 12.5 mL/hour (0.21 mL/minute) for groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. In the second cycle of experiments, ovaries (n = 29) were perfused with a rate of 25 mL/hour (0.42 mL/minute) for 60 minutes during the following time-periods elapsed after extraction of ovaries in the slaughter house: 3 hours (n = 18), 4 hours (n = 5), 5 hours (n = 3), and 6 hours (n = 3) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Ovaries in luteal and follicular phase of development were distributed randomly into groups. Successful perfusion of blood vessels was detected visibly by a blue coloration of the vascular pedicle and ovarian tissues. The percentage of Indian ink-perfused tissues was detected. The intensity of the vascular leakage and tissue damage was scored microscopically and noted as follows: lack of disruption (-), weak disruption (+), moderate disruption (++), and strong disruption

RESULTS

The first cycle of experiments shows that an optimal perfusion rate was established for groups 4 and 5 (50 and 25 mL/hour, respectively). In the second cycle of experiments, good perfusion of ovaries with the perfusion rate of 25 mL/hour was established only for ovaries of group 1 (3 hours after extraction). The effectiveness of perfusion in group 2 (4 hours after extraction) was sharply decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective perfusion of bovine intact ovaries with vascular pedicle with freezing medium (6% ethylene glycol + 6% dimethyl sulfoxide + 0.15 M sucrose) at room temperature includes a rate of perfusion 25 or 50 mL/ hour. Ovaries must be perfused no later than 3 hours after the death of animals.

Quality of human spermatozoa: relationship between high-magnification sperm morphology and DNA integrity

The aim of this work is to establish the relationship between the morphology of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI)-selected spermatozoa and their DNA integrity. The 45 ejaculates were randomly distributed into three treatment groups: normozoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic and oligoasthenotheratozoospermic samples. The evaluation of DNA integrity was performed using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. It was established that DNA integrity of spermatozoa is strongly dependent on ejaculate quality (P < 0.05). The count of spermatozoa with nonfragmented DNA in normozoospermic samples was high and independent from IMSI-morphological classes (Class 1 versus Class 3, respectively) (P > 0.1). With decreased ejaculate quality, the percentage of spermatozoa with nonfragmented DNA decreased significantly (P < 0.05) independent from morphological class. Nevertheless, the rate of IMSI-selected spermatozoa with fragmented DNA within of Class 1 in normozoospermic (Group 1), in oligoasthenozoospermic (Group 2) and in oligoasthenotheratozoospermic (Group 3) samples was 21.1%, 31.8% and 54.1%, respectively. In conclusion, there is a direct relationship between morphological parameters of spermatozoa and their DNA integrity. However, the IMSI technique alone is not enough for the selection of spermatozoa with intact nuclei.

Cryopreservation of Ovarian Tissue: Detailed Description of Methods for Transport, Freezing and Thawing

Purpose: In many cases cancer therapy leads to an irreversible reduction or even loss of ovarian reserve. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue with subsequent thawing and re-transplantation of tissue after the cancer is in remission constitutes a promising method to preserve fertility in women. To date, more than 25 cases of live births after re-transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue have been published worldwide. In Germany the first live birth after re-transplantation of cryopreserved tissue was in 2011. Material and Methods: After surgical removal of ovarian tissue in the Gynaecological Clinic of Dresden University, the tissue was sent to the Gynaecological Clinic of Bonn University in a special transport container at 5 °C and was frozen the next day using 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide cryosolution. In 2010 this ovarian tissue was thawed using a sucrose solution in the Gynaecological Clinic of Erlangen University Clinical Centre and was laparoscopically re-transplanted into the patient. Results: The patient became pregnant, the pregnancy was uneventful, and she gave birth to a healthy boy. Conclusion: Freezing of ovarian tissue with subsequent re-transplantation as described here is a viable method to preserve fertility in cancer patients.

Capsular serotype and antibiotic resistance of group B streptococci isolated from pregnant women in Ardabil, Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Group B Streptococci (GBS) is a major cause of neonatal and maternal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance profile of GBS strains isolated from pregnant women in Ardabil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antibiotic resistance of 56 GBS isolates was investigated using E-test strips and disk-diffusion method. Serotyping was performed using capsular antiserum.

RESULTS

The results of MIC tests showed all isolates were susceptible to ampicillin, vancomycin and penicillin. One isolate (1.7%) showed reduced susceptibility pattern to penicillin (MIC; 0.25 µg/ml). There were 3 (5.3%) isolates semi-sensitive (0.25-1 µg/ml) to erythromycin (2; 0.5 µg/ml and 1; 0.38 µg/ml) and 2 (3.5%) isolates to clindamycin (1; 0.5 µg/ml, 1; 0.38 µg/ml). Additionally, 2 (3.5%) isolates were resistant to clindamycin (1; 16 µg/ml, 1; 2 µg/ml). According to the disk diffusion test, 47 (83.9%), 8 (14.2%) and 7 (12.5%) isolates were resistant to Co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone respectively. Serotypes V (19.6%), II (12.5%) and IV (12.5%) were the most frequent followed by serotypes III (10.7%) and VI (10.7%), Ib (8.9%), Ia (7/1%), VII (5/3%) and VIII (5/3%); 7.1% of strains were nontypeable.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, most isolates were sensitive to common antibiotics, but increased resistance to other antibiotics indicates the importance of monitoring of antibiotic resistance in group B streptococci over time.

Immunohistochemical localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that incorporates in many physiological processes of female reproductive system. Recent studies suggested the possible role of endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme in female infertility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study a total of 18 endometrial tissues obtained from 10 women with unexplained infertility and 8 normal and fertile women by endometrial biopsy, 6 to 10 days after LH surge. Specimens were fixed in 4% paraformaldhyde fixative and frozen sectioned for semi-quantitative immunohistochemical evaluation using monoclonal anti-human eNOS antibody. Hematoxilin and Eosin was used for Histological dating.

RESULTS

Localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was seen in glandular and luminal epithelium, vascular endothelium and stroma in both fertile women and women with unexplained infertility. Although there were differences in immunoreactivity of glandular epithelium (p=0.44), vascular endothelium (p=0.60) and stroma (p=0.63) but only over-expression of eNOS in luminal epithelium (p=0.045) of women with unexplained infertility compared to fertile women was statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that changes in luminal expression of eNOS may influence receptivity of endometrium.

Long-time cooling of human ovarian tissue before cryopreservation as obvious procedure: stimulation of follicular development and neo-vascularisation

BACKGROUND

The positive effect of cooling on tissue cells is known. The aim of this research was to study the intensiveness of neo-vascularisation and follicular development in ovarian tissue after 24 hours cooling to 5 degrees C before cryopreservation.

METHODS

Fifty six pieces from 7 patients were divided into the following four groups: Group 1: pieces cultured just after operation, Group 2: pieces cooled after operation to 5 degrees C for 24 hours and then cultured, Group 3: pieces frozen-thawed just after operation and then cultured, Group 4: pieces cooled after operation to 5 degrees C for 24 hours, frozen, thawed, and then cultured. Culture of ovarian pieces was performed in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)-system for 5 days. The efficacy of the tissue cooling was evaluated by the development of follicles and intensiveness of neo-vascularisation (by Desmin).

RESULTS

For Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, mean density of follicles per 1 mm3 was 10.1, 11.1, 9.8, and 12.0, respectively (P1-2, 3-4 < 0.05). For these groups 91%, 92%, 90%, and 90% preantral follicles were morphologically normal (P1-2, 3-4 > 0.1). The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the intensiveness of neo-vascularisation observed in ovarian tissue of Group 2 (pre-cooled before culture) and Group 4 (pre-cooled before cryopreservation) was drastically increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The 24 hour cooling to 5 degrees C before cryopreservation is beneficial for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue.

Vitrification of human ICSI/IVF spermatozoa without cryoprotectants: new capillary technology

The aim of this study was to develop and to test the standardized aseptic technology of permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in capillaries (for intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] or in vitro fertilization [IVF]). To test the effect of vitrification on basic sperm parameters, each of 68 swim-up-prepared ejaculates from oligo-astheno-terato-zoospermic patients were aliquoted and distributed into 3 groups: 1) nontreated control, 2) 10 μL of spermatozoa cryopreserved by slow conventional freezing with glycerol-contented medium, and 3) 10 μL of spermatozoa vitrified in 50-μL plastic capillaries in culture medium with 0.25 M sucrose. Spermatozoa motility (1, 24, and 48 hours after warming), plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, and spontaneous capacitation-like changes were determined after warming. Aseptic cryoprotectant-free vitrification showed a significantly stronger cryoprotective effect compared with conventional freezing. One hour after warming, motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosomal integrity were significantly higher than is observed for conventionally frozen spermatozoa (28% vs 18%, 56% vs 22%, and 55% vs 21%, respectively; P < .05), although lower than in fresh spermatozoa (35%, 96%, and 84%, respectively; P < .05). Capacitation-like changes did not differ significantly between vitrified and conventionally frozen samples (8% vs 9%, respectively; P > .1) (2% in fresh spermatozoa). The newly developed technology of aseptic vitrification of human spermatozoa in capillaries can effectively preserve these cells from cryo-injures. Spermatozoa, vitrified by this technology, are free from seminal plasma owing to swim-up preceding vitrification and are free from permeable cryoprotectants. They are ready for further use immediately after warming without any additional treatment. Therefore, the reported technology has a great potential for use in ICSI/IVF.

Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in large (up to 0.5 mL) volume: a novel technology

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop and to test the aseptic technology of cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in large volume (for intrauterine insemination). Spermatozoa, vitrified by this technology, are free of permeant cryoprotectants and are ready for further use immediately after warming without any additional treatment (centrifugation or separation in the gradient for removal of cryoprotectant).

METHODS

Each of 52 swim up-prepared ejaculates were divided into three aliquots and distributed into three treatment groups: Group 1: non-treated control; Group 2: spermatozoa cryopreserved by slow conventional freezing with glycerol-containing medium, and Group 3: spermatozoa vitrified in 0.5 mL insemination "French" straws in culture medium with 0.25 M sucrose. Sperm motility 1, 24 and 48 hours after warming, plasma membrane integrity and capacitation-like changes (spontaneous "cryo-capacitation" and acrosome reaction) were assessed after freezing-thawing.

RESULTS

In contrast to conventional freezing, spermatozoa vitrified with aseptic cryoprotectant-free technology displayed superior functional characteristics. The motility rate, integrity rates of cytoplasmic, and acrosomal membranes were significantly higher after vitrification than after conventional freezing (76% vs 52%, 54% vs 28% and 44% vs 30%, respectively) (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences between vitrification and conventional freezing in the presence of glycerol in terms of percentage of spermatozoa expressing CTC-capacitation pattern (11% vs 10%, respectively) (p > 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

A basic protection from cryo-injury can be achieved for human spermatozoa using the novel technology of aseptic cryoprotectant-free vitrification in large volumes.

[Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome--case report, diagnostics and therapeutic options]

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal-recessive disease characterised by the combination of (foetal) growth retardation, mental retardation and a typical malformation pattern. In particular, the combination of cardiovascular defects, Y-shaped syndactyly of the 2 (nd) and 3 (rd) toes and a distinctive craniofacial appearance, often including a cleft palate, are characteristic of SLOS. The disease is caused by a defect in cholesterol synthesis resulting in a reduced or absent activity of the enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7). As a consequence, a lack of cholesterol and an increase of toxic cholesterol precursors are observed in the majority of patients. We report on a female patient who was born at 37 weeks of gestation and was both small and light for gestational age who displayed typical signs of SLOS. After the diagnosis had been confirmed, a therapeutic approach with oral substitution of cholesterol and the administration of simvastatin was initiated. In spite of this strategy, the patient died at the age of 12 weeks from the disease. Based on the case presented, we review and discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with SLOS.

Apoptosis in human ovarian tissue after conventional freezing or vitrification and xenotransplantation

One of the new emerging techniques to preserve reproductive potential of cancer patients is cryopreservation of ovarian fragments prior to medical treatment and their retransplantation after healing. In order to investigate and compare apoptosis in human ovarian tissue after conventional ("slow") freezing and vitrification, we used a xenograft model in which conventionally frozen, vitrified and fresh non treated human ovarian tissue pieces were subcutaneously transplanted in SCID mice. The tissue samples were weekly, during four weeks, recovered from scarified SCID mice. The apoptosis was examined by immunohistochemical staining with the anti-caspase-3 antibody. There was a significant difference between the amount of apoptotic cells in cryopreserved ovarian tissue independent from mode of cooling compare to the control. The ovarian tissue after vitrification showed a significantly higher amount of apoptotic cells, than in slow frozen. The results obtained after comparative study of two different cryopreservation methods show that vitrification of human ovarian tissue could become a practice-relevant alternative to slow cryopreservation only after further improvement.

[Chemotherapy-induced fetal anemia in maternal acute myelocytic leukemia]

This article discusses the management of a pregnancy of a 32-year-old primigravida with acute myelocytic leukemia treated with induction chemotherapy starting in the 20 + 5 week of gestation. Sonographic monitoring showed evidence of fetal ascites and anemia that could be treated with an intrauterine fetal transfusion. After maternal recovery, a caesarean section was performed in the 27 + 5 week of gestation. We delivered a vivid eutrophic female prematurely. The infant showed persisting signs of myelosuppression. Two further transfusions had to be performed. The present report describes the interdisciplinary therapeutic management when polychemotherapy during pregnancy is necessary for the mother. Cases of acute leukemia in pregnancy are complicated by severe prenatal risks caused by the hematologic illness and by the immediate beginning of chemotherapy. In the third trimester premature delivery is preferable to intrauterine exposition to cytostatic agents. In the second trimester the pregnancy has to be monitored for the typical risks and complications of chemotherapy. Fetal cytotoxic myelosuppression is detectable by prenatal observation so that interventional strategies are feasible.

Polymorphism of the bovine POU1F1 gene: allele frequencies and effects on milk production in three Iranian native breeds and Holstein cattle of Iran

The aim of this study was to estimate the allele frequencies in polymorphic site of exon six of POU1F1 gene in three Iranian native and Holstein cattle. Genomic DNA was extracted from 3 Iranian native cattle breeds, including 97 Mazandarani, 87 Sarabi, 112 Golpaygani and also 110 Holstein cattle. A 451 bp fragment of intron 5 and exon 6 were amplified and digested with HinfI restriction enzyme. Frequencies of allele A were 0.37, 0.27, 0.34 and 0.21 for Mazandarani, Sarabi, Golpaygani and Holstein cattle, respectively. Significant differences in genotype frequencies were found between Mazandarani or Golpaygani and Holstein cattle. No significant differences in genotype frequencies were found between Sarabi and Holstein cattle. Transition A to G in nucleotide 1256 is responsible for HinfI(-) allele. No significant association was observed between POU1F1 polymorphism and milk production. Differences in allelic frequency between native Bos indicus breeds (Mazandarani, Golpaygani) and Holstein at the present study might be due to differences in origin breeds, low number of samples and/or as the effect of natural selection in native breeds.

Analysis of selection effect based on kappa casein gene on milk yield production of Iranian Sarabi cattle breed using stochastic simulation

PCR-RFLP was used to genotype 87 Sarabi native cattle of north-western Iran for A and B alleles of kappa casein gene. A 350 bp length of exon 4 and intron 4 was amplified and digested with HinfI endonuclease. Samples were loaded on agarose gel (2%) and genotyped under UV light. Allele frequency of desirable B allele was 0.57. Stochastic simulation was used to generate milk yield trait for a population of 4950 females and 50 males for 15 overlapping generations. Population parameters included 1100 and 436 kg for average milk yield and phenotypic deviation, respectively; with heritability of 0.27. Additive and dominance effects of Kappa Casein gene were considered as 187.63 and 50.37 kg, respectively. Two methods were considered for selection of males based on the first phenotypic record of their dams (PAS) or molecular information of each male, individually (GAS). Females were always selected on their first phenotypic record. Although, there was a significant difference between polygenic and major gene genetic response between two methods after the 5th generations, but there was no significant difference for the sum of polygenic and major gene response. After 15 generations of selection there was no significant difference between inbreeding coefficient under two methods. Selection plan for males based on one single major gene had no advantage over the conventional selection based on dam record in native Sarabi breed.

DNA integrity and motility of human spermatozoa after standard slow freezing versus cryoprotectant-free vitrification

BACKGROUND

In contrast to the technique of conventional freezing, the vitrification of spermatozoa requires high cooling rates (720 000 degrees K/min), which could be damaging for spermatozoa. The aim of our study was to compare slowly frozen and vitrified spermatozoa in terms of their post-thaw DNA integrity and motility.

METHODS

Semen samples were prepared according to the routine swim-up technique and divided into aliquots for comparison of fresh, conventionally frozen and vitrified spermatozoa from the same ejaculate in the presence or absence of cryoprotectants. Spermatozoa motility and DNA integrity were determined.

RESULTS

The motility of spermatozoa conventionally (slowly) frozen with a cryoprotectant was similar to that recorded for spermatozoa vitrified in the absence of cryoprotectant (47 versus 52%). The DNA integrity was unaffected by the cryopreservation method or presence of cryoprotectants.

CONCLUSION

The vitrification of human spermatozoa in the absence of conventional cryoprotectants is indeed feasible. The DNA integrity of vitrified sperm is comparable with that shown by standard slow-frozen/thawed spermatozoa, yet the method is quick and simple and does not require special cryobiological equipment.

Comparison of necrosis in human ovarian tissue after conventional slow freezing or vitrification and transplantation in ovariectomized SCID mice

This paper examines and compares necrosis in human ovarian tissue after conventional slow freezing or vitrification and ensuing xenotranplantation. Slow cryoconserved or vitrified ovarian tissue samples and fresh controls from nine patients were subcutaneously transplanted into SCID mice. The tissue samples were explanted after 6 weeks and the necrotic areas were examined by staining with Lucifer yellow SV. The size of the necrotic areas in parallel cultivated ovarian tissue samples was compared, as was necrosis in cultivated prostate tumour spheroids where the emergence of necrosis and its pathophysiological correlation have been described. Examinations showed no significant rise in the proportion of necrotic areas after slow cryoconservation/transplantation and in the controls (transplanted fresh tissue, not transplanted fresh tissue, long-term culture). The proportion of necrotic areas in the tumour spheroids was significantly higher than in the ovarian tissue. Vitrification could, after these results, be presented as an alternative to conventional slow cryoconservation.

Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen

AIM

To establish a prospective direction for further development of the protocol for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human ovarian biopsies from 20 patients (cut in approximately 0.5mm(3) pieces) were exposed to: 40% ethylene glycol+0.35 M sucrose+5% egg yolk; 40% ethylene glycol+18% Ficoll-70+0.35 M sucrose; 20% ethylene glycol+20% dimethyl sulphoxide. Cryopreservation of pieces was accomplished by plunging 0.25 ml straws or copper grids into liquid nitrogen or 0.25 ml straws into precooled (-196 degrees C) metallic powder. Thawed pieces were transferred to sucrose solution for incremental dilution of cryoprotectants. Histological observation of the tissue was performed after cryopreservation and in vitro culture was done to study hormone production ability after cryopreservation.

RESULTS

Only ultrarapid cooling in ethylene glycol-sucrose-egg yolk solution protected both follicles and stroma from damage.

CONCLUSION

The following parameters were established as required for a protocol of human ovarian tissue cryopreservation by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen: the vitrification medium should include ethylene glycol, disaccharide and egg yolk; ultrarapid cooling/thawing should take place using standard 0.25 straws or copper grids.

Ultra-structure of intracellular lipid vesicles of porcine GV-oocytes after in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

The aim of our investigation was to compare the ultrastructure of lipid droplets in porcine pronuclear oocytes obtained after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation (PGA) of Metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The ultrastructure of lipids in the IVF or PGA pronuclear oocytes after vitrification was also studied. There are two kinds of lipid droplets in porcine GV oocytes: 'dark' and homogenous vesicles next to 'grey' vesicles with electron-lucent streaks. After IVF or PGA and following 16-h culture, only the presence of 'grey' vesicles was detected in IVF and PGA oocytes. Ultra-structure of lipid vesicles of PGA and IVF oocytes was similar. The PGA oocytes can be as model of the two pronuclear stage IVF oocytes.