Lymph-Node-Based CD3+ CD20+ Cells Emerge from Membrane Exchange between T Follicular Helper Cells and B Cells and Increase Their Frequency following Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells are key targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication and contribute to the virus reservoir under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we describe a novel CD3+ CD20+ double-positive (DP) lymphocyte subset, resident in secondary lymphoid organs of humans and rhesus macaques (RMs), that appear predominantly after membrane exchange between TFH and B cells. DP lymphocytes are enriched in cells displaying a TFH phenotype (CD4+ PD1hi CXCR5hi), function (interleukin 21 positive [IL-21+]), and gene expression profile. Importantly, expression of CD40L upon brief in vitro mitogen stimulation identifies, by specific gene-expression signatures, DP cells of TFH-cell origin versus those of B-cell origin. Analysis of 56 RMs showed that DP cells (i) significantly increase following SIV infection, (ii) are reduced after 12 months of ART in comparison to pre-ART levels, and (iii) expand to a significantly higher frequency following ART interruption. Quantification of total SIV-gag DNA on sorted DP cells from chronically infected RMs showed that these cells are susceptible to SIV infection. These data reinforce earlier observations that CD20+ T cells are infected and expanded by HIV infection, while suggesting that these cells phenotypically overlap activated CD4+ TFH cells that acquire CD20 expression via trogocytosis and can be targeted as part of therapeutic strategies aimed at HIV remission. IMPORTANCE The HIV reservoir is largely composed of latently infected memory CD4+ T cells that persist during antiretroviral therapy and constitute a major barrier toward HIV eradication. In particular, CD4+ T follicular helper cells have been demonstrated as key targets for viral replication and persistence under ART. In lymph nodes from HIV-infected humans and SIV-infected rhesus macaques, we show that CD3+ CD20+ lymphocytes emerge after membrane exchange between T cells and B cells and are enriched in phenotypic, functional, and gene expression profiles found in T follicular helper cells. Furthermore, in SIV-infected rhesus macaques, these cells expand following experimental infection and after interruption of ART and harbor SIV DNA at levels similar to those found in CD4+ T cells; thus, CD3+ CD20+ lymphocytes are susceptible to SIV infection and can contribute to SIV persistence.

[Sandifer's syndrome in a 5-month-old child with suspicion of infantile spasms]

Sandifer's syndrome is a dystonic movement disorder in infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). It is probably misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. We report the case of a 5-month-old infant with no past medical history admitted to a pediatric unit for suspicion of infantile spasms. She presented with dystonic movements of the upper left limb with left blepharospasm and an occasional dystonic head posture. Physical examination, EEG, brain MRI, and blood analysis were normal. Since the baby experienced regurgitations, Sandifer's syndrome was suspected and confirmed by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring that documented pathological GER. The dystonic symptoms quickly disappeared under treatment with thickened infant formula and sodium alginate. Infantile spasms remain the first diagnosis to explore with axial or para-axial dystonic postural events. Sandifer's syndrome should be retained when neurological investigations are normal and abnormal movements disappear under treatment of proven GER. Prognosis is excellent.

First Report of Neofusicoccum australe (Botryosphaeria australis), as a Branch Dieback Pathogen of Avocado Trees in Chile

Since 2007, Chilean avocado (Persea americana Mill.) orchards have been exposed to several abiotic stress conditions, namely frost damage and drought, due to three consecutive seasons of cold winters and shortage of irrigation water. At the same time, a severe disease resulting in tree dieback of cv. Hass, specifically, was observed in north-central Chile. Symptomatic trees exhibited abundant dead twigs in the tree canopy, and wilted leaves remained attached to the twigs in autumn. Closer inspection revealed reddish-brown necrotic lesions on the bark of the dead twigs, which girdled these symptomatic branches. When the bark was removed, the wood below appeared dark brown, in contrast to the yellowish-green coloring of healthy. The fungus was also consistently isolated from rotted fruit. A Neofusicoccum sp. with a yellow colony was consistently isolated from the necrotic lesions on PDA and incubated at room temperature for 3 days. Conidia produced in black pycnidia growing on 2% water agar with sterilized pine needles were smooth, unicellular, hyaline, and with granular contents. One or two septa developed at germination, but rarely before. The average length of the conidia was 27.0 ± 0.9 μm, with a length/width ratio of 3.9 ± 0.2 μm. Based on culture and conidial morphology, the isolates were putatively identified as Neofusicoccum luteum (1). DNA sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was conducted for four representative isolates using primers ITS1 and ITS4 (4). The sequence analysis of ITS region of kiwifruit isolate H1M4 (Accession No. KC330230) reveled 100% nucleotide identity to N. australe (FJ157187 to FJ157192) (3). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with stem inoculations of 2-year-old cv. Hass plants grow in plastic containers in a sand/lime/peat mixture. For each inoculated plant (n = 8), a 7-mm-diameter agar plug from the margin of a 3-day culture was used as inoculum after wounding the stem to the depth to 7 mm with a cork borer. Negative control (n = 8) were wounded and then 'mock-inoculated' with sterile agar plugs. The inoculation sites were wrapped with Parafilm. All plants were kept in a greenhouse. After 5 months, all inoculated plants showed bark cankers and necrotic lesions beneath the bark, which were 5.2 cm long (n = 8). No symptoms developed on the control plants. N. australe was recovered from the margin of the necrosis lesion of every inoculated plant, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates and confirming its pathogenicity. Botryosphaeraceae spp. are the commonly reported to have ability to survive endophytically in their host, causing disease only when the host is exposed to a stress condition (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. australe as a pathogen of avocado in Chile. The fungal isolates (PaHass No. 1 to 4) were deposited in the Laboratorio de Fitopatología Frutal y Molecular, Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de Chile. References: (1) A. J. L. Phillips. http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/ Accessed November 20, 2011. (2) B. Slippers and M. J. Wingfield. Fungal Biol. Rev. 21:90, 2007. (3) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 96:1030, 2004. (4) White et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Diaporthe ambigua Associated with Post-Harvest Fruit Rot of Kiwifruit in Chile

Kiwifruit is an important, expanding commercial crop in Chile. Several fungi have been reported to be associated with post-harvest rots of kiwifruit worldwide (2). During 2011 and 2012, kiwifruit produced in the VI and VII regions of Chile, showing symptoms of inner rot, were investigated with the aim of identifying the disease agent. The affected fruits had brown pubescent skin at the stem end that became soft and lighter in color than the adjacent firm healthy tissues. A watery exudate and white to pale grayish mycelial mats frequently developed at the stem end of the fruit, causing a water-drop stain down the sides on the dry brown healthy skin. The underlying tissue accessed by peeling off the skin was usually water soaked, soft, and lighter green than the healthy tissue. A fermented sour odor occurred frequently on severely decayed fruits. After incubation at 25°C over 7 days on potato dextrose agar (PDA), white to grayish, pale aerial mycelial mats were recovered from fragments of symptomatic kiwifruit superficially disinfected with 95% ethanol. After 2 weeks, black, spherical pycnidia developed, bearing hyaline, ellipsoidal, biguttulate conidia (5.4 to 12.6 × 2.1 to 4.7 μm). After 3 weeks, abundant perithecia embedded in a distinct, black, elevated stroma developed. Perithecia were black, globose, 200 to 500 μm in diameter with necks sinuous, filiform, 550 to 840 × 50 to 95 μm. Clavate, sessile asci, 30.9 to 50.2 × 6.6 to 12.5 μm contained ascospores biseriate, hyaline, smooth, fusoid-ellipsoid, widest just above the septum, tapering towards both ends, medianly septate, constricted at the septum at maturity, with 1 to 2 guttules per cell ascospores, 5.9 to 9.7 × 2.5 to 4.3 μm. All colonies obtained from kiwifruit displayed the same morphological traits and were consistent with those of a Diaporthe sp. (1). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was sequenced using ITS1/ITS4 primers (4). Analysis of ITS region of kiwifruit isolates Damb_12 and Damb_16 (GenBank Accession Nos. KC294545 and KC294544, respectively) revealed 100% nucleotide identity to Diaporthe ambigua (HM575420, HM575419, DQ286274, DQ286270, and DQ286271). Six millimeter plugs from fungal colonies growing on PDA at 25°C for 7 days were used to inoculate 15 healthy untreated, ripe 'Hayward' kiwifruits. Control fruits were inoculated with agar plugs. Inoculated fruits were incubated at 25°C and 80% relative humidity. After 7 days, white to pale grayish mycelial mats developed only on the inoculated fruits, releasing a water drop stain. The underlying tissue was lighter green and water soaked. D. ambigua was reisolated only from the inoculated fruits. D. actinidiae has been previously reported on kiwifruit canes in Chile (3); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of D. ambigua (Phomopsis ambigua) on kiwifruit in Chile. The fungal isolates (no. 1 to 21) have been deposited in the Laboratorio de Fitopatología Frutal y Molecular, Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de Chile. References: (1) J. C. Jansen van Rensburg et al. Studies in Mycol. 55:65, 2006. (2) L. Luongo et al. J. Plant Pathol. 93:205, 2011. (3) A. Palma and E. Piontelli. E. Bol. Micol. 15:79, 2000. (4) White et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Perinatal xenohormone exposure impacts sweet preference and submandibular development in male rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin on submandibular salivary gland (SSG) development in juvenile and adult male rats and to establish a link with sweet preference.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Female rats received orally (1 mg kg(-1) body weight/day) genistein and vinclozolin, alone or in combination, from the first gestational day up to weaning. Sweet preference was assessed at weaning and in adulthood in male offspring; submandibular glands were then collected to study the morphogenesis and mRNA expression of steroid receptors, growth factors and taste related proteins.

RESULTS

Exposure to genistein and/or vinclozolin resulted in a higher saccharin intake on postnatal day 25 (P < 0.05) linked to a higher number of pro-acinar cells (P < 0.01) and mRNA expression of progesterone receptor, growth factors and gustine (P < 0.01). These increases disappeared in adulthood, but mRNA expressions of sex hormone receptors and growth factors were strongly repressed in all treated groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm that the SSG are target for xenohormones and provide evidence that perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin could simultaneously disrupt not only the salivary gland prepubertal development and sweet intake but also endocrine gene mRNA expression later in life.

Quantifying Extrusion Modification of LDPE with a Microcompounder

Processibility of LDPE is known to be sensitive to processing history. Significant changes in processibility and product properties can occur through repeated extrusion without detectable changes in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Such changes of LDPE rheology are simulated with DSM micro-compounder and characterized with the small angle oscillatory tests and the SER uni-axial extensional flow with a K-BKZ analysis.

Both the linear and the nonlinear rheology data suggest the major mechanism in the extrusion with the DSM micro-compounder is the reduction of the effects of long chain branching. The linear rheology analysis, along with GPC and NMR characterization confirms that the changes in the extrusion are not due to chemical crosslinking, though an increase in backbone molecular weight at extreme conditions is perceivable through the minor increase in molecular weight distribution, the increase in zero-shear viscosity and the decrease of melt index. The extensional rheology results, on the other hand, reveal the depression of the strain hardening with prolonged extrusion at 190 degree C or higher extrusion temperature. The stress growth data were evaluated with a K-BKZ constitutive with exponential damping function. The depression of strain hardening is well characterized with the strain hardening factor and the non-linear exponent beta as function of the extrusion conditions. The damping factor β is observed to be especially effective as the parameter to follow the depression of the strain hardening due to microcompounder extrusion. The microcompounder extrusion and the SER analysis with the K-BKZ analysis prove to be a new useful tool for simulating the shear modification of the LDPE.

Les différentes anomalies de la reproduction masculine sont-elles en augmentation ? Faits et controverses, possibles facteurs en cause: une analyse actualisée des données de la littérature et des registres

Au cours des dernières décennies, de nombreuses observations dans la faune sauvage d’anomalies relatives à l’appareil génital et à la fonction de reproduction mâle, certaines évoquant les données de la toxicologie expérimentale, ont conduit à s’interroger sur la toxicité de facteurs environnementaux pour la reproduction de l’homme. De plus, un certain nombre d’études suggère une augmentation de la prévalence des troubles de la reproduction de l’homme adulte au cours des dernières décennies dans de nombreux pays développés. Les données les mieux documentées concernent le cancer du testicule, son rythme de croissance suggérant le rôle de facteurs environnementaux et/ou de mode de vie. Toutefois, des différences régionales et ethniques considérables dans les taux d’incidence absolue pourraient impliquer des facteurs génétiques concomitants. Parallèlement, il semble que la qualité du sperme a diminué dans de nombreux pays, à en juger aussi bien par des méta-analyses que par des analyses statistiques de données d’un seul centre. Au début des années 2000, Skakkebæk et al. à Copenhague ont formulé l’hypothèse d’une origine commune à ces différentes anomalies lors du développement du testicule durant la gestation. Existe-t-il pour ces différentes conditions des données indiquant un lien de causalité avec une exposition environnementale/professionnelle à des composés reprotoxiques ? Ne serait-ce plutôt l’exposition chronique à de très nombreux composés chimiques à faible dose qui pourrait être impliquée ? Les facteurs de style de vie jouent-ils un rôle ? L’ensemble de ces questions se fondant sur une somme d’études, dont les résultats sont loin d’être univoques, a été la source de nombreux débats aussi bien au sein de la communauté scientifique que dans les médias. Les meilleures réponses possibles à ces questions complexes sont naturellement fondamentales pour les instances en charge de l’évaluation du risque et les politiques de santé publique qu’il convient d’adopter. La présente revue donne un état des lieux actualisé de ces questions.

Second to fourth digit ratios, male genital development and reproductive health: a clinical study among fertile men and testis cancer patients

Second- to fourth-digit length ratio, 2D:4D, is a marker of testosterone level during foetal life that was found associated with sperm concentration or testosterone levels in some studies, but not in others, a difference possibly related to the way the ratio is assessed. In this study, 2D:4D was assessed in 122 men partners of pregnant women and in 71 testicular cancer patients using a new method based on direct measurements of finger lengths. In addition, we investigated the association between 2D:4D, birth weight, testicular volume, semen quality and time to pregnancy. A validation study of the method demonstrated high reliability and reproducibility. Neither digit lengths nor 2D:4D significantly differed in both groups of men. We found a significant negative association between 2D:4D and birth weight in testicular cancer patients. In fertile men, 2D:4D was associated with testicular volume (r=-0.36, p<0.001), total sperm number (r=-0.18, p=0.04) and time to pregnancy (r=0.24, p<0.02). In addition, participants with a history of epididymal cyst had a significantly higher 2D:4D than those without cysts. In conclusion, all significant findings indicate that the human male reproductive function is negatively related to 2D:4D. However, 2D:4D for testicular cancer patients does not point to a hormonal imbalance during foetal life as the common cause for developing germ-cell cancer. Such results obtained, thanks to an easy, direct and reliable method for measuring finger lengths, suggest the usefulness of this new tool in fertility studies as well as for studying men with developmental disorders of the reproductive tract.

Voice fundamental frequency modulates vocal response to pitch perturbations during English speech

Previous research has demonstrated task-dependent vocal responses to pitch perturbations during speech production. The present study investigated the effect of voice fundamental frequency (F(0)) on the modulation of vocal responses during English speech. Randomized pitch shifts of +/-100 or 200 cents during speaking were presented to English speakers. Results indicated larger vocal responses and shorter latencies at a high voice F(0) than at a low voice F(0), but no significance differences were observed for stimulus magnitude or direction. These findings suggest that the pitch-shift reflex during speech can be modulated as a function of voice F(0).

Xiphinema rivesi from Chile Transmits Tomato ringspot virus to Cucumber

The dagger nematode, (Xiphinema rivesi Dalmasso), a member of the X. americanum group, was first reported in 2002 in Chile (3). X. rivesi is a vector of at least four North American nepoviruses including Cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV), Tobacco ringspot virus (TobRSV), Tomato ringspot virus (TomRSV), and Peach rosette mosaic virus (PRMV) (2). TomRSV, first reported in Chile in 1984, was associated with raspberry decline and lately with brownline disease in D'Agen prune trees (1), however none of the Xiphinema spp. found in Chile have been reported to transmit this nepovirus. Two virus isolates, TomRSV (prune brownline isolate PBL-08) and Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) (Yellow mosaic isolate GFLV-012), from the virus collection of the Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal, Universidad de Chile were used in transmission tests with a population of X. rivesi found in Chile. X. rivesi is not known to transmit GFLV and this virus was included as a check. The nematodes were extracted from soil from a D'Agen prune orchard, and transmission tests were done in compliance with the criteria proposed by Trudgill et al. (4). Cucumis sativus cv. National Pickling were grown in a growth chamber at 25°C and used as acquisition hosts and transmission bait plants. Acquisition hosts were mechanically inoculated with GFLV or TomRSV, displaying systemic symptoms in 15 to 20 days. Noninoculated cucumber plants were included as controls. Virus infection was confirmed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA before the introduction of nematodes to the soil. After a 20-day acquisition feeding period, the nematodes were wet screened from the soil and added to the healthy bait plants and allowed a 20-day inoculation feeding period. X. rivesi transmitted TomRSV but not GFLV. TomRSV bait plants developed systemic symptoms 5 weeks after the nematodes were transferred. Transmission of TomRSV was confirmed by testing leaf and root sap of bait plants in a DAS-ELISA. High virus concentrations were detected in the roots and leaves of TomRSV symptomatic plants. Bait plants on which nematodes had been allowed to feed following virus acquisition from GFLV-infected or from virus-free control plants tested negative by ELISA. No symptoms appeared on bait plants used for GFLV transmission or the control bait plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transmission of TomRSV with a Xiphinema population from Chile and South America. References: (1) J. Auger. Acta Hortic. 235:197, 1988. (2) D. J. F. Brown et al. Phytopathology 84:646, 1994. (3) G. Leal et al. Fitopatología 37:75, 2002. (4) D. L. Trudgill et al. Rev. Nematol. 6:133, 1983.

First Report of Verticillium Wilt of Gold Kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis Cv. Hort 16A, Caused by Verticillium albo-atrum in Chile

Gold kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis Planch cv. Hort 16A, was first planted in Chile in 2003 and vines started dying within 2 years. By the end of the 2007-2008 growing season, as much as 80% of the plants in several orchards had died. The disease was characterized by a conspicuous reddish brown discoloration of the xylem and the sudden wilting and dieback of plants any time during the growing season. In the spring, entire plants or parts of plants failed to break buds. In others, the buds broke, but juvenile leaf clusters then wilted and died. On severely affected plants, scion watershoots wilted and died. The disease was often accompanied by shallow cracking of the bark and slight sponginess of the underlying cortex. The disease was apparently most severe in sites that had been planted to Gold kiwifruit immediately after removal of apple, pear, citrus, or grape. Orchards planted following long-term maize, wheat, or grass culture were almost disease free. A fungus was consistently isolated from symptomatic vascular tissue disinfected in 1% sodium hypochlorite and plated on potato dextrose agar. Conidiogenous cells were arranged in verticels; conidia were hyaline, elliptical, single celled, and measured 3.5 to 8.5 × 1.8 to 4.3 μm (average 5.5 × 2.5 μm). Dark, resting mycelium developed after 1 to 2 weeks of incubation. On the basis of these morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Verticillium albo-atrum Reinke & Berthier. Identification was confirmed by sequencing part of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region with primers ITS1 and ITS4. The sequence of a representative isolate showed high homology (98% identity over a length of 494 bp) with a DNA fragment (NCBI Accession No. 108476) of V. albo-atrum from alfalfa. To complete pathogenicity tests, 20 healthy, 1-year-old Hort 16A kiwi vines grafted on Hayward kiwifruit (A. deliciosa Chevalier) seedlings were inoculated by injection of 20 μl of 10⁶ conidia/ml into stems of the scion. Twenty control plants were injected with an equal volume of sterile distilled water. Plants were held in a controlled environment facility at 24°C with 16 h of light per day. Eight weeks after inoculation, typical wilting and dieback symptoms developed on 90% of the plants. Control plants injected with water remained healthy. Verticillium wilt has never been reported on kiwifruit (A. deliciosa) in Chile. V. albo-atrum has a rather narrow host range and is mainly reported as a pathogen on alfalfa, hop, soybean, tomato, and potato (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of V. albo-atrum causing wilt and dieback on Gold kiwifruit (A. chinensis) cv. Hort 16A. The fungal isolates have been deposited in the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Sanidad Vegetal Department of Agricultural Sciences Faculty of University of Chile under the name Actinidia chinensis/V. albo-atrum No. 1 to 8. Reference: (1) E. K. Ligoxigakis et al. Phytoparasitica 30:511, 2002.

Psychological factors in male partners of infertile couples: relationship with semen quality and early miscarriage

In this study we sought to evaluate whether psychological factors in males affect semen quality and pregnancy. In 1076 men of infertile couples, psychological factors, i.e. exposure to acute stress, coping with stress, the WHO (five) Well-Being Index and the Zung's Anxiety Scale Inventory scores were assessed by a questionnaire at the time of semen analysis. Relationships between psychological factors and semen quality (sperm concentration, rapid and progressive motility and normal morphology) were assessed. In 353 men with infertility duration of < or =1.5 years, sperm concentration > or =5 x 10(6) sperm/mL and a female partner with a laparoscopically confirmed tubal patency, we looked prospectively for relations between psychological factors and the occurrence of a natural pregnancy at a 6-month follow-up (n = 124), and first-trimester loss (n = 18). Anxiety trait, found in 19% of men, was related to previous in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection attempts (p = 0.014), cigarette intake (p = 0.006), alcohol intake (p = 0.026) and sexual difficulties (p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated a significant positive relationship between the level of sperm concentration and the WHO (five) Well-Being Index score, each successive score number accounting for a 7.3% increase in sperm concentration (p = 0.039), whereas no correlation was found between psychological factors and sperm rapid progressive motility and normal morphology. Poorer coping with stress was related to the occurrence of a first-trimester miscarriage (p = 0.016) in the female partner. Possible depression in males is related to decreased sperm concentration, and poor coping with stress is associated with increased occurrence of early miscarriage.

A new LH receptor splice mutation responsible for male hypogonadism with subnormal sperm production in the propositus, and infertility with regular cycles in an affected sister

BACKGROUND

Inactivating LH receptor (LHR) mutations have been described so far in men as well as in women. Phenotypes in men have been variable with in nearly all cases impairment of sex differentiation or azoospermia. We report a milder reproductive phenotype both in a male patient and his sister.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We describe a family that carries a homozygous mutation G-->A at position -1 at the intron 10-exon 11 boundary of the LHR gene. The male patient presented with delayed puberty, micropenis and oligospermia. Two of his sisters were homozygous for the same mutation and were infertile. Surprisingly, one of them was found to have had regular ovarian cycles for years and showed normal LH values (6.5 and 10.6 mIU/ml for LH and FSH, respectively). In vitro analysis showed that this altered splicing resulted in an LHR from which eight amino acids are deleted from the extracellular domain (Delta Tyr(317)-Ser(324)). In vitro expression has shown that the receptor was expressed and capable of LH-induced signaling, albeit with reduced potency (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LHR mutations may represent an underestimated cause of infertility in women, in addition to being responsible for male hypogonadism with reduced spermatogenesis.

Effect of short-term exposure to two hydrophilic-coated and one gel pre-lubricated urinary catheters on sperm vitality, motility and kinematics in vitro

AIM

This study aimed to determine the in vitro effect of a short-term exposure to two hydrophilic-coated and one gel pre-lubricated urinary catheters on human sperm quality.

METHODS

Semen samples of various qualities were coincubated with each catheter for 5 min at 37 degrees C. The percentages of live and motile sperm with their kinematic characteristics were blindly assessed in control and treated samples at the end of the coincubation and 10 and 55 min later.

RESULTS

The three catheters had no effect on sperm vitality. Similarly, the lubricated catheter and one hydrophilic-coated catheter negligibly modulated sperm motility. In contrast, the other hydrophilic-coated catheter tested had a significant negative effect on sperm movement.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are warranted, the issue being especially relevant to the collection of spermatozoa in spinal cord diseased patients catheterizing themselves several times a day. In this population, compounds releasing from the catheter and accumulating in the urethra could be an additional factor contributing to the poor sperm quality.

First Report of Fenhexamid Resistant Isolates of Botrytis cinerea on Grapevine in Chile

Botrytis cinerea Pers. (teleomorph Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary) Whetzel) is a haploid, filamentous ascomycete that causes gray mold on many economically important crops in temperate regions, especially grapevine. The management of gray mold on table grape in Chile involves cultural and chemical methods. Currently, protection programs are based on several fungicide families (dicarboximides, anilinopyrimidines, mixture of anilinopyrimidines and phenylpyrroles, and hydroxyanilides [fenhexamid]). During the last 25 years, B. cinerea developed resistance to virtually all specific fungicides used to control gray mold. Field resistance to benzimidazoles, phenylcarbamates, and dicarboximides was detected soon after their introduction. Recent studies using PCR-duplex and specific primers for the detection of transposable elements on Chilean B. cinerea isolates recovered from different table grape cultivars corroborated the presence of two sibling cryptic populations, transposa and vacuma (3). Some vacuma isolates have shown natural resistance to fenhexamide (HydR1) and it has been separated into two groups on a molecular basis using a marker gene (Bc-hch): Group I, fenhexamid-resistant vacuma isolates; Group II, vacuma and transposa isolates sensitive to this fungicide (HydS) (2). Group I and II isolates can not interbred (1,2). Other B. cinerea resistant phenotypes, HydR2 and HydR3, have been reported as belonging to Group II (1,4). Single-spore isolates of B. cinerea (472) were collected from different table grape cultivars from 13 locations in the Chilean Central Valley. The isolation was done during harvest time from rotting berries. Fenhexamid (Teldor; Bayer CropScience, Monheim, Germany) was diluted to 10 μg a.i./ml and added to the solid medium (10 g of glucose, 1.5 g of K₂HPO₄, 2 g of KH₂PO₄, 1 g of (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.5 g of MgSO₄·H₂O, 2 g of yeast extract, and 12.5 g of agar in 1 liter) to reach concentrations of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 μg a.i./ml. A 5-mm mycelial plug from each isolate of B. cinerea was cut from the edge of 4-day-old colonies placed in the center of petri dishes with the described fungicide-amended medium and incubated at 20°C for 5 days. Two measurements, octogonal diameters, were taken from each of three replicates per treatment. Means were calculated and the diameter of the inoculated plug was subtracted from each mean. For each isolate, a linear regression of the percent inhibition of mycelial growth versus the Log₁₀ transformation for each of the four concentrations of fenhexamid was obtained. The 50% effective concentration of fenhexamid (EC₅₀) was calculated with the regression equation for each isolate. So, 95.3% of B. cinerea isolates were sensitive (EC₅₀ under 0.083 μg/ml), 1.9% were less sensitive (EC₅₀ between 0.084 and 0.1 μg/ml), and 2.8% (13 isolates) were resistant EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.1 to 8.4 μg/ml. Through PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, according to the Bc-hch gene restriction pattern, all resistant isolates analyzed belong to Group II of B. cinerea (Bc-hch2) (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of fenhexamid resistant isolates of B. cinerea on grapevine in Chile and South America. It would be necessary to study the population dynamics of these isolates, although failure of botrytis control in the field with this compound has not been reported. References: (1) C. Albertini et al. Mycol. Res. 106:1171, 2002. (2) E. Fournier et al. Mycologia 97:1251, 2005. (3) T. Giraud et al. Mol. Biol. Evol. 14:1177, 1997. (4) P. Leroux et al. Phytoma 599:31, 2006.

First Report of Black Foot Disease of Grapevine Caused by Cylindrocarpon macrodidymum in Chile

Black foot disease, caused by Cylindrocarpon macrodidymum Halleen, Schroers & Crous, is reported damaging table and wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) for the first time in Chile. During the summer of 2006, 2- to 5-year-old grapevines showed reduced vigor, shortened internodes, and drying and dying shoots along with abnormal development of roots with growth parallel to the soil surface, necrotic root crowns, and development of secondary roots. Internal necrosis extended from the bark to the pith in diseased parts of the plants. Other symptoms included black discoloration of the wood, gum inclusions in xylem vessels, black streaks in the vascular tissue, and reduction in root biomass, with sunken, necrotic root lesions. Eighteen Cylindrocarpon isolates were collected from roots, vascular elements, and pith tissue of grapevines cultivars (Flame Seedless, Red Globe, Thompson Seedless, Merlot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Sauvignon) from 12 locations in Chile. The isolates were identified on the basis of morphological features. All isolates produced micro- and macroconidia (one to three septa) and chlamydospores in short and intercalary chains (1,4), and by internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5,8S-ITS4) rDNA and β -tubulin (BT₁, and BT₂) partial sequences, identical to those of C. macrodidymum (isolate USS074, GenBank Accession No. AY 997558 and isolate USSO150, GenBank Accession No. AY 997598) (2). Phylogenetic analyses placed these isolates in a clade closely related, but clearly distinct from other clades, to C. destructans and C. liriodendri (2,3). Pathogenicity tests were completed by drench inoculation onto 50 6-month-old rooted cuttings of 'Red Globe' with 25 ml of conidia suspension (10⁶ conidia ml^-1) obtained from four isolates. Ten control cuttings of 'Red Globe' were inoculated with an equal volume of sterile distilled water. The plants were incubated for 4 months in a controlled environment facility at 24°C. All isolates tested were pathogenic. In addition, they caused significant root rot (t-test of disease incidence, P = 0.0048) and no significant level of variation was detected between different isolates. C. macrodidymum was reisolated from the region of brown streaking in all the inoculated cuttings and was not isolated from the water-treated controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. macrodidymum causing black foot disease on grapevine in Chile. References: (1) C. D. Booth. Mycol. Pap. (CMI) 104:1, 1966. (2) F. Halleen et al. Stud. Mycol. 50:431, 2004. (3) F. R. Mantiri et al. Can. J. Bot. 79:334, 2001. (4) E. Petit and W. D. Gubler. Plant Dis. 89:1051, 2005.

Glycol ethers and semen quality: a cross-sectional study among male workers in the Paris Municipality

OBJECTIVES

Apparent increases in human male reproductive disorders, including low sperm production, may have occurred because of increased chemical exposure. Various glycol ether-based solvents have pronounced adverse effects on sperm production and male fertility in laboratory animals. The authors investigated the effects of past and current exposure to glycol ether-containing products on semen quality and reproductive hormones among men employed by the Paris Municipality.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2001 the authors recruited 109 men who gave semen, blood and urine samples and underwent an andrological examination. Information on lifestyle, occupation, exposure and medical history was obtained by interview. According to their job and chemical products used during the period 1990-2000, men were classified as either occupationally exposed or non-exposed. Current exposure levels to glycol ethers at the time of the study were evaluated by biological monitoring of six urinary metabolites.

RESULTS

Previous exposure to glycol ethers was associated with an increased risk for sperm concentration, for rapid progressive motility and for morphologically normal sperm below the World Health Organization semen reference values. No effect of previous glycol ether exposure on hormones levels was observed. By contrast, current glycol ether exposure levels were low and not correlated with either seminal quality or hormone levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that most glycol ethers currently used do not impact on human semen characteristics. Those that were more prevalent from the 1960s until recently may have long lasting negative effects on human semen quality.

Analytical method for appreciation of garlic therapeutic potential and for validation of a new formulation

The consumption of garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, S-allylcysteine sulfoxide (alliin), allicin (DATi), diallyl disulfide (DADS), S-allylcysteine (SAC) and several storage dipeptides are the organo-sulphur compounds (OSC) involved in the protective mechanism of garlic against cardiovascular disorders and carcinogenesis. Thus it is very interesting to quantify simultaneously all these compounds in different garlic powders obtained in several cultural conditions. The quantification of OSC by a new ion-pair HPLC method allowed showing the general sulphur-dependence positive effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorder and carcinogenesis and the variable specific activity of each implicated OSC. The screening of 11 garlic tablets proposed on the market showed the variability and particularly the differential instability of each OSC. From these results, a new garlic tablet was realised and each step was controlled by this method. This analytical method proved to be a very powerful tool for the understanding of the garlic protective mechanism against cancer and cardiovascular diseases and the development and quality control of garlic tablets.

Age and male fertility: biological factors

Although the effect of maternal age on fertility is well known, whether paternal age also affects fertility remains unclear. If there is an effect, the biological causes and consequences, especially for the offspring, are unclear. We present a short review of the data and various studies on this subject. Data on young men or fathers are not considered here. Advanced male age has been associated with: Increased time-to-pregnancy (TTP) and subfecundity; low semen volume, total sperm count, sperm motility and normal sperm morphology; gradual modification of testicular vascularisation and regular decrease in the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells, with an associated decrease in serum testosterone. There are wide interindividual variations of these modifications, with some elderly men having a reproductive function similar to young men. Whether there is an increase in levels of qualitative and or quantitative alterations of the sperm chromosomes with advancing age remains controversial. It can be suggested that there is an increased risk of developmental defects in the offspring of older men, as the spontaneous mutation rate is closely related to the age of the man. An increasing rate of miscarriages has been related to older fathers and several studies suggest older fathers are at the origin of several diseases in the new-born. In conclusion, further studies are needed due to the increasing number of older men wishing to become a father.

Host-plant finding by the asparagus fly, Plioreocepta poeciloptera (Diptera: Tephritidae), a monophagous, monovoltine tephritid

The role of various olfactory and visual stimuli was studied in host-plant finding by the asparagus fly Plioreocepta poeciloptera (Schrank), a monophagous monovoltine tephritid causing serious damage to asparagus spears. Volatiles released by asparagus plants were extracted by diethyl ether after cryotrapping concentration, and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twelve of the 13 compounds identified were tested using electroantennography to measure the response of the fly. Behavioural response was analysed using two different flight tunnels according to circadian rhythm, age and sex of adults, presence of the plant and of different coloured lures, presence of a male congener, or exposure to four pure asparagus odour compounds that elicited responses in electroantennography, i.e. hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol and decanal. Data showed that males locate the host plant more quickly than females. Females are attracted mainly by the blend of plant odour and male pheromone. Both sexes respond to a complex of stimuli only during the afternoon. These findings will be helpful in developing new and effective approaches to control this pest insect.

Establishment of embryogenic cell suspension cultures of garlic (Allium sativum L.), plant regeneration and biochemical analyses

Embryogenic cell suspension cultures of garlic (Allium sativum L.) were initiated in liquid medium from friable embryogenic tissue. The optimal parameters for culture maintenance were: (1) an initial cell density of 1-4% (v/v); (2) medium renewal every 14 days and subculturing every 28 days; (3) a low 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid concentration (0.1-0.3 mg/l). Cultures regenerated during a 14-month period. The cell suspension cultures differentiated embryos following transfer to a semi-solid embryo induction medium, with histological studies confirming and characterising the embryogenic nature of the process. Forty percent of these embryos converted into plantlets, which produced micro bulbs in vitro. The composition of the sulphur compounds of the micro bulbs obtained from cell suspension embryo-derived plantlets differed slightly from those produced by in vitro shoot proliferation-derived plantlets, but after two cycles of multiplication in the field these differences had disappeared.

Characterization of a Behaviorally Active, Gender-Specific Volatile Compound from the Male Asparagus Fly Plioreocepta poeciloptera

Adult male asparagus flies exhibit typical calling behaviors (suggestive of pheromone production) during which they emit a single volatile compound that was identified as isopropyl (S)-5-hydroxyhexanoate. In laboratory bioassays, synthetic samples elicited an arrestant response in females, but did not appear to attract females. On the other hand, the synthetic material attracted conspecific males in olfactometer bioassays.

Are volunteers delivering semen samples in fertility studies a biased population?

BACKGROUND

It is not known to what extent the results of epidemiological studies on male fertility and semen quality based on voluntary participation in the general population are relevant.

METHODS

In a study on the reproductive health of male partners of pregnant women, information was obtained from a group of men agreeing to collect a semen sample and to complete a questionnaire (group A), a group only completing the questionnaire (group B) and from men refusing to participate altogether (group C).

RESULTS

The participation rate (group A) was 15.8% for 1409 men approached. Ages and socio-professional status were similar in the three groups. Time to pregnancy (TTP) was not significantly different in groups A and B, although there appeared to be an insignificantly higher proportion of couples taking longer than 12 months to conceive in group A than in group B. A history of urogenital disease appeared to be more frequent in groups A and B than in the general population. However, comparable semen characteristics were found for men with or without a history of urogenital disease. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study does not suggest major selection bias, although the social and reproductive histories of these men may prompt them to participate. Such factors need to be accounted for in similar studies.

First Report of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on Vitis vinifera and French American Hybrids in Chile

Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (W. Gams, Crous. M.J. Wingfield & L. Mugnai) Crous & Gams (= Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporum) was isolated during the growing seasons of 2003-2004 from roots, trunks, and cordons of grapevines, including cvs. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot noir, Thompson seedless, Ruby seedless and root stock 3309C, and Kober 5BB, from 10 locations in V, VI, VII, and metropolitan regions of Chile. P. chlamydospora was isolated from 82% of samples from vines 2 to 18 years old that showed decline symptoms in the field. Isolates were identified on the basis of a previous description (1) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) rDNA sequences identical to those of P. chlamydospora isolated from Vitis vinifera (culture CBS 22995, GenBank Accession No. AF 197973). P. chlamydospora is established as a member of the petri and esca disease complex and as a pathogen of grapevines (2,3). Pathogenicity tests were completed by injecting into the pith of 50 single-node, rooted cuttings of Pinot noir and 3309C, approximately 20 μl of a 10⁶ conidia per ml suspension, obtained from four isolates from Chile and one from California. Ten control cuttings of Pinot noir and 3309C were injected with an equal volume of sterile distilled water. Twenty-four weeks after inoculations, all P. chlamydospora-inoculated cuttings exhibited dark streaking of the vascular tissue extending 40 to 45 mm from the point of inoculation. The vascular streaking observed in inoculated plants was identical to symptoms observed in declining vines in the vineyard. No symptoms were observed in the controls. P. chlamydospora was isolated from the region of vascular streaking in 85% of inoculated cuttings. P. chlamydospora was not isolated from the water-treated controls. The reisolated P. chlamydospora was verified with means of morphological characters and polymerase chain reaction amplification with the species-specific primers (3). P. chlamydospora is widespread and readily isolated from declining grapevines in Chile and other grape growing regions of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. chlamydospora from the cultivars cited above in Chile. References: (1) M. Groenewald et al. Mycol. Res. 105:651, 2001. (2) L. sparapano et al. Phytopathol. Mediterr. (Suppl.)40:376, 2001. (3) S. Tegli et al. Phytopathol. Mediterr. 39:134, 2000.

Black Dead Arm and Basal Canker of Vitis vinifera cv. Red Globe Caused by Botryosphaeria obtusa in Chile

Several years ago, Vitis vinifera cv. Red Globe vines (over 6 years old), started to show disease symptoms approximately 10 weeks after bud break. Symptoms first appeared on the leaves at the base of the shoots and then spread to other leaves, continuing to appear throughout the growing season. Two forms of the disease (severe and mild) were observed, each case leading to premature leaf fall. The severe form was characterized by dieback of one or more shoots accompanied by leaf drop and shriveling and drying of fruit clusters. The mild form was characterized by wine-red spots on the leaf margins or the leaf blade, which coalesced to form large zones of necrosis between the veins and the margins of the leaf. Fruit clusters may wither. If the bark is scraped off, a brown streak, 1 to 2 cm wide, was often seen in the wood. The streaking began at the base of the affected shoot and extended upward to the ground level, eventually resulting in a basal canker. Botryosphaeria obtusa (Schwein.) Shoemaker (anamorph = Sphaeropsis malorum Berk.) was isolated from 86% of samples from vines that were 6 to 10 years old from 12 locations in IV, V, VI, and metropolitan regions of Chile. Isolations were made from brownstreaked wood. Isolates were identified on the basis of a previous description (1,2) and internal transcribed spacer (ITSI-5.8S-ITS2) rDNA sequences identical to those of B. obtusa (culture KJ9356, GenBank Accession No. AF027759). B. obtusa is established as one of the main fungi associated with black dead arm of grapevine (2,3). Pathogenicity tests were completed by inoculating approximately 20 μl of mycelial suspension via injection into the pith of 16 single-node, rooted cuttings of V. vinifera cv. Red Globe. Sixteen control cuttings were injected with an equal volume of sterile distilled water. Twenty weeks after inoculation, all B. obtusa-inoculated cuttings exhibited brown streaks in the wood extending 50 to 60 mm from the point of inoculation. The wood streaking observed in inoculated plants was identical to symptoms observed in naturally infected black dead arm vines in the vineyard. No symptoms were observed in the controls. B.obtusa was reisolated from the region of brown streaking in all the inoculated cuttings. B. obtusa was not isolated from the water-treated controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. obtusa causing black dead arm and basal canker on Red Globe grapevine in Chile. The fungal isolates have been deposited in the plant pathology laboratory of the Sanidad Vegetal Department of Agronomy Faculty of the University of Chile under the name V. vinifera/B. obtusa from N 1 to 16. References: (1) G. Cristinzio. Inf. Fitopatol. 28:21, 1978. (2) P. Larignon and B. Dubos. Phytoma 538:26, 2001. (3) A. J. L. Phillips. J. Phytopathol. 146:327, 1998.

Human sperm lipid content is modified after migration into human cervical mucus

The effect of the female genital tract on sperm is not well known. To investigate the effect of cervical mucus on the lipid content of human sperm, we co-incubated sperm and mucus samples in vitro such that the sperm were able to swim in and out of the mucus samples. High performance liquid chromatography and UV detection were used to measure the lipid contents of the sperm and cervical mucus before and after migration. The concentrations of cholesterol, vitamin E, sphingomyelin, diacyls and plasmalogens in sperm were all approximately 45% lower after migration in cervical mucus and the cervical mucus was found to be enriched in some of these lipid species after the sperm migration. These results suggest that the cervical mucus selects a subpopulation of sperm with a lower lipid content. However, a concomitant efflux of various lipid classes from the sperm to the cervical mucus cannot be ruled out.

High-performance liquid chromatographic–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric evidence for Se-“alliins” in garlic and onion grown in Se-rich soil

Garlic and onion, are well known for their medical value, especially in against cancer and anticardiovacular diseases. "Alliins" (S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulphoxides) are sources of major active compounds in Allium plants. Se incorporation into garlic significantly increases activities of garlic in cancer prevention and inhibition. Selenomethionine, selenocysteine and Se-methylselenocysteine have been identified in garlic and onion. Previously we identified gamma-glutamyl-Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine, in extracts of garlic cultivated in Se-rich soil [Med. Res. Rev. 16 (1) (1996) 111], suggesting the possible existence of Se-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine selenoxides (Se-"alliins") in garlic. Several comparative experiments were carried out to demonstrate the existence of Se-"alliins" in Se-enriched garlic and onion. We found that there was one similar time-dependent Se signal in HPLC-inductively coupled plasma MS chromatograms of cold-water extracts of freeze-dried garlic powder and fresh garlic. This signal was lost when the extracts of garlic powder and fresh garlic were stored for 1 day at >4 degrees C, but remained in fresh onion extract at the same storage conditions. These phenomena and possible mechanisms are discussed. An additional experiment showed that Allium species cultivated in Se-rich soil might contain two different Se-"alliins".

Inter-individual variability in the morphological assessment of human sperm: effect of the level of experience and the use of standard methods

BACKGROUND

The assessment of human sperm morphology is not devoid of methodological problems, making comparison among laboratories difficult. The main goal of this study was to assess how the experience and compliance to the recommended procedures can modulate it.

METHODS

Sixty-two technicians and biologists of varying degrees of andrological experience classified the same 100 sperm in a blind study from images captured on a video microscope and projected onto a screen. David's morphology classification which distinguishes normal and abnormal sperm and calculates a Multiple Anomalies Index (MAI) was used. These sperm were also classified by two trained and experienced biologists using videotaped images to provide reference values.

RESULTS

The inter-participant coefficient of variation was 40% for normal sperm, lower for five defects and, 12% for MAI. Experienced participants had the closest results to the reference values. Moreover, participants not routinely using the recommended methodologies, regardless of their experience level, consistently showed marked differences compared with the reference values.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data confirm the wide variability in the assessment of normal sperm and show a lower variability for several anomalies and MAI. They underscore the role that experience plays and the importance of following the recommended methodologies for relevant and comparable results.

High-performance ion-pair chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of alliin, deoxyalliin, allicin and dipeptide precursors in garlic products using multiple mass spectrometry and UV detection

The quality of garlic and garlic products is usually related to their alliin content and allicin release potential. Until now no analytical method was able to quantify simultaneously allicin, its direct precursor alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide), SAC (S-allyl-L-cysteine) as well as various dipeptides that apparently serve as storage compounds in garlic. It is well known that all these intermediates are involved in the allicin biosynthetic pathway. A simple and rapid HPLC method suitable for routine analysis was developed using eluents containing an ion-pairing reagent. Particularly, heptanesulfonate as ion-pairing reagent guarantees a sufficient separation between alliin and the more retained dipeptides at very low pH. Allicin was eluted after 18 min on a 150 x 3 mm column. Synthetic reference compounds were characterized by the same chromatographic method using a diode-array UV detector and an ion trap mass spectrometer (electrospray ionization) in the multiple MS mode. In routine analysis of garlic bulbs, powders and other products, the diode-array detector is sufficient for a relevant quantification. Our method has been used in studies to improve the quality of garlic and its derived products.

In vivo metabolism of diallyl disulphide in the rat: identification of two new metabolites

1. Diallyl disulphide (DADS), a compound formed from the organosulphur compounds present in garlic, is known for its anticarcinogenic effects in animal models. 2. The aim was to identify and analyse the metabolites produced in vivo after a single oral administration of 200 mg kg(-1) DADS to rats. The organic sulphur metabolites present in the stomach, liver, plasma and urine were measured by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry over 15 days. 3. Data indicate that DADS is absorbed and transformed into allyl mercaptan, allyl methyl sulphide, allyl methyl sulphoxide (AMSO) and allyl methyl sulphone (AMSO(2)), which are detected throughout the excretion period. Overall, the highest amounts of metabolites were measured 48-72h after the DADS administration. AMSO(2) is the most abundant and persistent of these compounds. The levels of all the sulphur compounds rapidly decline within the first week after administration and disappear during the second week. Only AMSO and AMSO(2) are significantly excreted in urine. 4. These potential metabolites are thought to be active in the target tissues. Our data warrant further studies to check this hypothesis.

[Asthma caused by isocyanate exposure]

Asthma from exposure to inhalation of isocyanates is an affection recognised under the title of work place diseases within table no 62 in the General Regulations and no 43 in the Agricultural Regulations. If workplace induced asthma is the most frequent of the workplace respiratory illnesses with a frequency of 2 to 15% of the asthmatic population, 1 patient in 2 will only be the object of a declaration and 1 in 3 the objective of a survey by the administrative authorities. The frequency of isocyanate asthma is on average 16.4% amongst workplace asthmas (19.6% in the industrial environment and 1.5% in an agricultural environment); if this prevalence is dose-dependent according to Baür, 30% of patients exposed to weak doses of isocyanate (0.3% ppb according to White) develop asthmatic disease whilst Bernstein estimates as 5 to 10% the frequency of asthmatic disease per 100,000 persons who are exposed to isocyanates.

Aroma analysis of fresh and preserved onions and leek by dual solid-phase microextraction-liquid extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The lachrymatory factor (thiopropanal-S-oxide) was directly analysed on fresh onion (Allium cepa) juice by solid-phase microextraction (polyacrylate fibre) using a fast routine GC-MS method on a 10 m x 0.32 mm I.D. (4 microm thick polydimethylsiloxane film) column with splitless mode injection. The identification and quantification of thiosulphinates and zwiebelanes were obtained on the same juice extracted by diethyl ether after 80 min maceration using the same GC-MS method. Selected ion recording enhanced the differentiation possibilities and the detection limits. This dual method was used to evaluate flavour differences between onion and shallot varieties as it provides accurate profiles of all initially formed compounds. Moreover, this method allowed us to compare qualitatively and quantitatively transformed products: frozen, freeze-dried powders and sterilised products. Excepting the lachrymatory factor, frozen onion compounds were similar compared to those of fresh onion sample. Conversely, the other transformed samples have lost most of the initially formed compounds and produced mainly di- and trisulphides corresponding to the degradation of thiosulphinates and zwiebelanes. These dramatic changes can explain the very different flavours of these manufactured products compared to fresh material.

Time to pregnancy and semen parameters: a cross-sectional study among fertile couples from four European cities

BACKGROUND

In fertile populations, little is known about the association between semen parameters and time to pregnancy (TTP).

METHODS

Pregnant women from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Paris and Turku who conceived without medical intervention were asked for their TTP (942 couples), and their partners provided a semen sample. The proportion of morphologically normal sperm and the multiple anomalies index (MAI, ratio of the total number of anomalies to the number of abnormal sperm) were centrally estimated. We estimated rate ratios for the occurrence of a pregnancy by a discrete survival model, adjusted for sexual activity and female factors affecting fecundity.

RESULTS

Increasing sperm concentration influenced TTP up to 55 x 10(6)/ml. The proportion of morphologically normal sperm influenced TTP up to 39% according to David's criteria, and this association held among the subjects with a sperm concentration >55 x 10(6)/ml. For strict criteria, the threshold value was 19% normal sperm. An increase of 0.5 in MAI was associated with an adjusted rate ratio for the occurrence of a pregnancy of 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the importance of sperm morphology parameters and indicate that the effect of proportion of normal sperm on TTP may be independent of sperm concentration.

Sperm morphological defects related to environment, lifestyle and medical history of 1001 male partners of pregnant women from four European cities

BACKGROUND

Recently, differences in semen quality have been found among the partners of pregnant women from four European cities: Turku, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Paris.

METHODS

During this study, slides from the four centres were subjected to a centralized assessment of sperm morphology. The percentages of sperm defects were recorded using a multiple-entry classification enabling the calculation of the multiple anomalies index (MAI), which is the mean number of anomalies per abnormal sperm. The relationships between various sperm abnormalities and self-reported data on medical history, lifestyle and occupational factors were examined.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the MAI and most of the sperm defects were found between the four cities, and more abnormalities were found in spring than in winter. An increase in some sperm abnormalities was related to medical treatment of the mother during pregnancy, higher birthweight and previous treatment for cryptorchidism. Significant variations of several sperm defects were related to stress, weekly working time, occupational posture and metal welding, suggesting directions for further exposure studies.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicated that the detailed assessment of sperm abnormalities is a useful biomarker of the effect of various external factors which may qualitatively affect human spermatogenesis.