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PubMed1999

Sperm morphology and IVF: embryo quality in relation to sperm morphology following the WHO and Krüger's strict criteria.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between sperm morphology and embryo quality/IVF outcome. METHODS: The implication of sperm morphology assessment before an IVF cycle was evaluated. A total of 100 IVF couples where the female partner had either tubal factor (n=50) or unexplained infertility (n= 50) entered a prospective study, and sperm samples for the actual cycle were assessed according to the strict criteria and WHO criteria. The study was blinded for the technician involved in sperm morphology analyzing. IVF was carried out according to a long down regulation protocol using GnRH/FSH/hCG and ova were inseminated with 200,000 spermatozoa/ml. Embryos were transferred on day 2 post fertilization in a maximum of three embryos. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups regarding age of the female partner (mean=34.3), no. oocytes retrieved (mean=8.5), fertilization (66.5%), pregnancies (pos. S-hCG/transfer 39.6%) or 'Take home baby rate' (birth rate/transfer 30.0%). As to the score of Krüger's strict criteria and the WHO criteria, we found no correlation between this score and cleavage rate, embryo development or pregnancies. The WHO criteria were found to be a better predictor for fertilization rate than the Krüger's criteria (p<0.002). CONCLUSION: The strict criteria or sperm evaluation according to WHO have no better predictive value for the outcome of routine IVF.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

[The correlation of morphological and biochemical factors in human ejaculate in various andrological diagnoses. I. Relationship between ejaculate volume, number, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa with regard to age].

This first report from a study conducted to determine correlations between morphological and biochemical parameters in human ejaculate presents the results based on the measurement of predominantly morphological criteria in patients of various clinical diagnosis groups. The allocation of the 525 patients, who were recruited into the study during the period 1972/73 in the Department of Andrology, Hamburg-Eppendorf, to the diagnosis groups normozoospermia (196), asthenozoospermia (92), oligozoospermia (181) and azoospermia (56) was performed in accordance with the Recommendations for Andrological Nomenclature (1970). The following data were evaluated for this report: height (cm), weight (kg), age (years), ejaculate volume (ml), number of spermatozoa (mill./ml), motility (percentage of highly motile, motile and non-motile spermatozoa), round cells (mill./ml), morphology (percentage of normal-shaped/pathological spermatozoa), changes to the head, middle and tail sections (percentage of the pathological spermatozoa). Relationships between a dependent biological variable (y) and a variable to be assumed independent (x) were obtained by adaptation of polynomials of the 3rd degree: y = b0 + b1 + b2x2 + b3x3. The coefficients (b) which did not differ significantly (p greater than 0.05) from zero were eliminated step by step in regression analyses with breakdown and the resulting mean curves within the ranges covered by the sample depicted graphically. For the time being, the relationships found are described only in the sense of a collection of material. The increased occurrence of pathological spermatozoa in advancing age together with lower values for highly motile spermatozoa could be regarded as a result of a lower organ effectiveness of testosterone, which is protein-bound to an increased extent with advancing age. At the present time there is no explanation for the larger numbers of spermatozoa found with increasing age. The positive correlation between higher sperm counts and high motility, and between high motility and a lower percentage of pathological forms corresponds to expectations from earlier studies. The number of changes to the head, middle and tail sections increase proportionally in keeping with an increasing percentage of pathological forms. When the changes to the head, middle and tail sections are placed in relationship to the diagnosis groups normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia a disproportional percental participation becomes noticeable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Characterisation of ramified microglial cells: detailed morphology, morphological plasticity and proliferative capability.

Several cellular properties of brain microglia in the rat were investigated using both whole tissue and cultures of dissociated cerebral cortical cells. As revealed by thiamine pyrophosphatase histochemistry, tissue microglia possessed a highly distinctive cellular morphology. Stained microglia showed similar overall features of morphology and distribution in both preparations; however, the cells in culture displayed some slight differences from those of the tissue, including larger somata and less developed processes. Through studying living ramified cells in culture, both morphological plasticity as evidenced by patterned variations in soma size and mitotic activity were directly confirmed. It was concluded that ramified microglia definitely possess proliferative capability, and this may reduce the need for blood cell recruitment in brain immune responses. In addition, cultured microglia exist in a somewhat more activated state than those in normal tissue, and in some instances undergo further activation as macrophages. This cortical tissue culture system should provide an amenable preparation for investigating the regulation of microglial function.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Research on the selection of embryos for transfer using a combined grading for embryo growth rate and morphology and zygote pronuclear morphology].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of using a combined grading for embryo growth rate and morphology and zygote pronuclear morphology, and to select embryos for transfer in clinical in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 2714 normal zygotes (2 pronuclei) from 434 treatment cycles with IVF/ICSI was analyzed between May 2003 and December 2003. These zygotes were divided into two groups (synchronous group and nonsynchronous group) according to the developmental synchrony of pronuclei. The developmental potential of zygotes from these two groups was observed. Embryos for transfer were selected initially by embryo growth rate and morphology, secondarily by zygote grade. The clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates were compared according to whether the embryos from synchronous group were transferred. RESULTS: There were 2714 normal zygotes, the good-quality embryos (> or = 6 cells, grade I - II) rate of the synchronous group (41.88%, 743/1774) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the nonsynchronous group (33.94%, 319/940). Totally 395 cycles transferred at least one embryo from synchronous group, the clinical pregnancy rate was 47.85% (189/395) and implantation rate was 27.49% (273/993). There was no significant difference from 39 cycles which did not transfer embryos from nonsynchronous group. The clinical pregnancy rate was 43.59% (17/39) and implantation rate was 25.00% (21/84). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that there are no significant differences in pregnancy rates and implantation rates between different zygote grade when selecting embryos for transfer by combined grading.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A morphological control for ventricular pathology in man: a morphometric and morphologic assessment of LV myofibres in secundum ASD.

Ethical considerations preclude the biopsy of normal human myocardium. As a consequence, morphological investigations of diseased human heart muscle are hampered by a lack of suitable normal control tissue. The left ventricular (LV) myocardium of patients with isolated secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is considered to be normal. This study was designed to investigate the possibility that the fine-structure of LV myofibres in hearts with ASD could be used as normal controls for myofibre pathomorphology. Wedge biopsies from the LV of four adults undergoing elective surgery for the repair of ASD were examined by light and electron microscopy. Bivariant myofibre morphometry showed that the LV myocardium of one specimen was 'normal' while three specimens exhibited varying degrees of hypertrophy. There was a correlation between the diameter (FD) and morphology of individual myofibres within and between specimens. In general, myofibres with FD less than 25 microns were similar in fine-structural appearance to those described as morphologically normal in animal models whereas those with FD greater than 25 microns exhibited hypertrophic features that increased in 'severity' with increase in myofibre size. It is proposed that although the LV myocardium in ASD may be mildly hypertrophied, myofibres with FD less than 25 microns are probably normal and may be used as fine-structural controls for myofibre pathomorphology in hearts suspected of disease.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Metastatic breast carcinoma in pleural fluid. Correlation of morphology with estrogen receptor activity and morphology of the primary carcinoma.

Sixty-nine breast carcinoma patients with malignant pleural effusions were studied (1) to compare the morphology of the carcinoma cells in the effusions with the morphology in the primary carcinomas and (2) to correlate the morphologic findings with the estrogen receptor (ER) activity of the carcinomas and with the survival of the patients. Twenty-six patients had effusions containing carcinoma cells forming hollow spheres (morula-positive cases) while 43 had pleomorphic tissue fragments or tumor giant cells or both (morula-negative cases). Twenty-nine of 44 primary carcinomas with hormone receptor determination were ER positive. The median survival of patients with ER-positive tumors was 77 months while the median survival of ER-negative patients was 46 months. Thirteen patients with morula-positive effusions and 16 patients with morula-negative effusions had ER-positive primary carcinomas (P less than .001). Thirteen of 17 patients with morula-positive effusions and 4 of 23 patients with morula-negative effusions had duct or tubule formation in their primary carcinomas (P less than .001). The median survival of 26 patients with morula-positive effusions was 92 months, compared with 49 months for 43 patients with morula-negative effusions (P less than .001). Patients with ER-positive/morula-negative carcinomas had a significantly better survival rate than did patients with ER-negative/morula-negative carcinomas, but a significantly poorer survival rate than did patients with morula-positive carcinomas.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1988

Analysis of the dental morphology of Plio-Pleistocene hominids. IV. Mandibular postcanine root morphology.

The subocclusal morphology of 168 permanent mandibular premolars (N = 77) and molars (N = 91) of Plio-Pleistocene hominids has been investigated. The taxonomic allocation of the teeth, which represent at least 46 individuals, was based on nondental evidence. Specimens were allocated to one of two major taxonomic categories, (EAFROB or EAFHOM), East African Homo erectus (EAFHER), or their taxonomic affinity was regarded as 'unknown' (N = 17). Information about the root system was derived from radiography and direct observation. Morphometric data were in the form of nine linear and two angular measurements based on eighteen reference points. Root form was also assessed using a scheme which recognised four classes of root morphology. Data were compared using both univariate and multivariate techniques, including Principal Component and Canonical Variate analysis. Posterior probabilities derived from the latter were used (in a two-taxon design model) to assess the affinities of the 'unknown' specimens. The variation in hominid mandibular premolar root form was interpreted as two morphoclines, based on the presumed primitive condition of the P3 (with mesiobuccal and distal roots, 2R: MB and D) and P4 (with mesial and distal root, 2R: M and D) root systems. One trend apparently leads towards root reduction (i.e. P3 = 1 R; P4 = 1 R), and the other to root elaboration (i.e. P3 and P4 = 2R: M and D). The extreme form of the latter is the 'molarisation' of the premolar roots seen in EAFROB. Despite major differences in root form there was relatively little taxonomic variation in root metrics, except for a more robust distal root system in EAFROB. Molar root form showed little interspecific variation except for M2 in which the roots in EAFROB were larger and more robust, with differences in root height being greater for the distal than for the mesial roots. Root form and metrics enable four of the 'unknown' specimens (KMN-ER 819, 1482, 1483 and 1801) to be tentatively allocated to EAFHOM, and a single specimen, KMN-ER 3731, to EAFROB. Published assessments of the root morphology of the 'robust' australopithecines from Swartkrans suggest that the premolar root form of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus is not obviously intermediate between the presumed ancestral condition, and the 'molarised' mandibular premolar root systems of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) boisei.

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed1985

Screening of agents which convert 'transformed morphology' of Rous sarcoma virus-infected rat kidney cells to 'normal morphology': identification of an active agent as herbimycin and its inhibition of intracellular src kinase.

During the course of screening of agents active in converting the transformed morphology of Rous sarcoma virus-infected rat kidney cells to the normal morphology, we identified an active substance produced by Streptomyces sp. MH237-CF8 as herbimycin. Herbimycin converted almost all cells into the normal morphology. The antibiotic was found to be an inhibitor of p60src-associated protein kinase in the cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Analysis of the dental morphology of Plio-pleistocene hominids. I. Mandibular molars: crown area measurements and morphological traits.

This study has used accurate measurements of crown area and precise assessments of the morphological traits of mandibular molars in an attempt to define the metrical and morphological characteristics of early hominid taxa. A total of 196 Plio-Pleistocene hominid molars were either allocated to one of six informal taxonomic groups or considered as individual cases. Accurate measurements of crown base area made from occlusal photographs have enabled us to estimate the effects of interproximal wear on crown areas. The average correction factor over the three molar types is around 2-4% with a maximum of 6%. The patterns of distribution of extra cusps show interesting differences between taxa. None of the M-1S in the two groups of 'gracile' hominids from East and South Africa bears a C6, but it is common in the two 'robust' taxa. The distribution of a C7 is the reverse of this, it being rare in the robust' taxa, and more common in the 'gracile' groups. There is thus no simple relationship between cusp number and tooth size. Our observations on the protostylid suggest that though it is more common in the 'robust' australopithecines than the 'graciles', when it does occur it is more strongly expressed in the 'gracile' group. The combination of simple metrical data, and the assessment of morphological traits, can help in the classification of enigmatic or incomplete specimens. Some isolated teeth from the collection at Koobi Fora can confidently be assigned to Australopithecus boisei, and useful guides have been provided for taxonomic assessment of the skull KNM-ER 1805, and the mandibles KNM-ER 1506 and 1820.

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed2003

Two morphological types of pineal window in catfish in relation to photophase and scotophase activity: a morphological and experimental study.

The pineal window is a transparent/translucent pineal covering on the dorsal surface of the cranium of certain fishes and is associated with light reactions of fish. In the present study, catfish species Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus vittatus, M. seenghala, and M. cavassius were examined for the type of pineal window present. Two morphologically different types of pineal window were found: an opaque-looking pineal window in C. batrachus and H. fossilis and a translucent type of pineal window in M. vittatus, M. seenghala, and M. cavassius. The distributional pattern of pigments in the melanophores at the pineal window were studied in terms of Melanophore Index (MI). In all of the species studied, a pineal foramen, a subepidermal lens-like tissue, and pineal end vesicle were present. Experiments were carried out on catfish having the opaque pineal window, as it is uncommon in catfish. Catfish with normal and shielded pineal window were exposed to conditions of artificial constant illumination (LL) and darkness (DD) to evaluate the effects of altered photoperiods on the state of pigmentation of melanophores at the pineal window. Recordings of diel activity patterns, which are light dependent in catfish, were carried out under both natural and artificial photoperiods in fish with a normal or shielded window in order to assess its functional nature. The existence of two morphologically and functionally different types of pineal window in a relatively closely related group of catfish has been demonstrated in this study. The nature of the opaque type of pineal window has been reconsidered based on new experimental evidence.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Biochemical, morphological and cytochemical studies of enhanced autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 2. Morphological and cytochemical studies.

Morphological and cytochemical observation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoing of induced autolysis were done in response to various chemical inducers of autolysis (NaCl, ethanol, fresh autolyzate). Changes in the inner structure of yeast cells were monitored by transmission electron microscopy and the surface of the cell wall was observed by scanning electron microscopy during autolysis. Cytochemical characterization of autolyzed cells was performed using four synthetic substrates for determination of proteinase activities but only carboxypeptidase Y could be detected in the vacuolar membranes. The morphological studies supported the data obtained from biochemical studies and confirmed that optimized conditions of autolysis have a significant effect on the structural changes of autolyzed yeast.

Autolysis↗
PubMed2006

Neural correlates of morphological decomposition in a morphologically rich language: an fMRI study.

By employing visual lexical decision and functional MRI, we studied the neural correlates of morphological decomposition in a highly inflected language (Finnish) where most inflected noun forms elicit a consistent processing cost during word recognition. This behavioral effect could reflect suffix stripping at the visual word form level and/or subsequent meaning integration at the semantic-syntactic level. The first alternative predicts increased activation for inflected vs. monomorphemic words in the left occipitotemporal cortex while the second alternative predicts left inferior frontal gyrus and/or left posterior temporal activation increases. The results show significant activation effects in the latter areas. This provides support for the second alternative, i.e., that the morphological processing cost stems from the semantic-syntactic level.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Endostatin influences endothelial morphology via the activated ERK1/2-kinase endothelial morphology and signal transduction.

Endostatin, the proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII, is known to be a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. However, to date, only limited knowledge exists with regard to the effects of endostatin on vessel morphology and the underlying signaling pathway. The aim of the present work was therefore to determine the impact of endostatin and its collagen XV analogue restin on vessel development during wound healing and embryonic angio- and vasculogenesis. Time lapse experiments and electron microscopy demonstrate similar morphological changes evoked by endostatin and the ERK1/2-kinase inhibitor PD98059. Furthermore, we show that ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a crucial signaling event in vascular morphogenesis, is regulated by endostatin via the protein phosphatase 2A PP2A. These findings provide new insight into a key signaling pathway of vascular remodeling evoked by a matrix-derived factor.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗
PubMed2005

Morphological evolution of inorganic crystal into zigzag and helical architectures with an exquisite association of polymer: a novel approach for morphological complexity.

The morphology of potassium sulfate (K(2)SO(4)) crystals grown in a viscous polymer solution of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was remarkably changed from the tilted columnar assembly into zigzag and helical architectures with increasing PAA concentration. The habit modification of orthorhombic K(2)SO(4) with adsorption of PAA molecules on a specified crystal face fundamentally led to the formation of tilted unit crystals. Concurrently with the habit modification, a diffusion-limited condition controlling the assembly of tilted units was achieved in the presence of PAA molecules in the matrix. Various complex morphologies, including zigzag and helical assembly, emerged through the formation of twinned crystals with the variation of the diffusion condition. Understanding the morphogenesis observed in this report would provide a novel approach for sophisticated crystal design by using an exquisite association of organic and inorganic materials.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Morphological and molecular analyses of the genera Peltidocotyle Diesing 1850 and Othinoscolex Woodland 1933, and a morphological study of Woodlandiella Freze, 1965 (Eucestoda, Proteocephalidea), parasites of South American siluriform fishes (Pimelodidae).

Morphological studies of type-species of the genera Peltidocotyle Diesing, 1850 and Othinoscolex Woodland, 1933 showed that these genera are synonyms. We therefore redescribe the type and fresh material of Peltidocotyle rugosa Diesing, 1850 and P. lenha (Woodland, 1933) [= Othinoscolex lenha Woodland, 1933], which appears to constitute two distinct species. They differ in the number and number of layers of testes, the diameter of the metascolex and the field occupied by the vitelline follicles. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial DNA sequences of 16S rDNA, 5.8S-ITS2 and 28S rDNA support these results. P. lenha and Woodlandiella myzofer (Woodland, 1933) are considered conspecific following a thorough morphological examination. With regard to host-parasite relationships, P. lenha has been reported from two host species, which is unusual as South American proteocephalideans generally display an oioxenous type of host-specificity.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Inhibitory and morphological effects of several antifungal agents on three types of Candida albicans morphological mutants.

The susceptibilities to several antifungal agents of three classes of Candida albicans morphological mutants were studied. Also investigated were the morphological effects of these drugs, at sub-inhibitory concentrations. An F- strain (1001-92'), unable to produce mycelium, proved to be significantly more sensitive to ketoconazole when compared with the wild-type. A mutant representative of a second class, namely 1001 FR, that grew permanently as filamentous pseudomycelial structures, showed susceptibilities similar to those of the wild-type. Strains NEL102 and NEL103 belonged to a third class of mutants whose blastospores gave rise to filamentous hypha-type structures in the absence of any inducer. These strains were somewhat more sensitive to amphotericin B, fluconazole and miconazole than the wild-type. 5-Fluorocytosine caused a pronounced bending of the filamentous structures, whereas amphotericin B prevented filamentous growth. In the presence of the azole antifungals the cells appeared as aggregates or chains of swollen structures, many of them with a bud-like formation. The effect of cilofungin in preventing the formation of regular filamentous structures was even more pronounced. Under conditions of germ tube formation, NEL102 proved to be significantly more sensitive to cilofungin than in nutrient medium, in contrast with its response to ketoconazole and fluconazole which only inhibited this strain at concentrations much higher than in nutrient medium. The cilofungin sensitive function(s) of NEL102 could be over-expressed in Lee's medium, leading to an enhanced sensitivity to the drug that was less marked in the wild-type strain.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1960

Studies of two kinds of virus particles which comprise influenza A2 virus strains. III. Morphological characteristics: independence to morphological and functional traits.

Seven strains of influenza A2 virus were serially passed in the chick embryo, and morphological characteristics of the passages were examined in the electron microscope. With serial passage there was a change from a prominently filamentous appearance in early passages to an almost entirely spherical appearance in later passages. The number of passages required for the conversion to spherical morphology varied with different strains. The filament-sphere variation was found to be independent of the properties which differentiate "+" and "-" influenza A2 virus particles, and both highly filamentous and spherical populations of "+" and of "-" virus particles were obtained. The usefulness of these pairs of independent markers for genetic studies is discussed.

Animals↗