(C) 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Sperm DNA fragmentation is increased in poor-quality semen samples and correlates with failed fertilization, impaired preimplantation development and reduced pregnancy outcome. Common sperm preparation techniques may reduce the percentage of strandbreak-positive spermatozoa, but, to date, there is no reliable
approach to exclusively accumulate strandbreak-free spermatozoa. To analyse the efficiency of special sperm selection chambers (Zech-selectors made of glass or polyethylene) in terms of strandbreak reduction, 39 subfertile men were recruited and three probes (native, density gradient and Zech-selector) were used to check for strand breaks using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. The mean percentage of affected spermatozoa in the ejaculate was 15.8 +/- 7.8% (range 5.0-42.1%). Density gradient 3 MA did not significantly improve the quality of spermatozoa selected (14.2 +/- 7.0%). However, glass chambers completely removed 90% spermatozoa showing strand breaks and polyethylene chambers removed 76%. Both types of Zech-selectors were
equivalent in their efficiency, significantly reduced DNA damage (P < 0.001) and, with respect to this, performed better than density gradient centrifugation (P < 0.001). As far as is known, this is the first report on a sperm preparation technique concentrating spermatozoa unaffected in terms Chk inhibitor of DNA damage. The special chambers most probably select for sperm motility and/or maturity. (C) 2010, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: The aim of the present study was to review treatment results in patients with paraganglioma (PGL) of the neck presenting as carotid body tumour, long-term follow-up and relevance of genetic testing for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-gene mutations.
Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data and prospective genetic analysis.
Materials
and Methods: Over a 25-year period (1987-2011) 50 patients were operated for 63 PGLs of the neck. Pre-, intra- and postoperative findings were analysed. Sanger sequencing was performed for LY3023414 datasheet genetic testing of SDH-gene mutations (SDH B, SDHC and SDHD).
Results: Fifty patients underwent resection of 63 PGLs (62 benign, one malignant) without mortality. Eight patients underwent preoperative embolisation. Vascular surgical procedures were required in 15 operations (15/63 = 23.8%). Nerve lesions occurred after 13 operations (13/63 = 20.6%) and were associated with large tumours. A total of 44 patients are alive after a mean follow-up of 9.8 years.
In 40 patients 17 SDH-gene mutations were detected (17/40 = 42.5%): 14 SDHD mutations, two SDHB Mutations and one rare SDHC mutation.
Conclusion: Surgery for PGL is recommended. All PGL patients should be screened for SDH mutations because it impacts the individual follow-up strategy.