A case of unilateral absence of a distal portion of Fallopian tube and ovary in association with a migratory calcified intraperitoneal mass is described. A review of the literature concerning this rare occurrence is summarized, and a discussion of the etiology of such an entity is presented. The surgical technique for removal of such a pelvic lesion through a posterior colpotomy incision and use of the laparoscope is also described.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison between human sperm preservation medium and TEST-yolk buffer on protecting chromatin and morphology integrity of human spermatozoa in fertile and subfertile men after freeze-thawing procedure.

The aim of this study was to identify the detrimental effect of the freeze-thaw process on chromatin integrity and morphology of human spermatozoa, and to determine whether human sperm preservation medium (HSPM) or TEST-yolk buffer (TYB) offers a better protection to spermatozoa from cryodamage after the freeze-thaw procedure. Thirty-five semen samples obtained from couples childless because of male factor infertility (subfertile men, group 1) and 25 semen samples from healthy, normal volunteers of proven fertility (group 2) were included in the study. Each semen sample was divided into 2 parts, the first part was mixed with HSPM and the other with TYB (1:1), and frozen with a controlled slow-stage freezer, before plunging into liquid nitrogen. Twelve smears from each semen sample were made before (n = 4) and after (n = 8) the freeze-thaw process. Chromatin structure was evaluated after staining using the acridine orange (AO) test, whereas morphology was analyzed according to strict criteria. The mean percentage of spermatozoa that exhibited normal morphology and intact chromatin structure was decreased after freeze-thaw in all samples treated with HSPM or TYB in comparison with the value observed in the native semen samples of both groups. However, TYB preserved chromatin and morphology significantly better than HSPM did (9.3% +/- 5.6% and 88.7% +/- 11.2% vs. 7.8% +/- 4.2% and 85.5% +/- 12.5%, respectively). Therefore, TYB could be recommended as a first choice cryoprotectant for semen preservation in order to avoid extra chromatin structure damage and morphology alterations of spermatozoa not only for patients pursuing assisted reproduction, but also for donor samples.

Cell Survival↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A central venous catheter for long-term studies on drug effects and pharmacokinetics in Munich minipigs.

We have developed an implantable venous catheter for repeated blood sampling in the Munich minipig. The catheter consists of silicone tubing, with a polyesterfibre net for fixation in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It was introduced into the right jugular vein, and its tip was positioned in the right atrium. The extravascular part of the catheter was tunnelled subcutaneously to the exit point in the subscapular region. In order to avoid contamination of the silicone tubing by drugs, intravenous administrations were performed via a second polyethylene catheter inserted into the implanted catheter. In 9 minipigs, the catheter remained patent for an average of 200 days (maximum 515 days). The animals did not show any signs of discomfort or impaired health.

Anesthesia↗