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Biomedical subjects

I Eibschitz

Publications and source records attributed to I Eibschitz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Isolation and characterization of medaka ribosomal protein S3a (fte-1) cDNA and gene.

Many ribosomal protein genes were cloned from different organisms. We describe here, for the first time, the isolation of the ribosomal protein S3a cDNA and gene from a teleost - the medaka (Oryzias latipes). The cDNA sequence is 863bp long and encodes an open reading frame of 266 amino acids. The gene is 2927bp long and contains six introns and five introns. The levels of the S3a mRNA are elevated during embryonal development. Transcription of the gene was also detected in different tissues of adult medaka. At the 5' untranslated region of the cDNA, the terminal pyrimidine tract, a common feature with all ribosomal protein genes, was found. snoRNA sequences were found in introns 3 and 5, similar to human and mouse U73b and U73a.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The effect of human fallopian tube epithelium on human sperm velocity motility and binding.

PURPOSE: A prospective, controlled in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of human fallopian tube epithelium on the motility, velocity, and binding of human spermatozoa. METHODS: Eleven fallopian tubes from six women undergoing hysterectomy and semen samples from 14 male partners of women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected. Human spermatozoa were cultured with monolayer of human fallopian tube epithelial cells. The motility and velocity were analyzed subsequently at 0, 2, 6, 24, and 48 hr of incubation. The sperm binding capacity was analyzed after 48 hr in the hemizona assay (HZA). RESULTS: The presence of the human fallopian tube epithelial cells did not have any beneficial effects on sperm motility and velocity. On the other hand, significant promoting effect was observed in the ability of the sperm to bind to the zona pellucida. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of human spermatozoa with fallopian tube epithelial cells significantly increases sperm binding in the HZA.

Epithelial Cells↗

High progesterone levels and ciliary dysfunction--a possible cause of ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of different levels of hormones on the ciliary activity of human oviducts and, consequently, to assess their possible role in tubal implantation of the fertilized egg. DESIGN: Fallopian tube epithelial samples were incubated in media with the addition of Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), LH, or pure FSH (Metrodin) in different concentrations. The ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured after 24 h of incubation. Then the media were exchanged to media without the addition of hormones and the CBF was measured again 24 h later by using the photoelectric technique. SETTING: University teaching hospital, IVF unit. RESULTS: Twenty-four hr after the addition of P to the culture medium in concentrations of 0.5 or 1 ng/ml a significant decline of the CBF down to 63% of the control level was observed (P < 0.001) and with P in concentration of 2 ng/ml or greater, 50-70% of the cilia were paralyzed. These effects of P were found to be reversible. Incubation with E2 induced a slight increase of 4% in the mean CBF (P = 0.002). Twenty-four hr incubation with Metrodin, Pergonal, or LH did not affect ciliary motility. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of progesterone cause ciliary dysfunction and subsequently may be a possible cause of ectopic pregnancy.

Animals↗

Assessment of endometrial receptivity for gestation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, using endometrial thickness and the endometrium-myometrium relative echogenicity coefficient.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in relation to the sonographic parameters of the endometrium. DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with no uterine pathology (age 31.1 +/- 5.4 years) treated in our IVF clinic for various indications were assessed during 75 cycles in which good-quality (grades 1 and 2) embryos were transferred. Controlled ovarian stimulation was achieved by the long protocol (gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and gonadotropins). The bilayered endometrial thickness (BET), estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone serum levels were measured in 272 tests. A special computer program was used to measure endometrial echogenicity relative to myometrial echogenicity. The gray-level data were analyzed on the basis of the midsagittal sonographic uterine image. Endometrium-myometrium relative echogenicity coefficient (E/M REC) values were computed and displayed graphically along the anteroposterior axis of the endometrial layers in the upper part of the uterine cavity. The area under the E/M REC curve within the BET limits was defined as the relative echogenicity area (REA) and was used as a measure of endometrial echogenicity. Each cycle was sampled in six time segments representing desensitization, follicular and luteal phases. Assigning the day of ovum pick-up as day 0, the time segments of each cycle were: first, day -20 to day -11; second, day -10 to day -6; third, day -5 to day -2; fourth, day 0; fifth, day +7 to day +14; sixth, day +15 to day +21. RESULTS: A total of 276 embryos were transferred (3.68 +/- 1.01 per cycle), of which 223 were of good quality (2.97 +/- 1.51 per cycle). An intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed in 29 patients. All patients in this study had a BET of > 5 mm in the third and the fourth time segments. There was no significant difference in BET and REA between pregnant and non-pregnant patients tested in the first to the fifth time segments of the IVF cycles. Both BET and REA measured in the sixth time segment were significantly higher in pregnant compared to non-pregnant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the proposed sonographic assessment of the endometrium shows no benefit in characterization of uterine receptivity in IVF patients with a reactive endometrium. High BET and REA values can indicate pregnancy during the sixth time segment, when the decidualization of the endometrium is well established.

Adult↗

Laser scattering instrument for real time in-vivo measurement of ciliary activity in human fallopian tubes.

Based on a laser light scattering technique and fibre optic probe, we have developed and tested a simple and practical device for real time measurements of ciliary activity in human Fallopian tubes during laparoscopy and laparotomy. A further aim was to investigate the relationship between the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and the morphology of the ciliary epithelium. The mean +/- SE of CBF in the fimbria and in the ampulla were 5.4 +/- 0.3 Hz and 5.0 +/- 0.1 Hz respectively. Small pieces of fimbria and ampulla epithelium were taken from the same sites at which the CBF was measured, and the percentage of ciliary cells was determined by scanning electron microscopy. A high positive correlation was found between CBF and the percentage of ciliary cells in the fimbria (r = 0.84) and in the ampulla (r = 0.88). The instrument presented in this study provided, for the first time, a quantitative examination of the CBF in intact human Fallopian tubes and may be used for the investigation of ciliary activity in patients with infertility.

Cilia↗

Endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactivity in follicular fluid and in vitro fertilization.

Plasma digoxin-like immunoreactive factor (DLIF) has been detected in various pathophysiological conditions associated with volume expansion. In this study, using radioimmunoassay, we confirmed the existence of high levels of DLIF in the stimulated follicular fluid, a rapidly volume-expanding biological model. The concentration of the various fractions of DLIF in follicular fluid was 2-9 times higher than in plasma, suggesting local concentration or production. No difference in concentration was observed between follicles containing fertilized oocytes and follicles with unfertilized oocytes. The role of DLIF in follicular homeostasis remains to be further investigated.

Blood Proteins↗

Flow-velocity profiles of the fetal aorta and umbilical artery in pregnancies complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension and fetal growth retardation.

Sixty-seven women undergoing ultrasonographic evaluation in the high-risk clinic were randomly recruited to be examined by a newly developed computerized method that presents flow-velocity profiles derived from pulsed Doppler-generated flow-velocity waveforms. Each woman had pulsed Doppler flow velocimetry of the fetal aorta and umbilical arteries done. Subjects were either normal controls (N = 20) or had pregnancies complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension (N = 29), fetal growth retardation (N = 11), or both (N = 7). Distinct patterns of flow-velocity distribution across the fetal aorta and proximal umbilical arteries were identified in the pregnancies characterized by increased placental resistance. At peak systole, normal velocity was maintained only at a narrow area around the center of the vessel, whereas velocity in the rest of the vessel area was markedly reduced. These changes were present in 40 of 47 subjects (85.1%) with complicated pregnancies, whereas 27 of 47 (57.4%) had umbilical artery systolic-diastolic ratios above the 95th percentile. No significant differences between normal and complicated pregnancies were seen during diastole. Our findings suggest that increased placental resistance results in a redistribution of velocities within fetal blood vessels, often before maximal end-diastolic velocity is decreased.

Adult↗

Digoxin-like immunoreactive factor(s) in human gonadotropin stimulated follicular fluid.

Plasma digoxin-like immunoreactive factor(s) (DLIF) have been reported in various pathophysiological conditions associated with volume expansion and linked to the regulation of blood volume and pressure. We hypothesized that DLIF might be present in rapidly expanding gonadotropin-stimulated ovarian follicles. The mean total and free DLIF concentrations in the follicles (n = 9) studied were 4925 nmol/L and 1885 nmol/L, respectively. These concentrations were substantially higher than the plasma total and free DLIF levels in these women: 1216 nmol/L and 158 nmol/L, respectively (p less than 0.0001). The plasma DLIF levels in the gonadotropin-treated women were comparable to those in term pregnant women, which are known to be higher than those in non-pregnant women. The ovary thus may be a source of DLIF in the plasma of gonadotropin-treated women, and DLIF may have a role in ovarian follicular fluid homeostasis.

Blood Proteins↗

Uterine evaluation by microhysteroscopy in IVF candidates.

Over an eight-month period, microhysteroscopy was performed on 180 women, candidates for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). One hundred and two of them were suspected of having uterocervical pathology (group I), and 78 were not (group II). Group I had microhysteroscopic abnormalities in 60.8% and group II in 21.8%. Microhysteroscopy showed 30.6% of 36 positive hysterographies to be false positive and 37.5% of 144 negative hysterographies to be false negative, producing a confirmation rate of 63.9%. Admission to the IVF programme depended on microhysteroscopic normality. One hundred and one women were accepted directly, and 20 refused ('primary decision'). Fifty-nine were deferred with treatable hysteroscopic abnormalities, pending medical (22) and surgical (37) treatment, 14 via the microhysteroscope. Of the 59 women deferred, 51 were finally admitted and 8 rejected after a microhysteroscopic check ('secondary decision'). Finally, 152 of the 180 candidates (84.4%) were admitted. Microhysteroscopy helped to determine the optimal route for embryo transfer in 23 women with cervical pathology. Term pregnancy rates per embryo transfer were similar with hysteroscopic findings primarily normal, or normal after successful treatment (11.2 and 10.8% respectively). Microhysteroscopy seems useful for selection of cases for IVF, accurately determining utero-cervical pathology or normality, aiding in surgical correction of abnormalities and facilitating the process of embryo transfer. We suggest that microhysteroscopy should be performed routinely on all IVF candidates.

Adult↗

In vitro fertilization management and results in stimulated cycles with spontaneous luteinizing hormone discharge.

During a period of 14 months, in an in vitro fertilization program, 97 ultrasonically guided follicular punctures were performed in women with premature spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) discharge (group I) and 217 in women with a normal LH value who received human chorionic gonadotropin injection as a surrogate LH surge (group II). All cycles were stimulated by clomiphene citrate plus human menopausal gonadotropin. In group I, oocytes were not recovered in 35% of punctures, compared with only 21.2% in group II (P less than 0.02). In cycles in which the serum 17 beta-estradiol (E2) levels was less than 1200 pg/ml and the number of follicles greater than or equal to 14 mm diameter monitored was less than three, 69% of punctures in group I and 36.7% of punctures in group II failed to yield oocytes. We suggest that patients stimulated in this way who have a spontaneous LH discharge with an E2 value of less than 1200 pg/ml and less than three follicles 14 mm in diameter present should not proceed to follicular puncture.

Adult↗

In vitro fertilization in tuberculous infertility.

Twenty women, suffering from infertility due to histologically proved genital tuberculosis, were managed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 49 attempts. The main histopathological lesions were tuberculous salpingitis in 12 women, tuberculous endometritis in 5, and pelvic peritoneal tuberculosis in 3. A preliminary evaluation including, particularly, a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy was performed. Five deliveries and one ongoing pregnancy were obtained. The results suggest that IVF nowadays represents the only treatment for tuberculous infertility.

Adult↗

The value of laparoscopy in women with chronic pelvic pain and a "normal pelvis".

During the period January 1976--December 1982 laparoscopy was performed on 186 women complaining of pelvic pain of at least 6 months' duration. In all these cases, the routine pelvic examination and other medical and laboratory tests were negative. Laparoscopy revealed pelvic pathology in only 8.2%: in the vast majority (91.8%) entirely normal pelvic organs were seen. Evidence from the literature is compiling as to the psychogenic origin of most cases of chronic pelvic pain. Recently, it has been shown that laparoscopically negative pelvic pain can be relieved or abolished by psychological intervention. Since pathological findings on laparoscopy are of very low percentage and since the pain is psychogenic in most cases, the value of routine laparoscopy in chronic pelvic pain is very low. We propose that all women with chronic pelvic pain and normal pelvic examination should undergo psychological assessment and treatment if necessary. Laparoscopy should then be reserved for only those cases who show no amelioration on psychological intervention. Our estimation is that this approach would reduce the rate of laparoscopies performed for chronic pelvic pain by about 90%.

Adult↗

Isometric exercise test for predicting gestational hypertension.

One hundred normotensive young primigravidas underwent an isometric handgrip exercise test between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. The same individual performed the tests and the results were withheld from the physician taking care of the patient. The study demonstrates a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 96.5%. These results demonstrate a reliable predictive ability of this simple exercise test for gestational hypertension.

Exercise Test↗

Is serum free estriol measurement essential in the management of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy?

A prospective study of antepartum fetal evaluation of 306 randomized hypertensive pregnancies was carried out. One hundred and fifty-four patients (group 1) were managed in accordance with a protocol (protocol A) which included non-stress test (NST), oxytocin challenge test (OCT), serum unconjugated (free) estriol measurements (E3), and ultrasound measurement of the fetal head-to-abdomen circumference ratio (H/A c.r.). A second group (group 2), composed of 152 patients, was managed using another protocol (protocol B) which included the NST, OCT and ultrasound measurement of the fetal head-to-abdomen circumference ratio (H/A). We found a good correlation between the serial normal tests and the outcome of pregnancies. We obtained good results in patients with abnormal NST-OCT and meconium-stained amniotic fluid and in patients with repeated abnormal NST-OCT with clear amniotic fluid due to active management by early deliveries ignoring fetal lung maturity. This management increased the rate of cesarean section and prematurity. There was a low correlation between patients with abnormal serum free estriol as the only antepartum pathological test and the appearance of intrapartum fetal distress, low birth weight and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The contribution of serum free estriol (E3) measurements in such patients was only of value in cases of intra-uterine fetal growth retardation, but its prediction rate was less than that of ultrasound measurement of head-to-abdomen circumference ratio. Our results indicate that hypertensive pregnancy management without serum free estriol measurement may be valuable and safe.

Estriol↗

Hormonal profile of endometrial cancer.

Out of all the risk factors of endometrial carcinoma, the 'Oestrone Theory' is especially fascinating. This theory assumes that prolonged uninterrupted stimulation of the endometrial cell by oestrone, without the competition of oestradiol and oestriol, brings about neoplasia. There is also some evidence of a protective effect of androgens and progesterone. In order to verify this theory in vivo, oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and progestogen levels were examined from the serum of 36 post-menopausal women suffering from endometrial carcinoma, and compared with a healthy group of women. Oestrone levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with endometrial carcinoma. A correlation was also found between oestrone levels and previous infertility. With the intention of tracking the origin of oestrone in those suffering from endometrial cancer, hormone levels were checked before and after total hysterectomy and oophorectomy. The high oestrone values dropped to normal after the operation, except in those who had previously suffered from infertility. In those patients, high oestrone values were found a year after the operation. No significant differences of testosterone or progesterone were found between the cancer patients and the healthy women. The operation did not have any influence on these values.

Adult↗

Prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of Ebstein's anomaly with pulmonary atresia.

Ebstein's anomaly with pulmonary atresia was diagnosed in utero for the first time by fetal echocardiography. The fetus, examined at 35 weeks' gestation, had no extracardiac sonographic evidence of heart failure, but the heart filled the anterior portion of the chest. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a huge right atrium. The tricuspid valve, instead of originating from the anulus, was demonstrated as originating from the wall of the right ventricle, thus dividing the ventricle into two parts: the true ventricle and the "atrialized portion" of the right ventricle. These features corresponded with Ebstein's anomaly. Short episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (250 bpm) corresponded with the tachyarrhythmias frequently associated with Ebstein's anomaly. Pulmonary atresia was suspected, as movement of the pulmonary valve could not be demonstrated. The baby was delivered at 40 weeks' gestation and died 3 days later. Postnatal cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography and postmortem examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.

Adult↗